Researchers describe the potential of digital neuropsychology to improve cognitive testing and measure brain functioning in health and disease. Digital tools can capture subtle information about test takers' cognition, including moment-to-moment changes.
Researchers suggest caffeine as a potential therapeutic tool for treating motivational symptoms of depression and cognitive impairments in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. A new study also proposes targeting the adenosine A1R-D1R heteromer to improve spinal cord injury outcomes.
Research by the American Psychological Association found that whites and non-black minorities have difficulty distinguishing genuine from fake smiles on black faces, which can lead to negative outcomes in interracial interactions. The study suggests that this bias may be related to reluctance to make eye contact with black faces.
A new study published in JNeurosci used neuroimaging data from smokers to predict the influence of an anti-smoking media campaign on likely smokers. The approach identified a neural pathway that predicted campaign success, and may help improve informational materials.
A Mayo Clinic study found that applying artificial intelligence to a standard electrocardiogram (EKG) results in an affordable and accessible early indicator of asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction, a precursor to heart failure. The AI/EKG test accuracy compares favorably with other common screening tests.
A recent study by University of Wyoming researchers analyzed the feasibility of eco-friendly land management practices to improve Panama Canal water flow and reduce erosion. The research, published in PNAS, suggests that offering contracts to private farmers could increase dry-season water flow, but market supply and scalability are li...
Universal screening of individual blood donations for Zika virus is not cost-effective in the 50 US states during the first year. Screening was only cost-effective in high mosquito season in Puerto Rico, and finding suggests revisiting universal blood screening policy.
A new study reconstructs ocean heat storage since 1871, revealing key changes in temperature history and circulation patterns. The findings suggest that up to half of mid-latitude Atlantic Ocean warming can be attributed to changes in ocean circulation since the 1950s.
Researchers have identified a new genus of filovirus from a Rousettus bat in China, which shares genetic similarities with Ebola and Marburg viruses. The M?nglà virus poses a potential risk of interspecies transmission and has only been detected in bats so far.
Researchers investigate the impact of skill levels on animal contests, focusing on hermit crab behavior. They aim to understand factors that influence fighting skill and its relationship with aggression, which can have implications for sports science and human training.
Researchers conducted a first-in-human trial of senolytic drugs on patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), an age-related disease. The study showed significant improvements in participants' mobility, with an average increase of 21.5 meters in six-minute walk distance.
Researchers at Michigan State University discovered that faulty SLAMF7 receptors can lead to chronic immune activation and disease-related complications in HIV patients. The finding suggests a new angle for targeting immune activation and could lead to novel drug treatments.
A study published in Psychological Science found that participants' self-reported attitudes toward various social groups have shifted towards neutrality over a decade, while their implicit attitudes also decreased in bias. Notably, changes in implicit sexual orientation and race attitudes occurred across all generations.
Researchers from Bar-Ilan University and colleagues discovered Topological Synchronization, a new type of synchronization in chaotic systems. This phenomenon occurs when small areas of one strange attractor have the same structure as another, leading to gradual synchronization.
Solar panels can generate significant amounts of energy on snow-covered mountains with steep tilt angles. This study suggests shifting a large fraction of electricity production from summer to winter months without compromising total annual production.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that caring for preterm babies in single family rooms reduces the incidence of sepsis and improves exclusive breastfeeding rates compared to traditional open ward neonatal units. However, long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes were not significantly different between babies cared for in single...
A recent UCLA study found that artificial intelligence, specifically deep learning computer networks, have severe limitations in distinguishing objects. The researchers demonstrated that these machines can be easily fooled, and their method of identifying objects using computer vision differs substantially from human vision.
A new study published in Cell Metabolism suggests that energy balance - the calories consumed versus burned - may not determine the development of gestational diabetes. Women with obesity tend to develop gestational diabetes due to primary risk factors such as excess fat and insulin resistance, which can be evident early in pregnancy.
Researchers identified a key factor leading to epileptic seizures by analyzing changes in the temporal lobe cortex of a rat brain. The study found that excessive excitation of neurons, triggered by calcium-permeable AMPA receptors, increases the risk of convulsive discharges.
A study of 1,133 Medicare participants found that lower-income individuals with hearing aids face significant barriers to accessing hearing care services. Only 58% of high-income users received such services in the prior year, highlighting the need for expanded coverage and easier access.
Research suggests that auditory dysfunction can be a clue to monitor children for autism, and early detection can lead to optimized interventions. Hearing issues identified at birth may benefit both children with autism and those without, improving their quality of life.
Researchers at George Washington University discover that people pay attention to objects based on their real-world size rather than visual perception. The study suggests attention allocation can be trained, leading to improvements and efficiency in tasks such as radiology or airport security.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati are studying the use of neuroimaging to pinpoint the risk factors of stroke recurrence, which affects nearly 800,000 people annually in the US. The study aims to identify patients at higher risk for recurrent strokes by assessing imaging for signs of small vessel disease in the brain.
Scientists have found two biomarkers that can be used to identify patients at risk of atrial fibrillation, a heart rhythm disturbance affecting 1.6 million people in the UK. The biomarkers include brain natriuretic peptide and fibroblast growth factor-23.
The opioid crisis roadmap neglects significant data on sex and gender differences, which are crucial for developing effective interventions. Women experience distinct pain and addiction patterns compared to men, and are more likely to relapse and face greater functional impairment.
The PumpStart program demonstrates effectiveness in teaching high school students life-saving skills and providing medical students with public health education opportunities. High school students showed significant improvements in CPR technique and confidence, while medical students gained higher confidence levels in teaching and ment...
A nationally representative survey of over 40,000 US adults found that at least 1 in 10 have a food allergy and nearly 1 in 5 report having one. Shellfish and milk were the most common food allergens.
Research found a significant relationship between antihypertensive drug use and visit-to-visit variability (VVV) of blood pressure in primary health care services. VVV can be used as an additional factor to control blood pressure management.
Research found that patients with high blood pressure and progression of periventricular white matter hyperintensities show signs of cognitive impairment despite medication. The study suggests a six-fold increased risk of mild cognitive decline in patients with progression of periventricular white matter abnormalities.
This study examines the prevalence of malnutrition among adolescent girls aged 16-19 in India and its association with socio-economic factors. The research aims to evaluate the progress of nutritional programs targeting adolescents, a critical age group for future health outcomes.
A new study finds that genetic testing for breast cancer does not cause excessive anxiety, even with ambiguous results. Researchers surveyed 1,063 women and found that the type of test or result did not significantly impact worry levels.
A research team has identified the early neuropathology mechanism of structural characteristics of polyglutamine toxic protein on neurodegenerative brain disorders. The coiled-coil structure causes rapid deformation of neurons and leads to diseases like Huntington's chorea and spino-cerebellar ataxias.
Scientists have identified regions with high diversity of potential wildlife hosts for flaviviruses, including primates and birds. The study's model predicts hundreds of previously unobserved host species, which can help with disease detection and surveillance efforts.
This special issue of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology delves into the relationship between the gut microbiome and specific digestive diseases. Key findings include the role of the microbiome in inflammatory bowel disease, functional gastrointestinal diseases, colorectal cancer prevention, and pancreatic disease.
Researchers found that Candida albicans can cross the blood-brain barrier, triggering an inflammatory response and forming granuloma-type structures, leading to temporary memory impairments in mice. The findings also suggest a possible link between fungal infections and chronic neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease.
Research at Montana State University reveals that the gut microbiome plays a crucial role in protecting against acute arsenic toxicity. The study found that certain microorganisms in the human gut can neutralize arsenic, reducing its toxic effects.
Researchers found that the deep Pacific Ocean is cooling due to historical climate variability, influencing modern warming trends. The discovery estimates a 30% downward revision of heat absorbed over the 20th century.
Scientists at the University of Bergen found that glucagon-producing cells in the pancreas can change identity and adapt to produce insulin for damaged or missing cells. This discovery may lead to new treatments where the body produces its own insulin with minimal assistance.
Researchers at MIT have developed an inhalable form of messenger RNA that can be delivered directly to the lungs, showing promise for treating various lung diseases. The aerosol-formulated mRNA was found to induce lung cells in mice to produce a target protein, paving the way for potential treatments.
Researchers at NTNU are developing self-contained planters to allow astronauts to grow food in space. The goal is to provide fresh produce for long-duration missions like those to Mars and beyond. By growing plants directly in water with dissolved nutrients, fertilization and irrigation can be controlled precisely.
A study published in Family Medicine and Community Health found that family support plays a significant role in motivating individuals with type 2 diabetes to improve their self-management behaviors and glycemic control. The research highlights the importance of motivation in managing chronic diseases like diabetes.
A recent study elucidates how methionine controls cell growth programs by setting into motion a metabolic program for cell proliferation. Methionine activates key nodes in metabolism that produce critical substrates and co-factors fueling the production of amino acids and nucleotides, critical for growth.
Researchers discover a potential therapy that can disrupt the recruitment of myeloid cells by cancerous tumors, boosting the function of disease-fighting M1 type of myeloid cells. This approach shows great promise in reducing tumor growth and promoting a microenvironment where T cells can attack cancer.
A recent study found that over 40% of youth exhibit obsessive or compulsive behaviors, which can be a red flag for serious psychiatric conditions. Children who experience bad thoughts and intrusive images are more likely to develop depression and suicidal tendencies.
A study of 50 men with partners who experienced recurrent miscarriages found higher levels of DNA damage in their sperm compared to healthy control groups. The researchers suggest that oxidative stress triggered by reactive oxygen species may contribute to the risk of miscarriage, and are investigating potential treatments.
A study of over 913,000 Danish children found a significant association between prenatal exposure to valproate and an increased risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The study also found no associations with other antiepileptic drugs.
A new multi-site brain imaging study found that people with schizophrenia-related disorders use their brains differently when imitating emotional faces, but not in categorically different ways. The study suggests a data-driven approach to identify novel biomarkers for mental health symptoms.
Research from Duke University found that young people who self-harm and commit violent crime have a history of childhood maltreatment and lower self-control. Programs aimed at preventing childhood maltreatment or improving self-control among self-harmers could help prevent violent crime.
A new clause in Brazil's Forest Code could result in the loss of protection for up to 15 million hectares of tropical rainforest in the Amazon. This would compromise efforts to regularize legal reserves and lead to huge losses of biodiversity, water supply, and greenhouse gas emissions.
A study of over 40,000 adults found that one in 10 has a confirmed food allergy, while nearly half develop an allergy as an adult. Nearly 1 in 5 adults believe they have a food allergy despite inconsistent symptoms.
Researchers have discovered a new way to boost the immune system's attack on cancer cells by blocking a routine cell mechanism. This breakthrough has shown promising results in lung and melanoma cancers, offering a potential solution for treating a large number of patients.
Researchers propose using tiny satellites with lasers to provide a steady reference light for massive space telescopes, relaxing the need for precision in segmented telescope designs. This approach aims to reduce costs and enable more flexible telescope designs.
Researchers assessed CHC efficiency in China using national and regional data from 2014-2016. Key findings highlight regional disparities and trends in healthcare access and quality.
Researchers from EPFL's Laboratory of Nanoscale Electronics and Structures have found a way to control some of the properties of excitons, changing their polarization and generating light. This discovery can lead to a new generation of electronic devices with reduced energy loss and heat dissipation.
The study reviewed comprehensive AIDS prevention programs in prisons, which have been shown to increase prisoners' awareness of AIDS and reduce HIV transmission. These programs also promote the use of condoms, improve healthcare access, and decrease the risk of disease transmission.
A high-performance material has been discovered, exhibiting exceptional mechanical properties at extremely low temperatures. The CoCrFeNi high-entropy alloy shows a high ultimate tensile strength of 1.26 GPa and elongation to failure of 62% at 4.2 K.
The December 2018 nTIDE Jobs Report shows a dip in job numbers for Americans with disabilities, but employment experts remain optimistic for growth in 2019. International fellowship programs are offering support and training to professionals in disability-related fields, aiming to improve inclusion in the workplace.
Researchers found that the deep Pacific Ocean lags behind in terms of temperature and is still adjusting to the Little Ice Age. The ocean's long memory indicates that it 'remembers' past climate conditions hundreds of years ago.
A study by Kenton Panas and colleagues found that cross-contamination during two-person assisted gowning procedures is common, affecting 67% of cases. A single-person gowning procedure can eliminate this source of contamination and optimize sterile technique in the OR.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that Holocaust survivors had higher rates of chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis. Researchers suggest that unique characteristics of resilience among survivors and better health literacy may be contributing factors to their lower mortality rates.