Research by the American Psychological Association finds that middle-aged and older adults who disengage from mentally stimulating activities after retirement may be at increased risk of cognitive decline. Women are more likely to experience this decline than men, according to the study.
SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalPsychology and Aging·DateMar 16, 2020
Researchers demonstrated mathematically that low-dimensional embeddings fail to capture important properties of social networks and other complex networks. This flaw leads to significant structural aspects being lost in the embedding process, resulting in inaccurate predictions and recommendations.
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2020
Researchers have found that Giant Clam shells from the western Pacific have clear and continuous daily growth bands, allowing them to record past extreme weather events. These ultra-high resolution records can provide valuable information on Paleoweather occurrences in days or even hours and minutes.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2020
A study on Amazon road expansion projects found that implementing all proposed roads would lead to deforestation of at least 2.4 million hectares and 17% legal violations related to environmental statuses or indigenous rights. Focusing on the lowest-impact projects could generate $4 billion in net gain while avoiding significant losses.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2020
Research on ancient hornwort genomes has identified genes that boost carbon dioxide concentration, increasing yield, and those promoting symbiosis with bacteria for nitrogen acquisition. This discovery may lead to more efficient crops requiring less fertilizer.
SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Plants·DateMar 16, 2020
A study analyzing data from 155 trans women and 55 trans men found that gender dysphoria typically starts in adolescence or early adulthood. The researchers identified a correlation between the age of onset and the likelihood of seeking genital gender-affirming surgery.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 16, 2020
A study using time-resolved EEG data found that neural representations of moving objects are activated earlier than visual input, suggesting the brain uses predictive neural mechanisms to compensate for lag times. This compensation enables faster processing of real-time events.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2020
A study by Neil Mehta et al reveals that stagnant US life expectancy is largely attributed to a stalled decline in cardiovascular deaths. The analysis from CDC and WHO data challenges the prevailing narrative that drug overdoses are the primary cause of stagnation.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2020
Researchers have created a new tool called CHyMErA that enables simultaneous editing of multiple genes and genomic fragments in the same cell. The method uses a combination of Cas9 and Cas12a enzymes to systematically target DNA at multiple positions, allowing for comprehensive analysis of gene cooperation and function.
SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMar 16, 2020
Researchers have found that Madagascar's forest cats are domestic cats from the Arabian Sea region, potentially introduced hundreds of years ago via trade ships. This discovery raises concerns about the impact on native species and ecosystems, particularly the fossa, a forest predator facing extinction.
SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalConservation Genetics·DateMar 16, 2020
A substance found in breast milk appears to prevent the migration of pathogenic Escherichia coli from the gut to the bloodstream of newborn mice. Donated breast milk collected closer to birth may provide increased protection against late-onset sepsis.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2020
Researchers at the University of York found that some commercial password managers may be vulnerable to cyber-attacks by fake apps. The study suggests that weak criteria for identifying an app and username/password suggestions can be exploited by hackers.
A new low-cost approach detects building deformations with extreme precision, measuring small displacements from 10 meters away. The method uses a camera-based system that can be attached after construction and operates in real-time to detect fast deformations.
Nonmedical opioid prescription use is common among transgender girls and young women, linked to history of trauma and mental health struggles. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions and support services to address this critical public health issue.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 16, 2020
Scientists developed a hybrid approach combining machine learning with nano-indentation techniques to improve the accuracy of material testing. The new method predicts samples' yield strength up to 20 times more accurately than existing methods.
SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2020
Scientists developed a new CRISPR screen technology to target RNA, enabling accurate and fast detection of specific RNA targets. The technology uses Cas13 enzymes to identify key genes involved in various diseases, including cancer and sickle-cell anemia.
SourceNew York Genome Center·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMar 16, 2020
A new study highlights that appendicitis is often missed in emergency department visits, with a diagnosis rate of 3.8% to 15% in children and 5.9% to 23.5% in adults. The study found factors such as symptoms mislabeling, patient demographics, and diagnostic tests played a role in the missed diagnoses.
SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 16, 2020
A recent experiment published in Frontiers in Psychology found that following a motivational Instagram account increased participants' enjoyment of exercise. The researchers tested how social media can help with training and found that targeted motivation via Instagram postings had a significant positive effect, relying on scientific p...
SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateMar 16, 2020
Researchers estimate that LEGO bricks can endure for anywhere between 100 and 1,300 years in the marine environment. The study found that weathered LEGO bricks had smoothed and discolored, with some structures having fractured and fragmented.
SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·DateMar 16, 2020
A case report published in HeartRhythm Case Reports describes a patient whose e-cigarette caused magnetic reversion in their implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, interrupting its ability to detect heart rhythm problems. The incident highlights the importance of keeping electronic devices away from medical-grade implants.
SourceElsevier·JournalHeartRhythm Case Reports·DateMar 16, 2020
A national survey conducted by Baylor University researchers found that a majority of participants opposed separating immigrant families and charging parents as criminals. The study also identified factors associated with support for the zero-tolerance policy, including conservative ideology and social dominance orientation.
SourceBaylor University·JournalAnalyses of Social Issues and Public Policy·DateMar 16, 2020
NASA's Aqua satellite captured a visible image of Tropical Cyclone Herold with a well-developed hurricane and powerful thunderstorms surrounding its eye. The storm is forecast to turn southeast and strengthen to 90 knots before becoming subtropical.
A study on US public perceptions of energy mixes found that most participants underestimated oil and gas contributions and overestimated wind and solar energy. Participants showed a strong preference for a steep increase in solar and wind energy and a decrease in fossil fuels by 2050.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2020
Research reveals a new mechanism for controlling DNA methylation in cells, involving the ubiquitination of PAF15, which is crucial for maintaining DNA methylation and inhibiting cancer cell proliferation. The discovery has significant implications for the development of new inhibitors of DNA methyltransferase
SourceThe Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 16, 2020
Research from the University of Cambridge found a link between inflammation and protein build-up in various types of dementia. The study suggests that neuroinflammation is a common factor across different neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease.
Researchers have discovered that ancient human communities survived the harsh European Ice Age by using charred wood and plants for fuel, medicine, and food. The oldest known circular structure, Kostenki 11, contains remains of mammoths and other animals, suggesting a high degree of adaptation and knowledge of their environment.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalAntiquity·DateMar 16, 2020
Dr. Scott M. Brooks has been recognized as a Fellow of the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) for his outstanding contributions to the field. His work focuses on translating scientific concepts into practical application through creative storytelling and visual approaches.
SourceSociety for Industrial and Organizational Psychology·DateMar 16, 2020
A new paper suggests an 'axiogenesis' mechanism to explain the imbalance of matter and antimatter in the Universe. The proposed theory involves a rotation of the axion field, which could provide new research avenues for model building and studies of associated phenomenology.
SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 16, 2020
A team from the University of Illinois has developed a new method to quickly screen thousands of plants for key traits related to photosynthesis. This breakthrough technology uses hyperspectral cameras to analyze light reflected off plant surfaces and estimate trait values, allowing researchers to identify promising plants for further ...
SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalJournal of Experimental Botany·DateMar 16, 2020
New research suggests that 86% of COVID-19 infections in China were undocumented prior to travel shutdowns, with these cases being highly contagious. The study highlights the importance of increased awareness and personal protective measures in reducing the spread of the virus.
SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalScience·DateMar 16, 2020
A new study examines energy inequality across 86 countries, revealing extreme disparities in energy footprints and consumption patterns. The research shows that the top 10% of consumers consume roughly 20 times more energy than the bottom 10%, with significant inequalities in transport, heating, and electricity.
SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Energy·DateMar 16, 2020
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics examined the association between proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use and risk of fracture in children, analyzing data from Sweden. The research found a significant association between PPI use and increased risk of fracture in children.
The study reveals arginine vasotocin increases aggression, while isotocin boosts egg care, offering insight into vertebrate behavior. The findings have implications for understanding parental care and behavior across the animal kingdom.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalHormones and Behavior·DateMar 16, 2020
Researchers found that harvest slots can outperform classic minimum-length limits in maximizing kilogram yields while protecting large spawning fish and maintaining ecosystem diversity. This approach stabilizes population dynamics without causing loss in yields, increasing the average size of catch fish.
SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalFish and Fisheries·DateMar 16, 2020
A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology suggests that severe acne can lead to depression and anxiety, especially in females. The research highlights the importance of optimal acne management, including isotretinoin treatment, to mitigate these risks.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology·DateMar 16, 2020
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has begun a Phase 1 clinical trial for an investigational COVID-19 vaccine in the Seattle area. The trial is evaluating different doses of the mRNA-1273 vaccine for safety and immune response in healthy adult volunteers.
SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateMar 16, 2020
A new study finds that soft corals in the US Virgin Islands have recovered from Category 5 storms, but stony coral populations are declining dramatically. The resilience of soft corals is an important development, but they cannot replace the hard physical structure of reefs.
SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 16, 2020
Researchers have found a new mechanism for long-lasting pain relief through the production of endogenous opioids by immune cells. The discovery uses cytokine interleukin-4 to induce M2 macrophages, which produce opioids and reduce pain, offering potential alternative pain management options.
SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalJCI Insight·DateMar 16, 2020
Researchers used electroencephalography to monitor brain activity while participants made decisions. Weaker alpha waves indicated resisting the bias, while stronger waves signaled succumbing to it. This study demonstrates that neural signals can predict individual biases in perception.
Research reveals demographic differences in environmental issue conceptualization by race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Lower-income and racial minority groups prioritize human factors over ecological issues, suggesting a holistic approach to addressing interconnected social and environmental concerns is necessary.
SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Environmental Psychology·DateMar 16, 2020
A study of almost 800 children found that those who get the fewest hours of sleep are at greatest risk of developing psychiatric difficulties later. Children's sleep was measured with motion sensors every night for a week, and clinical interviews were conducted to measure mental health difficulties.
SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 16, 2020
A new study by Virginia Tech researchers found that pathogen levels in the environment play a major role in white-nose syndrome. The team discovered that contaminated environments, or 'hot spots,' result in higher disease impacts. By understanding this relationship, environmental sanitization can be used to reduce epidemic potential.
SourceVirginia Tech·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2020
A gene switch, excessive number of floral organs (eno), plays a crucial role in boosting fruit size during tomato domestication. Analysis reveals that mutations in eno result in larger flowers and fruits, leading to higher yields.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2020
Researchers found that breast milk with higher levels of epidermal growth factor can activate intestinal cells to keep harmful gut bacteria from migrating into the bloodstream. This could provide a potential new tool to combat late-onset sepsis in premature babies.
SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2020
A new study benchmarks the technology, finding it effectively detects early arm swelling associated with lymphedema in breast cancer patients. The detection technology improves not only physical health but also peace of mind and finances.
SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Therapy·DateMar 16, 2020
A panel of experts outlines priorities for handling COVID-19 cases, including early detection, limiting virus exposure, safety precautions, and training. Radiology departments must continue to plan and prepare for future outbreaks and pandemics.
SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateMar 16, 2020
Children's museums offer a perfect environment to study early science learning. Researchers found that timing is crucial in explaining concepts, as it enhances exploration and discovery. Parents can support their children's learning by listening to them, watching their actions, and offering explanations at the right moment.
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalMonographs of the Society for Research in Child Development·DateMar 16, 2020
A new study suggests that even a limited India-Pakistan nuclear war would cause unprecedented planet-wide food shortages and probable starvation lasting more than a decade. Crops would be hardest hit in the northern breadbasket regions, but southerly regions would suffer much more hunger due to global trade disruptions.
SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2020
Researchers at the University of Sheffield have discovered a pulsating ancient star in a double star system, allowing them to study the internal structure of a white dwarf in detail for the first time. The discovery provides key insights into the structure, evolution, and death of white dwarf stars, including their composition.
SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalNature Astronomy·DateMar 16, 2020
Researchers from Chinese Academy of Science develop a more efficient and cost-effective way to accurately synthesize DNA, increasing accuracy by nearly seven-fold. The new error-correction system uses chemical stabilizers to extend the life of key proteins, reducing costs and labor time.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·DateMar 16, 2020
A Stanford study finds that young adults are unaware of the nicotine content in vaping products like Juul, raising concerns about their use and regulation. The study's findings also suggest that teens hide vaping products to avoid detection and choose them for stealth use and less noticeable smell.
SourceStanford Medicine·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateMar 16, 2020
A new conservation tool has identified top priorities and projections of what species would benefit from increased conservation dollars. The algorithm considers diverse data, including land acquisition costs, development patterns, budget allocations, and threatened species, to find optimal protection opportunities.
SourceNational Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS)·JournalEcological Applications·DateMar 16, 2020
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered a detailed blueprint for the development of the human cortex in the ancient lamprey brain, shifting its origin to over 500 million years ago.
SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMar 16, 2020
A new Duke University study finds that microplastic fibers cause cellular changes in fish, including damage to gills and increased egg production in female fish. The study suggests that chemicals from the fibers may be acting as endocrine disruptors, threatening both freshwater and marine organisms.
A Swedish study has found that abdominal arterial aneurysm is associated with elevated subtypes of white blood cells in older men. Quitting smoking also appears to positively impact the disease's course.
SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·DateMar 16, 2020
A ketogenic diet reduced liver fat content and improved insulin resistance in overweight participants. The diet also increased hydrolysis of triglycerides and promoted ketogenesis, suggesting a possible mechanism for reversing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2020
A new study links Antarctic sea ice melt to warmer oceans, increased rainfall, and strengthened trade winds in the tropics. The research team found that a 0.5? (0.9?) warming of the surface ocean at the equator would lead to an additional 0.3 millimeters of rain per day.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMar 16, 2020
A new experimental protocol developed by EPFL's Laboratory for Soft Bioelectronic Interfaces (LSBI) helps test and validate soft, personalized implants. The four-step process includes developing anatomically accurate prototypes and fine-tuning through tests.
SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMar 16, 2020
A team of scientists has developed a cancer diagnostics method that amplifies microRNA in live tumor cells using synthetic DNA and nanoparticles. This allows for the detection of tumor cells with high sensitivity, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and improved treatment outcomes.
SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 16, 2020
A unique rock carving with six limbs has been identified as a part man, part mantis, suggesting humans have linked mantids to the supernatural since ancient times. The petroglyph was discovered in Iran's Teymareh site and is believed to be between 40,000-4,000 years old.
SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalJournal of Orthoptera Research·DateMar 16, 2020