A new study has found that the effectiveness of health messages in reducing risky drinking among young adults is linked to brain activity. The research used electroencephalography (EEG) to measure brain synchronisation while participants watched real-life health advertisements about alcohol use.
A pilot study found that the Spanish adaptation of the modified Story Memory Technique improved learning and life satisfaction in Mexicans with multiple sclerosis. The intervention, which teaches imagery and context to facilitate learning, may be an effective rehabilitative tool for Spanish-speaking populations with MS.
A study published in PLOS ONE reveals the ancient hydrographic network of the Sahara, showing significant changes in climate and fauna over time. The Takarkori rock shelter, excavated by researchers, yielded fish remains that decreased in abundance as the region became more arid, replaced by mammal-heavy diet.
A NIH study suggests that mothers who are obese before pregnancy may be more likely to report their child having ADHD symptoms. Nearly 2,000 children were analyzed, revealing that women of normal weight have a significantly lower risk of reporting these symptoms.
The Clinic for Special Children's SMA Prevention Readiness program successfully identified 318 carriers and 9 affected couples, treating 3 infants with gene therapy. The program's cascade testing approach was effective in detecting genetic risk, leveraging funding from biotech company AveXis.
A global collaboration of over 150 scientists has released a blueprint for more complete brain wiring diagrams, aiming to improve understanding of brain disorders. The initiative seeks to share thousands of datasets and leverage technology to facilitate discoveries in neuroscience and medicine.
A simple portable test can detect deadly mushroom toxins in minutes, aiding doctors in diagnosing amatoxin poisoning. The test's sensitivity allows for detection of the toxin in urine, potentially improving patient outcomes and increasing safe mushroom foraging.
A team of scientists from Tokyo University of Science has developed a novel method to use protected boronic acids in the Suzuki-Miyaura reaction, reducing the number of steps and increasing atom economy. The new process enables the direct use of masked molecules, leading to faster and cheaper synthesis of complex molecules.
A new study found that people with Type 2 diabetes in the US often receive treatment that is too aggressive or not aggressive enough, with those who are most likely to benefit from intensive therapy being underserved. The study suggests a fine line between effective treatment and increased risk of hypoglycemia.
A new study published in The Lancet Global Health found that standard treatment is more effective than costly negative-pressure wound therapy for civilians injured in conflicts. Researchers conducted the first randomized trial of patients in conflict zones and hope to inspire new research projects.
Researchers develop framework to consider asteroid mass, momentum, and warning time to determine most successful deflection mission. The method could be used to design optimal mission configuration and campaign to deflect potentially hazardous near-Earth asteroids.
A recent study found that a quarter of local maternity services in England lack midwifery units (MUs), and women face barriers when trying to access them. The research identified several factors contributing to low MU use, including a lack of information and misconceptions about their safety and cost.
A new economic system has been proposed by Nikolaos Laoutaris, which would pay individuals for their personal data. The system aims to reduce privacy risks and increase the quality of data, ultimately benefiting internet companies and users alike.
A large observational study found an association between cannabis use during pregnancy and increased risk of depression, anxiety, and trauma diagnoses. The study analyzed data from over 1 million women screened for prenatal cannabis use in California.
A study analyzing global data found that chronic respiratory diseases have increased by 18% between 1990 and 2017, with the poorest regions experiencing the greatest disease burden. Smoking, environmental pollution, and body weight were identified as key risk factors for deaths and disability.
Researchers at KAUST found evidence of intergenerational transfer of DNA methylation patterns in corals, which could help develop new strategies for coral conservation. The study suggests that chronically stressed corals can pass on epigenetic changes to their offspring, potentially increasing resilience to climate change.
A thermosyphon cooling unit installed at Sandia National Laboratories' supercomputer center saved 554,000 gallons of water during its first six months of operation. The unit also reduced electricity consumption by 195,000 kilowatt hours, making it a cost-effective solution for cooling large servers.
Researchers found that seasonal pumped hydropower storage has considerable potential for highly competitive energy storage costs, with estimated global energy storage potential of 17.3 PWh. The study also addresses environmental concerns related to traditional hydropower plants, suggesting a more sustainable solution for renewable ener...
Scientists have successfully developed a rotary micromotor with a diameter of 5 millimeters that can rotate using laser power. The motor utilizes liquid crystal elastomers, which exhibit fast and reversible shape changes under visible light illumination.
A new study from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus finds that changes to Title X have led to confusion and loss of access to confidential family planning services for teens in Texas. The research suggests that similar issues may worsen nationwide as the new policies are implemented.
Researchers propose a new path forward for adipose-based cell therapies in reparative medicine, focusing on patient safety and evidence-based medical practice. The FDA argues that autologous cellular therapies need to demonstrate safety and efficacy before marketing.
Scientists at Kanazawa University developed a novel method to detect invisible blood vessels inside tumors, which could help surgeons avoid hemorrhage during tumor resection. The new system uses a master-slave surgical robot with a force sensor that detects pulsation based on gripping force, even in soft and hard tumors.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a trick to precisely control photons, the basic particles of light. This breakthrough enables the creation of light-based chips that could deliver far greater computational power than electronic chips.
A team of researchers has identified a long noncoding RNA molecule that may control aging in blood vessel walls. The discovery could lead to new treatments for cardiovascular disease states and may provide insights into why heart disease risk increases with age.
Corinn Rutkoski and Renee Collini have been selected as the 2020 AIBS Emerging Public Policy Leadership Award recipients, recognized for their leadership skills and aptitude for working at the intersection of science and public policy. The award highlights their efforts to integrate science into coastal decision-making and promote soun...
Researchers have developed a new type of birefringent modification using ultrafast laser direct writing in silica glass, enabling ultra-low loss spatially variant birefringent optical elements. These elements can be used for high power lasers, visible and UV light sources, and even multiplexed data storage.
A study found that macrolide antibiotics prescribed during early pregnancy are associated with an increased risk of major birth defects, particularly cardiovascular malformations. Alternative antibiotics should be used instead until further research is available.
Scientists have created a size-adjustable prosthetic heart valve that can be expanded to accommodate growing hearts, reducing the need for invasive surgeries. The device showed good performance in animal studies without impeding blood flow, but longer-term tests are needed to validate its durability.
A multi-country intervention trial found that community health worker-led care led to significant reductions in blood pressure and improved hypertension management. The study, conducted in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, showed a 5mmHg decline in systolic blood pressure and better BP control in the intervention group.
Anna-Karin Gustavsson joins Rice University as a CPRIT Scholar, bringing expertise in single-molecule imaging to cancer research. She aims to develop 3D super-resolution microscopy techniques for understanding molecular mechanisms and potential targets for drug treatment.
Researchers have developed an edible coating using cranberry juice and citrus extract that makes noroviruses more sensitive to gamma irradiation, reducing treatment time by half while preserving food quality. This natural antimicrobial method can prevent cell breakdown and discolouration.
Researchers used cognitive science experiments to investigate the potential symbolic function of 40,000-year-old engravings found in South Africa. The findings suggest that these engravings evolved over time to serve an aesthetic purpose and marked group identity.
Researchers have identified key technological and scientific challenges in producing hydrogen through seawater electrolysis. The study highlights the need for new catalysts and electrode materials to overcome competition between chlorine chemistry and water oxidation in seawater.
A Penn Medicine study used machine learning to analyze fMRI scans of nearly 700 children and adolescents, revealing unique brain network patterns that predict cognition and executive function. The research offers a new approach to personalized diagnostics and therapeutics for psychiatric disorders.
Scientists have discovered a new type of 3D chirality that exhibits unique macroscopic properties, including fluorescence and strong optical rotation. The discovery was made possible through the use of advanced synthesis techniques, including double cross-couplings and retro-synthetic analysis.
Researchers at Uppsala University and the University of Leeds present a new mathematical model explaining patterns of diversity in the fossil record. The model shows that ancestral forms are typically few in number and quickly go extinct, while modern groups diversify rapidly.
Scientists have developed a technique to sequester lead in perovskite solar cells, minimizing potential toxic leakage by applying lead-absorbing films to the front and back of the solar cell. The new approach has been shown to capture 96% of lead leakage under severe damage conditions.
African countries with strong health systems have lower risk but still face transmission concerns. Countries like Egypt, Algeria, and South Africa are at highest risk due to high volumes of travel from China.
Researchers at UBC's Okanagan campus developed a method to separate protein from blood plasma using electricity, enabling disease detection through levitated plasma proteins. The technology uses machine-learning and predictive models to accurately diagnose diseases like opioid addictions in just five minutes.
The study found that cobalt supply is adequate in the short term, but could be affected by refining and recycling. The researchers recommend increasing efficient capacity to meet growing demand from consumer electronics and electric vehicles. By 2030, the team estimates cobalt demand will reach 235-430 thousand metric tons.
A newly discovered molecular pathway involving topoisomerase 1 (TOP1) enables the detection of DNA in the cytoplasm, triggering inflammation and cellular senescence. This pathway may be targeted to enhance the response of cancer cells to immune checkpoint blockade therapy.
A new study by the University of Nottingham found that daily moisturizer use cannot prevent childhood eczema in newborn babies. The research suggested a small increase in skin infection risk and early indications of potential food allergy connections.
Parents receiving prenatal Down syndrome diagnosis face complex decision-making, with most choosing to continue pregnancy despite low prenatal screening uptake. Key factors influencing their decisions include perceived welcome of a child with DS, quality of screening test, and information provided.
A study led by McGill University found that childhood behaviours identified by teachers, such as inattention-hyperactivity, predicted subsequent traumatic brain injuries in boys. The research suggests that treatments to reduce these behaviours may decrease the risk for TBIs.
This observational study analyzed 112 studies to examine the association between cancer risk in patients with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. The findings suggest that these patients may be at higher risk of specific cancers, including melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers.
Scientists at UNIGE discovered a protein, S100A11, that promotes inflammation and build-up of fibrous tissue in the liver, increasing cancer severity. The presence of S100A11 in blood may enable early detection through simple blood sampling, paving the way for targeted therapies.
A new study by University of Exeter researchers has found that Arctic warming does not drive a more meandering jet stream, despite earlier studies suggesting a link between the two. The research suggests random fluctuations in the jet stream influencing Arctic temperatures may be behind any observed correlation.
A study estimates that Pakistan needs a significant investment of $3.9 billion to achieve the World Health Organization's target for eliminating Hepatitis C virus (HCV) by 2030. This would involve screening or re-screening 36 million people annually and treating 660,000 each year, with regular follow-ups to identify new infections.
A recent CDC study shows that DEET and other EPA-approved repellents are highly effective against the invasive Asian longhorned tick. The study confirms that these personal protective measures can help prevent bites from both native and invasive tick species.
Researchers at UChicago study birdsong to understand brain cell properties and their role in learning, revealing surprising similarities with human stuttering. The study uses zebra finch neurons to show that changes in intrinsic cell properties are closely tied to song patterns and stuttering behavior.
A study of over 925,000 adults with new cancer diagnoses found that Medicaid expansion improved insurance status, led to earlier cancer stage detection, and resulted in timely treatment. The findings suggest a positive association between Medicaid expansion and cancer care outcomes.
Two studies from University of Miami researchers show that mindfulness training programs tailored for firefighters and soldiers improve attention, mood, and resilience. The Mindfulness-based Attention Training (MBAT) program provides tools to succeed under VUCA circumstances.
New research advances understanding and methods for assessing novel technologies' environmental impacts. LCA inventories and scenarios are linked to climate change modeling, improving innovation cycle management.
Researchers will investigate how religion shapes children's understanding of the supernatural, science, and social interactions. The five-year project aims to address a lack of diversity in previous studies and explores how children form beliefs about people from different religious backgrounds.
Scientists at Japan Science and Technology Agency developed a method to couple a magnetic sphere with a sensor using quantum entanglement, enabling single-shot detection of magnetic excitations. The device's sensitivity is comparable to that of theoretical dark-matter particles, opening new avenues for research.
A new study suggests that our ancestors' gut microbiomes were critical for their survival in new environments, allowing them to digest and detoxify local food sources. The findings also imply that social sharing of microbes might have led to local adaptations, influencing human migration and settlement.
A new study by Salk researchers finds that altered potassium levels in neurons may contribute to mood swings in bipolar disorder. The study reveals two distinct types of neurons in people with bipolar disorder who respond to lithium and those who don't, highlighting the need for personalized treatment approaches.
The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation has established a €1 million prize to tackle the climate crisis, with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting vulnerable populations. The award will be presented at a ceremony in Lisbon on July 20th, with a jury of international experts selecting the winner.
Analysis estimates health consequences of indoor tanning bans, including reduced skin cancer risk and economic benefits. The study found that implementing such regulations could save billions of dollars in healthcare costs annually.
Two studies demonstrate that penKid is the most accurate surrogate for assessing true GFR and predicting AKI in critically ill patients with severe burns. It can complement current diagnostic standard methods to provide timely diagnosis of impaired renal function.