A comprehensive review of 23 studies on drinking alcohol during pregnancy found evidence that it can lead to poorer cognitive functioning and lower birthweight. The findings reinforce the UK Chief Medical Officers' DRYMESTER guidelines, which recommend abstaining from alcohol in all trimesters.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered how different brain cell types in the striatum respond to sensory inputs and motor commands, shedding new light on how we align our movements with sensory feedback. The study reveals distinct receptor compositions and response patterns among five striatal neuron populations.
Researchers discovered that butterfly wings contain a network of living cells that require a constrained temperature range for optimal function. The wings also exhibit enhanced radiative cooling through nanostructures, which selectively reduces the temperature of living structures.
Scientists develop a mathematical model that describes the chemical reactions responsible for amyloid fibril formation, revealing catalytic sites at interfaces and implications for laboratory data interpretation. The model has a simpler mathematical form than previous models, making it more accessible for future studies.
Researchers have developed a new tool to study Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome, a disease that affects bone marrow production. The bone marrow-on-a chip mimics the behavior of diseased bone marrow and has shown impaired blood cell production in patients. This discovery provides new research directions for developing treatments for SDS.
A NIU psychology professor is studying the links between exercise and brain health in prairie voles. The researcher hopes to find how exercise can promote brain health and resilience to social stress that results in anxiety, depression and cardiovascular disease.
Recipients of kidney paired donation experience equivalent outcomes to those receiving kidneys from other living donors, with similar rates of organ failure and mortality. The study demonstrates the safety and effectiveness of national kidney paired donation programs in treating patients with incompatible living donors.
A UBC study reveals people's worries about smart speakers extend to their housemates accessing devices, ordering online, or overhearing conversations. Researchers found that users' mental models of how smart speakers work influence their attitudes towards shared devices.
A new AI algorithm developed by researchers can analyze retinal images to predict which patients with diabetic macular edema are likely to respond to anti-VEGF therapy. The algorithm achieved an 87% accuracy rate in predicting treatment response, offering a potential breakthrough in personalized medicine.
Magnetic nanostructures show promise in biomedical applications, including cell separation and targeted cancer treatment. High tumor cell death rates were observed with weak magnetic fields, suggesting a strong mechanical force that destroys tumor cells.
A recent study from the University of Illinois found that the Harrington Seed Destructor (HSD) killed nearly 100% of US agronomic weed seeds in a lab study. The HSD, an impact mill developed and widely used in Australia, was tested on common US weeds without field conditions. The study shows that even damaged seeds don
A study by University of Alberta researchers found that virtual assistants such as Google Home and Alexa perform better than Siri and Cortana in providing accurate first aid information. However, even the top performers fell short, recognizing only 56% of topics correctly and giving accepted advice only 19% of the time.
A University of Tennessee microbiologist is leading a three-year study to understand how global warming affects peatlands and their vast carbon stores. The research aims to predict the impacts of warming on the complex network of microorganisms that cycle carbon and nutrients in peatlands.
A new study led by Anglia Ruskin University found exercise addiction is nearly four times more common amongst people with an eating disorder. The research highlights the importance of monitoring exercise levels in individuals with eating disorders, as excessive exercise can lead to serious medical conditions.
A New Zealand study found that people who cycle to work have a 13% lower risk of mortality compared to those who walk or take public transport. The research, which analyzed data from over 3.5 million New Zealanders, suggests that increasing cycling for commuting may lead to health benefits and reduce the environmental impact.
Researchers at NUS Medicine have discovered a way to induce totipotency in pluripotent embryonic stem cells, allowing for maximum cell engineering and therapeutic potential. This breakthrough provides new avenues for regenerative medicine, particularly in cell replacement therapies for debilitating diseases.
A research project compares records from Augsburg and Aberdeen to analyze city administrations, evolution, similarities, and differences. The collaboration aims to develop new analysis techniques and share ideas on challenges and solutions.
A new study found that solitary female bees inspect neighboring nests for signs of danger and use this information to choose a safe location for their own nest. They can remember geometric symbols associated with infected nests and avoid them in future breeding periods, demonstrating impressive cognitive flexibility.
A recent study published in BMJ Open found that zinc lozenges did not shorten the duration of common colds, contradicting previous findings. The researchers suggest further research is needed to determine optimal dosage and type of lozenges for effectiveness.
Researchers at UCLA and international partners have successfully treated nine patients with X-linked chronic granulomatous disease (X-CGD) using a stem cell gene therapy. Six patients are now in remission and have stopped other treatments, with no complications reported.
The article discusses the vulnerability of crowdsourced research participants and the need for improved ethics oversight. Proposed measures include encouraging collective action by crowd workers and ground-up crowdsourced research ethics guidelines, as well as reviewing the differences between expanded access and Right to Try pathways.
Researchers developed a method to evaluate ancient human geographic origins using lead isotopes from tooth enamel, which showed consistency with local prehistoric animals. The study suggests that at least five individuals were from southwest Arkansas, providing new insights into the Caddo Indian burial practice.
The journal will publish short-form 'From Practice' articles and data articles, bridging the gap between natural resource managers and applied scientists. The new online repository Applied Ecology Resources will facilitate information exchange among practitioners and academics.
A new analysis of the Curious Marie meteorite chunk reveals the presence of presolar silicon carbide grains, which were thought to be too fragile to have endured the high-temperature conditions near the sun's birth. This finding forces a revision in how scientists understand the environment in the early solar nebula.
Researchers found that subseasonal forecasts can provide significant economic value for agribusiness players, allowing them to adjust purchase times or adopt adaptation strategies. The potential forecast economic value is around 60% for two-week forecasts, increasing to up to 20% for six-week forecasts.
The study found that CBD influenced the prefrontal and mediotemporal brain areas, which have unusual activity in people with psychosis. After one dose of CBD, functional connectivity between these areas was reduced, indicating improved brain function.
Sir Magdi Habib Yacoub has been honored with the 2020 Earl Bakken Scientific Achievement Award for his pioneering work in heart-lung transplantation and cardiothoracic surgery. He has performed over 2,500 heart transplants and 20,000 heart operations, transforming small hospitals into major transplant programs.
Researchers at Texas AÎM University found that shifting focus from pedestrian to driver language reduces victim-blaming and increases perceived blame for drivers. This shift can change public perceptions of road safety, according to the study.
Climate change is expected to lead to more frequent and deadly heatwaves in China, posing a significant threat to public health. The study found that extreme daytime heat and rainfall events are becoming more common, with night-time temperatures rising significantly.
The UC3M and SENER aeroespacial team has developed a helicon plasma thruster prototype with the European Space Agency. The project, HIPATIA, aims to test the technology in small space platforms, potentially offering an affordable thruster solution for non-geostationary satellites.
A new study has identified two biomarkers that may help explain why people with normal hearing struggle to follow conversations in noisy environments. By measuring brain function and cognitive effort, researchers have developed objective tests for hidden hearing loss, a condition affecting an estimated 48 million Americans.
Researchers have discovered how CDK8 is activated in healthy humans and identified a new method for developing CDK8-specific inhibitors. The study suggests that targeting the 'MED12 activation helix' may be crucial for inhibiting CDK8 activity, which is often mutated in various cancers.
A study screened 13 sweet pepper varieties for organic farming conditions, identifying top performers like Aristotle X3R and Gridiron for fancy and early yield. The results showed that organic bell peppers are a viable option, offering higher prices due to their popularity and economic importance.
Researchers are developing methanogenic eco-factories to produce methane and value-added compounds like isoprenoids. The small power plants have unexplored metabolic capabilities that can be harnessed for biotechnological applications.
A new study uses AI to analyze blood samples from 1969 patients with Alzheimer's and Huntington's disease, detecting molecular patterns specific to these diseases. The algorithm reveals chronological changes in gene expression over decades, offering a long-term view of molecular changes underlying neurodegeneration.
A multidisciplinary team of engineers and scientists has developed high-performance filtration membranes that demonstrate higher density of pores than commercial membranes and can be produced much faster.
Researchers discovered that the inferior colliculus in mice integrates sound and movement information, allowing for rapid and accurate responses to external sounds. This integration helps prevent movement-related sounds from interfering with hearing, promoting survival.
A University of Georgia psychologist's study confirms that treating avolition, a motivation-related symptom, improves other negative symptoms of schizophrenia. The results suggest targeting this domain could improve overall negative symptoms and reduce functional disability.
Research from the University of Queensland found that victims of intimate partner violence are at risk of developing depression and anxiety disorders later in life. The study also highlights equal levels of abuse by men and women and its impact on socio-economic backgrounds.
A new UMass Amherst study found that military members with serious brain injuries are at a greater risk of experiencing mental health disorders, including PTSD, anxiety, and mood disorders. The research suggests that critically injured soldiers with severe TBI have particularly high rates of these conditions.
Scientists develop new bio-based material combining chitin nanoparticles and alginate for antimicrobial properties and flexibility. The material has potential uses in surgical threads, tissue engineering, wound healing, and burn treatments.
A new study found that high school GPAs are five times stronger than ACT scores in predicting college graduation. The predictive power of GPAs is consistent across high schools, while the relationship between ACT scores and college graduation varies depending on the high school attended.
A study by University of Limerick researchers found that patients treated with PD had similar survival rates to those on in-centre HD, regardless of diabetes status or country of origin. The findings suggest that PD may be a more cost-effective and better quality-of-life option for patients approaching kidney failure.
J. Marshall Shepherd, a renowned meteorologist, has been awarded the 2020 Mani L. Bhaumik Award for Public Engagement with Science. He is recognized for his exceptional ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to broad audiences through various media platforms.
Researchers Dr. Leisha A. Emens and Dr. Xiang Zhang have received a Stand Up To Cancer Laura Ziskin Prize to explore the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors for breast cancer patients. Their collaboration aims to improve outcomes for breast cancer patients and reduce mortality rates.
A new study found that higher birthweight is associated with better cognitive and socioemotional outcomes in preschoolers, particularly for those from lower-income families. Weighing more than a twin at birth may predict greater school readiness and improved behavior.
A gene therapy trial conducted in US and UK patients with X-linked Chronic Septic Granulomatosis, a rare genetic disease causing severe infections, has shown success. Six of nine patients are free of treatment complications, offering hope for sustainable treatment.
Children who spend time in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at birth have a higher risk of mental health issues later in childhood and adolescence. NICU graduates are nearly twice as likely to develop any mental disorder or multiple mental illnesses, according to the study.
New study reveals previously unknown, highly toxic compounds formed when chlorine disinfects drinking water. The discovery raises questions about the need for chlorination and potential alternatives like ozone treatment or filtration.
A two-year study examined the effect of walnut consumption on cognitive function in nearly 640 free-living elders. While healthy adults showed little change, those who had smoked more and had lower baseline scores benefited from walnut intake.
A study by UPV and UV concludes that the Eurozone is not prepared to replace cash with a cryptocurrency managed by the European Central Bank. The study finds that higher income and education levels lead to greater financial inclusion, reducing cash usage.
Researchers analyzed over 23,000 human tumors and 1000 cancer cell lines to discover chromosome arm gains and losses can predict drug response better than genetic mutations. This finding has significant implications for personalized cancer treatments.
After recovering from pneumonia, alveolar macrophages transform and retain a memory of their prior experience, influencing future responses to infections. This finding may lead to improved lung defenses against pneumonia in young adults.
Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology developed a multifunctional meta-hologram that can create different hologram images depending on the direction of light incident on the device. The new meta-hologram demonstrated diffraction efficiency higher than 60% and high-quality images were observed.
A recent study found that positive effects of intergroup contact tend to be weaker among members of historically advantaged groups, such as white people and heterosexuals. However, when members of these groups engage in contact with disadvantaged groups, they are more likely to support social change promoting equality.
A study found that increasing wine grape cultivar diversity can reduce agricultural losses from global warming, with a 4 °C warming scenario expected to still cause significant declines in vulnerable regions. The research suggests that 85% of all identified wine-growing regions would be lost if cultivar turnover did not occur.
A new study found a significant association between fine particulate matter PM2.5 and out-of-hospital cardiac arrests, with increased risks even at low concentrations. The nationwide Japanese study, the largest of its kind, highlights the urgent need to improve air quality and reduce cardiovascular impacts.
Research highlights negative health effects of climate change on children's health outcomes, including increased mortality, morbidity, and psychological trauma. The crisis can begin while a child is still in utero, due to maternal stress, poor nutrition, and exposure to air pollution.
A WVU project uses the Intelligent Retinal Imaging System to detect diabetic retinopathy in West Virginians, reducing risk of severe vision loss by 90%. Over 5,400 patients have been screened, with 21% showing evidence of retinopathy.
The Mark Foundation Center for Advanced Genomics and Imaging at Johns Hopkins University aims to develop innovative solutions for cancer immunotherapy. The center will utilize a combination of tools from astronomy image analysis, pathology, computer science, cancer genomics, and immunogenomics.