The anterior cingulate cortex region 'area 32' relays information between cognitive and emotional brain regions, enabling emotional equilibrium. In depression, this balance is disrupted, with an overactive area 25 leading to negative emotions and rumination.
Researchers found that spinal cord stimulation decreased pain and reduced motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease patients by an average of 59% and 12%, respectively. The therapy also showed promise in improving functional mobility and balance.
Scientists at CNIC designed an algorithm that estimates cardiovascular risk in healthy middle-aged individuals based on variables like age, blood pressure, diet, and biomarkers. The EN-PESA algorithm provides a personalized risk profile for those with subclinical atherosclerosis or high short-term disease progression risk.
A new study reveals the binary nature of a trans-Neptunian object, with two objects orbiting each other only 350 kilometers apart. The discovery was made possible by the Research and Education Collaborative Occultation Network (RECON), a citizen science project.
A Monash University-led study identifies many-body dephasing as a fundamental cause of quasiparticle death, affecting superconductivity and superfluidity. The research sheds new light on the nature of quasiparticles and has potential implications for near-zero resistance electronic devices.
A study found MAIT cells enriched in airways of severe COVID-19 patients, strongly activating and associated with poor clinical outcome. Gene expression analyses revealed specific inflammatory proteins linked to mortality.
A study identified mitochondrial biomarkers as significant contributors to memory decline after menopause, shedding light on the importance of energy production in women's cognitive health. Researchers found that efficient mitochondrial function was associated with better cognitive performance, particularly in executive functions.
A new model forecasts Covid-19 epidemic dynamics and containment across different regions. Social distancing measures significantly delay the epidemic peak, while travel bans have a limited impact. The study's findings provide valuable insights for governments and industries to develop containment plans.
Scientists have created a new enzyme 'cocktail' that can digest plastic up to six times faster than existing methods. The combination of two enzymes, PETase and MHETase, breaks down polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into its building blocks, enabling recycling and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
A global-scale meta-analysis found that diverse leaf litter increases decomposition rates by 34.7%. This could be crucial for predicting future changes in biogeochemical cycles and climate feedbacks on Earth.
A significant percentage of women continue to value sex throughout midlife, with factors like ethnicity, health, and depression symptoms affecting their interest. The study identified three distinct trajectories in importance of sex with aging, with black women and those with higher education maintaining high levels of importance.
A study suggests that a national biennial lung cancer screening program could be cost-effective for Māori in New Zealand. The program aims to reduce population inequities relating to lung cancer among Māori. Early-stage lung cancer can be curable, and screening may help save lives by identifying the disease at an early stage.
Researchers successfully degrade PET plastic using a two-enzyme system and engineered chimeric enzyme that works synergistically to break down the plastic pollutant. The discovery could lead to new methods for plastics depolymerization, offering an alternative to traditional recycling methods.
A new study by SISSA and the University of Trieste shows that carbon nanotube implants can restore motor functions in animals with spinal injuries. The research reveals nerve fibre regrowth and promotes recovery through mechanical and electric properties of regenerative scaffolds.
The Arctic wildfire season is changing, with widespread wildfires burning earlier and farther north. Zombie fires, where fires smolder in peat underground, are a new feature of recent Arctic fires. The consequences for the global climate could be significant, including rapid thawing of permafrost and release of greenhouse gases.
A new study has confirmed the long-suspected link between sleep apnea and Alzheimer's disease, identifying identical signs of brain damage in both conditions. The research found amyloid plaques, a known indicator of Alzheimer's, in the brains of people with obstructive sleep apnea.
Researchers from UNICAMP found that valproic acid can modify DNA conformation and interact with chromosome proteins. The compound causes changes in the conformation of histones H1 and H3, as well as DNA superstructure and molecular order. This discovery paves the way for novel pharmaceutical research.
Key findings from a comprehensive literature review highlight the importance of top-down commitment to quality, mid-level leadership, and committee structure in achieving high-quality surgical outcomes. The study supports the ACS Quality Verification Program's Optimal Resources for Surgical Quality framework.
Researchers have discovered a method to prepare robust initial states in quantum information systems, minimizing unwanted transitions and preserving quantum information. This breakthrough could enable more complex operations in quantum computing.
Researchers discovered stone tools dated to the earlier time period in a cave in Portugal, supporting a rapid westward dispersal of modern humans. The finding documents the presence of modern humans in westernmost Europe concurrent with Neanderthals.
Researchers found that pairs of shorebirds that successfully raised chicks were more likely to divorce than those that failed. In contrast to other bird species, unsuccessful pairs tended to stick together and try again.
A new study found that the spread of ghost forests across North Carolina's coastline can lead to significant losses in carbon stored in plants and trees above ground. Researchers discovered ways landowners can offset these losses, including tree plantings and proper drainage management.
A new field of research in microbiology is transforming the way scientists see fungi, bacteria, and other microorganisms. Advances in genetic sequencing and bioinformatics have enabled scientists to discover the diversity and functions of microorganisms, leading to breakthroughs in agricultural products and disease treatment.
A new study suggests that women experiencing two or more moderate to severe menopause symptoms are at a significantly higher risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke. The research found no association with other health outcomes, such as cancer risk, when supplementation of calcium and vitamin D was investigated.
Researchers used tree rings to create a precise yearly record of summer temperatures in North America and Eurasia, revealing colder and warmer periods. The study shows that the effect of volcanoes on global temperature changes is even greater than previously thought.
A new study by McGill University researchers finds that combined dry and hot events are increasing in frequency and size, causing widespread damage. The study suggests that climate change is driving these extremes, which can be particularly devastating for agriculture and ecosystems.
Adolescents with compulsivity traits show reduced brain development and delayed goal-directed behavior, suggesting a link between compulsivity and atypical cognitive development. Compulsivity is associated with less-pronounced remodeling of brain circuitry during adolescence.
Researchers have identified over a dozen new genes associated with abdominal aortic aneurysm, adding to the understanding of disease mechanisms. The study found that diastolic blood pressure is likely a significant factor in developing the condition.
A clinical trial of selpercatinib has shown promising results for patients with non-small cell lung cancer, achieving high response rates and prolonged survival. The drug specifically targets cancers driven by mutations in the gene RET, with minimal side effects.
A new interactive tool, ClubrootTracker, has been developed to help farmers locate and manage clubroot-infected areas. The tool groups the distribution of clubroot disease in one place, making it easier for farmers, researchers, and industry representatives to share information and plan a clubroot-free farm.
Tropical Storm Kujira's strongest storms were located near its center and in a band of thunderstorms on the western side, with cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit. NASA analyzed infrared imagery to determine the storm's strength and predict its potential for heavy rain.
Researchers have engineered a red-algae-like Rubisco enzyme into crops, doubling CO2-fixation rates. The breakthrough aims to increase crop production and improve photosynthesis efficiency.
A widely used breathing test for patients with respiratory problems is flawed, according to a new study, as it fails to account for individual breathing patterns. Increasing the measurement time to two minutes and using specialized equipment could improve accuracy.
A survey of 340 UK residents found that positive social interactions with Chinese people reduced support for discriminatory policies. People with negative experiences were more likely to be fearful and supportive of anti-Chinese measures.
Scientists at Hokkaido University developed a saliva test that detects asymptomatic COVID-19 cases with high sensitivity and specificity. The study found that saliva samples can accurately identify infected individuals without symptoms, reducing the risk of viral transmission to healthcare workers.
KAUST researchers developed a statistical model providing the best wind forecast yet for Saudi Arabia, aiming to increase renewable energy in the grid and reach 9 gigawatts of installed wind energy by 2030. The model uses advanced statistical approaches to jointly model wind speed and direction, showing improved prediction performance.
Researchers developed a novel γ-radiation intensity sensor using polymethylmethacrylate and polyvinyl chloride membranes. The sensor changes color in response to increasing radiation intensity, allowing for quick and easy measurement.
A new simulation approach has enabled faster computation of complex airfoil noise characteristics under extreme conditions, accelerating the development of quieter designs. The method uses a wall-modeled large-eddy simulation to model near-surface flows at high resolution while reducing computational intensity.
A team of dentists from RUDN University presented a new classification system for root canal shape changes, which can vary depending on the tooth part and patient age. The study used CT scans of 300 patients and identified four groups of shape changes to help dentists choose proper tools and treatment methods.
A novel optical switch enables precise control over the lifespan of genetic copies by attaching aptamers to molecular markers. This method can be used to specifically switch off practically every mRNA molecule in a cell in a controlled manner, opening up new avenues for investigating dynamic processes in living cells.
A study of 45,000 healthy adults found associations between 160 genes and brain shrinkage in the cortex, a dimply outer layer of the brain. The findings may lead to new targets for developing drugs to intervene before disease symptoms appear.
A new UK study found that having a pet helped people cope emotionally with the lockdown and stay fit. The human-animal bond was linked to improved mental health outcomes, regardless of animal species.
Researchers at Osaka City University have developed a quantum algorithm that removes pesky spin contaminants from chemical calculations on quantum computers. This breakthrough enables precise and accurate predictions of atomic and molecular behavior, which is crucial for applications such as pharmaceuticals and materials research.
Researchers aim to pinpoint specific areas with the highest risk of tick-borne disease transmission using GPS data loggers and interviews with people with tick-borne diseases. The study's findings will inform targeted interventions to address a major public health threat in the US.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing global mental health issues, fueled by worsening social determinants, job insecurity, and fear of infection. Millions are at risk of being pushed back into extreme poverty, a crisis that could reverse years of development in vulnerable countries.
Researchers at FSU have made new discoveries on the effects of temperature on sustainable polymers, which may help produce environmentally friendly plastics. The team found that certain polymers crystallize in unusual ways when cooled, leading to increased toughness and potential applications for sustainable plastic production.
University of Pittsburgh professors Nathan Youngblood and Feng Xiong receive $380,000 to study phase-change materials for high-speed computing and optical storage applications. The project aims to overcome the challenges in electrically-controlled optical memory devices.
Researchers have found two human skulls and a goat skeleton with unique features in Cueva de la Dehesilla, Spain. The site reveals new insights into the funerary rituals of Neolithic Iberian populations, challenging previous understanding of burials in the region.
Researchers discovered unique bacterial profiles associated with each patient's medical condition, suggesting a personalized approach to care and antibiotic treatment. The study challenged long-held beliefs that the urinary tract is sterile.
The team discovered two massive young stars shrouded by gaseous disks containing sodium chloride and heated water vapor. The disks are counter-rotating, indicating the pair may not be twins, but rather strangers formed in separate clouds.
A study found that patients with COVID-19 who presented within 3 days of symptom onset had more severe disease, including higher levels of organ failure, and were at increased risk for complications and death. Despite receiving antiviral therapy, mortality rates remained high in this group.
The University of Tokyo researchers employed a new computer model to simulate amorphous solids and their strength. They found that the internal network of force-bearing particles is responsible for giving glass its rigidity.
South Rampart Pharma, a New Orleans life science company, has been awarded a $1.9 million NIH STTR grant to develop a new class of non-opioid medicines for pain relief and fever reduction. The company aims to create a safer treatment option for acute and chronic pain, which affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide.
The Journal of Public Policy & Marketing explores key topics like elections, voting, corporate political advocacy, and consumer political identities. Articles discuss strategies for marketing and research, highlighting the impact on stakeholder behaviors and policy implications.
Researchers found a significant decline in cardiovascular disease prevalence among high-income individuals in the US from 1999 to 2016. The study also revealed disparities in cardiovascular disease burden by income level within the US population.
Researchers create micro-scaffolds that stretch cells, triggering a response to external forces. The cells counteract deformation with motor proteins, increasing their tensile forces and adapting to dynamic environments.
A new neuroimaging study has found links between brain regions and dissociative symptoms in women with a history of childhood abuse, shedding light on the 'invisible wounds' of trauma. The study may help tailor treatments for affected patients and increase awareness around dissociative disorders.
Researchers investigated COVID-19 incidence and outcomes in relation to race, adjusting for age, sex, socioeconomic status, and comorbidities. The study highlights racial disparities in COVID-19 cases and mortality rates, suggesting unequal access to healthcare and resources.
A recent study published in Neuron reveals that the brain's signal transmission is regulated by the environment, with certain processes allowing for more open communication between neurons. The researchers found that astrocytes, specialized cells in the brain, play a crucial role in shielding communication to some extent.
Hospitalized COVID-19 patients with vitamin D sufficiency had a significant decreased risk for adverse clinical outcomes, including becoming unconscious, hypoxia, and death. Vitamin D also lower blood levels of inflammatory marker C-reactive protein and higher blood levels of lymphocytes.