A study published in Nature Communications found that a drug called Osanetant reduces fear memory in male mice but increases it in female mice. The research reveals sex-based differences in the Tac2 neuronal circuit involved in fear memory formation.
A Yale University study found that genetic factors control developmental abnormalities, including pregnancy loss and autism. Researchers examined placental data from nearly 50 sets of twins and discovered similar frequencies of abnormal cell growths in identical twins, suggesting genetics play a key role.
Athletes in caring environments, supported by staff, reported greater psychological well-being and support from coaches and teammates. They also experienced more hope, happiness, and ability to cope with pandemic stress.
Researchers at DGIST developed new algorithms to estimate min-entropy, a key metric for cryptography, using less data and improving speed. The new approach can be used in memory-constrained devices like Internet-of-things devices.
Researchers used live human cortical tissue to identify functionally important features that make human neurons unique, revealing a massive amount of diversity among human neocortical pyramidal cells. The team found distinct electrophysiological features between neurons located at different layers in the human neocortex.
An international research team found that ants and flies play a vital role in pollination for cocoa, while leaf-litter management enhances tiny cocoa pollinators. The study emphasizes the need to prioritize biodiversity-friendly habitats for pollinator conservation in cocoa agroforests.
A recent Baycrest-Sunnybrook pilot study found that low-dose radiation therapy showed remarkable improvements in behavior and cognition within days in individuals living with severe Alzheimer's. The treatment used a CT scanner to deliver low doses of radiation, stimulating the body's natural protection systems to work harder.
Researchers at NTU Singapore have developed a device that seals tears and holes in blood vessels using an electrically-activated glue patch applied via a minimally invasive balloon catheter. The Voltaglue system has the potential to replace open or keyhole surgery for patching up internal blood vessel defects.
Northern Red Sea corals have been found to be resistant to higher temperatures due to their symbiotic algae and bacteria. The study reveals that these corals can withstand average temperatures up to 5°C higher than usual, offering hope for saving coral reef ecosystems.
Researchers developed a technique to automatically search for simulation configurations that test various behaviors of automated driving systems. The proposed method uses evolutionary computation to discover configurations leading to specific features of driving behaviors, such as high acceleration and deceleration.
The European Federation of Academies of Sciences and Humanities (ALLEA) releases a report calling for enhanced European exchange and coordination to tackle science disinformation. Key strategies include inoculation, debunking, fact-checking, and media literacy, as well as innovations in science communication.
A definitive review finds that systemic racism perpetuates disadvantage in neighborhoods, leading to increased risk of psychosis. Trauma and stress experienced by marginalized racial groups are also associated with higher rates of psychosis.
Researchers at George Mason University will use a new GPU-based computing cluster to develop software and algorithms for complex simulations, including hypersonic flow and combustion. The cluster will also support research collaborations with national labs and industries.
A new study using 7T brain scans suggests that compromised energy metabolism may be an early indicator of mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. The researchers found a correlation between the energy reserve index and cognition levels, providing new insights into the disease.
A study found that people who customize their online spaces with a strong sense of identity are less likely to adopt health advice. In contrast, those who feel a sense of control are more likely to perceive the ads as threatening, leading to negative reactions. Researchers suggest customizing interfaces to preserve users' sense of cont...
Early human arrival on islands may not have contributed to insular fauna extinction. However, anthropogenic activity increased during the Holocene Epoch, accelerating extinctions.
A new study from the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management finds that using social values primarily for self-interested purposes like profit or reputation can diminish their special status. The research cautions that even subtle normalization of such uses can lead to erosion of people's commitment to these values.
Echolocating bats use time-based distance estimates, regardless of air conditions. The study found that bat accuracy improved when closer to targets, suggesting an innate ability to discern surroundings in terms of time.
A study by University of Zurich found that more than half of young women experienced symptoms of depression, while nearly half reported anxiety. The lockdown also showed a significant decrease in risky alcohol use, particularly among women.
Scientists from UNIGE and UZH used a statistical physics approach to study wound healing, identifying the scales of dominant cell interactions that govern tissue growth. The results allow for better analysis of cell front behavior in both healthy tissue and tumour development.
Researchers at Stanford University simulated the risk of fracking-triggered earthquakes on the Eagle Ford shale formation, finding that densely populated areas face the greatest risk of damage. The study aims to provide a shared frame of reference for discussing risks and evaluating tools for managing earthquake hazards.
Elevated bio-ADM levels indicate disease severity and predict the need for extracorporeal organ assist in COVID-19 patients. Bio-ADM is a dynamic biomarker that indicates improved outcomes with low or decreasing levels.
Researchers have developed graphene nanoribbons that interact with light at lightning-fast speeds, opening up new possibilities for high-speed telecommunications. The ribbons' performance is further enhanced by tuning their electric field to interact with multiple light energies.
Researchers have discovered the mechanism of follicle development by MIS, a key reproductive hormone that suppresses follicle growth and prevents ovulation. This understanding may lead to novel approaches to contraception, preserving eggs lost to aging or chemotherapy, and improving fertility treatment success.
University of East Anglia researchers develop a new method for 3D printing medicine in highly porous structures, allowing for tailored drug release rates and improved patient outcomes. The technology has the potential to produce customized pills with accurate doses and reduced side effects.
Researchers found that physicians are more likely to experience delayed childbearing than non-physician healthcare workers. This disparity highlights a significant gap in reproductive health outcomes between these two groups of healthcare professionals.
A century ago, human populations consumed a more diverse diet than today. The rise of industrial agriculture and globalization led to a significant narrowing of dietary breadth for modern human populations.
A new study finds that white American parents often unintentionally communicate contradictory messages about race to their children. More than a third of parents send mixed signals, while others explicitly promote color-conscious ideologies. The study highlights the importance of understanding how parents talk about race with their kids.
The American Thoracic Society releases a report highlighting the need for research on wildfire smoke's effects on respiratory and cardiovascular health, as well as communication strategies to protect public health. The report emphasizes the importance of coordinated federal response and dedicated funding to mitigate health risks.
Households were the primary route of transmission for COVID-19 among children and youths in Hong Kong. The study found that schools were not the main source of infection during outbreaks. Researchers identified key clinical characteristics and transmission patterns to inform public health strategies.
The review highlights focused, high-dose radiation's potential to destroy small tumors with minimal impact on surrounding normal tissue. Researchers aim to tailor radiotherapy to optimize benefits and minimize risks through advanced techniques like stereotactic body radiation therapy and radiosurgery.
A recent study by Jordi Gumà and Bruno Arpino explores the association between subjective life satisfaction and gender roles in providing financial resources and performing domestic chores among partnered Spanish adults. The researchers found that households with financial difficulties experience a significant impact on individual well...
A team of scientists has identified a protein called SYFO1, which plays a crucial role in the initial contact between legume roots and symbiotic bacteria. The protein causes root hairs to change direction, allowing them to wrap around bacteria and form beneficial relationships.
A new commentary proposes that pulse oximeters be used instead of temperature checks for COVID-19 screening in older adults due to lower baseline temperatures and overlooked fever. This could help detect asymptomatic hypoxia and prevent infection progression, improving treatment outcomes.
Researchers at C-Crete Technologies have developed a new cement formula that can purify water while also serving as a structural material. The formula uses a combination of cement and photocatalytic materials to remove pollutants from water, making it a promising solution for improving water quality.
Researchers developed miniature brain models using stem cells from human skin samples to study myelin, an insulating substance that helps nerve cells communicate. The models are a promising platform for studying neurological diseases and testing drugs for conditions linked to myelin loss, including multiple sclerosis.
The International Osteoporosis Foundation has published a new Executive Summary outlining key guidance for managing osteoporosis in hematologic stem cell transplant recipients. The summary provides expert recommendations for monitoring, evaluation, and treatment of bone loss in HSCT patients, including a helpful management algorithm.
The Bornean subspecies of Rajah scops owl may be its own unique species and deserving of a conservation designation. Researchers recommend nocturnal surveys to study habitat, record vocalizations, and collect blood or feather samples to resolve the taxonomic relationship.
A Wyss Institute collaboration used human organ chips to identify the antimalarial drug amodiaquine as a potent inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2. The research streamlines drug testing and provides a proof-of-concept for repurposing existing drugs for new medical applications, including future pandemics.
Earthquakes on strike-slip faults can cause shallow bay tsunamis, increasing hazard for coastal cities worldwide. Large horizontal displacements deform bay depth contours, displacing water and initiating tsunami waves.
A University of Helsinki study of 9,000 dogs found that fearfulness is a key factor in aggressive behavior, with fearful dogs more likely to behave aggressively. The study also identified breed differences, with certain breeds exhibiting higher levels of aggression.
A study at ESMO Breast Cancer 2021 Virtual Congress reveals breast cancer survivors experience varying levels of symptoms after treatment, with some requiring active symptom management. Patients with comorbidities, such as heart disease and diabetes, are more likely to experience a high symptom burden.
A Cornell University-led study found that when temperatures rise, people fish less often, but stocks of fish and other aquatic foods increase, leading to slightly larger catches. Factoring in human behavior is crucial for understanding climate change's effects on rural livelihoods and food access.
Damage to densely-packed white matter regions is strongly associated with cognitive impairment compared to gray matter regions; this suggests that white matter hubs are crucial for cognition. The study's findings provide insights into how brain damage affects cognitive abilities and may help explain differences in cognitive decline.
A study by Rice University biologist Kory Evans found that flatfish evolved rapid skull asymmetry due to trait co-evolution. This process led to the development of unique traits across the skull, resulting in increased integration and adaptability for these fish.
Researchers have unraveled the mystery of dinoflagellate genomic architecture, revealing a unique packaging of DNA that differs from other eukaryotes. The study's findings have implications for understanding genomic organizational principles in all organisms, particularly in coral reef health.
A new study explains that strike-slip faults, which were previously believed to trigger only small tsunamis, can generate unusually large waves like the devastating Palu tsunami in 2018. Researchers discovered a mechanism for these massive tsunamis to form, suggesting other coastal cities may need to reevaluate their risk level.
A new study from Aarhus University finds that symptoms of health anxiety are common in childhood and adolescence, often resulting in persistent and significant problems. Children who experience these symptoms may require specialized psychological treatment, and parents play a crucial role in supporting their mental health.
New research published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal shows that planned cesarean deliveries on maternal request are safe for low-risk pregnancies. The study analyzed data from over 422,000 pregnancies and found that mothers who requested cesarean delivery were more likely to have certain characteristics. Planned cesarean ...
A new study found that short-term air pollution exposure can impair cognitive performance, but taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin can reduce these effects. The study used data from the Normative Aging Study and found that elevated PM2.5 exposure over 28 days was associated with declines in global cognitiv...
Researchers discovered a unique UV-A-light-sensing system in flatworms, allowing them to coordinate movement and arousal. This finding may help illuminate the development and evolution of distinct light-sensing systems in single organisms.
A team of researchers from the University of Rochester and Delft University of Technology has developed a novel, environmentally-friendly material made of algae that can be used in various applications. The material is tough, resilient, eco-friendly, biodegradable, and scalable to produce.
Researchers at LMU München have used artificial laboratory evolution to identify mutations that enable cyanobacteria to tolerate high light levels. The team found that most of the beneficial mutations affected specific proteins, enabling cells to adapt to changing lighting conditions.
Researchers discovered a new species of saber-toothed cat, Machairodus lahayishupup, that lived in North America between 5-9 million years ago. The giant cat weighed an average of around 600 pounds and could have taken down prey weighing up to 6,000 pounds.
A computational method using machine learning and feature sets derived from molecular simulation can predict the functional consequences of genetic variation in cancer drugs. This technology has the potential to accurately diagnose cancer variants and improve treatment outcomes by tailoring therapy to individual genetic profiles.
Oak Ridge National Laboratory has developed a non-invasive air leak detection method that uses imaging technique to visualize air leaks and calculate volumetric flow. The lab also engineered a microbe to efficiently turn waste into itaconic acid, an industrial chemical used in plastics and paints. Additionally, researchers demonstrated...
Researchers reconstructed Pinus genus evolutionary history using 1,662 genes, revealing 90% species originated in Miocene and midlatitude species are older than others. Environmental factors suggest topography drove pine diversification, with evidence of fire-adaptation syndromes over time.
A study from Bocconi University found that negative campaigning with electoral attacks on opponents backfires, but has positive spillover effects on third candidates in multicandidate races. In a three-candidate race, the 'idle candidate' benefits from negative smearing.
Ravi Sheth, a 27-year-old Hertz Fellow, won the 2020 Hertz Thesis Prize for his groundbreaking work in understanding and engineering complex microbial communities. He developed new tools to quantify how microbiomes change over space and time, revealing universal principles that apply to other physical systems.
Researchers successfully germinated seven ancient Judean date palm seeds from archaeological sites, gaining genetic insights into the evolution of crops. The study suggests that hybridization between date palms and wild Cretan palms occurred over 2,200 years ago, influencing agricultural practices.