A University of Michigan study found that both children and adults believe villains are more likely to have a true self that differs from their outward behavior than heroes. Despite committing bad actions, characters like Ursula are seen as having some inner goodness, according to the research.
A new study from the University of Copenhagen found that individuals with high empathy scores can accurately detect emotional sounds in animals, including arousal and valence. The study involved 1024 participants from 48 countries and showed a significant correlation between empathy for humans and understanding animal sounds.
University of Akron researchers review polar bear paw prints to find secret to improved traction on snow and ice. They discover that the taller papillae on polar bears' paw pads increase frictional shear stress by 30-50%.
Researchers discovered a smart molecular glue formed by proteins clinging to microtubules, enabling nucleus positioning during cell division. The 'glue' enables mechanical forces to be transduced as desired, with flexible properties allowing it to withstand tension.
Researchers have discovered physical forces and hydrodynamic flows that ensure proper functioning of life's blueprint. The study provides insights into the genome's organization and function, shedding light on its biophysical origins. This knowledge is crucial for understanding genetic disorders and human diseases.
A UCI-led study reveals that outbred Chilean degu rodents exhibit robust neurodegenerative features, including hippocampal neuronal loss and altered parvalbumin staining, resembling human Alzheimer's Disease. This provides a practical model for studying sporadic AD.
The Horizon 2020 project PoshBee collects stakeholder summaries to increase accessibility and impact of EU-funded research on bee health. The summaries, published in plain language, provide concise recommendations on the practical value of project results.
Jon A. Jacobson, MD, FACR, has been recognized as the 2023 ARRS Distinguished Educator for his exceptional contributions to radiological education and innovative educational activities. He is a renowned expert in musculoskeletal ultrasound and MRI, with over 250 peer-reviewed publications.
A study found that male mason wasps use their genitalia to sting and defend against predatory tree frogs. This defense mechanism is a first for the scientific community, as it highlights the importance of male genitalia in animal interactions.
A recent study by BMJ Group found that oat biscuits are the best option for healthcare workers during tea breaks. The research ranked biscuit varieties based on nutritional content, crunchiness, and durability after dunking, with oat biscuits emerging as the top choice.
A study from the University of California, Davis' One Health Institute found that canine echinococcosis increased to 6.9% in Tierra del Fuego's sheep farms after the government cancelled a deworming program in 2004. Reestablishing the program could help protect people and animals from hydatid disease.
Spotted hyenas show that twin brothers and buddies from the same birth group very often disperse together to breed. This coordination is likely due to similar preferences and social backgrounds. The frequent joint dispersal among twins and buddies has major consequences for understanding social dynamics and gene flow in wild populations.
Patent thickets and evergreening strategies hinder generic competition, leading to higher brand name drug prices. Generic entry can drop prices by 90%, affecting patient welfare. Patent expert Sean Tu advocates for a balanced patent system that promotes innovation while preventing monopolies.
A recent study found that implicit bias in healthcare leads to prolonged struggles for women to obtain emotional support, diagnosis, and treatment for chronic health conditions. The study highlights the negative impact of 'communicative disenfranchisement' on women's mental and physical well-being.
Scientists are rethinking electrolyte design for future battery generations, considering factors like interphases and solid-state electrolytes. They're using AI and automated laboratories to identify optimal electrolyte characteristics and reduce human error.
A scoping review highlights the need for participatory methods in research addressing older people's learning. Older individuals are often included as subjects, but their roles vary, with some participating as informants or partners.
The new global investigators will receive financial support to build and expand their network and research portfolios over four years. They will also have access to training and networking activities.
Researchers at ETH Zurich investigate carbon-neutral production of nitrogen fertiliser, finding a transition is possible and may increase food security. However, alternative methods have advantages and disadvantages, with the key to success likely being a combination of approaches.
Healthcare workers surveyed found they would take an average of 3.32 free hot drinks before considering it excessive. Doctors consumed more free hot drinks than emergency department staff. Researchers estimate providing three hot drinks daily would cost £32,692,935 per year.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University found that closed-eye perception of brightness is remarkably stronger than previously reported, with values up to 10 times higher. The color of the light also affects perception, with red being perceived as brighter and blue as darker.
Researchers are conducting on-site surveys and generating high-resolution damage maps for 20-square-mile region affected by the Category 4 storm. The goal is to inform protection efforts and help communities recover from the disaster.
The expert panel recommends individualized gender-affirming care, considering unique needs of transgender and gender-diverse individuals. They propose abandoning strict rules, such as hormone therapy initiation prior to surgery, in favor of a more comprehensive approach.
Research by Dan Romer finds that seasonal fluctuations and other factors eliminate the apparent suicide contagion effect reported from the release of '13 Reasons Why'. The study also reveals a decline in adolescent suicide rates during summer months when youths are not in school.
A Baylor College of Medicine study reveals a connection between the serotonin 2C receptor and obesity, as well as maladaptive behaviors. The research findings suggest that rare mutations in the gene responsible for this receptor play a role in these conditions.
A new study from Iowa State University finds that more education increases self-employment rates in the US, particularly in high-growth industries. For women, additional years of education also boosts entrepreneurship by increasing their confidence, according to economists John Winters and Kunwon Ahn.
Scientists at Aston University are developing a new technology to provide surfaces with channels less than five nanometres in width, enabling increased capacity in data storage devices. The goal is to tackle the global shortage of digital data storage and reduce the need for costly construction of new mega data centres.
A new parallel peripheral-photoinhibition lithography system has been developed, enabling the fabrication of subdiffraction-limit features with high efficiency. The system uses two beams to excite and inhibit polymerization, allowing for nonperiodic and complex patterns to be printed simultaneously.
A new study found that the COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant increase in research productivity across various fields, but women between the ages of 35 and 49 experienced no detectable gain. The study revealed that younger professors and those in top-ranked departments saw substantial increases in research output.
A recent study found that many young cancer survivors decline HPV vaccination due to concerns about safety, importance, and timing. The research aims to address these concerns and provide health care providers with messaging tools to encourage survivors to receive the vaccine.
Researchers found that companies engaging in corporate political advocacy experience lower brand attitudes and purchase intentions, particularly among consumers with low political efficacy. These effects are driven by the lack of faith in political institutions among these consumers.
Researchers have developed a simple mechanical model to understand how viruses replicate inside cells, highlighting the crucial role of virus size in this process. The optimal size range for efficient viral replication is suggested to be between 60nm and 100nm in diameter.
Researchers found that male wasp genitalia serve as an effective anti-predator defense, deterring some tree frogs from eating them. Male genital spines are used to pierce and sting predators, preventing them from swallowing the wasps. This study highlights the significance of male genitalia in animal defense.
Researchers at the University of Montreal discovered a key mechanism in muscle regeneration, enabling targeted therapies for diseases like muscular dystrophy. By biasing the conformation of a protein called ELMO2, they improved muscle fusion and regeneration in mouse models.
University of Houston researchers aim to develop advanced aqueous batteries with better safety and higher voltage. They offer abundant raw materials, low manufacturing requirements, non-inflammable properties, and high power density.
A new study found that the average hours worked per week by physicians decreased 7.6% in the past 20 years, except for physician mothers who increased their weekly work hours by 3%. This decline was driven by reduced work hours among male physicians, full-time physicians, and younger physicians.
A new study published in The Journal of Rural Health found that urban men who have sex with men (MSM) are more likely to get vaccinated and tested for Mpox than their rural counterparts. The study also revealed that rural MSM perceived themselves as less susceptible to the disease and had lower intention to be vaccinated.
A study published in Landscape and Urban Planning found that improved perceptions of neighborhood walkability and enhanced access to public transport and safety from crime reduce depressive symptoms. The researchers suggest building environment design may influence mental health through behavioral and social pathways.
The study estimated that the NCI-funded NCTN trials have added at least 14.2 million life-years to cancer patients in the US, representing a cost of $326 per year. The trials have had a significant impact on clinical care, with 87.7% of their findings cited as evidence in guidelines and package inserts.
Researchers at the University of Sussex create a highly conductive paint coating that mimics the network spread of a virus through 'explosive percolation.' This serendipitous discovery enables the development of affordable, scalable nanomaterials with vast applications in Electric Vehicle materials and wearable health monitors.
A new AI algorithm, STORK-A, can predict IVF embryo viability with 70% accuracy, reducing the need for invasive genetic testing. The algorithm analyzes microscope images of embryos and incorporates information about maternal age and IVF clinic scoring to detect aneuploidy.
Researchers from various universities conducted a systematic literature review on active learning methods, finding that challenge-based learning is the most suitable in sustainability education. This approach encourages students to analyze challenges from multiple perspectives and develop skills such as teamwork and conflict resolution.
Researchers at the Princess Máxima Center found that concentrating surgery for children with neuroblastoma resulted in shorter operation times and reduced blood loss. The study also showed a decrease in side effects, although further research is needed to confirm improved survival rates.
Researchers at the University of Central Florida have created a technology that converts radio frequency signals into direct current electricity, reducing the need for batteries in wireless systems. This innovation can help promote a more sustainable future by harnessing ambient energy from radio waves.
Researchers found that wooded areas, cropland, roads, and housing developments are obstacles to snake relocation. Reconnecting fragmented populations through strategic habitat changes could help restore the species to a thriving state.
A multi-state study found that bivalent booster vaccines significantly reduce COVID-19-related emergency department or urgent care visits and hospitalization rates. The study showed a 57% reduction in COVID-19 related emergency department or urgent care visits compared to unvaccinated adults.
A recent study from the University of Eastern Finland suggests that previous traumatic brain injury may increase the risk of frontotemporal dementia (FTD), particularly in individuals without a genetic mutation. Patients who suffered head injuries developed FTD earlier than others, on average.
A test drive for an electric vehicle can strengthen a buyer's perception of themselves as an early adopter of new technologies, increasing their intention to purchase the car. However, this effect does not translate into interest in making a purchase if the test drive is seen as a status symbol.
Scientists at EPFL have developed a method for a flapping-wing robot to land autonomously on a horizontal perch using a claw-like mechanism. The innovation could significantly expand the scope of robot-assisted tasks and enable robots to recharge using solar energy.
Researchers at Yale University have identified a stable brain pattern, or neuromarker, for drug and food craving. The discovery may be an important step toward understanding the brain basis of craving, addiction as a brain disorder, and how to better treat addiction in the future.
A new study from University of Limerick has found that loneliness and social isolation increase the risk of premature death for individuals with cardiovascular disease. The research, which examined data from around the world, highlights the importance of addressing these factors in the treatment of cardiovascular disease.
Research from Boston Medical Center reveals Black and Hispanic patients are more prone to developing high-impact chronic lower back pain compared to White patients. The study suggests experiences of discrimination and unmet social needs may contribute to these racial disparities.
A large study found that Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act leads to better survival outcomes for young adults aged 18-39 newly diagnosed with cancer. The research showed a significant increase in two-year survival among young adults of Hispanic ethnicity or non-Hispanic Black race.
A study published in Addiction journal found a significant decrease in codeine consumption across Australia after the country's most misused legal opioid was switched to a prescription-only medicine. The switch led to a 37% overall drop in codeine consumption, with smaller decreases observed in regional areas.
A new study by the University of Bath suggests that diving birds like penguins and puffins are more prone to extinction than non-diving birds. The research found that diving evolved independently 14 times and led to a loss of evolutionary diversity in these species.
Researchers studied asteroid Ryugu's surface composition using X-ray Absorption Near Edge Spectroscopy and electron microscopy. They found dehydrated serpentine minerals and a water-rich interior, suggesting space weathering plays a key role in asteroid evolution.
Researchers at the University of Bonn discovered that people with chronic epilepsy may have impaired dendritic integration, leading to less specific place cell firing and reduced ability to distinguish familiar from unfamiliar places. Administering a sodium ion channel inhibitor improved memory in animal models.
A study found that metformin use significantly reduces the risk of total knee and hip replacements in patients with type 2 diabetes. The researchers analyzed data from over 69,000 participants and discovered a significant association between metformin use and lower joint replacement rates.
A new study reveals that second-generation Indian American adolescents face discrimination as early as preschool, influencing their development of identities. The research found that these adolescents experience hate crimes, discriminatory comments from peers, and difficulties balancing their Indian identity with their desire to be see...
A study of 38,000 child homicides from 1999 to 2020 found declining rates in some groups, but recent increases across several subpopulations. The researchers emphasize the need for targeted strategies to address firearm violence and racial disparities.
Researchers have observed an exoplanet whose orbit is decaying around an aging star, providing the first look at a solar system this late in its life cycle. The doomed world, Kepler-1658b, has less than 3 million years left before colliding with its expanding star.