A recent study by Boston College and Michigan researchers found that checking credit scores can have unexpected consequences, particularly for consumers with declining credit score trends. These consumers are more likely to see their scores decline after checking, with a drop of up to 23 points.
Researchers found that societies without written languages could still be large and complex, but those with elaborate writing systems tended to have less shared power. Writing was often used to convey messages between high-status individuals rather than facilitating communication across vast distances.
Researchers argue that a lack of empathy for offenders' incidental harms can hinder criminal justice reform. The study suggests that efforts to reduce character-based judgments could lead to more effective rehabilitation, ultimately reducing recidivism rates.
Researchers used abstracted social ideas to tap into mathematical interplay between distance and cohesiveness in complex data, such as cultural values and regional differences. The study found distinct cultural groups with rich internal network structures, despite analytical challenges posed by cultural diversity.
Researchers found that deleting the PLA2G7 gene in mice partially mimics the anti-aging effects of caloric restriction. The study suggests that reducing PLA2G7 may lower inflammation and improve health span without reducing calorie intake.
Two studies provide insights into COVID-19 vaccination effects on dialysis patients. Vaccination shows a protective effect against severe forms of COVID-19, with both individual and herd immunity contributing to protection. Antibody response also plays a role in durable protection over time.
Research suggests a possible silver lining for great ape conservation: a decline in respiratory illnesses among wild mountain gorillas in Rwanda since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The reduced number of outbreaks correlates with decreased human-gorilla proximity and additional health measures.
Researchers discovered that inhibiting the breakdown of a neuroprotective molecule called 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) in astrocytes promotes recovery from traumatic brain injury. The study suggests that targeting this molecule could lead to the development of new therapies for TBI-induced disease.
A recent study published in PLOS Genetics found that genetic legacy from the last glaciation influences reindeer's migratory behavior. Caribou with more northern ancestry were more likely to migrate longer distances, highlighting an evolutionary adaptation to harsh tundra environments.
Researchers at Heidelberg University have identified a cellular mechanism that prevents protein breakdown in plants, allowing them to stabilize proteins and adapt to environmental conditions. This discovery may have implications for human cell biology and disease prevention.
Researchers discovered YAP1 is a master regulator of Nodal signaling in human embryonic stem cells, crucial for human development. The study found that YAP1 regulates the allocation of germ layers and dictates the production of Nodal protein, essential for gastrulation.
Researchers found that consumers respond better to AI agents when a product offer is worse than expected, but more favorably to human agents when an offer is better than expected. Designing AI agents to appear more humanlike can change consumer response.
A study from Washington University in St. Louis found that birds with bigger brains relative to their bodies reduced their body size by only about one-third compared to smaller-brained birds. This suggests that cognitive power may play a role in helping certain species adapt to climate change.
A new dietary tool can quickly and accurately assess micronutrient levels in oncology patients, helping to find better nutritional solutions for cancer treatment. Tested on 112 patients, the 21-item food frequency questionnaire can identify suboptimal micronutrient intakes in just 10 minutes.
Researchers have developed a method to achieve nature-inspired superwettability using femtosecond lasers. The technique enables the creation of hierarchical microstructures that promote water repellency on various materials, leading to applications in anti-liquids, self-cleaning, and other fields.
Researchers found targeted DOAC medications to be as effective as warfarin in preventing future clots and reducing the risk of brain bleeds. The study's real-world data suggests that DOACs have a lower risk of major bleeding compared to warfarin.
A recent study published in Vaccines found that the proportion of women reporting side-effects after Pfizer vaccinations is almost twice that of men. The highest frequencies of side-effects were reported after the second vaccination, with pain in the entire arm and weakness being notable examples.
A new study by Cornell University reveals that nearly a third of TV ads play to empty rooms, indicating a significant gap between ad exposure and actual viewer engagement. The research found that viewers are more likely to leave the room or change channels than stay engaged with ads.
The ALS Canada Research Program has awarded nine Discovery Grants to investigate critical areas of disease processes and clinical care. The grants will support fundamental laboratory research, biomarker studies, and clinical trials.
The annual conference will cover important themes such as decision-making in coronary revascularization, specific treatment of complex lesion subsets, and the use of adjunctive tools. CTO Plus 2022 will feature 12 live case transmissions performed by world-class faculty members.
A study by Henry Ford Health System found that one in four patients who developed acute kidney injury (AKI) die within a year, emphasizing the urgent need for improved treatments. The study analyzed data from over 1.6 million U.S. Veterans hospitalized between 2008 and 2017, providing valuable insights into AKI-associated mortality.
A new Dartmouth-led study found that antimony and other metals are associated with lower birthweight, while some metals show group- and sex-dependent associations. The research suggests that reducing exposure to these metals could help prevent harmful effects on fetal growth.
Researchers at Simon Fraser University have developed robots that can take a patient's blood pressure using only a simple touch, inspired by the folding mechanisms of leeches. The origami-inspired dry electrodes can be integrated onto humanoid-sensing robots to monitor blood pressure without traditional cuff-based digital sphygmomanome...
In a recent study, Dalla Torre and his team ran a collaborative mathematical game on different technologies to evaluate the systems' ability to demonstrate quantum mechanical properties. The Quantinuum System Model H1-1 outperformed classical results by returning correct answers 97% of the time.
Researchers created a new sample catalog of over 24 million stars to decipher the chemical history of the Milky Way Galaxy. The catalog provides detailed information on elemental abundances, distances, motions, and ages of individual stars, allowing for a better understanding of the galaxy's formation and evolution.
Researchers found three risk factors linked to adult spirometric restriction: maternal nutritional problems during pregnancy, low birth weight, and below normal childhood weight. Infants with poor nutrition have a higher risk of developing lung restriction and comorbidities as adults.
Scientists have developed a method to maintain human primordial germ cells in culture for at least five months, allowing for the study of their function and development. This breakthrough enables researchers to investigate how exposure to chemicals affects human reproduction and testicular cancer.
A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism has found that men with high levels of body fat are more likely to have lower bone density and an increased risk of fractures. The researchers analyzed data from over 10,800 people under 60 years old and found a strong positive association b...
Physicists have measured the oscillation frequency of Bs0 mesons with unprecedented accuracy, revealing that they oscillate between matter and antimatter three trillion times per second. This measurement agrees with quantum mechanics predictions and narrows search areas for particles undescribed by the Standard Model.
A new study from China suggests that tenecteplase, a bioengineered variant of alteplase, may increase the time for stroke treatment beyond 4.5 hours, potentially saving lives. The medication appears safe and potent in reestablishing blood flow through blocked brain vessels, but more research is needed to understand its effectiveness in...
Researchers at Lancaster University have identified a genetic change that impacts insulin signaling and glucose metabolism in the brain, which may lead to effective drug treatments for autism. The study found that individuals with a specific DNA deletion are more likely to develop neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism.
Researchers discovered a 150-million-year-old dinosaur with evidence of an avian-style respiratory infection, providing insight into ancient diseases. The study suggests that sauropod dinosaurs may have been susceptible to fungal infections similar to aspergillosis.
A new American Heart Association scientific statement highlights the need for caution when using marijuana due to its impact on brain health. Previous animal studies suggest that THC can disrupt memory, learning, and brain development, particularly in adolescence. The statement also raises concerns about the risks of cannabis use durin...
A study by the University of Queensland found that strong demand for tropical sea cucumbers as a delicacy is putting these species at risk of extinction. The research highlights the need for regulatory changes to protect the remaining populations and maintain healthy ocean ecosystems.
A University of Texas researcher used supercomputers to understand how CO₂ storage works at the level of micrometer-wide pores in rock, finding that wettability and injection rate are crucial factors. Her research aims to optimize CO₂ storage for a large-scale transition away from fossil fuels.
A study by UC Davis MIND Institute researchers found that autistic children have distinct amygdala changes, with larger volumes associated with traditional anxiety and smaller volumes linked to autism-distinct anxieties. The study used brain scans of 71 autistic and 55 non-autistic children between ages 2-12.
A new study finds that certain COVID-19 variants can escape the human immune system's cytotoxic T cell response in a significant portion of the population. The researchers identified 1,222 epitopes associated with major HLA subtypes, covering about 90% of the human population.
Researchers from University of Otago hope to identify Alzheimer's risk in middle age with a simple eye test. Thinner retinal nerve fibre layer and ganglion cell layer are linked to cognitive decline, suggesting optical scans could aid diagnosis.
A new wearable magnetic metamaterial helmet can create better brain scans by boosting MRI performance. It fits over a person's head during a brain scan, creating crisper images that can be captured at twice the normal speed.
The COVID-19 pandemic has boosted scientists' visibility on social media, but this also allows anti-science forces to exploit debates. A new report highlights the challenges of communicating science online, including echo chambers and limited data availability.
A study led by Yekaterina Chzhen at Trinity College Dublin found that poverty directly affects both children and parents, leading to economic pressure and psychological distress. This challenges mainstream theoretical models of poverty and calls for a more nuanced understanding of the impact of economic hardship on families.
Researchers analyzed a ceramic pot from Sicily and found eggs of whipworm parasites, confirming it was used as a chamber pot. The technique provides a crucial tool for identifying ancient pots with special purposes.
Researchers from Universidad Carlos III de Madrid developed an open-source development kit (PDK) to create solutions for businesses using personal data. The tool allows companies to exploit user data in a respectful way, promoting individual control over their data.
Researchers found that moderate calorie restrictions improved health by rejuvenating the thymus gland, which produces essential white blood cells. Participants who restricted calories showed less fat and greater functional volume in their thymus glands after two years.
Scientists from Tokyo Medical and Dental University have developed a protocol to transplant 3D cellular structures called organoids into the colon to repair damaged intestinal tissue. This approach shows promise as a quick, reproducible, and minimally invasive method for treating ulcerative colitis.
Researchers discovered abnormal bone growths in a 150-million-year-old diplodocid dinosaur, suggesting an avian-style respiratory infection. The infection likely caused symptoms like coughing, trouble breathing, and fever, potentially leading to the animal's death.
A UCLA study reveals that lions and leopards in Zambia's conservation areas are injured at rates much higher than previously thought. The research found that over 37% of the lions and 22% of the leopards had snare scars and tooth notches, indicating a significant problem with poaching.
Scientists created new material design principles by studying the complex structure of starfish skeletons. The unique lattice architecture offers mechanical protection, enabling high strength and flexibility while maintaining buoyancy regulation.
A University of Kansas study analyzed 451 news articles from major publications and found that media worldwide reported on the pandemic as a racial threat, often blaming China or Asia. The study highlights the importance of responsible language in media coverage to avoid perpetuating xenophobia and discrimination.
A large population-based study found that newborns of vaccinated women have similar outcomes as those of unvaccinated women. The observational design limits the interpretation of the findings, suggesting further research is needed.
Researchers developed a fully autonomous biohybrid fish from human stem-cell derived cardiac muscle cells that recreates the muscle contractions of a pumping heart. The device has two layers of muscle cells that work together to propel the fish for over 100 days.
The 2021 AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Awards ceremony will be held on February 18, with winners from India, Spain, Ethiopia, Zambia and Malawi. The global awards program recognizes journalists who cover important issues in science, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
Researchers at MIT have engineered a composite made mostly from cellulose nanocrystals, which is stronger and tougher than some types of bone, and harder than typical aluminum alloys. The material has a unique brick-and-mortar microstructure that resembles nacre, making it resistant to cracks and plastic deformation.
Researchers developed a new RNA editing technology that makes efficient use of native ADAR enzymes to correct disease-causing mutations in RNA. The technology holds promise as a gene therapy for treating genetic diseases like Hurler syndrome and cystic fibrosis, with promising results in mouse models.
Researchers created a biohybrid fish using human cardiac cells, outperforming previous systems in terms of speed and activity duration. The findings highlight the potential of mechanoelectrical signaling in promoting muscle maturation and homeostatic regulation.
University of Illinois researchers found a key gene responsible for increasing soybean protein content by approximately 2%. The discovery could lead to significant increases in protein production, addressing global food security issues. However, the gene's function is unclear and may involve the plant's circadian machinery.
Researchers found that archerfish can recognize unfamiliar insects as animals based on six essential features. The fish use these features, including shape and texture, to distinguish between animals and plants, similar to human face recognition strategies.
A new study suggests that writing systems are a crucial bottleneck preventing social groups from solving problems efficiently. The Seshat dataset reveals a 'scale threshold' where societies must reach a certain size before developing writing systems, which enables almost unlimited growth.
Researchers at Niigata University have successfully observed the formation of an oxygen-oxygen bond in a low-valent Ru(III) complex. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more efficient water oxidation catalysts, crucial for artificial photosynthesis and sustainable energy systems.
Researchers have identified a specific location in the hippocampus called the dentate gyrus where schizophrenia may originate. Studying rats with damaged SAP97, they found changes in activity in this region, directly linking alterations to the development of schizophrenia.