A study found that leptin stimulates liver fat export and lowers liver fat content in healthy men, suggesting a new approach for treating fatty liver disease. The findings imply that the brain plays a role in liver fat metabolism via the autonomic nervous system, opening up potential new treatment options.
A new study by Northwestern University researchers found that precipitation intensity has increased across the US, particularly in the East, South, and Midwest. The study analyzed historical precipitation data from two time periods (1951-1980 and 1991-2020) and discovered a systematic shift towards more intense rainfall events.
Scientists discovered a novel neural mechanism that accompanies unconsciousness, masking sensory inputs with spontaneous activity. The auditory cortex's response to sounds is indistinguishable from its own internal activity under anesthesia.
Researchers found that modulating the endocannabinoid system improved symptoms of Williams-Beuren syndrome, including hypersociability, cognitive deficit, and hypertension. The study used a mouse model and administered an experimental drug to increase endogenous levels of endocannabinoids.
Researchers created global temperature maps of Earth during the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum, a time period similar to our own future under climate change. The study found that the climate was more sensitive to carbon dioxide increases than previously thought, with sensitivity between 5.7 to 7.4 degrees Celsius per doubling.
Clinical psychologists need new ways to understand and confront the fear of losing control, which is an understudied construct. Adam Radomsky's research suggests that a deeper understanding of what leads to a client's choices can help therapists make better ones in the future.
Researchers from Rice University and European institutions developed a method to switch on and off topological states in a strongly correlated metal using magnetic fields. The strong electron interactions enable the material to be controlled, which could lead to new applications in sensor technology and electronics.
A recent study from Japan reveals that color patterns on fish influence their aggressive behavior and determine the color patterns of cohabitating fish. The study found that anemonefish with white bars on an orange or red background exhibit aggressive behavior towards other fish with similar color patterns.
Engineered duckweed produces up to 10% oil content, a 100-fold increase over wild-type plants, with synergistic effects seen when combining gene modifications. The oil-rich plant can be easily harvested for biofuels or bioproducts, reducing competition with food crops and environmental waste.
A nationwide Australian study found no link between early exposure to fluoridated water and altered emotional, behavioral development, or executive functioning in adolescence. The study used data from Australia's National Child Oral Health Study and followed children aged 5-10 years for 7-8 years.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have developed a new positive electrode material for all-solid-state sodium batteries, enabling high energy storage capacity and long lifespan. The Na2FeS2 material uses inexpensive elements and achieves high reversibility during charging and discharging.
A team of scientists has identified a key protein involved in regulating the second arrest in meiosis II, allowing the matured egg to await fertilization. Cyclin B3 keeps the availability of Emi2 below a critical threshold during the first maturation division, preventing premature arrest.
The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to make a recommendation about screening children under 7. Anxiety disorders are common in childhood and adolescence, associated with increased risk of future anxiety or depression. A 2018-2019 survey found 7.8% of children ages 3-17 had a current anxiety disorder
A team of scientists has directly visualized the rotary motion of a bacterial cell protein, resolving a long-standing structural symmetry mismatch. The study found that the coupling between the two motors is rigid, requiring additional pauses during rotation to resolve the mismatch.
Babies born during the pandemic were less likely to meet social communication developmental milestones, such as expressing a word or pointing, but more likely to crawl. Researchers suggest that lockdowns may have reduced language exposure and face-to-face interactions, leading to these delays.
A Rutgers study suggests that messages on safe firearm storage delivered by military law enforcement are more effective in persuading service members to adopt safe storage practices. The study found that participants responded positively to visual messages voiced by security forces, particularly with respect to using locking devices.
A study reveals that the Sigillaria brardii species, a fossil plant typical of peatlands, colonized new areas in the riverbeds of the Variscan mountains. The discovery expands knowledge about forest ecosystems in the late Carboniferous period and sheds light on the impact of global climate change on plant distribution.
Researchers found that higher levels of cell-free DNA in the blood are associated with increased cognitive decline and worsening frailty over an eight-year period. The study suggests that a simple blood test could detect risk of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of cognitive decline, potentially leading to early interventions.
A new study found that mobile stamens on flowers help reduce the time insects linger on flowers, decreasing nectar consumption while increasing pollen transport efficiency. This allows for more efficient pollination, ultimately benefiting plant reproductive success.
Researchers found that a substantial portion of adult B cells develop in the first days of life after birth, potentially influencing long-term immune health and susceptibility to disease. This discovery provides new insights into how microbial exposure and infections shape the human immune system.
A new report found that 90% of COVID-19 preprint data points remained unchanged after peer review, with only minor changes in estimates. This suggests that preprint studies can be reliable and trustworthy, especially for infectious-disease research.
Researchers identified 49 plant genes transferred to the silverleaf whitefly genome, including genes neutralizing toxins produced by plants as a defense mechanism. This discovery opens up new research opportunities for innovative pest control methods based on plant breeding, potentially reducing pesticide use.
A recent study led by Dr. Luis Cuello and Alain J. Labro found that a known Shaker channel mutation differs structurally from its human counterparts, with implications for drug development and ion transport mechanisms. The research reveals a unique conformation of the W434F mutant that is distinct from wild-type channels.
Researchers from Rutgers Cancer Institute have identified specific microorganisms associated with inflammation and poor survival in pancreatic tumors. These microbial signatures can be used as new targets for earlier diagnosis or treatment of the fourth leading cause of cancer death.
Researchers discovered that zinc can restore the functioning of proteins affected by mutations in the GNAO1 gene, leading to severe mental and motor disabilities. By reactivating hydrolysis, zinc enables neurons to communicate correctly with their environment.
Scientists explore the dynamics of soft materials like toothpaste and hair gel using X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy (XPCS). The technique reveals microscopic dynamics and helps understand properties like viscosity and elasticity. Insights gained can aid in designing consumer products, nanotechnologies, and drug delivery systems.
A team of researchers demonstrates a nonconscious cognitive system that enables humans to make intuitive judgments striking a balance between conflicting moral duties. The study's findings contradict an influential dual process model, proposing instead a system capable of making tradeoffs in an optimal way.
A study found that infant brains can reorganize language abilities to the right side of the brain after a stroke in the left hemisphere. Participants showed consistent pattern of language activation on the right hemisphere, regardless of damage extent.
Researchers at UT Austin developed a stable EEG electrode that can be worn for up to four weeks without maintenance, enabling long-term monitoring of brain activity. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize non-invasive brain-computer interfaces and improve treatment outcomes for stroke patients.
A recent study found that insect herbivores have caused more damage to plant matter from leaves in recent history than millions of years ago. The frequency of leaf damage by insects among forest plants in recent history is more than twice that of vegetation from the Pleistocene and Late Cretaceous periods.
A study in C. elegans suggests that disrupting meiosis in reproductive cells accelerates aging and triggers a decline in healthspan, similar to humans. The research highlights the importance of reproductive fitness for overall health, with potential applications for early detection and treatment of age-related diseases.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have developed a gene therapy that rapidly restores night vision in adults with LCA, a common form of congenital blindness. The treatment has been shown to improve rod-based visual functions and correct severe visual deficits in patients.
A study of 18 countries found that adults with good mental health reported more blue space experiences as children. This was associated with greater intrinsic value on natural settings and more frequent visits as adults, leading to better mental wellbeing.
A large-scale study of 47 primate species across three continents found that climate change and deforestation are driving these animals to spend more time on the ground. The study suggests that primates with certain traits, such as a generalized diet or living in larger groups, may be more likely to adapt to this new lifestyle.
A new study suggests that impaired autophagy may contribute to the development of post-partum depression in pregnant women. The researchers found lower levels of messenger RNA associated with autophagy in blood samples from women who went on to develop PPD.
A new study published in Nature on saliency heat maps in medical imaging reveals that these tools consistently underperform human radiologists in image assessment and identifying pathological lesions. The researchers caution that saliency-based heat maps should be further refined before being widely adopted in clinical AI models.
A Cleveland Clinic-led research team created a discovery tool outlining interactions between COVID-19 and host proteins, identifying potential host-targeting therapies. The study confirmed over 200 interactions and discovered new ones, highlighting promising approaches for treating COVID-19.
Research identifies Colorado River flow decline as main cause of Salton Sea's shrinking, leading to increased salt and chemical concentrations. The study highlights the need for a watershed-centric approach to mitigate the environmental risks and health impacts of the Salton Sea's decline.
A new study from the University of Kansas reveals that media coverage of Hurricane Harvey in 2017 perpetuated racial biases in image presentation, showing people of color as displaced migrants, women as damsels in distress, and white men as saviors. The study highlights how these representations reinforce cultural narratives and stereo...
Researchers found that drafting can increase power by about 6% and potentially save time for middle-of-the-pack runners. For elite runners like Eliud Kipchoge, drafting alone could shave off 3:42 to 5:29, while slower runners can achieve similar time savings.
A national survey of 1,733 US adults found nearly half reported misrepresenting or not adhering to COVID-19 public health measures, driven by a desire for normalcy and personal freedom. The study highlights the need for effective communication strategies to address these behaviors.
An international team of scientists developed a computer simulation to predict the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The model accurately forecasted the UK's GDP contraction and tracked relevant economic variables on both individual industries and the entire economy.
A study found that over a third (36%) of post-imaging pancreatic cancer cases were potentially avoidable, highlighting poor detection rates. Researchers analyzed patient records to develop an algorithm to categorize missed cases and identify the most likely explanation for why they were missed.
Researchers have developed a novel, non-invasive way to measure blood flow to the brains of newborn children at the bedside. This method uses real-time ultrasound color flow technique and 3D sampling to capture flow in a completely painless and safe manner.
Researchers at UCSF discovered a small molecule called ISRIB that can reverse the neural and cognitive effects of concussion in mice, weeks after an injury occurred. The drug blocks the integrated stress response, which became chronically activated in damaged neurons, restoring normal spine dynamics and cognitive function.
The article highlights the need for a unified approach to prevent and respond to pandemics by adopting a One Health strategy. This involves targeted preparedness, drug and vaccine research, and worldwide cooperation on surveillance and stopping disease spread.
A new star rating system, published in Nature Medicine, provides clear and easy-to-understand guidance on the strength of evidence for links between various risk factors and health outcomes. The analysis found that nearly two-thirds of risk-outcome pairs received only a one- or two-star rating, indicating weaker associations.
A study by Oregon State University found that dogs with owners who have high expectations and respond well to their behavior are more social, secure, and persistent problem solvers. The research suggests that understanding a dog's needs is crucial for raising secure and resilient dogs.
Researchers developed a new technique to measure geometric phases in thermal atoms, exploiting superradiance lattices. By analyzing energy spectra and anti-crossings, they reconstructed the Zak phase of energy bands.
Researchers at North Carolina State University developed a blueprint for incorporating ethical guidelines into AI decision-making programs. The new mathematical formula, based on the Agent, Deed, and Consequence (ADC) Model, considers intent, character, and consequences of actions to make more informed decisions.
A study modeling 1.2 million individuals found 6.2% experienced at least one Long COVID symptom cluster within three months of acute infection. Risk was higher in females and those requiring hospitalization for initial SARS-CoV-2 infection, especially ICU care.
Researchers compare fossilized leaves with modern plant material, finding marked increases in insect damage to plants; human activity, including climate change and urbanization, are suspected causes.
Researchers discovered that catnip and pea aphid use different enzymes to produce nepetalactone, a complex sex pheromone. The biosynthetic pathways of these two organisms share identical intermediates, but employ distinct catalytic mechanisms.
The American College of Physicians recommends increasing funding for health services and prioritizing health promotion in Indigenous communities. Community-driven public policy is also necessary to address historical trauma, social determinants of health, and inadequate access to healthcare services.
SkillFlix for Educators is a digital training platform designed to address trauma and adverse experiences in the classroom. The platform provides educators with communication skills and trauma-informed strategies to create healing-centered classrooms, leading to healthy behavior change.
Researchers developed a smart mouthguard that translates complex bite patterns into instructions to control devices such as computers, smartphones and wheelchairs. The device achieves 98% accuracy and has the potential to support individuals with limited dexterity or neurological disorders.
New research proposes that intense Andean volcanism around seven million years ago may have contributed to the Late Miocene Cooling Event, leading to the extinctions of ancient marine mammals. The study suggests that ash from ongoing volcanism could have poisoned the air or led to toxic algae blooms.
Researchers at UC Berkeley Haas School of Business found no evidence to support the theory of depressive realism, which suggests that depressed individuals are more realistic in their judgments. The study replicated a 1979 experiment and found that depressed participants overestimated their control, contradicting the original results.
Researchers found that high PERK activity correlates with poorer outcomes and lower anti-tumor immune cells in patients with melanoma. Inhibition of PERK promoted a type of cell death called paraptosis, which involved trafficking of immune cells to tumors and matured dendritic cells triggering anti-tumor T cell immunity.
A study by University of Missouri researchers found that storytelling can help college students make sense of the pandemic and reduce stress. The study involved first-year college students who used stories to express personal growth during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, reporting less stress and more confidence in their schoo...