Two- and three-year-old children distinguish between improbable and impossible events, demonstrating an understanding of possibility. They learn significantly better after experiencing impossible occurrences, which drives them to search for explanations.
Researchers at the University of Virginia have confirmed a key principle governing heat flow in thin metal films, paving the way for advancements in technology and more efficient devices. The study validated Matthiessen's rule in ultra-thin copper films, providing a blueprint to mitigate thermal bottlenecks.
Researchers from Kyushu University found that precisely replicating a patient's native alignment during knee replacement surgery is crucial for optimal recovery and a higher quality of life. Patients who underwent changes in knee alignment after surgery had significantly worse long-term outcomes.
Researchers used facial recognition technology to track actor screen time in over 2,300 films, confirming a shift towards greater diversity. The study found that individual film casts are becoming more diverse, with non-leading roles exhibiting more variety than leading ones.
New Cornell University-led research finds that combining two simple tools can improve people's ability to distinguish truth from falsehood, suggesting a combined approach could be more effective in combating election misinformation.
Researchers observed the breaking of carbon nanotube fibers due to molecular slippage, which reduces their strength. Electron irradiation enhances CNT bundles' strength by forming stronger bonds between molecules.
Researchers have found that Alzheimer's disease and alcohol use disorder are associated with similar gene expression changes in the brain, including inflammation and disrupted cell signaling. This study may inform future targeted treatments for Alzheimer's and highlight the importance of considering alcohol use as a risk factor.
A national-level survey of 1,226 Japanese physicians found that new overtime restrictions led to improved sleep duration, alertness, and reduced burnout. The study supports the use of standardized tests like the PVT-B to objectively assess alertness and mental health.
Researchers investigating widowhood effects on poverty, wealth, labor supply and income for secondary earners who receive Social Security survivor benefits following a spouse's death. The study explores how these outcomes vary by the primary earner's initial Social Security claiming age.
Researchers at Virginia Tech's Fralin Biomedical Research Institute found that restricting menthol cigarettes led to an increase in the purchase of nicotine replacement options. This shift is likely due to the fact that menthol flavors are perceived as more appealing, making alternative products a practical substitute.
A new study reveals that the Amazon rainforest is threatened by global warming and deforestation, which can trigger a domino effect on the entire system. The analysis of residual pollen and carbon residues suggests that the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) plays a crucial role in shaping the Amazon ecosystem.
Researchers at the University of Groningen have successfully produced liquid hydrogen using a novel magnetocaloric cooling method, which consumes less energy and eliminates greenhouse gas refrigerant use. The breakthrough material does not contain rare-earth metals, reducing environmental concerns.
Researchers found that specific enzymes in neurons mediate the toxicity of diets rich in palm oil, leading to mitochondrial damage and neurodegeneration. Inactivating these enzymes provides neuroprotection, suggesting a potential pathway for slowing diet-induced symptom severity in MS patients.
A recent study from the University of Surrey found that remote medical interpreting (RMI) can compromise the quality of communication in healthcare settings. Interpreters reported mixed experiences with technology during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the need for careful consideration of interpreting methods based on the nature o...
Researchers are using historical, qualitative, and statistical methods to investigate the needs of over 70 million people in the US who self-identify as having a disability. The study aims to measure specific dimensions of structural ableism and create ways to address its impact on healthcare disparities.
The TEDDY study aims to understand the causes of type 1 diabetes in children, finding a connection between enterovirus infection, autoantibodies, and disease development. Probiotics may also reduce risk in infants at high danger of developing diabetes-related antibodies.
A study of over 650,000 patients in Ontario found that nearly a third visited emergency departments in the months leading up to their cancer diagnosis. Most visits were related to symptoms specific to their type of cancer.
Scientists have engineered synthetic genes that can assemble into complex biomaterials like nanoscale tubes, using a modular approach similar to building furniture. This breakthrough enables the creation of distinct materials that can spontaneously develop from a finite set of parts by rewiring the timing of molecular instructions.
The Yixian Formation fossils in China are preserved due to rapid sedimentation and oxygen-free pockets, rather than volcanic events. The study's findings suggest that multiple periods of intense rainfall led to the burial of deceased creatures, preserving soft tissues.
A new NIH study found exposure to organophosphate esters (OPEs) during pregnancy may affect childhood obesity risk. Children exposed to higher levels of certain OPEs had a greater or lower risk of obesity compared to those with lower exposure.
New research from the University of Michigan shows that small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) are economically viable and can be deployed by 2050. SMRs have the potential to reduce US carbon dioxide emissions by up to 59 million metric tons annually, making them a low-cost option for meeting energy demands and emission goals.
Researchers developed a method to measure the brightness of two-photon stimuli using photometric units, enabling the quantification of perceived brightness. The study found that two-photon retinal illumination can reach almost 670 cd/m² in safe laser power ranges.
A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health suggests that the federal government may be paying for veteran healthcare twice due to high-veteran Medicare Advantage plans. The research found that nearly one in five veterans enrolled in these plans did not incur any Medicare services, highlighting concerns about inefficient s...
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes created a new mouse model to study Alzheimer's disease, transplanting human neurons into mouse brains. The study found that immune cells called microglia cause harmful inflammation and clumps of misfolded proteins when interacting with the APOE4 protein.
A low-dose CT scan can pick up on early-stage lung cancers, which can often be completely removed with surgery. However, less than a fifth of those eligible for the test are getting it, highlighting awareness and communication gaps.
Researchers have identified 22 pesticides consistently linked to prostate cancer incidence across US counties, including 2,4-D. Four pesticides are also associated with increased prostate cancer mortality rates.
A study found that around one-third of respondents expressed mistrust in COVID-19 vaccines, with individuals who lost loved ones being nearly four times more likely to trust the science. Higher trust levels were associated with male respondents, university degrees, and above-median incomes.
Researchers successfully fabricate subwavelength nanostructures on Au nanofilm using laser direct-writing system, achieving minimum linewidth of 83.6 nm and repeatable linewidth of approximately 167.8 nm. The mechanism involves melting of the Au nanofilm due to locally excited surface plasmon polaritons.
A new study by MUSC researchers reveals how cancer cells develop resistance to hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malarial drug repurposed for cancer therapy. The findings suggest that targeting specific metabolic and export pathways can prevent resistance, opening the door for novel combination therapies.
Three Ph.D. students and a postdoctoral researcher from Texas A&M are working on RTE projects to create new materials for future nuclear reactors. They are using the Texas A&M Accelerator Laboratory and Idaho National Laboratory to irradiate material, creating voids that can help understand swelling in nuclear reactors.
Researchers found that AI tools can link genetic variations with diseases like diabetes without considering the complexity of genetics. A new statistical method can reduce false positives, but proxy information studies also introduce misleading correlations, warns Qiongshi Lu.
A new study by the University of Exeter and Wageningen found that Asaia bacteria accelerate the development of mosquito larvae, potentially boosting mass-rearing schemes. This could lead to more effective global health programmes against diseases like dengue, yellow fever, and Zika.
A new study reveals how decadal-scale climate fluctuations impact tropical cyclone frequency in response to ENSO events. The FGOALS-g3 large ensemble model shows improved performance in capturing the ENSO-affected cyclone activity, highlighting the importance of accounting for decadal variability.
Researchers observe temperature of particles in kilonova light, detecting heavy elements and measuring microphysics in remote explosion. The study reveals details of atomic nuclei and electrons uniting in afterglow.
Dr. Megan Huisingh-Scheetz, a researcher at the University of Chicago, has received the AFAR Terrie Fox Wetle Rising Star Award for her groundbreaking work on frailty science and technology-based solutions to support older adults. Her research focuses on harnessing health services research to fuel frailty implementation and innovation.
Researchers have identified a new experimental drug that can bridge the gap between patients with wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and existing treatments. The drug, 32-134D, decreases levels of a key protein involved in AMD, leading to improved vision outcomes.
Researchers suggest that small cutbacks in higher-income countries could remove 125 billion tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, allowing forests to regrow and sequester more CO2. This approach would require cutting global cattle herds by less than half, while still maintaining livestock grazing on native grasslands.
A new study has identified 16 distinct types of nerve cells in humans, challenging the long-held assumption that each type of sensation is linked to a specific nerve cell. The research reveals complex interactions between these nerve cells and their functions.
Jeremy D. Walston, MD, of Johns Hopkins University has received the AFAR 2024 Irving S. Wright Award for his groundbreaking contributions to aging research, advancing geriatric medicine and inspiring research across diverse specialties.
A new study found that simple kitchen improvements can significantly reduce exposure to harmful pollutants, preventing over 67,000 premature deaths annually. Widespread implementation of ventilation systems could be an affordable solution to mitigate household air pollution in rural areas.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Dallas are using a 7-Tesla MRI machine to study brain structure, function, and cognition across time. The team aims to identify biomarkers for healthy or pathological aging, shedding light on individual differences in brain aging.
A cohort study found that hospital COVID-19 burden was associated with an increased risk of in-hospital adverse effects among patients with and without COVID-19. The results highlight the importance of hospitals having greater resilience and surge capacity to prevent declines in patient safety during surges in demand.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University are studying a new approach to treat multiple sclerosis, focusing on toxic astrocytes that contribute to nerve-cell damage. They aim to develop medicines that prevent the formation of these cells and promote brain repair.
Research reveals the structural features of beta cell primary cilia, including microtubule organization and interactions with neighboring cells. The findings suggest that primary cilia play a crucial role in signal transmission and networking of beta cells with other islet cells, potentially linking to type 2 diabetes pathogenesis.
Researchers document remarkable response to pembrolizumab in patient with metastatic adenosquamous pancreatic cancer (ASCP) and KRAS G12C mutation. The study highlights potential shift in treatment of ASCP, a rare form of pancreatic cancer traditionally underserved by current therapies.
Researchers analyzed data from 26 countries, revealing that Mondays have the highest suicide risk, while New Year's Day increases risk across all nations. Men are also more vulnerable to day-of-the-week and holiday-related variations in suicide risk.
Researchers successfully immortalized lip cells, enabling the development of clinically relevant lab-based models to test treatments for lip injuries and infections. The 3D cell model was tested with Candida albicans yeast, showing promising results for wound healing and infection studies.
Researchers developed a new AI model, BiomedGPT, to support various biomedical tasks. The model achieved 16 state-of-the-art results in 9 biomedical tasks and demonstrated robust predictive abilities.
The new center will advance multiple areas of active research on campus, including neurocognitive sciences and musculo-skeletal health. With support from across campus, UTA aims to improve research capabilities to enhance undergraduate and graduate educational opportunities.
High exam anxiety affects around 16% of UK students, impacting their full potential, according to Professor David Putwain. He advocates for 'temperature checks' and evidence-based psychological interventions to control negative thinking and recommends broad policy reforms.
Researchers develop a novel synthesis method for CdNCN-CdS heterostructures, enabling rapid electron transfer and minimizing carrier recombination. The optimized structure demonstrates exceptional hydrogen evolution efficiency, surpassing previously reported catalysts.
Research on optical neural networks (ONNs) has made significant progress, addressing challenges of low integration, stability, and portability. ONNs offer advantages over modern computing hardware, enabling strong computational support for societal development.
A research team developed a metal-organic framework (MOF) that suppresses charge recombination, enabling efficient overall water splitting. The MOF's dynamic structural twist prolongs the lifetime of excited-state electrons.
A new reinforcement learning-based enhanced sampling method, Adaptive Collective Variables Generator (Adaptive CVgen), has been developed to capture the dynamic evolution of microscopic systems. The method offers precise and localized views of system evolution, detecting minute local changes in protein folding and chemical reactions.
A team of scientists at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz has developed an electrocatalytic conversion technique that converts carbon dioxide into ethanol. The cobalt-copper tandem system achieves selective conversion with an 80% yield, opening up a sustainable method for chemical applications and food conservation.
A Johns Hopkins study found that adding digital feedback to traditional health counseling for parents improves healthy growth in young children. The study, which used text messages and a web-based dashboard, reduced obesity rates in the first two years of life.
A new study calls for the adoption of new research ethics policies to foster learning and discussion of ethical issues. The guidelines aim to shift from compliance-based ethics to promoting ethical norms and practices.
A digital health behavior intervention improved child weight-for-length trajectory and reduced childhood obesity at 24 months. The intervention was effective in a racially and ethnically diverse population, including groups at elevated risk for childhood obesity.
A recent study using single-cell RNA sequencing has identified a 'starter' subpopulation of tumor cells responsible for initiating metastasis in neuroblastoma. The research also uncovered a 150-gene signature associated with poor prognosis, which may inform future therapeutic strategies.
A new research has proposed a Byzantine-Resilient and Verifiable Aggregation for Differentially Private Federated Learning, addressing the limitations of existing protocols. The approach achieves privacy-preservation, byzantine-resilience and verifiability through three primary methods: DPFA, DPLoss, and DPVeri.