Researchers found that Western women prefer men with facial scars for short-term relationships, but equally value both scarred and un-scarred faces for long-term relationships. Men perceive women with and without facial scars as equally attractive for both types of relationship.
A radical new software program developed by Tel Aviv University researchers has been adopted by top medical centers in America to fight hospital-borne infections. The system, which collects information from microbial lab cultures, sends real-time alerts and reminders to wards every day to identify potentially contagious patients.
Researchers have created a new therapy for preventing heart failure by developing a highly selective drug that blocks the production of aldosterone. The compounds were synthesized and tested in cell cultures and rat models, showing promising results.
A new study reveals that girls can excel in mathematics with proper nurturing, contrary to conventional wisdom. The study found that cultures valuing math education lead to a higher representation of female math whizzes in competitions like the International Mathematical Olympiad. In contrast, US culture discourages girls from pursuing...
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found a solution to the high cost of commercial media for 3D cell cultures using chicken egg whites. The process enables normal and cancer cells to be grown in three dimensions, allowing scientists to study cell signaling and tumor microenvironments.
The report identifies 11 cultural features that predict levels of violence, including militaristic readiness, glorification of fighters, and socialization of male children towards aggression. These findings highlight the need to alter beliefs about alcohol and respond to violence in a way that addresses the underlying cultural factors.
Researchers at the University of Glasgow found that cultural differences influence how people look at faces, with Westerners focusing on specific features like eyes and mouths, while Easterners focus on the nose or centre of the face. This study provides insight into why non-verbal communication between people from different cultures c...
A UBC study of Olympic athletes found that pride and shame are innate biological responses to success and failure, expressed universally across cultures. The researchers used cross-cultural data gathered at the 2004 Olympics to analyze non-verbal expressions and body language.
A new study from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health found that Western cultures tend to emphasize psychological symptoms of depression, while East-Asian cultures emphasize somatic or physical symptoms. The study also revealed a link between cultural differences in thinking styles and symptom reporting.
A new study reveals that individuals with an independent self-construal are more likely to misjudge distances, while those with an interdependent self-construal perform better when considering multiple factors. This difference affects spatial judgments and highlights the importance of cultural background in shaping our perceptions.
Researchers documented the arms race within viral and host genes, showing viruses shuffling DNA to evade RNA silencers. This study sheds light on constant warfare between viruses and microbes, with economic impacts on industries using microbe cultures.
Researchers discovered a drug combination that inhibits glycolysis and intensifies cellular starvation, resulting in over 90% cell death in human tissue cultures of acute lymphocytic leukemia. The novel approach offers a promising alternative to current treatments.
A new technique from Carnegie Mellon University speeds up critical steps in automated biological screening methods, improving accuracy and reducing time requirements. The method also enhances the efficiency of the belief propagation algorithm, applicable to fields beyond biology.
Research suggests that young people who dress according to their own ethnic group are less likely to have subsequent mental health problems than those who don't. Cultural identity expressed through clothing is found to be a healthier option for adolescents in multicultural societies.
A Russian-American research team has made significant discoveries about the origins of whaling culture in the Arctic region. The findings suggest that prehistoric cultures were hunting whales at least 3,000 years ago, with evidence found at the Un'en'en site on the Chukotka Peninsula.
Researchers conducted a study on Chinese and American parenting behaviors to understand cultural differences. They found that cultural biases can affect the analysis of behaviors, leading to inaccurate conclusions about parenting styles across cultures. The authors recommend using a combination of researchers from both cultures to mini...
Research reveals that Japanese participants are more influenced by background figures' emotions when judging a person's feelings, while North Americans focus on the individual's facial expression. This difference is attributed to cultural differences in attention patterns and social practices.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have designed a small molecule that activates the p53 protein to kill tumor cells without causing damage to normal cells. The new drug, MI-219, is highly effective in cell cultures and appears safe for use in animals.
Scientists at Washington University in St. Louis have created a more efficient method for producing butanol from lignocellulosic biomass, offering a promising solution to the world's energy needs. The new technique uses a mixed culture of microbes to convert plant biomass into butyrate, which is then converted into butanol.
Researchers discovered that people from different cultures use their brains differently to solve visual perceptual tasks. East Asians and Americans showed distinct patterns of brain activation when performing absolute and relative judgments.
Chimpanzees have been found to build 'cultures' through social learning, with different colonies adopting unique methods for food preparation and grooming. This discovery challenges the long-held assumption that culturally-learned behaviors are unique to humans.
A study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology found that 23% of neonates born between 23 and 32 weeks gestation have positive umbilical blood cultures for genital mycoplasmas, a frequent cause of congenital fetal infection. These infections are associated with increased risk of neonatal systemic inflammatory resp...
A new study reveals secretoneurin's neuroprotective role in a rat model of stroke. SN treatment improved survival of primary brain cell cultures and reduced cerebral tissue death in rats with ischemia-induced stroke.
Researchers found that Secretoneurin (SN) increases production in brain cells following ischemia, improving survival of primary brain cell cultures. In animal models, SN treatment reduced cerebral tissue death, improved motor performance, and enhanced brain function.
Researchers at Ohio State University have found that stress hormone norepinephrine promotes tumor cell growth and metastasis in certain types of blood cancer. The study suggests that blocking norepinephrine receptors may slow disease progression and improve treatment outcomes.
A study of British doctors and health professionals found they struggle with language barriers, cultural understanding, and uncertainty about how to care for patients from ethnic minority backgrounds. This uncertainty can lead to hesitancy and inertia in practice, contributing to inequalities in care.
A new study finds that high fructose and glucose intake can reduce SHBG protein levels, increasing testosterone and estrogen availability. This disruption is associated with acne, infertility, and cardiovascular disease risks.
Researchers in Norway analyzed TB cases between 1993 and 2005, finding little evidence of spread among native-born citizens. Instead, immigrants brought more strains, while native infections decreased, suggesting immigration does not significantly contribute to TB transmission.
Rice scientists have successfully grown hairy roots for 4-and-a-half years, a breakthrough that could lead to mass production of medicines like vincristine and vinblastine. The transgenic roots contain genes from both the host plant and bacteria, offering a stable alternative to traditional cell cultures.
Research at Temple University found that obese and overweight children from diverse ethnic backgrounds experience similar levels of body dissatisfaction. The study highlights the importance of addressing psychological consequences of childhood obesity beyond weight management.
Cold Spring Harbor Protocols features two new methods for neuroscience research: a step-by-step approach to prepare brain slices from rats or mice for growth in culture and how to properly assess courtship behavior in male fruit flies. These protocols allow researchers to examine the structure and function of neurons in their native en...
A new method has been developed to grow inner ear hair cells in the laboratory, providing a reliable source of cells for research. This breakthrough is expected to accelerate therapeutic advancements for millions of people worldwide affected by hearing and balance impairments.
A study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found that binge drinking is on the rise in Mediterranean countries, especially among younger adults. The prevalence of binge drinking was highest among men aged 18-24 years, and was more frequent among those with higher education levels.
Research finds that Staphylococcus aureus bacteria can contaminate hospital surfaces and patient hands through stool samples, increasing the risk of infections. The study also reveals a significant link between intestinal colonization and S. aureus skin presence in hospitalized patients.
Researchers identified 50 eyes with microbial keratitis on contact lenses, finding that 70% of lenses had organisms growing on them. Serratia marcescens was the most common organism found in both corneal scrapings and contact lenses.
A novel 3D cell culture model has been developed to study the selective uptake of nanoparticles in brain tumors. The model uses a combination of tumor aggregates and normal brain tissue slices, allowing researchers to investigate tumor cell invasion into brain tissue.
A new perspective on the origin of civilization is proposed in Science, suggesting many urban centers existed 5,000 years ago in an arc across Middle Asia. Archaeological findings indicate shared trade, iconography, and culture among civilizations.
Researchers have developed a biodegradable nanoparticle delivery system that uses magnetic forces to target specific cells in the body. The system has shown promise in reducing cell proliferation and delivering anti-growth genes to stents, which could help maintain blood flow.
A study at the University of Chicago found that Americans struggle to consider another person's point of view, whereas Chinese people are more adept at it. The researchers devised a game to test this ability and found that Chinese subjects quickly focused on the objects the director could see, while Americans took longer to figure it out.
Scientists have found a key weakness in the enzyme that helps bacteria swap genes for drug resistance, allowing them to block the spread of antibiotic-resistant microbes. Bisphosphonates, widely prescribed for bone loss, can annihilate antibiotic-resistant bacteria in laboratory cultures.
A study by Yoshi Iwasaki explores the role of enjoyable and expressive activities in promoting quality of life across cultures. The findings suggest that culturally-based leisure-like pursuits can enhance well-being, self-esteem, and resilience, particularly in less-privileged populations.
A recent study by researchers from the US, China, and Japan found consistent positive implicit self-esteem among university students from three countries. The study used the Implicit Association Test (IAT) to measure automatic attitudes towards oneself, revealing high levels of positive self-associations across cultures.
Researchers confirm captive chimpanzees can adopt and pass on complex behaviors, demonstrating a capacity for cultural variation similar to that observed in the wild. This finding supports the idea of common ancestry between humans and chimpanzees, highlighting their shared potential for cultural complexity.
A study reported in Current Biology shows that captive chimpanzees can acquire new traditions and spread them to other troops. This suggests a considerable capacity for cultural spread of innovations among chimpanzees, similar to what is seen in the wild.
Montana State University historians will investigate the technology, science, and pollution associated with two huge copper mines in Montana and Japan. The study aims to understand how different cultures dealt with these issues and explore moral dilemmas surrounding ecological reality.
A new study by the Mailman School of PH found that marital sex is a single greatest risk for HIV infection among women worldwide. The study highlights the need for prevention programs that make extramarital sex safer rather than trying to eradicate it.
Researchers are testing optimal conditions for microalgae growth in outdoor settings to optimize large-volume cultures for biofuel production. The warm Florida climate makes large-scale production a possibility, and the process has potential to remove carbon dioxide from the air.
The hospital has introduced more stringent admission screening methods for MRSA and VRE, detecting many more carriers before infection or spread. Weekly swab testing and bacterial growth cultures were effective in identifying patients with the germs, missing only 35% of those with MRSA.
A study by University of Alberta researchers found that cultural differences affect how people interpret facial cues, with Japanese focusing on eyes and Americans on mouth. The findings suggest that understanding culture is essential when interpreting facial expressions.
Researchers at UC Davis have developed a new method to reinforce soil by injecting bacterial cultures that convert loose sand into rock, offering a safer and more efficient alternative to traditional chemical treatments.
Children with Williams syndrome exhibit universal sociability, but cultural differences influence social behavior in the US and Japan. Their social phenotype is shaped by both genes and interactions with the environment.
Researchers found that tamoxifen resistance can be fully restored by using a compound called disulfide benzamide, or DIBA, which restores the estrogen receptor to its vulnerable state again. The study, conducted in cell cultures and mice, offers a promising approach for overcoming breast cancer drug resistance.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic isolated nanoparticles from human kidney stones in cell cultures, identifying proteins, RNA, and DNA linked to nanoparticles. The findings suggest that nanoparticles may play a role in the development of kidney stones.
Native languages influence how people group non-language sounds into rhythms, contradicting long-held beliefs. The study suggests exposure to certain patterns of speech can shape perceptions of musical rhythms.
Researchers found that people from preindustrial societies consistently classify colors into eight categories: red, green, yellow-or-orange, blue, purple, brown, pink, and grue. The study used data from the World Color Survey to analyze color names across 110 languages, revealing a universal framework for color perception.
Researchers have developed a new, simple, and rapid tuberculosis (TB) test called microscopic-observation drug-susceptibility (MODS). The test takes an average of seven days to complete and is more sensitive, faster, and cheaper than current culture-based tests.
Researchers propose using existing facilities to produce vaccines from cell cultures, which could make enough doses to cover the US in just 3-4 months. This approach would reduce downtime and capital investments required for new dedicated facilities.
A study found that TB patients underweight at diagnosis who gain less than 5% weight during the first two months of treatment have a significantly increased risk of disease relapse. This association holds even among those with abnormal chest x-rays and positive sputum cultures after 2 months of anti-tuberculosis treatment.
A cell biology study has identified distinct signaling pathways between neurokinin-1 receptors and substance P, which could be used to block HIV entry into macrophages. The findings also highlight the potential of a drug called aprepitant as an HIV treatment.
Researchers have grown three-dimensional breast cell cultures to reveal subtleties about stem cells that may explain why they spawn malignancies. The study's findings suggest that these stem cells could become targets for cancer treatment, leading to new therapies that wipe out cancer at its source.