A new study led by Giulia Righi identified key factors that put young people with autism at high risk of seeking inpatient psychiatric care. Disrupted sleep and mood disorders were found to be significant predictors, while adaptive functioning had a slightly protective effect.
Researchers have developed ultralight ceramic nanofiber sponges that can maintain resilience after compressive strain up to 50% and withstand temperatures of up to 800 degrees Celsius. These sponges also show promise as insulating materials with flexibility and for water purification applications.
A new phenomenon in spintronics was discovered by altering capacitance by manipulating spins in the opposite way from normal magnetocapacitance. This inverse effect allows for more parameter space to design devices, potentially useful in magnetic sensors for computer hard drives and random access memory chips.
Researchers discovered that fish can modulate fin stiffness by applying a u-shaped curvature at the base of their fins, altering force generation on the water. This allows them to swim with varying speeds and maneuverability in different currents. The study's findings could inspire the design of more agile robotic swimmers.
A new study reveals that the main evolutionary force driving the shape of duck, goose, and other waterfowl beaks is their diet. The research, which analyzed the 3-D form of over 136 specimens of waterfowl, found a strong correlation between dietary preferences and beak shape.
A Brown University study finds that HIV patients persisting with treatment has increased by more than 50% since 2001, with median duration reaching 35.4 months in 2004-2006. Despite progress, significant disparities remain, with certain groups facing higher discontinuation rates.
A new study chronicles and categorizes challenging meditation experiences among Western Buddhists, revealing a broader range of effects than previously documented. The research identified seven types of experiences and 26 categories of influencing factors, which vary widely in duration and associated distress or impairment.
A team of researchers from Brown University has developed a new system called QUDE that adds real-time statistical safeguards to interactive data exploration systems to help reduce false discoveries. The system provides color-coded feedback on statistical significance, allowing users to avoid common mistakes in hypothesis testing.
Research by Brown University geologists reveals that ancient Mars impacts generated tornado-like wind vortices that scoured the surface, exposing blockier surfaces beneath. The winds, which reached speeds of up to 500 miles per hour, were responsible for creating bright streaks on the Martian surface.
The study found that personalized music playlists reduced the use of antipsychotic medications by 20.1% and antianxiety medications by 24.4%, while also reducing behavioral problems by 56.5%. These improvements were seen in nursing homes that implemented the MUSIC & MEMORY program, but not in similar homes that did not adopt the program.
A new study analyzing summer weather data in small to midsize population centers across the New England region shows that deaths and emergency department visits begin to rise significantly before the heat index hits triple digits. The study led by Brown University researchers finds a significant association between daily heat index and...
A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that imposing copays on Medicare home health care does not reduce its usage, despite increased out-of-pocket costs for seniors. The researchers analyzed data from over 290,000 seniors and found no significant difference in home care usage between plans with and without copays.
The Teaching Health Centers (THC) program, created under the Affordable Care Act, funds 700 primary care residents to serve in 28 states, helping 500,000 people living below poverty line, most with public insurance or none.
Researchers have made progress in understanding how genetic mutations cause spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a disease that cripples motor neuron function and leads to muscle weakness. A new discovery identifies the Gemin3 protein as a key player in the mechanism, and suggests targeting its receptors may be beneficial for treating SMA.
Researchers found that two species of triggerfish control pencil urchin populations, reducing their consumption of algae. This mid-level predator has a strong impact on the coastal ecosystems' vitality.
A multifaceted intervention lowered the relative risk of new suicide attempts by 20% in emergency department patients who received specialized screening, safety planning guidance, and periodic follow-up phone check-ins. Patients in the intervention group made 30% fewer total suicide attempts compared to those receiving standard ED care.
Brown University researchers aim to build a user-friendly system that continuously controls for statistical validity in interactive data exploration. They will tackle the 'multiple comparisons problem' and develop new theory on how to evaluate sequences of data queries, aiming to promote better data science.
Researchers have developed a mathematical modeling technique that can quantify details about molecular dynamics in cells. The technique was applied to study RNA localization in egg cells and provided new insights into the process.
Researchers at Brown University have identified genes with epigenetic tags associated with shorter sleep in young adults. The study used a combination of human and worm experiments to discover the connection, finding that knocking out analogous genes in worms affected sleep patterns.
The team created a nanocatalyst that can perform four separate chemical reactions in one container to produce compounds useful in making a wide range of pharmaceutical products. The new catalyst reduces waste and uses more environmentally friendly solvents.
A recent study found that a mindfulness course significantly helped women overcome negative affect, while its effects on men were negligible. The study, led by Brown University researchers, suggests that mindfulness may be more effective for women due to their tendency to ruminate and process emotions differently than men.
Researchers have published a detailed geological history for Northeast Syrtis Major, a region on Mars known for its striking mineral diversity. The study maps the extent of key mineral deposits across the surface and places them within the region's larger geological context. This work could help inform NASA's decision on potential land...
A new study using MaPSy technology identifies nearly 500 genetic mutations that cause errors in gene splicing, which can lead to diseases. The research also discovers patterns and predictions of problems, including vulnerabilities in genes and specific mutations that can be fixed.
Research by Mary Carskadon shows that teenagers need more sleep than they get due to conflicting societal expectations. Studies have found that as children age, their circadian rhythms shift later, making it harder for them to wake up early. This can lead to sleep disorders and decreased academic performance.
Researchers identified kappa opioid receptors as key players in stress-induced relapse to cocaine addiction. A new medicine, norBNI, was shown to reverse relapse even a day after stress occurred by restoring normal GABA signaling via the JNK pathway.
A new study projects that a culturally adapted cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program promoting alcohol abstinence among HIV-infected residents in Kenya could save $628,000 over five years. The program uses trained paraprofessionals with limited training to deliver the intervention, which boosts alcohol abstinence rates to 69 percent.
Pre-implantation genetic screening (PGS) has mixed results in predicting embryo success, with uncertain impact on IVF outcomes. The technology's limitations stem from complex biology and ideology, hindering the development of new technologies to improve infertility care.
A new study reveals that only 30% of men in a national survey reported having a balanced discussion with their doctor about the advantages and disadvantages of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing. This trend has become less likely since the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended against PSA testing in 2012.
New research from Brown University suggests that lunar volcano Ina is actually around 3.5 billion years old, not within the past 100 million years as previously thought. The feature's youthful appearance was attributed to its porous surface, created by magmatic foam, which hides regolith buildup and skews crater counts.
A new study describes the key mechanism in the brain that allows animals to recognize and react to subtle sensory signals. In a mouse model, detecting a faint screech or a tiny black speck can signal the presence of a hawk, highlighting the importance of multisensory integration.
The Hyde Amendment has expanded its policy reach over the past 40 years, affecting various government programs including Medicaid, Medicare, and federal prisons. A new bill, H.R. 7, could codify this restriction into law, making abortion more difficult for low-income women to access.
Researchers at Brown University created an algorithm that enables robots to ask for clarification when unsure about object requests. The system uses a combination of speech commands and human gestures to improve interpretation accuracy and efficiency.
Researchers analyzed data from thousands of online Halo and StarCraft matches to understand skill development patterns. They found that players who spaced out their activity and used consistent hotkeys habits improved most efficiently, while elite players warmed up with meaningless dummy commands to get into peak performance mode.
The revival of for-profit medical education has the potential to address the nation's physician shortage and offer more affordable tuition options. However, critics argue that these schools must demonstrate they can operate profitably while maintaining academic quality.
Constantine Gatsonis, a leading researcher on cancer screening studies, emphasizes the importance of rigorously produced evidence in health screenings. His work has shed light on the accuracy, cost-effectiveness, and impact of various screening methods, including digital mammography and tomosynthesis.
A Brown University team proposes a new framework to evaluate the implementation of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in clinical practice, identifying critical elements where patients may drop out of preventive care. The proposed nine-step process aims to improve access to PrEP and patient retention in care.
Scientists have confirmed novel theoretical work on Mott insulators, revealing a unique form of magnetism that arises when these materials are cooled below a critical temperature. This discovery helps to shed light on the complex interactions between electrons in these materials, which are crucial for developing new electronic devices.
A new study found that hemoglobin A1c readings are lower among individuals with sickle cell trait, suggesting a potential systemic underestimation of blood sugar control. This could lead to false sense of security for patients with diabetes.
A new Brown University study found that SNAP benefits increase a household's overall spending on food each month, with an equivalent cash benefit leading to much smaller increases in food spending. Households receiving $100 in SNAP benefits spend around $50 more on food each month.
New research at Brown University finds that a non-equilibrium phenomenon relies on entropy to emerge, surprising scientists who thought disorder would decrease as systems move away from equilibrium. The study's results have implications for our understanding of entropy and may lead to new practical applications.
Scientists have developed mini-brains that can grow blood vessels, enabling the study of neurological diseases such as stroke and concussion. The presence of vasculature makes these mini-brains more realistic models of natural brains, allowing researchers to investigate the interaction between the brain and its circulatory system.
A Brown University study finds that overlearning visual perception tasks strengthens learning and prevents interference, while a longer break between tasks allows for similar performance on both. The study suggests that a temporary shift in neurotransmitter balance is key to the effect of overlearning.
Researchers found that climate models underestimates high-elevation temperature changes, with errors of up to 40%, likely due to flawed water vapor content representation. This could lead to more extreme warming in fragile ecosystems like tropical glaciers.
A new study by Brown University researchers shows that the 100,000-year orbital cycle and the 21,000-year precession cycle work together to drive the glacial cycle. The team found that sea ice in the Southern Hemisphere plays a crucial role in modulating the effects of precession on global temperature, leading to an expansion of sea ic...
A new study finds that CMS and care providers lack predictive models needed to assess risks patients face after joint replacement. Hospital systems are apprehensive of getting penalized inadvertently because CJR's current payment model does not include a risk adjustment method.
Researchers found that the fluid-filled nature of muscle fibers plays a role in creating tension when stretching. The study used a model and experiments with real bullfrog muscle to demonstrate the mechanical properties of fluid in muscle fibers. This discovery argues for accounting for fluid in models of muscle mechanics.
A new study suggests that our speech is not just about speed, but also about conveying information efficiently. Researchers found that faster speech rates are associated with simpler word choices and syntax, while slower speech rates are linked to more complex words and structures. The study provides insights into how people craft thei...
A new lab technology in mouse studies could create embryos from sources like repurposed skin cells, offering potential benefits for infertility patients. However, it also raises concerns about ethics and the possibility of 'embryo farming' on a large scale.
A new study found that hospitals in Medicare Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) reduced readmissions faster than non-ACO hospitals, with ACO hospitals decreasing their rates by 14.9%, compared to a 13.1% decrease for non-ACO hospitals.
A new study found that Medicaid expansion is associated with increased insurance coverage and improvements in asthma treatment, BMI screening, pap testing, and blood pressure control. Care quality also improved on seven measures, including care for asthma, pap testing, and hypertension, particularly among Hispanics.