Articles tagged with Human Development
A genetic variant of a brain receptor increases the stimulating effects of early alcohol exposure and boosts alcohol consumption. Monkeys with this gene showed enhanced pleasurable effects from alcohol, consuming more and becoming intoxicated more frequently than others.
Researchers at UT-Houston's Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine have developed a new procedure to differentiate human embryonic stem cells into alveolar epithelial type II cells, also known as the 'stem cells of the lungs'. These cells can potentially be used to treat pulmonary genetic diseases and lung trauma.
A group of 10 scientists will help increase public awareness and understanding of environmental health science. They will assist in identifying important new research findings about environment and health, and translate them into accessible articles for working reporters and the broader public.
The Worldmapper project creates cartograms that rescale the size of territories according to various values like public health spending, malaria cases, HIV prevalence, and number of physicians. These interactive maps foster new perspectives on global health inequalities, emphasizing the need for action.
Researchers discovered that Rb is required for the maintenance of trophoblast stem cell population, which is critical for forming the placenta. Specific loss of Rb in trophoblast stem cells leads to overexpansion of trophoblast cells and aberrant placental formation.
The study found that exceptional mathematical ability is not homogenous but diverse, impacting future career choices and success. Commitment, learning environments, and personal attributes play a crucial role in developing scientific expertise.
Phylonix Pharmaceuticals received a $500,000 NSF Phase II SBIR grant to evaluate the toxic effects of industrial chemicals on human organ development in zebrafish. Preliminary data show a correlation between zebrafish results and mammalian findings.
Scientists studying Neanderthal teeth using X-rays from the ESRF found that their dental development is very similar to modern humans. The research team discovered complex folding of the enamel dentine junction, which suggests a deep embryological origin and may have been functionally significant.
A multicenter study found that measuring fetal oxygen levels does not affect the rate of Caesarean section or the health of newborn babies. Researchers tested whether knowing fetal blood-oxygen levels made a difference in the rate of Caesarean section or condition of the newborn infant.
A University of Illinois study found that parents' conversational styles contribute to their children's secure attachment, sense of self-worth, and eventual social competence. Elaborative conversations, characterized by rich detail and background information, foster memory development and promote a sense of shared history with the parent.
A nearly intact 3.3 million year-old juvenile Australopithecus afarensis skeleton has been discovered, providing insights into the growth and development cycle of the species. The skeleton's unique blend of ape-like features and adaptations for bipedal locomotion will help researchers better understand human evolution.
The study reveals that 1- and 3-year-old children, as well as great apes, prefer a place-based strategy to remember hidden items, while humans reassess this preference with age. This suggests that some evolved cognitive strategies are masked early on in human development.
Researchers found that human infants and all great apes exhibit identical preferences for remembering where things are hidden. However, this preference shifts in 3-year-old human children, indicating a uniquely human developmental trajectory. The study provides insight into the evolution of human cognitive abilities and tendencies.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have developed a topical treatment against human papilloma virus (HPV) that could potentially prevent cervical cancer. The treatment uses a protease inhibitor already licensed for oral administration, which can selectively kill HPV-infected cells when applied directly to the cervix.
Brandeis researchers discovered that cortical inhibition plays a key role in experience-dependent plasticity, with inhibitory networks within the cortex being highly plastic. This finding challenges traditional views on brain development and highlights the importance of targeting inhibitory networks for optimal cognitive growth.
A new study suggests that constant lighting in NICUs can disrupt the development of premature babies' biological clocks. Researchers found that newborn mice exposed to constant light were unable to maintain coherent rhythms and had difficulty establishing a regular activity cycle.
Researchers found that genetic instructions for constructing and positioning human limbs originated from ancient fish ancestors around 100 million years ago. They isolated genes from the spotted catshark and discovered a shared developmental mechanism between median fin development and limb formation.
Researchers have designed a new type of luminescent sensor that selectively detects zinc in biomedical imaging. The sensor uses europium and can be applied to scanning techniques such as MRI and luminescence imaging, offering potential for improved imaging depth and non-toxic applications.
A new study published in Brain and Language confirmed that men and women use distinct brain areas when processing language and visuospatial information. Females showed more bilateral activation in the inferior frontal gyrus for language tasks, while males demonstrated more bilateral activation in the parietal lobe for visuospatial tasks.
A study of 2,712 students found that age affects homework effort, with younger students reporting more effort. Motivation and interest in math are key predictors of homework behavior, while the time spent on homework is nearly uncorrelated with effort.
A multicenter trial of thousands of women found that physicians' judgment plays a crucial role in determining the speed of emergency Cesarean deliveries. The study showed no significant difference in complications between those performed within and outside the 30-minute time limit.
Researchers discovered a novel gene linked to juvenile spinal muscular atrophy with rigidity and dyskinesia (JSRD), characterized by cerebellar defects, poor balance, and mental retardation. The CEP290 gene may control cell division in the cerebellum during human development.
Researchers successfully mapped the regulatory circuitry of human embryonic stem cells using microarray technology. The study reveals that Polycomb group proteins play a crucial role in repressing genes essential for later development, leading to uncontrolled growth when these genes are lost.
Researchers found that Polycomb proteins repress developmental genes, while bivalent domains mark key genes with both repressive and activating characteristics. This helps explain embryonic stem cell stability and differentiation potential.
A recent study published in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence found that body image plays a significant role in shaping sexual risks taken by men and women. The research suggests that young women with positive body images are less likely to engage in risky behaviors, while young men with positive body images may actually be more lik...
A Washington University partnership created a data analysis course for urban high school students, raising cognitive demand and improving math and science test scores. The pilot study found that quizzes were not a harmful activity and may be an effective teaching tool.
Researchers suggest that modern human expansion in South Asia was a complex process, with evidence indicating diversity of behavioral responses and competition driving the demise of indigenous archaic hominids. The study challenges the idea of a sudden 'revolution' in modern human behavior 50,000 years ago.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have successfully grown human stem cells in a lab setting that mirrors the natural developmental process of blood cells. The study provides unprecedented insight into how stem cells specialize into blood cells, shedding light on the mechanisms behind leukemia and lymphoma.
Gene targeting allows scientists to alter specific genes in cultured cells and transfer them to laboratory mice, enabling the study of human diseases. The technique has revolutionized biomedical research and is now practiced by thousands of scientists worldwide.
A study of 135 reports found that schistosomiasis is significantly linked to anaemia, diarrhoea, chronic pain, fatigue, exercise intolerance, and malnutrition. The resulting disability was substantially higher than current World Health Organisation estimates.
Researchers used brain imaging to map abnormalities in living patients with Williams syndrome, showing exceptional language skills. The findings shed light on the genetic control of human cortex development and help predict the syndrome's progression.
The 2005 Wistar Institute Science Journalism Award was awarded to Hall for his novel exploration of human life conceived with artificial reproductive assistance. The award recognizes intelligent and perceptive journalism that communicates progress in biomedicine to the public.
A new study ranks top nanotech applications to aid poor, with energy storage and agriculture leading the list. The study's authors believe these technologies can contribute to UN Millennium Development Goals and improve living standards in developing countries.
Researchers found that a single gene, glypican-3, plays a significant role in regulating body size in mice. The gene is already known to be associated with a rare human growth disorder, and its expression level correlates with size variation in both humans and mice.
Scientists have identified over 20,000 uniquely 'fetch-limited barrier islands' along coastlines worldwide. These islands differ from classic ocean-fronting barriers in their wind- and wave-shielded settings and tend to be smaller with average lengths ranging from 1 kilometer.
Virginia Tech professors Fred Piercy and Margaret Keeling will provide mental health training in Indonesia to help therapists work with families and children. The training aims to promote culturally sensitive interventions and community support, taking into account the importance of cultural and religious rituals in Indonesian society.
A study of extremely low birth weight infants found that 65% developed at least one infection during hospitalization, leading to developmental delays or impairments in 47%. Infants with meningitis were more likely to have neurological impairments.
Researchers found that infants can detect motion in partially occluded objects, but struggle to form coherent object representations. The study suggests that visual observation plays a key role in infants' learning and cognitive development.
Researchers have developed blood cells without animal serum, paving the way for potential human applications. The new method uses specific growth factors to guide cell differentiation, avoiding contamination risks associated with animal serum.
Researchers found that 10-year-old free time activities predicted sex-typed characteristics in early adolescence, but exceptions existed for boys. For girls, sports positively predicted math interests, while time with mothers boosted language arts grades.
Researchers found that infants as young as five months detect subtle differences in object fit and space description between Korean and English languages. This suggests that humans have pre-existing concepts before acquiring language, which may influence the way we categorize objects and events.
Researchers developed a new technique to test hundreds of different biomaterials at once, improving the growth and differentiation of human embryonic stem cells. This breakthrough allows for more efficient screening of materials and could lead to breakthroughs in tissue engineering and synthetic skin production.
Researchers discovered a genetic mutation that interferes with heart muscle contraction, leading to defective heart valve formation. This study suggests that temporary glitches in early heartbeat may cause valve defects, potentially leading to new treatments for congenital heart defects.
Researchers discovered a new gene, GPR56, responsible for bilateral frontoparietal polymicrogyria, a genetic disorder affecting brain development. The study suggests GPR56 may have played a key role in the evolution of the frontal lobes and human cognitive function.
Research reveals that same-sex couples who are happier in their relationships plan more for retirement. Lesbians tend to make financial plans with their partners, while gay men plan individually. This highlights the need for improved financial planning resources for LGBTQ+ individuals.
A University of Illinois study highlights the growing tension between farmers and newcomers to rural areas like Elburn, Kane County. Farmers see farmland as a means of livelihood and family heritage, while newcomers view it as public amenity. This clash is leading to erosion of community trust and decline in farming practices.
A University of Wisconsin-Madison team has developed a stem cell model that mimics placenta formation during the earliest stages of human development, offering new insights into pregnancy and fetal health. The research could lead to better understanding of diseases like preeclampsia, which affects millions of women and infants worldwide.
A new form of coronavirus was genetically altered to resemble parts of the SARS virus, then injected into rhesus macaques. The results showed strong immune responses against SARS in all immunized animals, suggesting a potential protective vaccine.
A recent study found that nearly two-thirds of US elderly have unmet needs for help with daily activities, whereas in Sweden, less than four percent experience such gaps. The US healthcare policy has been criticized for directing few resources towards community-based services.
The Lancet report emphasizes the need for WHO to prioritize health as a human right in the 21st century. Creating primary health-care services and upgrading national disease surveillance systems are crucial measures to ensure global security.
Research suggests that exposure to constant white noise delays auditory organization in the brain of rats, which may have implications for human language development. The study found that the brains of noise-exposed rats took longer to develop and mature than those raised in normal conditions.
A Penn State study found that larger restaurant portions increase calorie intake, regardless of whether consumers eat all or most of the food. In a related two-day study, participants who received more food consumed more calories, even if they had eaten less the previous day.
Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center found that chromosomal problems exist within each individual cell, leading to developmental abnormalities. The study suggests that current techniques used for reproductive cloning do not work in nonhuman primates.
Penn State researchers found that wives with higher testosterone levels were more adaptive social support providers, while husbands with lower testosterone levels were more positive and less negative during discussions. Lower combined testosterone levels led to better social support givers and improved conflict resolution skills.
Roscoe's research on New Guinea tribes suggests that revenge-driven wars are fueled by humans' unique ability to model actions and manipulate emotional states. This allows for the de-humanization of enemies, making it easier to justify violence.
A study by Purdue University scientists found that dogs on fatty diets exhibited reduced growth, bone formation, and immune function. The research suggests that oxidized fats in the diet can contribute to aging and disease development in humans, particularly children during critical stages of growth.
Two new genes, Abcg5 and Abcg8, play a critical role in cholesterol secretion into the bile, essential for maintaining cholesterol homeostasis. Disrupting these genes can lead to increased plasma levels of cholesterol and plant sterols, associated with premature heart disease.
A study published in the journal Appetite found that energy density labels do not lead to increased food intake among normal-weight women. The research suggests that people take the same portion sizes regardless of calorie content, making it easier for manufacturers and restaurants to create healthier products.
A five-year project will study the effects of rural life on children's development, focusing on competence, family factors, and community characteristics. The study will follow over 1,400 subjects from selected rural counties in North Carolina and Pennsylvania.
A new study reveals that plant extinction rates are significantly higher than previously thought, with California playing a significant role. The researchers used data on native plant species in California to find that contiguous human development can lead to the loss of entire species.