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Top stories featured on ScienceDaily's Health & Medicine, Mind & Brain, and Living Well sections.
How home food availability affects young children's nutrient intake
Early childhood is an important time for learning about nutrition and establishing healthy eating behaviors. Young children rely on parents to provide food options, and the availability of food in the home affects their dietary choices. A new study looks at changes in home food availability and nutrient intake for children from 2 to 4 years old.
Information overload is a personal and societal danger
We are all aware of the dangers of pollution to our air, water, and earth. In a recently published letter, scientists are advocating for the recognition and mitigation of another type of environmental pollution that poses equivalent personal and societal dangers: information overload.
Protein discovery sparks treatment hope for aggressive cancer
Researchers have shown that targeting a gene regulated by two cancer-fuelling proteins can kill cancerous cells and halt their growth in laboratory models of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
Dolphin-kick swimming maximizes water-flow utilization with increasing speed
Researchers investigated the propulsion mechanism by visualizing water flow around a swimmer during underwater dolphin-kick swimming in a water channel via particle image velocimetry. Their findings revealed that swimmers can utilize water flow and vortexes more effectively as their speed increases.
Small amounts of licorice raise blood pressure, study finds
It is known that large amounts of licorice cause high blood pressure. A new study now shows that even small amounts of licorice raise blood pressure. The individuals who react most strongly also show signs of strain on the heart.
Blast-related concussions linked to higher Alzheimer's risk
U.S. veterans of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq who suffered mild traumatic brain injury from exposure to explosive blasts were found to have changes in cerebrospinal fluid proteins that are typically seen in people who develop Alzheimer's disease, according to researchers.
Lives could be saved from tropical disease with new rapid test
A new test diagnoses patients with melioidosis within hours, rather than days, meaning they can receive the correct antibiotics faster.
'Junk DNA' no more: New method to identify cancers from repeat elements of genetic code
Repeats of DNA sequences, often referred to as 'junk DNA' or 'dark matter,' that are found in chromosomes and could contribute to cancer or other diseases have been challenging to identify and characterize. Now, researchers have developed a novel approach that uses machine learning to identify these elements in cancerous tissue, as well as in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) -- fragments that are shed from tumors and float in the bloodstream. This new method could provide a noninvasive means of detecting ca...
Tryptophan in diet, gut bacteria protect against E. coli infection
Gut bacteria and a diet rich in the amino acid tryptophan can play a protective role against pathogenic E. coli, which can cause severe stomach upset, cramps, fever, intestinal bleeding and renal failure.
Interactions with dogs can increase brainwaves associated with stress relief and heightened concentration
Spending quality time with dogs reduces stress and increases the power of brain waves associated with relaxation and concentration, according to a new study.
Innovative approaches for addressing difficult topics in K-12 schools
Three peer-reviewed journals have recently published research papers by Penn State's Hammel Family Human Rights Initiative. The papers illustrate how the initiative's programs help K-12 educators address difficult issues such as racism.
Good news: The US maternal death rate is stable, not sky rocketing, as reported
A new study challenges the prevailing view on the maternal death rate in the United States. The findings show that the rates of maternal death were stable between 1999-2002 and 2018-2021, instead of the dramatic upward trends previously reported. Additionally, the study indicates that direct obstetric causes of death declined over the last 20 years.
Hope for treating sleep disorders, no pills required
Are sleeping pills the only solution for insomnia? Not according to a researcher who says that using self-guided digital behavioral therapy is an alternative solution that should be considered.
Genetic condition haemochromatosis linked to higher levels of disease in older people
A largescale new study has found that some people whose genetics are linked to the common iron overload condition haemochromatosis have substantially greater levels of liver, musculoskeletal and brain disease than previously reported, especially at older ages.
Multiple air pollutants linked to asthma symptoms in children
Exposure to several combinations of toxic atmospheric pollutants may be triggering asthma symptoms among children, a recent analysis suggests. The study showed that 25 different combinations of air pollutants were associated with asthma symptoms among 269 elementary school children diagnosed with asthma.
Recreational activities such as golfing, gardening may be associated with increased ALS risk among men
Participation in recreational activities -- including golfing, gardening or yard work, woodworking and hunting -- may be associated with an increase in a person's risk for developing ALS. Researchers found that golf was associated with three times greater risk for developing ALS among men. Participation in gardening or yard work, as well as woodworking and hunting, was also linked with a heightened risk for men.
Study tracks shifts in student mental health during college
Dartmouth researchers tracked more than 200 undergraduates for all four years of college to capture the most in-depth data yet on how students' self-esteem and mental health fluctuates during their years in academia. The researchers identify key populations and stressors they say administrators could target to improve student well-being. The study -- conducted from 2017 to 2022 -- also provides among the first real-time accounts of how the coronavirus pandemic affected students and resulted in lo...
RNA-based therapy shows promise against aggressive childhood brain tumors in mice
Targeting a non-encoding stretch of RNA may help shrink tumors caused by an aggressive type of brain cancer in children, according to new research in mice.
Milk to the rescue for diabetics? Cow produces human insulin in milk
An unassuming brown bovine from the south of Brazil has made history as the first transgenic cow capable of producing human insulin in her milk. The advancement could herald a new era in insulin production, one day eliminating drug scarcity and high costs for people living with diabetes.
First recognition of self in the mirror is spurred by touch
Most babies begin recognizing themselves in mirrors when they are about a-year-and-a-half old. This kind of self-recognition is an important developmental milestone, and now scientists have discovered a key driver for it: experiences of touch.
New study quantifies health impacts from oil and gas flaring in U.S.
A new study finds that pollution from oil and gas venting and flaring results in $7.4 billion in health damages, more than 700 premature deaths, and 73,000 asthma exacerbations among children annually. Researchers also conclude that emissions are underreported and controlling emissions is not only profitable for operators, but also can significantly improve public health in surrounding communities.
Scientists find weak points on Epstein-Barr virus
Studies of interactions between two lab-generated monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and an essential Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) protein have uncovered targets that could be exploited in designing treatments and vaccines for this extremely common virus.
Researchers identify distinct sleep types and their impact on long-term health
Poor sleep habits are strongly associated with long-term chronic health conditions, according to decades of research. To better understand this relationship, a team identified four distinct patterns that characterize how most people sleep. These patterns are also predictive of long-term health, the researchers said.
A sprayable gel could make minimally invasive surgeries simpler and safer
The new GastroShield gel can be sprayed through an endoscope after polyps are removed during colonoscopy, protecting the gut and helping prevent complications from weakened gastrointestinal tissues.
Vehicle brakes produce charged particles that may harm public health
Scientists know relatively little about particles released into the air when a vehicle driver brakes, though evidence suggests those particles may be more harmful to health than particles exiting the tailpipe.
Vaccine monitoring crucial as SARS-CoV-2 variants continue to evolve
Researchers have highlighted the importance of continued surveillance of emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants and vaccine performance as the virus continues to evolve.
How a natural compound from sea squirts combats cancer
Trabectedin, a promising drug derived from the sea squirt Ecteinascidia turbinata, has shown potential in combating cancers resistant to conventional treatments. However, its precise mechanism of action has remained elusive -- until now.
Guessing game: Response may bias understanding of future scenarios
Does previous experience bias a person in future estimations? Yes, researchers report, but only if the person engages their higher processing powers by responding, as opposed to simply observing.
Air filters and scheduled window opening can reduce classroom pollution by up to 36%
To improve air quality in classrooms, schools should use air purifiers during the school day and open the windows after hours. That's according to a new study.
The surprising effect of presence hallucinations on social perception
Neuroscientists have devised a way to alter our social perception and monitor specific types of hallucinations, both in healthy individuals and patients with Parkinson's disease. The test, which is also available online, provides the medical community with a tool to monitor hallucination susceptibility.
Scientists develop a rapid gene-editing screen to find effects of cancer mutations
Researchers found a way to screen cancer-linked gene mutations much more easily and quickly than existing approaches, using a variant of CRISPR genome-editing known as prime editing.
When a team is less than the sum of its parts: Tensions between individual and team wellbeing
Individual wellbeing doesn't always add up to team wellbeing -- but reflection and open communication can help.
Study provides new insights into deadly acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
Researchers may have discovered a mechanical explanation for instability observed in the lungs in cases of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), particularly in the aftermath of respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19 or pneumonia.
Climate policies to reduce motor vehicle emissions can improve children's health, save money
A new study finds that policies to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from motor vehicles combined with investments in electric vehicles and public transportation would reduce air pollution and bring large benefits to children's health. They would also save money.
Researchers expand our understanding of how the body and brain communicate
Researchers investigating how exactly the brain processes the incoming stream of information from the heart and lungs, discovered that specific neurons in the thalamus are actively involved in processing cardiac and respiratory signals.
Delta-8-THC use reported by 11% of 12th graders in 2023
Approximately 11% of 12th-grade students across the United States reported past-year use of delta-8- tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8-THC, or delta-8 for short), according to an analysis of data from the 2023 Monitoring the Future survey. Delta-8 is a psychoactive substance that is typically derived from hemp, a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant. Delta-8 has intoxicating effects similar to delta-9-THC (delta-9), the primary THC component responsible for the 'high' people may experience from using...
Maternal obesity may promote liver cancer
Obesity, which could reach 50% of the population in certain developed countries by 2030, is a major public health concern. It not only affects the health of those who suffer from it, but could also have serious consequences for their offspring. Scientists have studied the impact of maternal obesity on the risk of developing liver disease and liver cancer. Using an animal model, the team discovered that this risk was indeed much higher in the offspring of mothers suffering from obesity.
Sting operation out of gas
Cells possess an innate immune system that defends against invasive pathogens. Previous studies have mapped out the cytoplasmic cGAS-STING pathway in the cytoplasm, known for responding to foreign nucleic acids. The Fusion Visualization system 2 cell line was developed to visualize cellular nuclei with chromosome fusion and resulting micronuclei. Using FuVis2, researchers examined whether micronuclei influence the cGAS-STING response in live cells.
Mathematicians use AI to identify emerging COVID-19 variants
Scientists have developed an AI framework that can identify and track new and concerning COVID-19 variants and could help with other infections in the future.
New research sets trap for potentially deadly sandfly
Scientists have discovered the specific enzyme that a species of sandfly uses to produce a pheromone attractant, which could lead to the creation of targeted traps to control them and reduce the spread of the potentially fatal disease, Leishmaniasis.
A new sensor detects harmful 'forever chemicals' in drinking water
A new sensor can detect 'forever chemicals' known as PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in drinking water. PFAS are found in many consumer products and are linked to cancer and other health problems.
GPS nanoparticle platform precisely delivers therapeutic payload to cancer cells
A newly developed 'GPS nanoparticle' injected intravenously can home in on cancer cells to deliver a genetic punch to the protein implicated in tumor growth and spread, according to researchers. They tested their approach in human cell lines and in mice to effectively knock down a cancer-causing gene, reporting that the technique may potentially offer a more precise and effective treatment for notoriously hard-to-treat basal-like breast cancers.
Accessibility toolkit for game engine Unity
New work makes it easier for game developers to implement game aids for people with disabilities. The toolkit focuses on players with visual impairments.
For people who speak many languages, there's something special about their native tongue
A study of polyglots found the brain's language network responds more strongly when hearing languages a speaker is more proficient in -- and much more weakly to the speaker's native language.
Would the highly sensitive transparent ultrasound transducer revolutionize biomedical imaging technology?
A team develops an ultrasensitive broadband transparent ultrasound transducer.
Going top shelf with AI to better track hockey data
Researchers got a valuable assist from artificial intelligence (AI) tools to help capture and analyze data from professional hockey games faster and more accurately than ever before, with big implications for the business of sports.
Dangers of smell impairment highlighted in new research
More than a third of people who self-identify as having a smell disorder have had at least one gas safety scare in the last five years, according to new research.
Researchers uncover protein responsible for cold sensation
Researchers have identified the protein that enables mammals to sense cold, filling a long-standing knowledge gap in the field of sensory biology.
Flexible artificial intelligence optoelectronic sensors towards health monitoring
Artificial intelligence (AI) is known for its high energy consumption, especially in data-intensive tasks like health monitoring. To address this, researchers have developed a flexible paper-based sensor composed of nanocellulose and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles that operates like the human eyes and brain. The sensor is energy-efficient, responds to optical input in real-time, and is both flexible and easy to dispose of, making it ideal for health monitoring applications.
Happiness can be learnt, but you have to work at it
We can learn to be happy, but only get lasting benefits if we keep practicing, a new study has revealed.
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