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Miniature VR headsets unlock insights into spatial memory and brain disorders

In recent years, mice have entered a new arena – virtual reality – and now Cornell University researchers have built mini VR headsets to more fully immerse them.

19 Dec 2024

Silver-containing showerheads may promote biofilms and microbial diversity

To guard against harmful waterborne pathogens, many consumers, including managers of health-care facilities, install antimicrobial silver-containing showerheads. But in ACS ES&T Water, researchers now report that these fixtures are no "silver bullet."

19 Dec 2024

Research shows how open-world games reduce stress in postgraduates

A study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research has found that open-world video games can significantly improve relaxation and mental well-being among postgraduate students. Open-world games, known for their expansive environments and player autonomy, offer a form of cognitive escapism that helps players disconnect from daily stressors and enhance their mood.

19 Dec 2024

Brain's dual role in processing touch and hearing revealed

Ludwig van Beethoven began to lose his hearing at age 28 and was deaf by age 44. While the cause of his hearing loss remains a topic of scientific debate and ongoing revision, one thing is clear: Despite his hearing loss, Beethoven never ceased to compose music, likely because he was able to sense the vibrations of musical instruments and "hear" music through the sense of touch, researchers believe.

19 Dec 2024

Chemogenetic activation reveals male-female differences in stress resistance neural circuits

Subtle activation of a small subset of neurons in one region of the brain can make male mice resilient to, and even reverse, the detrimental effects of chronic stress. The same is true for female mice, but in a totally different region of the brain.

19 Dec 2024

LLMs show potential as aids for clinicians during physical exams

Physical examinations are important diagnostic tools that can reveal critical insights into a patient's health, but complex conditions may be overlooked if a clinician lacks specialized training in that area.

19 Dec 2024

Early milk cereal drink consumption linked to rapid weight gain in infants

Many infants in Sweden are given milk cereal drinks, ready-to-mix liquid drink complements to breast milk, after six months of age.

19 Dec 2024

Study highlights children's misunderstandings of medical terminology

Published in Pediatrics, a new University of Minnesota Medical School study highlights how children interpret common medical phrases, revealing surprising - and sometimes alarming - misunderstandings.

19 Dec 2024

Study shows chatbots’ cognitive limitations using dementia screening

Almost all leading large language models or "chatbots" show signs of mild cognitive impairment in tests widely used to spot early signs of dementia, finds a study in the Christmas issue of The BMJ.

19 Dec 2024

Lean methodology-based approach reduces unnecessary work hours for surgical residents

Researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine have shown that a systemic approach to eliminating inefficiencies in surgical residency programs can reduce unnecessary work hours in the general residency program at UC San Diego.

19 Dec 2024

A novel approach to combatting prostate cancer

New research by a team of Indiana University School of Medicine scientists and their collaborators has uncovered a novel vulnerability in prostate cancer animal models that starves prostate tumors of critical nutrients and stunts their growth, which could lead to the development of new treatments for the deadly disease.

19 Dec 2024

Multiple chronic conditions linked to kidney function decline in older adults

Older adults with multiple chronic conditions may face a high risk of kidney function decline, according to new research published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

19 Dec 2024

Light and moderate wine consumption linked to lower risk of cardiovascular complications

Light and moderate consumption of wine is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular complications, according to a multicenter study led by researchers from the University of Barcelona, the Hospital Clínic and the August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), the Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition Networking Biomedical Research Centre (CIBEROBN) and the University of Navarra (UNAV).

19 Dec 2024

Study shows how peptides from nature could combat melanoma drug resistance

Antimicrobial peptides derived from a crab and a spider may provide the pathway to overcoming drug resistance in advanced melanoma.

19 Dec 2024

Smartwatch bands may expose users to harmful forever chemicals

Smartwatches and fitness trackers have become ubiquitous forms of wearable tech, accompanying many people throughout their days (and nights).

19 Dec 2024

Research identifies key stressors impacting midwives' wellbeing

Research into stress among midwives has identified the most effective actions individual midwives and healthcare trusts can make to enhance wellbeing and reduce negative outcomes, including staff leaving the profession.

19 Dec 2024

Social and mentally stimulating activities benefit cognitive function

It’s that time of the year when most of us get the chance to sit back and enjoy some well-deserved down time. But whether you reach for the TV controller, or a favourite book, your choice could have implications for your long-term brain health, say researchers at the University of South Australia.

19 Dec 2024

Breakthrough study unravels molecular subtypes of breast cancer

Breast cancer, with its myriad subtypes, has long eluded a uniform treatment strategy. The disease's molecular complexity has rendered traditional, blanket treatments insufficient, particularly for the aggressive triple-negative form.

18 Dec 2024

Australian researchers discover potential lifeline for premature babies

Australian researchers have discovered a potential new lifeline for the tiniest and most vulnerable newborns. Scientists at Monash Children's Hospital have successfully collected and reinfused umbilical cord blood cells in extremely premature babies, offering a glimmer of hope for preventing brain injuries.

18 Dec 2024

Researchers investigate oxygen's effect on overactive cells in type 2 diabetes

Researchers from the University of Missouri are studying potential therapies to target specific cells linked to the development of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders like high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.

18 Dec 2024