Researchers have developed a new model that accurately predicts Dungeness crab population fluctuations, combining internal and external factors. The study provides a rare instance where a modeled understanding agrees with field data, offering insights into the elusiveness of population predictability.
Scientists have identified a new factor regulating lymphatic vessel growth, which may lead to ways of repairing damaged vessels and better understanding of certain types of cancer. The discovery of VEGF-C could also improve healing after lymph node removal in breast cancer surgery or prevent tumors affecting the lymphatic system.
A recent NIH study suggests that a significant number of people, particularly those with a specific genetic variant, may require increased folate intake to compensate for their genetic deficiency. This finding has implications for the recommended daily allowance and may lead to reviews of dietary reference values.
University of Pennsylvania researchers discover three-dimensional atomic structure of vancomycin using X-ray diffraction analysis. The advance provides detailed knowledge about the vancomycin molecule to help design new antibiotics effective against vancomycin-resistant bacteria.
Researchers have identified a gene, CBFA1, essential for bone-forming cells to arise in the embryo. Disruption of this gene causes cleidocranial dysplasia, a developmental disorder that stunts bone growth.
A new hominid species, Homo antecessor, has been identified in Spanish fossils, dating back 800,000 years. The species' modern-looking mid-face and primitive cranium traits suggest a complex evolutionary history, potentially challenging current theories on human migration and settlement of Europe.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have successfully delivered genes to nearly 100% of muscle cells in a rabbit heart using a disabled adenovirus as a carrier. This breakthrough could pave the way for gene therapy to treat various heart diseases, including congestive heart failure and familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Contrails can indeed influence regional climate due to their potential to increase cloud cover, which can disrupt the radiation balance and affect climate. The study suggests that contrails may be more significant than previously thought due to their ability to modify energy distribution and feed other cloud formation processes.
Researchers at the University of Chicago found a protein molecule that transmits genetic traits without DNA or RNA in yeast, forming long fibers like those seen in neurodegenerative diseases. This discovery sheds light on the mechanism behind these devastating brain disorders.
Researchers at University at Buffalo document relationship between initial and secondary injuries in runners, revealing altered running mechanics that can lead to further joint and muscle issues. Study findings may lay groundwork for developing 'prescriptions' to prevent secondary injuries.
Scientists from the National Science Foundation and IRIS have ruled out cult activities and nuclear detonations as causes of a 1993 Australian seismic event. They now believe that an iron meteorite of about two meters in diameter could have created the tremors, but no crater has been found.
Researchers found that houseflies can harbor Helicobacter pylori bacteria on their skin and in their digestive tract for up to 30 hours after exposure. The study suggests that flies may act as vectors in the transmission of H. pylori, particularly in areas with poor sanitation.
Researchers caught Kilauea's erupting volcano in a net by analyzing GPS data, revealing the ground stretching and expanding before the rift opened. The team predicts that future analysis of similar events could enable quick warnings for lava flows, allowing people to evacuate in time.
Scientists model 1883 tsunami impact on English Bay and Homer Spit, predicting energy absorption at Anchor Point and flooding risk at Homer Spit. The model helps emergency planners understand risks and plan for potential landslides and tidal waves.
Researchers found that Conservation Reserve Program lands provide substantial breeding habitat for small grassland birds. The study suggests the program may be helping to stem decline in bird populations, with some species experiencing long-term population increases.
New data from the University of Delaware reveals that solar wind is not a simple, wave-like entity but rather a dynamic phenomenon with complex fluctuations. Understanding these fluctuations may enable prediction of cosmic disturbances and provide warnings for astronauts and utility companies.
Researchers calculate neutron star's mass by measuring X-ray pulses from innermost orbit, revealing a massive star about twice the sun's mass. The findings provide new insights into the birth and evolution of neutron stars.
Despite significant advances in cancer treatment, age-adjusted death rates from cancer have barely declined since 1991. The authors argue that resources should be redirected towards prevention and early detection, citing the challenges of changing behaviors such as smoking and diet.
The Bluff Great House in Utah has yielded new insights into the Chaco culture, with CU-Boulder students playing a key role in excavations. The site, linked to the mighty Chaco culture, features a great kiva and prehistoric roads.
A study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that postmortem sperm procurement requests are increasing, with over half made between 1994 and 1995. Most requests were from wives seeking to create children for their deceased husbands.
A new study shows that giving the drug for a longer period can significantly improve recovery over the standard treatment. About 60% of patients treated with 48-hour methylprednisolone starting at three to eight hours recovered a substantial degree of independence.
The new method allows engineers to visualize how changes in their designs will affect design requirements. Graph morphing enables designers to see the trade-offs between different design variables, making it easier to understand relationships between subsystems.
The ACIS camera will record the energy of each X-ray detected from high-energy objects as unique charge, converting it into a signal to detect different elements. It has very high angular resolution and spectral resolution, allowing scientists to see individual stars for the first time in crowded regions.
Scientists at UB and IBM have reported the first irrefutable proof that d-wave theory is responsible for high-temperature superconductivity in a thallium thin film. This finding builds on earlier work and provides conclusive evidence for proponents of the d-wave theory.
A recent study found that potassium supplements decreased blood pressure by significant amounts, particularly in those with hypertension or high salt intake. The researchers combined data from over 30 studies and enrolled more than 2500 persons, concluding that potassium can reduce blood pressure.
The University of Washington School of Pharmacy has developed a systematic approach to understanding drug interactions by focusing on the four or five enzymes that metabolize most drugs. This research is producing an understanding of the potential for adverse effects among thousands of drug combinations.
A Carnegie Mellon robot, 'Nomad', will traverse 125 miles in the Atacama Desert, exploring navigation, geology and remote operations. The robot can be teleoperated by science center visitors, offering real-time data and visualization.
The Hayward Fault's southern end has moved at double the rate of its northern portion, causing rocks to be 'piled up' on one side and stretched on the other. This increased strain suggests a magnitude 6 earthquake could occur in the near future.
The University of Cincinnati engineers have created a unique high-performance concrete (HPC) mix that significantly strengthens conventional concrete. Tests show the HPC can last up to 80 years without major maintenance due to its denser material and resistance to freeze-thaw cycles.
Researchers analyzed seismic data to determine cause of 1993 event in Australian outback. An iron meteorite over 3 meters in diameter is suggested as possible cause.
Researchers found that leptin reduces insulin secretion in pancreatic beta cells by interacting with receptors and activating ion channels. The study suggests that treatment with leptin or sensitizing drugs may help prevent diabetes in obese individuals with fasting hyper-insulinemia.
Researchers found that elevated homocysteine can be lethal to certain nerve cells, leading to cell death and strokes. A drug blocking NMDA receptor activation may have major benefits in treating hyperhomocysteinemia-related strokes in people under 50.
Researchers at Penn State have discovered that millions of tiny, previously undetected invaders enter the Earth's atmosphere daily. These micrometeorites are thought to be leftover material from the formation of the solar system and carry significant energy, potentially damaging satellites and spacecraft.
The discovery contradicts the 'sulfate paradigm' which suggested sulfates offset the cooling effect of greenhouse gases. New findings indicate a potential increase in global warming due to absorbing solar radiation, not reflecting it like sulfates.
A team of researchers from Penn State is investigating the connection between sedimentation patterns at the river's mouth, land use patterns in the basin, and climate variability. They plan to analyze sediment cores using lead isotope ratios and pollen to link core layers with climate and sedimentary regimes.
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University found that adenosine triphosphate (ATP) stimulates pain-sensing nerves by binding to a receptor called P2X3 on nerve cell membranes. This discovery may pave the way for the design of new pain-relieving drugs.
Researchers at the University of California, Davis have identified a key gene involved in fruit ripening, which could lead to genetically engineered tomatoes with improved shelf life. The LeExp1 gene produces expansin proteins that loosen plant cell walls, allowing cells to elongate during growth.
Research suggests that ocean heat transport, rather than Milankovitch cycles, is driving the cooling trend in Greenland's climate. The thermometers from the Greenland ice cores indicate that summers have cooled and winters have warmed over the past 8,000 years.
Scientists have developed techniques to directly image the deformation of materials like diamond under ultrahigh pressures, showing that it can bend without failing. The results suggest ways to improve high-pressure techniques and reveal enhanced material strength at extreme pressures.
Researchers at Duke University have discovered that nerve growth factors can oppose each other in the brain, shaping neural networks in response to experience and learning. This finding has significant implications for the development of therapies for neurodegenerative disorders such as ALS and Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding how nutrients and vitamins enter living cells, finding that membrane proteins act like gates to regulate entry and acquire essential molecules. The study reveals dynamic entities capable of sensing their environment and actively acquiring substances needed for cell growth.
A recent study comparing US and Canadian heart attack patient care found small but statistically significant short-term edges for American cardiac care. However, overall data suggest conservative Canadian practices may favor better long-term outcomes.
A new study analyzes US hurricane damage data, normalizing for inflation, coastal population increase, and wealth. It finds that landfalling hurricanes in the 1940s-1960s would have produced over $10 billion in damages if they struck today, contradicting claims of climate change causing recent damage increases.
A study found thalidomide effective in healing 55% of HIV patients' mouth ulcers, while also improving comfort during eating. However, the treatment's potential for irreversible nerve damage and other side effects require careful monitoring.
Researchers at UPMC and Carnegie Mellon University identified brain regions responsible for learning through subconscious awareness, potentially impacting disorders like OCD and addiction. This discovery may reveal a new perspective on how the brain learns and adapts to change.
Darrel Snyder's expertise helps state and federal agencies monitor and bolster populations of threatened species by identifying days-old fish. He has confirmed spawning sites for endangered razorback sucker and Colorado squawfish, providing crucial clues for their survival.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that thalidomide effectively heals mouth ulcers in people infected with HIV, with 90% of treatment group volunteers showing at least partial healing. The drug also reduces pain and boosts patients' ability to eat.
The program, now in its second year, provides four weeks of intensive speech therapy for adults aged 20-50. Participants learn skills and behaviors to overcome stuttering, such as awareness, acceptance, and preparatory techniques like rehearsal and prevoicing. The goal is to improve communication flow and reduce stuttering interruptions.
A study of over 4,000 students found that having a preferred brand is a factor in both current use and intention to use in the future. The findings suggest that adolescents with a favorite brand of beer or cigarette are more likely to smoke or drink regularly.
The FDA has cleared Cook's low-profile GR II Coronary Stent, allowing cardiologists to treat blockages in hard-to-reach blood vessels without bypass surgery. This new stent could benefit thousands of U.S. heart disease patients who previously required heart bypass surgery.
A new gamma-ray telescope will reveal new views of binary stars, black holes, and pulsars, shedding light on violent stellar explosions. The instrument, built by Columbia physicist Elena Aprile, will measure gamma rays between 300,000 to 30 million electron-volts, helping scientists understand element creation.
Researchers found a direct cause-and-effect relationship between negative emotions and an increased risk of myocardial ischemia, a precursor to heart attacks. Stress levels, both emotional and physical, were associated with a higher risk of ischemia, especially in the hour following stress.
Researchers Animesh Ray and Mitsu Ogihara built DNA logic gates using common lab techniques, marking the first step towards a DNA computer. These gates detect specific DNA fragments, splice them together, and provide output through precise measurement of new strand lengths.
A recent study reveals that the potato famine fungus has resurfaced 150 years after its devastating impact on Ireland, with virulent and fungicide-resistant strains causing widespread damage. Researchers have identified several options for managing the blight, including DNA fingerprinting and simplified enzyme assays.
A Purdue University study shows that watching one-sided segments about UFO sightings on TV increases audience beliefs, while balanced segments decrease them. The research highlights the importance of credible sources and balanced reporting to counter misinformation.
Despite financial gains by some African Americans, racism may be getting worse in the US due to individual and institutional barriers. Expert James M. Jones recommends six steps to reduce prejudice, including joint cooperation, intergroup contact, and a greater appreciation of individual differences.
The Cook GR II Coronary Stent has received FDA clearance for treatment of acute or threatened vessel closure in patients with failed interventional therapy. The stent features a flat metal design and low profile for improved radial strength and trackability.
A double-blind study found that vitamin E and C supplements reduced sensitivity to ozone exposure and improved pulmonary function in asthmatic volunteers. The study suggests antioxidant vitamins may benefit others exposed to chronic oxidative stress, such as smokers or industrial workers.
A gravity survey conducted in a Portland rail tunnel has helped identify previously unknown faults in the area. The survey revealed irregularities that suggest seismic activity, with data set to inform detailed maps of the subsurface.
Researchers found that sadness, depression, and hopelessness can exacerbate asthma symptoms in children. The vagus nerve plays a key role in this process, suggesting new avenues for treatment. The study's findings highlight the importance of addressing depression in asthmatic children to improve their overall health.