Researchers at NASA and the University of Alaska have discovered mysterious bursts of colored light in thunderstorms, known as sprites. These brief, fleeting phenomena contain a great deal of energy, which may be sufficient to drive novel chemical reactions, potentially impacting the Earth's protective ozone layer.
A comprehensive approach to cancer treatment is needed, considering a patient's total life situation, including stress, environmental toxins, and nutritional deficiencies. Research highlights the importance of evaluating alternative and complementary therapies, which have poorly documented effectiveness but are widely used by patients.
A recent USGS study has found that urban sprawl, not fire suppression, is largely responsible for the devastating wildfires in southern and central-coastal California. The researchers suggest that strategic management of buffer zones between urban lands and wildlands could help mitigate ecological impacts.
NASA has selected 23 organizations to develop revolutionary space-based power generating systems that harness the Sun's energy for Earth and space. The selected teams will receive $6.4 million in funding to create commercially viable space solar power technologies.
Researchers successfully used gene therapy to control appetite and weight in obese mice, resulting in significant weight loss within weeks. The study also explored an alternative protein, CNTF, which showed promising results in rats.
Researchers found that fertilized eggs attach themselves to the womb six to 12 days after ovulation, with implantation occurring on day eight being the most successful. The later the attachment takes place, the more likely a pregnancy will end on its own. Day eight appears to be the optimal time for successful implantation.
Fetuses that implant late in the uterus have a higher risk of dying in the first weeks of pregnancy. The study found that if a fertilized egg implanted on or after day 12, it had an increased chance of loss, with risks reaching as high as 82%. Daily urine testing revealed that these lost fetuses tended to implant later than those that ...
Researchers at UNC-CH have synthesized ginkgolide B, a compound isolated from the ginkgo tree, which has been used as herbal medicine for thousands of years. The successful synthesis may lead to new treatments for dementia, multiple sclerosis, and other illnesses.
A new study published in Marketing Science suggests that customers may prioritize brand risk over quality when making purchasing decisions. The research findings have important implications for marketing strategies, including the need to consider loyalty customers and potential trial experiences.
Scientists have developed a non-invasive method to study the smallest components of living organisms using a nuclear magnetic resonance microscope. This technique enables real-time monitoring of cellular changes in response to environmental exposure, which will help researchers understand disease mechanisms and predict treatment outcomes.
Researchers at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center successfully controlled incontinence in animal model of diabetes using gene therapy approach. The treatment, involving delivery of nerve growth factor gene via modified herpes virus, showed promising results by repairing damaged bladder nerves and improving bladder function.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University describe the workings of an enzyme caspase-9 crucial for understanding apoptosis. They hope to develop drugs that inhibit this enzyme to fight neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers have pinpointed an enzyme that controls the shape of a developing organ in the roundworm C. elegans, opening up new avenues for understanding organ development and potentially cancer research. The discovery reveals that two activities work together to define the shape of an organ.
A study found that a significant number of infertile men have cystic fibrosis gene mutations undetected by routine screening. This raises concerns about the risk of passing on defective genes to future generations. The researchers suggest improving screening methods for men and testing women for gene mutations to mitigate this risk.