Increasing folate levels prior to conception could reduce Down syndrome risk, according to a study funded by the FDA. Folate deficiency at conception increases neural tube defect risk, including spina bifida, which is the leading cause of childhood paralysis.
Researchers at Cornell University will use acoustic monitoring to count forest elephants in Africa, providing crucial information on population numbers and health. The project aims to support conservation efforts by tracking endangered species such as gorillas and rhinos.
Researchers discovered that high levels of alcohol during late fetal development kill Purkinje cells, which act to filter and synthesize information. Alcohol deprives these cells of Glial Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF), necessary for their survival.
Researchers at UNC Health Care have identified a new way to halt herpes simplex virus reproduction by targeting its molecular tracks. The study found that inhibiting JNK protein kinase reduces viral yield in cells by up to 70%.
The article explores the idea that time is an illusion, proposing a timeless universe where all configurations exist simultaneously. This concept is rooted in Einstein's general theory of relativity and quantum mechanics, suggesting an eternal, four-dimensional structure called Platonia.
Researchers found that Australopithecines used less energy while walking than modern humans, thanks to their shorter legs which took less energy to move. The analysis suggests that Lucy's anatomy was well-suited for her environment and not a hindrance.
Researchers found a three-stage unbinding profile of cadherins, which suggests a 'ratcheting' mechanism that prevents abrupt failure of adhesive junctions. This discovery may lead to the development of gene therapy for diseases associated with malfunctions or mutations of the cadherin protein.
A recent study found that the majority of Americans with alcoholism do not receive treatment, highlighting a significant gap in care. The research identified distinct characteristics among those who did receive treatment, suggesting that treatment options may need to be tailored to address specific needs.
A recent University of Georgia study suggests that retroviruses, including HIV, may have an ancient origin. Researchers analyzed the genome of a worm called Caenorhabditis elegans and found evidence of retroviral-like elements in its DNA. This finding challenges previous assumptions about the evolution of complex retroviruses.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have successfully transplanted discarded thymus tissue into two infants with DiGeorge Syndrome, restoring their immune systems and providing long-term treatment. The children's new gland has provided a normally functioning immune system that requires no long-term drug support.
A team of astronomers has discovered a new molecule, nitrogen sulfide, in comets, which may offer insights into the formation of the early solar system. The compound's presence in comets suggests that it could have originated from the material that formed the planets.
The American Geophysical Union's Fall Meeting features a press field trip on San Francisco Bay, where USGS scientists discuss water resources research. Media representatives can attend scientific sessions, visit the Press Room and Briefing Room, and participate in exclusive events.
Researchers have discovered that spraying milk on cucumbers can effectively kill powdery mildew, a major problem for organic farmers. The solution, which involves mixing one part cow's milk with nine parts water and spraying it on the plants twice a week, has been shown to be faster and more effective than chemical fungicides.
A study of 1050 men and 1098 women in Spain found that 26.2% of men and 28% of women experienced abnormal breathing during sleep, considered a threshold for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is linked to increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and daytime drowsiness.
Children raised by single parents perform just as well in school as those from two-parent families, according to a large study. The key factor determining success is the mother's level of education and coping skills, not the absence of a father.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has been awarded a $42.1 million federal contract to study the effectiveness and safety of new anti-psychotic drugs for treating schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease. The five-year study will enroll 1,000 patients with schizophrenia and 400-500 Alzheimer's patients.
A new study by Resources For the Future finds that emissions trading has shifted sulfur dioxide emissions away from populated areas to the Midwest, improving public health and environmental conditions in the Northeast and East. Health-related benefits are estimated at $125 million annually.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that prolonged mental stress increases the levels of atherogenic lipoproteins and decreases the rate at which fats are cleared from the blood after a meal. This can lead to higher lipid levels and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison propose a new approach to understanding ecosystem health by focusing on an organism's ability to withstand environmental stress. The study suggests that competition among species is less important than biodiversity as an insurance policy against unknown environmental fluctuations.
Cornell researchers use the Palomar High Angular Resolution Observer (PHARO) camera to take near-infrared images of Neptune, revealing a massive cloud and numerous smaller clouds. The camera's high spatial resolution allows for detailed analysis of the planet's clouds and atmospheric circulation.