Researchers used a powerful computing cluster to simulate moon motions over 1 billion years, discovering that the sun's gravity pulls smaller moons from their orbits. The study reveals how giant planets capture and shape the orbits of tiny moons, shedding light on Jupiter's unusual satellite system.
Research reveals Amazon forest fragments are more susceptible to extinction due to overhunting, increased airborne pollutants, and heightened fire risks. Climate change may further exacerbate these effects, threatening biodiversity in fragmented landscapes.
Researchers have found a new, hidden piece of the influenza virus that may kill immune system cells. This protein was discovered by accident while studying
UT Southwestern Medical Center has been awarded $3.6 million in funding to support 19 research projects across various disciplines. The largest grant will go towards developing a cancer-detecting blood test, which has already shown promising results in clinical trials.
A study by Professor Melissa DelBello found that quetiapine added to divalproex reduced psychotic symptoms in significantly more patients than divalproex alone. The quetiapine combination group also showed improved outcomes without treatment-emergent extrapyramidal symptoms.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University developed a computer model showing that familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) may begin when adult stem cells in the colon go out of control. The model suggests that an increase in stem cells triggers colon cancer, indicating that cancer may be a stem cell disorder.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a method to create triangular nanoprisms in large quantities, which can be used as new diagnostic labels for detecting biological weapons and diseases. The nanoparticles' unique optical properties make them a promising building block for detection science.
Researchers found that repeatedly exposing people to positive images of stigmatized groups, such as African Americans and the elderly, can alter their nonconscious attitudes towards those groups. This strategy may help reduce prejudices and improve social welfare.
Carl Picconatto, a chemist from Wisconsin, has been named a congressional fellow by the American Chemical Society to work in Rep. Connie Morella's office on science and technology issues. He previously interned at the National Academy of Sciences and holds degrees from Columbia University and the University of Notre Dame.
A team of scientists has successfully guided human embryonic stem cells to become precursor brain cells in a laboratory dish. Transplanted into baby mice, these cells further differentiated into neurons and astrocytes, paving the way for potential treatments of Parkinson's disease and spinal cord injuries.
Research found giant pandas have moderate genetic diversity compared to other carnivores, with some populations showing signs of isolation. To ensure the species' survival, conservation efforts focus on restoring gene flow among populations through natural corridors and ecological restoration.
Researchers investigated the influence of gender on upper airway structure and function, finding no gender differences in resistance and Pcrit. These findings contradict previous assumptions and suggest a possible explanation for the male predominance of OSA, potentially related to neurochemical control or other factors.
A new study suggests that smaller hospitals can perform heart bypass surgeries with similar outcomes to high-volume hospitals for low-risk patients. Moderate- and high-risk patients, however, should still seek major medical centers with high-bypass volumes to minimize mortality risk.
USGS scientists Jon Keeley and C.J. Fotheringham argue that natural fire regimes in chaparral ecosystems are not characterized by frequent small fires, but rather by landscape-scale crown fires. They suggest that limited, strategically placed burns are more cost-effective than large-scale prescription burning.
A study by UCSF found that cancer patients often prefer to experience pain over the side effects of opioid analgesics. Effective pain management requires repeated assessment and adjustments in dosage, according to experts.
Researchers discover widespread hybridization between introduced rusty crayfish and native species, altering ecosystems and leading to population displacement. The study highlights the significant impact of non-native species invasions on biodiversity.
Researchers question the efficacy of prescribed burning in reducing large, intense forest fires. They argue that this technique is not suitable for closed-canopy forests and shrublands where natural fires are more frequent and severe. This approach can also have negative ecological consequences.
Richard Sachleben, a Massachusetts chemist, has been named a congressional fellow by the American Chemical Society. He will work on energy technology and infrastructure safety issues for the Energy Subcommittee of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Science.
A NASA review highlights known and potential gender differences in physiological responses to spaceflight, including cardiovascular and exercise physiology, barophysiology, and pharmacotherapeutics. The review also addresses reproductive issues such as menstrual function and endometriosis in space.
Researchers at UC Berkeley and Stanford University discovered how lobsters sniff their way around a watery world by flicking antennules into contact with chemosensory hairs sensitive to chemicals. This motion captures detailed maps of swirling odors, suggesting that small differences in odor concentration are preserved.
Research found that over 34% of ventilated patients are sexually active, with better lung function and younger age being key factors. Meanwhile, a study in Ethiopia linked home kerosene use to increased allergy risk, while another study showed nearly 40% of COPD exacerbations are caused by respiratory viruses.
A study found that UK family doctors under-report suspected adverse drug reactions, with only 9% of events reported to the CSM. However, serious events were five times more likely to be reported than non-serious ones.
Scientists from UCSD's Divisions of Biology and Physical Sciences have observed the formation of permanent nerve connections that store short- and long-term memories. By visualizing the rods and filaments of actin, they discovered that these changes occur after repeated stimulation, mimicking human memory consolidation.
A new UCSF study found that many cancer patients are not taking around-the-clock and as-needed pain medicines as prescribed by their physicians. This results in inadequate pain relief, with only 29.2% of patients receiving both long-acting and short-acting opioids.
The survey found rising numbers of heterosexual partners, concurrent relationships, and STI cases, with women experiencing more significant increases. Early age at first intercourse was linked to higher pregnancy rates and lower condom use.
A randomized trial of 17,000 patients from 46 countries shows that bivalirudin reduces the risk of recurrent heart attack by 30% compared to heparin. The study also found no significant increase in severe bleeding or intracerebral bleeding in patients given bivalirudin.
The Gulf Coast Consortia is a new research and education initiative funded by a $3.5 million grant from the W. M. Keck Foundation. The consortium brings together six public and private institutions to address the national shortage of researchers and promote inter-institutional collaboration.
Researchers have developed a new method for studying viral entry, which reveals that key steps occur much faster than previously believed. The study found that viruses can penetrate cells within minutes, using the cell's own transportation system to reach the nucleus.
Researchers have developed a way to synthesize ciguatoxin, the toxin responsible for seafood poisoning, which will enable scientists to better understand its effects on humans and prepare toxin-fighting antibodies. The breakthrough could lead to more efficient methods for detecting infected fish before they reach the market.
The NIAID's new center will support research on three to 10 important pathogens over the next three years. It will develop new technologies for analyzing gene function, train researchers, and provide resources for the scientific community. The center aims to better understand individual genes and proteins to develop targeted treatments.
The Wildlife Conservation Society will use the grant to manage and protect key areas with intact ecosystems, such as the Ndoki-Likouala rain forest in the Republic of Congo and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. WCS's Living Landscapes approach aims to balance human needs with wildlife conservation.
A team of researchers at Stanford Medicine has discovered a new gene family, the Tim family, that plays a crucial role in asthma development. The link between this gene family and the hepatitis A virus may help explain why asthma rates have increased where hepatitis A infection rates have dropped.
Researchers have discovered long-term potentiation, a brain process that strengthens connections and promotes memory. This process involves the rapid relocation of receptors in synapses, leading to increased synaptic transmission and potentially explaining why memory can falter.
Researchers at USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center developed a test that analyzes tumor tissue to predict response to oxaliplatin and 5-FU chemotherapy. Patients with low ERCC1 and TS expression survived longer than those with high levels, indicating the potential for more effective treatment customization.
The Saint Louis University School of Public Health has launched High 5-Kids, a four-year program aiming to educate parents on normal childhood eating patterns. The initiative seeks to encourage healthy eating habits among preschool children, aged 3-5 years, and promote a balanced diet to prevent obesity and cancer.
A study by Stanford University urologist James D. Brooks confirms a direct connection between selenium and reduced risk of prostate cancer, particularly among older men with lower blood levels of the essential mineral.
A Dutch study found that long-term ecstasy use is associated with brain-cell damage in women, particularly in serotonin neurons. The effects of moderate ecstasy use on these neurons have not been studied, highlighting the need for further research.
UCSD researchers have discovered a natural regulatory protein, RGS-PX1, with dual roles in regulating cellular functions. The protein modulates both cell signaling and membrane trafficking, offering new avenues for disease research and potential targets for developing drugs to treat heart failure, hormone imbalances, and cancer.
The study found that internet users watch significantly less television than non-internet users, with a decline of 4.5 hours per week. Parents are increasingly denying access to the internet as punishment, and young people are more likely to prefer online interactions over in-person ones.
A 1998 study on childhood sexual abuse has been widely discredited by Stanford researchers, citing flawed research methods and misleading data. The authors re-examined the data and found significant problems with the initial analysis, including biased samples and misreporting of original data.
A genetic vaccine developed by the University of Nebraska Medical Center has shown promising results in mice studies, combining DNA and adenovirus to deliver a tumor suppressor factor. The vaccine improved survival rates up to 40% in mice with metastatic breast cancer.
Researchers have detected a rigid material within the fluid outer core, with implications for Earth's magnetic field and rotation axis. The discovery was made using advanced seismic tomography techniques.
Researchers developed a new fluorescence resonance energy transfer technique to track changes in protein structure, enabling precise correlation with functions. The method shows potential for understanding issues like biocompatibility of medical implants, blood clotting processes, and cancer metastasis.
A recent study suggests that predators play a key role in maintaining a balanced ecosystem. The research, conducted on small islands with no natural predators, found that the absence of top-down regulation led to an explosion in plant-eating animals and herbivores, resulting in a collapse of vegetation.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have identified nearly all the genes responsible for vision in mice, which could lead to new methods for preserving and restoring vision. The discovery provides a genetic data base that can help identify genes mutated in inherited diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa and cone-rod dystrophy.
A recent Amnesty International report highlights the torture and ill-treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. Health experts argue that healthcare providers have a moral responsibility to uphold the rights and dignity of LGBTQ+ individuals.
Scientists have created a novel crystal lattice with unprecedented optical properties, enabling the manipulation of light at higher frequencies. This breakthrough has potential applications in telecommunications and drug separation.
A team of scientists led by Joanne Chory and Detlef Weigel studied the natural variation in light sensitivity across different Arabidopsis varieties. They found that strains from lower latitudes were less sensitive to light, and that specific genetic mutations affected the molecule's ability to transmit signals. The study sheds light o...
Scientists have found that fully protected marine reserves can replenish nearby fisheries, increasing catches and producing bigger fish. In Florida, recreational fishers are catching record-breaking sizes of black drum, red drum, and spotted sea trout in waters adjacent to the US's oldest marine reserve.
Researchers at Stanford University studied the Caribbean spiny lobster's ability to track odors using its antennules, finding that rapid downstroke allows high-resolution information capture while slow upstroke provides time for analysis. The findings could help develop robots for plume tracing underwater.
Researchers have discovered two independent pathways for mRNA export from the nucleus, revealing the role of adapter proteins in regulating this process. The study used cell-permeable peptides to selectively block the action of these proteins, demonstrating their importance in transporting mRNAs for early response genes.
Researchers have developed a semiconductor technology that converts waste heat into electricity with unprecedented efficiency. The new device, called 'thermal diodes,' operates at high temperatures and has the potential to revolutionize power generation and recovery of waste heat from power plants and automobiles.
A study is underway to test the effectiveness of zoledronate, a bisphosphonate medication, in preventing bone loss in spinal cord injury patients. The results could also have implications for astronauts on long-duration space missions, where bone loss is a significant concern.
John Seiler, a tree physiology specialist, has received the USDA teaching award for his exceptional teaching skills and innovative approaches to educating students about forestry. He is also a recipient of several prestigious awards for his academic achievements in forestry education.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that adults tend to interpret messages metaphorically, whereas children tend to take things literally. As people grow older, their ability to understand and use metaphors improves, reflecting cognitive and linguistic advancements.
A new study published in Nature reveals that increased activity in one brain system is associated with decreased activity in another during learning of a simple skill. The findings suggest new strategies for dealing with learning disorders and diagnosing Alzheimer's disease, as well as a better understanding of brain plasticity.
An international team of astronomers has discovered a very massive stellar black hole in the Milky Way Galaxy, weighing 14 times more than our Sun. The black hole is located in the binary system GRS 1915+105 and feeds on a low-mass star through a steady flow of stellar material.
Researchers investigate phenotypic variability in cystic fibrosis, revealing its impact on disease progression and treatment outcomes. The study highlights the importance of personalized medicine approaches to better manage CF patients.
Researchers found that medical school applicants with narcissistic personality disorder are more likely to engage in unethical behavior. The study suggests that screening out these individuals could minimize the risk of disasters like the Shipman murders.
A large study of nearly 40,000 women in Denmark found that moderate drinkers became pregnant faster than non-drinkers. However, high alcohol intake was related to longer waiting times, particularly among older women and those who smoked or were overweight.