Researchers have counted the number of proteins that help an egg cell divide, revealing a crucial difference in motor density between the two poles. This discovery has dramatic consequences for embryonic development and understanding cellular forces.
A new study by Cornell University professor David Levitsky found that college freshmen gain an average of 4.2 pounds in their first 12 weeks, with breakfast and lunch at all-you-can-eat dining facilities accounting for 20% of the weight gain. The study suggests that this phenomenon may be contributing to the rise in obesity among Ameri...
Scientists discover that community assembly history influences productivity-biodiversity relationships in natural ecosystems. Experimental study with microorganisms reveals that the sequence of species arrival affects these relationships, which is a key factor in understanding diversity patterns.
Researchers have found that a species of micro-organism, Sulfolobus, has genetic differences between samples from the US, Eastern Russia, and Iceland. This challenges the long-held view that micro-organisms do not differ by geographic location.
Researchers found that recombinant interferons were effective against SARS-CoV replication, with interferon beta showing prophylactic protection and antiviral potential. Interferon alpha was less effective but could be a potential drug of choice in combination with other antiviral drugs.
A new microdialysis probe can detect cytokine markers indicating early infection or rejection responses to implants. This detection method aims to bioengineer the site for optimal device performance, ultimately benefiting public health and economic development.
Researchers identify key genes and cellular pathways contributing to schizophrenia, providing new insights into the disorder's complex biology. The study's findings hold promise for developing novel therapeutic strategies.
Researchers at OHSU found significant differences in free-base nicotine levels among 11 commercial cigarette brands, with some containing up to 36% free-base nicotine. The study's findings have implications for understanding the addictiveness of different tobacco products and may guide future research.
The $18 million SALT Observatory is nearing completion and will feature the largest optical telescope in the Southern Hemisphere. The observatory's primary scientific instrument, a spectrograph, will break light down into its constituent wavelengths to study stars and galaxies outside of the Milky Way.
The study provides strong support for the popular cold dark matter model of the universe, suggesting that galaxies are surrounded by massive, three-dimensional halos. The team measured the shapes of over 1.5 million distant galaxies using weak gravitational lensing, revealing that dark matter halos extend far beyond visible stars.
Combining herbal supplements with regular medication without consulting a doctor can lead to adverse interactions. Patients should discuss their herbal supplement use with their primary physician to ensure safe treatment and prevent unexpected complications.
A recent study found that 15% of African-American youths at risk of dropping out of school reported carrying a gun, with regular carriers more likely to be involved in selling drugs or fighting. The study suggests that carrying a gun may indicate a more serious pattern of behavior, rather than just another risk factor.
A new study measures the emotions of doctors-in-training, finding that anxiety, guilt, and compassion are prevalent feelings. The research highlights the importance of acknowledging and managing these complex emotions to improve medical education and patient care.
Researchers suggest that hydrothermal vent systems like Lost City could have supported early life due to their stability and chemical composition. The systems' ability to produce heat, minerals, and organic compounds for millions of years may have improved the chances for life to emerge and be sustained.
Researchers discover a new class of proteasome inhibitors that change the shape of the protein-digesting enzyme, leading to reduced activity and selective protein degradation. This finding has implications for treating diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
The study explores how older adults adjust their living environments to ensure comfort and flexibility, affecting their identity and well-being. By considering personal aspects of their surroundings, individuals can create a suitable space that accommodates their changing needs.
A study of 543 children found that exposure to violence between parents and harsh punishment are significant risk factors for adult partner violence. Child behavior problems, such as conduct disorder, also predict later relationship violence.
Scientists used an autonomous underwater vehicle to map two deepwater coral reefs, discovering well-developed reefs with nearly 100% living coral cover. The study provides new insights into the structure and composition of deeper coral reefs, which are essential for protecting commercial fisheries.
Researchers found that active involvement in forming an idea, known as generative learning, reduces false memory. Participants were more likely to accurately remember words from a list they created themselves than those presented by others.
A study by Harvard Medical School researchers reveals the subplate, a transient nerve cell structure, plays a crucial role in strengthening thalamic connections to the cortex and mapping out visual wiring patterns. Without it, defects in vision development can occur, such as cerebral palsy.
The WHO leader highlights three key priorities for action: reinstating health as a focus of organizational agendas, scaling up effective interventions to reach more dying children, and building capacity at the district level. Collaborative partnerships are necessary to achieve these goals and reduce child mortality worldwide by two-thi...
Scientists discover Lost City, the tallest hydrothermal vent system ever seen, which can persist for hundreds of thousands to millions of years. This discovery increases the chances of finding early life on the seafloor, with potential implications for life beyond Earth.
Researchers develop novel gene therapy platform using AAV to deliver galanin, a neuroactive peptide that suppresses seizure activity. The treatment reduces sensitivity to focal seizures in laboratory rats, offering hope for treating temporal lobe epilepsy patients.
A recent study found that genetic differentiation among Sulfolobus islandicus populations increases with geographic distance, contradicting the prevailing theory of microbial biodiversity. This discovery suggests a more diverse microbial world than previously predicted.
The study estimates that elimination of major risk factors would reduce disease burden by over 90% for diarrhoea, lower respiratory infections, and ischaemic heart disease. Global healthy life expectancy would increase by over nine years, with the largest gains in sub-Saharan Africa.
Researchers found that quarries serve as refuges for two groups of butterflies that depend on steppe-like habitats. The first group comprises 20 species, nine of which are threatened in the Czech Republic, that thrive in active quarries due to their preference for rocky habitats.
Researchers developed a hybrid approach to improve microelectronics production, combining lithography and self-assembling materials to achieve nanoscale dimensions. This technology could lead to faster, more powerful devices with increased data capacity, while reducing manufacturing costs.
Scientists have observed a rare phenomenon in the insect world where a female Zeus bug allows a male to ride on her back, feeding on protein-rich wax produced by the female. This unusual behavior, known as 'female-led mating,' has sparked curiosity among researchers and provides new insights into the evolution of mating behaviors.
Scientists at the University of California - Berkeley have developed a synthetic motor that is smaller than biological motors and can be controlled externally. The motor uses electrostatic manipulation and has potential applications in optical switching, microwave oscillators, and microfluidic devices.
A study by Kenneth Schmidt found that Illinois raccoon populations coincide with declines in low-nesting songbirds, with over 70% of these species dropping from the state's bird list. Raccoon habitat expansion and loss of top carnivores contribute to this decline.
A UCLA study reveals a significant shortage of surgeons is looming due to an aging population. The study finds that surgeries performed on older adults will have the highest increase in demand by 2020, with ophthalmology leading the way.
Researchers found that juvenile and adult amphibians retain contaminants like selenium and strontium through metamorphosis, transferring them into terrestrial food webs. The study highlights the importance of understanding contaminant transfer in aquatic-terrestrial ecosystems.
Researchers have discovered that the history of community assembly is a key predictor of future biodiversity and ecosystem productivity. The study used microorganisms to manipulate productivity and found that the sequence of species arrival from a regional pool of colonists had a large effect on the productivity-diversity relationship.
Using neurofeedback, students at London's Royal College of Music showed significant improvements in their musical performance across various areas. The most promising results came from the alpha/theta training protocol, improving performances by up to 17%.
A Johns Hopkins team has discovered a protein that stimulates axon growth, contradicting the traditional view of semaphorins as only repelling axons. Semaphorin-7a promotes axon growth by interacting with integrins on nerves and other cell types.
Researchers at McGill University have identified a receptor protein on fat cells that stimulates lipid storage when stimulated. Dr. Katherine Cianflone's team found that disrupting the ASP-C5L2 complex may help slow down fat production, which could be a potential key to treating obesity.
A study led by Constantine Lyketsos found that sertraline hydrochloride significantly improved the quality of life and reduced functional decline in Alzheimer's patients with depression. The treatment showed a positive influence on 84% of participants, while only 35% in the placebo group experienced improvements.
Researchers found that boaters' perception of social pressure is the most important factor in following speed limits to protect manatees. Media campaigns and clear signage are recommended to increase compliance with regulations.
A Cornell University study reveals that Pavlovian sexual conditioning, a process where external cues trigger anticipation of mating, significantly improves reproductive success in Japanese quail. The researchers found that breeding animals in familiar environments led to twice as many fertilized eggs compared to unfamiliar ones.
The US team won a total of four medals, including two bronze and one silver each for Wei-Han Liu and Eric Brown. Benjamin Kaduk, Frances Hocutt also received two silvers respectively. The Chinese team earned the top spot with four gold medals.
Research by West and Salm reveals that factors such as local upwellings of cold water and diverse coral populations can protect coral reefs from bleaching. Additionally, corals emerging at low tides may be more tolerant of heat stress, with examples seen in Palau's Rock Islands.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison developed mathematical models to understand the effects of gene flow from crops to wild plants. The models show that crop genes can rapidly take over wild populations, leading to genetic changes, population decline and loss of natural traits.
Hospice nurses reported that patients who hastened death by refusing food and fluids were ready to die, saw no meaning in living, and had poor quality of life. These patients died within 15 days after stopping food and fluids, with a median score of 8 for the quality of their deaths.
The story of low-tech erasers begins in the 1560s with graphite sticks and evolves into crude pencils. In 1839, Charles Goodyear developed the vulcanization process to cure rubber, increasing strength, stability, and elasticity. This innovation enabled mass production of pencil erasers.
Researchers found a positive emotional style was linked with greater resistance to developing a common cold and decreases in clinical colds, while a negative emotional style had no effect on getting sick. Inflammation chemicals may link the positive emotional style with illness.
A recent University of Pittsburgh study found that women with bacterial vaginosis (BV) are nearly twice as likely to get herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). The study, which involved over 1,200 sexually active women, suggests that more comprehensive screening and treatment could reduce susceptibility to HSV-2.
Scientists at Rice University have created a new test that can detect glycoprotein immunoglobulin G in whole blood with high sensitivity and speed. The innovation uses gold nanoshells to overcome challenges in existing immunoassays, enabling doctors to make quicker diagnoses without the need for time-consuming sample preparation.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a new chemical process, pyrolytic fluorination, that yields short carbon nanotubes with predictable lengths. The technique involves attaching fluorine atoms to the nanotubes and then heating them to cut the tubes into segments ranging from 20-300 nanometers.
Researchers found no benefit to regular screenings for women without risk factors after a hysterectomy. The cost of screenings per year of life saved can be up to $12 million, highlighting the need for more targeted screening strategies.
A study found that athletes who experienced amnesia and confusion after a concussion were at risk of long-term neurocognitive deficits. Researchers recommend thorough evaluation and neuropsychological testing before returning to play.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that a vegetarian diet high in fibre, nuts, and plant sterols can lower LDL cholesterol levels by nearly 29%, comparable to the effects of a standard cholesterol-reducing drug. The findings suggest an evolutionary adaptation to a
Researchers at UCSD have identified a molecule called GAIP interacting protein N terminus (GIPN) that plays a key role in degrading G proteins, which regulate various cellular activities. The discovery has implications for the pharmaceutical industry and highlights the importance of the ubiquitin system in protein turnover.
A new vacuum technology has been developed to control insects in solid wood packaging materials, providing an alternative to current methods. The system creates a low-oxygen environment that eliminates insects in several hours to days.
Researchers at Rice University developed fluoronanotubes with unique chemical properties, allowing for easier manipulation and dispersal in various materials. This breakthrough enables the creation of new materials and applications, including advanced composites, sensor technology, and molecular electronics.
A team of Australian researchers has received a five-year grant from the National Institute of Child Health and Development to investigate how environmental stress affects embryonic development. The study aims to understand the long-term health implications for children conceived during poor maternal health or adverse lifestyle choices.
The US Army has awarded a $1 million grant to Virginia Tech researcher Thomas J. Inzana to develop a vaccine and diagnostic test for tularemia, also known as 'rabbit fever'. The goal is to create an effective vaccine that can stimulate the production of proteins that stimulate T-cells of the cellular immune system.
Researchers track freshwater discharge from Arctic Ocean to North Atlantic, measuring ocean currents, temperature, and salinity. The study, funded by $2 million NSF grant, aims to understand the crucial role of Arctic freshwater in controlling Earth's climate.
Researchers studied carotid artery thickness in 1,662 men and women with a family history of premature coronary heart disease. The study found that those with at least one parent who had a heart attack before age 60 had thicker artery walls, associated with increased risk of heart attack or stroke.
A new UCLA study suggests that coronary heart disease may be accelerated in younger HIV-infected people. The research found that the rate of coronary heart disease in young HIV-positive men and women was significantly higher than in their HIV-negative counterparts.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that higher deductibles, longer waiting periods, and carve-out benefits can lead to lower employee return-to-work rates. Additionally, employees with carve-out benefits plans tend to retire sooner rather than return to work.