Phytoplankton amounts have increased globally by over 4% along coastal regions, while declines were observed in mid-ocean gyres. This shift may indicate changes in the biology of oceans, particularly in coast regions, and has implications for ocean ecosystems and climate change.
A recent study by McGill University Health Centre researchers found that over 55% of Quebec seniors with late-life depression were given recommended first-line antidepressants, while nearly half received other medications. Benzodiazepines were also commonly prescribed, which may worsen depression in the elderly.
Researchers discovered a significant swelling of the frontal lobe and other features consistent with higher cognitive processes in the brain of Homo floresiensis, nicknamed the 'hobbit'. The study refutes skeptics' suppositions that the species was a pygmy or microcephalic.
Three-quarters of neonatal deaths occur in the first week of life, with infections being the major cause. Low-cost and low-tech interventions can save nearly three-quarters of these deaths, including vaccinations and clean delivery practices.
A systematic survey of over 820 species found 174 species of carabid beetles with only one testis. The researchers discovered that the monorchid beetles' accessory glands were larger than normal, suggesting a possible link to space competition in the abdomen.
Researchers identified genes in yeast that cooperate to prevent DNA mutations and genome rearrangements caused by oxygen radicals. This discovery may lead to new strategies for alleviating clinical symptoms of human diseases associated with genetic deficiencies of DNA damage responses, including potential cancer therapies.
African American children with asthma have significantly higher levels of cotinine, a substance produced when the body breaks down nicotine. The study suggests that differences in additives to cigarettes, such as menthol, could explain the observed racial differences.
Researchers analyze brain case of 3-foot-tall Hobbit, finding few similarities to microcephalics and pygmies. The findings support the theory that the fossil is a member of a unique ancestral species, Homo floresiensis.
A new study finds that MRI is more accurate than current standards in assessing the effectiveness of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer. The imaging technique correctly identified the presence of residual tumor in 71% of cases, while sonography and clinical examination were less accurate.
A new syndrome of colorectal cancer has been identified, characterized by frequent mutations in the BRAF oncogene and DNA methylation. This inherited form of cancer often develops in previously harmless polyps and can occur in young individuals, emphasizing the importance of early detection and prevention.
Researchers identify new therapeutic targets for immune-mediated liver diseases and explore the role of IL-6 in protecting liver cells. Osteopontin is also found to play a central role in amplifying rheumatoid arthritis, suggesting potential new treatments for this inflammatory condition.
The Templeton-Cambridge Journalism Fellowship program brings together renowned journalists and scholars to explore the intersection of science and religion. Fellows will conduct in-depth research and produce publishable pieces on topics such as origins of life, anthropic principle, and spirituality and health.
A new study reveals that separate populations of neurons respond to narrow ranges of orientations, enabling the brain to recognize objects viewed from different angles. The research found that adaptation effects occur when subjects are presented with adapting images and then tested with identical images at varying orientations.
Researchers have identified a novel marker, AP-2y, for detecting testicular cancer in semen samples. The test showed a sensitivity of 46% and was highly specific, with no false-positives.
The Franz Edelman Award, presented by INFORMS, recognizes outstanding implemented operations research that has had a significant positive impact on client organizations. The 2005 finalists will compete for a $10,000 prize in Palm Springs, showcasing innovations such as advanced pricing techniques and online product procurement auctions.
A new quantum computer architecture, proposed by NIST scientist Emanuel Knill, overcomes the fragility of qubits by using a pyramid-style hierarchy and teleportation to continuously double-check accuracy. This approach enables reliable computing even if individual logic operations make errors up to 3 percent of the time.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine found that mutations in NPHP5 produce defects in cilia, leading to kidney failure and retinitis pigmentosa. The study reveals a common molecular mechanism causing both diseases.
A new study from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that both inherited genetic traits and tumor mutations can affect the response to treatment of leukemia. The research identified specific genes, such as GSTM1 and TYMS, that predict which children are at higher risk of relapse after initial therapy.
Researchers detected five powerful bursts from the Galactic center using the VLA radio telescope, with each burst lasting about 10 minutes and occurring every 77 minutes. The source's coherent emission properties suggest it could be an unknown mode of activity or a new class of objects.
Researchers found that when a gene is working at full capacity, it uses up most of the raw materials needed to produce proteins, leaving little for substitute genes. These substitutes only come into play when the original gene is damaged or deleted, and are activated by transcription factors.
Researchers at MGH have identified a potential Alzheimer's risk gene variant that moderately raises the risk of developing the disease. The study found that specific changes in the ubiquilin-1 gene sequence occurred more frequently in individuals with Alzheimer's than in their unaffected siblings.
A new study found that nearly two-thirds of men are up-to-date with prostate cancer screening, but only 47.6% have had a recent colon cancer screening. The researchers suggest using prostate cancer screenings as an opportunity to encourage men to get screened for colon cancer, which is projected to affect over 70,000 men this year.
Researchers have developed a Drosophila fly model for Fragile X syndrome, demonstrating physical and behavioral characteristics similar to those of human patients. Drug treatments blocking mGluR-receptor activity restored memory-dependent courtship behavior in mutant flies and reversed neuronal structural defects.
Researchers discovered that sirtuin1 and PGC1-alpha proteins interact to trigger glucose production in the liver. Targeting this interaction could help control sugar production in people with diabetes, potentially leading to new treatment options.
Researchers found that black adolescents who practiced transcendental meditation for eight months experienced a significant improvement in the ability of their blood vessels to dilate, reducing their risk of cardiovascular disease. This finding suggests that meditation may be an effective way to prevent and treat heart disease.
A study by Professor Francis Green found no evidence to suggest that successive generations of workers have higher expectations from their jobs, leading to disappointment. The investigation suggests a general trend of falling well-being among British and German workers, but fails to explain the decline in Germany.
Researchers found a significant decline in female water voles at a Norfolk site, with radio-collars potentially linked to the change. The study suggests that local resource competition may drive sex-ratio shifts in stressed females.
A two-hour brief negotiation intervention was developed and taught to 58 emergency room physicians, with over 90% passing the proficiency exam. The intervention helps hazardous and harmful drinkers by raising awareness of their drinking levels, enhancing motivation to reduce drinking, and negotiating a plan of action.
Research from University of Bristol provides strongest evidence that disruptive patterns protect insects from birds, a predator that shaped evolution of protective coloration. By varying colors, size, and location of patterns on artificial moths, the team identified effective combinations that mimicked tree characteristics.
A new state-of-the-art hospital will provide patients in Michigan and globally with access to U-M's world-class medical care for newborns, children, and pregnant women. The proposed facility will house current services and expand research and treatment capabilities.
Tim Appenzeller wins AGU's Sullivan Award for his article 'The Case of the Missing Carbon', while Jeffrey Kluger receives the Perlman Award for 'Secrets of the Rings'. Both articles are praised for their scientific accuracy, clarity and engaging storytelling.
Researchers analyzed 4,369 chest radiographs from 313 SARS patients and found that lung opacification levels on the seventh day could predict fatal outcomes. Patients with greater than 20% lung opacification were more likely to die from SARS, while those with less than 10% had a higher survival rate.
A pilot study found cryoablation to be an effective treatment for cancer patients' severe pain, providing relief until the end of life. The procedure involves freezing tumor tissue and surrounding areas to kill cancer cells and ease pain, with most patients tolerating it well despite some nerve damage in one patient.
Researchers found high quantities of the L1 protein, typically found in nerve cells, exclusively in aggressive and invasive front of colon cancer tumors. The discovery may lead to novel ways of diagnosing colon cancer and developing its therapy, as L1 plays a crucial role in tumor cell motility and invasion.
Researchers found that lithium-based drugs restored normal courtship behavior in mutant fruit flies with Fragile X syndrome, suggesting a potential new approach to treating the condition. The study also identified metabotropic glutamate receptor hyperactivity as a key contributor to the disease's symptoms.
A sense of entitlement is a substantial barrier to forgiveness, according to researchers. Narcissists are likely to insist on full repayment before forgiving and may hold grudges due to their inflated self-interest.
A study found that women with heart conditions are less likely to receive bypass surgery due to conservative treatment decisions and biases. Women's mortality risk is often compared to men's, but the author argues that this perspective neglects the potential benefits of surgery for women with similar medical profiles.
A UCI research team identified beta amyloid accumulation within neurons as the trigger for Alzheimer's memory decline in mice. By clearing away excess beta amyloid, they were able to correct memory impairments. The findings have implications for developing drugs targeting beta amyloid.
Researchers discovered that 11 of 17 measurable chemicals in surface water were reduced after passing through the system, according to Ron Turco, soil microbiologist. The study showed that constructed wetlands can act as a holding area for recycled water, providing a sustainable solution for irrigation and flood prevention.
Hexaminolevulinate, a fluorescence-inducing compound, enables early detection of superficial bladder cancer lesions. This increases the five-year survival rate to 90% and reduces recurrence rates.
A team of astronomers has discovered a remote galaxy cluster that is as massive as several thousand galaxies like our Milky Way and is located 9,000 million light-years away. The cluster contains reddish and elliptical galaxies with old stars, indicating it formed when the Universe was less than one third of its present age.
Researchers found that public-private partnerships (PPPs) can be weakened under certain circumstances, such as when introducing new safety features that increase operational costs. The study also highlights the importance of market value at the end of a contract in determining the desirability of PPPs.
Scientists at the University of Illinois discovered a collapsing bubble that reached temperatures of 20,000 degrees Kelvin, four times hotter than the surface of the sun. This result was achieved through sonoluminescence, which generates intense local heating when bubbles in a liquid collapse.
Molecular messengers Erk-1 and Erk-2 bind to vimentin, protecting their phosphorus message from loss. This linkage enables the safe transmission of the message along the axon, reaching the cell body for healing.
A study by UC Berkeley researcher Alan Krakauer found that subordinate male wild turkeys benefit indirectly from helping their dominant brothers breed, gaining an average of 1.7 offspring. This cooperative behavior is a key example of kin selection, which favors cooperation over selfishness.
A Mayo Clinic study establishes a threshold for valve repair surgery in patients with severe mitral regurgitation, indicating that those with large regurgitant orifice areas are at high risk of death if treated medically. The study suggests that valve surgery can restore normal life expectancy and reduce mortality by up to five times.
The University of Utah has received a $3.5 million grant from the Department of Defense's Office of Naval Research to develop cutting-edge computer simulation methods for describing chemical reactions in complicated molecular systems. This advancement will greatly expand the application of molecular simulation techniques to new scienti...
A virtual reality game has been found to significantly reduce pain responses in children with severe burns, with all but one child showing a decrease of at least 2 points on the Faces Scale. The game was more effective than analgesics alone in reducing pain and anxiety.
Research at the University of Alberta found a direct correlation between shorter index finger lengths and increased likelihood of physical aggression in men. Finger length was not correlated with verbal aggression, but rather with physically aggressive behavior.
Researchers at Ames Laboratory have developed a new thermal barrier coating technology that enhances engine operation in high-temperature environments. The new coating, which uses nickel-aluminum-platinum alloy samples, offers significant improvements in oxidation resistance and reduces the risk of failure in gas turbines.
Researchers captured ancient, 9-billion-year-old light from a massive galaxy cluster, providing a snapshot of the universe at 5 billion years old. The discovery confirms that galaxy clusters formed in a way consistent with recent structures.
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital finds that upfront treatment with radiation followed by chemotherapy can cure brain tumors in children over 3 years old, raising survival rates to 78% for two-year event-free survival and 89% for overall survival. The study shows promise for treating relapse cases using ICE chemotherapy.
Research estimates cod biomass on the Scotian Shelf was 1.26 million metric tons in 1852, compared to less than 50,000 metric tons today. The decline is consistent with earlier research and suggests that commercially important species biomass is only a small fraction of what existed before industrialized exploitation.
A new book explores how changing social and economic conditions are reshaping the transition to adulthood, with many young people not completing key milestones until their 30s. The authors argue that institutions and policies need to be revamped to provide stronger support for vulnerable groups.
Physician experience and annual mammogram volume are associated with improved mammographic accuracy, according to a US study. Physicians who interpret 2,500-4,000 mammograms annually have lower false-positive rates and miss fewer cancers compared to those with less volume.
Teenagers often inadvertently expose themselves to pornography while conducting legitimate internet searches. The study reveals that late childhood has become a time of relative exposure to sexualized media due to the pervasive nature of online content.
A UI study examining hazing on college campuses found that 6.7% of surveyed Cornell students participated in hazing, while nearly twice as many reported being hazed. The study suggests a gap between students' and universities' definitions of hazing, highlighting the need for education and prevention efforts.
A recent study found that natural mentoring relationships had a significant impact on teens' lives, reducing the likelihood of gang involvement and substance abuse. However, these benefits were often outweighed by other risk factors such as poverty and family relationships.
Researchers identified protein biomarkers in amniotic fluid linked to preterm labor, predicting success of cervical stitching. The study also found additional biomarkers suggesting other causes of preterm birth.
Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine discovered that alpha-defensin-1, a protein found in cells, can directly inactivate HIV virus and block infection in vulnerable cells. The findings offer insight into the function of alpha-defensin-1 on both the virus and the cell, potentially leading to new avenues for prevention and therapy.