Researchers found that periwinkle snails, normally harmless, played a significant role in killing off thousands of acres of salt marsh in the Southeast during intense droughts. The study reveals that extreme climatic events can trigger formation of grazer fronts, leading to habitat die-off in stable ecosystems.
A randomized controlled trial found that fish oil supplementation prevented a reduction in heart rate variability in elderly subjects exposed to indoor air pollutant particles. In contrast, soy oil supplements showed a marginal, nonsignificant protective effect against the negative impact of particulate matter on heart rate variability.
A new study finds that the quality of a dog-owner relationship has no impact on thunderstorm-phobic dogs' stress responses. However, dogs living with other dogs in the household exhibited less pronounced stress reactivity and faster recovery times.
Researchers have discovered new details of the mechanisms employed by C. elegans to ensure accurate chromosome matching during meiosis. The study, published in Cell and Science, sheds light on the role of Pairing Centers in promoting synapsis and chromosome pairing.
The DOE's Atmospheric Radiation Measurement program has deployed its mobile facility in Niger to study the impact of aerosols and deep convection on climate. The facility will measure cloud properties, solar and thermal radiation, and meteorological conditions.
The Navy has recognized four inventors for their Terrain Awareness Warning System (eTAWS), which has saved two F/A-18 aircraft and their crews. The technology is now installed in over 200 aircraft and could reduce the Navy's mishap rate by up to 90%, saving approximately $304 million.
Researchers at Yale University have identified key features of the Sodalis genome, revealing its unique transition from free-living bacteria to a symbiotic relationship with the tsetse fly. The study has expanded understanding of host-pathogen characteristics and provided insights into the benefits of these symbiotic bacteria.
A new report by UC Davis expert reveals that widespread culling of badgers disrupts their territorial organization and increases cattle TB infection. Culling localized areas has little effect, with badger numbers falling only slightly while TB incidence rises.
The University of Michigan's ADVANCE program has made significant progress in improving the representation of women in science and engineering faculties, with a notable increase in female hires. As a result, U-M is now recognized as a national leader in promoting diversity and inclusion.
Recent studies have shed light on RISC assembly in humans, a process crucial for gene expression and regulation. The research found that RISC components are assembled from individual genes to form functional complexes.
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) have identified a critical gene, Brg-1, that regulates the differentiation of stem cells into neurons and glial cells in the brain. This discovery could lead to new therapies for brain injuries, Parkinson's disease, and other conditions affecting brain function.
A 30,000-person study found that divorce affects happiness levels irreversibly for some people. Dr. Lucas' research indicates that some individuals may struggle with adapting to life events, highlighting the need for intervention.
Researchers have pinpointed a population of old neutron stars as the sources of short gamma-ray bursts, which are fainter and more difficult to localize than long bursts. The discovery sheds new light on these enigmatic cosmic explosions.
The study highlights the importance of effective risk communications in emergency response, finding that people rely on non-traditional sources like clergy for information. Only 31% of respondents had created a family plan, while most believed they were prepared but weren't.
A study found that consumer preferences for certain characteristics, considered defects by experts, impacted cheese ratings. This highlights the importance of considering consumer responses when establishing quality standards.
A new blood test using NT-proBNP can accurately diagnose heart failure in patients with kidney disease, comparable to BNP testing. The study found that kidney disease does not affect the diagnostic accuracy of NT-proBNP when used properly.
Researchers analyzed sediment, soil, water, and animal tissue samples from the Katrina flood zone, finding high levels of lead and other contaminants. These findings highlight the need for cleanup measures to minimize potential health risks.
Scientists use patch-clamp technique and protein engineering to measure proton-transfer events at single-proton, single-amino-acid level, revealing new insights into membrane proteins' behavior.
Photonic crystals provide ideal characteristics for the development of instruments with diverse applications. A multidisciplinary research effort at the University of Navarra has led to significant breakthroughs in manufacturing these crystals, paving the way for miniaturization and enhanced nanotechnology.
A new study reveals that Europeans are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of seafood, with 79% citing importance in purchasing decisions. Consumers prefer eco-labels and want reassurance on sustainability, driving demand for environmentally responsible seafood.
Researchers found that specific fragments of the apoE4 protein are neurotoxic and accumulate in mitochondria, leading to neuronal death characteristic of Alzheimer's disease. Blocking interaction of these fragments with mitochondria may be a potential new strategy for inhibiting detrimental effects.
Researchers at New York University's Milagro facility have detected the most energetic gamma rays yet observed along the galactic equator, reaching 3.5 trillion electron-volts in energy. The findings, published in Physical Review Letters, provide new insights into cosmic-ray interactions with interstellar medium.
Researchers at Harvard University have discovered a way to create stable, non-spherical bubbles by coating particles on the surface of the bubbles. The 'armor' of particles supports unequal stresses, allowing for unique shapes such as peapods and donuts.
Researchers found that parents of 3-year-olds worry about their sons' and daughters' body size and eating habits, perpetuating gender stereotypes. This study suggests that parents may be buying into media ideals of thinness for girls and physical strength for boys as early as 36 months.
Researchers have identified a link between olfactory learning and serotonin regulation in C. elegans worms, which learn to associate pathogens with aversion through bitter experience. The study suggests that this form of associative learning is an acute modification of innate preferences.
Astronomers have observed two short gamma-ray bursts and confirmed that they originate from the collision of compact objects, such as neutron stars or black holes. The events released significantly less energy than typical long gamma-ray bursts.
The average annual cost of treating and managing adolescent pain is over £8,000 per patient, with a conservative estimate of £3.8 billion for the UK as a whole. Chronic pain in adolescence has significant financial and social consequences, including high levels of distress, increased healthcare usage, and reduced academic performance.
A UC Davis study found that one percent of California retailers sell 40% of guns used in crimes. The research highlights the importance of targeting problem retailers to prevent gun violence. The study's findings also suggest that law enforcement can better allocate resources by focusing on these retailers.
A recent study found that Latina women who are highly acculturated to American society tend to drink more than those who are not. Acculturation is also associated with changes in drinking norms and depressive symptoms, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to reduce consumption.
Researchers identified EAAC1 protein as the main transporter of cysteine into neurons, providing vital antioxidant protection. The study found that mice deficient in EAAC1 exhibited signs of senility and oxidative stress, supporting the idea that oxidative stress contributes to brain aging.
Researchers studied hurricane-force wind estimation using synthetic aperture radar and found a newly-developed model outperforms previous methods. Additionally, weakened thermohaline circulation led to increased snow cover over Europe due to reduced atmospheric circulation and changed climate influences. The Arctic Ocean's change also ...
Feather stem cells are distributed in a ring configuration around the inner wall of the vase-shaped feather follicle. This unique arrangement allows for continuous growth, shedding, and regeneration of feathers.
A study found that etanercept reduced psoriasis severity by 47% and improved depression symptoms by 50% in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis. The treatment also alleviated fatigue, showing promise for treating the emotional and psychological effects of the disease.
Researchers at NYU studied the movement of polymer beads in a viscous fluid and found that low concentrations could be reversed, but higher concentrations led to irreversible behavior. This phenomenon is caused by extreme sensitivity to small changes in particle positions, making it a key finding for understanding chaotic systems.
Researchers identified chromosome four genes affecting drinking behaviors in smokers, providing evidence for genetic factors influencing alcohol consumption. The study suggests that variations in these genes may affect who will develop regular drinking behavior after initial exposure.
Researchers found that Langerhans cells in the skin inhibit or modulate immune responses, not just alerting the system to pathogens. This new understanding could lead to a better understanding of chronic inflammatory conditions like lupus and psoriasis.
Widespread badger culling may reduce TB incidence, but could also lead to increased movement and transmission. Culling's impact on TB rates is mixed, with some areas experiencing increases despite population reductions.
Researchers found ancient microbes in ice cores from Greenland, which could be a preview of what's discovered under Mars' surface. The discovery suggests that methane-generating Archaea might exist on Mars, and state-of-the-art instruments could detect them around meteor craters.
Researchers have discovered a gene mutation in Bardet-Biedl syndrome that significantly increases disease severity. The finding mirrors the expected genetic complexity of common diseases like diabetes and cancer. By studying this mutation, scientists hope to uncover subtle genetic variants contributing to complex diseases.
A global skin cancer research consortium, Genomel, has won £7m in funding to investigate the genetics of melanoma and identify those at high risk. The project will also develop a website providing information on melanoma symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
Researchers at University of Toronto have developed a new therapy using functional electrical stimulation to improve walking skills in patients with spinal cord injuries. After 12-18 weeks of treatment, the patients showed significant improvement and some were even able to stop using leg braces.
Scientists from Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona have developed a method to identify precise zones of proteins that cause aggregation, leading to potential therapeutic targets for Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and type 2 diabetes. The new approach may enable the design of more effective drugs by shielding or stabilizing these critical reg...
Studies suggest a link between positive emotions and lower chronic illness rates, longevity, and improved self-rated health. However, the relationship is complex, and future research is needed to determine how emotions influence health.
Chronic alcohol abuse can disrupt the balance of bone remodeling, leading to measurable bone loss over a few years. Alcohol-induced bone disease weakens bones and predisposes individuals to increased fracture risk and delayed fracture healing due to decreased osteoblast activity.
Microglia have been found to play a crucial role in neuropathic pain by releasing Brain-Derived Neurotropic Factor (BDNF). BDNF disrupts inhibition in the spinal cord, leading to abnormal pain signals. The discovery offers new hope for diagnostics and treatment of chronic pain.
A study found that young adults who did not attend college have high levels of hazardous alcohol use, similar to those of their college-educated peers. Men with a college degree experienced the greatest increase in at-risk drinking, while women with no formal education had the highest levels of consumption and drunkenness.
Researchers have found that a large swath of territory in the Northeast is slowly moving southward in relation to the rest of the continent. This region is recovering from the weight of ancient glaciers and has long been known to be rising slowly due to their retreat.
Researchers identified a two-protein complex Rae1-Nup98 that stabilizes healthy cells by preventing premature chromosome separation. This discovery challenges the long-held understanding of aneuploidy's mechanism and offers a new approach to cancer treatment, potentially leading to more effective and gentler therapies.
Researchers at the Burnham Institute, along with partners from six institutions, are working on a NCI-funded project to develop an accurate early-stage diagnosis method for prostate cancer. The goal is to identify specific gene products indicative of the disease's clinical behavior.
A study by Indiana University found that female medical students who received religious awareness training demonstrated superior interpersonal skills compared to their male counterparts. The researchers are now investigating the impact of gender on the effectiveness of such training.
A new study by University of Virginia psychologists has found a significant correlation between the perceived size of a softball and the batting average of its players. The study, published in Psychological Science, suggests that when players are hitting well, they perceive the ball as larger, while poor performers see it as smaller.
A study found that visually impaired individuals prefer TV content enhanced to their individual contrast settings, improving image visibility. The device aims to simplify design and enhance the viewing experience for both impaired and sighted viewers alike.
The NIH has launched a three-year, $100 million pilot project to explore cancer genomics through The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) Pilot Project. This initiative aims to create a systematic framework for identifying and characterizing genetic mutations and genomic changes associated with cancer.
Researchers used in vivo cell fate mapping to study the role of TGFbeta signaling in congenital eye disorders. They found that NC-derived cells contribute to various eye structures, and TGFbeta signaling is essential for their proper differentiation and morphogenesis.
Researchers at Georgia Tech are developing silicon-germanium microchips that can operate in ultra-sophisticated radar systems and new generations of NASA spacecraft. These chips offer cost savings, compact size, and improved efficiency, making them ideal for phased-array radar systems.
Researchers at Emory University Health Sciences Center found that administering neuregulin-1 reduces cell death by 90% and protects neurons from damage after surgically induced strokes. The compound's therapeutic window is longer than existing treatments, offering potential for new stroke therapies.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that parents of children with cancer often suffer from post-traumatic stress symptoms, including intrusive thoughts, avoidance behaviors, and heightened arousal. The studies suggest that these symptoms can be just as severe as those experienced by patients themselves.
Researchers have discovered a new drug that raises the level of endocannabinoids, providing measurable antidepressant effects. The study found similar results to commonly prescribed antidepressants, suggesting URB597 as a safer, non-addictive alternative for pain and depression treatment.
Researchers have discovered that transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß) regulates bone matrix properties, which affect bone elasticity, toughness, and resistance to fracture. The study suggests that targeting TGF-ß signaling could improve bone quality, potentially preventing osteoporosis and improving bone repair.
Scientists have discovered 142 human disease genes in the flatworm planarian Schmidtea mediterranea, which may provide insights into human diseases. The findings suggest that flatworms could be a valuable complementary model for studying gene function and developing new treatments.