Cornell researchers have discovered audio recordings that suggest at least two birds, including the ivory-billed woodpecker, are present in Arkansas. The sound of a distinct double rap and nasal 'kent' calls have been confirmed by several top ornithologists, who initially disputed the initial evidence.
The development of micro-reactors poses a challenge to the Chemical Weapons Convention's monitoring and verification capabilities. These small reactors can produce lethal chemicals with minimal signature, making it harder to detect malicious intent.
A major observational study suggests that a healthy diet rich in folates can significantly reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease. The study, led by UC Irvine researchers, analyzed the diets of over 500 individuals and found that high folate intake was associated with a 55% lower risk of developing Alzheimer's.
A collaborative project developed a way to study the function of genes in mice and humans using a moveable genetic element from moths. The technique, called piggyBac, allows for efficient genetic manipulation in vertebrates and mammals, enabling researchers to systematically understand the functions of mammalian genes.
A new study suggests that tropical organisms are highly intolerant to temperature changes, which could lead to mass extinctions. The research implies that climate change will have a devastating impact on the tropics, with organisms struggling to adapt to small temperature shifts.
MRI cardiac catheterization provides a detailed three-dimensional picture of the heart, enabling interventional cardiologists to see blood vessels inside and out. This technology is already being used to diagnose congenital heart disease in children and has the potential to replace traditional diagnostic catheterization procedures.
Researchers found no statistically significant effects on aggression caused by playing a violent video game, contradicting previous suspicions. The study involved 213 participants who played the game for an average of 56 hours over a month, with no evidence of increased aggressive behaviors or beliefs.
Researchers create gadonanotubes by encasing gadolinium in carbon nanotubes, significantly reducing toxicity while boosting effectiveness. The new agents show promising results in tests at Rice, Houston, and Swiss laboratories.
USGS researchers investigate reciprocal interactions between pathogens and ecosystems, finding parasites can alter predator-prey dynamics and ecosystem balance. They also examine the role of ants in monitoring ecosystem condition and the impact of fire history on alien plant invasion.
Researchers at UCLA have identified Rpe65 as a crucial enzyme in the regeneration of rhodopsin visual pigment in the retina after light exposure. This breakthrough could lead to a gene therapy cure for Leber congenital amaurosis, an inherited disease causing up to 20% of childhood blindness.
The Global Climate and Energy Project has awarded over $11 million in research grants to five institutions, including Stanford University. The grants will support studies on solar cells, fuel formulations, and carbon capture technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers have developed a new nasal vaccine that decreases Alzheimer's disease (AD) burden in mice by activating microglia to clear beta-amyloid from the brain. The vaccine combines an FDA-approved multiple sclerosis treatment, glatiramer acetate, with a safe and effective nasal adjuvant that has been tested in humans.
Researchers at Arizona State University suggest that societies can ensure stability by adopting a 'systems approach' to evaluate policies, investments, and dual-use technologies. This approach aims to enhance social and economic resiliency while meeting security needs.
Computer analysis of Inka knotted objects, known as khipu, reveals patterns supporting record-keeping and state affairs management. The findings shed light on the ancient empire's organizational system, which relied on these textile devices instead of 2-dimensional writing.
A new approach using valproic acid has shown promise in reducing latent HIV infection by 75% in three out of four patients. The researchers suggest that a staged treatment process, starting with standard antiretroviral regimens and then targeting latent viral infection with HDAC inhibitors, could lead to the cure of HIV.
Research by Vanderbilt University psychologist David Zald found that emotional images can lead to a phenomenon known as 'emotion-induced blindness,' where individuals fail to detect subsequent visual images. This effect is linked to personality traits, with those scoring high on harm avoidance being more affected.
A protein called Yorkie controls organ size in fruit flies and, when overabundant, causes increased cell growth and cancer. In humans, a defect in the gene that makes YAP may contribute to cancer.
Researchers have solved the mystery of the Shoenheimer effect, a 72-year-old cholesterol feedback mechanism. The study reveals that Insig proteins are essential components of this response and play a crucial role in regulating cholesterol synthesis.
A study by Rice University sociologist Elaine Howard Ecklund found that academic scientists in the natural sciences are less likely to believe in God compared to those in the social sciences. The survey of over 2,000 faculty members revealed distinct frameworks for viewing religion and spirituality among different disciplines.
Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center have identified a new gene, ARNT, that plays a crucial role in the development of type 2 diabetes. The study, which used DNA chips to analyze islet cells from patients with the disease, found a marked down-regulation of ARNT, suggesting a possible new target for treatment.
Researchers studied the genetic markers of African mole-rats to understand their complex social behavior. They found that these microsatellites can reveal how traits pass from mother to offspring, potentially explaining why family members support a single mother naked mole-rat.
A new study by Aviva Must and colleagues found that childhood obesity is a significant predictor of adult weight, rather than early menarche. The research used data from the Newton Girls Study and found that overweight girls mature earlier, but this does not predispose them to be overweight as adults.
Researchers at McGill University Health Centre discovered that T lymphocytes, part of the body's defense mechanism, cause airway remodeling in asthmatics. This process leads to thickening of airway muscle and increased symptoms.
New research shows that volcanic eruptions far north of the equator affect the world's climate differently than volcanoes in the tropics. The study focused on Mount Katmai's eruption in June 1912, finding it had a significant cooling effect during summer months.
A research group has identified a messenger molecule, produced by the FT gene, that induces flower formation in plants. This breakthrough resolves the long-standing mystery of Florigen, a substance thought to control plant flowering, and opens up new possibilities for plant breeding and forestry.
Researchers have found that oxytocin plays a key role in regulating food intake in response to dehydration, but its impact may vary depending on the situation. Studies have shown that dehydration anorexia is virtually absent in mice genetically engineered to eliminate oxytocin.
Researchers Gary Urton and Carrie J. Brezine discovered that khipu, or quipu, were used as bureaucratic ledgers to track accounting data in the Inka Empire. The devices contained cumulative numerical data, suggesting a complex system of record-keeping and labor management.
A new technique called piggyBac has been developed to systematically inactivate genes in the mouse genome, enabling researchers to understand the functions of individual genes. This method uses a reliable gene-transposing tool that can insert itself into the genomes of human and mouse cells.
A new device has been developed to detect inflammatory cells in blood vessels, which are associated with critical atherosclerotic plaques. The device uses fluorescence spectroscopy to identify macrophage infiltration in the fibrous cap, a key marker of plaque inflammation.
Research reveals that new Vibrio bacteria species are similar to existing fish and shellfish pathogens, causing disease in fish and crustaceans. Around half of the new species killed fish in laboratory conditions, highlighting a significant risk to sea animals.
The discovery provides the first conclusive evidence that a 'protosun' played a major role in chemically shaping the solar system by emitting ultraviolet energy. The team used a technique to reveal details about the Earth's early atmosphere from variations in oxygen and sulfur isotopes, indicating the presence of photochemical reactions.
Retinoid X receptor heterodimers are potential therapeutic targets for metabolic syndrome, according to a review article by UT Southwestern's Dr. David Mangelsdorf and Dr. Andrew Shulman. Activating specific RXR complexes may help regulate lipid metabolism and reduce the risk of heart disease and other related illnesses.
Recent warming of the tropical troposphere has been confirmed by new observational estimates and state-of-the-art climate models. The warming trend is attributed to an 'amplification' effect caused by moist air rising and condensing into clouds, with temperature changes in the deep tropics larger than at the surface.
Sandstrom aims to understand the relationship between estradiol's neuroprotective effects and its ability to preserve learning and memory abilities. His team will examine biological mechanisms and hormone interactions to uncover new insights into estrogen's role in brain function.
Researchers have solved a 72-year-old mystery surrounding cholesterol production, revealing that Insig proteins play a crucial role in regulating this process. The study found that mice lacking these proteins accumulate excessive cholesterol and fat in the liver, highlighting the importance of Insig in maintaining normal lipid metabolism.
The study suggests that different patterns of tissue damage in MS patients require different treatment approaches. Plasma exchange treatment was found to be most helpful for severe attacks in patients with pattern II MS lesions, which contain large quantities of immunoglobulins and complement activation.
A randomized, controlled trial found that comprehensive lifestyle changes, including a vegan diet and moderate exercise, can decrease PSA levels and inhibit prostate tumor growth in men with prostate cancer. The study suggests that making lifestyle changes may help prevent or reverse prostate cancer progression.
A Duke University study found that high carbon dioxide levels stimulate pine needles to grow more, even under drought conditions. The factor most affecting needle volumes was the amount of nitrogen present in the soils.
Hebrew University researchers found that desert locusts use their polarization vision to determine if an area is land or water, avoiding water at all costs. This discovery could lead to the development of methods to deter locust swarms from flying over agricultural lands.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed uncooled infrared photon detectors using type-II superlattices, enabling high-speed operation and handheld portability. The new technology has potential in medical applications, such as detecting inflammation or cancerous tissue.
UT Southwestern researchers discovered how a protein called nicastrin is involved in the production of beta-amyloid, a key suspect in Alzheimer's disease. By targeting just this portion of the enzyme, they hope to create treatments that block the formation of amyloid plaques without affecting other essential functions.
Goverments should stockpile zanamivir as part of their emergency plans to combat avian influenza. The new drug has a similar effectiveness to oseltamivir but fewer side effects and a more favorable resistance profile. Community-based healthcare personnel, such as pharmacists, may be better suited to handle antiviral distribution.
A study by Yale University and NOAA finds that direct sunlight affects weather balloon temperature probes, leading to discrepancies in global warming estimates. This correction reveals an increase of 0.2 degrees Celsius per decade in average global temperature over the last thirty years.
Researchers found that immediate postoperative radiotherapy significantly improved biochemical progression-free survival for patients at risk of relapse, with a 74% success rate compared to 53%. Long-term follow-up is needed to assess its effects on distant metastases and survival.
Researchers found that Bcl-xL, a protein that prevents cell death, can encourage tumor growth in mice. Higher levels of Bcl-xL were linked to increased tumor development and tissue injury in studies on lung and liver damage.
A growing coastal population is set to experience more frequent and intense natural disasters due to climate change. Healthy ecosystems such as coral reefs and mangrove forests can provide natural barriers and absorb the impact of these disasters, whereas man-made structures are less effective.
New research reveals that rifamycin antibiotics work by removing a crucial magnesium ion from bacterial RNA polymerase, rendering the bacteria non-functional. The study's findings may lead to improved versions of these antibiotics to combat existing resistant strains.
A recent study published in The Lancet reports six cases of alkali eye injuries caused by liquid detergent tablets in children aged 18 months to 3 years. The children were treated for damage to the cornea and conjunctiva, with all patients recovering after prompt irrigation and hospitalization.
University of Utah researchers found that splicing, a process that codes for inflammatory protein Interleukin 1â (IL-1â), takes place in the cytoplasm of circulating platelets. This finding has potential implications for understanding gene expression and disease mechanisms.
Despite predicted mental health issues, many tsunami survivors in Sri Lanka and India have shown remarkable resilience thanks to strong family and community ties. However, many people are still suffering from symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders, highlighting the need for more research on effective interventions.
A recent study suggests family therapy is an effective treatment tool for children, involving parents in the process can improve outcomes. Family-based treatments like parent management training and behavioral family therapy have shown promise in reducing conduct disorders and substance abuse.
The European Space Agency's Cluster satellites have observed small-scale vortex turbulence, previously predicted by mathematical models, in the plasma surrounding Earth. The discovery has significant implications for understanding solar activity and its effects on our planet.
The Mount Sinai School of Medicine has been awarded significant NIH funding to support its stem cell research efforts. Researchers will focus on developing methods to genetically modify stem cells and studying the molecular signals that cause them to differentiate into red blood cells.
Kelly Tian and Russell Belk argue that personal possessions, like photos, stabilize the self in both home and work environments. As work-related artifacts enter the home, symbolic home-related possessions enter the workplace, leading to a blurring of boundaries.
Researchers found that acetaldehyde reacts with polyamines to produce crotonaldehyde, which then forms a mutagenic compound that can cause cancer. The reactions occur at concentrations of acetaldehyde found in human saliva and gastrointestinal tissues after drinking alcohol.
The complete sequence of the rice genome has been announced, providing a genetic toolkit for breeders to develop novel strains that are highly productive, disease-resistant, and environmentally friendly. This breakthrough has significant implications for global food security and sustainable agriculture.
Rocky Mountain spotted fever, a bacterial disease caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, can be effectively treated with specific antibiotics if caught early. Symptoms include body-wide aches, headache, sudden high fever, sore throat, and nausea, often accompanied by a telltale spotty rash.
A novel method for disinfecting long-term intravascular devices with ethanol solution may prevent serious bloodstream infections and hospital deaths. The study found no adverse effect on the catheter materials after a daily rinse cycle.
Research found a strong link between childhood cancer and air pollution, particularly from vehicle exhausts and diesel engines. Children exposed to high levels of pollutants in the womb or shortly after birth were at increased risk of developing cancer, with proximity to emission sources also playing a critical role.
The Carnegie Mellon rover Zoë will travel 180 kilometers in Chile's Atacama Desert, seeking micro-organisms and mapping their habitats. The results may enable future robots to search for life on Mars and advance our understanding of Earth's distribution of life.