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.
Scientists from Northwestern University and Argonne National Laboratory have created a new type of atomic force microscopy (AFM) probe made from ultra-nano-crystalline diamond, exhibiting properties similar to single-crystal diamond. The development enables improved durability and scalability for high-resolution imaging.
Researchers discovered that children with Nonverbal Learning Disability (NLD) struggle to recognize faces, particularly immediately after seeing them. The study's findings open up new avenues for research into this condition, which affects less than 1% of the population.
Researchers at the Beckman Institute found that aquaporin channels are narrower for water than glycerol, allowing only water to pass. This discovery could lead to new drug targets for treating diseases related to impaired aquaporin function.
Researchers have identified a key role for two proteins, SHH and Bmp2, in the development of barbs on feathers. The dynamic signaling interaction between these proteins supports an activator-inhibitor mechanism, which explains how feather patterning is achieved.
Astronomers have discovered a triple asteroid system, with minor planet 87 Sylvia and its twin moons Romulus and Remus. The asteroids were found using the NACO instrument at ESO's Very Large Telescope Array in Chile, revealing details about their orbits and composition.
Researchers have discovered a promising new treatment option for haemophilia and heart disease by targeting the P-selectin protein. Infusion of P-selectin could provide an affordable and effective means of achieving clotting to stop bleeding incidents in haemophiliacs.
Researchers found improved rates of optimal treatment after implementing standardized stroke care guidelines, including administration of tPA within three hours and cholesterol-lowering medications at discharge. The study showed a significant increase in the percentage of patients receiving optimal treatment from 44% to 63%.
The completed rice genome provides a roadmap for agricultural researchers to develop new varieties of rice with increased yields and resistance to disease. With its finished sequence, scientists can identify genes responsible for fundamental processes such as flowering and disease resistance.
NIST demonstrates improved quantum memory capabilities, enabling qubits to maintain superpositions over 1 million times longer. This advance significantly reduces the computing resources needed to correct memory errors in fault-tolerant quantum computers.
Scientists have developed a detailed view of early embryo development in Caenorhabditis elegans, revealing molecular interaction networks that drive growth and specialization. The 'molecular machines' identified by the researchers coordinate proper development, with potential roles for unstudied genes.
A study by University of Florida researchers found that certain gene variants interact with physical activity to affect mobility in seniors. Those with specific genes, such as the DD genotype, were more likely to remain mobile and experienced less decline, even among those who exercised regularly.
Research reveals that sticky mutant proteins in patients with inherited ALS cause the disease by promoting abnormal interactions with other proteins or membranes. The study suggests that understanding how tissues handle these protein forms could lead to new treatments for some forms of ALS.
A USC oceanographer's long-term study confirms that the marine food chain depends largely on atmospheric nitrogen, which nourishes teeming life near the surface. The finding also demonstrates the oceans' substantial role in absorbing greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide.
Researchers uncover how utopian meanings are constructed in retail environments through the lens of a transformed 18th-century home. The study reveals the dynamic qualities of these spaces and their role in both escaping crass commercialization and fostering consumer resistance.
Researchers at University of Illinois developed a DNA delivery system using naturally occurring anionic lipids, creating controllable and efficient gene expression. This method could lead to new possibilities in treating hereditary and acquired diseases.
Tumors secrete fatty acids that block cytotoxic T lymphocytes' ability to kill cancer cells, reducing the efficacy of anti-cancer therapies. This discovery raises possibilities for new therapeutic targets and monitoring tumor aggressiveness through free fatty acid levels.
Researchers have developed a new technique using oxygen isotopes in tree rings to identify past hurricanes. By analyzing late-season growth, they found records of all known hurricanes that hit the Southeastern US over the past 50 years, and even back as far as 1450 AD.
A review highlights the need for ecological consideration in renewable energy development, particularly offshore wind farms. Environmental impacts of construction, operation, and decommissioning of these projects could harm coastal species and ecosystems. However, offshore renewables also offer opportunities to enhance local biodiversity.
Researchers found paternal discrepancy rates range from less than 1% to as much as 30%, with genetic testing potentially boosting these rates. Around one in 25 families could be affected, highlighting the need for support services and guidance on disclosure.
Researchers at NYU's Center for Comparative Functional Genomics have developed a diagram for the early stages of embryo formation in C. elegans, suggesting a core set of less than 1,000 genes are required for coordination. This finding may provide new insights into human embryogenesis and cancer research.
Researchers argue that the pharmaceutical industry and medical professionals colluded to promote the view that menopause is a 'deficiency disease' for which women needed long-term treatment. This has led to increased risk of cancer, cardiovascular health issues, and other adverse effects.
Researchers at UW-Madison are developing cell transplant techniques to repair damaged myelin and protect nerve fibers in multiple sclerosis. The $3.4 million grant will support the use of human stem cells and minocycline, an antibiotic with anti-inflammatory properties.
Researchers have been awarded $15.6 million to develop tools for repairing nervous tissue damage in multiple sclerosis (MS), a promising step forward for this debilitating disease. The funds will support international collaborations of leading scientists and physicians working to protect against and repair MS-related nerve damage.