Paleontologists discovered a prehistoric jawbone that suggests the transformation of bones from the jaw into middle ear bones occurred at least twice in living mammal lines. The evidence supports independent origins of this adaptation in monotremes and placentals, contradicting previous doubts.
Researchers found that current drinking increased the risk of fatal injuries by 2-3 times compared to non-drinkers, with a notable increase in drowning deaths. The study also highlights gender differences in alcohol-related risks, with female drinkers facing higher mortality rates for suicide and homicide.
The UT Southwestern Medical Center has begun using telemedicine for periodic checkups with Choctaw Nation patients in Oklahoma. This allows doctors to assess disease progression and medication side effects remotely, reducing travel time and increasing convenience.
Researchers have discovered the molecular structure of a glycolipid receptor to which Bt toxin binds, potentially leading to more effective pesticides and new treatments for parasitic infections. The study's findings could also help prevent insect resistance to Bt toxins.
Researchers developed a new method to measure phytoplankton growth rates and biomass using satellite data, providing insights into the Earth's oceans. This discovery has significant implications for understanding marine ecosystems, fisheries, and climate change.
Researchers at NIST develop a novel optical imaging technique that uses structured illumination to reveal details as small as 40 nanometers. This breakthrough could transform chip-making and other industries by enabling the creation of nanometer-scale features.
Tufts-NEMC researchers have discovered a key enzyme responsible for cancer cell growth and invasion, which can be blocked by new compounds called pepducins. The finding provides a novel therapeutic approach for treating invasive cancers.
Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center have identified the critical role of two insulin signaling proteins in controlling glucose and lipid metabolism. By knocking out these proteins in liver cells, they found that diabetes results when both signals are simultaneously low, but not when either is individually depleted.
Researchers discovered two proteins, thrombospondins, that encourage new synapses to form in the brain. This study could help understand diseases like epilepsy and addiction where too many synapses form, and may lead to new treatments for recovering addicts.
A new study published in the journal Personal Relationships found that secret romantic relationships consistently report lower levels of relationship quality. The researchers also discovered that the allure of secrecy can quickly degrade during the beginning weeks of such a relationship.
A large-scale study of 39,462 members found that electronic medical records can reduce hospitalizations by 19% and annual paid claims by $817. The CareEngine system improved patient outcomes while reducing costs, highlighting the potential of clinical decision support tools.
A fourth kind of RNA polymerase, Pol IV, has been found in plants, playing a crucial role in maintaining genome integrity. It helps direct DNA methylation to specific sequences, ensuring proper gene expression and preventing developmental problems. The discovery sheds light on the unique features of plant biology.
A study found significant variations in antibiotic use across European countries, with higher rates in southern and eastern regions. The research suggests that population-based studies are needed to understand the motivations behind antibiotic use and develop effective strategies to reduce resistance.
Researchers found that air pollution can convert insoluble iron into a soluble form, making it available to phytoplankton. This process is important for ocean fertility and carbon dioxide absorption, with small dust storms producing enough soluble iron to fertilize the ocean.
Research shows that while limited TV time may be beneficial, excessive screen time can hinder cognitive development. Children's computer use also has pros and cons, with benefits in learning and socialization outweighing drawbacks.
Researchers at UCF have found a compound that improves adult human stem cells' ability to develop into brain cells, offering hope for treating Alzheimer's and other neurological diseases. The study's findings also suggest potential for improving vision in patients with glaucoma.
A recent study published in The Gerontologist challenges the notion that Americans are moving further apart from their families. Short-distance mobility rates have decreased significantly over the last 50 years, while long-distance moves have shown less decline or remained relatively unchanged.
A recent study reveals that HIV/AIDS deaths were likely three times as high as reported by the government in 2000-01, due to misclassification on death certificates. The South African Government must acknowledge and tackle the HIV/AIDS crisis, which has been slow to progress in providing antiretroviral treatment.
Researchers have developed a new method to estimate global ocean productivity by analyzing the amount of carbon in phytoplankton, using satellite data and ocean color. This approach may lead to significant revisions in estimates of ocean carbon absorption and new understanding of marine ecosystems.
Saba Valadkhan, an Iranian-born scientist, has solved the 20-year mystery of splicing catalysis by proving that purified U2 and U6 snRNAs have catalytic activity. Her discovery has implications for understanding cell growth control, differentiation, and disease.
Researchers found that children of working mothers with nonstandard schedules performed worse on cognitive tests, despite controlling for environmental factors. The type of care children receive during these hours may be a key factor in this effect.
Researchers isolated compounds from whale blubber and used radiocarbon analysis to determine their source. The findings suggest that natural products also accumulate in animals, challenging the assumption that only industrial compounds do so.
The National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) funded a 10-year project to determine the shapes of proteins found in nature. The pilot phase yielded over 1,000 protein structures, transforming structure determination from manual to highly automated processes.
A novel sensor has been developed to measure tiny changes in cell volume, providing real-time results for antibiotic sensitivity testing. The technology, known as 'cell volume cytometry,' is highly sensitive and can detect changes in cell dimensions never seen before in living cells.
Researchers found that preschoolers' motivation and temperament are crucial factors in developing attention skills. Children who prefer challenging puzzles exhibit better attention, suggesting screening tests should consider additional factors beyond cognitive ability.
Researchers found that chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells are born at a fast rate but die, leading to a slow rise in cell count over time due to variable birth and death rates. This dynamic interplay between CLL cell division and cell death may enable physicians to predict disease progression.
Scripps scientists challenge conventional theory on seamount chain formation by finding that hot spot chains can change direction due to processes unrelated to plate motion. The study provides new insights into the dynamics of the earth's interior and suggests alternative explanations for seamount patterns.
Scientists uncover how multi-walled carbon nanotubes are formed inside glass-coated liquid carbon via the pure carbon arc method. The research team discovered that carbon crystals form inside drops of glassy liquid carbon, which cool at a faster rate than the surrounding nanotube, resulting in a glassy appearance.
Researchers found that children are more likely to disagree with biasing questions than non-biasing ones. Children who have already agreed with a question tend to continue agreeing, while those who disagreed may be asked more biased follow-up questions.
A study by Kalil A and Ziol-Guest KM found that single mothers' employment dynamics impact their adolescents' sense of self-efficacy, self-esteem, and educational progress. Adolescents whose mothers were stably employed in higher-wage jobs showed better outcomes compared to those with unstable or low-wage employment.
Researchers at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University have identified two variants in the perilipin gene associated with increased obesity risk in white women. Vitamin B12 deficiency has also been linked to lower bone mineral density, increasing the risk of osteoporosis.
Researchers designed a nanometer-thin crystal of tin oxide to detect single molecules of nerve gas sarin. The sensor's high sensitivity and stability make it ideal for future applications.
A two-year study of 127 families found that children's behavioral problems lead to increased parental conflict and vice versa. The researchers identified differences in sibling experiences within stepfamilies, suggesting that each child evokes unique responses from parents.
Medical students learn to make difficult decisions with uncertainty, but also need to articulate their reasons. A new training approach helps doctors reason ethically and balance patient autonomy with societal obligations.
Researchers using 'heavy water' tracked leukemia cell birth and death rates, revealing dynamic process with mortal cells that proliferate and die. The study found faster birth rates of leukemia cells correlate with poorer patient outcomes, paving the way for potential new methods of prediction and treatment guidance.
Researchers at VIB have discovered a way to prevent E. coli bacteria from adhering to the wall of the urinary tract, potentially leading to a new treatment for chronic urinary tract infections. By targeting the protein Adhesine FimH on the bacteria's pili, a new medication could be developed to combat this widespread problem.
A new study by Kidwell found that patterns in the fossil record of marine bivalves are not dictated by differences in shell toughness. The study suggests that variations in shell composition may even favor organisms with less durable shells, adding to our understanding of evolutionary history.
Researchers have developed an efficient new strategy to synthesize a natural marine product with promising anti-tuberculosis activity, overcoming challenges of conventional chemistry. The breakthrough enables the production of gram quantities in just days, paving the way for developing potential anti-inflammatory and anticancer agents.
A new study found that a once-daily treatment of the antibiotic tobramycin is effective in treating cystic fibrosis patients, particularly in reducing kidney-related side effects. The trial recruited 219 patients and showed similar results in both children and adults.
Researchers found that CLL cells divide at a fast rate and their production is variable, leading to fluctuations in disease activity. This dynamic interplay between cell division and death rates challenges the long-held view of CLL as an accumulative disorder.
Research suggests that young children may understand word use more flexibly than previously thought, learning words through simple games and routines. Children as young as 9 months old can learn and apply new words in a decontextualized manner.
Researchers found that magnesium treatment delayed labor long enough for steroid therapy to work in about half the cases, reducing repeat preterm labor risk. Babies born after 34 weeks showed better health outcomes, with most doing well despite preterm delivery.
A new study found a significant link between self-mutilation and risky sexual behavior in adolescents, with white females being disproportionately represented among self-cutters. The research suggests that the underlying psychological problem of lack of self-restraint may be driving both behaviors.
A study published in American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology reveals that metabolic profiling can accurately identify patients at risk for preterm delivery. The method has shown a high degree of accuracy in identifying patients across different clinical groups, offering new hope for predicting the course of preterm labor.
Researchers found a defect in quantum dot creation that hinders scientific experimentation and propose tweaking light beam or pulse duration to overcome the issue. The study also sheds light on controlling electron spin, potentially leading to faster electronic devices.
Researchers discovered high levels of airborne mouse allergen in inner-city homes, increasing the risk of asthma symptoms and attacks in children. To control this allergen, parents can seal cracks and holes, dispose of food remains, and have pest exterminators treat their home.
Researchers have discovered that most C. atratus workers can glide back to their home tree after falling, a behavior crucial for survival in the high-risk tropical forest canopy. The ants use visual orientation and mechanisms to change direction and maintain a steady glide path through the air.
Researchers have identified two genomic regions associated with hypertension in African Americans, which can help locate genes affecting the condition. The study uses a genome-wide scan to compare genetic variations between African and European populations.
The 2004 global average temperature was 0.48 degrees Celsius above the 1951-1980 baseline, making it the fourth warmest year on record. Human-made pollutants play a significant role in climate change, with Earth's surface absorbing more solar energy than reflected back to space.
Researchers found that involuntary attention improves performance in simple, early visual processing tasks by increasing neural activity in areas of the brain responding to attended stimuli. The study used fMRI to map brain activity while observers performed a task with cues to attract their attention.
A new study recommends expanding routine HIV screening to settings with low prevalence rates due to its cost-effectiveness. The study found that even at low prevalence levels, regular testing can provide important health benefits. Additionally, the researchers suggest that screenings should be expanded to reduce the transmission of the...
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered 'broken heart' syndrome, a condition where emotional stress triggers severe but reversible heart muscle weakness. The study found that patients experienced rapid improvement in heart function within days and complete recovery within two weeks.
Neurobiologists studying finch brains found a crucial learning circuit that generates trial and error necessary for mastering sophisticated motor skills. The region, LMAN, tunes song variations by introducing different pitches and frequencies, allowing birds to improvise and learn.
In a unique mating ritual, cricket males offer their wings to females during copulation. This 'love bite' keeps the female occupied while the male transfers sperm, gaining a temporary advantage in the mating process.
Researchers developed a nanomechanical oscillator that bridges classic and quantum physics, exhibiting macroscopic quantum behavior at gigahertz speeds. The device is the fastest of its kind, oscillating at 1.49 gigahertz, and could be used for quantum computing, further miniaturizing wireless communication devices.
A team of Hamilton College undergraduates, led by Dr. Domack, embarked on a three-year expedition to study the paleohistory of the Larsen Ice Shelf in Antarctica. The research aims to understand the response of the Antarctic Peninsula to modern warming and its impact on the environment.
Routine HIV screening every three to five years is cost-effective in the US, according to Yale researchers. Frequent screening in high-risk populations could produce life expectancy gains at comparable costs to other chronic condition screenings.
Research reveals that environmental interventions, such as no-smoking zones and smoke-free policies, can significantly reduce tobacco use among college students. The study also highlights the importance of campus resources, including residence advisors and student health centers, in supporting anti-tobacco efforts.
A new study suggests that natural climate change may be more significant than previously thought, with a notable cold period in the 17th century and similarities between historical reconstructions and computer simulations. The findings highlight the importance of considering natural variability in future climate scenarios.
A new species of coral, Christmas Tree Coral (Antipathes dendrochristos), has been discovered in deep waters off southern California. The coral grows up to two meters tall and was first noticed during dives for rockfish surveys.