Individuals in early recovery from alcoholism who have inaccurate sleep perceptions are more likely to return to drinking. Poor sleep quality can lead to mood disturbances and increased vulnerability to relapse.
Research by Dr David Voas at the University of Manchester found that women priests are nearly half of all ordained clergy and are more likely to serve in rural areas. The lack of women in leadership positions may contribute to the Church's declining population, with most male parish priests over 60.
A new study from Queensland University of Technology finds that climate change caused a series of massive droughts to kill giant kangaroos and other megafauna in south-east Queensland 40,000 years ago. The research provides evidence that the prehistoric big dry was responsible for extinctions, contradicting some theories that humans we...
Scientists from the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) are making significant discoveries in ocean drilling operations, including the first complete section through a modern cold-water coral mound. The IODP is an international scientific research program that explores subseafloor environments and monitors environmental change, ge...
Climate change may cause large infrequent disturbances in Africa, leading to devastating environmental and societal impacts. Historical data suggests that such events can have a lasting effect, with examples like the Maasai 'Emutai' period showing catastrophic consequences.
The Delft University of Technology has successfully created the world's smallest piano wire, measuring approximately 2 nanometers in diameter. The researchers used carbon nanotubes and developed a model to predict their vibrations, which can be used for mass sensors and other applications.
Scientists studying Neanderthal teeth using X-rays from the ESRF found that their dental development is very similar to modern humans. The research team discovered complex folding of the enamel dentine junction, which suggests a deep embryological origin and may have been functionally significant.
Enforcement patrols in the Serengeti National Park have significantly reduced poaching of elephants, African buffaloes and black rhinos. The study used a catch-per-unit-of-effort technique to estimate poaching intensity, finding that increased patrols led to a precipitous decline in poaching and population recovery.
The UK's national teenage pregnancy strategy has led to a steady decline in the number of under-18 conceptions and births, with a drop of about 3.2% between 1998 and 2003. The decline was greater in areas with more targeted resources and in rural and deprived areas.
Researchers have cloned a wild wheat gene that increases protein, zinc, and iron content in grain by 10-15%, potentially addressing nutritional deficiencies affecting millions of children worldwide. The study confirms the gene's effect on matured grains showing higher nutrient levels without sacrificing size or quality.
A recent study estimates that five million women are hospitalized annually in developing countries due to complications from unsafe abortions. The World Health Organization defines unsafe abortion as a procedure lacking proper medical standards or skills.
A study found that England's national teenage pregnancy strategy has been successful in reducing the number of under-18s conceiving and having babies, with a 3.2% drop in conception rates between 1998 and 2003. The decline was more pronounced in areas with targeted resources and lower educational achievement.
Researchers identified WNT and DKK proteins as key regulators of hair follicle spacing, providing experimental confirmation of the Turing hypothesis. The study revealed a reaction-diffusion mechanism controlling the spatial arrangement of hair follicles, shedding light on biological pattern formation.
The World Health Organization's African Regional Health Report is criticized for its lack of facts and reliance on rhetoric. To achieve sustainable health improvements in Africa, effective cooperation between the UN's agencies and multilateral institutions is required.
A randomised trial found that Ancrod was not effective in treating ischaemic stroke when administered within 6 hours of symptom onset. The study highlights the importance of timely treatment in stroke care and suggests that Ancrod may only be beneficial if given within a 3-hour window.
A 250M year-old mass extinction event led to a profound ecological shift in the world's oceans. Simple marine ecosystems were largely displaced by complex ones, reflecting a rise in mobile organisms with higher metabolism. This change has continued ever since, with current human activities potentially reversing this trend.
Researchers confirm protocol to reverse type 1 diabetes in diabetic mice, with adult precursor cells from the spleen contributing to regeneration of beta cells. The study provides new evidence for a potential source of regenerating islet cells and suggests that older mice may be more responsive to this approach.
Researchers have made significant discoveries about the structure of Earth's core-mantle boundary, including a post-perovskite lens and temperature measurements that shed light on heat flow deep within the planet. The findings have implications for understanding the age of Earth's solid inner core and its magnetic field.
Genetically-modified bacteria Clostridium novyi-NT have shown promise in treating cancer by selectively killing tumor cells while sparing normal cells. The combination of bacterial therapy and chemotherapy has demonstrated significant tumor-killing effects, with over two-thirds of mice cured permanently.
Researchers captured an unprecedented view of an underwater volcanic eruption using instruments on the seafloor. The discovery revealed new information about the geological and biological processes at play in deep-sea environments.
Seismologists have directly measured heat flowing from the molten core into a region of the lower mantle for the first time. The new temperature measurements provide insight into the geodynamo and tectonic plate movement, helping scientists understand the Earth's internal dynamics.
Researchers from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution successfully anticipated and chronicled a seafloor eruption along the global mid-ocean ridge, providing a rare opportunity to observe what happens in the immediate aftermath of an event. The study has added substantially to our understanding of how mid-ocean ridges work.
A type of carbon from plant waxy material has been accumulating in soils for 11,000 years, challenging current models of the Earth's carbon cycle. This resilient carbon pool is thought to be responsible for long-term carbon storage on land and may play a role in offsetting increasing greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers at Brown University and Columbia's Earth Institute recovered two lost ocean-bottom seismometers, providing unprecedented insights into the process of seafloor spreading. The data from the instruments reveals increasing seismic activity before a major episode of seafloor creation, offering a unique 'ear to earth's belly'.
Six Bulgarian nurses and a Palestinian doctor were wrongly accused of deliberately infecting over 400 children with HIV in Libya since 1999. The Lancet calls for their immediate release due to lack of legal basis.
Maya Tolstoy and colleagues were thrilled to discover that two-thirds of their ocean bottom seismometers were trapped in fresh lava flows, giving them a unique opportunity to study the process of seafloor spreading. Preliminary analysis reveals signs of recent volcanic eruptions and suggests that future eruptions may be forecastable.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute have determined the structure of photosystem II, a crucial step in photosynthesis. The discovery reveals the precise arrangement of manganese and oxygen atoms, which could lead to the development of artificial catalysts for regenerative hydrogen production.
The study found that positive pressure ventilation significantly reduced temperatures and smoke in corridors and stairwells, making them safer for occupants and responders. The experiment involved 11 NIST researchers and over 70 local staff, simulating real-world conditions to assess the effectiveness of PPV in multistory buildings.
A new grid computing system enables doctors to share high-resolution medical images quickly and securely across North America. This breakthrough improves diagnosis accuracy, allows for second opinions from specialists anywhere easily, and enhances monitoring of ongoing clinical research.
A study published in JCI found that overexpression of CaMKII altered sodium channel function, leading to increased susceptibility to ventricular tachyarrhythmias in mice. Additionally, proteasome composition differed between Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis, with CD showing increased degradation of an NF-kappa-B inhibitor.
Researchers found that mutations in LRRK2 protein stunt neuron growth and branching, leading to dopamine-producing neuron loss and disease progression. The study provides a useful animal model for studying PD and discovering new treatments.
Research published in Obesity shows that one-fourth of overweight, inactive children tested positive for sleep-disordered breathing. After three months of vigorous exercise, the number of children with sleep disorders was cut in half, and even those who exercised less saw an improvement on a pediatric sleep questionnaire.
In a groundbreaking pilot study, researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that children with egg allergies can build up their bodies' resistance to eggs by gradually consuming increased quantities over time. The study's findings show promising results for the development of a meaningful therapy for food allergy sufferers.
A study by Cornell Food & Brand Lab shows that we tend to overeat due to cues around us, such as plate size and distractions. By using smaller plates or limiting food options, individuals can make easier changes to control their eating habits.
Massachusetts General Hospital researchers have discovered a master cardiac stem cell capable of differentiating into three types of heart cells. This finding offers new prospects for drug discovery and genetically based models of human disease, as well as a novel strategy for the regeneration of cardiac muscle and associated structures.
Researchers uncover the secret recipe behind Hessian crucibles, a 500-year-old alchemists' lab kit component that was previously unknown to be used in their manufacture. The discovery sheds light on the skill and ingenuity of ancient craftsmen who exploited modern materials centuries before they were understood scientifically.
Scientists developed a comprehensive map of copy number variants (CNVs) in the human genome using advanced microarray technology and algorithmic tools. The study identified over 1,400 CNVs covering 12% of the genome, shedding light on genetic changes linked to diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
A team of scientists used high-energy X-rays to study the hydrophobic water gap, revealing its size and characteristics. The study provides new insights into protein folding and stability, which are crucial in biological systems.
Researchers at Yale University found that competitive female cyclists have reduced genital sensitivity. No negative effects were observed on sexual function or quality of life in the study's young, healthy participants.
A new study found bivalirudin, an anti-clotting agent, is equally effective as a combination of injectable blood thinners in treating acute coronary syndromes, resulting in fewer cases of major bleeding. The medication reduced the risk of mortality by reducing bleeding complications.
Researchers at Yale University have found a gene variant that increases the risk of developing aggressive 'wet' age-related macular degeneration, the most common cause of blindness in people over 50. The study found a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the HTRA1 gene on chromosome 10 associated with greatly increased risk of wet AMD.
Researchers from Delft University of Technology successfully measured transport through a single atom in a transistor, offering insights into the behaviour of dopant atoms in silicon. The individual behaviour of dopant atoms is a stumbling block to further miniaturisation of electronics.
A type of stem cell has been identified that gives rise to both myocardial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells, challenging previous notions of how the heart develops. This discovery could lead to the development of new treatments for congenital heart defects and damage caused by heart attacks.
The University of Manchester will develop innovative new counter-terrorism technologies using £multi-million pounds in funding from the Home Office. The project aims to improve detection, identification and decontamination of chemical, biological and radiological materials.
A multicenter study found that measuring fetal oxygen levels does not affect the rate of Caesarean section or the health of newborn babies. Researchers tested whether knowing fetal blood-oxygen levels made a difference in the rate of Caesarean section or condition of the newborn infant.
Scientists have created a prototype carbon nanotube knife that could revolutionize cell biology by enabling precise cuts and 3D images of cells. The device, which stretches between two electrochemically sharpened tungsten needles, has shown promising results in mechanical strength tests.
Researchers found that continuous fetal oxygen saturation monitoring had no significant effect on Caesarean delivery rates for both normal and abnormal fetal heart rates. The study enrolled over 5000 women across 14 hospitals, with no statistically meaningful differences in Caesarean deliveries between the groups.
The University of Manchester won a $500,000 prize for its innovative approach to knowledge transfer and collaboration with industry. The university's Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences was awarded the grant to support concept studies, short projects, and an incubator scheme for companies.
Joel Rosenbaum's research has made significant advances in understanding the assembly, maintenance and function of cilia and flagella, leading to a deeper understanding of polycystic kidney disease (PKD). His work has also revealed the importance of primary non-motile cilia in signaling pathways.
A new model developed by researchers at the University of California - Santa Barbara predicts the survival of coral reefs based on their shape and size. The study found that table corals with broad flat tops are more susceptible to strong wave forces, while bushy or mounded corals are less vulnerable.
New research reveals that at least 10% of human genes have variations in the number of DNA copies, influencing gene activity and function. This discovery changes the way scientists think about genetic diseases and human evolution.
Researchers discover master cardiac stem cells capable of producing all three major tissues of the mammalian heart. The findings challenge traditional understanding of heart development and may hold promise for cardiac stem cell therapies.
A new study aims to uncover the causes of the testicular cancer increase among 15-35 year old Caucasian men. The research will examine environmental hormone disruptors and genetic susceptibility as potential risk factors.
Researchers found CaMKII alters Na+ channel function, leading to VTs in mice with heart failure. Overexpression of CaMKII increased susceptibility to life-threatening arrhythmias.
Researchers at Yale School of Medicine found that genetic factors contribute significantly to the development of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), with 70% of the contribution attributed to genetics. The study identified gestational age and supplemental oxygen as significant independent contributing factors for ROP.
Researchers have demonstrated a central role for zinc in modulating signaling among neurons, shedding light on its presence in free ion pools. The findings show that manipulating synaptic zinc levels can affect neuronal action, highlighting the complexity of potential therapeutic interventions.
Research by Alberto Cordero found that 76% of workers over 60 are overweight or obese, leading to increased mortality and reduced productivity. The study also showed a strong link between metabolic syndrome, arterial hypertension, and cardiovascular risk factors.
Researchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have discovered 176 proteins associated with plague virulence, offering promising leads for improved disease detection and treatment. The study's findings may also guide the development of new vaccines and therapies to combat the deadly disease.
Scientists have identified a group of genes controlling shape and color patterns on abalone shells, which mirror the localized expression of these genes in the mantle. The study reveals a complex secretome that enables diversification of shell strength and design.
Physicians reported being actively involved in community participation, political involvement, and collective advocacy, with over two-thirds participating in at least one role. Factors related to civic-mindedness, such as age, sex, and medical specialty, influenced the perceived importance of public roles.