A new study found that even low levels of heavy metal pollution can harm oysters, while high temperatures exacerbate the damage. The combined effect can lead to fatal weakness and disease in oysters.
A new study by WCS and USGS found that wild tigers in India's Nagarahole National Park lose nearly a quarter of their population each year, but total numbers remain stable due to high reproductive rates and abundant prey. The study highlights the need for protected areas with high prey densities and anti-poaching efforts.
New research reveals how botulinum toxin attaches to nerve cells, using a similar strategy as locating an airport. The study identifies the exact spot where the toxin binds, allowing for potential anti-toxins and new treatments for paralysis and dystonias.
Scientists from Stanford University have discovered how botulinum neurotoxin binds to individual nerve cells, which could lead to the development of preventive vaccines against botulism. The study may also pave the way for novel remedies for several neuromuscular conditions, including cerebral palsy.
The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has licensed its Adaptive Scanning Optical Microscope (ASOM) technology to Thorlabs Inc. The ASOM enables the automation of challenging laboratory tasks, such as diagnosing cancer and discovering new drugs. It provides high-resolution images of large sample areas without sacrificing image quality.
A study of 80 children found that antibiotic ear drops resolved ear drainage three to five days faster and resulted in more clinical cures overall, compared to oral administration. The topical drops also had fewer gastrointestinal problems and led to less antibiotic resistance.
The TEACH study is a Phase III trial investigating the experimental drug Tykerb in patients with early-stage, HER2-positive breast cancer who have not been treated with Herceptin. The trial aims to determine whether Tykerb can benefit women several years after their initial diagnosis of breast cancer.
Research on violent assaults found that feet were the most dangerous bodily weapon, causing more severe injuries than sharp objects. Kicking was particularly hazardous, leading to more severe injuries than using sharp objects.
Researchers found that trees can't increase wood growth from elevated CO2 without sufficient leaf area, which is limited by soil nutrition. With adequate soil nutrients, forests can sequester more carbon in woody biomass under increasing atmospheric CO2 concentrations.
Physicist Michael Deem uses supercomputers and disused desktop PCs to catalog mineral designs, creating a database of over 3.4 million zeolite structures. This effort could lead to more efficient catalysts for chemical reactions.
A recent study by Oregon State University researchers suggests that tobacco company-sponsored anti-smoking advertising aimed at youths may actually increase teen smoking rates. The study found that each additional youth-targeted prevention ad viewed resulted in a 3% stronger intention among all students to smoke in the future, and that...
Researchers have identified two molecular receptors in fruit flies that detect carbon dioxide, a key factor in attracting blood-feeding insects. This finding could lead to the design of insect repellents to combat global infectious diseases.
Scientists at The Forsyth Institute have discovered that programmed cell death is necessary for regeneration to occur. Apoptosis plays a critical role in development and a novel role in regeneration, allowing medically therapeutic regeneration. The study uses the Xenopus tadpole as a model organism.
A team of Cambridge-led researchers has identified a genetic mutation that renders carriers pain-insensitive. The study reveals the role of the SCN9A gene in pain sensation and may lead to new, safer pain medications.
Researchers aim to shorten runway delays by creating near-axis swirls in trailing vortices, reducing turbulence and making runways usable more quickly. The study's goal is to demonstrate the feasibility of this approach and explain its physics.
A new approach to locating and removing water contaminants such as perchlorate and nitrates has been discovered. Researchers found that anion-pi interaction, a type of molecular binding, occurs off-center in solid-state structures, which could lead to the development of sensors for anion detection.
Physicists at UCR have detected the top quark, the heaviest known elementary particle, for the first time without its antimatter partner, allowing them to study its properties and production process. The discovery has significant implications for understanding the fundamental nature of the universe and how objects acquire mass.
A new partnership between a Russian Institute and a US firm has led to the development of improved hydrogen gas sensors with increased reliability and response time. This technology is expected to enhance safety, detection capability, and efficiency in various industrial applications.
Phylonix Pharmaceuticals received a $500,000 NSF Phase II SBIR grant to evaluate the toxic effects of industrial chemicals on human organ development in zebrafish. Preliminary data show a correlation between zebrafish results and mammalian findings.
New research symposium in Perspectives on Politics examines the complex politics of HIV/AIDS in seven countries, highlighting key findings on state action, civil society mobilization, and their consequences. The symposium provides empirical and theoretical claims on the pandemic, shedding light on the diverse impact of HIV/AIDS on rela...
A new study published in BMC Medicine found that HIV prevalence in Andhra Pradesh's Guntur district is 1.72%, significantly lower than the official estimate of 4.3% for the entire country. The study estimated 45,900 individuals with HIV in Guntur district, highlighting potential overestimation of HIV burden in India.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic Cancer Center have led efforts to test new therapies in multiple myeloma, improving effectiveness and reducing toxicity. Studies show high response rates with lenalidomide and bortezomib, and a synergistic effect when targeting both tumor cells and microenvironment.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that the brain processes pitch in Mandarin Chinese music before processing semantics in language. This finding highlights why people with cochlear implants struggle to understand tonal languages like Mandarin.
Researchers found that older men diagnosed with localized prostate cancer who received treatment lived significantly longer than those who didn't receive treatment. After accounting for differences, the study discovered a 31% lower risk of death in patients who underwent surgery or radiation therapy.
The production of frankincense is declining in the Horn of Africa due to intensive tapping, which diverts carbohydrates from reproductive organs. The study suggests that less intensive tapping procedures and rest periods are needed to ensure sustainable production.
Researchers at UCL and Imperial College London found that positive sounds like laughter trigger a brain response similar to smiling. This response occurs in the premotor cortical region, preparing facial muscles for laughter, and may play a role in building strong bonds between individuals.
A meta-analysis of 12 randomized clinical trials found that folic acid supplementation does not decrease the risk of coronary heart disease or stroke among people with a history of vascular disease. The study suggests that alternative strategies, such as smoking cessation and lipid reduction, are more effective in preventing cardiovasc...
Scientists at Cornell University have discovered a panel of 23 protein biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid that can identify patients living with Alzheimer's disease. The biomarkers, known as a 'fingerprint,' were validated through autopsy-proven tests and showed high sensitivity and accuracy.
Researchers created hairpin-shaped RNA molecules that can differentiate between riboswitches in on and off states. These aptamers could help find new antibiotics by binding to the switches of pathogens, blocking essential protein synthesis.
Researchers found that high-performing hospitals had little difference in mortality rates for common conditions like heart attack and pneumonia. The study suggests that current quality measures are insufficient to accurately reflect patient outcomes, highlighting the need for new measures linked to clinical outcomes.
A new study reveals that coral reefs are experiencing abnormal die-off rates, unlike anything seen in the past 11,000 years. The frequency of reef disturbances was at least an order of magnitude less than today's levels, according to Associate Professor John Pandolfi.
AkaRx Inc. presents Phase I clinical data of AKR-501, a TPO receptor agonist that mimics the effect of thrombopoietin to stimulate platelet production, with a 50% increase in platelet count in healthy volunteers. The results suggest potential for safe and effective treatment of thrombocytopenia in various diseases.
Researchers used satellite imagery and radar sensors to study Pacific walrus habitats in the Bering and Chukchi seas. They found that walruses prefer medium-thickness first-year ice, which is critical for their survival and way of life.
A long-term ecological study of stream chemistry in Appalachians shows unexpected changes due to reduced sulfur emissions from acid rain. Researchers are seeing rising amounts of dissolved carbon dioxide in streams, which could impact the forest ecosystem and carbon balance.
A study found little difference in death rates for common conditions at high and low-performing hospitals, suggesting that current measures may not accurately predict patient outcomes. The authors call for more tightly linked measures to improve health care quality.
A clinical trial combining bortezomib with Doxil has shown promising results in treating relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, a type of bone marrow cancer. The combination treatment demonstrated a better response rate compared to standard therapy alone, with a median time to progression of 9.3 months.
Scientists have discovered a unique, mouse-sized land animal in New Zealand, which challenges the theory that birds evolved without competition from land mammals. The discovery also sheds new light on climate change in the region, indicating a massive shift from warm and wet to cool and dry conditions.
The Cassini spacecraft has imaged the tallest mountains ever seen on Saturn's moon Titan, with peaks reaching nearly a mile high. The mountains are topped with bright, white material that may be methane or other organic 'snow,' suggesting a unique geology and potential for life.
A University of Washington-led team has identified a mutated form of the Palladin gene as the cause of familial pancreatic cancer. The discovery reveals that this genetic abnormality causes cancer cells to move abnormally, invading surrounding healthy tissue.
The study found that online shoppers can reap big benefits from shopping on price comparison sites, including strategies to exploit targets of opportunity and compare services beyond prices. Retailers also use these sites to their advantage, with fierce competition driving price wars and collaborations to raise prices.
Scientists have deciphered the meaning behind mysterious faces on South Pacific artifacts, revealing that they may represent sea turtles. The research, published in the Cambridge Archaeological Journal, suggests that these ceramic portraits and wooden bowls display ideas about human origins and the divine.
An observational study found that elderly men who received treatment for localized prostate cancer survived significantly longer than those who did not. The study suggested a reduced risk of mortality associated with active treatment in the elderly Medicare population.
A University of Colorado at Boulder researcher has designed compact vortex generators inspired by cephalopods, enabling more precise maneuvering and docking of underwater vehicles at low speeds. The technology may also be used to guide tiny capsules through the human digestive tract for disease diagnosis and medication delivery.
Research found that individuals with schizophrenia are more likely to have multiple chronic health conditions, including cardiovascular and neurological diseases. A third of those with schizophrenia had three or more physical health conditions, highlighting the need for integrated care.
A study of SEER-Medicare records found that surgery or radiation therapy for early-stage prostate cancer increased lifespan in men between 65 and 80 years old. Treatment was associated with a 30% lower risk of death compared to observation, even for elderly men with low-risk disease.
Scientists at the University of Illinois have discovered that a combination of ozone, high-intensity ultrasound, electrolyzed water, irradiation, and temperature is most effective in reducing E. coli 0157:H7 pathogens to meet FDA standards.
Researchers found that lightning fires in Appalachian forests can deter the encroachment of shade-tolerant hardwoods, such as red maples. This natural mechanism can aid in the regeneration of oak forests, which are approaching extinction due to human alterations and fire suppression.
According to a study in JAMA, approximately 50 million US residents younger than 65 spend more than 10% of their family income on healthcare, up from 37.8 million in 1996. The researchers estimated that 17.1 million insured persons were underinsured, with limited financial protection from high out-of-pocket costs.
Men who lose 3 centimeters or more of height as they age are at an increased risk of coronary heart diseases events, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and death. A study of 4,213 men found that substantial height loss is associated with poor eating habits and weight loss, leading to a higher mortality rate.
Researchers predict Arctic sea ice will retreat rapidly, becoming nearly ice-free by 2040, with global warming exacerbating the issue. The study suggests that greenhouse gas emissions can impact the likelihood of abrupt ice loss.
A study by Yale University researchers found that Swedish massage therapy significantly improved symptoms in adults with osteoarthritis of the knee, including reduced pain and increased flexibility. The treatment was shown to be safe and effective, with benefits persisting after completion of the massage intervention.
Research from Griffith University's Genomics Research Centre reveals that migraine significantly affects the lives of Australian men, causing poorer physical functioning and energy levels. Men with migraine often struggle to plan their lives due to unpredictable symptoms and apprehension, leading to reduced quality of life.
Researchers used brain scans to study three women with sensory conversion disorder, also known as hysteria. The study found that stimulation of the numb hand or foot failed to activate the side of the brain that responds to touch, but did so when both limbs were stimulated.
The study presents positive interim results of using ALDESORT to isolate cord blood stem cells, showing improved overall survival at 90.9% compared to a historical control group. The infusion of cells enriched with ALDESORT appears to improve the speed and efficacy of cord blood transplantations.
Researchers at the University of Utah have developed a new vaginal gel that turns into a gel-like coating when inserted, releasing an antiviral drug when exposed to semen. The 'molecular condom' has potential as a daily or monthly prevention method for AIDS, with hopes of being up to 90% effective.
A new study found a significant improvement in survival rates after stroke in Auckland, New Zealand, with a 40% decline in deaths over the past 25 years. The research attributes this increase to better hospital admission and brain imaging during the most severe phase of the illness.
Researchers found that people can store more faces in their visual short-term memory than other objects, thanks to the efficient way faces are encoded. This advantage was only observed when participants studied upright faces, which are more familiar to us.
Researchers at the University of Illinois are developing new instrumentation to better understand and predict space weather. They are studying ionospheric storms that can affect life on Earth, including radiation threats and communication disruptions.
The COSMIC satellite system provides unprecedented information on the atmosphere's temperature and water vapor structure, enabling more accurate long-range weather forecasts and climate change analysis. The system's unique global coverage and ability to gather data above hard-to-reach locations enhance global-scale monitoring.
A University of Minnesota study found that over 90% of children and young adults who survive five years or longer after diagnosis and treatment for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are alive 20 years later. Regular health check-ups and monitoring are crucial to prevent late effects of cancer treatment.