Researchers found a sizeable and active archaeal community in deep sediment layers using energy from breaking down methane molecules. These microbes live on the slow side, requiring less energy to maintain and taking longer to divide than expected.
Researchers at McGill University have developed advanced MRI methods to improve detection of brain lesions in epilepsy patients. These new techniques reduce complexity and cost of pre-surgical evaluation, paving the way for more surgical treatment options.
Researchers discovered that nicotinamide can protect mice from brain cell death and behavioral abnormalities caused by alcohol exposure. The study suggests that taking the drug soon after drinking alcohol may prevent some of the damage to the developing fetus.
Researchers have developed a hand-held device that enables people with disabilities, including autism and Down's syndrome, to communicate using barcodes. The B.A. Bar has been shown to be more effective than simple pictures in helping users learn to speak and become more independent.
Research by Lingraphicare America reveals that speech generating devices can help stroke patients recover from aphasia, even years after the initial injury. The study found nearly half of subjects improved to a less severe diagnostic category, with gains observed across all severity levels.
A new study found that rapid larval growth in warm Caribbean waters is often disrupted by complex oceanographic processes, leading to variable settlement rates. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for managing and conserving fish populations.
A study found that corticosteroids in the trauma intensive care unit are associated with a higher risk of pneumonia, bloodstream infections, urinary tract infections, prolonged ICU stays, and increased mortality rates. The use of corticosteroids for conditions not widely studied also resulted in significant additional costs.
Ocean acidification could lead to extinction of many marine species due to increased acidity and dissolution of calcium carbonate shells. The last time oceans endured such a drastic change in chemistry was 65 million years ago, at the same time dinosaurs went extinct.
Researchers found patients with rheumatoid arthritis have a three-fold increase in carotid artery atherosclerosis compared to those without RA. Statins and b-blockers may also affect coronary heart disease severity, while hospital volume doesn't correlate with pneumonia care quality.
Laptop computers combining toy features with innovative tech are accelerating learning and communication ability in disabled children, according to Penn State researchers. The technology has shown a significant improvement in communication skills and vocabulary for early readers among 2-3 year olds.
A University of Chicago study found that daily doses of pseudoephedrine hydrochloride were as effective as montelukast sodium in relieving hay fever symptoms without additional side effects. Pseudoephedrine was slightly more effective in reducing congestion and had a lower risk of sleep problems compared to montelukast.
A large European study found that a top candidate gene variant does not significantly increase the risk of osteoporosis, contrary to previous research. The study, which involved over 20,000 participants, suggests that genetic testing for this variant alone is not sufficient to accurately predict fracture risk.
Researchers use mathematical modeling to predict that flu outbreaks will emerge in multiple locations and that containment efforts will only buy time. The study suggests that a multi-pronged preparedness strategy is needed to effectively prevent pandemics.
Geophysicist Mark Zoback explains that the New Madrid seismic zone is prone to earthquakes due to the legacy effect of a massive glacier pressing into the Earth's surface. He predicts that earthquakes could continue to occur in the region for thousands of years, emphasizing the need for continued research and preparedness.
Researchers at UCSD have found that disease-causing Strep bacteria release an enzyme that degrades neutrophil DNA nets, allowing them to escape the immune system and spread in body tissues. This discovery could lead to new treatments by inhibiting this enzyme, making it easier for the immune system to clear the pathogen.
University of Miami researchers are tracking black and red grouper in the Dry Tortugas National Park using acoustic telemetry technology. The study aims to improve our understanding of species movement and habitat requirements, enabling more efficient design and assessment of future marine-protected areas.
Researchers from the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) will present studies on rivers' impact on the Arctic Ocean, as well as microbial diversity in a sewage-impacted estuary. Additionally, scientists will discuss how ocean particle scavenging is modulated by surface ocean productivity and nutrient quality.
Biometrics seeks to overcome its limitations by improving sensor quality, image processing, and combining traits for enhanced accuracy. The technology has shown impressive precision but also faces challenges such as small margins of error, which can have significant consequences.
A recent study recommends a large-scale test of speed camera networks in the US to curb road deaths. Small increases in travel speeds resulted in over 42,000 annual road deaths in the 1990s. Implementing speed control policies like those in the UK could have reduced US road deaths by 16-25%.
Rising atmospheric carbon dioxide is causing coral reefs to become more acidic, threatening their survival. Laboratory experiments suggest a doubling in CO2 could drive production of carbonate below what's needed to repair skeletal damage.
A study of 58 adults with ragweed allergic rhinitis found that both over-the-counter pseudoephedrine and prescription montelukast reduced symptoms, including congestion, runny nose, and sneezing. Pseudoephedrine was more effective at alleviating nasal congestion.
Research in East Africa highlights the dual nature of land use, with positive impacts on local economies but negative consequences for native plants and wildlife. LUCID project explores links between social systems and environmental changes, aiming to understand why some communities maintain biodiversity despite agricultural expansion.
Trends in declining nutrient levels will be discussed along with research findings on organic apples and strawberries.
A Loyola study found that continuous cardiac rhythm monitoring detects unsuspected paroxysmal abnormalities in stroke patients, including atrial fibrillation. Cardiovascular risk factors were discovered more frequently in monitored patients, highlighting the importance of routine telemetry for all stroke patients.
Between 2000 and 2003, Sweden reported an increasing number of MRSA infections, peaking at 544 cases in 2003. A significant portion, 433 cases, were acquired outside the country.
Dr. Sharon Smith's research warns of potentially dramatic changes in the Arctic ecosystem due to anthropogenic warming, disrupting feeding patterns and food source availability for marine life. The study highlights the urgent need to address global climate change and its impacts on vulnerable ecosystems.
Comet dust samples collected by the Stardust mission are being studied to determine their mineral composition, providing valuable insights into the formation of the solar system. The samples, which consist of ice, dust, and rock, were analyzed using electron microscopes and other techniques.
The University of Pittsburgh has received a $5 million gift from the John M. and Gertrude E. Petersen Foundation to support its Institute of NanoScience and Engineering. This funding will enable researchers to investigate complex scientific and engineering challenges, leading to potential breakthroughs in various fields.
The Tree of Life Project, a massive collaboration among scientists worldwide, is growing its database of life on Earth. With the help of Katja Schulz's new system, researchers and non-scientists alike can now easily upload data, allowing for new connections and insights into biological patterns.
Researchers investigated the role of diatom-derived aldehydes as 'infochemicals' regulating population dynamics. Low doses induced resistance, while high concentrations triggered cell death, suggesting a stress surveillance system that determines phytoplankton community fitness and succession.
A recent study found that promoting both earthquake safety and economic development is possible for small towns in the Midwest. Researchers recommend tearing down old buildings as new ones are constructed and adding land to boost safety, leading to improved community safety and economic growth.
Scientists study stardust in labs to understand element formation and stellar evolution. The analysis of isotopic compositions provides clues about nuclear and chemical processes in stars.
The incidence of breast cancer in Korea is increasing, with a significant rise in the proportion of asymptomatic patients detected by mammography. This trend reflects the country's westernization and lower breastfeeding rates, leading to higher risk factors such as early menarche and obesity.
Researchers found that the SRY gene plays a crucial role in regulating dopamine-producing brain cells, which malfunction in Parkinson's disease. The study suggests that men are more susceptible to the disease due to lower levels of this gene, while women may have an alternative protective mechanism involving estrogens.
The Bahamas Biocomplexity Project adopts a holistic approach to marine conservation, combining scientific tools with ethnographic and economic surveys. The project's findings suggest that marine protected areas can increase seaweed grazing and reduce algal abundance, benefiting coral reefs.
Patients who chewed sugarless gum three times a day experienced shorter hospital stays (4.3 days vs. 6.8 days) and earlier gas passage and first bowel movements compared to control groups. Chewing gum may stimulate the gastrointestinal tract, promoting hormones that activate bowel motility.
The study found that timely antibiotic treatment was key to patients' survival, with a mortality rate of nearly 80% when treatment was delayed beyond six days. Anthrax progression to its advanced stage often leads to certain death, even with modern care.
A Stanford-Kaiser study suggests that statins and beta-blockers can significantly reduce the risk of heart attack in patients with high blood pressure or high cholesterol. The study found that these medications were effective in reducing the risk of heart attack by more than half, even when other treatments for high cholesterol failed.