New research from MBL reveals that some fish larvae can discriminate odors in ocean currents and use scent to return to their birthplace. This homing behavior could support population isolation and genetic divergence, leading to the formation of new species. The study suggests that smell plays a crucial role in guiding larvae back to t...
A University of Bristol study found that grocery store tours are an effective way to increase nutritional knowledge and promote healthy eating habits. The tours, led by a nutritionist or dietician, provided evidence-based dietary advice and encouraged participants to make changes to their diet.
The US Department of Energy's Office of Science has awarded 45 projects 95 million hours of computing time on powerful supercomputers to advance research in various fields, including astrophysics, materials science, and climate research. These awards will enable researchers to create more accurate models, simulate complex processes, an...
A special issue of Integrative Cancer Therapies explores whether EBM principles are sufficient for making clinical decisions about CAM. The issue discusses strategies that use 'whole systems' and 'integrated evaluation models' as potential new standards for research on CAM for cancer.
A recent study published in Diabetes Technology and Therapeutics demonstrated that Diachrome safely improves blood glucose levels and cholesterol metabolism in people with type 2 diabetes. The 30-day study showed a significantly greater reduction in glucose levels, suggesting potential benefits for improved blood sugar control.
A recent NHLBI Growth and Health Study found that girls who were overweight at age 9 were more than 1.6 times likely to become overweight during ages 9 to 12 years compared to later adolescence. These girls also had elevated blood pressure and cholesterol levels, increasing their risk for obesity in young adulthood.
The University of Chicago's Center for Astrophysical Thermonuclear Flashes will perform the world's most advanced simulations of exploding white dwarf stars using 2.5 million hours of processing time. The goal is to understand the nature of dark energy, a mysterious force dominating the universe.
A new study published in CANCER journal reveals that patients with pancreatic cancer are more likely to receive radiotherapy if the treating hospital has it available, while rectal cancer patients have equal access regardless of hospital radiation capacity. The findings suggest adjuvant radiotherapy for pancreatic cancer may be over-ut...
Researchers found that galectin-3 breaks down protective shield MUC1, allowing cancer cells to attach to blood vessel wall and form tumours at secondary sites. The study has significant implications for future drug developments for cancer treatment.
Researchers link young adults with hypertension or prehypertension to an increased risk of heart enlargement. The study found that those with hypertension had a three times higher prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy compared to those with normal blood pressure.
Thai researchers discovered that patients failing first-line antiretroviral therapy are also resistant to similar drugs, leaving few options for replacement therapies. The lack of affordable virus-detection tests hinders early detection and treatment adjustments.
Researchers found a decline in allergic reactions to insulin, largely attributed to improved purification methods. New continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) systems may help reduce these reactions even further.
The Marine Aquaculture Task Force suggests strong environmental standards and funding for research and technology development. The industry's growth is expected to increase seafood demand, but it must be done in an environmentally responsible way.
Researchers using Arecibo Telescope discovered never-before-seen radio emission spectra from the Crab Nebula pulsar. The findings suggest an unknown magnetic pole, contradicting existing theories and challenging our understanding of pulsars.
Researchers discovered that arsenite destabilizes lysosomes, breaking them apart and releasing enzymes that destroy APL cells. This finding could inform further research into treating APL, a rare cancer caused by chromosome fusion.
Researchers found that Florida red tide toxins can impact respiratory function and increase respiratory symptoms in patients with asthma. The study suggests that coastal residents may react less to the toxins due to prior environmental exposure.
A heavier workload for hospital residents on patient admission days was associated with increased length of hospital stay, total costs, and risk of inpatient death. The study found that reducing team admission loads and maximizing availability of other resources could help minimize these outcomes.
Researchers at University of Pittsburgh successfully prevented type 1 diabetes in mice treated with an anti-CD137 antibody. The therapy significantly suppressed the development of diabetes, but did not appear to cure it.
Researchers have isolated broad potential stem cells from amniotic fluid, which can give rise to various specialized cell types. These cells, named amniotic fluid-derived stem (AFS) cells, may represent an intermediate stage between embryonic and adult stem cells.
A large study found that carriers of the APOE4 gene, which increases Alzheimer's risk, showed the same normal age-related cognitive declines as non-carriers. The research suggests the higher-risk genotype acts only in later years to accelerate disease progression.
Scientists have discovered a supermassive black hole at the heart of a dwarf elliptical galaxy, VCC128, located 54 million light years away. The finding is significant as it shows that even small galaxies can host massive black holes, challenging previous assumptions.
Astronomers have created the first 3D map of the universe's dark matter distribution, revealing a web-like structure that confirms conventional theories on how galaxies formed. The map was derived from the Cosmic Evolution Survey and offers unprecedented detail on the large-scale filamentary structure of dark matter.
Astronomers have discovered an enormous halo of red giant stars surrounding the Andromeda galaxy, extending beyond its visible disk and indicating that it may be five times larger than previously believed. The discovery is based on observations of over 500,000 light-years of starry space using advanced telescopes.
Researchers developed a sensitive test for identifying drug-resistant strains of HIV in patients' bloodstreams. The test detects genetic changes that predict potential drug resistance, enabling personalized treatment guidance.
Steven H. Strogatz receives the JPBM Communication Award for his work on human sleep, circadian rhythms, and mathematics outreach, featured in prominent media outlets and books. The award recognizes his efforts to reach a wider audience beyond the mathematical sciences community.
The American Mathematical Society has presented several prestigious prizes at the Joint Mathematics Meetings, recognizing significant achievements in mathematical exposition, research, and lifetime achievement. Notable winners include David Mumford, Karen Uhlenbeck, and Henry McKean.
A team of researchers investigated the molecular basis of memory in living mice, identifying a critical molecule involved in learning. The study revealed that long-term potentiation (LTP) and learning share a common molecular basis, with the TrkB receptor playing a central role.
Scientists have discovered a new species of bat, Myzopoda schliemanni, in Madagascar with large flat adhesive organs on its thumbs and hind feet. The new species is found only in the dry western forests of Madagascar, and research suggests it has adapted well to degraded environments.
The Biophysical Society has announced the winners of its student travel awards for their outstanding scientific contributions and presentations at the annual meeting. The recipients include Youval Ben Abou, Dovart Brass, Esther Caballero-Manrique, and other talented students recognized for their research excellence.
Researchers found that the p53 gene's ability to direct a damaged cell to stop growing or commit suicide depends on turning on separate groups of target genes. Alterations in an amino acid, lysine 120, can influence this decision, potentially leading to new strategies in chemotherapy drug development.
A new study found that MRI changed treatment plans for 35% of patients with ankle pain, reducing potential diagnoses from 2.3 to 1.2. The imaging modality increased referring physicians' confidence in their diagnoses by 66%, improving patient outcomes.
The Biophysical Society has awarded Minority Travel Awards to seven students attending the 2007 annual meeting in Baltimore. The recipients are from top universities across the US and will present their research on various biophysics topics.
The Biophysical Society has announced the winners of its international travel grants to attend the 51st annual meeting in Baltimore, Maryland. The awards recognize outstanding biophysicists from countries experiencing financial difficulties and honor their scientific merit and proposed presentations at the meeting.
A study published in Management Science finds that system quality and perceived usefulness are key determinants of information systems (IS) success. The research suggests that developers and managers should focus on improving system quality rather than increasing user satisfaction, as this will lead to greater system use.
The prevalence of cerebral palsy in premature babies has decreased significantly since the 1980s, thanks to improved neonatal care. According to a study published in The Lancet, the incidence rate dropped from 60.6 per 1000 live births in 1980 to 39.5 in 1996.
A new study published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases found that more people were at risk of anthrax infection after the 2001 attack on Sen. Tom Daschle's office than previously known. Prompt intervention with antibiotics and vaccination appeared to be highly effective against the disease, with no deaths resulting from the act.
As pharmacogenomics adoption advances, physicians are at risk of lawsuits for not recommending genetic tests before prescribing drugs that may harm patients with genetic vulnerabilities. Experts predict an increase in liability risks, citing scientific uncertainty, social concerns, and economic costs as hurdles.
Researchers at US DOE's Ames Laboratory have developed a material with a negative refractive index for visible light, marking a significant advance in the field of metamaterials. The silver-based mesh-like material has a refractive index of -0.6 at the red end of the visible spectrum.
Researchers at MGH Cancer Center identified a novel gene mutation associated with Wilms tumor in 30% of cases. The mutated gene, WTX, is located on the sex-determining X chromosome and plays a key role in embryonic kidney development.
Giving women with HER2-receptor positive breast cancer Herceptin for one year after standard chemotherapy improves their survival. The study found a significant overall survival benefit in the drug group compared to the control group.
The federal government needs a master plan for identifying and reducing potential risks in nanotechnology. The Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies chief scientist recommends investing $100 million over two years in targeted risk research to lay a strong, science-based foundation for safe nanotechnology.
A landmark study found that inpatient length of stay for youth with mental illness decreased by over 60% between 1990 and 2000, despite increases in illness severity and self-harm. The average length of hospitalization for youth undergoing mental health treatment declined from 12.2 days to 4.5 days during this period.
A new study by Purdue University researchers found statistically significant differences in the severity of injuries suffered in accidents involving men and women drivers, as well as drivers within three age groups. The study used mathematical models to calculate various probabilities using data from one-vehicle accidents in Indiana.
Research reveals that warmer waters cause a deficiency in oxygen uptake and distribution, limiting fish populations. This study investigates the effect of water temperature on eelpout (Zoarces viviparus) physiology, showing a direct link between oxygen limitation and population density changes.
Repetitive motion speeds nanoparticle uptake through the skin, according to a study by researchers at Rice University. The team found that flexing the skin increases nanoparticle penetration and depth, with more buckyballs taken up after 24 hours.
A Mayo Clinic study shows that incorporating physical activity into video games can significantly increase energy expenditure, especially for obese children. The results suggest that more video and computer games with activity requirements could be a potential approach to reversing the obesity trend among kids.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded nearly $11.5 million to fund Science Education Partnership Awards (SEPA) across the US. These projects aim to promote health literacy and encourage students to pursue careers in the health sciences through hands-on, inquiry-based activities.
A recent study by University of Missouri-Columbia professor Daniel Vinson found that patients who reported feeling sleepy were less likely to be injured. This contradicts the commonly accepted theory that sleep deprivation increases injury risk, suggesting a possible link between daytime sleepiness and reduced physical activity.
A team of scientists developed a method to determine the influence of past volcanic eruptions on climate and the chemistry of the upper atmosphere. The chemical fingerprint of fallout from past eruptions reveals how high the volcanic material reached and what chemical reactions occurred while it was in the atmosphere.
A study published in Science reveals that the transition from an ice age to a greenhouse climate occurred in a series of sharp swings between cold and hot conditions over millions of years. The research, led by Isabel Montanez, shows that atmospheric carbon dioxide levels swung wildly, with a pattern of increasing CO2 and temperatures ...
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered a tiny piece of genetic code, miR-29b, that moves far away from the cell's protein-making machinery. This finding reveals that microRNAs contain hidden elements that control their behavior in cells, opening up new possibilities for gene regulation and cancer research.
Limited trials on obesity drugs have failed to show major reductions in related morbidity and mortality. The authors call for longer trial durations to ensure the development of safe and effective treatments.
A study found that liver transplant patients with a history of obesity, impaired fasting glucose, and hepatitis C infection are at increased risk of developing new-onset diabetes mellitus. The risk factors also include the use of certain immunosuppressants and cardiovascular risk factors.
A new study found that Black Caribbean immigrants in the US experience poorer mental health as they stay longer, with higher rates of mood and anxiety disorders among men and lower rates among women compared to African Americans. Third-generation immigrants had the highest disorder rates.
A groundbreaking case study reveals that congenitally blind individuals can acquire visual function and skills even after extended periods of blindness during childhood. The findings challenge the widely-held 'critical period' theory, suggesting the brain's ability to relearn and adapt remains flexible throughout life.
Philosopher Philip Kitcher receives $10,000 cash award and designates first 'Prometheus Laureate', honoring lifetime research contributions to expanding philosophical frontiers in science.
A pre-hatching prototype vaccine virus providing immunity against infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) has been developed by scientists at the Institute for Animal Health and Intervet UK. The vaccine can be delivered to chicks still in their egg using robotic 'vaccinators' and has shown protection rates of up to 100 percent.
A UGA study finds that social workers are at risk of experiencing post-traumatic stress due to repeated exposure to trauma victim stories. The study, which surveyed nearly 300 social workers, found that 15% met the diagnostic criteria for PTSD within a week. The researchers recommend education and support measures to minimize this risk.
Over 200 million disadvantaged children under 5 are at risk of poor cognitive development due to factors like poverty, inadequate healthcare, and malnutrition. Interventions such as parental education, play-based programs, and improved diets can have lasting benefits on IQ and educational performance.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have created uniform porous silicon oxide nano-objects with defined sizes and structures by disassembling larger lattice-like structures. The resulting particles exhibit worm-like pores and can be easily customized by varying the colloidal crystals used as moulds.