Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new model that takes into account nitrogen dynamics to better understand how plants and soils interact with climate change. The model reveals that nitrogen availability influences carbon dioxide uptake, potentially leading to overestimations of forest carbon sequestration.
A UNC study found that childcare centers with portable play equipment and active play opportunities increase children's moderate to vigorous physical activity levels. Centers with more computer and TV equipment also scored better on activity levels, suggesting a positive correlation between media resources and physical activity.
Researchers at UCSD developed a novel technique to predict drug side effects using computer modeling, identifying an unintended protein target for SERMs. The approach can be applied to any drug with existing receptor structure data in the PDB, potentially reducing adverse effects and improving therapeutics.
Researchers at USC suggest epigenetics plays a role in male infertility, with abnormal DNA methylation linked to low sperm counts. The study finds high levels of methylation in sperm DNA from men with fertility issues, potentially leading to new treatments for male infertility.
A new species of massive carnivorous dinosaur, Carcharodontosaurus iguidensis, has been discovered in Niger, measuring up to 13-14 meters long and 1.75 meters skull length. The fossils provide insights into the ecosystems of Africa 95 million years ago and shed light on the evolution of these ancient creatures.
Dexmedetomidine was found to reduce the risk of delirium and coma in ICU patients on respirators, with 4 more days alive without these conditions. Dexmedetomidine also provided sustained sedation and higher accuracy at meeting sedation goals without added cost of care.
A new study has found that higher CO2 levels can lead to more plant litter, which in turn can boost the amount of carbon released into the atmosphere. This process, known as the 'priming effect,' was observed in a tropical forest study.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that bears' selective feeding habits on salmon with less signs of senescence accelerates the aging process in these fish. The research suggests that predation pressure is a primary driver of senescence, rather than the physical characteristics of the prey.
A randomized clinical trial found GRACE's success in improving quality of care, health-related quality of life measures, while reducing emergency department use and hospital admissions. The program involves a support team meeting with patients at home to conduct comprehensive assessments and develop individualized care plans.
Scientists used detection dog teams to study a Pacific fisher population in the Sierra National Forest, finding dogs three and a half times more successful than cameras. The method also only needed one visit per site, aiding land management decisions by providing insights into ecosystem health.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that active smoking is associated with a 44% increased risk of type 2 diabetes. The association was strongest for heavy smokers, suggesting that smoking may contribute to insulin resistance or inadequate compensatory insulin secretion responses.
A recent Michigan State University study found US middle school math teachers to be ill-prepared compared to their counterparts in other countries. The study, which surveyed over 2,600 future teachers, revealed that the US ranked mediocre in math knowledge and practical teaching skills.
A home-based geriatric care program for low-income seniors resulted in higher-quality medical care, improvement in quality of life, and fewer emergency department visits. However, the intervention did not prevent decline in physical functioning. The program improved health outcomes without increasing hospital admissions.
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that diagnostic mammogram readings vary extensively by radiologist, with no explanation for the variation. Radiologists' performance was influenced by their experience, affiliation, and time spent interpreting mammograms.
A new study found that leading global climate models do an unsatisfactory job of mimicking climate change, particularly in the lower and middle atmosphere. The researchers compared the models' output with actual climate data and found discrepancies, casting doubt on the reliability of these models for predicting future climate changes.
A team of researchers has found that current computer programs can miss up to 60% of regulatory DNA regions, which contribute to inherited diseases like Parkinson's and mental disorders. The study used a novel approach to identify functional DNA sequences in zebrafish embryos, uncovering 17 discrete DNA segments with regulatory potential.
New research reveals that certain areas of the moon are protected by the magnetosphere, reducing radiation exposure for astronauts. The study also highlights the need to consider energetic oxygen particles generated during solar storms.
A recent study found that postmenopausal women taking anastrozole after tamoxifen treatment had a 38% reduced risk of breast cancer recurrence. Additionally, research indicates that blood transfusions may slightly increase cancer risk in the months following the procedure, likely due to underlying undiagnosed cancer.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry suggests that erythropoietin, a natural human hormone, may have antidepressant properties. The study found that erythropoietin regulated emotional responses and had neuroprotective effects on neural function, supporting its potential as a treatment strategy for depression.
Researchers identified a variant of the tumor suppressor gene DAB2IP associated with aggressive prostate cancer. A study of nearly 1,000 Swedish men and two independent groups confirmed the link, suggesting this gene plays a role in prostate cancer progression.
A new 3-drug combination of bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone has achieved an impressive overall response rate of 98% in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients. The regimen has also shown a high-quality response rate of 52%.
The Kauffman-RAND Institute report provides an overview of how regulation affects small business, highlighting both positive and negative effects. Research finds that some regulations have unintended consequences, such as increasing health insurance costs for small businesses.
Researchers developed a biodegradable polymer containing acetylcholine-mimicking groups to stimulate neurite growth and guide nerve regeneration. The biomaterial promotes neuronal activity, enhancing recovery of sensory, motor, cognitive, or autonomic functions after central nervous system injury.
A study by Yale biologists investigated the genetic diversity of Galápagos marine iguanas before and after the 1997 El Niño event, revealing differing responses among populations. The research highlights the importance of studying population genetics over time to understand vulnerability to environmental stresses.
Researchers at University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center report promising early results for bosutinib in patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) who have developed resistance to frontline therapy. The drug has shown good efficacy and low toxicity, particularly when compared to other tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
Studies show that humans do not experience events in slow motion during crisis situations. Instead, longer durations are a result of memory distortion and increased activity in brain areas associated with fear response. This understanding is crucial for grasping how time is represented in the brain.
Researchers from IBM, Kyoto University, Northwestern, and the University of New Mexico have achieved significant breakthroughs in silicon nanophotonics. The longest photon lifetime of 2.1 ns was observed in a photonic crystal nanocavity, while advanced microresonators with quality factors over 100 million were demonstrated.
A NASA fleet of spacecraft has made significant discoveries about Northern Lights, revealing giant magnetic ropes and small explosions in the Earth's magnetic field. The THEMIS mission observed a rapidly developing substorm, confirming the existence of these structures and witnessing vivid auroras for over two hours.
A team of researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College discovered a molecular 'switch' that selects specific kinesin motor proteins to transport surface markers to their ultimate destinations on the cell's surface. This finding holds promise for developing targeted therapies with fewer side effects for diseases like cystic fibrosis and...
Patients with subclinical Cushing syndrome experience significant clinical improvement after adrenalectomy, including improved diabetes and hypertension. The study highlights the benefits of surgery for some patients with large adrenal tumors who suffer from hormonal disorders.
A new study found that obese women's chances of spontaneous pregnancy are reduced by up to 43%, even if they ovulate normally and have no obvious infertility reasons. The study suggests that obesity may disrupt hormone levels, including leptin, which regulates appetite and energy expenditure.
The new online carbon calculator, developed by Conservation International, allows users to easily calculate their carbon footprint and learn ways to reduce emissions. The calculator also enables users to offset their emissions by supporting forest-carbon projects that conserve critical habitat for plant and animal species.
Researchers developed a portable fuel cell system using JP-8 military jet fuel, reducing sulfur content and emissions. The system successfully powered area lights and a commercial refrigerator, offering cleaner, quieter, and more efficient energy generation.
Researchers at CU-Boulder predict wetter storms in the Arctic and mid-latitudes due to global warming, with increased precipitation over individual storms but no clear trend in net precipitation. Higher CO2 levels warm the atmosphere, leading to more water-holding capacity and increased storm moisture content.
A recent study published in Nature captures enzymes in motion, revealing they engage in a dynamic dance before catalysis occurs. The research, led by Dr. Dorothee Kern, uses advanced techniques to document the tiny changes in enzyme shape and structure.
A Carnegie Institution-led team finds organic compounds containing carbon and hydrogen in Martian meteorite Allan Hills 84001, suggesting that building blocks of life formed on Mars early in its history. The discovery was made by analyzing the rock's association with iron oxide mineral magnetite.
The study uses fMRI to show that different regions of the brain are activated when people believe, disbelieve or are uncertain about statements. The ventromedial prefrontal cortex is involved in belief processing, while the limbic system's cingulate areas are engaged in disbelief.
The study outlines strategic directions in tissue engineering, focusing on angiogenic control, stem cell science, and molecular/systems biology to provide engineered tissues with adequate blood supply and integrate knowledge at the cellular and molecular level.
New software helps NASA's Spirit rover find a safe winter haven on Mars, called Von Braun. However, the path to get there is too treacherous, with no suitable bail out spots along the route. The software uses satellite images and rover images to map features on the surface.
Researchers discovered that a special type of stem cell in the brain is selectively killed by space radiation, raising concerns about cognitive and emotional risks for astronauts. The study's findings suggest that identifying medications or physical shielding to protect these cells will be crucial for future human space missions.
Researchers found missing radioactive signals in Tibetan ice cores, indicating the Himalayan glacier has shrunk at least since the A-bomb test half a century ago. The loss of freshwater from glaciers could impact nearly half a billion people in India.
Researchers are using patients' own bone marrow stem cells to treat cardiac muscle damage after a heart attack. The study, funded by biotech company Amorcyte, has progressed halfway through its four planned groups of patients and aims to assess the safety and feasibility of harvesting bone marrow cells.
Researchers at Medical College of Georgia Cancer Center have developed a cancer cell line that is resistant to histone deacetylase (HDAC) and heat shock protein 90 (hsp90) inhibitors, two promising cancer treatments.
Researchers found that a special type of stem cell in the brain is selectively killed by space radiation, raising concerns about cognitive and emotional risks. The study's findings suggest that shielding or medications may be necessary to protect astronauts from health risks caused by space radiation.
A team of Ames Laboratory scientists has offered a new model explaining the structure and function of proton exchange membranes in fuel cells. The model proposes a network of densely packed, parallel cylindrical water channels that help explain how water and protons diffuse through the membrane.
The Greenland ice sheet is experiencing rapid acceleration of melting, with record years in 2005, 2007, and a 30% increase in western part from 1979 to 2006. The melting is driven by warming temperatures, primarily due to greenhouse gas buildup.
Researchers identified a genetic variant of the DAB2IP gene associated with an increased risk of advanced prostate cancer. The finding may lead to better risk assessment and personalized treatment options for men diagnosed with prostate cancer.
The RAND Corporation study provides a framework for developing cost-effective plans to secure passenger-rail systems. The report identifies 17 security improvement options, including canine teams and vehicle surveillance systems, which can effectively address the threat of explosive devices and other forms of attacks.
A nationwide study found that diagnostic mammogram accuracy depends on the radiologist reading it, with varying sensitivity and false-positive rates. Radiologists based at academic medical centers or spending most time on breast imaging performed more accurately.
Older patients taking thiazolidinediones (TZDs) like rosiglitazone have a significantly increased risk of heart attack, congestive heart failure, and death compared to other hypoglycemic drugs. This study suggests that TZDs may cause more harm than good, particularly in older adults who are already at higher risk.