A new study from Harvard University reveals that women's lower spines have evolved to be more flexible and supportive than men's, allowing for increased extension and stability during pregnancy. The research found that women lean back by up to 60% to maintain a stable center of gravity, offsetting the weight of the baby.
Researchers propose that carrying heavy infants safely on two legs may have driven the emergence of bipedalism. The study found a relationship between infant weight, hair friction and body angle that prevents safe carrying.
Researchers found strong variation in tectonic stresses in the Nankai Trough, a region notorious for generating devastating earthquakes and tsunamis. The study used advanced drilling technology to collect data on rock and sediment density, porosity, and other geological properties.
Physicists at the University of Rochester have developed a device that can generate and trap huge numbers of elusive ultracold polar molecules. This breakthrough technology, called TWIST, allows for the efficient production of these molecules, which are crucial for creating exotic artificial crystals and stable quantum computers.
Bowling Green State University biology undergraduates will contribute to the Microbial Genome Annotation research program, analyzing microorganisms' genomes and gaining skills in genomics and bioinformatics. The project aims to sequence the genomes of all cultured bacteria and archaea, with BGSU students providing valuable input.
Researchers have successfully transferred a new gene to cancer patients via their own stem cells, aiming for stronger treatment with less severe side effects. The study found that six out of eight patients had stem cells carrying the MGMT gene in their blood or bone marrow after treatment.
The Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever virus uses protein 'knives' to cut bonds between cellular proteins, evading the immune system's defense. This allows the virus to replicate and spread, leading to high mortality rates. The discovery provides insight into why the virus is so virulent.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have identified a blood-borne immune system compound that suppresses antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) of infection, a phenomenon linked to some viral disease outbreaks. C1q, a key immune compound, blocks ADE by blocking the virus' ability to hijack antibodies.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have discovered a crucial molecular pathway underlying idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a deadly lung disease. The study found that lysoposphatidic acid (LPA) and its receptor LPA1 play a key role in attracting fibroblasts, leading to scarring of lung tissue.
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center have made a promising discovery in treating Batten disease, a rare neurodegenerative disorder. By administering a drug that partially blocks AMPA receptors, they improved motor skills in diseased mice, paving the way for potential clinical trials and future treatments.
Researchers at Brown University have created a 10-minute animated video explaining rapid tests for HIV, aiming to educate patients and healthcare providers. The video's effectiveness was tested in pilot trials, showing that it can improve comprehension of rapid HIV testing fundamentals.
A new study published in BMC Medicine suggests that patients with chronic patellofemoral syndrome may not benefit from arthroscopic surgery, instead finding relief through therapeutic exercise. The randomized controlled trial compared the efficacy of arthroscopy and exercise in reducing knee pain and improving mobility.
Researchers at Norwich BioScience Institutes discover that cells at the margins of leaves and petals secrete a mobile growth signal controlling size. This signal is distinct from classical plant hormones, influencing leaf division until a certain threshold is reached.
Weill Cornell Medical College has received grants to develop innovative TB drugs and treatments, with a focus on killing or interfering with the TB organism in its non-replicating phase. The research aims to shorten TB therapy from six months to just a couple of weeks, while also addressing emerging drug-resistant forms.
Researchers found vasopressin significantly reduces blood flow to vital organs like the liver and pancreas, but not the heart. The study used pigs to test vasopressin's effects on sepsis and found severe disturbances in blood flow.
Researchers found that a specific protein-protein interaction, involving the rogue Ras protein and its binding partner Raf, blocks the switch from being turned off, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation. The study resolves a paradox in the behavior of Ras mutants in cells versus solution.
Despite progress, an estimated 1.6 billion people remain at risk of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD), with 38 million newborns worldwide still unprotected. Iodized salt can prevent IDD, which affects up to 20-25% of children in developing countries and can cause IQ loss and brain damage.
Researchers at the University of Oregon have discovered that an enzyme called intestinal alkaline phosphatase plays a crucial role in maintaining balance between gut bacteria and cells, preventing excessive inflammation. This finding has implications for understanding and treating inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease and...
The Arctic's natural 'sunscreen' is melting at an unprecedented rate due to record-breaking amounts of ice-free water, leading to sea surface temperatures rising by as much as 5 degrees C above average. This phenomenon can delay winter freeze-up and impact the growth of thick ice in the winter.
Researchers developed a mathematical model predicting optimal growth hormone dose for children with abnormal growth, showing improved predictive accuracy. The model uses data on birth weight, height before and during treatment, and blood hormone levels to determine individual response.
UCSD undergraduates Jorge Ortiz, Robert Valtierra, and Breena Fraga were recognized for research excellence at the SACNAS national conference. The students presented their research findings in poster format and received awards, including engineering and chemistry recognition.
Researchers found that telmisartan completely protected rats from stroke when used alone or with ramipril, with no strokes noted in either group. The study suggests that telmisartan's ability to pass through the blood-brain barrier is likely behind its neuroprotective effect.
University of Florida researchers propose using a fructose index to gauge how healthy foods are; starch-based foods like potatoes and rice may be relatively safe compared to sugar-based foods. Dieters should limit fructose intake, as excessive consumption can cause obesity and metabolic syndrome.
The foundation has committed over $200 million to support cancer researchers since its inception. Seventeen new Damon Runyon Fellows were named for their innovative projects in basic and translational cancer research.
A new study published in JAMA found that the sedative drug dexmedetomidine improves intensive care sleep quality and reduces instances of coma and delirium compared to lorazepam. The study showed that dexmedetomidine resulted in 30% fewer patients experiencing coma and an average of four more coma-free days.
Scientists have discovered giant mud waves in the Arctic Ocean, measuring nearly 100 feet across, defying previous expectations of calm ocean currents. The expedition aims to understand how water is exchanged between basins and how the Arctic affects global climate systems.
A NIH panel emphasizes the importance of removing stigma associated with fecal and urinary incontinence, recommending increased public awareness and provider education. The panel also highlights the need for research studies to fill knowledge gaps and develop effective prevention and treatment strategies.
Researchers at UCLA have successfully captured and measured the statistical properties of optical rogue waves, which are brief pulses of intense light. The study's findings may help develop mathematical models that can identify conditions leading to rare but extreme events in various fields.
A recent study assesses global brain-computer interface (BCI) research, finding that BCI technologies are rapidly growing and approaching first-generation medical practice. The report predicts significant influence on the medical device industry and accelerated growth in non-medical arenas, including gaming and robotics.
A recent study published in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine found that PET/CT imaging significantly outperforms conventional imaging for detecting malignant tumors in children. The imaging modality provides additional information about cancer in children, potentially sparing them from overtreatment.
Researchers at Imperial College London have successfully matured beating heart cells derived from embryonic stem cells, overcoming two significant obstacles in developing a stem cell heart patch. They also developed a biocompatible scaffold that can hold the new cardiomyocytes in place while they integrate into existing heart tissue.
A University of California, Irvine study identifies a single amino acid that triggers circadian rhythms, opening up potential for new pharmaceuticals to treat sleep disorders and related ailments. The finding uncovers the most specific information about the body's internal clock to date.
The National Science Foundation awards $105,110 to Williams College for a high-speed imaging facility to investigate ultra-fast biological movements. The facility, which can film up to 100,000 fps, will expand the understanding of rapid events and provide stunning visual insights into nature.
New research from the Mayo Clinic suggests that shingles and its complications may have a greater impact on healthy adults than previously thought. The study found that shingles affects at least 1 in every 278 adults each year, with post-herpetic neuralgia being the most common complication, especially among older adults.
Scientists studying ancient fish bones in Scandinavia have discovered that warm-water species like anchovies and black sea bream are returning to Danish waters as temperatures rise. This finding suggests that sustainable cod populations can be maintained in the North Sea even during climate change, but with reduced fishing pressure.
Researchers found that prenatal alcohol exposure can lead to a preference for alcohol's taste and smell, making young people more likely to abuse it. Prenatal exposure also affects the development of the olfactory system, which enhances the sensory impact of alcohol.
Researchers developed an open-source tool that catches programming errors using combinatorial testing, saving time and money for developers. The tool efficiently tests combinations of up to six variables, reducing the number of tests required by 99.9% compared to traditional methods.
Researchers at the University of Rochester developed a new class of transparent, rubbery shape-memory polymers that can be controlled to change shape in response to temperature. This material has potential applications as diverse as biomedical implants, conformal face-masks, self-sealing sutures, and smart labels.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a method for sequencing DNA using nanopores, which could lead to a device that reads human genomes quickly and affordably. The technique produces an electrostatic fingerprint that can be used to read the genetic sequence, enabling precise diagnosis and tailored treatment procedures.
Researchers have successfully drilled four boreholes into the ocean floor near a major earthquake fault zone in Japan. The team collected geophysical information about the rock layers while drilling, revealing unexpected differences in physical stress conditions between active and inactive parts of the plate boundary.
Cholesterol-lowering drugs like atorvastatin may increase the risk of hemorrhagic stroke, a bleeding in the brain. The study found that people taking these medications after a stroke were more likely to experience a second stroke involving blood clots.
Researchers argue that female sex hormones play a critical role in mood disorders, and studies are needed to understand their effects. Hormonal fluctuations during times of menstruation or menopause may contribute to the increased vulnerability of women to poor mental health.
The new NIST program will ensure that accredited laboratories perform tests on personal body armor in a reliable manner, reducing the risk of inaccurate or ineffective protection. Laboratories must submit applications and complete an assay process to demonstrate proficiency before receiving accreditation.
A team of scientists has identified a biological process that breaks down crude oil into methane, offering a more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly way to produce natural gas. This breakthrough could increase oil sands production by recovering clean-burning methane directly from deeply buried deposits.
Chronic kidney disease significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular events in diabetic patients. Pioglitazone has been shown to lower this risk, particularly among those with moderate to severe renal disease. The study found that pioglitazone reduced all-cause death, myocardial infarction, and stroke by one-third.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have isolated a human blood cell called the multipotent progenitor, which is thought to be the great-grandparent of all cells in the blood. This finding could lead to new treatments for blood cancers and other blood diseases.
Millions of satellite television users in North Africa and the Middle East now have access to accurate atomic time, thanks to a custom-built time signal generator from NIST. The device provides both time data and audio reports, including Daylight Saving Time corrections and leap year warnings.
A team of scientists discovered a fossilized remains of an extinct tank-like mammal, Parapropalaehoplophorus septentrionalis, which is a primitive relative of modern armadillos. The animal lived in the Andes around 18 million years ago and weighed approximately 200 pounds.
Research by Diana C. Mutz suggests that televised political discourse can improve awareness of issue arguments but also leads to increased emotional reactions and decreased regard for oppositional views when incivility and close-up camera perspectives are used.
The GRACE-Team received the William T. Pecora Award for their groundbreaking work in determining the global water balance of continents through satellite measurements. This achievement provides a reliable dataset for understanding climate change, as highlighted by Professor Reinhard Hüttl.
New research suggests Saturn's rings have been present since the solar system was formed 4.5 billion years ago, with different ring features varying in age and material being continually recycled. The recycling process helps explain why the rings appear brighter than expected, despite ongoing pollution.
Researchers have successfully reprogrammed human adult stem cells to correct the genetic mutation causing muscular dystrophy. The corrected cells were then transplanted into mice with the disease, resulting in significant recovery of muscle morphology and function.
A survey of medical staff in Turkey found that a majority condoned physical violence against wives, with inadequate training and knowledge gaps in reporting domestic violence. Healthcare workers reported being aware of clinical signs but lacked detailed understanding of legal procedures and proper interventions.
Researchers from NOAA and University of Miami found that natural climate variations can impact hurricane intensity. They discovered that regions with warmer oceans have increased potential intensity, while others experience decreased potential intensity.
A $13 million AGRA grant establishes agro-dealer networks in Kenya, Malawi, and Tanzania to provide rural farmers with affordable farm supplies, training, and financing. This initiative aims to increase smallholder incomes by 30%, reduce travel distances, and decrease input prices.
Researchers found that dominant males store more urine, urinate more frequently, and have stronger-smelling urine than subordinate males. This study sheds light on the role of urine pheromones in influencing same-sex behavior in Mozambique tilapia.
The NIST imaging system uses custom software and electronics to map mechanical properties of materials, enabling scientists to see variations in elasticity, adhesion, or friction. The system can produce high-resolution images in minutes, offering greater flexibility and cost-effectiveness than competing approaches.
Scientists found a potential reason for Greenland's ice melting: a thin spot in the Earth's crust enabling underground magma to heat the ice. The researchers believe this hotspot could be lubricating the base of the ice sheet, causing it to slide more rapidly out to sea.
A Stanford University study examines California's coast for offshore wind energy potential, estimating that a Northern California site could supply 5% of the state's electricity. However, high water depths and varying wind speeds make it challenging to harness wind power off the coast.
Scientists at NIST made direct measurements of thin polymer film expansion and collapse in photolithography, revealing a complex chemistry that affects transistor performance. The findings offer new insights into modifying resist chemistry to control swelling and achieve optimal edge resolution.
A Mayo Clinic study found that Ossur's Miami J and Philadelphia collars are the most restrictive, reducing pressure ulcers while maintaining effective spinal immobilization. The study suggests Ossur's products may reduce the risk of pressure ulcers without compromising care for trauma patients.
Researchers suggest that large earthquakes emit electromagnetic signals days or weeks before they strike, potentially providing early warnings. However, the scientific community needs to take notice and verify these findings.
The PREVENT study found that nearly 80% of patients with recurrent major depressive disorder achieved an adequate therapeutic response to venlafaxine extended-release or fluoxetine, with almost none relapsing after 6 months. The results suggest a subgroup of depressed patients may benefit from early and sustained treatment.
Researchers found that spouses, siblings, and close friends agreed more on the attractiveness of faces than strangers. The study suggests that repeated exposure to similar faces can shape perception of beauty.
A new study offers insights into Uganda's post-conflict reconstruction, highlighting the need for accountability, truth commissions, and economic development. The research suggests that a majority of respondents believe peace can be achieved in northern Uganda, but social infrastructures and livelihoods require rebuilding.