Researchers found that measuring fatty acid ethyl esters in an infant's first bowel movement can identify children at risk for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). Early intervention may minimize disabilities and improve developmental outcomes.
A team of Cornell researchers has developed a computer model that explains how granulite, a fine-grained metamorphic rock, forms in the Earth's crust. The model reveals that granulite can form at various depths but at similar temperatures as melted rock migrates up through the crust.
Gretchen Daily, a Stanford University biologist, has been recognized by the Sophie Foundation for her groundbreaking work blending economics and ecology. Her research focuses on quantifying the economic value of ecosystems and promoting conservation through practical applications.
Research by David Inouye shows that warmer springs in the Rockies are causing three common wildflowers to bloom less due to late frost damage. This can have significant impacts on ecosystem dynamics, as these plants provide food for various insects and animals, which may disappear if they vanish.
A new study proposes that intestinal dysfunction, specifically in the upper small intestine, may be the source of Type 2 diabetes. Surgical bypass operations can reverse this abnormality, leading to diabetes remission.
Researchers at the University of Calgary have successfully stored and retrieved a special type of vacuum, known as a squeezed vacuum, using rubidium atoms. This breakthrough has significant implications for quantum computing and information exchange, enabling the creation of ultra-secure codes for transmitting sensitive information.
The University of Colorado at Boulder has received a $1 million grant from the USDA and DOE to develop solar-thermal biomass-to-gas conversion systems. The three-year project will use concentrated sunlight to convert biomass into synthesis gas, which can be easily converted into hydrogen or liquid fuels.
A new study examines how our gazes shift towards potentially offended individuals, revealing a complex interplay of social identity, possible reactions, and assessment of the situation. The researchers found that participants fixated on the Black discussant four times longer when they believed he could hear what was being said.
A Brown-led study uses genomics tools to reorganize the animal phylogenomic research project, clarifying relationships between major groups and offering surprises. Comb jellyfish diverged from other animals even before sponges, questioning the root of the animal tree.
A new TB screening test based on ELISPOT test has shown high sensitivity and specificity in detecting latent TB infection in HIV-infected individuals. The test was compared to the traditional tuberculin skin test (TST) and found to be more sensitive, but its effectiveness in severely immunosuppressed individuals remains unclear.
Researchers at EMBL discovered that estrogen causes rapid epigenetic changes in breast cancer cells, challenging the long-held assumption of methylation as a mechanism of long-term gene regulation. This cyclical nature of methylation may shed light on the molecular bases of cancer and development.
A UM Marine geology and geophysics student has been awarded the prestigious MARGINS Student Prize for her research on slow slip and slide dynamics in the Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica. Her study revealed a 'slow slip event', where energy is released over several weeks instead of seconds, sparing damage to the surface environment.
Pediatric foot and ankle burns are a common risk in the southeastern United States due to warm weather activities. According to UF researchers, most injuries occur when children walk on hot ashes, coals, and embers without proper footwear or parental supervision.
A recent Carnegie Mellon University study found that listening to cell phones while driving can cause significant impairments, including a 37% decrease in brain activity associated with driving. Drivers who listened to their cell phones committed more lane maintenance errors and had reduced spatial sense and navigation.
Researchers analyzed data from the QUEST-RA study, which included 4,363 patients from 48 sites in 15 countries. The study found that treating rheumatoid arthritis with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs can lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes by up to 18%.
A new study reveals that the slightest environmental perturbation can tip an ecosystem's balance, with unpredictable and irreversible consequences. Icelandic midges provide a unique model to assess these dynamics, highlighting the fragility of ecosystems and the importance of understanding their responses to human-induced changes.
The MMB/dREAM complex, composed of Myb and E2F2-RB proteins, epigenetically regulates expression of the Polo kinase in Drosophila. Disruptions to this pathway are associated with human cancers and may lead to similar epigenetic changes.
Researchers discovered ultrafast electron microscopy reveals switchable nanochannels in copper and TCNQ crystals. These micromaterials stretch under laser pulses, exhibiting reversible optomechanical phenomena useful for nanoelectronic applications.
A new drug, JPC-2056, is 10 times more effective than the current gold-standard treatment for toxoplasmosis and has no toxicity. It inhibits the action of an enzyme produced by the parasite, making it a promising treatment option.
A provocative study by Dan Ariely found that a 10-cent pill is less effective at killing pain than a $2.50 pill, even when they are identical placebos. The study suggests that patients' subjective ratings of pain are influenced by the perceived quality and cost of medications.
A genome-wide association study on Parkinson's disease has made its raw data available to researchers through the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) and the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). The study, funded by the Michael J. Fox Foundation, provides valuable insights into the genetic factors underlyi...
A new device containing human kidney cells has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of death from acute kidney injury. The device, called Renal Assist Device, was tested on 40 patients and found to improve recovery rates and reduce mortality by half.
Rep. Bart Gordon to receive George E. Brown Jr. Science, Engineering and Technology Leadership Award for his leadership in ensuring US global leadership in science and innovation. The award coincides with the 50th anniversary of the House Science and Technology Committee.
Researchers found that changes in dissolved organic matter affect coral bacterial communities, potentially leading to disease and reef deterioration. Shifts in microbial populations may be out-competed by problematic bacteria, exacerbated by rising temperatures.
A three-year study at seven major universities reveals that children motivated in the arts develop attention skills and strategies for memory retrieval that also apply to other subject areas. The research identifies eight key points relevant to interests of parents, students, educators, neuroscientists, and policy makers.
A new study by Rush University Medical Center found that women are significantly less likely to be treated with statins, aspirin, and beta-blockers for coronary artery disease compared to men. Despite similar prevalence of adverse drug reactions, the study suggests underutilization of medical therapies may contribute to this disparity.
Researchers identified common genes influencing personality and predisposing people to happiness. The 'affective reserve' of happiness can be called upon in stressful times, suggesting a heritable component of well-being.
Scientists at Albert Einstein College of Medicine identify genetic variations influencing human longevity. The study found that female children of centenarians had higher IGF-I plasma levels, suggesting a possible compensation mechanism for impaired growth.
Children and adolescents at high risk for substance-use disorder show deficits in executive cognitive function, including reduced frontal brain activation. Researchers used fMRI to assess eye movements and found a link between brain functioning and SUD risk.
Researchers have identified 18 plants with substantial anti-cancer properties, including Rangoon Creeper and Red-Root Sage, which outperform conventional treatments against specific tumor cell lines.
Researchers found that PPARÓ plays a protective role in the blood vessel wall, regulating vascular structure and function. This discovery provides a molecular explanation for some of the beneficial cardiovascular effects of TZD drugs.
A national study found that patients with high cholesterol who received nutrition counseling from registered dietitians were able to reach their LDL cholesterol goal in approximately eight months. The study, which included data from 377 patients, showed significant reductions in cholesterol levels and weight loss among those who follow...
A study at the University of Illinois Chicago found a key molecular event in the brain that links anxiety with alcohol addiction. The researchers discovered a protein called Arc that is produced in response to alcohol exposure, which helps reduce anxiety-like symptoms. Restoring levels of this protein may help alleviate withdrawal-indu...
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have identified a sticky blood protein that regulates serotonin transporter activity, potentially contributing to autism. The discovery may lead to new treatments for autism and depression.
Researchers found that body movements reflect confidence in learning tasks using the Wiiimote, suggesting a link between cognition and action. The study provides new evidence for the deep interconnection between mental processing and bodily movement.
The new method allows researchers to localize pigments with similar fluorescence spectra, providing insights into photosynthesis and cellular function. The study reveals compositional heterogeneity between thylakoid rings, with different processes in photosynthesis occurring in different areas of the membranes.
Researchers aim to understand how a small minority of HIV-positive individuals remain healthy despite years of infection. The new grant will recruit 2,000 participants and compare DNA from elite controllers to those with progressive HIV infection to identify genetic factors behind viremic control.
A study found that adding gemcitabine to chemoradiation improved survival rates for pancreatic cancer patients who had surgery, but the benefit was not statistically significant. The treatment reduced local relapse and systemic metastasis in patients.
Researchers found that healthy coral polyps rely on both photosynthetic carbon from algae and feeding-derived carbon for survival. The study suggests a key role for this dual carbon source in coral recovery from bleaching, with implications for the management of these critical ecosystems.
Researchers at Brown University have found that schistosomiasis japonica is significantly more debilitating than previously thought, with a 0.098-0.186 disability impact score. The study's findings suggest that current measures of the disease's burden may underestimate its true impact.
A long-term study has found mercury levels impacting common loons' health, reproductive success, and behavior. Loons with high mercury levels spend less time at nests and produce fewer young, while also experiencing sluggishness and flight issues.
A small study has found that marijuana use does not significantly increase the risk of head and neck cancer. The relative risk was the same as in non-users, unlike smoking cigarettes and heavy alcohol consumption, which were linked to increased cancer risks. More research is needed to confirm these findings.
Researchers found that tobacco hornworm caterpillars could be trained to avoid specific odors, and adult moths emerged from the pupae of these caterpillars also avoided the same odors. The study suggests that memory retention is dependent on the maturity of the developing caterpillar's brain.
A dietary supplement containing blueberry, green tea, vitamin D3, and carnosine extracts has been shown to reduce neural damage and motor deficits in animal models after a simulated stroke. The study found that the supplement increased new neuron production and was 100 times more potent than individual ingredients.
A study found that drinking in these settings increases aggression, especially for women, and that attending parties can also increase aggression. The researchers suggest that prevention programs focusing on preparing women for the risks associated with drinking at parties might help reduce their likelihood of experiencing aggression.
Researchers found that genetic material exchange between closely related influenza A virus strains may have caused the 1947 and 1951 human flu epidemics, challenging the long-held belief that reassortment events lead to severe pandemics.
A recent study found that post-menopausal women who stopped taking combined hormone therapy experienced an increased risk of all cancers, including lung cancer. The research, led by Rowan T. Chlebowski, confirms previous findings on the risks of hormone therapy.
A study published in Cell Metabolism found that the PPAR gamma protein regulates blood pressure and vascular function, shedding light on why certain diabetes medications also lower blood pressure. The discovery may lead to more specific treatments for cardiovascular diseases associated with type II diabetes.
The American Chemical Society's 235th national meeting will present hundreds of newsworthy topics, including a new test for gunshot residue and blood from the American alligator being used as a medical lifesaver. Researchers will also showcase discoveries in chemistry and other fields, such as technology to turn waste CO2 into DVDs and...
A new study reveals schistosomiasis japonica has a substantially higher disability impact, estimated to be 0.098-0.186 DALY, compared to the current low estimate of 0.005. This finding suggests the disease burden may need to be revised, with policymakers needing to prioritize control measures.
Research on 44,751 students from 1979-2004 shows that deviance-prone male youth are more likely to use marijuana when social acceptance is high. In contrast, deviance-prone female teens consistently use marijuana regardless of national trends, suggesting a lack of response to social pressures.
Researchers at UCSF have developed a new model for estimating breast cancer risk, incorporating breast density and ethnicity, which is well-calibrated and reasonably accurate across risk factor subgroups. The model may one day be used to calculate a woman's risk for breast cancer during mammograms.
Researchers found that tiny fluctuations in car-road density cause a chain reaction leading to traffic jams. A critical density threshold exists, and once exceeded, gentle braking causes a standstill.
The new device can detect 24 pathogens, including anthrax, plague, and E. coli, and identify them within three minutes, significantly advancing current detection times.
The journal, launched by Mongabay.com, will publish original research papers and reviews on tropical forest and ecosystem conservation. It aims to stimulate publications addressing social, economic, and industrial drivers impacting tropical ecosystems.
Researchers discovered a solitary chemosensory cell plays a crucial role in transmitting irritating chemical odors to the trigeminal nerve. This finding expands our understanding of olfaction and may lead to a better understanding of why some people are exceptionally sensitive to irritating odors.
Researchers found that mice treated with rimonabant, a cannabinoid receptor blocker, developed resistant livers to alcohol's fat-building effects. This discovery suggests that treating fatty liver with CB1 antagonists may slow its progression and prevent severe liver disease.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a magnetic levitation-based haptic interface that provides a highly realistic sense of touch. This device uses magnetic levitation and a single moving part to give users a realistic experience, eliminating the need for bulky mechanical components.
Researchers found non-polypoid (flat) colon lesions are relatively common and more likely to contain cancerous tissue than polypoid lesions. The study estimated the prevalence of NP-CRNs to be 9.35% and found that depressed-type NP-CRNs had a higher risk of containing cancer.
A participatory action research project aims to reduce ethnic group conflicts among adolescents by using trust-building exercises, conflict resolution training, and empowering youth to participate in dialogues. The study suggests a promising approach for fostering positive intergroup relations.