Researchers at the University of Washington found that 10-month-old infants who used a plastic cane to retrieve a toy were better able to understand another person's goal than those who only watched. The study suggests that active, hands-on experience is more effective for learning than observation.
Scientists identified P-Cadherin as a key molecule in causing colon cancer, with abnormal expression leading to pre-cancerous growths in the bowel. Their findings hold promise for preventative therapies and lifestyle changes to prevent or treat the disease.
A study found that a specific gene variation linked to a protein hormone secreted by fat cells is associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer. The discovery suggests that the adiponectin axis may play an important role in modifying colorectal cancer risk.
Researchers found a protein called TREM-2 in the spinal fluid of MS patients, suggesting it may be contributing to the disease. The protein's presence could lead to new pharmaceutical targets for MS prevention and treatment.
The discovery of Aerosteon riocoloradensis reveals a unique bird-like respiratory system with air sacs. This finding supports the theory that birds evolved from dinosaurs and provides insights into their adaptation for flight.
The symposium will showcase cutting-edge research on autism, including a follow-up study of Hans Asperger's original patients and investigations into the brain basis of social difficulties. Researchers will present their latest findings on the disorder, shedding light on its fundamental nature and future directions.
TB bacteria coat themselves with mannose, making them attractive to lung cells that clean up unwanted sugar. This allows the bacteria to slip by the immune system, leading to latent infection. Two strains of TB have been found that do not use this sugar coating, suggesting specific interactions between strains and human immune systems.
The world's oceans are becoming more acidic due to increased carbon dioxide levels, causing sounds to travel farther underwater. This change could improve communication for marine mammals but increase background noise, affecting their behavior.
A new dinosaur discovery from Argentina reveals the presence of air sacs in a 10-meter-long predatory dinosaur, Aerosteon riocoloradensis, which shares characteristics with birds. This finding supports decades of research suggesting that birds evolved from dinosaurs.
A new Canadian study found that second-hand smoke exposure in children aged 10-12 can lead to symptoms of nicotine dependence, including depressed mood, trouble sleeping, and irritability. The research suggests that public health interventions promoting non-smoking around children are necessary to prevent long-term nicotine dependence.
Researchers found that protein C5a promotes tumor growth by recruiting immune cells that block T-cell function. Blocking this receptor could lead to more effective cancer treatment with reduced side effects.
Researchers at MIT have made a breakthrough in understanding the molecular basis of smell by mass-producing olfactory receptors. This advance could lead to the development of artificial noses for various settings, including medicine and industry. The innovation involves isolating and purifying protein structures using a novel method.
Penn State researchers found that teams working in Second Life provided the most accurate answers despite taking longer to finish the task. Face-to-face teams felt most confident but struggled with basic tasks due to the complex keyboard strokes required for avatar movement.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry has found that restless nights significantly increase the risk of depression recurrence in older adults. The research suggests that sleep disturbances can act as a precursor to another attack of depression, even in individuals who have not experienced symptoms before.
Researchers found that hepatitis B virus (HBV) exposure may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer and reactivation of HBV during chemotherapy. The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, suggests testing for HBV before administering chemotherapy to prevent liver damage.
Engineers at Georgia Tech Research Institute create a new approach to noise reduction using micro honeycomb structures that dissipate acoustic waves through viscous shear. The innovative material, developed from nickel-base superalloys, could also protect aircraft from impact by dispersing energy.
Scientists have detected changes in prion protein production and accumulation in brains of cattle with a rare neurological disorder. The study suggests an association between abnormally high levels of prion protein and the disease, but differs from BSE and CJD.
A new study led by Anna Dreber and Coren Apicella found that men with higher testosterone levels invest more in risky investments. The researchers discovered a correlation between testosterone levels and financial risk-taking behavior, which may be linked to evolutionary factors.
A 110-year-old sustainable farming experiment demonstrates the effectiveness of winter legumes in producing non-irrigated cotton yields, comparable to those using nitrogen fertilizer. The study's findings have implications for long-term soil organic matter and crop yield management.
A McGill University study suggests that government intervention in a nation's economy fuels intergroup violence and rebellion, rather than promoting social stability. The research counters the idea that liberalized economies are worse for minority groups, highlighting the role of state control in exacerbating tensions.
Researchers found that pain signals from arthritic joints worsen and expand the disease by transferring inflammation to the spinal cord. New treatments aim to interrupt 'crosstalk' between joints and the spinal cord to treat osteoarthritis.
A novel Brandeis University study reports on molecular gymnastics performed by a protein involved in regulating DNA transcription. The research uses state-of-the-art tools and simple methods to observe the shape and behavior of individual DNA molecules.
The Entomological Society of America recognizes Dr. Frederick P. Baxendale for his outstanding contributions to extension entomology, and Dr. Tiffany M. Heng-Moss for her exceptional teaching, including developing a new undergraduate major in insect science. Dr. Ronald D. Oetting receives the Distinguished Achievement Award in Horticul...
This October GEOSPHERE issue investigates the uplift of Southern Rocky Mountains, Himalayan kinematics, and fault geometry in the New Madrid seismic zone. The study also explores magmatic mosaics and volcanic processes in Mexico City's surroundings.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that birth size is a significant marker of susceptibility to breast cancer later in life. The research analyzed data from over 600,000 women and discovered that a 0.5 kg increase in birth weight was associated with a 7% higher risk of breast cancer. Birth length and head circumference were a...
A new study shows that web-based academic discussions are a cost-effective and effective method of continuing medical education for orthopaedic surgeons. The interactive Orthochina.org wiki project, launched in 1998, allows professionals to share real patient cases and engage in collaborative discussions.
Researchers discovered how the gene mda-9/syntenin interacts with signaling protein c-Src to promote metastasis in human melanoma cells. This interaction triggers a signaling cascade resulting in increased cancer cell motility, invasion and metastasis.
EPA's STAR fellowship program supports promising masters and doctoral candidates, such as Matthias Fripp, who are developing sustainable energy solutions for America. The program also recognizes the work of former fellows, including Toiya Goodlow and Dr. Brandon Jones, who now work at EPA.
Researchers will analyze staple food and horticultural markets, focusing on maize, cassava, sorghum, cotton, and vegetables. The goal is to increase agricultural productivity and create efficient, sustainable markets for small farmers.
A new study found that individuals who start drinking before age 15 are more likely to develop alcohol-use disorders (AUDs) in adulthood. The research, published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, controlled for various individual risk factors and found that early drinking is associated with increased AUD risk.
Depression is linked with increased morbidity and mortality in heart patients, and routine screening can help identify those at risk. Heart patients benefit from mental health treatment options, including behavioral therapy, physical activity, and medication.
A new computer program trains itself to predict genes in fungal DNA sequences, improving accuracy and efficiency. The program uses a probabilistic mathematical model to pinpoint boundaries between coding and non-coding sequences.
Research found that malathion, commonly used to control mosquitoes and crop pests, can indirectly kill tadpoles by depleting their primary food source. The study suggests that even low concentrations of the insecticide can have devastating effects on amphibian populations.
A new study has found an association between past hepatitis B infection and pancreatic cancer. Evidence of past hepatitis B exposure was twice as common in patients with pancreatic cancer compared to healthy controls.
A pilot study found that occupational therapy training, combined with regular exercise, increased physical activity levels in patients with osteoarthritis. The study suggests that this approach could be an effective way to promote wellness among individuals with hip and knee osteoarthritis.
A new study found that warfarin, commonly used to prevent blood clotting, increases the risk of brain hemorrhage and death if a hemorrhagic stroke occurs. The study showed that people taking warfarin with an INR above three had twice as much initial bleeding as those not on the drug.
Researchers developed a method using laser beams and fluorescence to measure airflow rates in wind tunnels, satellite engines, and object wakes. This technique surpasses traditional particle methods in accuracy.
Researchers found that froghoppers store energy in a composite structure made of hard cuticle and resilin, flexing it like an archery bow before releasing the energy for a powerful jump. This technique allows them to achieve remarkable heights, over 100 times their body length.
Scientists at Rockefeller University have developed a predictive model of worldwide population shifts that will provide more accurate estimates of migration patterns. The model accounts for approximately 60% of the variation in annual numbers of migrants and has the potential to improve resource allocation and economic conditions.
A recent study found that groundwater storage plays a crucial role in regulating watershed response and climate feedbacks. The depth of the water table is closely tied to land surface conditions, with shallow tables amplifying temperature increases and deep tables directly influencing precipitation patterns.
The NIH Roadmap Epigenomics Program aims to understand how epigenetic processes control genes and affect health and disease. The program will provide reference data for the entire scientific community to study epigenetic regulation.
A two-year multicenter study on dietary supplements found no significant effect on slowing cartilage loss in osteoarthritis patients. The study, published in Arthritis & Rheumatism, compared the effects of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate to placebo, but found none had a clinically significant impact.
Research found that high users of campus green spaces rated their overall quality of life higher and had better cognitive abilities. Most students (90%) were frequent users of green space.
Researchers found that mustard seed meal (MSM) effectively controls common weeds in container-grown ornamentals, reducing weed populations by up to 98%. MSM also provides essential nutrients to crops, making it a promising alternative to traditional herbicides.
Researchers found that incorporating pecan chips into silty clay soil increased soil organic matter content and aggregate stability. The practice also improved soil tilth and aggregation, providing a sustainable solution for disposing of pruned wood.
Researchers have studied the spread of herpes virus among sumo wrestlers in Japan and discovered a new strain that could be even more pathogenic. The study found that the BgKL strain is reactivated, spreads more efficiently and causes more severe symptoms than other strains.
A recent study by Ahmad Sattar Khan and Dr. Zora Singh found that combining modified atmosphere packaging with 1-methylcyclopropene can extend the storage life of Japanese plums to up to seven weeks. This breakthrough will allow fruit producers to export plums for longer periods, reducing losses and improving market availability.
Research found that commercially available aquatic garden plants can be used in a production/remediation system to treat wastewater. The study concluded that these plants have the potential to generate revenue for producers and are an aesthetically viable alternative to traditional wetland plants.
Researchers at Singapore's Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology have invented a thixotropic nanocomposite gel that can liquefy on demand, facilitating safe and convenient 3D cell culture. The novel material supports the extracellular matrix secretions of cells and enables controlled differentiation of stem cells.
Researchers have found a new technique to quickly and reversibly fine-tune protein activity in cells and living mammals, providing a powerful tool for identifying protein functions. The technique involves pairing specially engineered proteins with the drug Shield-1, which prevents their degradation.
Researchers discovered that existing anti-obesity drugs can inhibit viral replication by targeting fatty acid metabolism. The study found a thousand-fold reduction in HCMV replication when using drugs like TOFA and C75. This approach may provide an exciting antiviral treatment option.
A survey of US consumers reveals that many have limited knowledge and consumption habits around Asian vegetables. Most participants had not tried over 9 different Asian veggies, but expressed interest in learning more about them.
Researchers studied a new apple germplasm collection from Kazakhstan to determine disease resistance to blue mold. The study found greater genetic diversity among the Kazak apples, including immune and resistant accessions that may serve as a source of resistance in breeding programs.
A team of researchers attributes the sudden thinning of Jakobshavn Isbræ, one of Greenland's largest glaciers, to subsurface ocean warming and atmospheric changes. The study suggests that ocean temperatures may play a more significant role in glacier flow than previously thought.
A recent study by ASHS found that students participating in the National Wildlife Federation's Schoolyard Habitat Program showed significantly increased math scores compared to those using traditional curricula. The program improved academic performance, particularly among Hispanic students, but not equally across all ethnic groups.
A study by Charles F. Forney found that low temperatures and high relative humidity are key to extending the shelf life of fresh cranberries. Storage conditions between 0-7°C and 75-82% relative humidity resulted in up to six months of marketable fruit, offering benefits for growers and consumers.
Researchers are working to produce 'European-style' Christmas trees that meet public preferences for natural, open shapes with more space for ornaments. The use of advanced shearing techniques, such as the Top-Stop Nipper, shows promise for improving tree quality and marketability.
A recent study found that hands-on gardening experiences significantly improve children's environmental attitudes and locus of control. Researchers discovered that girls and Caucasians benefited most from the gardening curriculum, highlighting the need for targeted programs to address the needs of diverse groups.
Researchers found that beta-catenin plays a crucial role in solidifying fear memories in the brains of adult animals. The protein acts like a Velcro strap, fastening cells' internal skeletons to proteins on their external membranes.
Researchers have identified a gene in rice that controls the size and weight of grains. The GIF1 gene is responsible for controlling invertase activity, which is essential for starch production. By overexpressing the GIF1 gene in transgenic lines of rice, scientists were able to increase grain size and weight.