A new study by the University of Colorado at Boulder and California Institute of Technology suggests that the Grand Canyon is significantly older than previously thought, potentially dating back to the time of dinosaurs. The research uses radiometric dating to show that the canyon may have formed over 55 million years ago.
Research reveals female vets exposed to x-rays, anaesthetic gases, and pesticides are twice as likely to miscarry during pregnancy. The study emphasizes the need for veterinarians to prioritize preventive measures and use protective devices at work.
A new study found that doctors are dissatisfied with treating non-native patients due to cultural differences and language barriers. Over 2400 doctor questionnaires revealed that Turkish patients received lower-quality care, highlighting the need for improved communication and intercultural training.
Researchers found that phytochemical-rich foods like blueberries improve spatial working memory tasks within three weeks. The enhancement is attributed to flavonoids, which stimulate neuronal regeneration and improve cellular communications.
Mark Friedman, a leading researcher in eating behavior, has received a Guggenheim Fellowship to study the effects of diet on obesity. His work aims to elucidate the mechanisms driving diet-induced obesity, with a focus on the interaction between dietary fat and carbohydrate.
Researchers uncover rare two-billion-year-old window into the Earth's mantle, shedding light on geological history. The discovery suggests the mantle is not as well-mixed or homogenous as previously believed.
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) has launched a new e-book initiative, partnering with MPS Technologies to make its content easily accessible. The initial launch includes 130 titles from the AIAA Education Series and Progress in Astronautics and Aeronautics series.
A joint Argentinian-French study suggests that elastic stresses may play a crucial role in determining leaf venation patterns. By developing a numerical model, the researchers found simulated patterns with statistical properties similar to natural ones, challenging the existing view of auxin's role in vein formation.
A Swedish study found that women who consumed wine regularly had a lower risk of developing dementia compared to those who drank beer or liquor. The study, which followed 1,458 women over 34 years, suggests that moderate wine consumption may have protective effects against dementia.
A new study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family reveals that attending religious services is predictive of marital fidelity. The researchers found that prayer, faith, and other dimensions of religious life had no association with infidelity.
A massive study of Madagascar's wildlife provides a blueprint for conservation, highlighting key areas to protect and prioritizing endangered species. The research uses data from thousands of species and advanced techniques to identify the most important areas for saving fauna and flora.
The study reveals that high-temperature superconductors do not rely on a 'glue' binding electrons, but instead utilize their strong repulsive forces to facilitate superconductivity. The researchers used specialized equipment to measure electron pairing mechanisms and found unique quantum properties at warmer temperatures.
A study by University of Kentucky researchers found that targeted mass media campaigns can be successful alone in convincing young adults to adopt safer sex practices. The campaign effectively increased condom use and intentions to use condoms, resulting in a significant reduction in unprotected sex occasions.
The new report 'Every Death Counts' analyzes data on maternal, neonatal, and child deaths in South Africa, highlighting five major health challenges contributing to the high mortality rates. The authors emphasize the need for national leadership and fully implementing recommendations to reduce mortality rates.
A team led by Byron Brehm-Stecher is investigating the potential of silver nanoparticles to improve food safety. They aim to develop applications such as antimicrobial fabrics and surfaces, which could help kill foodborne pathogens and enhance shelf life.
A randomized controlled trial found that spending time with farm animals improved patients' self-efficacy and coping ability, particularly those with schizophrenia and long-lasting psychiatric symptoms. The study suggests that farm animal-assisted therapy may be a beneficial treatment option for individuals with mental health conditions.
The SAPPHIRE trial found that carotid stenting was comparably effective to surgery in preventing stroke, heart attack, and death in high-risk patients. Patients undergoing stenting had similar rates of revascularization procedures as those who underwent surgery.
Researchers developed an electronic medical record system called ESP that increased reported infections of Chlamydia and gonorrhoea by 40-50% and provided more complete information on patient conditions. The system is designed to report seven types of infections and offers promise for faster detection and prevention of public health th...
New research suggests that irradiation can effectively kill internalized pathogens beyond the reach of conventional chemical sanitizers, including E. coli and Salmonella. Studies show that washing alone may not be enough to reduce foodborne illnesses, highlighting the potential benefits of irradiation in reducing the risk.
Researchers analyzed over 1.5 million queries to find that 80% are informational, while 10% are navigational or transactional in nature. An algorithm developed by Penn State researchers achieved a 74% accuracy rate in classifying these searches.
During embryonic development, ephrin/Eph signaling helps regulate the growth of sensory and motor neurons. When this cross-talk is interrupted, motor neurons can mistakenly join sensory pathways, leading to a 'wiring disaster.' Researchers hope to use these findings to develop new treatments for spinal cord injuries
A team of Penn State paleoclimatologists found that a lack of cloud cover led to pre-human supergreenhouse periods during the Cetaceous and Eocene. By altering the Earth's albedo through changes in cloud cover, the researchers were able to recreate temperature regimes with mean annual temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
A new policy implemented in a Michigan clinic helped identify 35% of patients misusing opioid medications, while steering dependent patients to treatment. The approach logged and screened all patients receiving opioids for non-cancer pain, with the goal of protecting doctors' ability to prescribe these drugs.
Researchers present data on gene-based blood testing that may help reduce immunosuppression and predict cardiac allograft rejection. Non-invasive molecular testing of routine blood samples provides information on the immune, inflammatory, and injury status of transplanted hearts before tissue damage occurs.
Researchers found that the probability of bird migration errors increases with species abundance in Asia, while body size has no effect. The scientists suspect an error in the genetic migratory programme as the cause, rather than weather or other factors.
Researchers developed a comparative genomics strategy to rapidly describe outbreak strains using next-generation DNA sequencing technology. This approach enables the identification of unique genetic properties of a potential outbreak strain in a matter of weeks, potentially saving time during emergency responses.
A recent study suggests that depression care management can improve survival rates in older cancer patients. The research found that comorbid depression shortens survival time with cancer, but intervention with medication and psychotherapy can extend life among cancer patients.
Researchers investigate the mechanisms of historic tsunamis, finding that an underwater landslide triggered the 1908 Messina tsunami. Additionally, a study reveals that particle formation in the lower atmosphere fuels clouds by providing condensation nuclei.
A 2007 case of saliva manipulation in a paternity test led to significant changes in forensic protocols for similar cases. The manipulation attempt was discovered after repeated analysis revealed DNA from two different persons in the suspect's mouth, highlighting the need for special measures to prevent expert error and crime.
A University of Virginia study finds that air pollution destroys flower scents by up to 90 percent, impairing pollinators' ability to locate flowers. This decline in fragility contributes to the declining populations of bees and butterflies, which are essential for food production.
The Lancet Editor Dr Richard Horton calls for increased action on maternal and child mortality rates, citing strikingly inadequate progress towards the MDGs. He urges politicians, policy makers, donors, research funders, and civil society to take radical change to prevent unnecessary deaths.
During WWII, physiologists developed altitude chambers to study high-altitude effects on humans. They trained animals to parachute and discovered techniques to prevent decompression sickness and hypoxia. These innovations paved the way for pressurized aircraft and safer air travel.
The National Hurricane Center will implement a new technique, VORTRAC, to continually monitor landfalling storms in the United States. VORTRAC uses existing coastal Doppler radars to provide details on hurricane winds and central pressure every six minutes.
Researchers have discovered how HDAC inhibitors specifically damage cancer cells, leading to cell death. The compounds may also cause DNA damage that cannot be repaired, resulting in tumor cell death. However, these inhibitors can also have adverse effects, such as liver damage and metabolic abnormalities.
Researchers are developing cell-scaffold combinations to provide a framework for neural stem cells to regenerate lost brain tissue after stroke. The approach aims to support the growth of new tissue and promote functional repair, paving the way for potential clinical applications in stroke and neurodegenerative diseases.
Charcoal-derived biochar improves soil fertility, increases crop biomass and enhances natural carbon sequestration abilities. This revolutionary farming technique holds promise as a carbon-negative strategy to combat hunger and global warming.
A recent study published in PLOS Pathogens found that T cell proliferation is delayed by up to three days after infection, which may provide an evolutionary safeguard against autoimmune responses. This delay allows the immune system's front-line innate response to quickly control the infection before memory cell division takes place in...
Cornell researchers have identified 63 proteins in male mosquitoes' seminal fluid that can suppress female appetite for mammalian blood and stimulate egg production. The study's findings could lead to novel strategies to prevent dengue virus spread, a disease affecting 50 million people annually.
Researchers have found that increasing SULF2 expression enhances cancer cell growth and migration, while decreasing it reduces both. The study suggests that blocking SULF2 may lead to an effective treatment for liver cancer and potentially other types of cancer.
Tanzania has made significant progress in reducing child mortality, with a 24% decline between 2000 and 2004. Key interventions such as increased funding for healthcare, decentralization of financing, and coverage of essential child-survival services have contributed to this success.
A team of international collaborators, led by Academy entomologist Brian Fisher, creates a conservation map for Madagascar by analyzing distribution data from 2,315 species. The proposed locations for new protected areas preserve the maximum number of species, providing a valuable model for biodiversity hotspots worldwide.
Researchers have found that a key gene called Apc plays a crucial role in controlling adult stem cells and preventing tumours. The study suggests that when this gene is lost or damaged, the normal function of adult stem cells breaks down, leading to cancer. This research has important implications for using adult stem cells for therapy.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have discovered that Notch signaling is not universally essential for maintaining stem cells in bone marrow. This finding opens up new possibilities for developing effective leukemia therapies without harming normal bone marrow.
A new conservation plan has been developed to protect thousands of rare species in Madagascar, using advanced analysis to identify the most critical areas. The researchers' method could be applied to other high-priority regions for conservation, providing a new approach to saving endangered species.
Researchers at MIT are exploring a new method to measure hurricane strength using underwater microphones, which could lead to cheaper early-warning systems. The approach was validated by measurements from Hurricane Gert in 1999, providing accurate results comparable to aircraft-based methods.
Donor funding to maternal, newborn, and child health has increased by near-doubling in 68 priority countries, with significant rises in child and maternal health support. However, funding fell in some countries, highlighting the need for stabilizing flows to enable governments to make long-term commitments.
Priority Countdown countries face policy gaps and conflicts hindering progress towards reducing maternal, newborn, and child mortality. The authors identified key challenges including financing, governance, and product availability that must be addressed to scale up effective interventions.
The study found that endothelin, a protein regulating blood pressure, directs nerve cell growth along specific blood vessel branches. In mice, nerve cells grown near endothelin-soaked beads or in the absence of endothelin failed to grow towards those areas.
Two studies published in Blood journal provide insights into the regulation of red blood cell production, linking it to the Hls5 gene and thyroid hormone. This knowledge may lead to new treatments for anaemias that don't respond to current hormone therapy.
A new analysis maps the best remaining habitats for thousands of rare species in Madagascar, a biodiversity hotspot with over 2,300 endemic species. The study prioritizes regions most vital for saving the greatest number of species, including lemurs and other unique species.
Key findings include significant variability in coverage gaps across countries, with poorest quintiles facing substantial gaps, and only a few countries showing declines greater than 2% per year. The authors emphasize the need for accelerated progress to achieve coverage levels needed for MDG4 and MDG5.
Researchers at Shenyang National Laboratory for Materials Science developed a new material using carbon nanotubes to prevent lithium batteries from losing charge capacity over time. The new material achieved a discharge capacity of 727 milliamp hours per gram after twenty cycles, outperforming traditional sugar-coated silicon particles.
Researchers at the American Museum of Natural History contributed to a study analyzing over 2,300 species in Madagascar to develop a more efficient conservation plan for the country's unique biodiversity. A new phylogenetic tree of multicellular animals has also been redrawn by comparing genetic data from diverse animal phyla.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have discovered that leiomodin (Lmod) promotes the assembly of actin in heart muscle cells, directing it to form the pumping unit of the heart. The findings suggest Lmod could be relevant to cardiac muscle disease and require further study.
Experimental work on utilizing donor organs from cardiac arrested donors shows promise in addressing the critical organ shortage for lung and possibly heart transplantation. Strategies for organ preservation during transport, such as Ex-Vivo Lung Perfusion (EVLP) and Organ Care System (OCS), are also being discussed.
Researchers at Rutgers University have discovered that infant brains distinguish differences in sounds as early as three to six months, predicting future language problems. The study's findings may lead to correcting language difficulties before children start speaking, improving their chances of avoiding reading and comprehension issues.
Researchers have uncovered a complex signaling system that instructs adult stem cells to contribute to tissue repair in response to chemical signals. The study, funded by the Medical Research Council, holds promise for developing techniques to control adult stem cells for therapeutic use.
A report by The Lancet reveals that only 16 of the 68 priority countries are on track to meet the MDG4 and MDG5 targets, with many more experiencing no progress or reversals. Investments in immunization have led to rapid increases in coverage for routine services.
Men with serious injuries and strong traditional masculine ideas are more likely to abuse alcohol, making it harder for them to heal and cope with their emotions. Researchers found that these individuals may struggle with a 'go it alone' mentality and suppress bad feelings by turning to alcohol.
Researchers at the University of Washington have created a dramatic improvement in dye-sensitized solar cells by using a popcorn-ball design, which manipulates light to convert solar energy into electricity more efficiently. The new approach doubles the efficiency of converting solar energy to electricity, outperforming previous records.
The Wellcome Trust has announced a £20 million investment in research and training in Africa. Four major programmes will be established, focusing on strengthening social sciences research, clinical trials, and institutional infrastructure. This funding aims to support local researchers in tackling pressing problems in their region.
A recent study by researchers found that household photoelectric alarms are more likely to remain functional after installation, with only 5% not working nine months later. In contrast, ionization alarms had a 20% failure rate during the same period, often due to nuisance alarms caused by cooking.
Researchers found that affluent college students attempt to trade sexual currency for provisions, such as tickets or study assistance. The study suggests that these behaviors are hard-wired and persist regardless of wealth or security.
High-temperature superconductors do not rely on a 'glue' to bind electrons, according to Princeton University researchers. The secret to their behavior lies in the natural repulsion between electrons, which signals their ability to form pairs and flow without resistance when cooled to low temperatures.