Research by UK and Australian scientists suggests that humans hunted Tasmania's giant kangaroos and marsupial 'rhinos' and 'leopards' until their extinction, contrary to previous climate change theories. The findings provide the first evidence of human involvement in the mass extinction event, which took place around 41,000 years ago.
The 9th International Kimberlite Conference at the Goethe University Frankfurt explores the science of diamonds, their inclusions, and their significance for geoscientists. The conference features over 500 participants from 37 countries, with a focus on basic scientific research, diamond production, and industry.
A new national study found that only 36% of babies are breastfed through six months, well short of the federal government's goal. Breastfeeding promotion programs encourage women to start but often fail to provide support to continue.
A recent study found significant racial, age and geographic disparities in the use of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), a treatment for heart failure. The research examined nearly 34,000 hospital admissions and discovered that CRT was underutilized in certain populations, such as older patients and those from the Northeast.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine discovered a gene's effect on height that may change tumor disorder treatment for patients with neurofibromatosis type 1. The study found that the NF1 gene affects stature through a different pathway than previously focused on for cancer treatment.
A recent study in monkeys found that auditory stimulation directly improves visual perception without involving higher brain areas. The researchers recorded neuronal responses and measured latency, showing a 5-10% decrease in response time when visual signals were weaker, suggesting the auditory cue speeds up the response.
Researchers at UC Berkeley develop breakthrough metamaterials with negative refraction, enabling higher resolution optical imaging and potential applications for nanocircuits and invisibility cloaks. The materials can bend visible and near-infrared light backwards, a crucial step towards practical applications.
Two scientists call for a large-scale trial of a 'ceiling' on hen harrier numbers in grouse moors to end long-standing conflicts. The proposal aims to find a compromise between conservationists and grouse managers, while also improving the conservation status of harriers.
The study sheds light on the complex interactions between genes and environmental factors that cause holoprosencephaly, a developmental malformation affecting the anterior brain and face. Researchers found that a gene called Six3 plays a crucial role in regulating fetal brain development.
Researchers found a 26% increased risk of death among individuals with low blood levels of vitamin D. The study suggests that adequate vitamin D levels may be crucial in preventing cardiovascular disease.
Patients taking proton pump inhibitors for 7 years or more are at higher risk of osteoporosis-related fractures. The study found a significant increase in hip fracture risk after 5 years and any fracture risk after 7 years of continuous exposure.
Regeneron's ARCALYST (rilonacept) has been shown to effectively manage symptoms of Cryopyrin-Associated Periodic Syndromes (CAPS), a rare inherited disease. The treatment demonstrated an 84% improvement in overall symptom scores and high patient response rates.
A UCR graduate student has discovered a new bacterial pathogen, Candidatus Liberibacter psyllaurous, closely related to citrus greening disease, that causes yellowing of tomato and potato leaves. The bacterium is vectored by the tomato/potato psyllid into host plants, resulting in yield losses up to 85% in commercial crops.
A new study from Stanford University School of Medicine tracked 500 older runners for over 20 years, finding that regular running delays disability and reduces the risk of early death. The study's findings support the theory that 'comparing morbidity' - compressing the period of declining health - can extend high-quality life.
Research indicates that obesity can be metabolically benign, with some obese individuals having a lower risk of heart disease and diabetes. The studies found that visceral fat accumulation was more important than total body fat in determining the beneficial phenotype in obesity.
A type of PET scanning may be useful in non-invasive assessment of brain plaque formation. Six patients with beta-amyloid plaques displayed a higher uptake of the marker [11C]PiB in certain brain areas compared to those without such accumulations.
A study published in the American Journal of Human Genetics reveals a significant presence of mitochondrial DNA mutations in the general population. Researchers found that at least 1 in 200 individuals harbor pathogenic mitochondrial DNA mutations, which may lead to diseases such as muscle weakness and diabetes.
A UBC study of Olympic athletes found that pride and shame are innate biological responses to success and failure, expressed universally across cultures. The researchers used cross-cultural data gathered at the 2004 Olympics to analyze non-verbal expressions and body language.
A study published by researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that only one-fifth of men under age 50 reported undergoing a PSA test in the previous year. Black men and men with a family history are disproportionately affected, highlighting the need for increased awareness and screening efforts.
A study found that one in five men in their 40s have undergone a PSA test within the previous year. Young black men are more likely than young white men to have been screened. The study also revealed that younger Hispanic men and those with higher household income and education level were more likely to undergo testing.
A study confirms climate change is causing thousands of trees and shrubs to die in the Santa Rosa Mountains, with plant species moving up an average of 213 feet as their habitat shifts. This finding has implications for forest management, ruling out air pollution and fire suppression as main causes of plant death.
Researchers found that individuals with lower educational achievement and smaller head sizes were more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease, suggesting an early sign of the illness. The study suggests that brain damage related to Alzheimer's may begin earlier in life, compromising intellectual ability and leading to reduced education.
A new study reveals that chili peppers' spiciness is a defense mechanism against microbial fungus that destroys seeds. The pungency acts as a unique defense, slowing down microbial growth and protecting the plant's progeny.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and UCSF have uncovered new origins for childhood brain tumors, suggesting that targeting the mutated cell-signaling pathway may lead to more effective treatment approaches. The findings hint that not all patients' tumors may be born from the same cells.
Researchers have discovered a single dose of small interfering RNA (siRNA) can significantly reduce cholesterol levels in rodents, with effects lasting for weeks. The siRNA works by blocking the production of PCSK9, a protein that raises LDL cholesterol, and has shown promise in nonhuman primates as well.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute have created a solar collector system that can harness heat from asphalt roads and parking lots to generate electricity and hot water. The technology has the potential to reduce urban 'heat island' effects and provide a cost-effective source of renewable energy.
A U-M study finds that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a cost-effective way to prevent upper GI bleeding in patients taking aspirin for cardiac events. Starting PPI therapy at age 50 or older is estimated to be highly cost-effective, while starting at younger ages may only be marginally so.
A study published in Archives of Neurology found that individuals with mild cognitive impairment are more likely to develop diabetes, have longer durations of diabetes, and experience greater severity. Poor blood glucose control over time may lead to neuronal damage, contributing to cognitive impairment.
A study with sheep found that blocking acid-sensitive potassium channels prevents damage to the fetal cerebellum, which is vulnerable to injury from alcohol. The researchers also found that a drug called doxapram can block these channels, preventing damage and reducing the number of Purkinje cells in the cerebellum.
A systematic review of antiepileptic drugs found that children with drug-resistant partial epilepsy have a greater response to placebo treatments compared to adults. This suggests that clinical trials in children require careful design and reporting to provide valid results.
According to Paul Ehrlich and Robert Pringle, a multi-pronged approach involving individual and small group efforts is crucial for preserving biodiversity. By making modest actions such as reducing meat consumption or maintaining living hedges, people can collectively have a significant impact on the environment.
Researchers found that egg P bodies lack degradation proteins Pat1 and DCAP-2 to safeguard maternally-derived gene messages until fertilization. The specialized P bodies interact with each other, suggesting they exchange mRNAs.
A recent study suggests that experienced elephant matriarchs give their family groups an edge in periods of famine and drought. The study found correlations between calf survivorship and the movements of the group, with older female members playing a crucial role.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have identified two types of cells in the brain that can give rise to medulloblastoma, a type of brain tumor. The study provides critical insight into how cancers develop and may help develop more rational and effective approaches to treatment.
A study published in Neurology found that physical frailty is associated with Alzheimer's disease pathology in both people with and without dementia. The researchers found that participants with high levels of AD pathology had approximately twice the level of frailty compared to those with low levels.
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia will receive a $247,000 grant to test a new method of identifying children at risk for developmental delays. Researchers aim to design service packages tailored to each child's risk level, with potential benefits including more frequent visits and home visits.
Scientists have developed a novel method to study the Southern Ocean using elephant seals equipped with oceanographic sensors, providing a 30-fold increase in data recorded under sea ice. This technology complements traditional sampling methods, allowing for better understanding of climate change and its effects on global oceans.
Researchers found that neighborhoods with low mixed-land use and high fast-food density were more likely to have overweight residents. In contrast, areas with high street connectivity, public transportation, and green spaces promoted neighborhood walking and physical activity.
A UK study found that financial incentives reduced inequalities in clinical care between affluent and poor areas. Practices serving poorer populations improved their performance over time, narrowing the gap with more affluent areas.
A new report details the historic mass extinction of amphibians, with extinction rates reaching unprecedented levels. The authors attribute the decline to human activities exacerbating climate change and a deadly infectious disease, chytridiomycosis.
Researchers found that microRNA miR-126 regulates vascular development, structure, migration, proliferation and survival of endothelial cells. The study provides clues to potential therapeutic targets for diseases impacted by the vascular system.
Professor John Rice, Chair of Statistics at UC Berkeley, wins the 2008 Jerome Sacks Award for his diverse cross-disciplinary contributions to various fields. The award recognizes sustained high-quality research involving statistical sciences.
Researchers from Royal Free and University College London Medical School used Mendelian randomization to examine the association between CRP levels and type 2 diabetes risk. They found that elevated CRP levels in the blood are unlikely to cause diabetes, challenging previous research suggesting a potential causal link.
Inwood Hill Park faces challenges preserving native species due to human impact and invasive species proliferation. A collaborative research approach can help understand plant losses and address causes, ensuring the survival of future plantings.
A study using MRI found that lower eyelids get fatter with age due to increased orbital fat. Plastic surgeons also discovered the importance of excision in treating under-eye bags during eyelid surgery. Meanwhile, body contouring procedures after gastric bypass surgery are performed by only 11.3% of patients.
Researchers at USC School of Dentistry have discovered a new pathway that contributes to palate formation, bypassing the TGF-ß signaling molecule. This finding has implications for understanding cleft palate, tooth development, and diseases like cancer.
A study found that refractive errors affect approximately half of U.S. adults aged 20 and older, resulting in significant vision impairment. The prevalence of refractive error increases with age, affecting individuals across all ethnicities, and is estimated to cost between $3.8 and $7.2 billion annually for glasses or contacts.
Researchers found that parents who eat more fruits and vegetables tend to have children who also consume these foods. A five-year study showed that the High 5 for Kids program increased fruit and vegetable intake in preschoolers of normal weight, but not in overweight children.
Researchers found that 76% of studies on pediatric adherence to ART in low-income countries reported more than 75% adherence, compared to lower rates in high-income countries. The study's findings suggest that children in these countries can maintain comparable or better adherence to ART as those in high-income countries.
A study found that Americans with health insurance are equally likely to access eye care as Canadians, while those without insurance visit less often. Individuals with higher incomes and optional vision insurance tend to use eye care services more frequently.
Researchers discovered that the Douglas-fir tree's wood structure prevents water from being pulled any higher than 350 feet due to air bubble formation. At this height, trees experience drought-like conditions and struggle to transport water, limiting their growth.
A new study published in the Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology found that conscious thinking can lead to better choices for complex decisions, debunking a controversial 2006 research result. The study suggests that unconscious thought is more susceptible to irrelevant factors and that conscious thinkers given adequate time t...
Drug doping poses significant health risks to athletes and undermines fair competition. The introduction of effective anti-doping programs is essential to maintain trust in sports and protect athlete well-being.
Despite a median waiting time of 8 months, 63% of patients preferred to stay with their current surgeon due to trust, reputation, and personal experience. This highlights the importance of addressing patient concerns in setting waiting-time guarantees.
A team of scientists has identified a key protein called Maelstrom that suppresses jumping genes in mouse sperm, essential for sperm formation. The study found that the protein plays a crucial role in keeping genes from jumping around in germ cells.
Research from the University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Management shows that consumers often gravitate towards the most similar remaining option when one attractive choice becomes unavailable. This phenomenon, known as the 'phantom decoy effect,' can have significant impacts on consumer preference and even election outcomes.
A study found that older runners were less likely to become disabled and may survive longer than non-runners. Regular exercise, including running, was associated with improved health outcomes, including lower levels of inflammatory markers and better cognitive function.
Anemia of chronic disease could be an adaptive response to inflammatory illness, rather than a disorder. Researchers suggest treating mild to moderate cases to avoid increased mortality from treatment.
Researchers found that capsaicin slows microbial growth and protects the fruit from Fusarium fungus, allowing seeds to be dispersed. The production of capsaicin comes at a cost for chili plants, with thin seed coats being a consequence of prioritizing chemical protection.
New research from Michigan State University suggests that encouraging marriage to promote health may be misguided. Never-married individuals are seeing significant improvements in their self-reported health, particularly men, closing the gap with their married counterparts.
Studies reveal temperature is primary driver of oceanic bacterial diversity, contradicting productivity theories. Microbial life also thrives in Rocky Mountains, with diversity peaking just above foothills.
Individuals with low vitamin D levels have a higher risk of death from all causes, according to a study analyzing data from the Third National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey. The analysis found that those with vitamin D deficiency had a 26% increased rate of death compared to those with adequate levels.
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center have discovered a central molecular switch that instructs cells to form sensory nerves or blood cells. The switch, which involves the competition between Hox and Senseless genes, regulates genetic signals that determine cell differentiation.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory discovered that laboratory rats' brains signal uncertainty when making decisions, reflecting their level of confidence. The study found that rats preferentially abort uncertain trials, indicating that confidence plays a crucial role in guiding behavior.
Researchers at CSIRO and the University of Sydney are working to develop new wheat varieties resistant to Ug99, a highly destructive fungus threatening global food security. By identifying multiple resistance gene combinations, they aim to protect wheat from this bio-security threat and ensure food availability for the future.