Researchers at MIT have found an elegant solution to the mystery of gravity fingers, explaining how water forms finger-like paths as it flows through soil. The solution, which involves incorporating surface tension into mathematical models, has wide-ranging implications for science and engineering applications.
A study published in Science reveals that the Dazl protein plays a crucial role in initiating meiosis in response to retinoic acid signals. The researchers found that mice lacking the Dazl protein failed to express Stra8, a marker of meiotic initiation, whereas those with the protein clearly expressed Stra8 and entered meiosis.
Researchers have discovered that climate change affects the ocean's chemical makeup, altering calcium levels and potentially impacting marine life. The study found that the ocean's chemistry can change rapidly in response to climate changes, highlighting the need for further research on the impacts of ocean acidification.
Liverpool Associates in Tropical Health (LATH) has been awarded a £10 million contract to strengthen Malawi's health research capacity. The initiative aims to enhance institutional capacity for high-quality multi-disciplinary health research and improve the use of research in national policy and implementation.
A study found that sugar-sweetened beverage consumption among US adults increased by 46 kilocalories per day and rose to 20% of daily calorie intake. The highest consumption was among young adults, while the elderly consumed the least.
Researchers are investigating the correlation between a fading sense of smell and the onset of Parkinson's disease. The study, which draws from research demonstrating that first-degree family members have a slight increase in risk, will monitor relatives 50 years or older for early detection.
Researchers find AID causes genetic malfunctions leading to Burkitt's lymphoma and potentially other cancers. The enzyme, responsible for immune system adaptation, also targets a cancer-promoting gene.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have successfully treated periodontal disease using gene therapy, showing over 60-80% sparing of periodontal tissues. The approach delivers an inactivated virus to produce more of a naturally-produced molecule that soaks up excessive levels of tumor necrosis factor.
Scientists at Karolinska Institutet have successfully induced people with an amputated arm to experience a prosthetic rubber hand as belonging to their own body. This illusion was achieved by tricking the brain into thinking sensory input was coming from the prosthetic hand.
The RHIC will continue to drive standardization in immunology, allowing for better comparison of data worldwide. The center's expertise will help advance three cutting-edge technologies to maturity, including arrayed image reflectometry and quantum dot nanostructures.
Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh and NETL demonstrated a molecular chain reaction on a metal surface, rearranging bonds in consecutive molecules. The process has potential applications in information storage and nanotechnology.
A University of Alberta study found that weight training using resistance equipment improved pain and function levels by 60%, compared to aerobic training which only showed a 12% improvement. This whole-body approach strengthened the entire body, decreasing fatigue and enabling daily activities.
A recent review found that Montana Meth Project's graphic anti-methamphetamine ads were associated with negative outcomes, including increased meth use among teenagers. The study suggests that the campaign's focus on exaggerating risks may have had unintended consequences.
Easton's work on BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations has significantly impacted breast cancer research. He established the Breast Cancer Linage Consortium, providing estimates of breast and ovarian cancer risk in BRCA1 mutation carriers.
The special section of Medical Decision Making examines three evidence-based theories to assess, prevent, and intervene in healthcare decisions. These theories provide a bridge between research advances and health outcomes.
Researchers propose that Jupiter's gravitational pull creates powerful waves in Europa's ocean, generating significant heat energy. This could be a dominant heat source, potentially supporting life without sunlight.
Researchers discovered a gene mutation that significantly reduces triglyceride levels and produces a favorable cholesterol profile in the Old Order Amish population. Carriers of this mutation have higher levels of HDL-cholesterol and lower levels of LDL-cholesterol, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
A study of over 140,000 babies found late preterm births are associated with increased risk of cerebral palsy and mental retardation. The research highlights the need for early neurological assessments and cautious approach to elective deliveries before 39 weeks.
Researchers at University of Cambridge identify Neurokinin B as critical part of control system that switches on human puberty, offering new treatments for sex hormone dependent diseases and contraception. The discovery also has implications for understanding normal regulation of key bodily functions.
A recent study published in the Journal of Pediatrics found that babies born just a few weeks prematurely are three times as likely to have cerebral palsy and developmental delays. The research analyzed medical records of over 140,000 children born in California between 2000 and 2004.
The EMBO Installation Grants provide three years of funding and support to seven talented researchers from Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, and Turkey. The grants aim to strengthen science in selected member states and foster their scientific and professional development.
Researchers at U.Va.'s Center for Biomechanics are developing a highly detailed computer model of the human thorax and upper extremities, as well as other body parts, to create a virtual crash test dummy. The virtual dummy will allow for more realistic testing of auto safety systems before they are physically built.
The European Perinatal Health Report provides comprehensive data on mortality, low birthweight, preterm birth, and other factors affecting pregnancy outcomes. The report highlights significant variations in perinatal health across Europe, with some countries having rates significantly higher than others.
A new study shows that aerobic exercise affects the release of two key appetite hormones, ghrelin and peptide YY, more effectively than non-aerobic exercise. Aerobic exercise suppresses hunger by decreasing ghrelin levels and increasing peptide YY levels, leading to a greater suppression of hunger compared to weight lifting.
A study of over 1,000 female sex workers in Cambodia found that new entrants were twice as likely to have gonorrhoea or chlamydia. The high risk is attributed to limited access to STI services and prevention information. The study highlights the need for improved health education and training programs for sex workers.
Researchers found that men inherit a tendency to have more sons or daughters from their parents, with brothers increasing son chances and sisters increasing daughter chances. The study also suggests an unknown gene controls sperm X/Y chromosome balance, affecting child sex ratios.
Researchers at MIT aim to improve weather forecasting by using robotic aircraft and advanced flight plans that consider millions of variables. The goal is to gain more time for planning, saving lives and reducing the impact on customers.
A new study identifies NUP155 as the root cause of rare and severe atrial fibrillation. The gene controls molecular transport into and out of the cell nucleus, affecting heart health.
A new study found that HIV's rate of evolution slows significantly when a patient's CD4+ T-cell count drops, which can happen long before symptoms of AIDS appear. This change allows the immune system to keep up with the virus, potentially making it harder for it to develop resistance to treatment.
A proteomics study found that numbing drugs can have profound effects on the developing nervous system, even after minimal exposure. The study highlights the need for caution when administering sedatives or anesthetics to pregnant women or infants.
Researchers at Montreal Neurological Institute identify a genetic bottleneck that determines the proportion of mutated mtDNA transmitted from mother to child. This understanding can inform genetic counselling and treatment, offering hope for preventing debilitating diseases like maternally inherited blindness.
Researchers at the University of Rochester have discovered that a previously unknown molecule controls the movement of organelles within cells. This finding has significant implications for understanding neurological diseases and developing new approaches to fighting pathogens.
Dr Ben Berkhout's multi-disciplinary approach to RNA research has provided key insights into HIV-1 replication mechanisms. He was awarded the 2008 M Jeang Retrovirology Prize for his outstanding mid-career contribution to HIV research.
A collaborative effort between Procter & Gamble and the University of Cincinnati has developed a center of expertise in computer simulation. The UC Simulation Center provides P&G with virtual modeling and simulation capacity, saving costs, time, and engineering resources.
The Heart Failure Society of America has developed a consensus statement outlining the structure and process of care provided by heart failure clinics. The clinics aim to reduce mortality and rehospitalization rates while improving quality of life for patients through individualized patient care.
Two meta-analyses of global trials confirm aromatase inhibitors are more effective in preventing breast cancer recurrence and reducing mortality risk compared to tamoxifen. Patients using aromatase inhibitors had a 3% lower cancer recurrence rate and a 1.6% reduced risk of death from the disease, according to researchers.
New research from University of Toronto breaks long-held assumption that larger animals have an advantage in mating and offspring production. Smaller Redback spiders actually outperform larger ones due to their faster maturation rate.
A growing trend of heavy toilet seats is linked to an increase in penis crush injuries among male toddlers. Urologists recommend fitting slow-falling toilets, leaving the seat up after use, and educating children on how to handle the seat.
The study found that global child immunization coverage is significantly lower than reported by individual nations or WHO/UNICEF estimates. The researchers estimated the coverage of three doses of diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough vaccine (DPT3) based on surveys using all available data from 193 countries between 1986-2006.
A new study found that playing a strategic video game can improve critical cognitive skills in older adults, including multitasking and working memory. The researchers tested 40 older adults who played the game for 23.5 hours versus a comparison group, and found significant improvements in these areas.
A new study suggests that an implantable hemodynamic monitor can help guide medical treatment in patients with diastolic heart failure, reducing the risk of heart failure events. The device continuously records data on heart function and other key variables, allowing healthcare professionals to make adjustments in medical therapy.
Researchers at USC have identified a key mechanism that occurs in the inception point of many human lymphomas, a process previously unknown. The study found that chromosomal translocations occur at CpG sites in early B-cells, driven by enzymes AID and RAG complex.
A review of salmonids reveals that captive breeding can rapidly lead to genetic diversity loss, hindering the ability of fish to adapt in the wild. The study highlights the need for more data and alternatives to captive breeding, such as live freezing or population relocation, to conserve biodiversity.
Hawaiian songbird species were previously mistakenly grouped with Australian honeyeaters, but Smithsonian scientists have found they represent a new family—Mohoidae—using ancient DNA analysis. The study reveals these birds diverged from their closest living ancestor 14-17 million years ago and are specialized nectar-feeders.
A study found that estrogen therapy can stop the growth of tumors or cause them to shrink in about a third of women with metastatic breast cancer that has developed resistance to standard estrogen-lowering therapy. The high-dose regimen had significant side effects, while the low-dose regimen was well tolerated.
Research focuses on solar magnetic flux, which is linked to cosmic ray boosts. The study also investigates iceberg scrapes causing glacial quakes in Greenland. Additionally, scientists examine the renewed growth of atmospheric methane, which plays a significant role in ozone layer chemistry.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have identified a single molecule, dynamin, that forms a short collar around emerging membrane fragments and squeezes them tight to separate new vesicles. This process is crucial for cellular endocytosis and may be ubiquitous throughout the cell.
A University of Minnesota study using fMRI scans found that considering a third, less attractive option can improve preference for the better item. This 'decoy effect' can help consumers make easier choices, reducing negative emotions and increasing sales for retailers.
The Facility for Rare Isotope Beams will attract top researchers to conduct experiments in nuclear science, astrophysics, and applications of isotopes. The facility is expected to bring $1 billion in economic activity and 400 jobs to Michigan.
The revolutionary Space-DRUMS system, installed on the International Space Station, uses acoustic levitation to position chemicals in zero-gravity without a container. This technology enables the production of ultra-pure materials, such as temperature-resistant ceramics used in plane and engine coatings.
A team of scientists led by Professor Chris Elliott is developing new tests to detect chemical contaminants in food and animal feed. The Conffidence project aims to provide simple, inexpensive, and rapid methods to detect a wide range of toxins, including pesticides, heavy metals, and plant natural toxins.
Researchers have shown that adult heart muscle stem cells can regenerate tissue and improve heart function when a gene regulator is suppressed. The study found that blocking beta-catenin led to enhanced differentiation of resident precursor cells, reducing ischemic cardiac remodeling in mice.
Researchers are studying new treatments, including zoledronic acid, aromatase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies, with encouraging results. Exemestane has been shown to be more effective in postmenopausal women than current treatment with tamoxifen.
A new detector built by MIT physicist Jocelyn Monroe and her students will aid in the search for dark matter by distinguishing between ordinary and dark-matter particles. The device's ability to identify ordinary neutrons will increase its sensitivity to dark matter, a key step towards detecting the mysterious particles.
A new study reveals a sharp decline in NIH pain research funding, now accounting for only 0.6% of all grants awarded, despite the high prevalence of chronic pain in the US population. The American Pain Society calls for increased funding to address this pressing public health issue.
Researchers from the University of Iowa have discovered that calmodulin kinase II contributes to arrhythmia in Timothy syndrome, a rare disease affecting only 20 people worldwide. Inhibiting this enzyme can prevent irregular heartbeats.
A study by EPFL researchers found that a family of genes known as KRAB-ZFP plays a crucial role in regulating the brain's response to stress. Genetically altered mice lacking these genes exhibited increased anxiety and impaired cognitive function, highlighting the importance of epigenetic regulation in behavior.
A Cornell University researcher has developed a tiny, implantable device that captures and kills up to 30% of tumor cells in the bloodstream before they spread. The 'lint brush' uses naturally occurring proteins to attract and kill cancer cells without harming healthy cells.
Researchers have documented a primate mimicking a sound from another species without specific training, shedding light on the evolution of speech and learning in orangutans. The study's findings suggest that orangutans can learn new sounds and use them voluntarily, opening up new avenues for studying human speech evolution.
A study by Peter Leeson and Russell Sobel found that each $100 of FEMA-provided disaster relief increases the average state's corruption by nearly 102 percent. Notably, hurricane-prone states with high FEMA allocations have more corruption convictions per capita.