Researchers found that El Nino winters lead to altered jet stream positions, resulting in intensified storm activity in several US regions. The study analyzed daily records of snow and rainfall events over 49 US winters, finding a connection between ENSO events and increased probability of severe winter storms.
Researchers found that carbon nanotubes leave the body primarily through the feces, with some by way of the urine. The study also allays worries that the nanotubes would prove toxic to mice, as none died or showed any anomalies in blood chemistry.
A study found that elephants' browsing activities create hiding places and twisted crevices in trees, which boost lizard densities. The research suggests that elephants play a crucial role in shaping the ecosystem, particularly in African wildlife refuges.
The AAAS and EurekAlert have launched a fellowship program for Arab science writers, facilitating knowledge and cultural exchanges between the Western and Middle Eastern science communities. The program aims to promote international scientific dialogue and advance the communication of science news to global audiences.
A new study by Saint Louis University researchers found a striking correlation between patient prognosis and tumor size at diagnosis. Patients with tumors under 20mm had the highest median survival rates, but only accounted for 18% of cases.
Patients with chronic hepatitis C infection who use cannabis daily are at higher risk of moderate to severe liver fibrosis. Cannabis use combined with heavy alcohol consumption significantly increases the risk of liver damage. The American Gastroenterological Association recommends avoiding cannabis use in patients with HCV.
Researchers found a consistent international pattern of depression and happiness levels, with middle age being the most miserable period, affecting both men and women across 80 nations. The U-shape in happiness levels and life satisfaction was observed in all countries studied.
The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development has approved funding for a Center for Reproduction and Infertility Research at the University of Illinois. The center will support research on maternal-fetal interactions during early pregnancy and identify factors underlying infertility in women with endometriosis.
A recent genetic study has confirmed that the domestic cat's family tree is rooted in the Fertile Crescent, a region in the Middle East. The study found that over 11,000 cats from around the world were genetically clustered into four groups corresponding to European, Mediterranean, east African, and Asian regions.
The study mapped thousands of neuronal proteins to understand how they connect into complex signaling networks guiding neuron function. This research may lead to a better understanding of brain development, neurodegenerative diseases, and spinal cord regeneration.
The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is increasing due to population aging and existing high rates, leading to complications and premature death. Most patients experience at least one complication within six years after diagnosis.
A study found that diuretics offer no advantages over other hypertension medications for treating metabolic syndrome, particularly in black patients. Diuretics were shown to be more beneficial than calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, and alpha-blockers in preventing cardiovascular disease and kidney problems.
Researchers have restored the naked mole-rat's ability to feel pain, particularly in response to capsaicin, but remain insensitive to acids. This unique resistance may hold key to developing new pain relief strategies.
Scientists at UC-Santa Barbara found that fish larvae that endure long and rough ocean journeys arrive on reefs in good condition and go on to thrive. In contrast, locally produced young have a harder time surviving and only do well if they are in excellent condition.
The Keck Nuller has produced the first unified model for a nearby nova called RS Ophiuchi. The team observed the explosion using the nulling mode of the instrument and recorded the spectral signature of silicate dust at distances starting around 20 times the Earth-Sun distance, indicating that the dust pre-dates the explosion.
Researchers found that biofilms composed of resistant microbial cells are the cause of corneal infections fueled by soft contact lens use. They recommend improved testing with modern fungal strains and adherence to lens care best practices.
Research with genetically modified mice shows that blocking a single cellular change can prevent morphine tolerance and dependence. The study suggests a new strategy to develop morphine derivatives with improved pain relief without addiction risk.
The Baffin Island ice caps have shrunk by more than 50 percent in the last half century due to warming. The study found that these ice caps will be gone in 50 years or less if no additional warming occurs.
Researchers investigated how cell signaling in the stroma of cervical cancer affects tumor growth, revealing a key role for platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). A genetic variant impairing glycogen synthesis was also identified in human skeletal muscles and linked to decreased muscle glycogen content.
The American College of Preventive Medicine (ACPM) advises that clinicians provide information on potential benefits and harms of prostate cancer screening to men, especially those with family history or African-American background. Patient-clinician discussion is crucial for informed decision-making about screening.
A study published in PLoS Medicine explores the brain drain of doctors from Pakistan to the West. The authors argue that some Pakistani medical graduates who emigrate for higher training abroad have every intention of returning to their homeland with new expertise and knowledge, which can benefit the country's healthcare system.
Carbon nanotubes have shown significant advantages in high-speed analog electronics, and researchers built the world's first all-nanotube transistor radios to prove it. The radios demonstrate the growth technique's success and pave the way for practical implementation of carbon-nanotube materials.
The use of clinical trials to inform Medicare coverage decisions disproportionately affects older women with comorbid conditions, differing significantly from the target population. This disparity highlights the need for more representative trial populations to ensure better value and improved outcomes for Medicare beneficiaries.
Two microRNAs, miR-373 and miR-520c, have been identified as promoting the spread of tumor cells. The study found that miR-373 is a potential biomarker for metastatic breast cancer and may be used to develop new treatments.
Researchers found a genetic link to cold sore susceptibility on chromosome 21, identifying six candidate genes. This discovery may lead to the development of new drugs to reduce the frequency of herpes outbreaks and improve treatment options for millions affected by the virus.
Researchers develop inexpensive, quick-drying polymer PES for improved photolithography processes, enabling lower-cost, on-chip nanoimprinting lithography technology. PES offers advantages over existing materials in terms of cure temperature, water uptake, and adherence to copper.
Scientists studied prairie voles' mating habits and nervous systems to understand their behavior. The research found that male 'wanderers' lack receptors for spatial memory, leading them to return to territories with high contact with females.
Astronomers have determined that a hyperfast star, HE 0437-5439, originated from the Large Magellanic Cloud, contradicting its initial assumption of coming from the Milky Way. The star's elemental composition and velocity indicate it was ejected from the LMC by a massive black hole.
Researchers tracked participants' glucose levels over 72 hours to find that consuming caffeine increased average daily sugar levels by 8%. Eliminating caffeine from the diet might be a good way to manage blood sugar levels for people with type 2 diabetes.
Chameleons use dramatic color changes to display to conspecific competitors and seduce potential mates. The study found that the degree of color change is associated with social signaling, not camouflage, challenging the long-held camouflage hypothesis.
Since the Soviet collapse, Russian women's smoking rates have more than doubled, with men's rates also increasing. The researchers blame privatization of the tobacco industry and industry lobbying for this alarming trend. The study used data from over 7,000 individuals, showing that the least educated are disproportionately affected.
Scientists have found that snow accumulation in western Antarctica has doubled since the 1850s, with a shift in atmospheric circulation patterns contributing to the increase. In contrast, larch trees are benefiting from warmer climates, with fire return intervals decreasing due to their dependence on fires for seed germination. Researc...
A new study reveals that certain over-the-counter earwax softeners can cause severe inflammation and damage to the eardrum and inner ear. The products should be used with extreme caution due to their toxic potential.
The University of Chicago has launched a new research program on catastrophic deformation, a class of far-from-equilibrium behavior in physics, materials science and biology. The team will analyze aspects such as jamming, memory and singularities to better understand this complex phenomenon.
Researchers discovered that coastal bacteria are generalists, capable of performing multiple processes when it comes to carbon cycling. The study used metagenomics to analyze bacterial genomes and showed that these microorganisms can adjust their roles depending on the local food supply.
Researchers developed a computational model to study mitochondrial disease inheritance in mice, revealing how mtDNA is divided and separated during embryo formation. The model accounts for the 'mitochondrial genetic bottleneck' and could help predict a child's risk of developing maternally inherited mitochondrial diseases.
The Chemical Heritage Foundation will present Leroy Hood with the seventh annual Pittcon Heritage Award for his contributions to instrumental chemistry and genomics. The award recognizes Hood's pioneering work in developing key instruments for modern molecular biology, including the DNA sequencer.
VIB researchers elucidated the function of MALT1, a key player in controlling inflammatory reactions, and found that it cleaves the A20 protein. This discovery offers possibilities for developing new medicines to counteract MALT1 and restore natural inhibition of inflammation.
A comprehensive review of tsunami hazards concludes that the 2004 catastrophe was not the worst possible in many Indian Ocean borderlands. The study highlights areas of high risk, including Madagascar, the Mascarene Islands, and Africa's east coast, which could be affected by tsunamis generated by earthquakes in South Sumatra and Java.
A modified version of the Atkins diet has been shown to significantly reduce epileptic seizures in adults with epilepsy. The high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet can lead to the production of ketones, which may help control seizures. While side effects were mild, compliance was a challenge for some patients.
Researchers discovered the rumi gene's effect on bristles in fruit flies, finding a subtle loss of Notch activity at 25 degrees C. The protein associated with rumi is an O-glycosyltransferase that adds glucose to the Notch protein.
A new species of whirligig beetle has been discovered in India and named Orectochilus orbisonorum in honor of rock legend Roy Orbison. The beetle's unique characteristics make it a valuable addition to the scientific community, showcasing the diversity of insect life.
Researchers have identified a mitochondrial genetic bottleneck that affects the inheritance of mtDNA, leading to varying severity and location of disease. This breakthrough may enable predicting disease risk and severity in children, previously difficult to forecast.
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have uncovered the biological gateway that allows anthrax to enter healthy cells. The study reveals how the bacteria uses the Mac-1 receptor to proliferate and trigger lethal consequences, paving the way for new drugs and vaccines.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons reveals that community hospitals are transferring more patients to trauma centers for non-medical reasons. The majority of these patients have minor injuries, but this trend threatens to limit resources and increase system costs.
A study published in The Journal of Pediatrics found that nearly 9.4% of US teens have metabolic syndrome, a clustering of risk factors for heart disease and diabetes. The definition of the syndrome has been difficult to establish, but researchers estimate that up to 25% of obese teens meet the criteria.
Researchers found that self-expanding plastic stents (SEPSs) resulted in frequent stent migration, with over 60% of patients experiencing this issue. Long-term symptom improvement was also limited, with only six percent of procedures resulting in long-term resolution.
Scientists at JDRF have identified a new pancreatic progenitor cell capable of generating insulin-producing beta cells. These cells, similar to embryonic progenitors, show promise for regenerating lost beta cells in people with type 1 diabetes.
The International Rice Research Institute is receiving $19.9 million in funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to develop and distribute stress-tolerant rice varieties. The goal is to reach 18 million households and increase yields by 50% within 10 years, benefiting small farmers in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.
Researchers at Brandeis University and the University of Georgia have identified ten new compounds that inhibit Cryptosporidium's parasitic activity, including four effective in stopping infection in laboratory tests. The discovery provides an avenue for much-needed therapy for this debilitating disease.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that a medication used to treat bone marrow cancer improves bone density in a mouse model of osteoporosis by activating mesenchymal stem cells. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for osteoporosis and other degenerative conditions.
Researchers led by Dr. Shaohua Xu propose a new theory on the origin of Alzheimer's Disease, suggesting that abnormal tau protein molecules form tangled fibers that accumulate and kill brain cells. The three-step process involves spherical clusters, linear chains, and uniform filaments.
A new study published in Current Biology confirms the disease threat facing great apes, finding evidence of virus transmission from humans to wild apes. The study also shows that research and tourism projects have suppressed poaching of chimpanzees, outweighing mortality caused by human disease introduction.
The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa announces a 5-year program to restore soil fertility, targeting 4.1 million farmers and 6.3 million hectares of land. The initiative aims to boost crop yields, raise farmer incomes, and protect natural resources.
A study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association found that dental amalgam fillings do not affect children's brain development or neurological status. The researchers studied 507 Portuguese children and found no differences between those who received amalgam and resin-based composite fillings.
Nikolai Pogorelov, a UC Riverside researcher, has been awarded 850,000 processor hours on the seventh fastest computer in the world to study the outer heliosphere and its interaction with interstellar medium. The research will help plan future space missions and analyze fluxes of galactic cosmic rays.
A new global overview by Duke University soil scientist Daniel Richter emphasizes the need to address soil health due to increased cultivation, grazing, and logging. The study highlights the importance of long-term observation and analysis to understand how to sustain soils and minimize adverse effects on the environment.
Researchers identify significant human effects on the environment, including altered sediment patterns, carbon cycle disruptions, and ocean acidification. The International Commission on Stratigraphy is considering formal adoption of the Anthropocene as a new geological epoch.
A study found that common human viruses, such as HRSV and HMPV, are responsible for outbreaks of respiratory disease in wild chimpanzees. The researchers suggest that minimizing human contact and implementing guidelines to reduce the risk of disease transmission can help protect great apes.
Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan have isolated a plant gene that helps plants resist environmental stresses. The study's findings could lead to the development of crops with improved tolerance to ultra-violet light and other types of radiation, ultimately benefiting agricultural productivity and ecosystem health.