Researchers found evidence of 200,000 year period of widespread glaciation in the 'super greenhouse' climate. Ice sheets were approximately 60% the size of modern Antarctic ice cap and existed when alligators lived in the Arctic.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia developed a simple test to accurately predict risk of serious jaundice in newborns, combining bilirubin levels and gestational age. The study found that about 70% of babies were low-risk, while 13% were high-risk and 17% were in the middle category.
A study by Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center identifies a group of microRNA molecules that control genes causing breast cancer metastasis. The loss of these microRNAs allows cancer cells to migrate and grow more rapidly, leading to increased risk of lung and bone metastasis.
Researchers found that a drug originally used to treat iron poisoning triggered the growth of new blood vessels, leading to significant increases in bone density and regeneration. The treatment has broad implications for improving treatment of bone fractures and musculoskeletal disorders.
Researchers found potentially dangerous levels of mercury and arsenic in Lake Baiyangdian, a source of drinking water for thousands. The study highlights the need to apply US environmental research to China's rapidly industrializing environment.
A recent study published in Neuron found that the damaged protein involved in Huntington's disease causes problems at the synapse early in its development, rather than after it is cut and imported into the nucleus. This discovery may lead to new targets for potential drug therapies targeting genes involved in synaptic transmission.
Researchers have developed a new type of solar cell that uses a binary ionic liquid electrolyte, achieving a record 7.6% light-conversion efficiency and stability in warm climates. The solvent-free design also enables the construction of flexible and lightweight devices.
Researchers discovered distinctive activity differences in specific brain areas of hypnosis-susceptible individuals, which showed suppressed or increased activity during memory suppression and recall. The study suggests that hypnosis may model forms of amnesia by affecting an early executive decision on retrieval.
A team from Duke University Medical Center isolated sex-determining genes from an ancient fungus, Phycomyces blakesleeanus, which contains insights into the evolution of human sexual differentiation. The findings suggest that HMG-domain proteins may have marked the beginning of sex determination in both fungi and humans.
Scientists discovered that bare subatomic protons can act like neurotransmitters, making gut muscles contract in round worms. The researchers identified genes and proteins involved in the process and found proton pumps and receptors in human intestinal cells and brains.
The Center for Ocean Solutions will bring together international experts in marine science and policy to find innovative ways to protect and restore the world's oceans. Recent studies warn that climate change and overfishing will collapse most of the world's commercial fisheries within 50 years.
The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's GridWise Demonstration Project found that advanced technologies enable consumers to actively participate in improving grid efficiency and reliability. Homeowners who participated saved approximately 10 percent on their electricity bills by adjusting their energy use based on price signals.
Researchers found that sirolimus reduced angiomyolipoma size by nearly 50% in TSC and LAM patients. Lung function also improved in LAM patients, with a 10-15% increase in expiratory air flow.
Researchers at NIST have developed a novel technique for measuring surface roughness, which could lead to more accurate models of deformation and lower tooling costs. The new method uses data from a scanning laser confocal microscope and challenges the traditional linear relationship between surface roughness and material deformation.
A new Mayo Clinic study found that removing the entire kidney from younger patients with small kidney tumors may lead to decreased overall survival. In contrast, partial nephrectomy resulted in a 10-year overall survival rate of 93%. The study's findings highlight the importance of considering long-term health consequences for patients...
A giant cloud of antimatter surrounding the galactic center has been traced back to binary star systems containing black holes or neutron stars. The cloud's imbalance matches the distribution of these binaries, suggesting they are churning out most of the antimatter.
A brain-imaging study found that overweight people's brains respond differently to feelings of fullness, with reduced activation in areas signaling satiety. Treatments targeting these circuits may help control chronic overeating, according to the authors.
Ted Nordhaus and Michael Shellenberger's book Break Through: From the Death of Environmentalism to the Politics of Possibility challenges traditional environmentalist views. The authors argue that green activists should recognize the potential of economic development and technological innovation to help overcome ecological crises.
Researchers have designed a high-performance permanent magnet alloy that operates with good magnetic strength at 200 degrees Celsius. The new alloy, which replaces pure neodymium with a mixed rare earth, has a lower temperature coefficient, making it suitable for electric drive motors in the automotive industry.
Geophysicists Paul Silver and Mark Behn propose a new theoretical model that plate tectonic motions have stopped in Earth's geologic history, suggesting an intermittent process. This finding could impact our understanding of earthquakes, volcanism, and the formation of continents.
Research at the University of Delaware found women with osteoarthritis in their knees have significantly reduced mobility and function compared to men. Women may need to become more educated about knee-replacement surgery risks and benefits to preserve their mobility and quality of life.
Researchers discovered that Siberian jays use distinct alarm calls to warn other group members of hawk behavior, including hunting mode, searching for prey, or attacking. This advanced communication system enhances their chances of survival by triggering specific fleeing behaviors.
A recent study found that divorce widens the distance between teenagers and their fathers, who often struggle to maintain close relationships despite increased involvement. The research suggests that fathers' involvement with children has increased, but mothers still do most of the childcare, creating pressure on fathers to invest more...
A recent study found that 60% of psychotherapy clients felt their therapy either lasted too long or ended too soon. Clients who experienced a positive termination were more satisfied and reported feeling an expression of independence, reflection of positive therapeutic gains, and a sense of positive gains.
Researchers from EMBL discovered that proteins regulating iron metabolism play a vital role in ensuring nutrient and water absorption in the intestine. The study found that mice lacking these proteins suffer from weight loss, dehydration, and impaired nutrient absorption.
Researchers have discovered a unique hydrothermal vent system, defying long-held assumptions about volcanism-driven vents. The system involves cold water descending through buried chimneys and emerging at the surface through numerous vents.
A study has identified a chromosomal abnormality on chromosome 16 that appears to increase the risk of autism by 100-fold. The deletion or duplication of this segment was found in 5% of individuals with an autism spectrum disorder, but not in unaffected parents.
Chimpanzees have been found to build 'cultures' through social learning, with different colonies adopting unique methods for food preparation and grooming. This discovery challenges the long-held assumption that culturally-learned behaviors are unique to humans.
Researchers identified three microRNA molecules that suppress the spread of breast cancer. Restoring these molecules reduces the ability of cancer cells to proliferate and migrate. The study adds to the growing list of cellular targets for drugs designed to prevent breast cancer metastasis.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine discovered a plant herbicide that disrupts Toxoplasma gondii's signaling pathway, reducing fatal infection risk in mice. Low doses of the herbicide prevent T. gondii from increasing its numbers and remaining dormant.
Researchers at Duke University have successfully created a three-dimensional sound cloak in theory, allowing sound waves to travel around it undistorted. This breakthrough could lead to improved acoustics in concert halls and hidden submarines from sonar detection.
The use of medications in psychoanalysis is a topic of debate among professionals, with some advocating for cautious approach while others see its potential benefits. The American Psychoanalytic Association hosts a panel discussion to explore the uses of medications in analysis.
Research found that treating venous leg ulcers with honey dressings did not improve healing rates, but led to more adverse events compared to conventional care. The study suggests compression and other treatments remain the best approach for managing venous ulcers.
Astronomers predict hundreds of rogue black holes, each several thousand solar masses, could be roaming the Milky Way. The discovery challenges current understanding of black hole formation and detection.
A research team led by Dieter Fenske has synthesized four large and silver-rich clusters, providing insights into the properties of nanoscale semiconductor materials. The clusters, composed of hundreds of atoms, have been characterized using X-ray crystallographic studies and mass spectrometry.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have discovered a way to reduce LDL, the so-called 'bad' cholesterol, in the blood by manipulating an enzyme. This finding could lead to new treatments for Type 2 diabetes and heart disease related to obesity.
Astronomers have discovered a rare type of star system containing a black hole that suddenly began glowing brightly with X-rays. The system, dubbed CXOU J132518.2-430304, is thought to be a binary star system where one star collapsed to form a black hole.
Researchers have discovered a new mechanism by which abnormal protein in Huntington's disease causes neurodegeneration. Suppressing abnormally high neurotransmission and calcium channel activity may delay onset and progression of the disease.
The United Water Senior Design and University Marketing Program was developed in conjunction with Stevens Institute of Technology, resulting in improved water quality for customers. The program also addresses staffing needs, identifying future hires, and fostering community relationships.
A study published in Nature found that when individuals are choosy about their partners, cooperativeness increases and becomes more stable. This is because individuals with low cooperativeness are penalized by being left by their current partner for a more cooperative one.
The Digital Library for Earth System Education (DLESE) has relocated to the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), providing continued access to its vast collection of digital learning resources. The move aims to preserve open access to the collection and support NCAR's educational mission.
A study suggests that geophagy, or deliberate soil ingestion, may enhance the pharmacological properties of plants eaten by chimpanzees. The research found that mixing soil with plant parts increased their anti-malarial activity. Geophagy has been observed in other animals and has implications for conservation and human health.
Astronomers have detected a mysterious type of cosmic explosion, known as a short gamma-ray burst (GRB), 7.4 billion years ago, more than halfway back to the Big Bang. This discovery dramatically moves back the time at which we know short GRBs were exploding.
The discovery of a 480-million-year-old machaeridian fossil has provided new insights into the evolution of annelid worms. The specimen's soft tissues have revealed an elongate body with paired limb-like extensions and stiff bristles, confirming its classification as an annelid worm.
Researchers found that 77% of methadone users with low levels had no significant cardiac abnormalities, while 60% of non-methadone users had identifiable evidence of cardiac disease. The study suggests a link between methadone and sudden cardiac death, potentially necessitating additional safeguards before therapy.
Researchers found that BERT and ERNI proteins interact to temporarily stop neural cell development, giving other cells a head-start in forming organs and skin. This discovery advances knowledge of stem cell behavior, with potential implications for medical research.
Research confirms connection between job loss and poor health, with those who lose jobs for health reasons experiencing more severe depression and detrimental health outcomes. Reemployment is crucial in improving health outcomes, especially for those who remain unemployed.
Researchers at Cornell University found that enzyme RNA polymerase II assembles at the site of an activated gene, regardless of its position. This challenges the traditional view of 'transcription factories' and provides new insights into the gene transcription mechanism.
Researchers have developed a new method for presenting clinical trial survival data that includes all participants, overcoming the limitations of traditional Kaplan-Meier plots. This new approach provides a more accurate representation of treatment effects, enabling physicians and patients to better understand clinical trial results.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania finds that focusing on specific details can enhance enjoyment and reduce satiation, particularly in cognitive and sensory experiences. By subcategorizing or recognizing distinct aspects of an activity, individuals can maintain interest and pleasure over time.
A study by Craig Thompson and Kelly Tian investigates the interrelationships between commercial mythmaking and the reshaping of popular memories in the South. The researchers focus on two prominent New South mythmakers who seek to ideologically reconstruct the historical legacy of antebellum, confederate, and segregationist South. They...
A new study finds that patients in high-spending areas do not necessarily have better health outcomes than those in low-spending areas. However, the authors also reveal that increased spending can be beneficial in certain cases, such as when chemotherapy is provided to patients with stage 3 colorectal cancer.
Dengue fever, a mosquito-borne illness, is becoming increasingly prevalent along the U.S.-Mexico border and in Puerto Rico. The NIAID experts warn that widespread dengue cases in the continental US are a real possibility due to the lack of effective treatments or vaccines.
Researchers have developed a new nanocomposite material that outperforms individual components, offering enhanced solar cell efficiency and potential applications in energy technologies.
A recent survey shows that only 74% of women with early-stage breast cancer opt for conservative surgery, despite physicians' recommendations. Women's risk understandings are influenced by culturally structured values toward illness, vigilant detection, and aggressive treatment.
A device designed to eliminate mixing errors in children's medications was tested at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital and found to be 100% accurate. The technology uses enhanced photoemission spectroscopy to verify the formulations of intravenous drugs, reducing potential medication errors.
The Hubble servicing mission, scheduled for August 2008, aims to equip the telescope with new instruments, including the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph and Wide Field Camera 3. These upgrades will enhance Hubble's capabilities to explore the universe, studying dark matter, dark energy, and planetary atmospheres.
Researchers found patients taking statins had a lower incidence of cancer compared to non-statin users. Additionally, a new receptor may be targeted for colon cancer treatment, while a mouse model of rare kidney disorder shows promise for studying cancer development.
Astronomers have detected a record-breaking short gamma-ray burst (GRB) 7.4 billion years ago, revealing new insights into their formation mechanisms.
Dr. Ian F. Pollack, a neurosurgeon at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, has received a $150,000 grant from the Children's Brain Tumor Foundation to study a category of brain tumors not well understood in children. His research aims to identify molecular features that will enable doctors to tailor specific treatments for patients.