Researchers Luís Bettencourt and Ruy Ribeiro create a novel approach to reading subtle changes in epidemiological data to predict disease spread. The tool provides real-time transmission probabilities for emerging diseases, enabling public health experts to implement quarantine policies and provide medical resources.
A team of researchers from Iowa State University and the University of Hawai'i have developed a fungus that can remove organic material and solids from thin stillage, allowing for greater water recycling and reducing energy costs. This process could save ethanol producers up to $800 million a year in energy costs.
Scientists use A-Train sensors to find that polluted clouds in South America produce less rain during dry season. The study suggests aerosol pollution suppresses rainfall due to smaller ice particles not growing large enough to fall as rain.
Samoa has been reinstated as a primary hotspot trail based on new data, confirming its age progression and eliminating arguments against a plume origin. High-resolution climate recordings suggest extreme storm events' effects on landscapes and carbon dioxide levels. Meanwhile, research also explores icebergs along the southern US Atlan...
A recent analysis found that most US health news stories have major failings in reporting, including inadequate discussion of costs, harms, and benefits. The study graded 500 US health news stories, resulting in a high rate of poor reporting, highlighting the need for improved standards in health journalism.
Researchers at the University of Oregon found that manipulating excitons in a semiconductor material can control electron spin, providing a new method for selectively manipulating spins. This discovery may prove useful in emerging optic devices and quantum computers.
The Caribbean region has a high burden of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) due to poverty. A proposed $1 tourist tax could fund disease control efforts and is supported by industry donations of low-cost generic drugs.
Christine Jacobs-Wagner, a leading expert on bacteria, has been designated an HHMI investigator for her pioneering work on the internal mechanisms of bacteria. Her research has led to new insights into human illnesses and survival strategies of ancient organisms.
A study found that childhood lead exposure is associated with decreased brain volume in adulthood, particularly in men. The greatest brain volume loss was seen in participants with the highest lead exposure in childhood. This suggests that early lead exposure may disrupt brain development and result in persistent alterations.
A survey of Medicare patients found that higher medical care spending was not associated with better quality of care. In fact, those in lower-expenditure areas reported similar perceptions of quality and rated their overall care highly, regardless of spending levels.
Researchers reviewing randomized trials found that antioxidant supplementation may reduce overall survival in patients receiving radiotherapy. Conversely, no clear evidence suggests that antioxidant treatment increases tumor response rates during chemotherapy.
A recent PNAS study reveals that temperature drives biodiversity in tropical regions, contradicting previous assumptions that light was the key factor. The study found that bacterial samples from warm waters contained many species, suggesting that photosynthesis has little influence on diversity.
Brian Scassellati's grant will fund development of prosody-recognition software, allowing untrained users to provide feedback to robots. This technology enables robots to recognize and respond to the rhythms, patterns, and intonation of speech.
The Yale team has engineered a P4P system that enables cooperative delivery of data between ISPs and Peer-to-Peer software providers. This reduces the cost to ISPs and improves the performance of P2P applications, with field tests showing a 34% reduction in inter-ISP traffic and up to 898% increase in delivery speeds.
A recent study published in JAMA found that patients who received medication escitalopram or participated in a problem-solving therapy group had a lower risk of depression compared to those who received placebo. The annual incidence of stroke exceeds 700,000 in the US, with depression occurring in over half of these patients.
Experts recommend revising current criteria for diagnosing diabetes, suggesting the use of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) as an alternative to fasting plasma glucose or oral glucose tolerance tests. This change may help identify more people with undiagnosed diabetes, reducing avoidable morbidity and mortality.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a new way to make transistors out of carbon nanoribbons, which can operate at room temperature and increase the speed of computer chips. The devices are smoother and narrower than previously made graphene nanoribbons, allowing them to work at higher temperatures.
Researchers found that pairing leptin with a minor amount of exercise revived the hormone's ability to fight fat, preventing weight gain in obese rats. The study suggests that low-level exercise triggered a metabolic change that cleared the way for leptin to work effectively.
Researchers have discovered that a fundamental building block in flowering plants evolved independently from lycophytes, an ancient plant group. This finding has significant implications for understanding plant biology and developing more efficient biofuel production methods.
Research from the University of Cincinnati reveals a direct link between prenatal and early-childhood lead exposure and higher rates of criminal arrest in adulthood. Individuals with elevated blood-lead levels before birth and during early childhood had higher rates of arrests, especially for violent crimes.
Weill Cornell researchers discovered a gene responsible for mutated red blood cells in Cooley's anemia, allowing mice to produce normal red blood cells without splenectomy. The study found that blocking the JAK2 gene reduces spleen size and improves hemoglobin production.
A new study reveals that closely related species tend to avoid living together due to intense competition for food and shelter. This separation is crucial for the survival of individual species.
Researchers analyzed vitamin D concentrations in 749 men with prostate cancer and 781 without, finding no correlation between vitamin D levels and prostate cancer risk. However, higher vitamin D levels were associated with increased risks of aggressive disease, but the association was not statistically significant.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have created specially designed robots called SnoMotes to traverse dangerous ice environments and gather scientific measurements. The SnoMotes work autonomously in teams to cover all necessary ground, providing accurate data for scientists to validate climate models.
Researchers at Weill Cornell discovered that cancer stem cells without the protein CD133 can initiate metastatic disease, leading to more aggressive tumors. This finding opens up new avenues of investigation and redirects cancer research.
Research published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine reveals that individuals with ADHD complete 1 month's worth of work in a year. Employers may benefit from implementing workplace screening programs to support affected workers, as effective treatments can improve performance.
Researchers found that children can safely take ten-times the current recommended daily allowance of vitamin D, which may have long-term health benefits. Vitamin D is essential for bone growth and development in children, and supplementation with high doses (2,000 IUs) has been well-tolerated and safe.
Researchers developed a new set of non-linear equations that fit both conventional and non-conventional lasers, predicting important properties from simple inputs. This unifying theory solves the long-standing problem in laser physics, providing a substantially broader perspective on laser structures.
Exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke increases the risk of severe infectious illnesses and hospital admissions in young children. Children born prematurely or with low birth weight are particularly vulnerable to these risks.
A Europe-wide survey revealed significant differences between heart doctors' treatment approaches, with many failing to adhere to recommended guidelines. However, a second study found that pre-operative statin therapy significantly reduces the risk of death and complications after cardiac surgery.
Men who are overweight or obese are more likely to need a hip replacement for osteoarthritis. Research reveals that being overweight is a significant risk factor for hip osteoarthritis in men but not women.
The Einstein-Montefiore Center for AIDS Research has received a $8.5 million grant renewal from the NIH, supporting its growth of AIDS research programs and international collaborations. The center's contributions to HIV/AIDS research and treatment include identifying key areas of study and developing innovative therapies.
A large-scale analysis of monkeys addicted to cocaine reveals more numerous and long-lasting protein changes than previously thought, potentially explaining why cocaine addiction is difficult to overcome. The study provides a comprehensive assessment of biochemical changes in the cocaine-addicted brain.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine used high throughput microscopy to study the regulation of estrogen receptor-alpha, finding that its response depends on the manner of regulation. The technique enabled them to analyze thousands of images of cells and differentiate between ligand- and steroid-dependent regulation.
Scientists have developed an iron-zirconium alloy that retains its nanocrystalline structure at temperatures above 1,300 degrees Celsius. The alloy's high-temperature stability enables bulk production and easier shaping into useful forms.
Four Stanford researchers Mark Schnitzer, Kang Shen, Seung K. Kim, and Julie Theriot have been awarded the prestigious title of HHMI investigators for their groundbreaking work in biomedical science. They will now have the freedom to tackle ambitious and risky research projects without restriction.
A new study has found that childhood lead exposure is associated with a higher risk of adult criminal arrests, including violent crimes. The research followed over 250 children who were exposed to high levels of lead during pregnancy and early childhood, tracking their outcomes into adulthood.
Researchers analyzed GPS data and coral growth bands to understand strain buildup between earthquakes. They found that locked fault zones store strain, which releases during future large earthquakes. The study aims to improve earthquake models and tsunami risk assessment.
A new form of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has been shown to be as effective as older forms in treating depression, but without the cognitive side effects. The study used a 'ultrabrief pulse' and found that 73% of patients responded, compared to 65% with traditional ECT.
A global study found significant differences in the standard of care for osteoporosis across Europe, North America, and Australia. Women in Europe reported lower use of bone-saving drugs and fewer bone density tests than those in other regions, highlighting the need for improved regional comparisons.
Research suggests that healthy adult haddock can produce more eggs of higher quality, leading to larger and better-conditioned offspring. This finding could significantly impact haddock stocks on Georges Bank.
Researchers have created the smallest magnetic nanoparticles to date that can be used to locate cancer cells during MRI scans. The particles are about 8.4 nanometers in size and emit a stronger signal for detection, making them ideal for detecting tumors without surgery.
Astrocytes have been found to produce a protective protein called metallothionein (MT), which is secreted to surrounding nerves and helps prevent damage from free radicals and metal ions. The level of MT uptake by nearby nerves correlates with the extent of nerve repair.
Researchers mapped and digitized smells, discovering a multidimensional map of odors that reveals the distance between molecules. The study found that the brain recognizes this map, similar to musical scales, supporting the theory that there are universal laws governing smell perception.
Studies found that mutations in the p14ARF gene can promote melanoma development, even with normal p16 levels. Researchers also discovered an estrogen signaling pathway in aggressive prostate cancer, driving its growth. Additionally, adding paclitaxel to standard chemotherapy improves outcomes in early breast cancer patients.
UT Southwestern faculty members Dr. Lora Hooper, Dr. Youxing Jiang, and Dr. Hongtao Yu were named as Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigators for their outstanding biomedical research. The HHMI appointment brings the total number of UT SWM faculty members to 13.
Paul T. Anastas, Yale Professor of Green Chemistry, received the Leadership in Science award from the Council of Scientific Society Presidents for his pioneering work in 'green chemistry.' His research focuses on safer chemicals, bio-based polymers, and sustainable chemical synthesis.
Researchers developed a method to identify bromadiolone poisoning in humans, which has a 20% mortality rate. The analysis method helps treat bleeding disorders by quickly identifying the cause of the condition.
Surgical antibiotic prophylaxis has increased the risk of Clostridium difficile infection by 21 times, with severe consequences for patients. Researchers suggest minimizing antibiotic duration to reduce risks and benefits.
A study found that vein access in the upper leg does not reduce infection risk compared to neck vein access, except for patients with higher weights. Hematoma formation was significantly higher for jugular catheters.
A new calcium scoring method takes into account plaque distribution to predict heart attack risk, showing a significant association between diabetes and increased coronary artery calcification. The study found that the location of calcium in arteries is crucial in estimating patient risk.
Three Caltech researchers, David Chan, Michael Elowitz, and Grant Jensen, were selected as new HHMI investigators. They will focus on mitochondrial dynamics, genetic circuits, and biological imaging to advance scientific knowledge dramatically. The selection brings the total number of HHMI investigators at Caltech to 10.
A new study published in PLOS ONE successfully extracted and analyzed authentic DNA from ancient Viking skeletons, avoiding contamination issues. The analysis revealed that the Vikings were genetically diverse and showed no evidence of extraneous DNA.
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) is positioning the dental research community for future success through interdisciplinarity, collaboration, and innovation. The NIDCR is investing in practice-based research networks to move dentistry towards evidence-based practices.
Researchers examine the impact of disease mongering on public discourse and its implications for healthcare policy. They argue that lax regulations risk exacerbating the problem, wasting valuable resources.
A study by University of Washington researchers found that popular biofuel sources like corn-based ethanol may have negative environmental impacts. The authors recommend promoting sustainable alternatives such as switchgrass or algae-based fuels, and implementing policies to minimize land usage and energy consumption.
Researchers can now contribute to large-scale community protein annotation, enhancing comprehensive coverage of biomedical knowledge. WikiProteins combines existing authoritative databases with mined scientific papers, creating over one million concept clouds called 'Knowlets', which can be annotated by experts.
A new study by Newcastle University found that grazing cows on organic farms in the UK produce milk with significantly higher levels of nutritionally desirable fatty acids and antioxidants. The research also identified a direct link between the dairy cows' diets and the quality of their milk.
Researchers at UMass Chan Medical School have developed a new technique to target individual genes for inactivation in zebrafish embryos using engineered zinc-finger nucleases. This method has the potential to answer questions that were previously out of reach and will fundamentally change how researchers make knockouts in model organi...
Engineers at Purdue University have developed a method that uses pervasive Bluetooth signals from cell phones and other wireless devices to constantly update travel times. The method has the potential to provide valuable information for better traffic signal timing, construction work zone management, and real-time traffic information.
Arman Jahangiri, a University of Houston biology graduate, has been awarded the Merage Foundation American Dream Fellowship to pursue his dream of becoming a neurosurgeon. He plans to use his scholarship to further his medical education and advocate for affordable healthcare as a physician, policy maker, and educator.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have identified a subset of immune system B cells that can regulate inflammation. These regulatory B cells, called B10 cells, produce a potent cytokine that inhibits immune responses. Depleting or enhancing these cells may lead to new treatments for autoimmune diseases and cancer.
Scientists have discovered a molecular marker, RIP140, that controls both metabolic processes and inflammatory responses in liver cells of mice with cancer. By switching off this molecule, the lipid balance of the liver normalized within a few days, suggesting its role in causing fatty liver in affected patients.
Researchers developed techniques to coax carbon nanotubes to self-assemble into complex structures, known as serpentines, which exhibit striking order and complexity. These nanotube serpentines have potential applications in nano-device development, such as cooling elements and opto-electronic devices.
Researchers found an avian malaria parasite in a Spotted Owl from Oregon, sparking concerns about the bird's immune health and conservation status. The study highlights the need for further research into blood-borne pathogens in wild bird populations.
Researchers discovered a special digestive enzyme in silkworms that allows them to digest sucrose despite the presence of toxic alkaloids in mulberry leaves. The enzyme, beta-fructofuranosidase, is concentrated in the worm's gut and silk gland.
A new study found that elderly men with higher IGF-1 bioactivity have a significantly lower mortality rate compared to those with low bioactivity. The researchers used a new method to measure IGF-1 function, which revealed the association between high circulating IGF-1 bioactivity and extended survival.
A new study suggests that geoengineering schemes could lead to a decline in the intensity of the global water cycle. The research found that reducing sunlight through
New research on azhdarchid pterosaurs suggests they were strongly adapted for life on the ground, with features such as long limbs, stiff necks, and padded feet. The study argues that these reptiles were specialized terrestrial stalkers, using their unique anatomy to pick up prey from the ground.
Researchers found that invasive plant species, such as Buddleia and Oregon grape, have an advantage over native ones due to genetic changes and the absence of natural herbivores. This can lead to a threat to ecological balance and displacement of native species.
Researchers used recursion to correct errors in synthetic DNA building blocks, producing flawless long DNA molecules in just two rounds of construction. The new method improves upon existing methods by increasing speed and precision.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki solved the structure of archaeal virus SH1 to one nanometre resolution, revealing details about its biological membrane, genomic matter, and protein coat. The study suggests a possible common viral structural protein ancestor found in adenoviruses.
According to a study published in JAMA, the prevalence of obese children and teens in the US did not increase significantly between 1999-2006. The authors found that high BMI rates varied by age and racial/ethnic group, with certain groups having higher rates than others.
Researchers have found estrogen-dependent molecular pathways play a crucial role in regulating aggressive prostate cancer. The study used innovative technology to analyze 455 prostate cancer samples and identified an 87-gene expression signature that distinguishes fusion-positive TMPRSS2-ERG cancers from other malignancies.
Researchers discovered a molecular alarm system in the skin that detects defects and triggers an immune response, leading to potentially harmful effects. The study found that genetic abnormalities in the skin can lead to an overproduction of white blood cells, which can be life-threatening.
Researchers identified regulatory sequences that act like zip codes, determining where odour receptors are expressed in olfactory neurons. These elements positively and negatively regulate receptor expression, suggesting a broader role in nervous system development.