Preliminary data indicate 2008 may represent the lowest volume of Arctic sea ice on record. The decline is due to rising greenhouse gases and strong natural variability.
Astronomers detected a strong magnetic field in a 6.5 billion-year-old protogalaxy, contradicting the leading theory that magnetic fields should weaken with time. The discovery was made using the National Science Foundation's ultra-sensitive Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine discovered ultraconserved DNA regions that have been highly conserved throughout evolution. Despite being deleted in laboratory animals, these regions are less likely to be lost in primates and rodents, suggesting a possible role in fundamental biological processes.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University will conduct a single-site study of 200 AMD patients to determine the effectiveness of a treatment program designed to prevent depression and disability. The Low Vision Depression Prevention Trial aims to improve vision skills in people with AMD, thereby preventing depression and promoting ind...
Researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center found that vitamin C supplements reduce the effectiveness of a wide range of anti-cancer drugs in laboratory cancer cells and mice. Vitamin C appears to protect mitochondria, which are essential for cell survival.
A billion-year-old history of microRNAs has been discovered in ancient animal lineages, including sponges and starlet sea anemones. This finding suggests that these tiny molecules have evolved rapidly across various species, potentially playing a key role in the emergence of multicellular life.
A new study from Stanford Medicine found that Asian-White couples face increased risks of gestational diabetes and caesarean delivery compared to same-race couples. The researchers also discovered that the average Asian woman's pelvis may be smaller than the average white woman's, contributing to these disparities.
A study by University of Alberta researcher Ian Colman found that individuals who receive treatment for depression and anxiety are three times less likely to experience a relapse in the next decade. The research also highlights the significant economic benefits, as the estimated annual cost of depression in Canada is $14 billion.
The University of Texas at Austin's Center for Electrochemistry has received a $5 million grant to develop new photovoltaic materials, improve battery storage, and enhance electrocatalysts. The initiative aims to promote advances in renewable energy technologies and create next-generation energy solutions.
Physicists have developed a novel way of spying on electrons and atomic nuclei using diamond-based magnetic imaging, enabling nanoscale spatial resolution. This technique has potential applications in fields such as materials science, spintronics, and biomedicine.
A study found that GSK-3-beta is crucial for normal mouse embryonic heart development. Mice lacking this protein died prematurely due to cardiac defects and liver degeneration. The findings suggest caution when considering new GSK-3 inhibitors in women of childbearing age.
A new forecasting method published by UGA scientist could help pilots chart new courses around clear air turbulence, reducing the risk of injury claims. The method uses gravity waves and a single, consistent theory to predict turbulence location.
A study of 1,500 kidney cancer patients suggests that tissue-sparing surgery may improve overall survival in patients with reduced kidney function. The finding highlights the underuse of this option and raises concerns about the potential harm of removing healthy kidney tissue.
Researchers found that cardio-selective beta-blockers significantly reduced mortality in both COPD and non-COPD patients within 30 days of surgery. Long-term mortality reductions were also observed among COPD patients on beta-blockers, with a higher risk of death among those not receiving the medication.
Sustainable farming with shade trees improves resistance to climate-related stressors, particularly in marginal growing areas. Traditional agroforestry techniques can help protect farmers' livelihoods threatened by climate change.
A large-scale study of preschool children's visual acuity found a commonly-used test to be inaccurate, while major studies on contact lens infections revealed that proper use and care are more important than new lens types. These findings will help eye specialists and wearers make better choices and improve practices.
A recent study published in Genome Research found that ultraconserved elements, identical between humans and animals, play a crucial role in the natural evolution of species. These elements account for less than 2% of the human genome but are essential for the survival of many species.
Researchers at UVA Health System develop novel approach to create less resistant and more effective antibiotics by targeting integral membrane enzyme DsbB. The breakthrough uses nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to understand protein structure and function.
This issue of BioScience features studies on fungal community ecology, extreme precipitation regimes, and the developing Drosophila brain. Researchers also explore the consequences of climate change for terrestrial ecosystems and discuss the potential benefits of restoration and sustainable agriculture.
A four-fold increase in global carbon dioxide emissions has been reported since 2000, with growth rates outpacing natural carbon sinks. Australian fossil-fuel emissions have grown by two per cent per year, making the country's reduction target increasingly challenging.
Undergraduate and graduate students from the University of Michigan will design and build a small CubeSat satellite, called Radio Aurora Explorer (RAX), to measure ionosphere energy flow. The mission aims to understand space weather processes, which can affect GPS signals and other space communication systems.
A new study found that patients with specific genetic variations lose more weight when taking the weight loss drug sibutramine and undergoing behavioral therapy. The research suggests gene pairs can predict treatment effectiveness, which could help personalize medicine for obesity treatment.
Scientists using Spitzer data have identified the precise event that produces the echo we see, revealing the supernova's first flash. The hot spots near the shattered remains of an exploded star are echoing the blast's first moments, powered by radiation from the supernova shock wave.
UT Battelle has donated $47,500 in lab equipment and grants to Morgan, Roane, Scott, and Sevier counties to enhance math and science education. This will enable teachers to conduct hands-on experiments, increasing student participation and interest in scientific subjects.
Women who have a history of dieting or restrictive eating practices are at risk of excessive weight gain during pregnancy. The study found that restrained eating behaviors were associated with higher weight gains in normal, overweight, and obese women, but lower weight gains in underweight women.
Astronomers have discovered that the number of newly formed stars is higher than initially calculated, with heavy stars forming in clusters near the center of galaxies. The study found that these clusters are more common in the core regions of galaxies, leading to a different ratio of heavy to light stars.
The CSIRO-invented UltraBattery combines an enhanced-power negative electrode and a lead acid battery, with applications for low emissions transport and renewable energy storage. The technology has been licensed to East Penn and Furukawa Battery Company for global distribution.
A new study found a positive relationship between violent TV viewing and negative personality attributes among white males and females, and African-American females. However, African-American males showed no increased aggression or lower IQ despite watching violent TV.
Researchers at University of Missouri-Columbia used paramagnetic resonance relaxation enhancement to directly visualize HIV-1 protease maturation into an active infection. The 'tail' amino acid residues form a temporary tunnel where the virus becomes infective, enabling researchers to better understand and target novel therapeutics.
Researchers found that using nitrogen fertilizer on rye cover crops increased biomass output and made more nitrogen available to cotton. The study's findings suggest improving soil quality and nutrient management can enhance agricultural productivity.
Researchers discovered that HIV-1 group M strain began spreading among humans between 1884 and 1924. The study suggests urbanization played a significant role in the pandemic's emergence. A genetic analysis revealed evidence of common ancestor around 1900, indicating an earlier origin than previously thought.
The study reveals that growing urbanization in colonial Africa allowed the HIV virus to flourish, leading to the outbreak of the epidemic. The researchers used genetic sequencing to analyze ancient samples and found that the pandemic strain emerged around 1900.
A recent study using new MRI techniques found that facet joint effusion and interspinal ligament edema are the most common imaging findings in patients with lower back pain. These soft tissue changes, seen in 85.5% of cases, highlight the importance of addressing degenerative changes in preventing and treating lower back pain.
A study at the University of California - Irvine found that applying adhesive acupressure beads to the Extra-1 acupoint decreased anxiety levels in children undergoing anesthesia. The treatment has no side effects and can be used as a complementary therapy to make surgical procedures less stressful.
A study examines the connection between Civil War battlefields and casualties, finding that geology plays a significant role in determining fighter outcomes. Researchers discovered areas with favorable terrain and unfavorable geology resulted in distinct casualty rates.
Researchers say shade-grown Latin American coffee farms can shield against climate change's ravages due to their biodiversity-boosting effects and ability to maintain a cool microclimate. This approach reduces peak temperatures and conserves water resources.
A Mayo Clinic study found that obese patients with specific genetic markers experienced greater weight loss when taking the medication sibutramine. Patients who lacked these genetic factors showed little to no weight loss during the 12-week trial.
A new review article highlights the potential of sirtuins to treat diseases of aging such as Type 2 Diabetes and mitochondrial disorders. Early clinical studies suggest that SIRT1 activation may lower glucose and improve insulin sensitivity.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a system that allows computer chips to work around all functional bugs, even those not yet detected. The 'semantic guardian' prevents a chip from operating in untested configurations, eliminating the risk of buggy hardware failure and protecting against potential security threats.
Scientists have determined the structures of two important plant viruses, revealing their spiral-shaped structure featuring around nine molecular subunits per turn. This discovery may lead to new ways to protect crop plants from viruses and other forms of damage, as well as engineer molecules to interfere with virus infections.
Researchers have directly measured a nascent galaxy's magnetic field, finding it is at least 10 times stronger than the average value in the Milky Way. This unexpected result presents a challenge to the leading theory of magnetic field generation and suggests that magnetic fields may play a key role in the evolution of galaxies.
The use of multiple model organisms is expanding due to decreasing genome sequencing costs and advancing gene expression manipulation techniques. Emerging model organisms, such as planarians and snapdragons, are being introduced to the laboratory, enabling comparison and refinement of existing models.
Researchers from Case Western Reserve University studied Chernobyl-derived radionuclides in Swedish and Polish soil, finding higher levels of plutonium in Swedish soil. The team's findings help shed light on public health ramifications and differentiate radioactive elements from one-time events like the Chernobyl disaster.
A new NASA-funded study from the University of Houston department of health and human performance is examining the ability of sweat patches to detect levels of chemicals that may indicate bone loss. The study aims to develop a micro-fabricated sweat patch that can perform biomarker analysis and provide immediate read-out results.
Researchers investigate role of GSK-3 proteins in mouse embryonic heart development and find that mice lacking GSK-3-beta exhibit hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Additionally, studies show PTEN protein modification leads to T-ALL cell viability, while HDAC3 plays a crucial role in maintaining heart function.
Researchers developed a fiber optic technology to measure blood levels in the colonic lining, detecting an early increase in blood supply associated with proximity to neoplasia. The findings suggest this technology could be a valuable screening tool for enhancing polyp detection and improving colon cancer prevention.
A new UC Berkeley study reveals that terror warnings could reduce support for Sen. John McCain among moderate voters. The research suggests the war on terror is a growing concern, but economic issues are a priority.
Research by Dr. J. Donald Richardson found that deployed peacekeeping veterans with PTSD experience significant impairments in health-related quality of life. The study highlights the importance of assessing quality of life when evaluating veterans for rehabilitation needs.
Researchers have identified five biomarkers in saliva that can confirm the presence of oral squamous cell carcinoma with 93% accuracy. The study, led by David T. Wong and Shen Hu, demonstrates a new approach for cancer biomarker discovery using saliva proteomics.
The Federal Air Marshals Service is exploring the use of USC's ARMOR system to enhance its operations. The system, which applies game theory insights to scheduling, has been shown to improve security by making it difficult for observers to find predictable patterns in law enforcement patrols. This collaboration aims to further develop ...
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have obtained detailed information about the structure of flexible filamentous viruses, responsible for over half of all virus damage. The findings could lead to new ways to protect crops from these viruses and potentially use them as agents of biotechnology.
Researchers found that patients with high Patient Activation Measure (PAM) scores are more likely to attend physical therapy and engage in rehabilitation. The PAM questionnaire assesses a patient's ability to play an active role in their healthcare, and high scores can predict improved adherence to treatment.
A longitudinal study found that adolescent insomnia symptoms are associated with depression, suicide ideation, and substance abuse during adolescence and young adulthood. Adolescents with insomnia were more likely to develop depression and suicidal thoughts, and to engage in substance use.
Purdue University researchers have developed a method of using nanoparticles to deliver treatments to injured brain and spinal cord cells. The team coated silica nanoparticles with a polymer to target and repair injured guinea pig spinal cords, showing improved physiological functioning in treated cells.
Research highlights the importance of including incarcerated populations in health studies to improve community health outcomes. The Journal of Correctional Health Care publishes original research on correctional health care topics, featuring findings on primary care, infectious disease, and mental health.
Scientists measure radionuclides in soil to understand sediment sources in rivers, revealing that streambank erosion contributes significantly to sediment loads. The study's findings can inform efforts to rehabilitate streams and preserve aquatic populations.
A recent study by the American College of Radiology found that core needle breast biopsies are safe for patients taking anticoagulants. The study showed that lumps or bruising occurred in 34% of women taking blood thinners, compared to 26.5% of those not on medications.
Leading scientists Dr. Phaedon Avouris and Professor Tony Heinz were honored for their work on nanoscale carbon materials, showing promise for integrating electronics and optics. The research could enable faster calculations and solve electronics problems, with potential applications in photovoltaics, sensors, and medicine.
A study published in Sleep found that postmenopausal women slept longer than premenopausal women, with deeper sleep and increased total sleep time. However, the rate of change in sex hormones during menopause was also associated with poor subjective sleep quality.
A Yale University study finds that compact fluorescent lighting can increase mercury emissions in certain countries and US states, offsetting energy conservation gains. The switch to CFLs may reduce emissions in some areas, such as Estonia and China, but increase them in others, like South America and parts of Europe.