Researchers at Boston University have developed a new DNA sequencing method that reduces the amount of DNA required for analysis, eliminating the need for time-consuming and error-prone DNA amplification. This breakthrough allows for faster and cheaper genome sequencing, enabling the analysis of long DNA strands in one swipe.
A study led by Dr. Frank Winkler followed the steps of tumor cell formation in real-time, revealing four stages required for metastasis development. Blocking angiogenesis with Avastin can suppress emergence of brain metastases.
Human carbon dioxide emissions impact ocean acoustics by increasing transparency to low-frequency sound, potentially affecting marine mammals' communication. The pH of surface seawater will drop by 0.6 units by 2100, leading to a 70% decrease in sound absorption.
Patients with NSCLC and EGFR mutations showed significantly improved progression-free survival with gefitinib treatment. Gefitinib was also better tolerated than chemotherapy, with fewer severe adverse events.
A new Yale University study suggests that current CO2 levels could lead to a greater temperature increase than previously thought, with temperatures potentially rising by 3 degrees Celsius or more. The research found that a relatively small rise in atmospheric CO2 was associated with substantial global warming during the mid- and early...
Researchers found that small increases in carbon dioxide led to substantial global warming about 4.5 million years ago. Slow changes in ice sheets and other factors amplify the effects of greenhouse gas composition.
Duke University engineers have created a new generation of lens that surpasses traditional lenses in focusing electromagnetic rays, with a wide angle of view and flat focal point. The lens is made from exotic composite materials known as metamaterials and has the potential to replace traditional optical systems.
Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine have determined the structures of two enzymes that customize histones, revealing insights into how DNA's packaging is crucial for gene regulation. The discovery may help doctors better understand or prevent inherited mental retardation.
Skull fragments of prehistoric koalas from the Riversleigh rainforests suggest they had a 'lazy' lifestyle and produced loud calls like modern koalas. However, they did not share the specialized eucalyptus leaf diet.
Researchers found that thinking aloud and drawing pictorial representations enhance problem-solving speed and accuracy in math. Students who engage in these strategies tend to have more possibilities of finding the right solution compared to those who do not.
The CDC reports a staggering 57% increase in autism diagnoses from 2002 to 2006, with a 600% rise over the past 20 years. Autism Speaks calls for dramatic federal funding increases and policy changes to address the growing public health crisis.
According to a study by Dr. Khaled El Emam, approximately 41% of Canadian clinical trials have moved away from paper records, with industry-funded trials being more likely to use electronic data capture tools. Pediatric trials also showed increased adoption of technology.
Researchers found evidence of fog at Titan's south pole, using Cassini data to isolate clouds and prove an active methane hydrological cycle. The discovery provides insight into Titan's atmosphere and its potential for liquid methane and ethane on the surface.
A new study finds that alcohol-related injuries among underage youth and young adults are shaped by the density and types of alcohol outlets in neighborhoods. Off-premise outlets, such as take-out establishments and bars, are linked to higher injury rates, including accidents, assaults, and traffic crashes.
A new supplement provides essential reference and set of tools for evidence-informed health policymaking. The series addresses four broad areas and contains 17 support tools from renowned experts.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have discovered fundamental differences between skull and limb bones that could lead to new osteoporosis treatments. The study found significant variations in gene activity and behavior between the two types of bone cells.
The study collected data from 3,005 older adults across the US, finding that men tend to have more positive attitudes towards sex and are more likely to be sexually active. The research also highlights the importance of promoting positive social relationships in older age.
Researchers found that physicians' bedside exams did a better job than CT scans in predicting which patients would need to return to the operating room to treat complications such as bleeding. The low-cost, simple exam appears to be superior to routine CT scans in determining return to the operating room.
Researchers have developed a new technology called 'T-rays' that can penetrate through opaque dry materials without causing harm. This breakthrough could lead to new security measures, such as detecting weapons or drugs concealed on a human body, as well as medical applications, including material studies and biology.
A new study suggests that medical liability concerns may be driving doctors to overprescribe antibiotics in healthcare settings. The research found a strong correlation between antibiotic use and attorney density in European countries, but no such link with physician density.
A new study finds that alcoholics can improve their postural sway with prolonged sobriety, but the improvement may not fully erase the problem of instability. Researchers found that stabilizing factors such as turning on a light or walking with feet apart can help improve standing stability in sober alcoholics.
A team of researchers has developed a new method to produce bioglass nanofibers, which can be used to regenerate bone tissue. The laser spinning technique allows for the production of flexible and continuous nanofibers with a nanometric structure, enabling the proliferation and spread of bone cells.
According to a new study, autism disorders have become more common among American children, with a prevalence rate approaching 1 percent among 8-year-olds. The study found a 57 percent increase in spectrum-disorder cases compared to four years earlier.
A recent study found that genetic factors contribute to both alcohol and marijuana use, with shared genetic influences contributing to dependence symptoms. The research used a large annual survey of high-school students and found strong evidence for a genetic component to marijuana use and dependence.
A team of researchers has made a breakthrough discovery about the defective protein that causes cystic fibrosis, understanding its special relationship with pH levels inside cells. By regulating acid-base balance, the protein controls salt transport and cell survival, offering hope for developing new therapies to restore function.
A study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found that bourbon causes worse hangovers, but impairment in task performance is similar to vodka. Researchers recruited heavy drinkers and tested their sleep patterns, self-report symptoms, and neurocognitive measures after consuming bourbon or vodka.
Researchers at Université de Montréal discovered that recalling celebrity faces decreases with age, but accessing biographical knowledge via their name remains unaffected. This semantic memory test could become a crucial tool to identify individuals at risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
The guide highlights key infection risks faced by transplant recipients, including pet ownership, food safety, and travel plans. It provides advice on how to minimize exposure to potential sources of infection and reduce the risk of respiratory, waterborne, and food-borne illnesses.
A new newsletter highlights health care utilization patterns among older Asian minorities and perceived job discrimination among older workers. The Gerontological Society of America emphasizes the need for research to resolve barriers in seeking health care for minority elders.
Scientists are studying the physical processes of ice formation in insects to understand why some survive freezing while others don't. The research found that insects that freeze at consistently higher temperatures have adaptations that allow them to control ice formation, implying cellular or biochemical level adaptations.
Research links BRCA1 gene mutations to lower ovarian response rates in women undergoing fertility preservation treatments for breast cancer. Women carrying the mutated gene are more likely to experience infertility due to decreased egg production.
Researchers explore the development and morphology of insect-mimicking spots on the flower petals of a South African beetle daisy. The study found that these spots are composed of three types of epidermal cells, each spanning four fused petal lobes, and are influenced by UV reflectivity and anthocyanin pigment.
Researchers at Washington University have developed a sensor that can detect and measure single nanoparticles using an ultra-high-Q microresonator. The sensor exploits the phenomenon of whispering-gallery mode resonance, where the light wave interacts with the particle on the ring's surface.
A study from Université de Montréal and Douglas Mental Health University Institute found that 10-15% of women experience maladaptive eating behaviors, which can lead to binge eating, bulimia, and excessive exercise. The study also revealed a link between problematic eating habits and self-rated health.
The W.M. Keck Foundation has completed its 11-year Distinguished Young Scholars Program, awarding nearly $55 million to 54 young scientists who have gone on to publish pioneering work and assume leadership positions in their fields. The program provided flexible funding support to young investigators.
Lowell Observatory Director Eileen Friel has been selected as an AAAS Fellow for her contributions to the astronomical community. She is recognized for her diligence in mentoring young scientists through the Research Experiences for Undergraduates program.
A Commonwealth Fund survey found nearly half of young adults (19-29) are uninsured at some time, with key transition times like graduation posing significant risk. The majority support reforms that make health insurance more affordable and protective.
A study published in the December 2009 issue of HeartRhythm found that only half of eligible heart failure patients received implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) to prevent sudden cardiac death. The study also revealed wide variations in ICD use, with certain patient groups more likely to receive the devices.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have discovered a potential new approach to slowing the spread of cancer by modifying the structure of malignant cells. By understanding how signals alter the cytoskeleton, they may uncover new targets for treatment.
Researchers at Binghamton University identified three key regulators required for biofilm formation, which could lead to new treatments for chronic infections. Biofilms are implicated in over 80% of chronic inflammatory and infectious diseases, and conventional antimicrobial treatments are often ineffective.
Research suggests that commercially marketed raisin bran cereal causes significantly higher levels of acid in dental plaque than plain bran flakes or unsweetened raisins. Conversely, unsweetened raisins do not increase plaque acidity when added to bran flakes.
A new study of supernova remnants shows that their symmetry reveals how a star exploded, allowing astronomers to classify supernovas more accurately. The analysis found circular remnants from Type Ia explosions and asymmetric remnants from core-collapse supernovas.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have discovered a way to shape graphene into desired forms using only a nanodroplet of water. The method utilizes weak van der Waals forces between water nanodroplets and graphene, allowing for the creation of complex structures such as capsules, sandwiches, knots, and rings.
Researchers at NIST and their colleagues predict the existence of a new, 'immortal' soliton in ultracold gases. This exotic wave could provide new avenues for studying strongly interacting quantum systems and understanding phase transitions, including those in the early universe.
Researchers have developed a comprehensive understanding of the interaction between H1N1 strains and human cells, revealing new targets for therapy and potential tools to speed vaccine production. The studies also identified key proteins involved in viral replication and host response.
A Tufts study found that nonverbal behavior on popular TV shows influences viewers' own racial bias, with white characters exhibiting more positive responses. The research showed that exposure to subtle patterns of racial bias via TV can measurably influence bias among viewers.
Researchers at Yale School of Medicine found that in typical readers, IQ and reading track together, but in children with dyslexia, they are not linked. Dyslexic individuals can be both bright and struggle with reading due to an uncoupling between cognitive ability and reading ability.
Researchers at Tufts University discovered that maternal behavior can stimulate new neuron creation in the brains of adult female rats who have never given birth. The study found increased numbers of new neurons in the subventricular region of the brain in these rats, which exhibited maternal behavior when exposed to foster pups.
The discovery of Ardipithecus ramidus, a 4.4 million-year-old hominid species from Ethiopia, revolutionizes our understanding of early human evolution. The fossils, including the partial skeleton named 'Ardi', show a mix of primitive and derived traits, challenging current models of human-chimpanzee evolution.
SRNL's patent-pending Porous Walled Hollow Glass Microspheres will be used in targeted drug delivery, hydrogen storage and other applications. The microspheres' network of interconnected pores enable gas storage and release.
Researchers found that organic fertilizer had a neutral or negative effect on plant growth, while mineral fertilizer showed mixed results. Dune grass performed well with the addition of fertilizer, but beach pea was negatively impacted. ATVs continue to be a major obstacle to revegetation efforts in the area.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University's National Robotics Engineering Center developed a plant-sorting machine that uses computer vision and machine learning to classify and sort harvested strawberry plants more consistently and faster than human workers. The system has the potential to improve quality, streamline production and de...
Despite being over land, Tropical Cyclone Laurence is still bringing heavy rains and gusty winds to northern coastal areas of West Australia. The cyclone has downgraded to a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph.
A Duke University study of over 3,000 orphaned and abandoned children in five countries found that institutional care can be a viable option, with better physical health and cognitive functioning than community-dwelling peers. The research challenges global policies recommending institutions only as a last resort.
Mark A. Smith, Ph.D., has been awarded the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Fellowship for his distinguished contributions to neurodegenerative disorders and Alzheimer's disease research. He is recognized for his work on oxidative stress and cell cycle alterations in Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at Caltech have challenged the long-held theory on fruit-fly development, showing that a key transcription factor's influence is less widespread and varies over time. The study reveals a more complex system where cells respond to changing signals from the transcription factor Dorsal.
A UCLA research team will develop an ultra-high-toughness nanomolecular resin to reinforce asphalt-aggregate mixture, providing mechanical locking of aggregates and serving as a load-bearing component. The new repair methodology aims to enhance the strength, durability and service life of asphalt pavements.
Regular gamers outperform non-gamers in visual processing tasks, including mental rotation, spatial memory and divided attention. Training with video games enhances these skills, potentially reducing gender differences and age-related cognitive decline.
The La Jolla Institute will receive funding to identify epitopes for developing effective vaccines against these diseases. The study aims to make new inroads toward vaccines that can target the body's immune system to launch an attack, with potential applications for tuberculosis and malaria.
The Hebrew University has received a $5 million grant to study visceral leishmaniasis in Ethiopia, also known as Kala-azar. This collaborative project aims to identify weak links in the transmission cycle and devise methods for disease control, particularly in HIV/AIDS-endemic areas.