A new study found that Archaeopteryx, the iconic first bird, actually grew much slower than modern birds and had more reptilian features. This challenges the long-held assumption that rapid bone growth was necessary for flight.
Hugh 'Trey' Daly III, a senior attorney at IQ Solutions, Inc., has worked tirelessly to ensure thousands of low-income and sick people in southwest Ohio have access to health care services. His efforts have prompted local hospitals to end abusive medical debt collection practices.
Researchers analyzed ancient air bubbles trapped in Antarctic ice to determine the composition of Earth's atmosphere 20 million years ago. They found that carbon dioxide levels were similar to today's only during this time period, when global temperatures were 5-10 degrees Fahrenheit higher and sea levels were 75-120 feet higher.
The US must prioritize defending its critical computer networks from cyber attacks due to the difficulty of preventing such attacks and the unclear motivations of attackers. The RAND study highlights the need for diplomatic, economic, and prosecutorial efforts against cyber attackers rather than investing in strategic cyber warfare.
Scientists discovered that early hominid Ardipithecus ramidus took its first steps towards bipedalism in a wooded landscape, not the open savanna. The discovery was made using carbon isotope analysis of soil and teeth, which revealed a diet rich in woodland and forest ecosystem.
Scientists aim to detect hydrogen in lunar soil, which may be icy leftovers or accumulated from the solar wind. The LCROSS mission will create a debris cloud near the moon's south pole to observe its behavior.
Researchers at the University of Washington discovered security weaknesses in three popular household robots, including WowWee Rovio and RoboSapien V2. The study highlights the need for improved robot security and privacy measures to prevent misuse by bad actors, who can exploit these vulnerabilities to harm users or their environments.
Despite evidence of low-cost diarrhea treatments, many countries lag behind in implementing these life-saving techniques, leaving few children treated appropriately. The analysis reveals a significant gap between policy change and effective program implementation, making it difficult to secure necessary supplies like zinc supplements.
Kraken, the National Institute for Computational Sciences' supercomputer, has achieved petaflop performance, accelerating science and placing it among the top five computers in the world. The system enables researchers to simulate complex phenomena such as core-collapse supernovas with unprecedented realism.
Scientists have developed a simple and portable method to detect tuberculosis (TB) bacteria using light, which may help identify people with latent infections. The technology, if refined, could be used in the developing world where most TB cases occur.
Researchers found that adding budesonide to tiotropium resulted in a 62% reduction in severe exacerbations and significant improvements in lung function, signs and symptoms, and quality of life. Triple therapy also improved morning activities and reduced hospitalizations.
University of Michigan mathematicians have identified the signal sent by the brain to control biological rhythms, a finding that challenges the long-held theory about our internal clock. The discovery could lead to breakthroughs in treating sleep problems and diseases influenced by the internal clock.
Archived patient tissue specimens can be used to indirectly test biomarkers, providing a more efficient alternative to traditional prospective studies. The authors argue that this approach can help establish the medical utility of prognostic and predictive biomarkers.
A ten-year study found that up to 70% of female alligators remained loyal to their mates, a similarity with bird mating habits. This discovery sheds light on the ancestral mating systems of birds and dinosaurs.
Researchers identified tumor-suppressing genes ESR1 and HIC1 that predict late-stage laryngeal cancer and shorter survival in patients. Genetic abnormalities can aid in refining cancer staging and length of survival, potentially improving treatment options.
Researchers at North Carolina State University aim to create fuels that can be used in place of conventional diesel, gasoline, and jet fuel. They plan to genetically modify Dunaliella algae to produce fatty acids that can be converted into fuels, with the goal of creating a cost-competitive, renewable energy source.
University of Washington researchers have made significant improvements in engineering heart repair patches from stem cells, connecting to rodents' heart circulation with pre-formed blood vessels. The new patches successfully delivered rat blood to the transplanted graft, showing remarkable viability and functional capabilities.
The American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America will recognize individuals with outstanding contributions to education, national and international service, and research. The 2009 award recipients include Donald Graetz, David Mengel, Robert G. Hoeft, and others.
Monash researchers found that antioxidants can prevent beneficial effects of ROS on insulin action in early stages of Type 2 diabetes. Elevated ROS levels in genetically-modified mice prevented insulin resistance and diabetes induced by a high-fat diet.
A state-of-the-art surveillance system will be developed to monitor emerging and re-emerging infections in wildlife, assessing risks to domestic animals and humans. The project aims to predict and manage disease threats from wildlife, using cutting-edge molecular technologies.
Researchers will investigate the activation of TLR4 and responses inside human cornea cells, with a goal to identify potential targets for anti-inflammatory intervention. The study aims to discover specific toll-like receptor antagonists to regulate corneal inflammation, potentially leading to novel medication alternatives.
A new study published in Developing World Bioethics argues that Argentinean fertility clinics are increasingly marketing themselves to international health care consumers offering all-inclusive packages with fixed prices for fertility treatments, citing non-accredited clinics as a concern for consumer safety and effectiveness.
Typhoon Melor is affecting southern Japan with gusty winds, heavy rains, and high waves, while Tropical Storm Parma continues to rain on Luzon in the northern Philippines. The storms are expected to bring soaking rains, dangerous surf, and gusty winds to two different locations.
Researchers will create a genetic and molecular treasure trove to redefine COPD and pulmonary fibrosis. The project aims to identify individuals at risk, diagnose earlier and develop personalized treatments.
Parkinson's Disease (PD) incidence increases with age, with a wide variation in onset age ranging from 20 to 90 years. Researchers have identified genes influencing PD onset age, which may help identify mechanisms and therapeutic targets for delaying symptoms.
Researchers identified metabolic pathways in lung cancer cells that can be targeted by drugs, providing potential new treatment options. The study used computer simulations to validate these findings and highlights the value of in silico research in speeding up the development of new cancer treatments.
Tropical Storm Henri is currently located east of the Northern Leeward Islands with maximum sustained winds near 45 mph. The storm is expected to move west-northwest and eventually be steered by a subtropical ridge over the Western Atlantic Ocean.
The UCLA center will continue to serve as a key site for the George E. Brown Jr. Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation (NEES), facilitating cutting-edge research on seismic vulnerability and disaster preparedness. The center's state-of-the-art mobile field laboratory will enable researchers to test full-scale specimens under re...
Research suggests adolescents possess intellectual skills to make informed decisions about terminating a pregnancy but lack social and emotional maturity to control impulses. This immaturity mitigates their criminal responsibility, according to the study published in American Psychologist.
A genome-wide study has identified a single-letter change in the genetic code associated with autism, highlighting the role of common DNA variation. The research also uncovered two other genomic regions likely containing rare genetic differences that may influence autism risk.
Research at AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO finds depression prevalence in CRS patients to be 20.5%, significantly impacting QOL measures. Physicians should screen for both CRS and depression to optimize patient health.
Researchers create the largest map of human genome changes, identifying 75 regions that 'jump' between genomes and over 250 genes with duplicated copies. The study provides insights into evolutionary biology and offers a resource for researchers to explore genetic variation's role in human disease.
The American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America will present the 2009 fellows at a special ceremony in Pittsburgh. The fellows were chosen for their professional achievements and meritorious service, with only 0.3% of members selected.
The debut edition of Science Translational Medicine describes a microfluidics device for detecting tiny amounts of estrogen, which could improve breast cancer screening. Researchers have also identified a novel mechanism to protect patients from graft-versus-host disease after bone marrow transplants.
Surgeons agree that percutaneous needle biopsy is the best practice for initial diagnosis of breast abnormalities, offering equivalent accuracy and reduced risk of scarring. The procedure has been shown to provide detailed information about tumor characteristics, aiding in therapeutic decision-making before surgical intervention.
Researchers found that focused hospitals deliver lower quality care to randomly assigned patients, measured by higher mortality rates. They also experience longer average lengths of stay for these patients. This suggests patient selectivity is a key driver of the superior outcomes seen at specialty hospitals.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University are testing a new intervention called Responsive Teaching, designed for parents and caregivers of children under 3 years old with autism. The study aims to improve social emotional functioning and daily routines, without direct instruction or rote learning activities.
Researchers develop ALICE, a frozen mixture of water and nanoscale aluminum powder, offering a more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional propellants. The new propellant could be used for launch, long-distance space missions, and hydrogen fuel cells.
A large cohort study found no significant risks of major congenital malformations associated with H2 blocker exposure during pregnancy. The study involved 1,148 infants exposed to H2 blockers and 84,823 unexposed infants, showing no increased risk of perinatal mortality or birth complications.
The Eurofleets project aims to advance the networking of European research fleets, funded by the European Commission with 7.2 million Euros. Researchers will benefit from access to unique ship time on European research vessels.
The October issue of BSSA features a review on strong ground motions, suggesting that the current global record reflects only a small sample of what is physically possible. Additionally, researchers explore the correlation between toppled columns and earthquake source determination in archaeoseismology.
Researchers have created a new technology that analyzes tiny blood and breast tissue samples to detect increased estrogen levels, which may indicate breast cancer. This breakthrough could lead to faster screening for high-risk populations and improved diagnosis.
A massive international study is examining potential genetic consequences of reproductive organs exposed to curative therapy by drugs or radiation. Scientists aim to determine if radiation treatment increases birth defects, stillbirths, and specific conditions like Down syndrome in offspring.
A novel method for imperfectly matched stem cell transplants has shown a striking response that can suppress graft-versus-host disease. The technique, known as co-stimulatory blockade, unleashes a surge of regulatory T-cells that dampen the immune reaction.
A study published in Stem Cells reveals human stem cells can immunize against colon cancer by tricking the immune system. The discovery builds upon a century-old theory and opens up new possibilities for cancer vaccine research.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham Comprehensive Cancer Center has won an $11.5 million grant from the National Cancer Institute to explore groundbreaking cervical cancer research, prevention, and treatment. The grant will focus on next-generation human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines for cervical cancer prevention and test therapeu...
The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute has awarded $16.7 million to researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center for developing stem- and progenitor-cell tools and therapies. The goal is to identify and characterize progenitor cell lines and develop new clinical strategies to address blood diseases.
Researchers have implemented topological photonic crystals that completely prohibit light wave back-reflections, allowing microwave light to propagate in a one-way structure. This concept may lead to reduced internal connections and improved performance in light-driven circuits.
Researchers developed a simple computer model that can predict specific outcomes for a given bank with minimal data demands. The model uses Locally Weighted Scatter Plot Smooth to identify potentially troubled banks by comparing their performance with similar peers.
Recent studies uncover new insights into the Miocene structural reorganization of the South Tibetan detachment, eastern Himalaya, and its implications for understanding continental collision. Additionally, researchers have developed a one-dimensional modeling approach to quantify dip and velocity of continental subduction from high-pre...
A study published in BMC Public Health found that approximately 3.4 million UK children live with at least one binge drinking parent, while 2.6 million have a hazardous drinker. The research aims to raise awareness of the risks of parental substance use on child care and development.
A Purdue University researcher has discovered that increasing protein phosphatase 5 (PP5) in neurons reduces reactive oxygen species-induced cell death, a mechanism linked to Alzheimer's disease. PP5 overexpression also prevents amyloid beta-mediated stress pathways.
A recent survey by UT Health Science Center at Houston and Zogby International found that Americans would support a healthcare bill with specific amendments, including malpractice reform and a public option. The poll showed majority support for these changes, increasing from 27% to 57%, suggesting broad support may be achievable.
The M.D. Anderson team will use a systems biology approach to analyze multi-gene pathways and combinations of pathways in cancer. The goal is to generate molecular portraits of cancers to personalize therapy choices and improve cancer risk assessment.
Researchers identified semaphorin 5A, a gene involved in neuronal contact and communication, as a potential biological target for pharmaceutical intervention in individuals with autism. The study utilizes genome-wide association studies and extends prior research findings to brain tissue samples.
A new study from the University of New Hampshire found that nearly half of US children experienced physical assault in the past year. The research also revealed that three out of five children were exposed to violence, abuse or a criminal victimization, including witnessing domestic violence and dating violence.
A new study finds that most stock repurchase programs are solid and well-intentioned, but a small number are rooted in attempts by companies to mislead the market. Firms announce buybacks when they perceive shares are undervalued, sparking bargain hunting and driving up prices.
A NASA DC-8 aircraft will conduct six-week flights over West Antarctica to image the ice sheets and estimate future sea-level rises. The mission aims to understand the rapid Antarctic melting and its impact on global climate change.
A new study from Michigan Medicine links nasopharyngeal cancer to human papillomavirus (HPV), a rare type of head and neck cancer affecting less than 1 in 100,000 Americans. The researchers found that HPV-positive tumors are more responsive to chemotherapy or radiation, leading to improved survival rates.
A team from CHEO Research Institute used genetic engineering to remove the Lkb1 gene from beta cells of laboratory mice, resulting in increased insulin production and storage. The improved function lasted at least five months, even on a high-fat diet.