A recent study found that only one species of seabird, the European storm petrel, is severely impacted by cohabitation with invasive black rats on Mediterranean islands. The presence of rats has led to a 68% risk of extinction for procellariiforme seabirds.
Scripps researchers have discovered the Nbs1 component of the Mre11-Rad50-Nbs1 complex, which helps cells repair severe DNA damage. The complex is critical in preventing cancer development and can also repair diseased cells targeted by chemotherapy.
Researchers mapped the sex chromosomes of cichlid fish from Lake Malawi and identified a mechanism for evolving new sex chromosomes. A genetic conflict over color patterns led to the emergence of new sex determining functions, resulting in distinct sex chromosomes among related species.
Studies suggest that routine stroke prevention therapies could be highly effective in the very elderly population. Meanwhile, research on epilepsy in later life is needed to improve treatment and prognosis for this growing demographic.
The Optical Soil Dipstick (OSD) measures soil health through a small hole in the surface of the earth, providing information on pollution, water needs and crop condition. The device could help solve the mystery of global warming's effects on farming and water resources.
The eScience revolution aims to hasten scientific discovery by providing a toolkit for scientists and educators to access and interpret vast amounts of data. Semantic Web technology enables computers to provide meaning to words, linking users to related information and facilitating collaboration between experts and non-experts.
A new approach to treating malignant brain tumors has been discovered, with chemotherapy alone proven to be just as effective as traditional radiation therapy. The study identified a key gene mutation called IDH1 that predicts a better prognosis for patients, regardless of treatment.
The National Institutes of Health is awarding up to $152 million over five years to fund Institutional Development Award (IDeA) Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) in nine IDeA-eligible states. These awards aim to expand research opportunities and increase the number of competitive investigators, promoting the developmen...
Coal outbursts in underground mines are among the major killers, but scientists have long been investigating their precise mechanism. New research suggests that coal outbursts occur through a process similar to explosive volcanic eruptions, driven by high gas pressure inside coal.
A new study by the American Gastroenterological Association found that antidepressant amitriptyline is as effective as a placebo in treating child pain-predominant gastrointestinal disorders. The study involved 83 children and showed that both amitriptyline and placebo were associated with excellent therapeutic response.
The discovery of Ardipithecus ramidus provides new information on human evolution, suggesting that humans did not evolve from apes but rather that apes evolved from humans. The 4.4 million-year-old skeleton is more informative than the famous 'Lucy' fossil and sheds light on human behavior and anatomy.
Scientists believe ancient fungi thrived in dead wood after forests were devastated, providing conditions for Reduviasporonites to proliferate across the planet. Fossil records show a massive spike in fungal population as the Permian period ended, suggesting a global catastrophe led to widespread forest loss.
The Entomological Society of America has recognized outstanding achievements in entomology through its 2009 awards. Notably, Dr. Shripat T. Kamble received the Honorary Member award, while Dr. Timothy D. Paine was honored with the Distinguished Achievement Award in Horticultural Entomology.
A £1 million research project will investigate the decline of honeybees, exploring how disease and food supply affect bee survival in farmed landscapes. The team aims to build a predictive model to improve honeybee health and mitigate the impact on food security.
A combination of PET/CT tests expedited diagnosis of lung cancer in a fast-tracked setting, demonstrating high sensitivity and accuracy. Researchers evaluated 114 patients and made accurate diagnoses for 92%, with malignancy detected in 84%. This approach allows for timely treatment initiation without delays.
Researchers found a unique layer in Antarctic sediment with high abundance of marine algae and pollen grains, indicating a sudden warming event around 15.7 million years ago. The findings provide insight into global connections and climate forcing, shedding light on Antarctica's climatic past.
A recent study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry has linked maternal tobacco use to an increased risk of psychotic symptoms in children. The research, conducted on 6,356 adolescents, found that smoking during pregnancy was associated with a higher risk of psychotic symptoms, particularly in those whose mothers smoked heavily.
In a study published in Nature, researchers found that cooperative amoebas can evolve genetic defenses against cheaters, preserving collective behavior. The Dictyostelium discoideum mutants discovered by the Rice-Baylor team demonstrated a remarkable ability to resist cheater cells and maintain altruistic traits.
Typhoon Ketsana brought heavy rainfall to the Philippines, with record amounts falling in Manila. The TRMM satellite provided near-real time data, revealing high rainfall totals of up to 24 inches in central Luzon.
Researchers decipher missing piece of MRN complex, revealing how Nsb1 bends and channels molecules for homologous recombination. This discovery could lead to improved cancer treatments with fewer side effects.
Researchers can access optimized methods for RNA isolation, qRT-PCR, and coimmunoprecipitation of RNA-protein complexes from zebrafish and C. elegans. These protocols enable the study of RNA interactions with proteins to drive cellular activities.
Scientists have discovered a gene behind malaria-resistant mosquitoes, which could lead to new tools for controlling malaria transmission in endemic areas. The study found that a single section of one chromosome contains a gene called TEP1 that promotes the killing of malaria parasites in mosquitoes.
A study in Nutritional Neuroscience reveals that breast milk contains day-specific ingredients that promote restfulness and sleep. The researchers found that the highest concentrations of sleep-inducing nucleotides were present in nighttime samples collected from 30 women over a 24-hour period.
Three UC Riverside entomologists, Timothy Paine, Bradley Mullens and Allison Hansen have won prestigious awards from the Entomological Society of America. Paine received the Distinguished Achievement Award in Horticultural Entomology for his work on improving integrated pest management of woody ornamental plants.
A randomized controlled trial found that surgical masks are non-inferior to N95 respirators in preventing laboratory-confirmed influenza among nurses. The study suggests that surgical masks may be a suitable alternative when N95 respirators are not available, particularly in routine healthcare settings.
Ole Mengshoel, a senior systems scientist at Carnegie Mellon Silicon Valley, has been awarded a two-year, $498,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to create new computer tools for improving and integrating data visualization and analysis in large utility projects. The project aims to develop novel monitoring and data mining ...
Researchers have successfully reprogrammed human umbilical cord blood cells into cells with properties similar to human embryonic stem cells. This breakthrough identifies cord blood as a potential alternative to adult cells for generating cells with theoretically limitless potential.
Boosting a specific brain wave has been shown to slow down movement in humans. The study used an oscillating electrical current to increase normal beta activity, resulting in faster times and slower movements. This finding could have implications for treating conditions with uncontrolled or slowed movements.
A study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery suggests that women over 50 with a wrist fracture are less likely to be evaluated and treated for osteoporosis compared to those with hip or spine fractures. The study highlights barriers to evaluation, including clinical inertia, cost concerns, and lack of clarity on responsib...
Babies born to parents who underwent cancer treatment in childhood or adolescence show minimal risks, according to two new studies. Female cancer survivors had a higher risk of preterm and low birth weight infants compared to the general population, but no increased risk of birth defects or infant death.
Researchers found that administering interleukin-6 through a nasal spray improves memory consolidation during late night REM sleep cycles, particularly for emotional and procedural memories. The study involved 17 healthy young men who received either the nasal spray or a placebo fluid after reading an emotional or neutral short story.
Dick Smith, a PNNL scientist, received the Human Proteome Organization's Discovery Award for his pioneering work in developing proteomics tools. His breakthroughs have enabled faster analysis of samples and improved detection of diseases, paving the way for better cures.
Research highlights improved vision in type 1 diabetes patients, a link between macular degeneration and coronary heart disease, and the impact of vision on well-being across the lifespan. Effective treatments and better management of blood glucose levels contribute to the positive trend.
Researchers are conducting a five-year trial to determine if supplementing pregnant women with extra vitamin D can prevent their children from developing asthma. The study aims to enroll 870 women nationwide and evaluate the risk of asthma in their children at ages 1, 2, and 3.
Africanized bee invasion of Mexico's Yucatan led to a shift in pollination patterns, with native bees benefiting from increased availability of certain plant species. However, native populations in less diverse areas may be more vulnerable to invasions.
Researchers at the Salk Institute have successfully reprogrammed umbilical cord blood cells to function like embryonic stem cells, creating a potential source for patient-specific stem cells. The new method reduces the need for expensive and time-consuming genetic modifications, making it a safer alternative for clinical applications.
A new molecular imaging technique using PET imaging shows promising results in evaluating and predicting the course of endometrial carcinoma. The technique combines estrogen receptor expression imaging with 18F-FDG PET to improve diagnostic accuracy, potentially saving women from unnecessary operations and biopsies.
A randomized controlled trial found that leg movement training in preterm infants improved coordination and strength of the legs, allowing them to make contact with toys using their feet. This innovative intervention strategy has the potential to encourage early object interaction and reduce long-term motor impairments.
BOSS is the largest survey in SDSS-III, measuring 1.4 million galaxies and 160,000 quasars to trace the details of the Universe's expansion history. The observation program will take five years and provide rich insights into cosmic structure and the contents of the Universe.
A new study reveals that kidneys recovered from deceased donors with acute renal failure can function just as well as those from healthy donors, opening up a significant expansion of the donor kidney pool. This could lead to an additional 1,000 kidneys or more per year being made available to patients waiting for a transplant.
A study by Michigan Technological University researchers suggests that using native prairie plants to produce bioenergy can reduce the negative impacts of crop-based biofuels on wildlife habitats. The conversion of grasslands to corn for ethanol production is posing a significant threat to bird species and freshwater ecosystems.
A team of scientists led by Giday WoldeGabriel has discovered the oldest nearly intact Ardipithecus ramidus skeleton, dating back 4.4 million years. The fossil provides significant insights into the early stages of human evolution and challenges existing theories.
A study at UCSF has identified networks of nerve cells controlled by estrogen that influence male territorial behavior, challenging the view of single gender-related behaviors.
Researchers found that a program combining pelvic floor muscle exercises with pelvic health education can significantly improve urinary incontinence symptoms in elderly women. The study showed that 83% of participants experienced improved symptoms, including reduced frequency of urination, urine leakage, and increased self-confidence.
The new BZCYYb material tolerates high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide, resists carbon build-up, and can operate efficiently at low temperatures. Its development could lead to more compact and cost-effective solid oxide fuel cells with increased range of applications.
Research reveals strong correlation between prolonged stress and increased risk of large vessel disease, small vessel disease, and cryptogenic stroke. Stress may be related to behaviors such as smoking and physical inactivity that increase stroke susceptibility.
A study published in BMC Medicine found a correlation between severe stress and an increased risk of stroke, particularly among patients with cerebral infarction due to atherosclerosis or blood clots. The study suggests that further research is needed to understand the role of stress in developing certain types of strokes.
A new method of biocontrol using fungal biopesticides may be an effective means of reducing malaria transmission, particularly when used in combination with insecticide-treated bednets. The study suggests that this approach can substantially reduce malaria transmission rates and help manage insecticide resistance.
The Entomological Society of America announced the Editor's Choice Awards for 2008, recognizing outstanding articles in various journals. The awards honored authors who made significant contributions to entomology, including research on termite invasions, gypsy moth distribution, and insect-vector relationships.
A Loyola University Health System study found that co-managing high-risk surgical patients with general internists trained in managing medical complications resulted in significantly shorter hospital stays. Patients also reported being treated with more courtesy and respect.
A new study finds that the decline of apex predators has led to a significant increase in mesopredator populations, resulting in ecosystem collapse and economic losses. The study highlights the complex interactions between humans and wildlife, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of solutions to manage these issues.
Researchers at Iowa State University have identified an enzyme that helps make tuberculosis resistant to a human's natural defense system. A new method to neutralize this enzyme may lead to a cure for the disease, which kills 1.5 to 2 million people worldwide annually.
Researchers at the University of Chicago discovered that the brain can latch onto color and assign it to a different object, even when the original object's color is lost. The study used binocular rivalry technique to show how colors bind to objects in the brain.
Tropical Depression 18-E forms in the Eastern North Pacific with maximum sustained winds near 35 mph, located 580 miles west-southwest of Baja California. Forecasters predict little growth into a tropical storm due to unfavorable wind conditions and cooler waters on its northward track.
Researchers have developed innovative strategies to eliminate the hidden reservoir of HIV-1 from immune cells, keeping it under control. In another breakthrough, scientists found a way to transiently keep hepatitis C virus levels down in treated patients receiving a new liver transplant.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have successfully implemented an interdisciplinary multisite fourth-year geriatrics clerkship, meeting all ambulatory core geriatric competencies. The program exposes medical students to various settings and diagnoses, enabling them to provide appropriate care for older adults.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed an in vitro system to identify compounds that can eliminate HIV-1 from resting CD4+ T cells without causing global T cell activation. This breakthrough offers a potential solution for eliminating the virus's hidden reservoir.
NASA satellites Aqua, Terra, and Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) are monitoring Super Typhoon Parma, which has intensified into a Category Four Typhoon. The storm is expected to further intensify prior to landfall on the northeastern coast of Luzon.
A new study suggests that platelet-rich plasma (PRP) may catalyze the body's repair mechanisms at areas of injury, improving healing and shortening recovery time. However, more research is needed to determine its clinical effectiveness for chronic tendon conditions, such as tennis elbow and Achilles tendonitis.
A study outlines a strategy for growing bioenergy while protecting wildlife habitats. The approach involves using perennial-dominated prairies as feedstocks to minimize harm to wildlife. Harvesting diverse prairie can avoid loss of wildlife habitat and high fertilizer runoff associated with corn ethanol cultivation.