A Northwestern University study finds that musicians can better understand speech in noise due to improved auditory processing skills. The research suggests musical training could be beneficial for individuals with hearing or reading difficulties, particularly older adults and poor readers.
A study found that miR-143 and miR-145 regulate the contractile nature of vascular smooth muscle cells, with their absence leading to increased tissue matrix production and signs of blood vessel disease. The findings suggest these microRNAs could serve as therapeutic targets for enhancing blood vessel repair.
A new MIT study forecasts an increase in extreme rainfall events, with precipitation in these events expected to rise by 6% for every one degree Celsius temperature increase. Climate models show varying results within the tropics, prompting further research to determine outcomes in tropical regions.
Researchers have developed a small, inexpensive lab-on-a-chip sensor that can quickly and accurately identify sweetness in various substances. The sensor uses colorimetric technology to detect sweeteners, including natural and artificial sweeteners, and can produce results in about 2 minutes.
University of Calgary scientists discovered that stressed crops emit more methane, a potent greenhouse gas 23 times more effective than carbon dioxide. Climate change factors such as temperature, drought, and UV-B radiation enhance methane emissions from six Canadian crops.
Researchers found a common genetic variation associated with differences in brain structure, including reduced surface area in the cortex, in both healthy individuals and patients with neurological and psychiatric disorders. This variation may be a promising candidate gene for further study.
A new national study found that low-income children between 11-16 reported having sex, with the average age of first intercourse being 12.77 years old. Boys reported their first sexual intercourse at a younger age than girls.
Tropical Storm Claudette made landfall near Fort Walton Beach, Florida with maximum sustained winds near 50 mph. Heavy downpours and localized flooding are expected for Alabama and Mississippi as the storm moves north-northwest through the region.
A recent randomized trial found no association between antioxidant supplementation and melanoma risk in women. Long-term use of beta carotene and selenium also showed no link to melanoma risk. The study included over 69,000 participants and provided new insights into the potential benefits and harms of antioxidant supplements.
Scientists at Caltech and IBM's Almaden Research Center have developed a technique to orient and position self-assembled DNA shapes on surfaces compatible with semiconductor manufacturing equipment. This allows for the precise assembly of computer-chip components, enabling smaller, faster, and more energy-efficient chips.
A CSIRO-led study is investigating the use of a rust fungus to control Cape tulip weeds in Australian pastures. The research aims to determine the aggressiveness of the rust on Cape tulips and its potential for biological control, with initial results promising.
Chemists participate in a collaborative think project to imagine and propose solutions for sustainable energy sources. The game aims to engage members in discussions and possibly even solutions for pressing global challenges.
A new analysis found that cocaine contamination is widespread in US paper money, with 95% of banknotes from Washington, D.C. containing the substance. The study suggests that cocaine abuse may be on the rise in some areas and could help raise public awareness about its use.
New study reveals the potential of plant essential oils as insecticides, offering a safer and more environmentally friendly option for organic farmers. Researchers have identified several spices, including rosemary, thyme, and clove, that can be used to control agricultural pests.
Scientists have developed a highly sensitive method to detect DNA methylation in colon cancer using Methyl-BEAMing technology. The test can identify 59% of colon cancers in blood samples, a significant improvement over existing methods.
Researchers identified a genetic marker that predicts response to hepatitis C treatments, revealing a single-letter DNA change near the IL28B gene. This discovery explains why African-Americans and East Asians respond differently to treatment, highlighting individual genetic makeup as a key determinant of response.
Sumita B. Mitra's research on dental materials has restored millions of decayed teeth, while William E. Mickols and John Cadotte invented filters to desalinate seawater, providing fresh water for millions worldwide. Their innovations have led to significant breakthroughs in medicine and technology.
Researchers sequenced exomes of 12 people to detect rare genetic variants causing diseases. The study found that sequencing exomes can be used to uncover genes contributing to common conditions like diabetes and cancer, enabling personalized medicine.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered new deoxyribozymes capable of cleaving single-stranded DNA with sequence and site selectivity. These DNA catalysts require two metal ions and hold promise for developing more efficient methods for manipulating DNA.
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientists identify inherited genes ARID5B and IKZF1 associated with childhood ALL, including a gene that may predict drug response. The study offers the first proof-based evidence of inheritance playing a role in childhood ALL.
Scientists have identified a unique chemical profile associated with human decomposition, which could lead to the development of a portable device for detecting bodies in disasters and solving crimes. This technology has the potential to revolutionize search and rescue efforts, saving countless lives.
A dry powder inhalable measles vaccine is being developed for clinical trials in India, which could save millions of lives annually. The vaccine uses a patented process called CAN-BD to create an inhalable powder that can be administered via a simple inhaler.
Scientists studying neutrino experiments aim to understand the universe's expansion, Big Bang, and potential for a 'Big Crunch.' These tiny particles' unique properties and behavior are key to unlocking fundamental physics and resolving mysteries like dark matter.
Scientists at UGA develop model showing loss of key protein can lead to aneuploidy, a condition causing birth defects. The research also opens possibility of engineering 'artificial chromosomes' into corn varieties for improved traits.
A new study has discovered that smokeless tobacco contains carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and other hazardous chemicals, exposing users to the same level of risk as cigarette smokers. The research adds to evidence of oral and pancreatic cancer risks associated with smokeless tobacco use.
Researchers at Purdue University have successfully created a nanolaser called spaser, which emits visible light and could revolutionize future technologies based on nanophotonic circuitry. The device overcomes the limitation of current lasers being too large to integrate into electronic chips.
Scientists have developed an eco-friendly coating that enables consumers to wipe away oils with plain water, reducing the need for harsh detergents. The coating can be added to window cleaning sprays and used on a range of surfaces, including mirrors, windshields, and concrete floors.
Researchers are rediscovering the achievements of Arabic-speaking scientists who made groundbreaking advancements in chemistry during the 8th to 13th centuries. Their work, which was previously overlooked in the Western world, is now being recognized as a major contributor to the emergence of modern science and medicine.
Researchers have discovered new mosquito repellents that last up to three times longer than DEET, the current gold standard. The repellents do not cause skin irritation or unpleasant odors, making them a promising alternative for people sensitive to DEET.
A new portable device could help recover bodies in disasters and solve crimes by detecting the unique chemical signature of death. By analyzing odorant chemicals released from decomposing bodies, researchers aim to create a valuable addition to the forensic toolkit.
A team of scientists has successfully produced the active ingredients in Devil's claw using a novel technique called hairy root biofactory. This breakthrough could lead to large-scale production of rare plant extracts at low cost, addressing the global shortage of medicinal compounds derived from endangered plants.
Researchers create new cloaking technique that uses electromagnetic fields to protect objects from incoming waves. The method has potential applications in shielding submarines, planes, buildings and coastal structures from various threats.
A study found that cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) significantly improved sleep latency, wake after sleep onset, and sleep efficiency in older patients with osteoarthritis and comorbid insomnia. Additionally, CBT-I reduced pain and improved overall quality of life for these patients.
A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine reveals that 94% of adults with Down syndrome have obstructive sleep apnea. The severity of OSA was found to be higher than expected, with most subjects having at least moderate to severe disease.
Researchers at USC have identified novel genetic mechanisms that govern an individual's risk of developing prostate cancer, highlighting the role of gene 'deserts' and regulatory sequences. The study found that genetic variations in these regions can modulate gene expression, increasing the risk for certain diseases.
The Pine Island Glacier in West Antarctica is losing ice four times as fast as it was a decade ago, with scientists estimating that the main section of the glacier will disappear in just 100 years. The glacier's acceleration is attributed to warming oceans and has significant implications for global sea level rise.
A study found that Arctic ocean warming triggers methane release from seabed sediments, contributing to climate change. The National Oceanography Centre and researchers detected over 250 plumes of bubbles rising from the West Spitsbergen continental margin.
Scientists at Brown University have completed a study mapping variations in epigenomic structure using over 200 human tissue samples. The research reveals wide epigenetic variation linked to aging and smoking, which may increase susceptibility to diseases like cancer.
A recent study by University of Oklahoma's Cecil Lewis explores genetic ancestry influences on health and population genetics. The research finds that eastern South America has more genetic diversity than previously expected, contradicting the widely accepted peopling timeline.
Researchers used laser tweezers to measure the friction between a single motor protein molecule and its track, showing that proteins work against resistance like macroscopic machines. The findings provide insight into the efficiency of kinesin motors and their role in cell division and muscle function.
Researchers found that diatoms, a type of phytoplankton, host nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria, contradicting previous assumptions that blue-green algae were the primary drivers. The study reveals an important mechanism for regulating atmospheric carbon dioxide and climate.
Recent studies published by the American Society for Nutrition provide no evidence that consuming animal foods increases breast cancer risk. In fact, researchers suggest that moderate and mindful consumption of these foods can be important in attaining optimal nutrition, particularly for women who may not consume enough iron and calcium.
Experts from Germany are sharing their butterfly monitoring methods with China, Australia, and Israel to track changes in butterfly populations. The Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research has been working with butterflies for years, using them as indicators of habitat health.
Researchers at the University of Rochester have found evidence that changes in the net flow of heat into and out of the oceans correlate with past climate anomalies, including abrupt shifts in global temperatures and unusual land temperature fluctuations. The study, which analyzed high-quality data sets, suggests these oceanic shifts s...
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev are developing new computer algorithms to aid historical document research globally. The project combines humanities and computer science expertise to advance scholarship in Jewish liturgical texts and Arabic historical texts.
Researchers from Heidelberg University Hospital have identified a new target for treating chronic hepatitis C: the protein cyclophilin A. Inhibiting this protein blocks virus replication and has two complementary effects, making it a promising approach to therapy.
A new study found that women with newly diagnosed breast cancer who receive MRI scans are more likely to undergo mastectomy than breast conserving therapy. This can lead to delays in treatment and unnecessary surgeries.
Tiny flares called nanoflares cause temperatures in the sun's corona to reach millions of degrees. The tiny bursts occur within thin magnetic tubes and release stresses in the field, producing impulsive energy bursts.
Researchers created a mathematical model that mimics brain mechanisms for speech recognition, recognizing individual sounds and syllables, even in sped-up speech sequences. The model's success indicates that it could represent brain processes, providing new approaches for artificial speech recognition.
Air pollution in eastern China has reduced the amount of light rainfall and decreased days of light rain by 23 percent, affecting crop growth and health. Researchers found that smaller water droplets created by aerosols impede rain cloud formation.
The second Tropical Depression has the potential to come back after weakening, while three other areas are being monitored for development. Residents of Florida should be aware of a potential for tropical development on both coasts this weekend.
A statewide program aims to enhance pediatric emergency medical care in Illinois by supporting facilities in managing critically ill and injured children. The program, led by Loyola University Health System, focuses on preparing emergency medicine facilities to provide quality care for this vulnerable patient population.
A protein specialist opens genomic door for DNA repair and gene expression while also protecting chromosome tips. Depletion of Gcn5 leads to decreased activity by another protein that protects yet a third protein from destruction.
The PROTECT AF study found that percutaneous closure of the left atrial appendage (LAA) is a viable option for stroke prevention in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. The device-based approach showed non-inferior efficacy to long-term warfarin therapy, but higher safety event rates.
Researchers discovered higher levels of pathogens and co-infections in honeybees from collapsing colonies, but no single pathogen can be identified as the cause. The study suggests that CCD may be contagious or caused by exposure to a common risk factor impairing bee immune systems.
A K-State study found that 18- to 24-year-olds became more politically active during the 2008 U.S. election season through new media consumption, but their political knowledge did not increase. The study showed a correlation between political activism and voting, with those who voted being both active and knowledgeable.
The partnership aims to increase the value of Science research by providing interactive video demonstrations of experimental techniques. The first video in the program showcases an innovative method for visualizing immune control in viral infections.
Researchers discovered that early modern humans employed pyrotechnology to increase the quality and efficiency of their stone tool manufacturing process, requiring complex cognition and possibly language. The technology transformed a poor-quality stone into an excellent raw material for highly advanced tools.
Researchers at the University of Guam's WPTRC have secured funding from the EPA, USDA, and NOAA to address environmental concerns and improve agricultural practices on the island. The awards aim to develop ecologically sound pest management methods and protect endemic species.
A new study has found that obesity increases the risk of prostate cancer recurrence in both black and white men, with no racial difference observed. Researchers analyzed data from 1,415 patients and found a significant association between higher body mass index and increased risk of cancer recurrence.