A breakthrough in assembling peptides at the nano-scale level could lead to self-cleaning coatings for windows and solar panels. The material can also boost electric battery capacity, potentially solving limitations like thrust.
New research suggests that biodiversity loss and habitat destruction can increase the incidence and distribution of infectious diseases in humans. Studies show that extinction of plant and animal species can lead to a rise in new diseases, such as West Nile Virus, and even re-emergence of diseases thought to be in decline, like malaria.
Michael Crickmore's prize-winning essay describes his research on the molecular basis of size differences in animals. He found that a delicate balance of size-regulating genes and signaling pathways control tissue development and shape specialized cells.
Researchers discovered that the brain integrates new information by forming and eliminating neural connections, maintaining a balance between old and new memories. This dynamic process allows humans to learn and adapt without losing existing memories.
A recent study by Case Western Reserve University researchers found that CCI patients who leave hospitals on ventilators have poor outcomes, with only a small percentage achieving 'better' outcomes. The study suggests that knowledge of these outcomes is crucial for ICU clinicians and families in care planning and decision-making.
Researchers discovered that proteins locate genetic information in DNA by sliding down the double helix, like traveling along a screw. This finding validates a recent theory and could lead to new ways to alter DNA-binding protein behavior.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have discovered how a brain hormone controls insect metamorphosis, allowing scientists to develop new and more environmentally safe ways to control agricultural pests. The study sheds light on human development as well, as both puberty and metamorphosis involve similar biological processes.
Researchers have mapped the deep origins of the Hawaiian Hotspot using a large network of sea-floor seismometers. The study provides strong support for the existence of a mantle plume beneath Hawaii, with implications for the Earth's composition and evolution over time.
A systematic review found that cannabis extracts reduced spasticity and improved mobility in multiple sclerosis patients. The study suggests that combined THC and CBD extracts may provide therapeutic benefits for MS spasticity symptoms.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that breastfeeding may lower the risk of developing metabolic syndrome by 39-86 percent for women without gestational diabetes and 44-86 percent for those with gestational diabetes. This protective association is attributed to favorable blood levels of glucose and lipids after delivery.
Researchers found that targeting young adults between 20-59 years for vaccinations could help mitigate the impact of ongoing pandemic waves, resulting in a 37% reduction in hospitalizations and 42% reduction in deaths. The study's adaptive strategy was effective in reducing influenza-related deaths by 35% when compared to traditional s...
The January-February 2010 GSA Bulletin features studies on the kinematic evolution of curved mountain belts, including a paleomagnetic study of the Sevier thrust belt. The issue also covers the Sudbury impact crater in Michigan, USA, and GIS assessments of post-fire debris-flow hazards in central Idaho.
Researchers at Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease have discovered that two main causes of AD, amyloid-beta peptides and apolipoprotein E4, impair the growth of new neurons born in adult brains. Drug treatments can normalize their development even in the presence of these factors.
Researchers have discovered a novel way to target bacterial DNA gyrase, an essential enzyme for bacterial survival and growth. The new antibiotic molecule, simocyclinone D8 (SD8), uses two heads to bind to the enzyme, making it 100 times more potent than single-headed versions.
Researchers from the University of Valladolid have measured CO2 levels in a rural area near Valladolid, finding significant increases between 2002 and 2005. The study reveals an annual increase of 3 ppm, highlighting the impact of emissions and atmospheric conditions on carbon dioxide levels.
Scientists at Boston Biomedical Research Institute discovered that combining EGCG and DAPH-12 can prevent and destroy various protein structures known as amyloids, which are primary culprits in fatal brain disorders. The study may contribute to future therapies for Alzheimer's, Huntington's, and Parkinson's diseases.
The study estimates that vaccination, social distancing and antivirals can blunt the impact of H1N1 influenza. The median incubation period was 4 days and symptoms lasted 7 days.
Researchers in northern Canada analyzed tree rings for accurate past climate information, finding strong correlations between temperature data and carbon and oxygen isotopes. This new method reduces lab costs and allows for more affordable climate change research.
Researchers discover supernova that fits predictions for a star hundreds of times the sun's mass, revealing new insights into star formation and heavy metal creation. The study also suggests hyper-giant stars may exist beyond 150 suns, challenging our understanding of celestial physics.
Researchers at the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center are conducting a study to determine if simple exercise can help protect neurons in the brain from Parkinson's disease. Participants will follow a structured exercise program called pole-striding, which involves walking with ski-like poles, for 12 weeks.
Scientists developed a new method to measure ocean CO2 uptake, mapping it for the entire North Atlantic. This improvement enables more accurate predictions of global climate change and potentially leads to an 'early warning system' for climate change signals.
An international team of scientists has made the first direct observation of a planet-like object orbiting a star similar to the sun. The object, GJ 758 B, is estimated to be 10-40 times as massive as Jupiter and orbits its star at a distance of approximately 300 trillion miles.
A recent study by Jeremy Wright has catalogued the presence of venom glands in 158 catfish species, suggesting that at least 1250 and possibly over 1600 species may be venomous. Catfish venoms are neurotoxic and hemolytic, causing severe pain, muscle spasm, and respiratory distress.
Scientists have discovered that extremely strong turbulent convection can lead to two distinct states of heat transport, defying the previously established law. The researchers found an exponential increase in heat transport that decreases by a power of two as the turbulence strengthens.
A delegation of indigenous teens, women, elders and shamens present video evidence of drought, deforestation and unseasonal downpours in Africa, Asia and the Americas. They highlight the unintended consequences of climate change mitigation efforts on local livelihoods.
A new study published in Nature suggests that accurate monitoring of carbon stored in drier tropical forests requires data from local communities. The researchers propose that at least 50% of REDD payments should be made directly to forest dwellers, ensuring their property rights and means of subsistence are protected.
Research reveals that HPV16 oncoprotein silences the production of interferon-kappa, a key protein in the innate immune response. This allows cancer cells to grow unchecked, highlighting a potential new target for cancer treatment. The study provides insight into the mechanisms by which high-risk HPV types cause cervical cancer.
A study by Kirby Deater-Deckard et al. found that mothers with poorer working memory skills were more prone to reactive negativity towards their children, leading to increased child abuse and adverse behavior. The research suggests that enhancing working memory skills in parents can lead to improved parenting outcomes.
A University of Minnesota study found that elevated CO2 levels can reduce species richness by 16 percent under ambient conditions, but this effect is halved when more CO2 is added. The interaction between CO2 and nitrogen enrichment ameliorates biodiversity loss, offering relief in the fight against environmental degradation
Researchers found that mice lack two key features of a critical DMD gene, hindering the use of mice as primary models for studying DMD. The findings indicate that mouse models are particularly poor at replicating brain effects of DMD, which could limit understanding of the disease's mechanisms.
Researchers at Van Andel Institute determine molecular structure of plant hormone receptors, paving the way for engineer crops that thrive in harsh environments. The discovery also has implications for stress disorders in humans.
A study by Sheryl Thorburn found that women with lower incomes were more likely to experience insurance-based discrimination, particularly among those with Medicaid coverage. The analysis of 1998-2001 data showed that women with incomes below $15,000 reported the highest rates of discrimination.
M.G. Prasad, a professor at Stevens Institute of Technology, received the Bharat Gaurav Award for his work in noise and vibration control. The award recognizes his efforts to inspire others towards remarkable achievement and promote global participation in India's economic development.
The article discusses the impact of the H1N1 pandemic on solid organ transplant patients and donors. Experts recommend testing for influenza-like illnesses, empiric antiviral therapy, and vaccination with at least one dose of H1N1 vaccine to prevent transmission and severe disease.
A non-absorbed oral co-polymer therapy under development by Midway Pharmaceuticals demonstrates ability to protect against radiation damage and prevent lethal bacterial infections in animal models. The compound, PEG 15-20, may provide new way to prevent serious GI side effects of radiation in cancer patients.
Researchers at UC Davis studied birds' alarm calls to determine their purpose. The findings suggest that these vocalizations serve both to alert other birds to danger and to warn off predators.
Researchers found that proliferating cell nuclear antigen plays a key role in copying and repairing DNA, which helps cancer cells resist radiation and chemotherapy. The study's findings could lead to new ways to make tumors more vulnerable to treatment or predict patient outcomes.
Atoh1, a transcription factor critical for fetal development, is necessary for the development of many forms of medulloblastoma. Shutting down Atoh1 in susceptible brain cells prevented medulloblastoma from developing in mice, suggesting it as a potential target for new drug treatments.
A three-year study of 1,286 Mexican-American adolescents found that those exposed to up to 600 smoking scenes in R-rated movies were nearly 30% more likely to experiment with smoking. For youths born in Mexico, the effect was even stronger, with fewer than 10% of experimenters among those with little or no exposure.
A recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found no significant link between increased cell phone usage and brain tumor incidence. The research analyzed data from Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden over a 30-year period, concluding that induction periods may be longer than previously thought.
A new study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that personality characteristics play a significant role in determining who succeeds in medical school. Conscientious individuals tend to excel in early years, while extraverted students perform better in later years as interpersonal skills become more important.
Researchers found that mental imagery training significantly improves performance in identifying anomalies on medical images and detecting the proximity of a central line in parallel lines. This suggests that thinking about something repeatedly can be as effective as doing it.
Researchers found that feeding birds can lead to the evolution of reproductive isolation, resulting in two distinct populations within a single species. This study shows that human activities can influence the evolutionary trajectories of even common bird species.
Researchers found that the master gene Math1 is critical to the development of medulloblastoma, a deadly disease that affects children and young adults. Removing or inactivating Math1 may work as a treatment, but its effectiveness depends on the stage of brain development.
Tropical Depression Nida is weakening due to cool, dry air and wind shear, while System 97W is gaining organization and strengthening in a better atmospheric environment.
Seismic images of a mantle plume extending to depths of at least 1,500 kilometers reveal the roots of Hawaii's volcanic hotspot. The PLUME project provides high-resolution seismic images of the structure beneath the island of Hawaii.
A new clinical tool helps determine if kidney disease patients on dialysis are likely to die within the next few months. The model considers a doctor's estimate of prognosis, nutritional status, age, and additional illnesses or conditions.
The UK Government's new strategy focuses on preventing intimate partner violence through education and community programs. The plan includes a national communications program and adding gender equality to the school curriculum.
A 30-year record low in Antarctic snowmelt was likely caused by strong positive phases for two main climate drivers, ENSO and SAM. The Antarctic snowmelt is expected to revert to higher norms as the damage to the ozone layer is repaired.
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) will honor outstanding achievements in aeronautics and astronautics with several prestigious awards. AIAA Associate Fellows will also receive recognition for their contributions to the field.
A new drug, SPC3649, developed by Santaris Pharma, targets liver cells and showed a substantial drop in blood levels of the virus in animals, continuing to work after treatment stopped. The study also suggests that this technology could be useful for treating other diseases like HIV, cancer, and inflammatory diseases.
Chromosomal translocations, a hallmark of leukemias and lymphomas, may be more systematically driven than previously thought. The study identifies the male sex hormone (androgen) receptor as a key player in driving specific translocations in prostate cancer.
A trio of papers in Nature suggests a new method of predicting earthquakes, focusing on the stresses inside the Earth's crust. The forecasting model can estimate stress levels and provide an indirect measure of future quake sizes and locations.
A new study suggests that Brazil can end deforestation in the Amazon by 2020 with the help of market forces and government will. The estimated cost of achieving this goal is between $6.5 billion to $18 billion, which would result in a 2-5% reduction in global carbon dioxide emissions.
A global drive is necessary to develop new antibiotics, with only a single new antibacterial approved in the USA since 2006. The EU report also shows limited progress, with just five new drugs reaching phase 3 clinical trials within the next 10 years.
COPE has issued new guidelines to tackle the issue of paper retractions, which showed that at least 42% were due to misconduct. The guidelines state that all retractions should be clearly labelled and openly accessible, and authors should not disassociate themselves from a retracted publication even if they were not directly culpable.
Researchers propose a novel configuration of existing components to create a power plant that runs on natural gas without emitting greenhouse gases. The system has the advantage of producing clean water as a side benefit and could be retrofitted with carbon capture technologies.
Researchers discovered that microorganisms can survive for thousands of years trapped in salt crystals, and a study found that river flood dynamics may not be recorded in marine deposits. Additionally, scientists analyzed volcanic eruptions and their impact on the environment.
A new method for breaking carbon-hydrogen bonds has been developed, revolutionizing the synthesis of natural products and therapeutic drugs. The technique, called 'layman chemistry,' uses common table salt and inexpensive materials, reducing waste and complexity.
A new strategy proposes a biodiversity-focused approach to reduce carbon emissions from deforestation, favoring high-biodiversity nations in Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean. This approach has been shown to contribute more to slowing biodiversity loss than traditional carbon-based credit scenarios.
A study published in Science reveals that SPC3649 successfully inhibits miR-122, a microRNA important for hepatitis C viral replication, significantly reducing the virus in the bloodstream and liver of chimpanzees chronically infected with HCV. The therapy's unique mechanism of action sets it apart from direct antiviral treatments.
Climate change is projected to exacerbate existing mental illness and increase overall burden of mental disorder worldwide. This is due to factors such as natural disasters, heat-related deaths, and mass migration, which disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.