A new study found that teenage girls with higher vitamin D levels had improved muscle function, specifically jump speed and power. The research suggests that vitamin D may be a super nutrient beyond its role in keeping bones strong.
Scientists used a DNA array to catalog microbes in coral reefs, finding diverse microbial populations accompanying disease. The PhyloChip offers a powerful way to track change and shed light on pathogens plaguing coral reefs.
Researchers have discovered that brain activity remains active even when the eyes are closed, with slow fluctuations dominating during rest. The study's findings could lead to advanced diagnostic techniques and a better understanding of brain function.
The ELLA Binational Breast Cancer Study reveals significant differences in breast cancer risk factors between Hispanic and non-Hispanic women. Hispanic women are at a higher risk of triple-negative breast cancer due to family history, while those born in Mexico exhibit increased risk due to geography and environment.
MIT researchers discovered a simple arrangement of proteins produces sturdiest product with great strength and robustness. The optimal composition includes two repeated hierarchies of alpha-helical proteins, providing the basis for optimal material performance.
A new study by Queen's University Belfast emphasizes the importance of licensed medicines for children, with 86% of respondents unaware of unlicensed medicine use. The study calls for more clinical trials to ensure safe and effective treatment, highlighting a need to bridge the gap between adult and child medicine.
A recent study found that urban children with asthma spend an average of 3.4 hours daily on screens, exceeding the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommended limit. This excessive screen time may lead to various difficulties, including behavior problems, attention issues, and obesity.
Researchers found that people dislike McMansions when they're more than two times as tall as surrounding homes and have an incompatible architectural style. The study suggests maintaining stylistic consistency and limiting new home sizes to less than twice the size of neighboring houses.
A comprehensive survey of global spending on neglected disease R&D found that just over $2.5 billion was invested in 2007, with HIV/AIDS, TB, and malaria receiving nearly 80% of the total funding. Many neglected diseases are underfunded, with some receiving less than 4% of global funding.
Researchers have found that bone marrow cells can promote the regrowth of both blood vessels and the protective lining of nerves in diabetic animals. This discovery has potential implications for treating neuropathy in people with diabetes.
A new study suggests that climate change could postpone the recovery of stratospheric ozone in tropical and southern mid-latitudes, leading to increased skin cancer risks for fair-skinned populations. This delay might be caused by changes in air circulation patterns and reduced ozone formation.
The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges and Royal Colleges call on the UK government to strengthen the country's clinical research base, enabling patients to access life-enhancing treatments. The consensus statement emphasizes the need for stronger partnerships between industry, academia, and the NHS.
Researchers found that extra copies of the LIS1 gene can cause problems, including smaller brains and developmental abnormalities. Studies in mice and human patients revealed a link between the duplicated gene and brain diseases such as schizophrenia and autism.
The American Dietetic Association has released an updated position statement on weight management, emphasizing sustainable and enjoyable eating practices and daily physical activity. The new statement is based on the latest research and interventions, including weight-loss surgery and behavioral interventions.
LSU engineers have developed a model forecasting chemical contaminants in Katrina-flooded homes, including aerosols and gases that can cause serious health risks through inhalation. The study's findings could be applied to future flooding events, helping prepare first responders for increased exposure risks.
Researchers can now run complex molecular dynamics simulations on desktop computers at much faster speeds than before, with a speedup of up to 100 times. The new open-source software, OpenMM, leverages GPU acceleration to accelerate applications beyond graphics processing.
A study published in Pediatric Blood & Cancer found significant variation in end-of-life care practices among children's hospitals, with substantial differences in opioid prescriptions and pain management. The findings highlight the need for individualized interventions to improve pediatric end-of-life care.
A team of scientists has found the oldest evidence for animal life in fossil record, with steroids from sponges dating back 635 million years. The discovery suggests that multicellular animal life may have evolved earlier than previously thought, around 100 million years before the Cambrian explosion.
Scientists discovered 70-million-year-old tubular escape hatches in a formation near Denver, Colorado, which were previously identified as fossilized tubeworms. The findings reveal the potential for methane gas to seep out of geologic seals, impacting petroleum reservoirs and CO2 injection.
Researchers at the University of Montreal have identified gene mutations in the SYNGAP1 gene that affect learning and memory in children with non-syndromic mental deficiency. The study found that three percent of affected children had new deleterious mutations, leading to delays in language and mental development.
Researchers developed a mathematical model to evaluate the efficiency of bacterial protein production, finding that optimal efficiency requires seven genes for ribosome production. The model accurately predicted how E. coli adapts to disruptions in production workflow.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine identified a gene that causes obesity when mutated, affecting metabolism without impacting appetite. The study's findings provide new insights into epigenetics and open possibilities for novel pharmacologic approaches to treating obesity.
Schizophrenia can be detected early by identifying physical markers in the brain, according to Prof. Talma Hendler's groundbreaking work on facial recognition and brain imaging. By analyzing brain activity in response to unusual emotional faces, researchers hope to develop more effective treatments.
Climate change is causing Antarctic sea life to face an invasion of predatory king crabs and exotic species, potentially devastating the region's unique ecosystem. Rising temperatures are allowing these species to expand their habitats, disrupting delicate ecological relationships and putting the world's last truly wild places at risk.
A large body of science supports the beneficial role eggs play in a healthful diet. However, an association between egg intake and increased incidence of type 2 diabetes was found in a recent study, raising questions about lifestyle factors that may have influenced the results.
Researchers created a plasma transistor to control plasma conduction current and light emission with an emitter voltage of 5 volts or less, enabling lighter, less expensive, and higher resolution flat-panel displays. The device uses a microcavity plasma containing electrically charged gas, which radiates light depending on the gas inside.
The economic cost of methamphetamine use in the US reached $23.4 billion in 2005, including addiction, premature death, and treatment expenses. The study found that nearly two-thirds of costs came from burden of addiction and crime, with lost productivity and drug treatment also significant contributors.
Physicists and chemists at the University of Utah developed a new method using silver nanoparticles to visualize internal structures in nearly opaque biological materials. The technique allows for the detection of fatigue in materials like carbon-fiber plastics used in aircraft, enabling regular inspections of fuselage integrity.
More than a million cancer survivors in the US are forgoing necessary medical care due to financial constraints. Minority groups, particularly Hispanics and African-Americans, face significant barriers to accessing affordable care, affecting dental care, prescription medication, and mental health services.
The Inuit's vast geographic knowledge has been transmitted through generations by oral means, without written documentation. Their trails represent a sophisticated network of routes connecting communities across the Canadian Arctic.
A study published by researchers at Rhode Island Hospital found that parents of childhood cancer survivors continue to need information about the late effects of treatment, which can include memory and concentration problems. The study suggests that early provision of this information may help prevent parental distress and recommends t...
A study published in Crop Science found that dry bean consumption significantly reduces the risk of mammary cancer in laboratory animals. The research revealed varying levels of antioxidants and flavonoids among different market classes of beans, but no association between these compounds and cancer incidence was observed.
Researchers used NMR spectroscopy to analyze phosphorus forms in treated and untreated soils. The study found orthophosphate as the dominant form, with significant differences between treated and untreated soils.
Researchers have discovered a 42- to 45-foot-long snake species called Titanoboa, which lived during the Paleocene Epoch and was larger than previously estimated. The discovery provides insights into the climate and ecosystems of tropical South America 60 million years ago.
A study by Michael W. Kraus and Dacher Keltner found that nonverbal cues, such as disengagement behaviors, can give away a person's socioeconomic status. Volunteers from upper SES backgrounds displayed more disengagement-related behaviors compared to those from lower SES backgrounds.
Researchers have identified a key protein Nkx2-5 that determines the fate of cells in developing embryos, shedding light on blood vessel formation. The discovery holds promise for developing treatments for heart disease and cancer by modifying this gene.
A Brown University research team has discovered a novel Fragile X granule in the brain that could serve as a target for future autism treatments. The finding opens a new line of research into potential treatments for autism, a neurological disorder that affects social interaction and communication.
A research model has shown that training people to avoid falls by exposing them to unstable situations can help them maintain their balance on a slippery floor. The study found that trained subjects were better at controlling the landing foot and unconsciously changed their gait, reducing the risk of falling.
Researchers aim to teach the immune system to ignore insulin-producing cells by boosting IDO levels. By enhancing this natural mechanism, they hope to slow or prevent disease progression in high-risk children. A new treatment approach could provide a breakthrough in preventing type 1 diabetes.
Researchers found a colossal boa constrictor-like creature that stretched longer than a city bus and weighed over 1.25 tons, providing a rare window into past equatorial environment. The discovery suggests the mean annual temperature at equatorial South America during that time was nearly 33 Celsius, about six degrees warmer than today.
A new study by Stanford researchers finds that combined estrogen plus progestin hormone therapy increases the annual risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women, with a doubling of risk after five years. Stopping hormone therapy can quickly reduce this risk, as observed in a follow-up study.
Researchers discovered the remains of Titanoboa cerrejonensis, a massive boa-like snake that lived in northern South America during the Paleocene epoch. The estimated size of the snake was 42 feet in length and weighed over a ton, challenging our understanding of past climates and environments.
Researchers have discovered that arginine, an amino acid, reduces fat mass in diet-induced obese rats and promotes skeletal-muscle gain. Arginine supplementation shifts nutrient partitioning to increase lean tissue growth and reduce insulin resistance.
The NCAR forecast system will provide highly detailed, localized weather forecasts to enable utilities to make critical decisions about powering down traditional plants when sufficient winds are predicted. The system will help increase reliance on wind energy while meeting customer needs.
Researchers discovered at least three new species of sea life, including a carnivorous sea squirt and a new species of barnacles. The team also collected over 10,000 fossilized coral samples, which will help study the impact of climate change on oceans.
A new study by Michigan State psychologist Carlos David Navarrete found that men's fears are reserved for members of their own gender when it comes to out-groups. The findings suggest that this fear is linked to evolutionary history, with male faces being a potent cue for danger.
Researchers estimate that the 60-million-year-old Titanoboa cerrejonensis snake would have required an average annual temperature of 30-34°C to survive. Its size is comparable to that of today's anacondas and reticulated pythons, but its discovery challenges our understanding of climate and species adaptation.
The EXPRESS study found that urgent assessment and treatment of minor stroke patients in a specialist clinic reduces recurrent strokes by 80% and fatal/disabling strokes by 0.3%. This results in lower hospital admissions, bed-days, and costs, generating £624 savings per patient.
A study published in PNAS found that the facial structure of an ancient human relative was adapted for cracking open hard nuts and seeds. The team used finite element analysis and comparative methods to challenge the long-standing hypothesis about Australopithecus africanus' diet.
Researchers at Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine have identified two genes associated with resistance to pyrethroid insecticides in Anopheles funestus and Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes. This discovery provides early warning for future control problems due to insecticide resistance.
A study from the Women's Health Initiative found that postmenopausal women who stopped taking combined estrogen plus progestin experienced a marked decline in breast cancer risk. The researchers also discovered that continued use of the hormone therapy after five years doubles subsequent breast cancer risk each year.
A RAND Corporation study recommends that the US and its allies in East Africa address radical Islamist groups beyond al Qaeda to create long-term stability. The report highlights existing counterterrorism programs as a starting point for stronger regional collaboration.
The Ragon Institute aims to unlock the mysteries of the immune system to find new ways of preventing and curing human disease. Its initial focus will be on identifying effective immune responses in HIV-infected individuals and designing strategies to induce those responses.
Despite high awareness, African-Americans are underrepresented in HPV vaccination due to misinformation, lack of education, and societal pressures. The survey found that most participants believed the vaccine was safe and effective, but caregivers were often unaware of its benefits.
Primary ovarian insufficiency is a menopause-like condition affecting girls and young women, characterized by loss of menstrual periods, infertility, and hot flashes. A comprehensive plan provides recommendations for diagnosis and treatment, including hormone replacement therapy and counseling.
Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed miniature power chairs that infants can control, enabling children with cerebral palsy and spina bifida to explore their surroundings. This breakthrough technology has the potential to significantly impact brain development and learning abilities in these children.
Researchers at EMBL have discovered a promising drug target in influenza virus, specifically the PA subunit responsible for cleaving host RNA caps. This finding provides new insights into the cap snatching mechanism that allows the virus to hijack human cells and multiply.
A study published in New England Journal of Medicine found that most children with RSV infections between 1 and 5 years old were previously healthy and had no other risk factors. The study estimates that about 1 in 334 hospitalizations, 1 in 38 emergency department visits, and 1 in 13 primary care office visits occur due to RSV infection.
SkyView's latest survey is now available in WorldWide Telescope, with visitors generating 300,000 images a month, up from 20,000 ten years ago. The project provides a single interface for accessing over 36 surveys covering nearly 100 wavelength bands, making astronomy accessible to everyone.
Researchers have identified specific mosquito genes associated with resistance to a common class of insecticide, a significant step toward effective malaria control strategies. Two cytochrome P450 genes in Anopheles funestus mosquitoes are linked to pyrethroid resistance.
US Department of Homeland Security scientists have developed a magnetic resonance imaging-based system to detect harmful liquids, gels, and lotions in baggage and on passengers. The MagViz system is promising and may eventually replace traditional X-ray systems.
The largest prehistoric snake ever recorded was Titanoboa cerrejonensis, which measured 13 meters and weighed 1,140 kilograms. Scientists estimate that the snake would have required an average annual temperature of 30 to 34 C to survive.
Researchers have developed a nanoemulsion that effectively kills a wide range of bacteria resistant to antibiotics, including those causing cystic fibrosis. The treatment uses ultra-fine oil-and-water emulsions that disrupt bacterial outer membranes, making resistance unlikely and offering a potential alternative to antibiotics.
Cancer stem cells are more resistant to radiation due to a protective pathway that shields normal stem cells from DNA damage. By blocking this pathway, cancer stem cells become more susceptible to killing by radiation.
Researchers developed a new technique to monitor bacterial health in wastewater treatment facilities using sensor technology. The method, called self-referencing, senses minute changes in chemistry related to bacterial health and yields results immediately.