A new species of fruit fly emerged after changing its mating behavior, while parasitic wasps evolved to prey on the flies' larvae. This study shows biodiversity feeds on itself, opening up niches for other species.
Researchers at NIST have discovered a material that can reduce magnetic film stress by a factor of 200 and lower saturation field by a factor of 400, enhancing magnetic sensor sensitivity. This breakthrough could lead to improved applications in weapons detection, non-destructive testing, medical devices, and data storage.
A study by Ohio State University researchers suggests that the influenza virus can lead to excessive fluid buildup in the lungs, impairing oxygen supply. The research aims to develop a new therapy to address this issue, potentially reducing the need for ventilation.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev found that a nightly dose of vitamin B12 significantly reduces Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis (RAS) symptoms, including pain, ulcers, and outbreaks. The treatment resulted in a 74% remission rate among patients taking vitamin B12 compared to 32% for those receiving a placebo.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool found that 15% of hospital patients experience adverse drug reactions, increasing hospital stay length. The study suggests that elderly patients on multiple medications are most susceptible to ADRs.
The study found that plant and forestry waste, dedicated energy crops, and cellulosic ethanol could sustainably produce 90 billion gallons of ethanol by 2030. Cellulosic biofuels could compete with oil without incentives at $90 per barrel, assuming reduced costs.
Researchers find 93 plant species are moving their flowering ranges to higher elevations due to rising summer temperatures. The study, which spanned 20 years, reveals some plants flowered farther uphill while others stopped at lower elevations.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that black and Asian patients with terminal cancer use hospice care services less frequently than white and Hispanic patients, despite comparable levels of physical health and income.
A large-scale genome-wide association scan found sequence variants associated with asthma, shedding light on disease mechanisms and potential biochemical pathways. The study also confirms previous findings linking the interleukin-1 gene cluster to asthma.
Studies present promising findings on preventing age-related hearing loss using antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Additionally, research sheds light on the role of brain function in understanding speech and language disorders.
A new classification system aims to provide a more accurate picture of a patient's health issues, complementing body measurements. The Edmonton Obesity Staging System has five stages, from stage 0 to stage 4, and offers specific treatment approaches for each stage.
A study found that lack of general treatment failure and distant metastases 3 years after treatment initiation may be surrogate endpoints for long-term survival in early prostate cancer patients. Another study identified netrin-1 as a potential therapeutic target for non-small cell lung cancer.
The 2009 Franz Edelman finalists demonstrate that analytics and operations research can contain spending and increase profits even in lean economic times. The six finalists from the U.S. and Europe used advanced analytical methods to help companies reduce costs, increase earnings, and achieve significant results.
Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory have demonstrated that certain nanocrystals can generate more than one electron after absorbing a photon, increasing the potential for efficient solar cells. The study finds that these crystals can produce up to half as much energy per electron as bulk solids, offering promising results for...
Researchers at Durham University's Institute for Computational Cosmology created simulations to predict galaxy formation and dark matter effects. The work aims to improve understanding of dark matter, a mysterious substance making up 80% of the Universe's mass.
Complementary schools enhance minority ethnic children's development by learning their community language outside the home. Bilingualism is associated with contemporary, cosmopolitan identities and social networks.
A Brown University researcher has developed a user-friendly guide for doctors and patients on choosing high-quality hospice care. The guide emphasizes the importance of
A study published in Geophysical Research Letters proposes that reducing global fossil fuel use by 20% in 2020 and 60% in 2050 could postpone the onset of the next ice age by up to 170,000 years. By building up ice sheets, scientists can regulate climate and extend current interglacial periods.
A new report by the NIH finds that digestive diseases result in over 100 million outpatient visits and 13 million hospitalizations annually, with a total cost of $141.8 billion. The top 10 most costly digestive diseases include digestive cancers, liver disease, and gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Patients with end-stage renal disease who participated in an education program to limit their intake of phosphorus-containing food additives showed a significant decline in serum phosphorus levels. After 3 months, intervention participants had a 0.6-mg/dL larger decline in average phosphorus level compared to control participants.
Mass transportation ranks 10th with a positive score of +40.8, up from 2002. Education remains top priority, followed by health care. Support for infrastructure spending increases following the Minneapolis bridge collapse in 2007. The General Social Survey found growing public support for mass transit and infrastructure spending.
Scientists at Stanford University School of Medicine have devised a new biological marker to monitor mitochondrial disorders, which cause organ failure, seizures, and premature death. The discovery enables researchers to hunt for treatments and helps physicians check patients' status before health crises erupt.
A new study found that multiracial students felt more engaged at school and experienced lower stress levels compared to their single-race counterparts. The research suggests a positive link between embracing a multiracial identity and improved social and personal well-being.
The Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have published a special issue of Health Promotion Practice on evaluating sexual violence prevention programs. Four CDC-supported empowerment evaluation programs are highlighted, demonstrating the effectiveness of putting program s...
Researchers have found that ethylene stabilizes a protein called EIN2, allowing it to pass on ethylene's message. This discovery is an important step towards understanding the role of ethylene in plant growth and development, with potential applications for improving agriculture and preventing crop losses.
The National Science Foundation has awarded a five-year, $1.24 million grant to the University of Arizona to fund a research center investigating new clean-water technologies. The Water and Environmental Technology Center will develop 'smart' water technologies, including sensors at individual households capable of detecting contaminants.
A new study reveals that music involvement has a positive effect on academic performance, especially during high school years. Socioeconomic status and ethnicity also impact music participation rates, with higher socioeconomic groups and Whites more likely to participate.
Dr. Wenbo Zhi, a postdoctoral fellow at the Medical College of Georgia, has received a two-year fellowship to study biomarkers associated with type 1 diabetes. He aims to identify protein biomarkers that can improve diagnosis and treatment using proteomic techniques.
The American Pain Society and American Academy of Pain Medicine have published comprehensive clinical practice guidelines to assist clinicians in prescribing potent opioid pain medications for patients with chronic non-cancer pain. The guidelines emphasize the importance of monitoring patients on chronic opioid therapy to weigh benefit...
Patients with relapsed follicular lymphoma who continue on maintenance rituximab therapy after chemotherapy have better overall survival than those without treatment. Rituximab maintenance therapy was associated with a 40% improvement in overall survival relative to observation or retreatment.
A new mouse study has identified a genetic component to empathy, showing that certain mouse strains can learn to associate another's distress with a cue. The findings have implications for understanding social interaction deficits in humans and may lead to important discoveries about psychosocial disorders. The researchers hope to deco...
A new American Heart Association journal issue highlights unique risk factors among women and gender disparities in stroke care. Researchers found that women were less likely to receive perfect care, had a lower discharge rate, and received less aggressive treatment than men.
A study by the Wildlife Conservation Society found that middle-class communities in Eastern Africa have lower fish levels due to increased motorized fishing vessels and decreased cultural restrictions. In contrast, wealthy communities have healthier fish populations due to diversified economies and technological advancements.
Researchers identified a distinct brain atrophy pattern in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) that predicts a higher risk of progressing to Alzheimer's disease. This pattern involves widespread cortical atrophy in areas beyond memory centers, indicating potential decline in cognitive function.
Researchers have discovered new findings on Mars, including evidence of ancient water on the planet. Floods in tropical regions can lead to substantial amounts of sediment staying near shore for months, potentially harming coral reefs. Additionally, scientists have studied ancient soils and rocks from New Mexico, revealing insights int...
A review and meta-analysis found that maternal obesity is associated with a significantly increased risk of congenital anomalies, including spina bifida, cardiovascular anomalies, and cleft palate. The absolute risk of these anomalies is estimated to be 0.47-0.61 per 1,000 births higher in obese women than in women of recommended BMI.
Scientists at Caltech have discovered self-regulating molecular 'transformers' that control the delivery of proteins to their correct locations within cells. The research could lead to novel treatments for diseases resulting from flaws in protein delivery and the development of new types of antibiotics.
Researchers at Indiana University found that women use more non-standard language in texting, such as abbreviations and emoticons, to convey enthusiasm and individuality. In contrast, men tend to use standard language to achieve upward mobility and be perceived as polite.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute identify a mutation in the Mbtps1 gene that increases susceptibility to inflammatory bowel disease. The study reveals how the mutated gene disrupts the unfolded protein response, leading to cellular stress and inflammation.
A Michigan State University study found that providing home pregnancy tests to women who have unprotected sex can increase their vigilance about potential pregnancy and lead to better prenatal care. The intervention resulted in women suspecting they might be pregnant almost twice as often and having a pregnancy test more frequently.
Targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) appears to enable improved control of prosthetic arms for patients with arm amputations. The study, published in JAMA, found that TMR patients achieved high motion selection and completion rates, similar to those of control participants.
A University of Georgia study found that involved and supportive parenting can completely override the effects of a genetic risk factor for substance abuse. The research, published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, suggests that high levels of parental involvement can protect against substance use.
A new study found that clinicians override over 90% of drug interaction and allergy alerts, highlighting the need for improved decision support systems to enhance patient safety. The researchers recommend reclassifying alert severity, providing an option to suppress alerts, and customizing them for a clinician's specialty.
A new study finds that oil and gas production in the Barnett Shale area can contribute significantly to smog formation in Dallas-Fort Worth, with emissions comparable to those from all cars and trucks. The study also highlights the potential for cost-effective control strategies to reduce emissions.
Researchers found that individuals with short serotonin transporter gene and 7-repeat allele of the DRD4 gene invest more in risky investments. The study suggests that genetics play a role in predicting financial risk-taking, but experience and upbringing also contribute to investor behavior.
Two large clinical trials found that IL-2 immunotherapy increases CD4+ T cell counts in HIV-infected individuals on antiretroviral therapy, but fails to reduce the risk of opportunistic diseases or death. The treatment's efficacy was not linked to better health outcomes.
Researchers at University of Toronto's Bloorview hospital use infrared light brain imaging to predict drink preferences with high accuracy. The technique could lead to portable devices for children with disabilities to control their environment.
The journal has published a special anniversary issue featuring key articles on multiculturalism, environmentalism, and the impact of media technologies. Podcasts were also produced to stimulate discussion on topics such as electronic games and multi-racial television.
A simple, inexpensive method to strengthen buildings with partial-height walls has been developed, showing that replacing windows with ordinary masonry bricks can improve the structure's strength and stiffness by up to six times. The researchers used a three-story building in their study, which was subjected to forces simulating strong...
Astronomers detect frequent X-ray and gamma-ray flares from a soft-gamma-ray repeater, a rare type of neutron star. The object has erupted with over 100 flares in 20 minutes, releasing more energy than the sun does in 20 years.
A computer-based training program improved brain processing speed and accuracy, leading to double the improvement in certain aspects of memory compared to a control group. The study suggests that aging adults may be able to make better-informed decisions about ways to improve memory by focusing on improving brain processing speed.
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison developed a two-step method to convert cellulose in raw biomass into a promising biofuel. The new process simultaneously bypasses lignin and produces a high yield, making it a promising alternative to fossil fuels.
A new method uses circulating tumour cells to monitor disease status and predict survival in patients with advanced prostate cancer. Changes in CTC number before and after treatment are strongly associated with risk, making it a more predictive biomarker than PSA.
A breakthrough discovery by Washington University researchers has identified a technology that reduces infection by the Rice Tungro Disease virus, causing significant economic losses in agriculture. The technology involves transgenic rice plants that overexpress specific proteins, providing improved resistance to the virus.
Researchers discovered that many processed and fast foods contain phosphorus additives, which can be just as dangerous for patients with advanced kidney disease as naturally high-phosphorus foods. Studies found that avoiding these additives significantly lowers phosphorus levels among patients.
A study published in PLOS Genetics has found that the genetic adaptation rgy plays a crucial role in allowing the deep-sea bacterium Nautilia profundicola to survive rapid temperature fluctuations. The bacteria's genome also revealed genes necessary for growth and sensing environmental conditions.
A new study at Queensland University of Technology identified the origin and identity of tiny, potentially hazardous particles emitted from common laser printers. The research found that these ultrafine particles form from vapours produced when toner is fused to paper, posing a risk to human health.
Researchers have generated altered immune cells that target mesothelin, a protein highly expressed on cancer cells, shrinking and sometimes eradicating large tumors in mice. The approach shows promise for immunotherapies against certain tumors.
A study of 15 coordinated care programs for Medicare beneficiaries found that only two resulted in reduced hospital admissions, with none generating net savings. The programs aimed to improve care and reduce costs for patients with chronic illnesses, but their effectiveness was limited.
A new study reveals that exercise can help reduce cigarette cravings by changing the way the brain processes information. Researchers used fMRI scans to investigate how physical activity affects brain activity among smokers, finding a significant reduction in cravings after exercise.