A new study reveals that spitting cobras create complex geometric patterns of venom when striking, which are actively produced by the snake's muscles. This allows them to hit their targets with remarkable precision, making contact with an attacker's eyes where it causes severe pain and possibly blindness.
A study by Ralph Brinster found that males housed with females had a six-month delay in fertility decline, compared to those without companionship. This could have significant implications for male fertility in wildlife and human populations.
A study by University of Iowa researchers has documented MRSA in swine and swine workers in the US for the first time. The investigation found a high prevalence rate of MRSA among swine and swine handlers, suggesting transmission between animals and humans.
Researchers at UCSF have identified a woman's immune system anomaly that may lead to breakthrough therapies for autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and colitis. The discovery of antibodies blocking T-cell movement could result in more targeted treatments with lower risks of infections or tumors.
Researchers developed a quality-of-life survey for children, allowing doctors to understand the results in the same way they understand blood pressure test results. The survey includes questions about children's daily lives, helping pediatricians identify potential health problems.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have demonstrated an optical device that filters two photons based on their polarisation correlations, a key characteristic of quantum entanglement. This 'entanglement filter' has significant implications for quantum technologies, including computers, communication, and advanced measurement.
A patented Michigan State University process pretreats corn-crop waste to enhance its usefulness and reduce costs. The AFEX (ammonia fiber expansion) method breaks down cellulose and hemicellulose in plants more efficiently, allowing for the creation of biofuels from cellulose without added nutrients.
A University of Pittsburgh study analyzed reactions to the 2001 US Postal Service anthrax attacks, finding that confusion, distrust, and conflicting information from media organizations shaped postal worker responses. The study highlights the importance of trust-building and education to facilitate clear communication during bioterrori...
A recent survey by Medical College of Wisconsin researchers found that residents in Metro Milwaukee may not be as well-prepared for disasters as the rest of the country. The survey revealed that only 37% of respondents had taken a first-aid course, and 15% had volunteered to help prepare for or respond to a major emergency.
Researchers used a novel combination of historical temperature data and satellite records to reconstruct a 50-year history of surface temperatures across Antarctica. The analysis confirms that West Antarctica warmed at a higher rate than the rest of the continent.
A new study found that California law enforcement agencies experienced a significant increase in sudden deaths and firearm-related deaths after deploying Tasers, contradicting industry claims. The rates of sudden death increased six-fold, while firearm-related deaths rose by two-fold.
A Texas A&M University professor has confirmed his long-held theory that chemicals used on Stradivarius and Guarneri violins contribute to their distinctive sound. The study found the presence of borax, fluorides, chromium, and iron salts in the wood, suggesting a deliberate chemical treatment by violin makers.
Engineers at Purdue and Stanford universities have developed a new 'stretchable cell culture platform' to study the effects of mechanical stresses on cardiac muscle cells, neurons, and other cells. The device allows for electric stimulation or monitoring while applying stress, enabling researchers to test various cell types.
Researchers discovered how anthracycline chemotherapy drugs block cancer cell growth by inhibiting HIF-1 protein. The findings suggest that these drugs may benefit a subgroup of cancer patients with high HIF-1 levels, leading to reduced tumor size and fewer blood vessels in mice.
Researchers developed nomograms to predict long-term kidney transplant success and refine patient selection for living donor transplants. The models analyzed over 20,000 cases and identified key donor and recipient characteristics impacting transplant outcomes.
The 2009 awards recognize groundbreaking work in early detection of ovarian and lung cancers, improvements to bone marrow transplant safety, and discovery of new genetic markers for cancer. The $450,000 prize will support the projects over three years.
In the Pacific Northwest, tree mortality rates have doubled in 17 years, with older forests experiencing a faster rate of decline than younger forests. This increase is attributed to warming temperatures, which reduce snowpack, prolong droughts, and enable insects and diseases to flourish.
Developed over 20 years through classical breeding techniques, WineCrisp boasts scab resistance and a pleasant flavor mix of sugar and acid, available now for licensing to nurseries, with potential market in the southeastern US and extended shelf life.
Martin Delaney, founder of Project Inform, received the NIAID Director's Special Recognition Award for his efforts on behalf of HIV-infected people. He played a key role in expanding access to life-saving antiretroviral medications.
Researchers have decoded the language of memory cells that protect against re-infection, a breakthrough in understanding immunological memory development. The study reveals distinct program generates memory cells for vaccine effectiveness and cancer research applications.
Researchers at the University of Maryland and the University of Michigan have teleported quantum information directly from one atom to another over a substantial distance. They achieved this feat by entangling the quantum states of two individual ytterbium ions, allowing for the transfer of information without physical medium.
A study found that local online forums can provide tailored support for new mothers, but may exclude fathers. The researchers encourage healthcare professionals to promote these communities as a viable alternative to traditional support systems.
Queen's University Belfast is conducting a 3-year study to map and monitor horse mussel reefs in Strangford Lough. The project aims to restore and conserve the reefs, which are crucial for water quality and habitat for other species.
UT Southwestern researchers found that drug-coated stents are less risky for heart bypass patients compared to bare-metal stents, with a 51% lower rate of re-narrowing and reduced need for repeat procedures.
Living with a female mouse extends male reproductive life span by 20%, increasing fertility to 32 months. The effect is due to delays in sperm production and may be influenced by endocrine and nervous systems.
Using metagenomics, Yale scientists linked environmental factors to molecular changes in marine micro-organisms, revealing adaptations to temperature and salinity.
Two studies identified a novel biomarker for metastatic bladder cancer and discovered stem cell factor's role in airway remodeling in asthma. Additionally, researchers found that Staphlococcus aureus beta-toxin causes lung injury in pneumonia, while rosiglitazone may reduce the severity of scleroderma.
Tel Aviv University researchers found that a simple course of physical treatment for balance problems can resolve anxiety issues in children. The study, published in Research in Developmental Disabilities, suggests that treating the mind through the body may be effective in addressing both disorders.
Honeybees can learn to recognise human faces even when seen from different viewpoints due to their ability to interpolate or image average previously learnt views. The study suggests that bee brains have evolved clever mechanisms for problem solving which may help develop improved models for AI face recognition systems.
Researchers argue that integrating malaria and neglected tropical disease control interventions at the community level can increase antimalarial treatment rates by over twice as much. They propose that global funders recognize this approach to expand coverage of both diseases.
Researchers have discovered a unique antibody that blocks the S1P receptor on T cells, reducing their numbers in the bloodstream and potentially treating autoimmune disorders such as colitis, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis. The study's findings suggest a new horizon for reversing disabling and often fatal conditions.
A new treatment has been shown to reduce the severity and duration of asthma attacks triggered by colds in preschoolers. The study found a 50% decrease in asthma attacks requiring oral steroids and a 20% reduction in illness duration, improving symptoms and quality of life.
A team of researchers from Purdue University has developed a precise biosensor for detecting blood glucose and potentially many other biological molecules. The device, resembling a tiny cube-shaped tetherball, uses single-wall carbon nanotubes anchored to gold-coated nanocubes to conduct electrical signals.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University discovered a key protein component involved in inflammation detection and reaction to cytoplasmic DNA produced by infections or tissue damage. AIM2, a tumor suppressor, induces cell death to prevent pathogen replication.
The NOAA-N Prime satellite will provide vital data inputs for NOAA's weather forecasts and support the Search and Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking System. The satellite has instruments that can detect solar winds, impair communications, and affect astronaut safety.
Researchers at Penn State University have discovered a way to produce hydrogen by exposing aluminum clusters to water, leveraging their unique geometric structures. The process enables the production of hydrogen gas without heat or energy input, opening up new possibilities for clean energy applications.
The Declaration of Tokyo, a landmark event in medical ethics, needs revision to clarify physician roles and duties in countries with prisoner abuse. A revised version should incorporate authoritative definitions, publicly post death certificates, and commend accountability for abetting abuse.
Research found that inflammation weakens collagen caps in atherosclerotic plaques, making them more prone to rupture. The study identifies lysyl-oxidase as a potential target for preventing plaque rupture and thrombosis.
An international team mapped alien plant invasions across Europe, finding highest risks in agricultural and urban ecosystems. The study revealed a consistent pattern of invasion levels across European regions, with low levels in natural grasslands and Mediterranean vegetation.
Researchers found a significant increase in morbidity rates among older adults affected by Hurricane Katrina, with emergency department visits and hospitalization rates also rising. Displacement played a major role in health outcomes, with survivors experiencing moderate to severe damage to their homes and financial instability.
Researchers focus on microbes fermenting lignocellulosic biomass to produce bioethanol and biodiesel, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Biofuel production requires a major effort in biochemical engineering to scale up and make it cost-effective.
Researchers at Harvard University have developed implants that mimic an infection to trigger the immune system to attack tumors. The innovative approach successfully marshals T cells against aggressive melanoma in 90% of mice, making it the most effective demonstration to date of a cancer vaccine.
Research suggests that schizophrenia patients' reduced non-verbal expressivity is linked to poor social skills and an inability to accurately imagine others' thoughts and feelings. This impairment contributes to difficulties in conversation and social interactions, making it challenging for people with schizophrenia to engage with others.
Duke University researchers found that nicotine sends signals directly to sensory systems by several pathways, similar to how taste is perceived. They also discovered a previously unknown link between nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and activity in the insula region.
Researchers from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution found that the Black Sea level was approximately 30 meters below present levels at the time of the alleged flood, contradicting previous estimates. This suggests a smaller flood event than previously thought, with implications for the settlement and cultural history of the region.
A new report by Oregon State University finds that warmer climate and drought stress are causing a rapid increase in tree mortality across the West, with the Pacific Northwest hardest hit. This could lead to significant shifts in forest structure and function, including a 50% reduction in average tree age and size.
A study of over 2,500 pregnant women in Africa found that spousal violence increases the risk of single and repeated fetal loss. The strongest association was with emotional violence, which linked to a 33% reduction in preventable excess recurrent fetal loss if prevalence of abuse is eliminated
A Canadian/U.S. research team has reported a therapeutic model exploiting the natural dynamics of the 'fight or flight' system to stimulate recovery from chronic stress disorders. The HPA axis dysfunction may become chronic if driven far from its natural homeostatic rest point, leading to disorders like CFS, depression, and PTSD.
Researchers discovered a way to reduce free radicals and oxidative damage in genetically altered fruit flies, leading to increased lifespan. The finding could lead to the development of new anti-aging treatments without genetic manipulation.
New research suggests most Pacific populations originated in Taiwan around 5,200 years ago, tracing the settlement of the Pacific through vocabulary from Austronesian languages. The study reveals expansion pulses and pauses, linked to technological advances such as better canoes.
Researchers at McGill University Health Centre have developed a new four-month treatment for latent TB, which causes less liver damage and improves patient adherence. The study found that this shorter treatment is better tolerated than the traditional nine-month treatment with isoniazid.
A new study found that caloric restriction does not extend the life of lean mice, contradicting previous findings. Obese mice, however, benefited from caloric restriction, suggesting it may be a useful strategy for weight loss. The researchers propose that energy expenditure and intake should be in balance.
A new report by a University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee faculty member recommends improving school facilities nationwide, totaling $254.6 billion in national need. The study aims to help policymakers create an economic stimulus plan that benefits communities and reduces property-tax burdens.
Researchers at Georgia Tech Research Institute are investigating a new kind of stealth technology that can evade enemy ears. By characterizing UAV noise using ground-based methods and vehicle flight tests, they have identified specific acoustic measures that could lead to truly covert, low-altitude UAVs.
A nationwide survey found that only 22% of Americans believed Barack Obama was a Muslim, despite hearing the rumor. The internet played a key role in spreading rumors, with nearly two-thirds of respondents getting information online, and nearly one-third getting campaign news from video sharing sites.
Scientists from GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences developed a numerical model to calculate future continent positions. The continents function as a thermal blanket, causing heat accumulation and super-continent break-up., A self-regulating system develops, resulting in reorganization of mantle convection.
Scientists at the University of Utah identified a worm gene crucial for damaged nerve cells to regenerate and showed that over-activating it can speed up nerve regeneration. The study's findings offer hope for new treatments for nerves injured by trauma or disease.
Researchers at the Salk Institute found that stable proteins within the nucleus's control structures can become damaged with age, leading to impaired function and contributing to cellular aging. This discovery provides new insights into the aging process and may lead to novel approaches for treating neurodegenerative diseases.
A new study demonstrates that training physicians in humanism fosters better communication skills, which are crucial for high-quality patient care. The research, conducted at five diverse medical schools, reveals a link between humanistic values and improved outcomes.
A study from the University of Bath found that smokers who used a support group were more than twice as likely to quit smoking compared to those using a pharmacy-based service. The researchers also discovered that both types of services are cost-effective, with the pharmacy-based service being less costly to deliver.
Researchers discovered that adding a small notch to the disk edge provides a single outlet for laser light to stream out, increasing the speed of computers and telecommunication networks. The optimal geometry and boundary pumping parameters can aid in designing better-collimated microlasers.
Researchers found that prior STD infections can lead to a genetic bottleneck in HIV transmission, allowing multiple viral variants to spread. The study suggests that the genital mucosa provides a natural barrier against infection, which can be compromised by inflammatory genital infections.
Researchers discovered that just four genetic variants in three yeast genes account for nearly 90% of the genetic contribution to sporulation efficiency. The findings suggest that transcription factors may harbor significant variations and point to the need for better statistical models and tools to understand genetic interactions.
A new study has found that tree deaths in the West's old-growth forests have more than doubled in recent decades due to regional warming and related drought conditions. The research team measured tree deaths in all sizes at varying elevations, including tree types such as pine, fir, and hemlock.
A team of University of Toronto researchers has discovered that heating gold at extremely high rates can make it harder, rather than softer. The study used a technique called 'femtosecond electron diffraction' to observe the effects of rapid heating on the material's atomic structure.
Researchers investigate thalidomide for biochemical recurrence and adjuvant radiotherapy for improved survival, reducing metastases risk by 29%. Both treatment options show promise for patients with biochemically recurrent prostate cancer after surgery.
A recent study led by the U.S. Geological Survey found that tree death rates have more than doubled over the last few decades in old-growth forests of the western United States. The increase is widespread, affecting various forest types, elevations, and tree species.
Researchers found that 10-month-old infants can use prior information to understand novel actions, but not when performed in a different location. The study suggests that providing advance information about a person's goals helps infants learn from another person's actions.