A new study led by Dr. Dave Stegman has shed light on the evolution of planets, revealing that Enceladus' tiger stripes are caused by tectonic activity and a subsurface ocean containing ammonia. The research suggests that Enceladus' unique chemical composition and interaction with other moons led to the formation of this dynamic system.
A study published in Nature finds that sea ice formed in the Arctic before it did in Antarctica, contradicting scientific expectation. The researchers analyzed oceanic sediment cores and fossilized diatoms to conclude that episodic sea ice formation began around 47.5 million years ago.
A new resource for studying human illnesses has been unveiled, featuring a high-resolution map of copy number variations (CNVs) in the human genome. The study provides a deep and broad set of CNVs, along with a research tool for diagnosing genetic problems, which will help identify rare diseases resulting from CNVs.
Dimebolin treatment causes an acute increase in brain beta amyloid levels, contradicting its potential as a clinically beneficial Alzheimer's drug. Despite this, the treatment still improves cognitive function in aged rodents and people suffering from mild to moderate Alzheimer's.
Researchers found fetal short-term memory at 30 weeks through habituation tests, where fetuses adapt to stimuli. The study also showed that 34- and 36-week-old fetuses can store information and retrieve it weeks later, providing insights into normal fetal development.
Researchers argue that recent discoveries of tool use by wild primates force a re-think of traditional dividing lines between humans and other primate species. Julio Mercader's work, published in Nature, advocates for a new inter-disciplinary field to examine tool use in primates over time.
Researchers found that counting money reduced social distress and physical pain compared to counting paper, while thinking about finances increased these negative reactions. The study suggests that the mere idea of money has considerable psychological power.
A study found sunitinib to be safe and well-tolerated in patients with brain metastases, poor performance status, and elderly age groups. Median progression-free and overall survival were 10.9 and 18.4 months respectively.
Researchers at the Salk Institute found that Fgf10 plays a critical role in regulating brain development by controlling the timing of cellular transitions. This process, known as corticogenesis, allows for the expansion of specific brain areas, such as the frontal lobe in humans.
A randomized trial found that disclosing genetic risk information to adult children of patients with Alzheimer's disease did not result in significant short-term psychological distress. Participants who learned they were APOE ε4 negative experienced considerable relief, while those who learned they were APOE ε4 positive showed no more ...
Research demonstrates single neurons process future rewards, including information about upcoming gains, and prefer advance info over suspense. This finding suggests a revised theory of reward is needed, incorporating information seeking as a cognitive reward.
Researchers have discovered a way to transform shiny metal into black by using intense laser light, creating a new class of material for various applications. This process enhances aircraft performance by cooling electronic systems and allowing planes to dominate in flight.
Numerical simulations show that comet-like objects in a disk outside the solar system were scattered into the outer asteroid belt during a violent phase of planetary evolution. The models suggest that dramatic upheaval occurred in the solar system around 3.9 billion years ago, affecting nearly every nook and cranny.
A new study using brain-mapping techniques confirms young adolescents' sensitivity to social perception. Tweens tend to view themselves in ways influenced by what they believe others think about their abilities and attributes.
Researchers at UCSF have made significant breakthroughs in understanding the Schistosoma mansoni blood fluke genome and identifying potential drug targets. The discoveries may lead to new therapies for schistosomiasis, a tropical disease that affects over 200 million people worldwide.
A University of Missouri physicist has uncovered clues about the basis of Einstein's theories, proposing a more general approximation that may better link quantum physics with classical physics. The researcher aims to develop a nonlocal theory that goes beyond general relativity.
Most children with chronic daily headache can expect to improve their symptoms as they enter young adulthood. By age 8, 75% of affected children were no longer experiencing symptoms, and by 12 years old, 60% had outgrown the condition entirely.
Researchers identified the Myosin II-actin machinery powering neuronal migration, revealing how glial cells guide neurons to their correct place in the developing brain. This finding offers new insights into brain organization and could lead to better understanding of disorders like epilepsy and mental retardation.
Scientists have discovered a bowl-shaped molecule that can pull carbon dioxide out of the air, offering new possibilities for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The molecule's unique properties make it suitable for industrial use in removing CO2 from ambient air and potentially even from living organisms.
Researchers studied 30 million-year-old fossil 'mega-dung' from extinct giant mammals, finding evidence of ecological interactions and theft by other animals. The study reveals a dung-based ecosystem going on under the noses of giant herbivores.
A Queen's University study reveals that preschoolers' brain development is linked to their social reasoning abilities. The research found that children with more mature brain activity patterns showed a better understanding of false beliefs.
The complete genome sequence of Schistosoma mansoni, a parasitic worm causing devastating disease, has been published. Researchers have identified potential new drug targets and explored ways to treat and eradicate the disease.
Researchers found that carnosine reduced cloudiness in lens tissue cultures by 50-60% and restored clarity to cloudy lenses. Carnosine's potential as a preventive and therapeutic agent for cataracts is demonstrated.
A study by University of Illinois expert Christopher Lubienski found that market-based approaches to school choice lead to exclusionary strategies, favoring affluent students. Schools compete to attract high-need students, but often leave them marginalized, and instead target 'active families' with resources.
A new study suggests that an osteoporosis medication may be saving lives by strengthening the immune system. Researchers found that while the reduction in secondary fractures accounted for only 8% of the mortality benefit, the risk of mortality was still 23% lower in patients who received the drug.
Researchers discover potential drugs that block the first step in the infection process, preventing flu viruses from infecting cells. This breakthrough could lead to a new genre of antivirals and be used to develop treatments for other medical problems.
Researchers found that vitamin D3 and synthetic curcuminoids can stimulate the immune system to clear brain amyloid beta, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests combining these nutrients may be more effective for individual patients.
Researchers found that preschoolers' abilities to think about their social world develop with the maturation of two key brain areas. This study provides insights into the typical social brain development and clues for understanding impaired social reasoning in autism.
Engineers at NASA Goddard and Northrop Grumman are simulating the handling of the telescope's mirror segments, which will be assembled into the Primary Mirror Assembly. The mock-up has already been beneficial in preparing for integration and test operations.
A new procedure called CESA combines endovascular and surgical approaches to treat high-risk aortic aneurysms. The technique has shown excellent results in the first 20 high-risk patients with complex aortic pathology treated with CESA, with a cumulative survival rate of 76% at two years.
The genomes of two parasitic flatworm species causing schistosomiasis have been sequenced, revealing potential drug targets and enzymes that can be targeted with drugs. The research may lead to new treatments for the debilitating disease.
Researchers found social cognition brain activity in children as young as 6 years old, similar to adults. By age 11, the 'right tempero-parietal junction' took on a more specialized role in thinking about others' thoughts.
Researchers have created a game called Magic Bullet to make labelling CAPTCHA images more efficient. Players can label images at a rate of up to 1,500 per hour, significantly improving the accuracy of human labels and helping to stay ahead of spammers.
A University of Michigan survey reveals that most parents would allow researchers to use their children's newborn screening samples for research purposes if permission is obtained beforehand. However, over half of the parents surveyed said they would be very unwilling to permit use of their child's sample without granting or denying pe...
The study found that methamphetamine was present in all municipalities, while MDMA was at quantifiable levels in less than half of the communities. Urban areas had significantly higher index loads of cocaine metabolite BZE, while rural areas had lower levels or none detected.
Researchers at LSUHSC have been awarded a $1.3 million grant to develop a new cancer vaccine targeting melanoma and breast cancer. The grant will support the creation of a novel signaling pathway in T lymphocytes, which can detect cancer and boost tumor destruction.
Researchers at Helmholtz Munich used new bioimaging techniques to show that hematopoietic progenitor cells are instructed by cytokines, steering their lineage choice. This discovery confirms the influence of environmental factors on cell differentiation and has important implications for optimizing therapeutic stem cell applications.
A longitudinal study found that American teens are more academically disengaged than Chinese peers, with decreased motivation and mastery value over time. The study suggests a cultural difference in prioritizing learning for future success.
Researchers found higher levels of endothelial progenitor cells in pediatric patients with metastatic disease compared to healthy participants. This study provides new insights into the role of circulating endothelial cells and progenitor cells in cancer progression in children.
Researchers have sequenced the genome of Schistosoma mansoni, a parasite that causes intestinal schistosomiasis, a devastating tropical disease affecting over 200 million people. The comprehensive genome sequence enables the discovery of potential drug targets and cost-effective ways to develop new therapies.
Scientists have developed a more efficient method to produce a novel form of acetaminophen with reduced liver toxicity risk, offering a potential solution to the growing concern over the drug's effects.
Researchers at Dartmouth Medical School have developed a Trojan horse nanoparticles to target ovarian cancer, reprogramming protective cells into killers. The approach triggers an inflammatory immune response, directly killing tumor cells and potentially complementing current therapies.
Researchers at McGill University discovered significant genetic disparities between blood and tissue cells, undermining the validity of genome-wide association studies. This finding has implications for vascular diseases, such as abdominal aortic aneurysms, where tissue samples are often used.
Research reveals that childhood adversity is associated with diminished neural activity in brain regions involved in processing rewards. This finding suggests a potential link between childhood trauma and depression symptoms such as apathy and low motivation.
Researchers tested individuals with a parent with Alzheimer's disease and found that learning their genetic risk did not result in lasting psychological harm. Genetic counseling helped put the test results into context, reducing distress levels.
Researchers found that adolescents show more activity in neural networks tied to social cognition and self-perception when asked about themselves compared to adults. This suggests that adolescent self-appraisals depend heavily on others' opinions, particularly peers.
A new genetic study has identified 27 genes associated with Asperger syndrome, autistic traits, and empathy. The research found that single nucleotide polymorphisms in these genes were nominally associated with autistic traits and empathy, providing preliminary leads for understanding the genetic basis of Asperger syndrome.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University identified DACH1 as a protein that prevents cancer cell proliferation by repressing estrogen receptors in ER+ breast cancer. As DACH1 expression decreases in breast cancer, estrogen receptor presence increases, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target.
A study by the National Institute of Mental Health found that teenage girls' brains activate more in social emotion circuitry as they age, indicating a shift towards approach rather than avoidance. This may reflect resilience to psychosocial stress among healthy female adolescents.
Researchers found that prolonged HAART use can better control HBV and delay or prevent liver complications. Patients with elevated liver enzymes before treatment were at increased risk of cirrhosis, highlighting the importance of monitoring these patients.
Researchers have devised a chemical technique to discover brain function and provide clues for treating brain diseases. The technique allows neuroscientists to noninvasively activate entire populations of neurons in an animal brain, promoting understanding of brain function and disease treatment.
Scientists at the University of Nottingham discovered that an archaeon can resist DNA damage even with mutated enzymes. This finding may hold key to understanding how cancer cells behave and why they are more prone to mutations.
A university engineering team has developed a retrofitted four-wheel dirt buggy that allows blind drivers to steer, brake, and accelerate with the help of innovative technology. The vehicle uses laser range finders, an instant voice command interface, and a host of other technologies to guide blind drivers.
A new study found that high-quality foster care can improve brain activity in children raised in institutions. Institutionalized children showed reduced brain activity when processing faces, but those in foster care demonstrated normalized brain activity.
A study found that girls' brain regions associated with social rewards and motivation responded differently when thinking about being judged by peers, especially those with whom they wanted to interact. This difference was not evident in younger boys.
The Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC) has received a $14 million grant from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) to support student recruitment and training in biomedical science. The grants will be distributed over six years, attracting and training over 200 high-level students in various dis...
A new UBC study found that 17% of men and 16% of women reported emotional or physical violence in the past six months. Violence is often linked to drinking, with nearly half of emotional violence coming from intimate partners.
Scientists have identified a distinct new species of insect, Tyrrhenoleuctra antoninoi, living on the Balearic Islands. The study reveals genetic differences between this population and others found in the Western Mediterranean region.
Researchers describe an exquisitely efficient process for DNA repair, revealing the key attributes of the 'sloppier copier' enzyme and its crucial role in conserving energy. The study also solves two other mysteries about the mechanics of DNA repair.
The UM Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science has received a $82,128 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act stimulus grant to enhance its Aplysia summer research program. The program will provide hands-on training to undergraduate students and middle/high school science teachers in sea hare research, improving egg ...
Researchers at MGH identified a chromosomal abnormality that leads to acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in children. The mutation affects hematopoietic stem cells and can lead to years-later cancer development.
Researchers used high-speed ultrasound imaging to categorize N|uu clicks, a series of consonants distinct to southern Africa's Kalahari Desert. This breakthrough could change how linguists describe click languages and aid speech scientists in understanding speech production.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has selected 29 young physicians to join its prestigious Clinical Scholars Program, a two-year fellowship that aims to transform the healthcare system. The program will provide training in innovative research and community-based projects, preparing scholars for leadership roles in healthcare.