Astronomers have discovered a rare type of stellar explosion known as SN 2008ha, which is 1000 times more powerful than a nova but 1000 times less powerful than a typical supernova. The explosion was detected by a 14-year-old student from New York and shed new light on the nature of stellar explosions.
A recent study found that 55 percent of older adults reported sleeping less than seven hours per night, highlighting the need for improved sleep habits in this demographic. The study also revealed that individuals with depressive symptoms and poor mental health were more likely to experience short sleep duration.
Scientists have found a novel way cells fix damage to their DNA, which may also limit the effectiveness of chemotherapy agents. The discovery sheds light on a previously unknown protein called ATLs and its role in connecting two DNA repair pathways.
Researchers found a singular mutation in the FOXL2 gene that causes granulosa cell tumours, a rare and often untreatable form of ovarian cancer. The discovery provides a specific diagnostic tool and potential treatment pathway for women with this cancer type.
A new hybrid of the American chestnut tree has been developed that can sequester more carbon than other hardwood species. The trees grow faster and larger, allowing them to store more carbon in a shorter amount of time, which could help slow climate change.
The study uses radio telescope images to confirm the presence of a rotating molecular disk orbiting the young binary star system V4046 Sagittarii. The discovery expands the number of places to look for extrasolar planets, suggesting that planet formation may occur around double stars as easily as single stars.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that a treatment intended to prevent premature births in single pregnancies may be ineffective in women expecting twins. Researchers discovered an underlying difference between premature births in women with single and multiple pregnancies, which could inform improvements in treatment.
Researchers found clusters of smaller raindrops falling at speeds exceeding their terminal speed, especially during heavier rainfall. This discovery could improve weather measurement and prediction accuracy, benefiting industries like agriculture, construction, and aviation.
A study by Ohio State University found that people tend to avoid reading articles about personal issues like love and romance, but seek out information on less emotionally charged topics like finances. The study suggests that individuals use media as a way to cope with problems and escape emotional distress.
Researchers have discovered a direct relationship between carbon dioxide emissions and global warming, allowing for the estimation of climate change based on cumulative carbon emissions. The study suggests that limiting total carbon emissions is crucial to avoid dangerous climate change.
A new study led by Thomas Jefferson University researchers suggests that a minimum of three demyelinating features can be used to positively identify Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP). This finding may help doctors diagnose CIDP more effectively and treat patients earlier, potentially preventing further disability.
Bisphenol A (BPA) exposure may be associated with abnormal activity in female rat and mouse hearts, potentially leading to improper heartbeat control. Researchers found estrogen receptors play a key role in this effect, which could have significant implications for women's heart health.
Alpesh Patel, a senior at MCG School of Dentistry, has identified proteins responsible for inhibiting oral cancer cell growth when exposed to blue curing light. He found that this phenomenon reduces tumor growth in mice, offering a promising alternative treatment.
Researchers identified prokineticin 2 as an appetite suppressant that works in rodents and may be used to develop an effective weight loss therapy. The molecule reduced hunger and led to significant weight loss of almost 5 percent in lean and obese mice.
The NHLBI and UnitedHealth Group collaboration aims to broaden study beyond individual diseases to address chronic diseases as they group. Early results show encouraging progress in developing portable tools and comprehensive guidelines for chronic disease management.
A new study published by Oregon State University researchers found that hatchery fish significantly impair the reproductive fitness of their offspring, even if they survive and reproduce in the wild. This could be hurting efforts to sustain wild salmon runs, scientists said.
A study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology found that endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is unable to distinguish between malignant and benign gallbladder polyps smaller than 1 cm. The study suggests that EUS alone may not be sufficient for determining a treatment strategy for these small lesions.
A soil microbe uses an enzyme to produce a herbicidal compound by breaking a non-activated carbon-carbon bond in a single step. The study provides the first three-dimensional structure of the enzyme and proposes a mechanism for its task.
A recent study found that hormone therapy can alter prostate tumor properties, making them more aggressive and prone to metastasis. The treatment reduces male sex hormone production, but also increases levels of proteins enabling cancer cells to spread.
Researchers found cocaine and heroin increase antipyrine transfer across human placental tissue, compromising barrier function. This may lead to harm from more toxic substances crossing the placenta and affecting fetal health.
A new study found that nearly a third of first-degree relatives of BAV patients have enlarged aortas, a potentially serious condition. The study also revealed that 53% of BAV patients had enlarged aortas, and 9.4% of first-degree relatives had BAV.
A new animal study has identified a specific genetic cause of fetal alcohol-related developmental disorders, which may lead to targeted treatment. Fetal alcohol exposure can disrupt thyroid hormone levels, leading to neurodevelopmental disorders such as emotional behavioral disorders and deficits in learning, memory, and speech.
A study published in Significance found that private school pupils in Britain earn an average of 30% higher earnings than state school students, primarily due to higher qualifications. The study controlled for family background and other factors, suggesting that a private education offers additional benefits.
Researchers at USC School of Dentistry and Viterbi School of Engineering developed a non-thermal plasma dental probe that destroys bacterial colonies and disinfects hard-to-reach areas. The tool uses pulsed power to create a room temperature plasma with antibacterial properties.
A study by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that stably married women had better sleep quality than unmarried or recently widowed women. Women who had gained a partner over eight years also experienced similar subjective sleep quality but more restless sleep.
Researchers explore geologic evolution of Savu Island, active tectonic maps for the Tibet-Himalaya region, and syntectonic zoning in biotite porphyroblasts. The study also delves into the potential for explosive eruptions and growth patterns of silicic volcanoes.
Researchers have discovered a new drug, Debio 025, which is as effective as current treatment options but without the risk of infection and immunosuppression. The study found that Debio 025 protects mice from muscle-wasting diseases similar to human muscular dystrophy.
Dieter Kotschick solved Hirzebruch's problem, determining that most Chern numbers depend on algebraic structure of a variety, not topological properties. The breakthrough resolves the relationship between flexible and rigid geometric objects.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have found that bariatric surgery may be associated with an increased risk of fractures, particularly in the hands and feet. The study, which analyzed nearly 100 surgical cases over a 21-year period, showed that 21 individuals experienced 31 fractures within seven years after surgery.
A study found that older adults (59-82 years) are more resilient to total sleep deprivation on various cognitive tasks, such as working memory and verbal encoding. In contrast, young adults (19-38 years) experienced significant declines in performance under similar conditions.
Jay Pasachoff's review article highlights the importance of ground-based solar eclipses for observing unique phenomena. The upcoming total solar eclipse on July 22 will allow scientists to advance our understanding of the solar atmosphere and make important observations.
Scientists at the University of California, Berkeley, have created tunable semiconductors using bilayer graphene, which can change its bandgap and Fermi energy with an applied electric field. This breakthrough enables the creation of reconfigurable electronic devices, potentially holding millions of differently tuned devices.
A Cornell University study found that dairy farming has decreased its environmental impact over the past 60 years, with a 41% reduction in total carbon footprint. This is due to improved efficiency and management practices.
A study on guppies led by UC Riverside's Swanne Gordon found that the fish adapted to a new environment in less than 30 generations, or eight years. The guppies developed larger and fewer offspring with each reproductive cycle in the low-predation environment, but not in the high-predation environment.
Researchers found that young mice are resistant to proteoglycan-induced arthritis, but become susceptible with age due to immunological senescence and impaired immune regulation. This study sheds light on the complex mechanisms underlying age-related changes in arthritis susceptibility.
Researchers at McGill University have pinpointed the key cellular machinery co-opted by HIV-1, allowing it to efficiently transport its RNA genome to the plasma membrane. This discovery opens up hopes for devising strategies to block the process and could lead to treatments to combat the virus.
A study published in BMC Biology has identified 59 genetic mutations in 57 genes that impact the behavior of fruit flies. Researchers found that certain mutations increase aggression, while others make the flies more placid.
A recent study found that parental presence at bedtime has a greater negative impact on infant sleep than actual co-sleeping. Children who slept in separate rooms obtained more sleep, woke less at night, and had fewer sleep problems.
Researchers at Rutgers University have discovered a potential new treatment for childhood epilepsy, using the therapeutic drug rapamycin to suppress epileptic seizures in mice. The study, published in Disease Models and Mechanisms, shows promise for treating cortical dysplasia, a common cause of childhood epilepsy.
A new parent questionnaire, Language Use Inventory (LUI), has been developed to evaluate language skills in children with autism. The LUI assesses pragmatic language development, which is critical for effective communication in everyday interactions.
Research shows a two-way link between chronic stress and poor sleep, with both factors contributing to impaired daytime functioning. Individuals experiencing more fatigue are also more likely to report high levels of stress.
Researchers at The Wistar Institute have defined a key target of an evolutionarily conserved protein that regulates the process of aging. Deacetylation of histone H4K16 by Sir2 maintains telomere stability, crucial for yeast cells to replicate and live longer.
Researchers have discovered a mechanism by which nanoparticles cause lung damage, triggering programmed cell death through autophagy. They also found that blocking this process with an autophagy inhibitor can counteract the damage, providing a promising lead for developing safety strategies for nanotechnology.
A study found that napping with REM sleep decreases negative bias and increases recognition of positive emotions, making individuals more receptive to happy facial expressions. This adaptation is critical for social interactions and professional judgments.
A Brown University professor has won a federal research grant to investigate the effectiveness of topiramate in reducing marijuana addiction among high-school students. The two-year study aims to enroll 60 adolescent males and females and assess the drug's tolerability and efficacy.
Scientists have developed a non-intrusive scanner that uses electromagnetic waves to detect concealed guns and knives without putting police officers in harm's way. The device uses neural network technology to identify the weapon and ignore everyday items, making it a potential game-changer for mobile gun detection.
A new colon cancer screening technique created by Northwestern University researchers has shown a high sensitivity in detecting precancerous lesions, potentially rivaling the effectiveness of colonoscopy. The technique uses optical technology to analyze tissue samples, identifying the 'fingerprint' of carcinogenesis.
The study reveals that human impacts, such as dams and agriculture, are the main cause of sediment accumulation in Catalan rivers. Global warming also exacerbates the problem by reducing river discharge.
Researchers at Oregon State University have made a groundbreaking discovery about bird physiology, finding that birds' lung structure and musculature are critical to their flight capacity. This study suggests that birds did not descend from theropod dinosaurs but instead evolved on a parallel path.
A new study found that approximately 50% of radiologists surveyed reported never having their vision tested or it had been 24 months or longer since their last exam. The study, conducted at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, emphasizes the importance of regular eye exams for radiologists to maintain optimal visual accuracy.
A study analyzing the mutator hypothesis found that cancer cells' efficient pathways to cancer are often driven by genetic instability, supporting the hypothesis. This discovery has implications for cancer therapy, as it may enable cancer cells to rapidly evolve resistance.
A global study found colorectal cancer incidence rates for males and females increased in 27 countries between 1983 and 2002. The rise is attributed to Westernization and lifestyle changes, including obesity, physical inactivity, and diet.
A four-year UCLA study found significant impacts on quality of life for prostate cancer patients treated with radical prostatectomy, seed implants, or external beam radiation. The study developed 'probability plots' to predict when side effects will return to normal or if a patient will fully recover.
A study published in Obesity Surgery found that severely obese individuals exhibit little habituation to food cues, resulting in impaired satiation and increased food consumption. This impairment may contribute to poor weight loss outcomes after bariatric surgery.
A new embryology study clarifies the role of retinoic acid in limb development and finds that it controls forelimb budding but not hindlimb patterning. The research may lead to new therapeutic measures for congenital limb defects such as Holt-Oram syndrome.
UC Berkeley researchers have found that Betelgeuse, the bright reddish star in the constellation Orion, has steadily shrunk over the past 15 years. The star's diameter has decreased by more than 15% since 1993, a change that is striking to observe.
Research found that OSA is common among non-obese patients, especially those in their 50s and 60s. The study also showed that moderate to severe OSA was more prevalent in males with larger neck sizes.
New research in Australia shows that alcohol advertising self-regulation is ineffective in protecting children and youth from exposure. The study found that underage teens were exposed to more TV ads than young adults, with popular branding tactics including animated characters and pop music.
Top HIV/AIDS researchers at NIAID outline a test-and-treat strategy that could reduce HIV incidence by 90% within 10 years. The proposal also involves pre-exposure prophylaxis, latent virus control, and improved prevention strategies.
A new study has found that autoantibodies are not strongly associated with improved outcomes in melanoma patients treated with interferon. The CAPRA score was accurate in predicting bone metastasis, prostate cancer-specific mortality, and all-cause mortality at diagnosis of localized prostate cancer.