A team of scientists suggests that shifting winds in the Southern Ocean around Antarctica may have triggered a rapid increase in carbon dioxide levels at the end of the last ice age. This mechanism could amplify manmade warming and has been supported by sediment core analysis, but other climate models disagree.
Bacteria in biofilms evolve to become more resilient with age, resisting antibiotics and outcompeting younger cells. This study provides evidence of natural selection in a single species bacterial biofilm, offering insights into the emergence of dominant microbial populations.
A new detection technique using polarized light helps accurately measure aerosol composition, size, and global distribution. The Aerosol Polarimetry Sensor instrument measures aerosols over land, providing greater accuracy compared to previous methods.
The study found that the bioabsorbable stent was safe with only one major adverse event recorded at 2 years, a heart attack, and no new events between 6 months and 2 years. The device had been fully absorbed by 2 years, reducing the chance of restenosis.
Researchers found that fruit flies use separate populations of neurons to detect wind and sound, allowing them to respond differently to each stimulus. This discovery provides insights into the complex sensory mechanisms of these tiny insects.
The new edition of the Tobacco Atlas highlights that tobacco use is unlikely to decrease during a recession, as products providing comfort in stressful times tend to sell well. Global tobacco use remains a significant public health concern, with $500 billion spent annually on tobacco-related illnesses and death.
Researchers used a special electron microscope to make three-dimensional images of nano-particles that form the basis of bone, tooth and shell growth. The results provide improved understanding of these processes and promise better materials for industrial applications.
Researchers at Ohio State University discovered that cells have a second chance to correct errors in protein production, which could lead to new insights into neurodegenerative disorders and the development of targeted antibiotics. This discovery gives scientists a better understanding of the mechanism behind protein synthesis mistakes.
Miaki Ishii has made two groundbreaking discoveries in geophysics that have fostered intense debate and subsequent research on deep Earth seismology. Her work challenged the long-held theory of a homogenized mantle, revealing lateral variations in mantle density instead.
Researchers at UCI have found that circadian rhythms regulate energy levels in cells, with implications for treating diseases like cancer, diabetes, and obesity. The discovery opens a new window into understanding how the body's day-night patterns and metabolism work together to maintain cellular function.
A study published in Current Biology found that people with dyslexia have a different brain activation pattern when integrating letters with speech sounds. This neural deficit may distinguish poor from good readers and offer a promising link to phonology processing difficulties.
Researchers discovered a correlation between Ang2 concentrations in blood samples and disease progression in metastatic malignant melanoma. Higher Ang2 levels were associated with larger tumors and more advanced disease stages.
A University of Florida study has resolved a long-standing debate in shark paleontology by concluding that modern great whites evolved from the broad-toothed mako shark. The preserved fossil, dating back 4-5 million years, features a complete jaw with intact teeth and vertebrae.
The report, written by U of Minnesota professor Gary Schwitzer, reveals that financial pressures and fierce competition are affecting the quality of health reporting. AHCJ members report difficulties in producing in-depth coverage due to bottom line pressure, with nearly nine in ten saying it's hurting news coverage.
Whitehead Institute researchers have identified a cellular pathway that determines whether cancerous tumors are susceptible to dietary restriction. The study found that permanently activated PI3K pathway allows tumors to grow independent of food consumption, while normal functioning leads to tumor shrinkage.
Researchers at Purdue University have identified a process called sumoylation that regulates gene activity involved in seed germination and seedling development. The study found that sumoylation is essential for controlling significant plant characteristics, including freeze tolerance and phosphate absorption.
Researchers at the University of Illinois identified a novel pathway controlling NF-kappa B activity, a key protein involved in inflammation. This finding could have important implications for treating diseases linked to chronic inflammation.
A nationwide study found that long-term exposure to ground-level ozone is associated with a 25-30% greater annual risk of dying from respiratory diseases. The study followed nearly 450,000 people for two decades and covered 96 metropolitan regions in the US.
Researchers at Charles Drew University found that neighborhoods with street gangs have significantly higher homicide rates and greater instability than those without. The presence of gangs, not poverty or unemployment, was the greatest predictor of homicides in Los Angeles County.
A nationwide study found that long-term exposure to elevated ground ozone significantly raises the risk of dying from lung disease. The risk is more than 30 percent greater in metropolitan areas with high ozone concentrations compared to those with low concentrations.
Metrological analysis of ancient houses reveals the use of standard models that were ingeniously adapted to suit individual situations. Architects used geometric figures and proportions to design homes for Pompeii's elite, resulting in unique solutions for each client.
Researchers developed a new immunohistochemical test that accurately diagnoses ARVC, a condition characterized by muscle cell replacement with fatty deposits and fibrosis. The test has the potential to identify patients at risk of sudden death and exclude other causes of arrhythmias.
Researchers develop anti-inflammatory therapy that blocks NF-kappa-B's movement into the nucleus, preventing excessive lung inflammation and damage. The treatment showed effectiveness in a mouse model of acute lung injury, offering hope for improved therapies for life-threatening pneumonia.
Researchers found that wishful bettors can contaminate beliefs throughout markets, causing investors with accurate beliefs to become overly optimistic about stock values. This contagion problem could contribute to market bubbles and other anomalies.
A new study by León Paumen has improved the accuracy of risk assessments for soil and sediment contamination. The research found that prolonged exposure to Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds (PACs) can lead to unpredictable effects on life cycles, contradicting previous assumptions about gradual effects.
Scientists discover that cerium and aluminum can form a previously impossible alloy under extreme pressure, creating new material properties. The delocalized electrons cause the atoms to collapse in volume, allowing them to nestle together and form an alloy.
A study on humor in geopolitics found that disposition theory helps understand who finds certain content funny and how it shapes global worldviews. The analysis of comedian Jeff Dunham's skits on Achmed the Dead Terrorist reveals the impact of internet communication technologies on humor dissemination.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new processing technique that allows for the rapid transit of electrical energy through lithium iron phosphate batteries, enabling faster charging times. The breakthrough could lead to smaller, lighter batteries with improved performance and longer lifespan.
A North Atlantic right whale was administered a sedation mixture, allowing rescuers to remove 90% of the entangling gear. The new sedation delivery system enabled the team to successfully free the animal in two days, improving the chances of its survival.
A national survey reveals that only one-in-five American adults can answer three basic science questions correctly. This lack of scientific literacy poses significant challenges to addressing pressing issues like climate change and resource management, emphasizing the importance of investment in science research and education.
The research, led by Johan Bollen, created a high-resolution graphic depiction of the virtual trails scientists leave behind when they retrieve information from online services. The map reveals unexpected relations between scientific domains and emerging relationships capturing the collective interest of the scientific community.
Researchers found significant discrepancies between self-reported fatigue and actigraphy readings, suggesting a link between heart failure, sleep disorders, and impairments in health-related quality of life. The study may lead to different approaches to patients suffering from anergia or 'lack of energy'.
A study by Penn State researchers identified nine factors that can help predict future click-through rates, including number of records in a search and browser type. The positive factors had five effects, while four had negative effects, with user intent having no significant impact on predicting click-throughs.
Two University of Alberta researchers have discovered eight genes directly related to disc degeneration, providing valuable insights into its biological mechanisms. The study's findings may lead to effective interventions for individuals prone to spine problems, such as those with obesity or genetic susceptibility.
Current testosterone doping tests may fail to detect steroid abuse in athletes of different ethnicities due to varying hormone metabolism. Researchers suggest recalibrating thresholds for each ethnic group to address this issue.
Researchers found strong associations between low vitamin D levels and higher risks of high blood pressure, hyperglycemia, and metabolic syndrome among adolescents. Vitamin D deficiency was linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes risk factors.
A new Université de Montréal study found that thrill-seeking young men are more likely to drive under the influence of cannabis and engage in reckless driving. The study, which analyzed data from 83 male participants, discovered that 30% of cannabis users reported at least one incidence of reckless driving in the previous 12 months.
Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed long, thin platinum nanowires that could improve the performance of fuel cells. The wires are designed to provide a larger surface area for catalysis, reducing the loss of platinum particles during fuel cell operation.
Researchers found a decrease in heart attack diagnoses using ECG, while biomarker-based diagnoses increased, contributing to stable hospitalization rates. Additionally, cardiogenic shock incidence declined over 30 years, likely due to reperfusion therapy and primary angioplasty.
A study found that person-centered care and dementia-care mapping reduce agitation in people with dementia, but no significant improvements in quality of life or neuropsychotic symptoms. Person-centered approaches are more cost-effective and can be easily implemented in residential care homes.
Researchers found that high levels of iron cause oxidative stress and lead to the death of cancer cells. The study suggests a novel approach for treating cutaneous T cell lymphoma by selectively releasing iron.
A recent study suggests that significantly reducing daily salt intake can have a profound impact on heart disease cases and deaths. By lowering salt consumption by just 3 grams per day, researchers estimate that nearly half a million fewer new heart disease cases and over 200,000 fewer deaths could occur in the US over a decade.
A new study confirms obesity-driven testing strategies can identify commercial truck drivers with high likelihood of obstructive sleep apnea, suggesting mandatory screenings could reduce truck crashes. The study also highlights the need for prohibition of 'doctor shopping' to ensure drivers receive treatment.
Recent research reveals that migraine mice have an imbalance in excitation and inhibition, leading to increased neuronal activity. Glutamate release is found to be elevated, facilitating the propagation of cortical spreading depression (CSD), a phenomenon linked to migraine aura.
A telephone consenting system piloted by specialist nurses improved parents' willingness to consent to post-mortem research on their children. The study found that most parents viewed the process positively and appreciated the opportunity to discuss post-mortem options with a bereavement nurse.
Scientists identified a highly conserved type IV secretion system in Rickettsia, linked to virulence, and discovered gene duplication and additional contributing genes. The study provides insight into the evolution of Rickettsia virulence and sheds light on its potential as emerging infectious agents.
Researchers found five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ADAM33 that were more frequent in COPD patients than non-COPD smokers. These polymorphisms, particularly S1, are associated with lung abnormalities and progressive decline in lung function characteristic of COPD.
A single-screening question from the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) accurately identifies unhealthy alcohol use in primary-care patients, with high sensitivity and specificity rates.
Scientists at the University of Leeds have discovered a link between toxoplasmosis and schizophrenia, suggesting that the parasite affects dopamine production in the brain. The study provides new insights into the development of schizophrenia and its potential connections to other neurological disorders.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has launched a new $19 million research program to investigate the impact of laws on public health. The program, led by Temple University's James E. Beasley School of Law, will focus on pressing health challenges such as infectious and chronic diseases, and health emergencies like floods and epidemics.
Researchers have developed a new way to detect early stages of diabetic retinopathy using beams of light to measure blood flow in the back of the eye. This technique may provide a more quantitative and less invasive method for diagnosing the condition, potentially cutting costs.
New research published in The FASEB Journal suggests that slight dips in brain temperature can cause an increase in abnormal tau protein, which is associated with Alzheimer's disease. This finding highlights the need for caution when anesthetizing patients with Alzheimer's or at risk of developing the disease.
A new study reveals that reward-induced stimulus pairing can elicit visual learning in adults without conscious awareness of the stimulus presentation or reward contingencies. This suggests that automatic reinforcement mechanisms rather than directed attention drive improvements in sensory skills.
Researchers developed computer-generated chains of kidney transplantations that start with altruistic donors, providing a viable alternative to paired donations. The models assign values to donor characteristics, generating pairings based on similar scores and overcoming issues in the matching market.
Researchers created detailed brain maps using MRI and CT scans of 241 patients with cognitive impairment. The study found that verbal comprehension and working memory indices share overlapping brain regions, suggesting they may represent the same type of intelligence.
A large-scale trial found that diabetic patients with atrial fibrillation have a significantly higher risk of death from cardiovascular causes. The study suggests that aggressive treatment with blood pressure-lowering drugs can reduce this risk, and highlights the importance of identifying undiagnosed AF in diabetic patients.
A recent UTMB study found a dramatic increase in the number of hospitalists, from 5.9% to 19% of internal medicine physicians between 1995 and 2006. Hospitalist care has grown substantially across different diagnoses and hospital sizes, with regional variations also observed.
A new study reveals that smoking habits are deeply intertwined with relationship dynamics, with couples experiencing increased positive emotions and synchrony when both partners smoke. This finding highlights the importance of considering social factors in health interventions.
Researchers at the University of Miami and Japan have proven the existence of a 'spin battery', a device that stores energy in magnets, potentially leading to faster, less expensive, and more efficient computer hard drives and car batteries. The technology uses nano-magnets to induce an electromotive force without chemical reactions.
A new study finds that more than half of African-American teens are vitamin D deficient, with girls at higher risk and overweight teens nearly double their normal-weight counterparts. The researchers highlight the importance of educating the public on vitamin D's benefits and consider national fortification strategies.