A rare beetle, Agrilus coxalis, has attacked 67 percent of oak trees in an area east of San Diego, threatening fire danger and wildlife habitats. The beetle's origin and spread are still unknown, but research is needed to determine its distribution, seasonal active periods, and natural enemies.
A new study finds that changes in vegetation can have a profound impact on fire occurrences, often overriding the effects of climate change. The research suggests that vegetation can alter the direct link between fuels and climate.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab and UC Berkeley have created a nanostructured silicon 'carpet cloak' that conceals objects from view, demonstrating invisibility in two dimensions. The all-dielectric material is easy to fabricate and scalable, paving the way for potential applications in microscopes and computers.
A new study from Brown University found that statewide weight loss competitions can be an effective way to promote weight loss in large numbers of people. The study, which evaluated the Shape Up Rhode Island 2007 program, showed that individuals who increased their activity levels achieved the best weight losses.
A Iowa State University researcher has figured out a mechanism involved in marking where DNA instructions are located in cells. The Gcn5 protein plays a crucial role in recognizing chemically modified histones, facilitating efficient gene reading and shedding light on diseases like cancer.
A warmer, wetter climate poses a significant threat to Lake Baikal's biodiversity, with declining ice cover affecting iconic diatoms at the base of the food web. Stepped-up monitoring and international action are necessary to mitigate the impact of climate change on this unique ecosystem.
A parasitic bacterium may reduce mosquito lifespan and limit dengue fever transmission. Infected mosquitoes become more active as they age, but their activity levels don't increase further.
The US wildlife trade is plagued by a lack of coordination and regulation, leading to the importation of millions of animals each year. This can have devastating effects on native species, food supply chains, and human health, as evidenced by previous disease outbreaks such as monkeypox.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have made significant contributions to optimization problems, dynamical systems theory, and climate change modeling. The duo was named Fellow by the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) for their work on software development and numerical methods.
Pediatric experts from Children's National Medical Center presented innovative research on urban health issues, HIV, and childhood obesity. The studies highlighted the importance of universal rapid HIV screening for teens in pediatric EDs and the impact of second-hand tobacco smoke on children.
The Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) has named 183 individuals as Fellows for their significant impact on the fields of applied mathematics and computational science. These professionals have made substantial contributions to various areas, including number theory, partial differential equations, and algorithm design.
A new study evaluated the community's response to Indivo, a personalized health record system. The two-year study found that issues such as health literacy, accessibility, and privacy were relevant factors in PCHR adoption. Researchers advocate for continued evaluation of PCHRs and discussions on technical and policy approaches to adva...
A new study published in The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found a strong link between genetic predisposition and rotator cuff tears. Family members of patients with rotator cuff tears are at increased risk of similar tendon tears, suggesting that heredity plays a role in the development of the disease.
A study reveals that adolescents with ADHD are more likely to experience current and lifetime sleep problems and disorders, regardless of ADHD symptom severity. Mental health professionals are advised to screen for sleep problems and psychiatric comorbidities in all adolescents with a childhood ADHD diagnosis.
Researchers studied 243 wounded Marines to identify risk factors for heterotopic ossification, a condition where bone forms in soft tissues. The study found that age, traumatic brain injury, amputation, and multiple injuries are key contributors to the development of this abnormal bone growth.
Researchers have identified a protein responsible for regulating branched-chain amino acid catabolism, which may be linked to Maple Syrup Urine Disease. Additionally, immune cells called V-alpha-24-invariant NKT cells can indirectly affect neuroblastoma growth by killing tumor-associated cells that promote its growth.
Researchers are developing a strategic approach to studying metastasis, targeting the molecular and cellular players that mediate changes at future sites of metastasis. This could lead to new cancer treatments that target each step along the metastatic pathway.
Research published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that individuals with higher education levels consumed diets with lower energy density and higher nutrient content. These diets were also associated with lower costs per kilocalorie, but only among women with higher socioeconomic status.
A study at Yale-New Haven Hospital found that implementing simple clinical interventions, including communication training and standardizing procedures, significantly improved maternal and newborn outcomes. The rate of adverse events decreased by 60%, while the staff's perception of safety increased by 30%.
Researchers at UT Houston have identified a single gene defect that causes thoracic aortic aneurysms, dissections, coronary artery disease, ischemic stroke, and Moyamoya disease. The study found that mutations in the ACTA2 gene can lead to increased smooth muscle cell multiplication, contributing to blocked or enlarged arteries.
The survey found that nearly half of Americans are concerned about contracting the H1N1 virus, with over half taking precautions such as washing hands or wearing face masks. Beliefs about transmission, prevention, and treatment vary, with some Americans unsure about the effectiveness of medicine or vaccines.
A bedtime routine significantly reduces problematic sleep behaviors in infants and toddlers, while also improving maternal mood and increasing sleep continuity. The study's findings highlight the importance of creating a consistent bedtime routine as a preventative measure for young children with sleep problems.
Researchers identified CEACAM6 as a key factor blocking the effectiveness of adenovirus-based therapies in treating cancer. Knocking down CEACAM6 expression increased anticancer effects in mice with human tumor cells.
The NASA Goddard Space Flight Center has achieved significant milestones, including the launch of the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and the Solar Dynamic Observatory. The center is also working on future missions to study global precipitation, Mars' lost atmosphere, and dark energy.
A new study reveals that glaciers in New Zealand's Southern Alps have fluctuated frequently over the past 7,000 years, with some advances and declines not seen in the Northern Hemisphere. The research uses a refined method to date young moraines, allowing for more accurate reconstructions of glacial advances worldwide.
Engineers at Purdue University and Sandia National Laboratories have developed a technique to monitor forces exerted on wind turbine blades, enabling real-time adjustments for optimal efficiency. The system aims to reduce catastrophic damage from high winds and improve overall wind turbine reliability.
The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging has published a comprehensive guide to PET scanning in cancer therapy, providing international guidelines and criteria for response assessment. The new supplement aims to improve tumor response assessment and treatment monitoring with FDG PET imaging.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins discovered that cell-to-cell contact revs up microRNA production, a key regulator of gene expression. The study found that physical contact is the critical factor influencing microRNA abundance, with increasing cell density leading to increased microRNA production in all tested cell lines.
Infants born to mothers with depression experience significant sleep disturbances from 2 weeks postpartum until 6 months of age. The study suggests that maternal depression may affect infants' sleep patterns and increase the risk of developing early-onset depression in childhood.
A new study analyzed dietary factors and found that a combination of key nutrients and low-glycemic index foods can reduce age-related macular degeneration (AMD) risks. Additionally, research highlights the cost-effectiveness of glaucoma treatment in improving vision quality and quality of life.
Gary Conrad's research on cornea development has led to knowledge that could improve LASIK surgery by strengthening the stromal flap and allowing it to permanently bind back to the cornea. The lab group is testing a possible solution using riboflavin and UVA light.
Research at Boston University School of Medicine found that prenatal cocaine exposure may compromise selective areas of neurocognitive development during middle childhood. The study suggests the possibility of 'sleeper effects' of IUCE, which may become more apparent with greater cognitive demands.
A landmark USGS study documents the process of methylmercury formation in the North Pacific Ocean, which contaminates tuna and other seafood. The study shows that long-range transport of mercury from Asia is a significant pathway, highlighting the need for reduced mercury emissions to protect public health.
A University of Minnesota study found that high school biology teachers significantly impact college students' acceptance of evolution and questioning of creationism. About two-thirds of students reported their high school classes included evolution, while one-third did not cover either evolution or creationism.
Researchers tested two dolphins' cognitive performance after 5 days of continuous auditory vigilance, finding no signs of sleep deprivation. The dolphins remained alert and responsive to both sound and visual stimuli throughout the 120-hour experiment, with their blood showing no physical signs of fatigue.
Chronic ankle pain is a common issue that may not resolve on its own after an initial injury. Tendon injuries to the peroneal tendons are now recognized as a possible cause of chronic pain. Early diagnosis and treatment can alleviate symptoms, and imaging techniques like MRI or ultrasound can help identify the condition.
Researchers at the University of Exeter found that individually-tailored emotional support improved sports performance by an average of 1.78 shots per round in professional and amateur golfers. The study provides evidence for the significant impact of social support on athletic success.
A study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that 96 percent of cementless metal components remained securely fixed in place after 20 years. The implants showed promise, especially for younger patients, but wear-related problems were more common among those under 60.
Researchers studied brain electrical activity and blood flow during caffeine withdrawal, finding increased brain blood flow and changes in EEG that relate to common withdrawal symptoms. The study also showed no net beneficial effects of chronic caffeine administration.
A new UAB study reveals that prisoners with positive social support networks are more likely to maintain their religious convictions. The research, conducted in-depth interviews with 63 inmates at the Mississippi State Penitentiary, found that social support played a crucial role in helping inmates cope with prison life.