Research at the University of Leeds found that logged rainforests can recover biodiversity to pre-logging levels within 15 years through managed restoration. This approach can also support carbon offsetting, providing a stronger incentive for protecting vulnerable forests.
A new study by the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology found that adolescents' perception of family functioning is no longer decisive. Family structure is no longer a determining factor in an adolescent's perception of proper family function.
Hurricane Rick strengthened into a Category Five hurricane, bringing powerful winds and large ocean swells to the southern Baja California. NASA satellites tracked the storm's progress, revealing high thunderstorm cloud temperatures and an eye forming on October 18.
UC researchers are examining the effects of ecstasy on young adult cognition, mood, and brain structure. They aim to understand how individual genetics moderate the negative effects of drug use.
A combination of estrogen and a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) may relieve menopause symptoms and lower breast cancer risk without the progestin side effects. Researchers treated breast and endometrial cell lines with the hormone mix, finding that it blocked cell growth and prevented proliferation.
A new analysis of historical documents and geological maps reveals Jerusalem's karst geology played a pivotal role in the city's selection as David's capital, allowing it to successfully fend off Assyrian sieges. The discovery highlights the significance of water security in the region, with implications for modern-day life and politics.
Researchers have developed a highly sensitive PSA assay using nanotechnology, enabling early detection of prostate cancer recurrence and improving treatment outcomes. The new technology has the potential to redefine the PSA 'zero' level, allowing for earlier diagnosis and targeted therapies.
A new analysis of a long-term survey of human health shows that humans are still evolving due to natural selection. The study found that the descendants of over 2000 women in the Framingham Heart Study will be slightly shorter and heavier, have lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and reach menopause later in life.
A new theory proposes that toxic algae may have caused the world's great species annihilations during five of Earth's largest mass extinctions. Algae blooms can kill thousands of fish and poison shellfish, with some plants on land also picking up toxins through their roots.
People with job authority report higher levels of interpersonal conflict and stressors spilling over into non-work domains. Despite benefits like greater pay and problem-solving tasks, the health costs negate the advantages of having power at work.
Deborah Friberg, COO and Executive Vice President at WakeMed Health and Hospitals, has been recognized by APIC with the first annual Healthcare Administrator Award. She supports infection prevention and control through various initiatives, including MRSA reduction and hand hygiene compliance.
Researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute have developed a method to grow cells in three dimensions using paper stacks, mimicking real tissues. This technique allows for uniform oxygen and nutrient delivery, making it easier to study cancer and other diseases.
The American College of Physicians recommends initiating therapy with a PDE-5 inhibitor in men with ED unless there's a contraindication. Treatment with PDE-5 inhibitors results in statistically significant improvements in sexual intercourse and erectile function, regardless of cause or baseline severity.
Women without HOXA13 gene mutations do not need x-rays and tests for hand-foot genital syndrome, according to a new study. Hand-foot genital syndrome affects reproductive and urinary systems development.
The International Materials Institute for New Functionalities in Glass at Lehigh University has received a second five-year contract from the National Science Foundation. The institute aims to increase the visibility of glass globally while encouraging more students to pursue careers in this historically low-number field. Glass plays a...
Researchers at the University of Michigan have found that genes involved in fin regeneration and heart repair are also required for rebuilding damaged light receptors in the eye. The study suggests that a common molecular mechanism guides the process, no matter what body part is damaged.
A study published in Archives of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery found that glucocorticoid medication and Ginkgo biloba significantly improved the sense of smell in individuals with previous olfactory loss due to upper respiratory infections. The treatment was effective regardless of whether it was used alone or in combination.
A multi-year study of 428 thyroidectomy patients found only slight differences in rates of complications and hospital readmissions between older and younger patients. Elderly patients had a slightly higher hospital readmission rate due to transient calcium levels issues, not age-related complications.
Researchers found that chlorhexidine-soaked wipes did not reduce neonatal sepsis or vertical transmission of group B streptococcus. The study suggests that other interventions are needed to target child mortality and achieve the Millennium Development Goal of reducing childhood mortality.
Researchers found that administration of APC protein slowed disease progression and extended survival in mice with inherited ALS. The study suggests activating APC might benefit patients with inherited and possibly sporadic ALS, but warns of potential risks.
A Yale team used whole exome sequencing to identify a mutation in a Turkish baby's genome, leading to a surprise diagnosis and treatment of congenital chloride diarrhea. The approach has potential for dramatic insights into human diseases and could become commonly used in clinical settings.
Researchers at Ohio State University have found that giving supplemental oxygen to animals during a stroke can reduce damage to brain tissue surrounding the clot. The timing of delivery is critical to achieving this benefit, and using pure oxygen delivered by mask was also effective.
Tropical Storm Neki formed near Johnston Island with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph; forecasters predict strengthening into a hurricane as it moves northwest, passing close to the island on October 21.
Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory identified an enzyme responsible for suberin production, which can help control water and nutrient transportation in plants. This discovery may lead to easier agricultural production of crops used for biofuels, enabling them to thrive in specific or harsh environments.
A new study suggests that global warming may lead to increased productivity in high-elevation forests of the Pacific Northwest, with potential increases of up to 500% in Washington. However, lower-elevation forests are expected to decline in growth due to drought stress and limited moisture.
A study published in the Journal of Cell Biology reveals that PIKfyve, a lipid kinase, protects neurons from calcium overload by degrading voltage-gated calcium channels. This mechanism may provide new insights into neurodegenerative disorders such as stroke, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease.
A recent study found that bariatric surgery is associated with a higher risk of death in superobese patients. The research, published in Archives of Surgery, analyzed data from 856 veterans who underwent bariatric surgery between 2000 and 2006. Patients classified as superobese had a significantly increased risk of dying within one yea...
Researchers from the University of Texas at Austin and other institutions have made new ground measurements that suggest the West Antarctic ice sheet is losing ice slightly more slowly than estimated. The findings could improve estimates of ice mass loss and provide a clearer picture of Antarctica's contribution to rising sea levels.
Researchers identified populations of neurons coding time with extreme precision in the primate brain's prefrontal cortex and striatum. This fine-scale coverage enables precise timing of actions, such as speaking or driving a car.
Middle-aged and older adults with little Internet experience showed significant brain activation patterns after just a week of online training. The study found that internet searching can stimulate neural activity, enhancing decision-making and complex reasoning in older adults.
Yumei Wang, a geotechnical engineer, proposes tsunami evacuation buildings in the Pacific Northwest to mitigate the risk of massive tsunamis. The buildings would provide safe spaces for emergency response and long-term recovery, with estimated costs ranging from $1 million to $2 million.
Dr. Óscar Custance has been awarded the 2009 Feynman Prize for Experimental Work in Nanotechnology for his pioneering research in atomic-scale precision. His work could lead to more effective catalysts for hydrogen fuel production. The prize recognizes advancements toward molecular manufacturing.
Scientists have discovered a compound that dramatically slows the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in mice by extending their lifespan by 25 percent and reducing muscle wasting. The enzyme APC has been shown to protect neurons from cell death caused by SOD1 mutations, which are linked to most sporadic cases of ALS.
Researchers at Duke University found a clear dose-response pattern between lead exposure and test performance, with the effects becoming more pronounced as lead levels increase. Early childhood exposure to lead accounts for 7-16% of decline in test scores, while family poverty status accounts for 25-28%, and parental education for 58-65%.
High concentrations of glutamate activate the metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 (mGlu1 receptors), which become protective against toxic effects. This finding may lead to rational drug design for therapeutic approaches to protect against excitotoxic brain damage following injury and neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers are optimizing progesterone for treating traumatic brain injuries by combining it with vitamin D and developing more water-soluble analogues. These compounds showed equivalent ability to reduce brain swelling in animal models, suggesting potential for improved treatment outcomes.
Sarah DuRant, a Virginia Tech doctoral student, has received two national awards for her research with wood ducks. Her work explores the effects of slight changes in incubation temperature on early growth and stress endocrinology in wood ducklings. This novel approach reveals profound impacts on the health of baby birds after hatching.
Researchers studied 247 trauma patients with lung blood clots and found no association between the two conditions. The study suggests that many pulmonary embolisms form primarily in the lungs, contradicting decades-long teaching that deep venous thrombosis is a precursor to pulmonary embolism.
A study examined thyroid surgery complications in patients aged 21-65. Results showed similar rates of complications between younger and older patients, with higher readmission rates due to hypocalcemia in the elderly group.
Researchers found that administering APC and its analogs slowed disease progression and extended survival in mutant SOD1-expressing mice. These compounds worked by decreasing SOD1 expression in brain cells, indicating a potential neuroprotective effect of APC in mouse models of inherited ALS.
Uloric (febuxostat) has been shown to effectively manage hyperuricemia in patients with gout, achieving normal serum urate levels in 45-67% of patients. The treatment also reduced the risk of future gout flares and was superior to allopurinol in lowering serum urate levels.
A new study suggests that a shorter course of antibiotics following tonsillectomy may be just as effective in reducing pain and promoting recovery. The research found no significant differences between children who received a 3-day versus 7-day course of postoperative antibiotics.
Researchers studied mice with a genetic deficiency that shortens their telomeres, similar to patients with dyskeratosis congenita. After 12-14 generations, the mice's telomeres regained normal lengths, suggesting an equilibration process that could protect against telomere erosion and disease symptoms.
Researchers at Clemson University found evidence that toxin-producing algae played a deadly role in mass extinctions. The scientists analyzed ancient algal deposits and found that these algae were present in sufficient quantities to kill off plants and animals.
The International Diabetes Federation reports a staggering 285 million people worldwide have diabetes, with the disease disproportionately affecting low and middle-income countries. The number is expected to reach 435 million by 2030, posing a significant threat to global health and economies.
A transgenic rat named Hobbie-J was created by over-expressing the NR2B gene, which enhances communication between brain cells. This results in improved memory and learning capabilities, including remembering novel objects and navigating complex tasks.
A systematic review of six randomized trials found pneumococcal conjugate vaccines reduced vaccine-type IPD by 80%, all-serotype IPD by 58% and x-ray defined pneumonia by 27%. The vaccines also prevented 11% of child deaths.
A team of researchers led by Queen's University scientists has discovered significant ecological changes in an Arctic lake, which extends the record of climate change back 80,000 years. The study found that human activities are overpowering natural processes, leading to dramatic ecosystem shifts.
Super Typhoon Lupit is currently packing maximum sustained winds near 132 mph and moving westward toward northern Luzon. The storm has joined the ranks of super typhoons in the Western Pacific Ocean, with forecasters expecting a landfall in the region during the afternoon hours on October 22.
Researchers at UC Davis MIND Institute report that after adjusting for factors, typically developing children and those with autism have similar blood-mercury levels. The study, conducted as part of the CHARGE Study, looked at various sources of mercury in participants' environments, including fish consumption and vaccinations.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have developed a new technique that allows for precise analysis of protein sugar structures. This breakthrough may lead to a better understanding of disease mechanisms and potential new treatments, particularly for conditions such as Alzheimer's.
A new Brandeis study found that faculty values at US academic medical centers align well with institutional missions, but in some cases, institutions fall short of practicing what they preach. Faculty prioritize caring for the underserved, teaching, intellectual rigor, and freedom of discovery.
A Massachusetts General Hospital study found no evidence of deep venous thrombosis in most trauma patients with pulmonary embolism, questioning the current understanding of the condition's origin. The researchers suggest that clots may form independently in the lungs, potentially revolutionizing the way PE is prevented and treated.
A new study by Rice University's Jones Graduate School of Business found that Chinese firms benefiting from the diversity of foreign direct investment (FDI) productivity and competitiveness. The more diverse the national origins of foreign investors in an industry, the higher the productivity of Chinese firms.
Researchers analyzed ancient bison genetic mutations to identify important variations in domestic animals, potentially improving agricultural breeding programs and disease resistance. The study also revealed the evolutionary history of the ruminant family tree and provided insights into climate change adaptations.
A new facial expression recognition system is being developed to help autistic children recognize emotions of surrounding people. The portable device uses boosting classifier and derivative-based filtering to locate the face region and classify emotional expressions.
Researchers use optogentics to explore brain function in normal and pathological conditions. New findings suggest musical training enhances auditory skills and diagnostic treatments for hearing disorders.
A study of 2,240 people found that high CRP levels were associated with an increased risk of heart attack and death, while lower levels were linked to reduced risk. The protein was not linked to an increased risk of stroke in the study, suggesting it may be more useful for predicting heart health.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) has issued clinical practice guidelines for treating erectile dysfunction (ED), recommending the use of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors and individualizing decisions on hormonal tests. For patients with stable ischemic heart disease, adding ACE inhibitors to standard care improves ou...
Researchers at Caltech have developed a robot called CYCLOPS that simulates the visual experience of blind individuals with implanted visual prostheses, refining design and enhancing its effectiveness. The robot's camera system processes images, allowing scientists to test various enhancements without relying on actual blind users.