Danish scientists used MRI and CT to study internal organs in animals like alligators, snakes, and tarantulas. They found that snakes adapt their organs for big meals and digestion, allowing them to survive 'feast and famine' lifestyles.
A new study found that smoking bans in Minneapolis and St. Paul led to a 3-6% increase in bar employment and a 4% rise in restaurant employment, contradicting predictions of job losses. The research suggests that clean indoor air policies promote healthier workplaces for workers and patrons.
A study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases found that community-based education increased treatment compliance from 50% to 90% in Orissa State, India. The intervention combined timely educational programs with lymphedema management, reversing the trend and increasing drug compliance.
The study will test the effectiveness of an intervention called HOME Plus, which teaches families how to create nutritious meals and snacks together, reducing screen time for children. Participating families will learn nutrition education, cooking skills, and collaborate on meal preparation.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that individuals who used light rail transit (LRT) for commuting experienced increased physical activity and subsequent weight loss. LRT users were also 81% less likely to become obese over time.
Researchers developed a new easy-to-use table to quantify vehicle temperature changes, helping public officials and parents understand the deadly consequences of leaving children unattended in hot weather. The table provides clear warnings of the risks involved, shedding light on the dangers of hyperthermia in closed cars.
Tropical storm Alex is strengthening due to low wind shear and warm ocean surface temperatures, posing a threat of heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and storm surge to northeastern Mexico and southeastern Texas. The National Hurricane Center predicts the storm will make landfall on Wednesday, bringing potentially life-threatening conditions.
A team of researchers from Duke University and the Salk Institute for Biological Studies has identified a key intermediary between the light system for information and the light system that makes fuel in plants. The discovery, led by Meng Chen, could help increase agricultural yields or improve photosynthesis of biofuel crops.
Research found that mothers who drank 4.5 or more drinks a week during pregnancy had sons with lower sperm concentrations, averaging around 25 million per milliliter. The study also discovered an association between prenatal alcohol exposure and semen volume and total sperm count.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have successfully integrated a terahertz quantum-cascade laser and diode mixer into a compact, monolithic platform, reducing the need for precise optical alignment. This innovation could enable new applications in security, communications, and medical diagnostics.
The Ecological Society of America honors seven distinguished ecologists for their outstanding contributions to the field. The awards recognize achievements in ecological research, education, and sustainability, including Simon A. Levin's Eminent Ecologist Award and Martin Lindegren's Sustainability Science Award.
A recent meta-analysis found that there is no single best intervention for promoting repeat breast cancer screening with mammography. The studies were heterogeneous, differing in their conclusions about similar interventions due to a lack of standardization among interventions or different populations and settings.
A recent analysis of a large clinical trial found no increased rate of heart attack or death in patients taking rosiglitazone, despite previous concerns. The study compared patients treated with rosiglitazone to those not receiving any thiazolidinedione drug, showing a lower combined rate of death, heart attack, and stroke.
A study found that imaging-guided percutaneous needle biopsies increased by 67% between 1997 and 2008, while open biopsies decreased. The technique offers greater precision and lower complication rates, resulting in a modest growth rate of 3% overall.
Researchers found that only one side of the brain can be motivated at a time, with subliminal cues influencing hand grip strength. This unilateral effect challenges traditional views on motivation and its relationship to conscious awareness.
Key findings from a PLOS Medicine series highlight the need to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and policy-making in Africa. The authors emphasize developing innovative approaches and investing in local adaptation of global MNCH evidence to address regional constraints.
Researchers from Warwick University isolated a gene responsible for regulating CONSTANS expression, a key inducer of flowering in Arabidopsis. The discovery could enable more predictable flowering and better scheduling of crops.
Scientists have discovered that ovarian transplants from young mice can restore fertility and increase lifespan in aging female mice. The procedure, which has been performed with limited success in women so far, may also have a rejuvenating effect on their behavior. Researchers believe that similar procedures could be used to preserve ...
Researchers found a single SNP, rs36498, associated with higher asthma susceptibility in two populations. The mutation may increase eosinophils, leading to asthma attacks. Further study is needed to understand the role of Siglec-8 gene mutations in asthma.
In a study of over 10,000 adults with type 2 diabetes, intensive glucose control did not delay the progression to kidney failure, major vision loss, or advanced peripheral neuropathy. However, it reduced signs of damage, such as decreased protein leakage in urine and lower cataract surgery rates.
New research reveals that high doses of caffeine increase muscle power and endurance during sub-maximal activities, such as everyday tasks or running a marathon. The study's findings have implications for the use of caffeine in sports to enhance performance, although caffeine remains unlisted by the World Anti-Doping Agency.
The DIYbio community, comprising over 2,000 amateur biologists, is partnering with the Woodrow Wilson Center on a biosafety initiative to ensure safe science. The project aims to develop a positive culture around citizen science and establish best practices for safety in the community.
A study found that smoking is associated with molecularly defined DNA changes and a subtype of colorectal cancer that emerges more frequently among older women. The researchers suggest that epigenetic modifications may play a role in the development of smoking-related colorectal carcinogenesis.
A study published in Forensic Science International reveals that a person's dental patterns can be used as proof of their identity with the same degree of reliability as DNA testing. The researchers analyzed over 3,000 people and found variability values comparable to mitochondrial DNA.
The study found that male zebra finches use their stronger vocal muscles to control the pitch of their songs, while females rely on lung pressure. This discovery sheds light on how birds learn to sing and the complex mechanisms behind birdsong.
Researchers demonstrate the feasibility of floating wind turbines, supporting a 5-megawatt turbine in deep waters. The WindFloat platform, developed by Principle Power, is stable enough to harness high-speed winds at depths over 50 meters.
Researchers have developed a simple, non-invasive blood test that can detect chromosomal abnormalities in the developing fetus using molecular genetic probes. The test has already shown promise in identifying DNA from the Y chromosome and is being investigated for detecting trisomy 21 (Down's syndrome) and other conditions.
Researchers at Durham University use huge computer simulations to recreate the beginnings of the Milky Way, finding that many ancient stars originated from smaller galaxies torn apart by galaxy collisions. The simulations provide a blueprint for galaxy formation and reveal clues to the early history of the Milky Way.
Researchers at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis are exploring the potential of echinacea in petrochemicals and agriculture. The study aims to understand the plant's metabolic processes, which could lead to the creation of novel bio-derived compounds with diverse applications.
A new estimate suggests that Huntington's disease affects at least 12.4 per 100,000 people in England and Wales, likely an underestimate due to stigma and lack of genetic testing. The true prevalence may be higher, with implications for healthcare services and research into treatments.
Researchers at Ohio State University discovered how dietary supplement indole-3-carbinol (I3C) blocks cancer cell growth by destroying the Cdc25A molecule. I3C reduced tumor size by up to 65% in breast cancer models, offering potential health benefits and a new strategy for cancer treatment.
A study found that women with a genetic variation in their hormone receptor are more likely to have a poor response to FSH during fertility treatment. The abnormal receptor impairs the function of normal receptors, resulting in fewer oocytes produced.
Researchers at NYU identified a key mechanism in the brain's computation of sound location, finding that neurons are sensitive to rise times and detect differences between input shapes on a microsecond scale. This contradicts previous theories, which held that biophysical properties were identical for both ears.
Researchers studied how Medicare Part D impacts prescription costs, generic drug use, coverage for previously uninsured beneficiaries, pharmacy reimbursement, and beneficiary experiences with MTM services. The analysis found significant effects on prescribing habits and out-of-pocket spending.
A study published in The Lancet found that intensive blood glucose control showed microvascular benefits, such as reduced albuminuria and cataract extractions, but no significant reduction in cardiovascular disease. Intensive therapy was also associated with increased weight gain and high risk of severe low blood sugar.
Women who enrolled in WIC during their first or second trimester were less likely to introduce cow's milk too soon than those who enrolled later. This study highlights the importance of timely nutrition reinforcement for low-income mothers and their children's health.
The African Network for Drugs and Diagnostics Innovation aims to stimulate health product research and development in Africa. Successful implementation requires sustainable capacity, infrastructure, funding, leadership, and understanding of health R&D in the African continent.
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem has been selected to participate in the CREATE program, focusing on cellular and molecular mechanisms of inflammation. The research aims to develop diagnostic/prognostic indicators and novel therapeutics for inflammatory diseases.
The ACCORD study found that intensive glucose treatment delayed albuminuria onset but didn't reduce microvascular complications like eye disease or kidney failure. However, it increased mortality, weight gain, and severe hypoglycemia risk, prompting a shift to standard therapy.
Researchers used Robofish to study the collective behavior of three-spined sticklebacks in groups. The findings show that individual fish are more influenced by neighboring fish than distance from the leader, providing insights into fish group dynamics and collective animal behavior.
Researchers have created a convincing robotic fish that shoals will accept as one of their own, allowing them to study complex situations such as aggressive and cooperative behaviour. The study found that relative distance between individuals is more important than absolute distance in influencing group dynamics.
A new study found that rosiglitazone, a medication for treating Type 2 diabetes, is associated with an increased risk of stroke, heart failure, and death compared to pioglitazone. The study analyzed data from over 227,000 patients aged 65 and older who took the medications from 2006 to 2009.
A new study reveals differing hormone levels in humans, bonobos, and chimpanzees before competition. Males who are intolerant of sharing food showed hormonal changes similar to chimpanzees, while those who tolerated cooperation showed cortisol increases like bonobos.
A study published in Canadian Medical Association Journal found that children with developmental coordination disorder are three times more likely to be overweight than typically developing children. The researchers also noted an increased risk of obesity over time, regardless of gender.
Researchers at the University of Leeds are developing a new cancer treatment that uses gas bubbles and sound waves to deliver toxic drugs directly to tumors. The technique has the potential to be adapted for other diseases and could provide a more effective and targeted treatment for colorectal cancer.
A new study found that nearly 49% of women with early-stage breast cancer did not complete their full hormone therapy regimen. Younger women were more likely to discontinue treatment. The study highlights the need for better understanding and interventions to reduce treatment non-compliance.
Phytophthora blight affects all cucurbits and peppers, causing up to 100% crop loss in parts of the state. Illinois-grown processing pumpkins account for nearly 95% of US supply, with a gross value exceeding $160 million per year.
Scientists are analyzing over 2,500 marine samples from the deep sea for potential malaria treatments. Preliminary tests have identified 300 samples that can kill malaria parasites, with one compound showing promise.
A new study finds that death rates from type 1 diabetes have steadily improved over the past few decades, with more recent diagnoses showing a lower risk of mortality. However, women and African-Americans are still disproportionately affected, with higher mortality rates compared to men and Caucasians.
A custom-fit mouth tray with carbamide peroxide can combat plaque accumulation, cavities, and periodontal disease in vulnerable populations. Regular tooth whitening can also lead to improved gingival health.
A laboratory study of microscopic organisms subjected to varying degrees of acoustic disturbance shows that competition can be a factor in regulating ecological communities regardless of the intensity or frequency of disturbance. The findings contradict the intermediate disturbance hypothesis, suggesting that there is a strong trade-of...
CSIRO scientists have developed an improved Black Tiger prawn breed using DNA technology, resulting in record yields of up to 24.2 tonnes per hectare. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize the Australian prawn farming industry and increase production from 5,000 tonnes to 12,500 tonnes by 2020.
A study published in the Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society found that lower performance on tests measuring learning and processing speed, as well as symptoms of depression, predicted subsequent cognitive decline in a normal population. The researchers used advanced statistical methodology to analyze multiple varia...
Dr Jay Kennedy discovers a regular pattern of symbols in Plato's books, linked to Pythagoras' harmony of the spheres, revealing his philosophy on nature and God. This breakthrough challenges conventional wisdom and opens up new ways to unite science and religion.
Researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute have engineered photosynthetic bacteria to produce simple sugars and lactic acid, offering a sustainable alternative for producing commodity chemicals. This innovation could lead to reduced carbon dioxide emissions and greater availability of biodegradable plastics.
Tropical Storm Alex has brought heavy rainfall to Belize and the Yucatan Peninsula, with total rain accumulations expected to reach 4-8 inches over the region. The storm is expected to strengthen into a hurricane over the next several days as it heads north into the western Gulf of Mexico.
A study by Human Assisted Reproduction Ireland found that there is negligible risk of seroconversion in ART patients, making repeat viral screening unjustifiable. This could result in significant financial costs for couples undergoing treatment.
Researchers discovered that volunteers could rapidly assess whether a face was looking at them if it had exaggerated masculine or feminine features. Women were quicker to classify gaze direction when viewing more masculine faces, while men were faster with feminine faces.
A literature review suggests that surgery is not the first line of treatment for low back pain caused by herniated disks, and that alternative options such as physical therapy and medications can provide relief. The review also found that patients with larger herniations are more likely to experience a recurrence of pain after surgery.
Princeton University researchers are developing a new method for studying brain connectivity using genetically engineered viruses. The viruses, designed by Lynn Enquist's team, travel through the nervous system, tracing connections between neurons and reporting on their activity. This approach has significant implications for understan...