Marine biologist Helen Nilsson Sköld and her colleagues found that the number of internal pigment cells is linked to transparency levels in fish. Plaice have a high number of internal pigment cells, but are not transparent, leading to a bewildering display of colour.
A new study found that testosterone deficiency after chemotherapy or radiation therapy affects male cancer survivors' quality of life and energy levels. Young male cancer survivors with low testosterone may benefit from replacement therapy.
A new study published in PLoS Biology found that absolute humidity is the underlying cause of seasonal influenza outbreaks. The researchers used 31 years of observed data to drive a mathematical model of influenza and found that the model simulations reproduced the observed seasonal cycle of influenza throughout the United States.
A new study reveals that chromatin regulatory proteins, Smc2 and Smc4, play a crucial role in maintaining genome stability in embryonic stem cells. The authors found that condensins promote mitotic progression and interphase chromatin compaction, leading to massive DNA damage and cell death when blocked in these cells.
POSITIVE RESULTS is a comprehensive guidebook for those at high risk of breast and ovarian cancer, providing insights into genetics, diagnosis, and treatment options. The book offers a supportive approach to navigating complex decisions, covering genetic testing, screening, mastectomy, and more.
The American Academy of Neurology has released a new guideline evaluating the treatment options for muscle cramps. Quinine is no longer recommended for routine muscle cramps due to potential serious side effects, while naftidrofuryl and diltiazem may be considered as alternative treatments. More research is needed on these options.
The United Nations University has released a report highlighting the growing e-waste problem in developing countries, with sales of electronic products forecasted to rise sharply over the next decade. If left unaddressed, this could lead to hazardous waste mountains with serious consequences for the environment and public health.
A new study published in The Journal of Urology found that open radical prostatectomy (ORP) and laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) have similar rates of postoperative mortality and morbidity. LRP was associated with shorter hospital stays and a lower risk of bladder neck or urethral obstruction.
The TDRS K-L program has successfully completed its Critical Design Review and Production Readiness Review, paving the way for the assembly of the K and L satellites. The new spacecraft will provide critical communication services to NASA missions, including the International Space Station and Hubble Space Telescope.
The pea aphid's genome, sequenced by the International Aphid Genomics Consortium, has generated exciting questions about its symbiotic relationship with bacteria and its impact on agriculture. The genome's 35,000 genes suggest a complex life cycle with multiple adaptations to different environments.
A study published in PLOS Medicine estimates that major diabetes complications are a significant economic burden on healthcare systems globally. The analysis found that hospital stays for stroke and heart disease were longest in Asia, while those for kidney problems were shortest. The findings provide new evidence on the cost of diabet...
A team of scientists from the University of Colorado has created a tiny RNA molecule that can catalyze protein synthesis, a crucial reaction for the building blocks of life. This breakthrough supports the 'RNA World' hypothesis, proposing that life on Earth evolved from early forms of RNA.
A Stanford University School of Medicine review confirms FDA concerns about quinine's effectiveness and safety for treating muscle cramps. The study suggests alternative therapies like vitamin B complex, calcium-channel blocking agents, and anti-epileptic drugs may be effective but require further research.
Researchers will assess the influence of psychosocial and behavioral factors on IBD status, disease activity, and outcomes in young patients. The registry aims to identify barriers to medication adherence and improve overall health.
A new strain of mosquitoes, where females cannot fly, may help curb the spread of dengue fever. The genetic approach is expected to reduce or eliminate disease transmission in six to nine months.
A study found that women who gained excessive weight during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, are at a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes. Women who exceeded recommended weight gain had a 50% increase in the risk of developing gestational diabetes compared to those within or below guidelines.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have used novel technology to analyze the genetic patterns of neuroblastoma, an aggressive form of childhood cancer. The discovery may lead to significant advances in treatment, enabling tailor-made treatments for sub-groups of the most aggressive cases.
A new University of Georgia study found that regular exercise significantly reduces anxiety symptoms in patients with chronic medical conditions. On average, patients who exercised regularly reported a 20 percent reduction in anxiety symptoms compared to those who did not exercise.
Salk Institute researchers develop a 'humanized' mouse model susceptible to human liver infections and responding to human drug treatments. The model allows for testing of novel therapies for liver diseases like Hepatitis B and C, as well as malaria.
A strengths-based approach to therapy can improve recovery for victims of family violence by highlighting their resilience and resourcefulness. This approach trains professionals to uncover positive skills in survivors' life stories and facilitates a collaborative process to develop solutions.
A special issue of PNAS explores the latest science on marine reserves, revealing that well-designed reserves can benefit both fish and fishermen. Studies show that reserves can play a major role in reducing cumulative impacts on marine ecosystems in areas like the South China Sea and Coral Triangle.
The European Commission Joint Research Centre is developing a new Integrated Phase Classification (IPC) system to facilitate the response to food crises. Satellite observation and early warning tools will enable real-time monitoring of more countries, while identifying times and places where aid is required.
A European study finds inadequate access to opioid-based pain relief for cancer patients, with some countries restricting essential medicines. The authors conclude that restrictive regulations hinder medical care and recommend revising laws to improve accessibility.
Researchers from the University of Idaho are exploring biotechnology and synthetic biology to address the world's growing population needs. The goal is to provide healthy, nutritious, and adequate food supplies using technological interventions in agriculture.
The study reveals rapid increases in fish populations inside no-take reserves, improving ecosystem health and resilience. Additionally, the reserve network helps threatened species like dugongs and marine turtles.
A recent study found that successful marine reserves had a positive impact on fish stocks, with human population pressure being a critical factor. Local involvement in research and management, as well as social, political, and economic factors, were also key to making reserves successful.
Researchers link daily activities to violent injury risk using portable mapping technology. The study aims to inform communities about place-based risk factors and identify opportunities to make them safer.
Researchers found that a midday nap significantly improves learning capacity by clearing the brain's short-term memory storage and making room for new information. This finding supports previous data on the negative effects of prolonged wakefulness and all-nighters on cognitive function.
A review of airline passengers and crew exposed to TB found no evidence of transmission during air travel. Only 10 out of 4328 passengers tested positive, with no reported cases of active TB resulting from air travel.
Michigan State University professor Bruce Dale says that while EROI (energy return on energy invested) is a useful method of measurement, it alone is not enough. He argues that we need to consider differences in energy quality and critical materials required for various energy alternatives, such as lithium for electric vehicles.
Research reveals human Chlamydia pneumoniae originated from an animal source, specifically amphibians like frogs, and has adapted to infect humans. The study's findings emphasize the need for improved diagnostic tests, precautions, and vaccine development to combat this respiratory disease.
A new study by Indiana University School of Medicine researchers found that deaf children's word-learning skills are strongly affected by their early auditory experience, whether through normal means or with a cochlear implant. Children who received the implant at a young age performed similarly to their normal-hearing counterparts.
Research reveals that a DNA interval in chromosome 9p21 increases the risk for coronary artery disease by regulating cell division genes, which can lead to vascular cell proliferation and narrowed coronary arteries. The study's findings suggest potential therapies targeting these genes could combat the disease.
Carlos Castillo-Chavez analyzes Mexico's response to the 2009 H1N1 outbreak, highlighting the impact of social distancing measures and diagnostic infrastructure on disease spread. His research aims to inform optimal public health policies for non-wealthy nations and address the limited access to antiviral drugs and vaccines.
A city can mitigate urban heat island by employing shade, smart material choices, and digital simulations. Canopies, lighter colors, and thermal properties are key tools in alleviating the UHI.
Duke University professor Amy Laura Hall argues that cultural views on evolution can have significant ethical implications. She critiques popularized ideas about evolution that reinforce racial biases, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of human development.
Children conceived through assisted reproductive technology are at greater risk of birth defects and low birth weight, associated with obesity and diabetes. Geneticist Carmen Sapienza found altered DNA methylation and gene expression in 5-10% of these children.
The National Weather Service has adopted a new method for predicting snowfall density, allowing for more accurate forecasts and differentiation between powdery and wet snow. The method uses only two variables: temperature and wind speeds at mountain crest level.
Research reveals that sleep triggers cellular changes that promote memory formation, involving the NMDAR molecule. The brain undergoes significant reorganization during sleep to strengthen neural connections.
Stanford biologist Steve Palumbi has discovered a species of coral that can survive in high water temperatures, offering hope for marine species struggling with climate change. The most effective marine protected areas balance preservation of species with human needs, presenting a challenge to designers.
Researchers found that daytime naps significantly aid infants' ability to generalize knowledge and recognize patterns in new information. The UA study revealed that napping within four hours after exposure to artificial language enhances abstract learning and sentence structure recognition in young children.
A new gene, KCNN3, has been identified as a significant contributor to the risk of atrial fibrillation. This gene regulates potassium channels in the heart, which can be targeted for therapeutic intervention.
Pioneering research reveals policymakers are underestimating the scale of CO2 emission reductions required to mitigate climate change. A computer software developed at the University of Manchester helps authorities in different countries troubleshoot their approaches to emissions.
Damage to Gulf of California habitats can be reversed through conservation efforts, as protected areas have shown increased biomass and flourishing fish populations. Key protection strategies include reducing or eliminating fishing activity in critical spawning aggregation areas and sensitive nursery habitats.
A new study by Indiana University researchers found that more alcohol sales sites in a neighborhood lead to increased violence, particularly among carry-out sites selling for off-premise consumption. The study analyzed crime statistics and alcohol outlet licensing data from Cincinnati, Ohio, revealing that off-premise outlets were resp...
Scientists at Duke University have discovered that a genetic alteration linked to a benign enzyme condition protects some hepatitis C patients from developing hemolytic anemia. This finding opens the door to treatment for previously untreatable patients and may also hold the key to preventing anemia in the first place.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in developing practical phonon lasers, which could enable new medical imaging devices and precision measurement tools. Two separate teams, one in the US and the UK, have reported advancements in phonon laser development, using different approaches to overcome technical challenges.
University of Colorado at Boulder physicists Margaret Murnane and Henry Kapteyn have made breakthroughs in building a tabletop X-ray laser that can provide super-high resolution imaging. This technology has the potential to improve medical diagnoses, such as detecting small cancers, by thousands of times.
A marine microorganism has been found to have a remarkably reduced set of genes, allowing it to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere into a form available to other organisms. This process fertilizes the oceans, controlling biological productivity and affecting carbon dioxide absorption.
A common gene variant has been associated with an increased risk of lone atrial fibrillation, a type of irregular heartbeat that affects younger individuals without known heart disease. The genetic variation affects a protein involved in controlling the heart's electrical activity and may provide new drug targets for treatment.
Researchers are creating computer models to study how cells process information and make decisions, with potential implications for understanding cancer. By analyzing molecular mechanisms and interactions, scientists aim to develop more effective cancer treatments.
Coral reefs face a dire outlook due to rising ocean temperatures, with mass bleaching events predicted under different climate scenarios. Despite this, some habitats like shaded areas may support reef survival, and researchers are studying unique ecosystems in the central equatorial Pacific to better understand reef resilience.
Neuroscientist David Anderson explains how studying model organisms like mice and fruit flies can improve understanding of the neural basis of emotion. He also discusses the limitations of human brain studies and the potential of new technologies to experimentally manipulate brain circuitry.
Researchers at UCLA use mathematical modeling to analyze urban crime patterns, identifying two types of 'hotspots' that respond differently to policing. The model predicts when increased policing efforts will displace or suppress crime, providing valuable insights for law enforcement.
The old balkanized approach to ocean management has failed to protect ocean ecosystems; marine spatial planning provides a comprehensive map of human uses and natural resources. Effective ocean management requires considering all ecosystem elements, and the AAAS symposium will showcase innovative techniques for mapping spatial impacts.
Researchers have developed a new tool to understand how cancers grow and identify novel cancer drugs. By analyzing human prostate tissue and engineering specific genetic changes, scientists can create cancer cells from stem cells, providing precise targets for treatment.
Dr. Andrew Fraser's research focuses on using worms to identify how genetic background affects disease risk, with implications for human health. By studying natural isolates of the worms, researchers can look at how genetic mutations affect phenotypes within a species, providing insights into predictability and variability.
Cui's team has developed lightweight paper batteries, supercapacitors, and eTextiles that can store energy while retaining mechanical properties. The technology has potential applications in homes, gadgets, sportswear, and wearable power.
Researchers have found that shallow-rooted bean plants can thrive in poor soil conditions, improving crop production by 600% and decreasing erosion. Shallow-rooted soybeans are also being developed for low-phosphorus soils, while efforts are underway to improve nitrogen efficiency in corn.
Research from Michigan State University suggests that parental encouragement and education level significantly impact a child's decision to pursue a science, technology, engineering, mathematics or medicine career. The study found that students with high school-educated parents were more likely to major in a STEMM field than those with...