A £10 million donation from JK Rowling has led to the establishment of a research clinic focused on patient-based studies for multiple sclerosis. The clinic will explore treatments to slow disease progression, with potential implications for other degenerative neurological conditions.
GOES-13 satellite captures powerful Hurricane Earl, growing Tropical Storm Fiona, and fading Danielle in the Atlantic. The satellite imagery shows Earl's large size and high winds, while Fiona appears disorganized with no apparent center.
The University of Houston has partnered with ABB and SuperPower to develop a superconducting magnet energy storage system that could revolutionize the US electrical grid. The project aims to create an affordable, large-scale energy storage system using magnetic fields in superconducting coils.
A multidisciplinary team at UCLA has successfully visualized a virus using cryo-electron microscopy, enabling the adaptation of the adenovirus for use in gene-therapy treatments for prostate and breast cancers. The breakthrough provides critical structural information for researchers attempting to modify the adenovirus.
Scientists have found a promising treatment method that neutralizes the key toxin associated with S. aureus skin infections, reducing damage and promoting faster recovery in laboratory mice. The study suggests antitoxin treatment could be an effective alternative to traditional antibiotics.
The University of Leicester historian's book 'Pomodoro! A history of the tomato in Italy' sheds light on the tomato's journey from a botanical curiosity to a staple ingredient. The study reveals how the tomato became closely linked with other foodstuffs like pizza and pasta, and how its uses were subject to change over time.
Researchers are developing an early warning system for bridge failures caused by scouring, using tiny fish-inspired sensors and radar technology. The system can provide real-time information on river bottom conditions and detect minute changes in depth and density of sediment.
A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that S-Adenosyl Methionine (SAMe) can effectively treat adults with major depressive disorders who do not respond to antidepressant medication. The supplement was well-tolerated and improved measures of depression and remission rates compared to a placebo.
NASA's Terra satellite captured Tropical Storm Lionrock, Tropical Storm Namtheun, and Typhoon Kompasu in one image. The two storms are expected to merge, while Typhoon Kompasu is headed for a landfall in China with maximum sustained winds near 109 mph.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that social relationships have a significant impact on mortality risk, comparable to established risk factors like smoking. This highlights the need for healthcare policies to prioritize social connections in promoting public health.
The incidence of acute myocardial infarction sharply increased among young Italian women between 2001 and 2005, with a total of over 118,000 reported cases in 2005. The study also found that the increase was higher in younger women aged 45-64 years.
Researchers found that male bonobos with high social status have greater mating success, while mothers' support enhances their sons' chances of impressing females. This study suggests a unique kinship system where mothers play a crucial role in promoting female reproductive success and potentially increasing the number of grandchildren.
A survey of intensive care units in England, Wales and Northern Ireland found that staff often test incapacitated patients without consent after needlestick injuries. The results highlight the need for further discussion on the legality of such tests, as it could be argued that this is unlawful under UK legislation.
Researchers at TGen have identified two potential anti-cancer drug targets, STK10 and TNK2, for Ewing's sarcoma in children. These kinases play a crucial role in the growth and survival of cancer cells, making them promising therapeutic targets.
Researchers found that standard dose unfractionated heparin (UFH) added to fondaparinux maintains a low rate of major bleeding and prevents catheter thrombosis. The study suggests that standard dose UFH may be the optimal treatment strategy in PCI patients on fondaparinux.
A new imaging system using six different wavelengths of LED illumination is paving the way for doctors to easily screen patients for common eye diseases. The system allows doctors to distinguish between different light-absorbing characteristics of biological molecules in the eye, enabling earlier detection and diagnosis.
The Virtual Mission Operations Center (VMOC) enables approved users to request satellite services instantly, prioritized based on operational intent. The system reduces the need for a 'man in the loop', improving satellite utilization and command speed.
A recent study published in JAMA found that using lower doses of heparin during coronary procedures does not significantly reduce the risk of major bleeding. The research involved 2,026 patients and compared two dose regimens of adjunctive intravenous unfractionated heparin during PCI in high-risk patients.
A new RAND Corporation study concludes that providing body armor to all US police officers nationwide is worth the cost, with a potential saving of at least eight lives annually. The study estimates that outfitting all 236,000 officers without body armor would cost $26 million annually.
Researchers have identified a critical regulatory switch in mesenchymal stem cell lineage allocation, which could lead to the development of new treatments for obesity and osteoporosis. The 'Sprouty' protein has been shown to regulate body fat and bone mass, with potential applications for weight loss and bone density improvement.
Researchers at UC San Diego developed a new chip prototype called GreenDroid, which uses dark silicon to improve performance through specialized processors. The prototype delivers improved efficiency by running heavily used code in Google's Android platform, resulting in up to 7.5 times increased efficiency compared to aggressive mobil...
For the first time, researchers have identified and isolated adult mammary stem cells in mice using a genetically modified mouse model. The tagged stem cells exhibit bright green fluorescence under a microscope, representing a new alternative to induced pluripotent stem cells for various medical applications.
Researchers have characterized two families of molecular odorant sensors in Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes, which mediate critical behaviors like host location. The discovery suggests that these mosquitoes use multiple olfactory signaling pathways to detect human-derived odors.
Researchers have found potassium in the atmosphere of a giant planet, HD 80606 b, using narrow-band transit spectrophotometry. The discovery supports previous computer models and demonstrates the value of this observational technique for characterizing planets that might support life.
A University of Michigan researcher proposes a 'revolution by evolution' to boost fuel efficiency in gasoline-powered cars. By prioritizing efficient combustion engines and hybrid drives, the target is to reach 52 mpg by 2025 and 74 mpg by 2035.
Researchers have successfully improved the ability of zinc oxide solar cells to absorb visible light using a blended mixture of off-the-shelf dyes. The best result came from a blend that boosted efficiency by nearly eight percent, paving the way for custom dye blends to be formulated for specific solar cell applications.
Researchers funded by the NSF have developed a system to detect environmental changes caused by moving objects, enabling passive intrusion detection and emergency alerts. The system, called MILAN, utilizes latent wireless signals to monitor situations in security, emergency, and military environments.
The University of Missouri's Difficult Dialogues Initiative promotes constructive dialogue on diverse topics, fostering democratic citizenship and intellectual pluralism. The program has received $230,000 in grants from the Ford Foundation to advance its efforts.
Research at Michigan State University's Breast Cancer and the Environment Research Center found that a high-fat diet during puberty can lead to inflammation in the mammary glands, promoting breast cancer growth. The study suggests that this link may be independent of obesity.
A recent study found that girls who experienced an insecure attachment to their mother at a young age tend to develop earlier and have their first period sooner. This is because an unstable environment can lead to accelerated pubertal maturation as an evolutionary adaptation to increase reproductive chances.
Man-made features restrict birds to certain areas, leading to isolation and inbreeding. The study also explores natal dispersal, the time interval between when a bird moves from its hatching location to an area where it will breed.
Women with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer can benefit from prophylactic surgeries to remove ovaries, fallopian tubes, or breasts, increasing survival rates and eliminating risk. Genetic testing is crucial for identifying the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which significantly increase cancer risk.
A study of triathletes found that their hearts become larger and stronger as a result of endurance and resistance training. This adaptation reflects the nature of triathlon training, which combines both forms of exercise.
The Wildlife Picture Index, a new monitoring tool, shows a 36% net decline of biodiversity in Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park. Camera traps collected thousands of images, revealing that large mammals declined faster than small primates and deer.
Researchers at Rice University have developed the first two-terminal memory chips using only silicon, which can be easily adapted to nanoelectronic manufacturing techniques. The new technology features high on-off ratios, excellent endurance and fast switching times, making it suitable for military and NASA applications.
A special edition journal provides new perspectives and guidance for managing Cronartium ribicola, an introduced invasive pathogen causing serious damage to North American white pines. The collection of 12 articles synthesizes knowledge on the disease, identifies policy actions, and reviews future issues facing white pine management.
Researchers found that starvation allows the need for nourishment to push aside the need for sleep in fruit flies. The ability to resist sleep loss was linked to a protein involved in lipid processing.
A recent study published in Journal of Archaeological Science suggests that a species of shellfish, the humped conch, has increased in size over the past 3,000 years despite increased human activity. The average length of the conchs increased by approximately 1.5 millimeters, making them about 5% larger than they used to be.
The US hourly workforce is shouldering increased burdens during the economic slowdown, with many workers forced to accept reduced hours or irregular schedules. This lack of job security and predictability can have severe consequences for workers' well-being, including instability in family routines and increased stress.
A team of researchers has developed a simulation to better understand the impact of sound on marine mammals like whales and dolphins. The simulation uses advanced computing and X-ray CT scanners to create a 3D virtual environment, allowing scientists to study the effects of sound on these organisms.
Fruit fly research found that starvation increases resistance to sleep loss, linked to a protein managing lipid storage. Disabling a specific gene produces effects similar to starvation, creating sleep resistance and preventing cognitive impairments.
A study found that up to 86% of people in low- and middle-income countries would be pushed into poverty if they purchased life-saving medicines. Generic versions of these medicines are generally more affordable than originator brand products.
Scientists at Vanderbilt University have identified a second set of olfactory receptors in the malaria mosquito Anopheles gambiae, which responds to key human odorants. This discovery may help explain the effectiveness of DEET repellents and provide new insights into developing more effective lures and controls for malaria.
A pilot study led by UC Davis School of Medicine found that specifically asking young women about pregnancy coercion during reproductive health visits can reduce the likelihood of future pressure, with a 70% drop in odds. The intervention also increased awareness of intimate-partner violence resources.
Atrial fibrillation hospital admissions in Australia have increased by over 200% since 1993, resulting in an alarming number of hospitalizations.
A new study from the University of Chicago finds that 85% of workers prioritize workplace safety over other labor standards. Despite public concern, workplace safety measures often fall short, with reports of injuries remaining high and worker stress contributing to accidents.
A study of 276 Germans found that older readers preferred to read negative stories about younger individuals, while younger people showed low interest in articles about older individuals. The results suggest that people use the media to enhance their social identity and may prefer messages that portray others as having a higher status.
Archaeologists discovered remains of tortoises and cattle cooked for human consumption at a burial site dating back to around 12,000 years ago. The findings suggest that early humans practiced communal feasting as a social behavior unique to the species.
A study using genomics found a clear decline in horseshoe crab populations that parallels climate change, affecting reproduction and distribution. Climate change projections predict further declines, impacting species like Atlantic loggerhead sea turtles and millions of migrating shorebirds.
Researchers at Iowa State University have developed a new type of hybrid protein that can make precise double-strand DNA breaks in living cells. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient gene replacement and editing therapies, enabling modifications to plant, animal, and human genomes.
The discovery of Balaur bondoc, a large theropod dinosaur from Late Cretaceous Europe, reveals an animal with advanced adaptations and fused bones. Its presence indicates that the region had intermittent faunal connections with the mainland up to the end of the Cretaceous period.
New research suggests that dramatic climate changes during the ice age were caused by chaos-dynamical fluctuations, making them challenging to predict. The study analyzed ice cores and found that temperature suddenly rose 10-15 degrees in less than 10 years, only to fall drastically and change again.
Researchers at the University of New Hampshire have created a novel method using power meters and stationary bicycles to determine cycling fitness. The technique allows athletes to establish personalized training zones with high accuracy, enabling coaches to prescribe targeted workouts.
A recent article in Ecopsychology explores the catastrophic psychological responses to the BP Gulf oil spill, predicting long-lasting effects of chronic depression, withdrawal, and lack of functioning. The disaster is likely to stimulate renewed environmental activism and changes in attitudes and behaviors.
A new study published in Psychological Science reveals that eyes move differently when minds are wandering versus paying attention. When readers zone out, their eyes fixate on individual words for longer periods, suggesting a strong link between eye movements and language processing in the brain.
A new study published in the Journal of Adolescence found that Canadian teenagers have more freedom than their French and Italian peers. The investigation examined how parents fashion emotional bonds and exert behavioural control with adolescents, revealing that Canadian parents value a democratic conception of education that promotes ...
Insite, Vancouver's sanctioned supervised safe injection site, has been at odds with Canada's anti-drug policy since its opening in 2003. The facility's fate is uncertain, with the federal government appealing decisions to keep it open despite opposition from Conservative politicians.
A team of scientists developed a new microfluidic tool to quickly and accurately isolate neutrophils from small blood samples, enabling researchers to study the immune system's response to traumatic injury. The device revealed complex gene expression patterns that shifted during the recovery process.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have discovered a crucial mechanism for fighting infections, revealing that an amino acid called arginine is essential for immune function. The study's findings could have significant implications for people in third world countries with limited access to nutrition.
A study by Michigan State University sociologist Zachary Neal found that city size is no longer the key factor in building a thriving economy. Instead, connections to other cities through technology and air travel are crucial.