An international team of scientists has described a new fossil find and the new species Australopithecus sediba, thought to be at least 2 million years old. The fossils are exceptionally well preserved, revealing unique insight into the period when the earliest members of the genus Homo evolved.
A new empirical model has been developed to quantify and gauge an alcohol addict's level of engagement in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)-related helping. The study found that both concrete acts of service and personal sharing are important in living sober, with adequate psychometric properties of the SOS tool.
A joint initiative of six European research institutes aims to develop a worldwide database called RoboEarth, where robots can share their experiences and adapt to new surroundings. This will enable robots to perform tasks more quickly and efficiently in healthcare and industry settings.
A team of scientists, including Indiana University's Kristian J. Carlson, announces the discovery of a new species of early man, Australopithecus sediba, which shares attributes with Homo but also retains some characteristics of earlier ancestors like Australopithecus africanus.
A team led by Dr. Lee Berger and Darryl de Ruiter of Texas A&M University discovered two well-preserved skeletons in South Africa, believed to be between 1.78 and 1.95 million years old. The fossils are thought to be a direct ancestor of Homo, with human-like skulls but smaller bodies.
A newly discovered hominid species, Australopithecus sediba, has revealed a bone structure similar to the earliest Homo species but employed it more like Australopithecus. The fossils, dated between 1.95 and 1.78 million years old, provide a wealth of information about human origins.
A landmark study found that obstructive sleep apnea more than doubles the risk of stroke in men, with moderate to severe sleep apnea nearly tripling this risk. The study also reports a significant link between sleep apnea and increased stroke risk in women, particularly those with severe levels of sleep apnea.
Researchers discovered a peptide called iRGD that co-administers drugs to tumors, increasing treatment efficacy and reducing side effects. The peptide has been shown to enhance the therapeutic effect of anti-cancer drugs without creating new chemical entities.
LA BioMed will receive a $9.7 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to construct a new research center focused on chronic diseases such as COPD, cardiac disease, and HIV/AIDS. The center is expected to create up to 190 new jobs and enhance clinical research activities.
A cache of cuneiform tablets from the early 7th century BCE contains a largely intact Assyrian treaty that records a covenant between Esarhaddon and a secondary ruler. The treaty was confirmed at elaborate ceremonies in Nimrud, securing Ashurbanipal's accession to the throne and avoiding a political crisis.
Researchers developed a nanovaccine to stop aggressive immune attack on beta cells, restoring normal blood sugar levels in humanized mouse models. The treatment targeted specific immune cells without compromising the rest of the immune system.
A Tel Aviv University study found that happy marriages are associated with lower risk of fatal strokes in men. Single men have a 64% higher risk of stroke compared to married men, while unhappy unions also increase the risk by 64%. The research suggests that a bad marriage may be as detrimental to health as not being married at all.
Researchers at McMaster University have discovered a new mechanism by which HIV infects women, exploiting the breakdown of the mucosal barrier in the intestinal and female genital tract. This breakthrough understanding could lead to the development of more effective prevention strategies, such as microbicides and vaccines.
Researchers found that nicotine withdrawal syndrome is more common in agitated smokers than non-smokers, increasing risks of accidental tube removals. The study highlights the need for improved strategies to prevent agitation or treat it earlier in critically ill patients.
Surface ozone levels in southwestern Spain consistently exceed recommended limits, affecting human and plant health. The study found daily cycles of high ozone levels during spring and summer months, with concentrations varying between stations.
The new field guide highlights complex interconnections between geologic features, including karstification and hydrology, in the Ozark region. It also examines connections to culture, history, and economic development of the area.
A new method for measuring privacy risk from small geographic areas has been developed, allowing Canadians to manage their location-based data effectively. The study shows that by protecting only those living in small geographic areas, more information can be shared while maintaining privacy risks.
Researchers at Whitehead Institute have created novel mouse models that accurately reflect the immune system's response to pathogens. The models use somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) to create mice from single T cells primed for toxoplasmosis, allowing for a more precise study of the immune system.
Researchers found that most H5N1 outbreaks occurred at sites with temperatures between 0°C and 2°C, where wild waterbirds congregated along freezing fronts. This congregation created ideal conditions for the transmission of the virus within and between species.
Researchers investigate stem cells and adult tissue in the kidney, suggesting a possible mechanism for regeneration. The study suggests that ACE inhibitors may be used to aid repair and regeneration of injured kidney tissue.
A new accelerated radiotherapy regimen has been shown to improve disease-free survival and locoregional control without increasing late radiation side-effects in patients with head and neck cancer. The six-fraction per week schedule reduces treatment time while maintaining effective tumour control.
A new study suggests that people with migraines may struggle to filter out visual noise, even when they don't have a headache. Migraineurs performed significantly worse in identifying visual targets than those without migraines when visual distractions were added.
Researchers at UCLA developed a non-invasive biomarker to detect changes in brain function that may indicate worsening mood or suicidal thoughts. The test, using QEEG measurements, shows a sharp drop in brain activity within 48 hours of antidepressant medication start.
Researchers found that oxytocin improved emotion recognition in adolescents with autism spectrum disorders. The study suggests potential for earlier intervention and improved social function in everyday settings.
Researchers found that fragile X protein (FMRP) regulates adult neurogenesis, a process crucial for learning and memory. FMRP dysregulation leads to defective neural maturation and reduced new neurons, contributing to learning disabilities associated with fragile X syndrome.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have identified a new class of silver-based catalysts for producing propylene oxide with few by-products at low temperatures. The study uses nanoscale clusters of silver to achieve high selectivity and efficiency in the production process.
Researchers at IRB Barcelona have developed a new method to study intrinsically disordered proteins, crucial for designing drugs against Alzheimer's disease and prostate cancer. The approach uses computational predictions and laboratory experiments to obtain structural information about dynamic proteins.
Researchers at Nationwide Children's Hospital developed a mouse model of vesicoureteral reflux, a condition that can lead to chronic kidney disease. The study found that these models lacked the protein fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (Fgfr2), which is involved in tissue and organ development.
The Optical Dynamic Detection (ODD) solution uses precise laser pulses to detect explosive materials, providing greater accuracy than spectroscopy-based methods. By amplifying return signals and reducing background noise, ODD helps identify threats more effectively.
A new integrated circuit, designed by Southern Methodist University physicists, can transmit data at 5.8 billion-bits per second in the Large Hadron Collider, the largest particle accelerator in Europe. The 'link-on-chip' serializer circuit is critical for the upgrade of the collider and plans to increase data speed and number of lanes.
Researchers have created a global map of human gene expression using data from 163 laboratories worldwide involving 5,372 human samples. The analysis reveals six distinct groups or 'continents' of gene expression activity, providing new insights into the genetic basis of human function and behavior.
Researchers at the IRCM discovered a way to counteract HIV-1's interference with Tetherin, a host protein that prevents viral transmission. The Vpu protein neutralizes Tetherin, allowing HIV-1 to spread and infect cells more easily. This finding could lead to the development of new strategies to combat HIV-1.
Scientists from NASA and the European Space Agency found evidence of relatively young lava flows on Venus, suggesting the planet remains capable of volcanic eruptions. These findings indicate that volcanic activity on Venus is likely gradual rather than cataclysmic.
Over 3,000 employees from Banco Santander will participate in the PESA CNIC-Santander trial, exploring the progression of early subclinical atherosclerosis and daily habits that influence its development. The project aims to improve current prevention strategies and identify risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.
Early recognition and prevention of chronic kidney disease (CKD) are vital for all settings. CKD is associated with increased cardiovascular risk, even at mild reductions in glomerular filtration rate. Implementing interventions can reduce cardiovascular events or progression to kidney failure.
Researchers at NYU Langone Health have developed a powerful new method to investigate the discrete steps necessary to turn on individual genes. The finding allows scientists to examine the unfolding of DNA, a process required for gene activation, which breaks down in diseases like cancer.
A University of Illinois legal expert warns that court privacy rulings could have a chilling effect on mainstream journalists, restricting disclosures of scandals and corruption. She proposes a standard holding journalists liable only when their peers widely agree that coverage has crossed the line.
Researchers have uncovered two partial skeletons of a new Homo species, Australopithecus sediba, dating back to around 2 million years ago. The fossils are exceptionally well-preserved and provide significant insights into the evolutionary history of our genus.
A new discovery reveals that drugs affecting DNA methylation could reverse autism's effects, improving diagnosis and treatment options. The study identified specific genes altered in autistic individuals with severe language deficits, paving the way for personalized therapies.
A $3.7 million clinical trial will evaluate customized warfarin dosage based on patient genetics to balance blood clotting risks and benefits in orthopedic patients. The study aims to identify the optimal range of blood clotting speed, using genetic formulas to refine warfarin dosing.
Research suggests that social role changes can lead to an increase in gender violence, especially for women who are expected to conform to traditional roles. The study, conducted by Prof. Mª Carmen Herrera Enríquez, found that men may use violence as a means to restore their lost power when faced with changing social dynamics.
The four-year project will investigate and prototype approaches to achieving a standardized health information technology platform model. The SMArt architecture aims to provide core services and support extensively networked data from across the health system.
Research debunks claims of a link between music and dyslexia, finding no correlation between musical skill and phonological processing; music therapy is unwarranted as a treatment for the condition.
Autism Speaks has awarded 16 new research grants totaling $5.2 million over three years to advance autism science and advocacy. The grants focus on early detection, underlying biological processes, and targeted treatments for autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Dr. Chang-Hwan Choi has been recognized with the Young Investigator Program award for his work on efficient anti-corrosion surfaces. His research focuses on nano-engineering of superhydrophobic surfaces to enhance durability and functionality in light metal applications, addressing significant corrosion protection needs for the U.S. Navy.
Research reveals that family tree research can open a Pandora's Box of secrets and skeletons, including unwelcome information, family issues, and previously unknown origins. This can lead to conflict and widen rifts within families, as people struggle with the consequences of their discoveries.
A chemical compound, when combined with antibiotics, effectively destroys biofilms produced by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The compound also re-sensitizes resistant bacteria to antibiotics, making it a promising treatment for difficult-to-treat infections.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute have developed a method to guide cardiac stem cells using micro-size iron particles and a magnet, increasing retention in the injured area and enhancing heart function. This innovative technique shows great promise for improving the effectiveness of stem cell therapies for heart disease.
Scientists have developed tissue-engineered grafts composed of adult stem cells that can replace synthetic vascular bypass grafts. The study found that these grafts prevented clotting and thickening of the graft wall, improving their effectiveness in treating peripheral artery disease and dialysis access grafting.
Research from UCLA shows that children of combat-deployed parents are more likely to develop anxiety and exhibit behavioral changes, such as acting out or disruptions in school. The study suggests that the number and length of deployments have a cumulative impact on family members.
In a study of 158 Georgia centenarians, researchers found that past satisfaction with life is the key to happiness in our oldest years. For the depression study, they found that diminished cognitive problem-solving ability and living in a nursing home were significant predictors of depressive symptoms in octogenarians and centenarians.
Many kidney diseases are caused by single gene defects, providing opportunities for diagnosis and treatment. The discovery of causative genes enables personalized medicine and the development of targeted therapies.
Singapore's A*STAR is collaborating with Italy's Siena Biotech to develop targeted therapies for gastric cancer, leukemia, and osteoporosis. The partnership aims to leverage advanced molecular biology and antibody engineering techniques to create novel treatments.
Scientists from University of Southampton and Synairgen Research Ltd begin Phase II study on interferon beta for virus-triggered asthma exacerbations. The drug aims to prevent sudden deterioration in lung function and hospital admissions.
A team of scientists, including IUCN and Conservation International experts, proposes expanding the IUCN Red List to include up to 160,000 species, enabling a better understanding of extinction rates and environmental health. The estimated cost is $60 million, with current efforts costing around $4 million per year.
Researchers found that supported graphene retains exceptional thermal conductivity of up to 600 watts per meter per Kelvin near room temperature. This is significantly higher than copper and silicon thin films currently used in electronic devices.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab have successfully synthesized single-layer graphene films on a dielectric substrate using direct chemical vapor deposition. The method overcomes current fabrication limitations, enabling the production of high-quality graphene films with controlled properties and morphologies.
The newly described Australopithecus sediba hominid species has a long arms like an ape, a very advanced pelvis and short powerful hands. The fossils are estimated to be around 2 million years old, with the adult female weighing about 33 kilograms.
A recent study found that children living near a child with autism are more likely to be diagnosed themselves in the following year. The proximity effect is strongest among children on the milder side of the autism spectrum and explains about 16% of the recent increases in diagnoses.