Researchers use gravitational lensing in galaxy cluster Abell 1689 to study the properties of dark energy. The distortion induced by lensing allows them to reconstruct light paths and understand its effect on space geometry.
Using gravitational lensing, researchers probe elusive dark energy for the first time, improving current measurements of mass and energy content. The results narrow the range of estimates about dark energy's effect on the universe by 30 percent.
Researchers are developing a computer-based system to help stroke survivors with aphasia learn gestures independently, using motion sensing technologies like Nintendo Wii Remote. The project aims to create an affordable and accessible tool for therapy, addressing the limited resources and high cost of traditional one-to-one sessions.
Patients with necrotizing myopathies who test positive for novel autoantibodies against 200-kd and 100-kd proteins may benefit from immunosuppressive therapy due to their autoimmune nature. Researchers also found a unique association between statin use and muscle symptoms in this patient group.
The Community Earth System Model (CESM) is a powerful new computer software that will be used in the next IPCC assessment to study climate change. With its advanced capabilities, scientists can shed light on critical mysteries of global warming, including ice sheet melting and regional climate patterns.
A study by Albert Einstein College of Medicine researchers provides concrete evidence that children with autism spectrum disorders process sensory information differently than typically developing children. The findings support decades of clinical observations and could lead to objective measures for evaluating the effectiveness of aut...
Newly discovered cliffs on the moon indicate that it shrank globally in the geologically recent past and might still be shrinking. The cliffs, called lobate scarps, are relatively young and have a semi-circular or lobe-shaped appearance.
A new study has demonstrated that combining a specific drug with radiotherapy significantly improves treatment outcomes for cervical cancer patients. The research found that the addition of cisplatin to radiotherapy reduces the likelihood of death by 23%, leading to improved survival rates.
A new study by NASA researchers found that global plant productivity declined by 1% between 2000 and 2009 due to regional drought, contradicting previous findings of increased productivity with warming temperatures. The decline in plant growth has significant implications for food security and the global carbon cycle.
The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera has detected 14 previously unknown lobate scarps on the moon, indicating recent contraction of the lunar interior. The newly discovered scarps show a globally distributed distribution and are estimated to have formed about 100 meters in the recent past.
A new study by University of California, Berkeley researchers found that prenatal organophosphate pesticide exposure is significantly linked to attention problems at age 5, with stronger effects among boys. Children's symptoms of attention disorders are harder to recognize in toddlers, and diagnoses often occur after entering school.
Researchers at UC's College of Education will develop an interactive software suite called iFIG to enhance student learning in science. The system features three components: digital handbook, digital notebook, and assessment system, designed around Universal Design for Learning framework.
NASA's Atmospheric Infrared Sounder captured an infrared image of Tropical Depression 5's (TD5) remnants on August 18, showing showers and clouds extending from Louisiana northeast into Tennessee. The strongest thunderstorms were located over south central Louisiana and north central Alabama, producing heavy rainfall.
A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that communities with more walkers and cyclists are healthier than those relying on cars. The research analyzed city- and state-level data to show a significant link between active travel and physical activity, obesity, and diabetes rates.
A recent study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that gender-specific total knee prostheses provide no clinical benefits for women, unlike what was initially hoped. In fact, standard prostheses fit women's knees better, resulting in less bleeding and improved outcomes.
The study aims to understand how enzymes activate molecular oxygen and attach it to substrate molecules to synthesize siderophores, essential for the microbes' metabolic needs. The researchers will use protein crystallography training to train global scientists and students.
As we age, breakdowns in brain connections lead to slower reactivity and confusion during one-sided motor movements. Researchers found that older adults' brains communicate more with each other while at rest, hindering brain function.
A magnitude-8.1 earthquake triggered two major quakes of magnitude 7.8 within two minutes, revealing a unprecedented pattern in the Samoa-Tonga region. The study suggests that normal fault earthquakes can trigger subduction zone quakes, affecting tsunami hazard calculations globally.
Scientists have created the most comprehensive map of the Earth's mangrove forest distribution, revealing a 12.3% decline in forest coverage compared to earlier estimates. The map shows that approximately 75% of remaining forests are found in just 15 countries, with only ~6.9% protected under existing networks.
Scientists at the University of Cambridge have developed a vaccine to stop cancer-causing viruses that invade host cells, initiate cancer, and then disappear. The vaccine has been shown to protect against subsequent cancer development in mouse models, holding promise for preventing human cancers.
Researchers at Carnegie Institution find that increasing pressure can induce higher transition temperatures in superconductors, challenging current materials. The discovery opens a new path to designing and engineering high-temperature superconductors.
The Community Earth System Model (CESM) is a powerful new tool for studying climate change, enabling scientists to simulate the complex interactions of the atmosphere, oceans, and land surfaces. The CESM will help researchers better understand the impacts of global warming on ice sheets, tropical cyclones, and aerosols.
Research published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology found that children aged 6 and older are significantly less likely to invite peers with a visible squint to their birthday party. This discrimination may have lasting psychological impacts on individuals concerned.
Palliative care significantly improved the lives of lung cancer patients, extending their survival by an average of 11.6 months compared to those receiving standard care alone. Quality-of-life assessments also showed substantial improvement in the palliative care group.
A new research approach targets infected cells to eliminate HIV, offering a potential cure. By inducing programmed cell death, the approach aims to reduce the viral load and prevent disease progression. If successful, this therapy could lead to an eradication of the virus.
Researchers at NIST create a laser power detector coated with the world's darkest material, a forest of carbon nanotubes that reflects almost no light. The new detector will be used for precision measurements in advanced technologies like optical communications and solar energy conversion.
The World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies has launched World Neurosurgery, a monthly journal addressing regional and global issues in neurosurgery. Published by Elsevier, the journal will disseminate content to over 20 million clinicians and scientists.
Scientists have successfully converted stem cells from a key immune system organ into skin stem cells without genetic modification. This breakthrough allows for potential applications in regenerating tissues and has implications for the development of new therapies.
A new study suggests that common hypertension medications can increase blood pressure in some patients. Researchers found that measuring renin levels through a blood test could help doctors choose the most suitable treatment for their patients, reducing the need for additional medication and improving blood pressure control.
Coral reefs' immune system is linked to their susceptibility to bleaching and disease, with corals using energy for growth and reproduction affecting immune function. Understanding this connection can help scientists predict vulnerability to stress and develop preventive measures.
Research found that black and Hispanic kidney donors are more likely to develop hypertension, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease compared to white donors. The study highlights the need for better pre-donation counseling and post-donation follow-up to address these health disparities.
Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine have gained atomic-level insight into how organisms synthesize their major form of chemical energy using the enzyme ATP synthase. The discovery provides a clearer understanding of how these nano-machines function, including the role of water molecules in the rotary mechanism of ATP synthesis.
A 48-million-year-old fossilized leaf has revealed evidence of a fungus taking control of ants to turn them into zombies. The discovery sheds light on the evolution of parasitic manipulation in animals.
Research suggests that early life influences can lead to a higher risk of developing psychiatric disorders, such as depression and schizophrenia. Maternal stress and exposure to famine during pregnancy have been linked to an increased risk of these conditions in offspring.
A 7-year study found that moderate wine consumption, especially among women, is associated with better performance on cognitive tests. The study suggests that polyphenols and other microelements in wine may help reduce the risk of cognitive decline with ageing.
A centuries-old traditional Chinese medicine, PHY906, may reduce intestinal side effects of chemotherapy by stimulating gut cell division and reducing inflammation in cancer patients. Researchers found that PHY906 triggers Wnt signaling, which drives the replacement of damaged intestinal stem cells with healthy ones.
The remnants of Tropical Depression Five continue to bring heavy rain to Louisiana and Mississippi, with some areas experiencing localized flooding. NASA satellite imagery shows the slow-moving system stretching from Louisiana northeast into Mississippi, with some higher thunderstorms embedded in the cloud cover.
A new study published in Addiction Research & Theory found that Italian adolescents and young adults allowed alcohol with meals while growing up were less likely to develop harmful drinking patterns. This suggests that introducing moderate amounts of alcohol in a family setting can prevent binge drinking and nurture healthier behaviors.
Research reveals that only around half of acute hospital trusts in England have a formal chaperone policy, which could have severe medico-legal repercussions. The lack of policies may be due to the current financial climate and the NHS's budget constraints.
A Temple University study reevaluates data from a widely publicized 2006 study on the effects of sexualized media on teens, finding no link between the two. The researcher controlled for other factors, such as school performance and parental relationships, to rule out potential correlations.
The USDA is developing a web-based fertilizer forecast tool to predict field runoff occurrence and enhance water quality. The tool uses National Weather Service data to analyze precipitation, soil moisture, and other factors.
A new study by Lifeloc Technologies reveals popular consumer breathalyzers to be inaccurate and inconsistent in measuring breath alcohol content. The company's independent report confirms these devices' notorious inaccuracy, warning consumers against relying on them for accurate BAC measurement.
A new study has revealed that ancient 'terror birds' like Andalgalornis used their powerful beaks and rigid skulls to attack prey with well-targeted jabs. Despite its strong vertical skull, the bird's skull was too weak from side to side, making it vulnerable to catastrophic fracture.
Researchers found that altering a honey bee's perception of distance alters its brain gene expression, particularly in the optic lobes and mushroom bodies. This study provides new insights into how bees process spatial information and communicate through dance language.
A study has found that kidneys from cardiac-death donors have equivalent graft survival and function to those from brain-dead donors. This breakthrough increases the potential supply of donor organs, alleviating the shortage on the kidney transplant waiting list in the UK.
Researchers at University at Buffalo identify four major barriers hindering quality healthcare for Asian Americans: language and culture, health literacy, health insurance, and immigrant status. These disparities perpetuate the myth of a 'model minority' group.
A recent study has found that teenagers who are overweight, smoke, or get little exercise are more likely to experience frequent headaches. The research suggests that lifestyle factors such as regular physical activity, healthy food choices, and quitting smoking may be key to preventing headaches in teens.
Researchers developed a novel 3D imaging approach that combines CT images with conventional ablation techniques to improve the accuracy of ventricular tachycardia treatment. The new method successfully predicted areas of abnormal electrical activity in 81.7% of heart segments analyzed.
Researchers successfully convert thymic epithelial cells into skin multipotent stem cells, exhibiting improved performance in skin regeneration. This discovery may have significant implications for organ transplantation and regeneration, offering new possibilities for treating severe burn victims.
Scientists discovered a rare 'triggered doublet' event where two great earthquakes occurred seconds apart on different faults. The initial earthquake triggered another massive event with a total magnitude of 8.0, causing devastating tsunamis that killed 192 people.
A study by Yale University researchers found that a combination of four herbs reduced gastrointestinal side effects of chemotherapy in mice while increasing the effectiveness of cancer treatment. The herbal formula PHY906 enhanced anti-tumor activity and promoted intestinal cell regeneration.
A recent study published in The Journal of Neuroscience explains the unique molecular action of memantine, a FDA-approved drug for Alzheimer's disease, that underlies its rare side effects. Memantine improves symptoms by blocking abnormal glutamate activity, sparing synaptic receptors and minimizing harm.
Astronomers at Texas A&M University have discovered that a significant fraction of ancient galaxies in the CLG J02182-05102 cluster are still actively forming stars. The team found that star-forming galaxies are more common in this cluster than in nearby galaxy clusters.
A new study suggests that people with a strong fusion of identity with their group will take extreme actions to protect others within the group, but not outsiders. Researchers found that those who identified as fused were more likely to sacrifice themselves for their own group members.
Virginia Tech researchers investigate how the shape of crude oil remnants affects their biodegradation rate. They also explore the impact of oxygen levels and carbon leaching on microbe growth, which can accelerate or hinder the process.
A team of University of Michigan scientists found that suppressing a newly discovered gene, drr-2, lengthens the lifespan of roundworms. The study suggests that manipulating the drr-2 gene's action could produce similar effects as reducing caloric intake.
Overweight American children and adolescents have experienced a significant increase in adiposity measures over the last decade. The study found that heavier children gained more abdominal fat, posing greater health risks than elevated BMI, particularly among black girls.
The University of South Florida researchers warn that the growing number of stem cell journals may compromise the quality of research in the field. They recommend authors to follow Good Publications Practices when choosing a publication outlet.
A new report highlights concerns about home genetic tests making exaggerated claims to consumers. Medical professionals argue that individuals should be protected from misinterpretation of complex genomic data. Experts call for a balance between public access and responsible marketing practices.
A new study reveals a clear link between high E. coli bacteria levels in inland Ohio lakes and increased risk of gastrointestinal illness among swimmers. The researchers argue that a reliable method to predict when bacteria levels are likely to be higher is needed to issue timely warnings.