Researchers found bones bearing unambiguous evidence of stone tool use, including cut marks made while carving meat off the bone. The discovery provides the first evidence that Lucy's species, Australopithecus afarensis, used stone tools and consumed meat, shifting the known timeframe of a game-changing behaviour for our ancestors.
Researchers at University College London found that single neurons and even individual dendrites can effectively distinguish between different temporal sequences of incoming information. This challenges the widely held view that large numbers of neurons working together are necessary for sequence processing in the brain.
A study found that severe mental illness is more common among college students than a decade ago, with a shift towards more severe psychological problems. The number of students on psychiatric medicines increased, but the percentage of students acknowledging suicidal thoughts decreased.
Researchers credited with discovery, PSR J2007+2722, a neutron star rotating 41 times per second, has no orbiting companion and is likely recycled or young, sparking interest in basic physics of neutron stars. This is the first genuine astronomical discovery by a public volunteer distributed computing project.
Researchers discovered that SUMO modifies RPA70, essential for DNA repair by homologous recombination. The connection offers a potential target to short-circuit repair, making cells more vulnerable to chemotherapy and ionizing radiation.
Severe inflammatory responses to initial UTI damage bladder walls and allow infection to persist longer. Suppressing immune system during initial infection decreases vulnerabilities to later infection.
Despite advancements in cancer biomarker research, many initial breakthroughs fail to translate to clinical success due to issues with study design and interpretation. Seven biomarkers initially hailed as promising have been reevaluated, highlighting problems with pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical study design.
A new report by the American Society of Agronomy highlights the role of agriculture in greenhouse gas emissions and capture. The study finds that adopting conservation agricultural systems can increase carbon sequestration and reduce GHG emissions. However, knowledge gaps remain in understanding the effectiveness of these practices.
A study by Karen Fingerman found that 68% of parents have at least one grown child with a problem, while only 49% say one is highly successful. Parents who had multiple high-achieving children reported better well-being, but having even one problematic child negatively impacted their mental health.
The Steinbrenner Institute is helping Heritage Community Initiatives train local workers to create a pool of green collar employees. The program has spawned over 800,000 green collar workers nationwide and provides skills in industries like construction, deconstruction, and home energy retrofits.
A University of Florida researcher found that acetaminophen alleviates social pain from hurt feelings, suggesting an interrelation between physical and emotional pain. Participants who took acetaminophen daily for three weeks reported fewer emotional sufferings and less brain activity linked to social rejection.
Researchers found that MSCs create a supportive niche for HSCs, allowing them to self-renew and develop into blood cells. Altering MSC numbers affects HSC population, suggesting a regulatory interaction between the two cell types.
A new robotic wheelchair system, ROLY, is being developed to assist young children with disabilities in learning to drive. The system uses a joystick with force feedback assistance to help children develop driving skills at their own pace.
Severe inflammatory responses to initial UTI cause bladder damage and allow infection to persist longer. Immunodeficient mice lacking these acute inflammatory responses are protected from chronic bladder infection. Researchers hope to identify patients vulnerable to recurrent infection using markers discovered in the study.
A study published in the European Heart Journal found that patients with an elevated resting heart rate over a five-year period were at a significantly increased risk of death from both cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. Tracking heart rate over time can provide a simple yet important marker of health issues, allowing for potentia...
A new study found that expensive brand-name medications for high blood pressure are no better than generic diuretics in preventing cardiovascular disease. The ALLHAT trial, which followed patients with high blood pressure for eight to 13 years, showed that the diuretic was superior in two measures: stroke death rate and hospitalization...
A new study published in Schizophrenia Research found that exposure to certain immune proteins during pregnancy is linked to an increased risk of schizophrenia in offspring. Maternal levels of interleukin-8 were associated with structural brain changes in children diagnosed with schizophrenia.
A study reveals that HIV-infected injection drug users are more likely to develop proteinuria, a marker of kidney disease, which can lead to kidney failure. Clinicians should aggressively screen this population for proteinuria and consider them candidates for medical treatments that protect the heart and kidneys.
A special White House panel on high-level radioactive waste needs to focus more on social and political acceptability. Public mistrust has fueled failed attempts to effectively work with those affected, and addressing this is crucial for developing a publicly acceptable solution.
A psychologist emphasizes that women's suicidal behavior patterns are culturally scripted, with women adopting self-destructive behaviors expected within their cultures. The cultural variability in suicidal behavior calls for 'culturally situated suicidality research and prevention,' according to Silvia S. Canetto.
Researchers created the first large area metamaterial structures on implantable bio-compatible silk substrates, providing a promising path towards developing novel biomaterial-inspired biosensors and biodetectors. The silk metamaterials retained their resonance properties while implanted under muscle tissue, opening up possibilities fo...
Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine are expanding their studies on immunotherapies for peanut and egg allergy through a renewed $29.9 million grant from the NIH. The team is also investigating new treatments, including a peanut protein patch applied to the skin to treat peanut allergy.
The new criteria redefine RA by classifying it based on the confirmed presence of synovitis in at least one joint, absence of alternative diagnoses, and a combined score from four domains. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent destructive joint damage with the help of synthetic and biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs.
Researchers at PNNL developed a simple one-step method to create high-capacity lithium manganese phosphate electrodes using paraffin wax and soap. The new process enables the exploration of cheaper alternatives to current lithium-ion-metal oxide batteries, with potential applications in electric vehicles and consumer electronics.
Asteroid 2008 LC18 is found in the L5 stability region of Neptune, with an estimated diameter of 100 kilometers. The discovery suggests a population of similar asteroids at L5, outnumbering those in the main asteroid belt.
Researchers at Rutgers University warn that wireless tire pressure monitoring systems can be intercepted and spoofed, potentially tracking drivers' locations and triggering false warnings. The lack of input validation and data encryption in these systems makes them vulnerable to security threats.
A new method of DNA sequencing has helped researchers uncover the phylogeny of a healthy dog's gut, shedding light on how diet affects gastrointestinal infections. The study found that dogs have diverse bacterial communities, with Firmicutes and Bacteriodetes being the most prevalent.
A new analysis suggests that a prolonged phase of low activity in solar cycle 23 could be caused by changes in the sun's conveyor belt. The study's findings provide insight into factors controlling solar cycles and may lead to improved predictions.
Research suggests that women experience chronic pain longer, more intensely, and more often than men due to hormonal and social factors. Treating both physical and mental symptoms is crucial for effective management of chronic pain in women.
A £1m project will investigate giant desert storms of the Sahara, which can affect weather systems and climate change. The study aims to improve climate prediction models and reduce uncertainties in predicting climate and weather impacts on human health.
Patients with DVA/DoD insurance are more likely to undergo an arteriovenous fistula, a procedure that improves survival rates. The study highlights the need for improved kidney-related care for patients before they start dialysis.
The merlin protein controls adult liver stem cell activity and prevents the overproliferation of these cells. This can lead to the development of liver cancer in mice.
A new psychology study found that individuals with strong ties to their groups are willing to sacrifice themselves to save fellow compatriots. The study, published in Psychological Science, showed that 75% of 'fused' respondents would jump to their deaths to save five group members.
The American Society of Hematology (ASH) has developed recommendations for advancing regenerative medicine. The key focus areas include recognizing regenerative medicine as a priority at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), re-examining clinical trial methodologies, and improving communication between basic and clinical scientists.
A renewed federal effort to fix the nation's stalled nuclear waste program is focusing too much on technological issues, neglecting public mistrust. Social science experts warn that ignoring these concerns increases the chances of repeating past failures, such as Yucca Mountain.
A new University of Central Florida study will examine how rising sea levels threaten barrier islands, beaches, and critical habitats in the Florida Panhandle and along the Alabama and Mississippi coasts. The research aims to provide policymakers with data to plan for a changing coastline.
A new case series in European Urology introduces a purely intrafascial approach for robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy, aiming to avoid damage to critical structures. The study reports promising results with no perioperative major complications, but highlights the need for well-designed studies to evaluate its advantages.
NJIT is leading a research and deployment partnership to improve energy efficiency in American homes. The team will focus on innovative market delivery strategies to reduce carbon pollution and save money on energy bills.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation recognizes 10 Community Health Leaders who have improved the lives of men, women, and children in underserved communities. The awardees receive $125,000 to support their ongoing work.
A new cellular mechanism has been identified for modulating blood vessel permeability, which could have a significant impact on the treatment of cancerous tumours. Nitrosylation of beta-catenin protein by nitric oxide increases vascular permeability, potentially leading to the blockage of tumour growth.
A team of volunteer researchers have discovered a new radio pulsar, PSR J2007+2722, in data from the Arecibo Observatory. The pulsar is believed to be a disrupted recycled pulsar, spinning at an unprecedented 41 times per second, offering insights into neutron star formation and evolution.
Researchers at Harvard University have developed nanowire-based V-shaped transistors that can be inserted into cells without damaging them. These devices allow for the measurement of ion flux or electrical signals within cells, and can even be fitted with receptors to probe for specific biochemicals.
Researchers discovered that trusting people are more accurate at detecting lies and make better hiring decisions. They were also less likely to be deceived themselves. High trust individuals formed a more accurate impression of interviewees and chose honest candidates over dishonest ones.
L. Eric Cross is recognized for his leadership in the science and applications of ferroelectric materials, with current work on flexoelectric composites offering a new generation of lead-free transducers. He has also made significant contributions to sonar undersea transducers and medical ultrasound machines.
A new analysis suggests that a stretched Sun conveyor belt may have caused the prolonged phase of low activity in solar cycle 23, leading to longer solar cycles. The study provides insights into the factors controlling solar cycles and could improve predictions.
Toxic blue-green algae, like Aphanizomenon ovalisporum, dominate freshwater ecosystems by inducing phosphate-limitation responses in other microorganisms. This 'enslavement' mechanism enables the algae to gain a nutrient advantage and proliferate dangerously in freshwater bodies.
Researchers identified a mutation in the unc-79 gene that makes mice more sensitive to alcohol, suggesting a potential link between the gene and human susceptibility. The study found that the mutated mice consumed more alcohol than normal mice when offered a choice.
Research finds that sons with fond childhood memories of their fathers are more emotionally stable in stressful situations. A good father-son relationship is linked to lower psychological distress and fewer stressful events as an adult. The study controlled for factors such as age, family income, and parental presence.
A study from the Energy Biosciences Institute proposes using a range of plants, including perennial grasses and woody biomass, to produce sustainable cellulosic fuels. This approach could support ecosystem health worldwide by utilizing dedicated energy crops rather than repurposing food and feed crops.
A new study proposes a 20-year plan to revive nuclear energy, aiming to replace aging power plants with efficient mini-reactors. The researchers suggest new reactor designs could use uranium more efficiently, reducing waste and ensuring energy security.
Researchers have identified a novel mutation in a mouse gene that may contribute to the genetic roots of alcoholism. The mutation, called Lightweight, affects sensitivity to alcohol and voluntarily consumed more alcohol by mutant mice. Further studies are needed to determine if this pathway is relevant to humans.
Astronomers detected gamma rays from a nova using NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope, surprising scientists with evidence of high-energy radiation. The discovery sheds new light on the power of nova explosions and their potential to emit gamma rays.
Researchers at Yale University discovered a functioning genetic remnant from a time before DNA existed in the stomach bacterium Clostridium difficile. This ancient RNA complex plays a critical role in infecting human cells and regulating gene expression, challenging scientists' understanding of life's origins.
The CRESCENDO study found that rimonabant increased gastrointestinal, neuropsychiatric, and serious psychiatric side-effects compared to placebo. The primary endpoint of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke occurred at similar rates in both groups.