A team of scientists at TUM has discovered a new protein crucial for the formation of plant cell vacuoles, which store vital substances like proteins and pigments. The protein, known as a 'splitting protein', plays a key role in initiating metabolic processes and assigning tasks to proteins.
Researchers will design vision, speech, and wearable sensor technologies to analyze child behavior. The goal is to identify children at risk for autism and other developmental delays, with the potential to improve treatment delivery and outcomes.
Researchers discovered that the barbastelle bat can catch earless moths by using an unusual whispering strategy. By producing quieter echolocation calls than other bats, the barbastelle can hear unsuspecting moths before they become aware of its presence, giving it an advantage in hunting.
Six University of Miami students were selected as 2010 NOAA/Ernest F. Hollings Scholars, achieving this prestigious recognition for the second consecutive year. The recipients are recognized for their academic excellence and potential to pursue careers in oceanic and atmospheric science.
Research by Elizabeth Tibbetts and Amanda Izzo found that paper wasps punish peers who falsely advertise their fighting ability to maintain accurate signals. In experiments, wasps with mismatched facial patterns and behavior were punished, while those whose signal and behavior matched were rarely targeted.
Biologists at TUM have discovered mini-inflammations in the gut mucosa that upset the balance of the bowel and cause IBS symptoms. The team's research suggests that treating IBS with antihistamines may improve symptoms by normalizing nerve activity. Successful identification of physical causes could lead to effective treatments for IBS.
Researchers at Arizona State University update Maslow's pyramid to reflect new findings on evolutionarily fundamental motives. The revamped pyramid places parenting atop the hierarchy, alongside mate acquisition and mate retention, shifting away from self-actualization as a top need.
Scientists use cutting-edge microscope to measure how brain cells respond to pressure, finding that intermediate form of amyloid-beta peptide stiffens cells the most. This discovery could lead to new ways to screen drugs for Alzheimer's and similar diseases.
A UCLA study of 2,300 middle school students found that bullying is consistently associated with lower grades across three years. The researchers projected the findings to show a one-point increase on the four-point bullying scale was linked to a 1.5-point decrease in GPA.
A team of experts is proposing a new approach to deal with the variability in behavior of nano-scale computer components by re-thinking and enhancing the role that software can play. The National Science Foundation has awarded a $10 million grant to explore 'Variability-Aware Software for Efficient Computing with Nanoscale Devices.'
Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston have discovered a way to use widely available blood pressure drugs to combat age-related muscle loss. By dilating blood vessels, these medications can increase amino acid delivery to muscles, restoring normal growth and potentially reducing frailty.
A new study has uncovered the genetic mechanisms controlling the growth of collateral circulation, which can provide oxygen to starved tissues in the event of a heart attack or stroke. The researchers identified a section of DNA involved in variation in collateral vessel density and diameter.
A study found that geographic variation plays a key role in disparities in liver transplantation among racial and ethnic groups. Hispanics and Asians experience lower transplant rates compared to Caucasians, particularly at high MELD scores.
A recent study led by University of Alberta researcher Margie McNeely found that only five percent of breast cancer survivors are at risk of developing arm swelling due to air travel. The research involved 60 Canadian women who flew to Australia and showed that 95% had no arm swelling.
A 70-year-old woman presented with confusion and memory loss, leading to a misdiagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. However, treatment with cyclophosphamide infusions and steroids revealed an alternative diagnosis of limbic encephalitis.
A research team has identified a DNA sequence in individuals with facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD) that causes the gene DUX4 to be more active. The study suggests that this protein is toxic to muscle cells and may hold key to developing new treatments or potentially curing FSHD, a progressive condition affecting 300,000 people worl...
Lisa Carter-Harris has received the Johnson & Johnson Campaign for Nursing's Future -- American Association of Colleges of Nursing Minority Nursing Faculty Scholarship. The scholarship provides financial support to graduate nursing students from minority backgrounds who agree to teach in a school of nursing after graduation.
Researchers discovered the function of PTP-PEST, a protein that stimulates T cells' participation in immune responses, potentially leading to new treatments for autoimmune diseases. The study's results suggest that suppressing PTP-PEST could prevent certain autoimmune diseases and weaken overactive immune responses.
Researchers successfully differentiate embryonic stem cells into lung tissue using a natural cell-depleted lung matrix, demonstrating improved cell retention and organization. This breakthrough finding holds promise for developing clinical applications for engineered lung tissue.
Scientists simulate oil and methane plumes, predicting locally significant but regionally confined dead zones in the northern Gulf. The study suggests oxygen levels will drop too low to support most life forms, affecting marine ecosystems.
The University of Minnesota team, led by Vipin Kumar, will use data-driven methods to advance the science of climate change. The $10 million NSF project aims to gain actionable insights and inform policymakers.
Researchers at Norwich BioScience Institutes have identified a mechanism to slow down fat digestion by introducing surfactants, which break down protein layers and enhance enzyme activity. This discovery may lead to the development of foods with slower fat digestion rates, inducing satiety.
Researchers found two mechanisms altering HIV-1 population in semen, including clonal amplification and compartmentalization. The study suggests the viral population in semen may be distinct from that in blood, affecting our understanding of transmission and selective pressures.
A UC Irvine study shows that human neural stem cells can reverse long-term hind-limb paralysis in mice with chronic spinal cord injuries. The therapy demonstrates potential for treating a broader population of patients with spinal cord injuries.
Astronomers studying a galactic black hole have found similarities between its eruption and the Eyjafjallajokull volcano on Earth. The cosmic eruption prevents hundreds of millions of new stars from forming by lifting cooler gas upwards.
The NIH has renewed a research program to develop medical countermeasures for radiation exposure after a radiological or nuclear attack. The program will support research at seven institutions nationwide and provide an estimated $105 million in funding.
A team of researchers from Sea Education Association and institutions found high concentrations of plastic debris in the western North Atlantic, comparable to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. The study suggests that basic ocean physics explains why plastic accumulates in this region.
Researchers discover that deleted versions of the DUX4 gene trigger its overexpression in FSHD patients, leading to disease progression. The finding provides a crucial step in understanding the disease and offers a potential therapeutic target for treatment.
A global community of environmental researchers has united to monitor and analyze Earth's carbon exchange through over 500 micrometeorological towers. The newly launched platform, Fluxdata.org, allows researchers to access and harmonize data from hundreds of sites worldwide.
Researchers create tiny sensor molecules using DNA that can detect multiple substances with different color changes, enabling a vast array of responses to various molecules. The DNA sensors could be used in portable devices, such as a fluorescence microscope, to detect everything from incipiently souring milk to high explosives.
Researchers will create novel tools for evaluating social interactions and behaviors to diagnose or treat autism. The project aims to develop a new discipline of computational behavioral science, transforming the study of human behavior with technologies like computer vision and machine learning.
Researchers at NC State will use high-performance computing and data analytics to develop new approaches for predicting Atlantic hurricanes and precipitation patterns. The goal is to improve the accuracy and detail of climate forecasts, enabling better decision-making for climate researchers.
The NSF announces three new Expeditions in Computing awards, providing up to $10 million in funding over five years. These projects will focus on novel approaches to complex problems in computer science and engineering, including modeling social behavior and understanding climate change.
A new study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that yoga practice is associated with increased GABA levels and decreased anxiety. The research suggests that yoga may be a potential therapy for certain mental disorders, warranting further study.
USDA scientists have developed a new genetic tool to express beneficial genes in specific plant tissues, improving disease resistance and reducing side effects. The LP2 gene promoter can direct other introduced genes to target areas where they are needed most.
Fruit flies establish a fixed height by tracking horizontal edges and fly at the same altitude as these features. The researchers used a virtual-reality space to track the flies' movements and confirmed that edge tracking is the primary mechanism.
Prof. Elon Lindenstrauss received the Fields Medal for outstanding mathematical achievement, the first Israeli to win the prestigious prize. The award recognizes his research solving complex problems in number theory, highlighting Israel's elite status in mathematical research.
A magnitude-8.1 earthquake triggered two major quakes of magnitude 7.8 within two minutes, affecting Samoa, American Samoa, and Tonga, with water levels reaching 49 feet above sea level
A new project aims to enhance the accuracy of climate models by leveraging data mining techniques. The collaboration between UT and ORNL will help predict large shifts in regional climate patterns and improve predictions of severe meteorological and hydrological events.
A team of researchers is studying the human gut microbiome to develop new interventions and treatments for food- and water-borne diseases. The study aims to understand how certain microbes protect against enteric diseases and identify potential therapeutic targets.
Researchers studied the predatory style of Andalgalornis, a mid-sized terror bird that used its uniquely rigid skull and hooked beak to jab like a boxer. The team's simulations showed that the bird's attack-and-retreat strategy was effective in taking down prey, with well-targeted jabs delivering high stress levels.
A Purdue University study finds that controlling urban growth and increasing forested land are effective ways to decrease future water runoff and flooding. The model simulated Michigan's Muskegon River watershed runoff rates and forecasted their impact on rivers and streams over the next 30 years.
Ngô Bao Châu received the Fields Medal for his proof of the fundamental lemma in automorphic forms through new algebro-geometric methods. His work has relevance to high-energy physics, computer science, and cryptography, building on decades of mathematicians' contributions.
A Yale team has discovered the secrets of a 'magic' antidepressant that can take effect in hours, rather than weeks or months. The study found that ketamine restores connections between brain cells damaged by chronic stress.
A phase 3 trial found trastuzumab improves median survival to 13.8 months for HER2-positive advanced gastric cancer patients, with a 26% reduction in death rate compared to chemotherapy alone. The treatment's cost effectiveness is questioned due to its estimated £13,857 per patient cost and $55,000 cost per life-year gained.
A recent study found significant racial disparities in the age of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients at the time of hospital admission for cardiovascular disease (CVD) events and CVD-related death. Black women were youngest to both be admitted with CVD and to have an in-hospital death due to CVD.
Researchers found that sulfasalazine enhances the body's ability to clear fungal debris from the lungs, reducing inflammation and promoting better lung function. The study offers a new avenue for research on Pneumocystis pneumonia and may lead to improved treatment options for patients with weakened immune systems.
Researchers found HIV-1 virus alters in semen versus blood through two distinct mechanisms, affecting its replication and transmission.
A University of Illinois scientist has identified four genes that increase alcohol tolerance in yeast, leading to higher ethanol yields and productivity. The discovery aims to make biofuel production more efficient and economical by reducing the toxic effects of biofuels on yeast.
According to a study at the University of Michigan, children who see homework as an investment rather than a chore are more likely to spend time on it. The researchers found that students who expected to have a job dependent on their education were more likely to invest time in homework and had better grades over time.
Scientists have discovered that Helicobacter pylori needs vitamin B6 to cause and maintain stomach infections. Researchers used a mouse model to identify the importance of PdxA and PdxJ enzymes in bacterial pathogenesis, paving the way for novel antibiotic treatments.
A study by Rice University sociologist Elaine Howard Ecklund found that male scientists regret having fewer children due to their career more than female scientists. Male biologists report working longer hours and being less satisfied with their jobs compared to male physicists, who are less likely to have children.
A large underwater hydrocarbon plume was detected in the Gulf of Mexico, measuring at least 22 miles long and 3,000 feet below the surface. Scientists confirmed its origin as the blown-out well and observed its slow migration southwest from the source.
Researchers have uncovered a critical mechanism by which Vibrio parahaemolyticus kills cells and causes food poisoning. The study reveals that the bacterium uses a molecule called VPA0450 to remove a phosphate from host-cell membranes, leading to cell destruction.
A recent study has revealed a model for understanding Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD), which is linked to the generation of toxic RNA that damages muscle cells. Variations in chromosome 4 play a crucial role in this process, and researchers have identified potential new treatments by silencing the effects of this RNA.
A team of geologists led by David Fike has revisited the Great Oxygenation Event, finding that it was likely a two-step process involving sulfur compounds rather than just oxygen. This challenges the traditional narrative of the event and highlights the difficulties in interpreting redox proxies.
Brothers of men with prostate cancer are at a higher risk of diagnosis due to increased diagnostic activities, not genetic mutations. Incidence is highest among men with two brothers diagnosed, and detection bias contributes significantly.
A new study found that those at highest risk to drink alcohol post-transplant can be identified, potentially preventing relapse. The length of sobriety prior to surgery is the most powerful predictor of return to alcohol use, with shorter sobriety conferring higher risk.
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.