A large collaborative study has identified 64 new genetic variants associated with adult height, providing insight into the complex trait. The research suggests that genotyping arrays with rare and uncommon single-nucleotide polymorphisms can capture new signals and disease variants.
The Lancet's Editorial in 1911 highlighted issues such as tuberculosis, occupational health, and homoeopathy, which remain relevant today. The journal has made significant advances in medicine since then, including modernizing medical education.
The GOES series of satellites provided critical weather monitoring services in 2010 and 2011, tracking severe storms, hurricanes, and blizzards. The satellites captured stunning images of weather systems, including the Pineapple Express and a Christmas weekend blizzard, helping to inform travel decisions.
A new study led by researchers at WashU Medicine found that consistent exercise is associated with a lower risk of dying from colon cancer. The study analyzed data from over 150,000 men and women and found that those who exercised for at least 10 years had the lowest risk of colon cancer death.
Researchers found a link between family history of alcoholism and increased risk of obesity, with women being more affected. The association may be due to the environment, particularly the availability of high-calorie, hyper-palatable foods that stimulate the brain's reward centers.
Archaeologists have found evidence of Homo sapiens in the Qesem Cave in Israel dating back to 400,000 years ago. The discovery challenges the long-held theory that modern man emerged from Africa 200,000 years ago and may indicate significant evolutionary changes in human behavior during this period.
Invasive species can halt natural speciation processes, leading to mass extinction events. The Late Devonian ecosystem collapsed due to dominant invasive species, wiping out locally adapted species and preventing new life forms from arising.
Researchers at U-M have developed a new diagnostic tool to predict bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS), the leading cause of death for lung transplant recipients. A high stem cell count after transplantation is linked to an increased risk of developing BOS.
A tropical cyclone system, System 98S, is bringing heavy rainfall and gusty winds to the northwestern coast of Western Australia. The NASA TRMM satellite has captured images of moderate to heavy rainfall in the system, with areas near Kununurra experiencing light to moderate rainfall.
Sleep-deprived physicians may perform procedures with potentially severe consequences, compromising patient care. Patients deserve informed consent and the option to reschedule or choose a different provider if necessary.
Researchers at NIH found that even tiny amounts of superoxide production in people with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) are linked to better survival rates. The study allows for early assessment of patient risk, enabling personalized treatment options.
Researchers investigated the salt tolerance of 10 common bedding plant species and cultivars irrigated with reclaimed water. The study found that some plants became more compact when grown in low to moderate salinity conditions, suggesting a potential use for recycled water in landscape irrigation.
A review article brings together neuroscience and sleep medicine to understand the biological mechanisms underlying general anesthesia. The authors highlight differences between general anesthesia and states similar to sleep and coma, while also exploring how anesthetic agents interact with brain circuits.
Researchers have identified the molecular signals that influence circadian rhythms in organisms, including humans, mice, and fruit flies. The study reveals how cryptochrome protein interacts with light to regulate these rhythms.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Children's Center discover that the CFTR protein regulates inflammation and cell death in emphysema, potentially leading to new treatments. Decreases in CFTR expression correspond to increased buildup of ceramide, a trigger of inflammation and cell death.
Research confirms the genetic relationship between Hungarian and Turkish apricot cultivars, providing valuable data for breeders and growers. The study reveals that Turkish germplasm contributed to the development of desirable Hungarian apricot cultivars, with a connection dating back 300 years.
Alternative grass species such as little bluestem, purple lovegrass, and tall fescue have been identified for anchoring roadside slopes. These deep-rooted species can stabilize the soil, while warmer-season grasses like little bluestem and purple lovegrass prevent surface erosion and provide green roadsides.
A recent study by Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that children living in areas with fewer pediatricians are more likely to suffer life-threatening appendix ruptures. The study found that the most potent predictor of outcome in children with appendicitis was the number of pediatricians available in an area.
Researchers found Longevinex, a resveratrol supplement, provides cardio-protection across a wide dosage range without toxic effects. Unlike plain resveratrol, Longevinex exhibits an L-shaped safety curve, minimizing heart damage and optimizing protection.
A study evaluated four turfgrass management approaches to determine their aesthetic and economic impacts. Organic alternatives were found to be effective in improving lawn quality without increasing costs.
Patients with diabetes, kidney disease, and anemia who don't respond to treatment with darbepoetin alpha have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease or death. The study suggests customizing treatment based on initial response to the drug could reduce risk.
A randomized controlled trial found that a team-based primary care intervention called TEAMcare reduced depression and improved blood sugar control, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels in patients with diabetes and heart disease. Patients assigned to the TEAMcare intervention had better quality of life and were more likely to have t...
A new hybrid string blossom thinner prototype has shown promising results in increasing crop value and reducing labor costs in four U.S. growing regions. Trials demonstrated reduced labor costs, increased fruit size distribution, and improved yield, resulting in gross income ranging from $4,267 to $12,288 per acre.
Researchers found that April grafting is the most successful method for creating disease-resistant Fraser fir trees, with a 95% success rate. The study recommended grafting during late winter or early spring when scions are dormant and rootstocks are becoming active.
A review of general anesthesia, sleep, and coma reveals that a fully anesthetized brain is closer to the state of a coma patient than a person asleep. The study aims to improve diagnosis and treatment for sleep abnormalities and emergence from coma.
A new study found that grafting melon plants onto commercial rootstocks significantly improves nitrogen use efficiency, reducing the need for nitrate-rich fertilizer. This approach allows growers to maintain high crop yields while minimizing environmental impacts.
Researchers investigated indoor plant intervention on pulmonary and coronary patients' health, finding improved overall physical and mental health. Patients in the 'plant intervention group' reported larger increases in well-being during their rehabilitation programs.
A study investigated the in vitro development of decay caused by 12 major root-rot and trunk-rot fungi in nine ornamental tree species. Strains like Armillaria mellea and Ganoderma lucidum exhibited high decay potential, with gymnosperm wood generally more resistant than angiosperm wood.
A Canadian study confirmed the advantages of a retractable liquid foam system in improving greenhouse climates by reducing air temperature and increasing relative humidity. The technology improved plant microclimates and decreased crop productivity losses due to extreme conditions.
Researchers have developed a new type of sensor that can rapidly detect biomarkers in real time, enabling an inexpensive and quick way to collect diagnostic information about patients. The technology has the potential to diagnose cancer and other diseases by detecting specific compounds in a person's breath.
A study found that dust particles in the atmosphere break apart in patterns similar to shattered glass, indicating a higher number of large fragments than previously thought. This discovery has implications for understanding future climate change and improving weather forecasting.
Researchers have found that paper mulches can be an effective alternative to traditional polyethylene mulches in commercial vegetable production. Four types of paper mulches were compared with black plastic mulch and found to control weeds as well as or better than polyethylene in some situations.
Researchers evaluated five common green roof plants under various drought treatments, finding that saxifrage pink thrived despite its shallow substrate requirement. The study highlights the importance of selecting plant species suitable to rooftop conditions and substrate depth for optimal growth.
A study investigated willow cut-stem producers' profiles, production practices and market value. Most growers sought to expand acreage and extend seasonal markets, with some citing limited scientific knowledge of the crop.
SOHO has become the single greatest comet finder of all time, with over 2,000 comets discovered. The spacecraft was not designed for this purpose, but its cameras have proven effective in spotting comets due to their ability to block out the sun's brightness.
Researchers found that the ROP18 protein disables host cell proteins that protect against infection, allowing the parasite to thrive. This discovery could lead to new treatments for Toxoplasmosis and other parasitic infections.
Researchers found that the core protein interacts with non-structural helicase protein, playing a critical role in viral replication. This new understanding supports a potential new therapeutic target for hepatitis C drug development and may prevent production of infectious viral particles.
Researchers found that high-nitrogen fertilizers can accelerate establishment of areca palm and Chinese hibiscus, but also induce magnesium deficiency. A balanced approach with moderate nitrogen levels is recommended for optimal plant quality.
Purdue researchers found that pre-plant bulb dips in paclobutrazol solutions can produce compact, commercially acceptable Easter lilies. The study showed that dipping bulbs resulted in 15-26% shorter plant height at flowering compared to untreated bulbs.
A new study by Oregon State University and USDA-Agricultural Research Service found that a combination of urea and CuEDTA with phosphonate-containing fungicides can reduce disease severity caused by Phytophthora syringae in pear trees. This treatment does not negatively impact tree nitrogen content or early defoliation.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine will study and develop new treatments for diseases of the retina, a leading cause of blindness. The $10.1 million grant aims to accelerate the development of effective therapies, particularly for age-related macular degeneration.
A newly engineered yeast strain can simultaneously consume glucose and xylose, reducing inefficiencies in current biofuel production methods. The new strain produces more ethanol and consumes less time than existing strains, making it a significant breakthrough in cellulosic biofuel production.
The IOF and IFCC have identified research priorities and recommended specific bone turnover markers (s-PINP and s-CTX) as reference analytes for clinical and observational studies. Standardized protocols would greatly increase the clinical and research potential of BTMs, improving patient management and treatment adherence.
Scientists at Virginia Tech have identified a critical step in juvenile hormone signaling, which could lead to more targeted mosquito controls. The discovery of a protein partner for the juvenile hormone receptor has significant implications for understanding insect development and reproductive maturation.
A novel human protein called biglycan has been shown to significantly slow muscle damage and improve function in mice with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. The treatment restores utrophin presence in muscle cells, reducing muscle tissue damage by 50% compared to untreated mice.
A study found that changing the composition of quail groups causes aggression and changes in hormone levels, affecting chick growth and behavior. The results suggest a direct impact of mother quails' social environment on their offspring's phenotype.
A new study suggests that dust particles in the atmosphere can be used as a predictor of future climate change. The research found that the size distribution of dust particles follows similar patterns to those produced by broken glass and other brittle objects.
The full genome of the wild strawberry plant has been sequenced, revealing insights into its unique flavor and aroma compounds. The research provides a new model for studying agricultural crops and fruit trees, such as apples, peaches, and almonds.
A study published in Pediatrics found that newborns with low vitamin D levels are at increased risk of developing respiratory infections and wheezing during early childhood. The research suggests that vitamin D is crucial to the immune system, particularly in preventing acute respiratory infections.
A team from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and Utrecht University has deciphered the atomic structure of two key transient enzyme complexes in the human complement system. The findings provide a molecular scaffold for designing novel drug therapeutics by targeting the complex and inhibiting its activation.
Infant formula type affects weight gain rates, with protein hydrolysate formulas influencing slower growth compared to cow's milk-based formulas. Protein hydrolysate infants exhibit similar growth patterns to breast-fed infants, suggesting potential benefits for infant health.
A study found that at least one in 26 people will develop epilepsy in their lifetime, with higher risks for the elderly. This highlights the need for more research using epilepsy surveillance data to inform healthcare planning and improve patient care.
A powerful low-pressure system brought significant snowfall to New England, with some areas receiving over a foot of snow. The GOES-13 satellite captured an image of the storm's center off the Massachusetts coast, showing the extent of the blizzard conditions.
Researchers have sequenced the DNA of the Criollo cacao tree, considered one of the world's finest chocolate varieties. The study identified key genes that can improve disease resistance and increase productivity, potentially leading to a more sustainable cacao economy.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered a key mechanism by which the 'starvation hormone' adiponectin functions, promoting cell survival and inhibiting cell death in both pancreatic beta cells and cardiomyocytes. This finding has implications for treating conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
A new microfluidic device enables the rapid orientation of hundreds of embryos, allowing for large-scale quantitative analyses of protein positional information along the dorsoventral axis. This innovation facilitates studies on complex structures from single cells and has the potential to adapt for other model organisms.
A recent study published in Nature Neuroscience found that the amygdala's volume is positively correlated with social network size and complexity in adult humans. This link was observed across age groups and genders, suggesting a possible role for the amygdala in regulating human social behavior.
Researchers at Oregon State University have sequenced the genome of a wild strawberry, identifying genes that could lead to improved crops. The study's findings may result in fruits with enhanced flavor, aroma, nutritional value, and resistance to disease.
A Georgia Tech team has sequenced the woodland strawberry genome, unlocking possibilities for breeding more flavorful and resilient crops. The research, published in Nature Genetics, used a hybrid gene prediction program to identify 34,809 protein-coding genes, with 55% assigned to gene families.
A UK-based team contributed to sequencing the wild strawberry genome, revealing around 35,000 genes that can be used to develop disease-resistant varieties with improved traits. The discovery has significant implications for global food security and could lead to more nutritious and varied diets.