Researchers have sequenced the genome of a plant disease-causing organism, uncovering its stealthy tactics and providing insights into the plant immune system. This discovery enables new ways to prevent disease and has vast implications for understanding and combating many other challenging plant pathogens.
Researchers discovered that blue whales can consume up to 2,000,000 kJ in a single mouthful of krill, providing 240 times more energy than used during a dive. This efficiency is due to the massive size of their mouths, which allow them to engulf large volumes of food.
Researchers at UCLA are developing spin-transfer torque magnetoresistive random access memory (STT-RAM) with great potential over current memory technologies. The technology has achieved densities comparable to dynamic random access memory and speeds comparable to static random access memory.
Researchers found significant exposure to erionite in North Dakota roads, comparable to affected Turkish villages. The mineral poses health risks through inhalation, prompting cautionary measures and potential preventive programs.
Research from the University of Cincinnati and Massachusetts General Hospital found that warfarin, a common anticoagulant, may not be suitable for all atrial fibrillation patients due to declining stroke risk. The study suggests that treatment guidelines should consider individual patient risks and benefits.
A Florida State University researcher has developed a molecular sensor that accurately detects fluoride levels at very low concentrations, posing a carcinogenic risk. The sensor's nanomolar sensitivity makes it one of the most sensitive fluoride sensors known to date.
Researchers compared treatment outcomes of elderly patients with early-stage lung cancer treated with either surgery or stereotactic radiation therapy. The study found that both treatments had similar long-term survival rates, but surgery had a higher risk of mortality in the first 30 days.
A study of over 12 million women found that only half received annual mammograms, with rates varying by age group. The low rate has sparked theories on reasons behind non-compliance, including discomfort and lack of available screening centers.
The NSF has extended its support for an alliance of research universities and HBCUs that encourages African American students to pursue graduate training and research careers in robotics and computer science. The ARTSI Alliance has served over 300 undergraduates, provided mentoring and technical assistance to 23 HBCU faculty, and deliv...
Researchers found that Alzheimer's disease is associated with disrupted brain clearance of a sticky plaque component called amyloid-beta. The study's findings have important implications for diagnosis and treatment, as scientists seek to understand how this process can be improved.
The study reveals that the bacteria causing the current Haitian cholera epidemic originated in South Asia, supporting the notion of transmission from an infected individual. The strain was found to be more virulent than average, with a higher potential for severe diarrhea and increased mortality rates.
The new guidelines aim to standardize diagnosis, treatment, and management of food allergies. They consolidate the latest available data into straightforward and consistent protocols for diagnosis and treatment, which will give physicians a uniform pool of information, ultimately leading to more accurate care for patients.
The e-MERLIN telescope has captured the first image of a galaxy with its gravitational lens, revealing multiple images of a quasar billions of light years away. This groundbreaking observation demonstrates the power of the new telescope system in studying the fine details of astronomical events.
Researchers found that Duchenne muscular dystrophy symptoms emerge when skeletal muscle stem cells can no longer keep up with repairs, leading to progressive muscle weakening and respiratory failure. Successful treatments targeting muscle stem cells may alleviate symptoms and offer new hope for managing the disease.
Engineers have created a quarter-inch-thick, lightweight, and colorless blast-resistant glass that can withstand explosions and severe weather. The new design features long glass fibers soaked in liquid plastic, providing a significant reinforcing effect to the polymer matrix.
A study published in Nature Chemical Biology reveals how pancreatic beta cells interpret incoming signals and find that three proteins relay signals similar to an electrical circuit. The discovery may lead to repairing deficient cells in treating diabetes.
Researchers are creating a new rapid test to detect sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in under 15 minutes. The system uses short fluorescently-labelled DNA sequences to identify the presence of an STI.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have created the world's smallest battery using a single tin oxide nanowire anode, which nearly doubles in length during charging. The discovery provides new insights into lithium batteries and could improve power and energy density.
Researchers found that leaf-cutter ants change tasks when mandibles wear out, allowing more efficient sisters to take over. This division of labor allows the colony to remain productive while minimizing energy loss.
The study provides the first whole genome sequence analysis of the Haitian Vibrio cholerae outbreak strain, confirming a South Asian lineage. This understanding has important public health policy implications for preventing future cholera outbreaks.
Alexander V. Prokhorov, a behavioral scientist at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, has been recognized for his innovative tobacco research and education programs targeting high-risk teens and young adults. His work includes developing video games and websites to teach healthy lifestyles and prevent tobacco use.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that Indonesian children who watched Jalan Sesama, a local version of Sesame Street, showed significant improvement in literacy, math skills, safety knowledge, and social awareness compared to those with low exposure.
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that restricting dietary phosphate does not improve survival rates among hemodialysis patients. In fact, patients with more liberal phosphate restrictions were 27% less likely to die than those on restrictive diets.
A recent study found that patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA) can safely continue taking clopidogrel, but bleeding complications are associated with using a Dacron patch. The study analyzed 260 consecutive patients and found no significant difference in operative blood loss between those on clopidogrel and aspirin alone.
A phase II study at Georgetown University Medical Center suggests exemestane reduces mammographic breast density in high-risk postmenopausal women by 7%. The treatment is considered an intermediate marker for breast cancer and may offer a safer alternative to tamoxifen, which has rare but serious side effects.
Scientists at Virginia Tech uncover how abscisic acid, a natural plant hormone, fights inflammation by interacting with the lanthionine synthetase C-like 2 protein. This alternative mechanism avoids known adverse side effects of existing drugs, paving the way for new treatments.
Physicists at Ohio State University have developed a technique to tune the properties of key atoms in computer chips by rearranging tiny defects. This could lead to faster computing speeds and new computing paradigms based on quantum mechanics.
A research team at Worcester Polytechnic Institute demonstrates the feasibility of delivering adult bone-marrow-derived stem cells using biopolymer microthreads, which support cell growth while maintaining differentiation potential. The technology has the potential to improve cardiac function and treat cardiac arrhythmias.
A study by University of Chicago researchers found that households did not shift to store brand alternatives after receiving a DVR. The lack of effect on sales suggests that TV advertising may not have a discernible impact on sales in the first place.
The ARC Centre of Excellence for Experimental Particle Physics at the Terascale will probe particle interactions at higher energies, revealing secrets about the early stages of the universe after the big bang. Scientists hope to discover elusive Higgs Boson particles and new physics such as extra dimensions and super symmetry.
A team of scientists has discovered that microRNA profiles can predict the type of cell, including whether it's cancerous or not. This finding has significant implications for the use of stem cells in repairing damaged body parts, as it highlights the potential risks of creating cancer.
A team of Bioengineers in the US has modified a bacterial strain to improve its ability to produce ethanol. The research reveals that adapting and metabolic engineering can be combined for strain improvement, increasing ethanol production.
Researchers have discovered MIC-1 as a regulator of angiogenesis, finding that it is present in high levels in 67% of melanoma patients. Targeting this protein can prevent blood vessel formation and decrease tumor development by up to 300%. This could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating melanoma.
A new study by Andrew Dessler at Texas A&M University found that cloud feedback will amplify global warming over the next century. The research uses measurements from NASA's Terra satellite and meteorological analyses to calculate energy trapped by clouds as climate varied over the last decade.
A new study finds that nanotechnology research collaboration has increased significantly worldwide, with the US and China being the leading international co-authors. The study analyzed over 91,000 papers published between 2008 and 2009 and found that researchers from just 15 countries accounted for 90% of the publications.
The CARING CARS project aims to make driving safer by developing an innovative sensor network that monitors a driver's vital signs and responds accordingly. The system detects fatigue, emotional state, and other factors to provide alerts and assistance in emergency situations.
Scientists identify the valosin-containing protein (VCP) gene linked to familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a fatal neurological disease. Further study may lead to novel treatments by transforming the pathological process in ALS patients.
A University of Michigan-led study found that depressed mothers' bodies may play a role in the development of their unborn children's brains. Babies born to depressed moms had higher levels of stress hormones and decreased muscle tone, but also showed signs of neurological maturity.
A VA study reveals that childhood maltreatment and other high magnitude stressors have a stronger association with psychiatric symptoms than military sexual experiences. The research suggests that addressing these stressors could lead to interventions to reduce psychiatric symptoms.
Scientists analyzed studies on estrogen in drinking water and found most estrogens come from natural sources such as soy, dairy, and animal waste, not birth control pills. Researchers concluded that the pill accounts for less than 1% of estrogens in drinking water supplies.
A new study from UBC finds that sudden changes in meltwater volume contribute more to the acceleration of the Greenland ice sheet than gradual warming. The ice sheet's flow is influenced by complex fluid dynamics and can be accelerated by short-term weather extremes, not just gradual temperature increases.
Archaeologists propose that the Persian Gulf Oasis may have been home to humans for over 100,000 years, challenging current migration models. The region's fertile landscape and abundant resources would have supported early human settlements.
A recent study found that lower and higher vitamin D levels are associated with an increased likelihood of frailty in older women. Women with optimal vitamin D levels (20.0-29.9 ng/ml) were at the lowest risk, while those with levels below 20 ng/ml or above 30 ng/ml had a higher risk of frailty.
Researchers developed an imaging technology that uses ultrasound to accurately identify tumors and assess their aggressiveness. This can lead to better treatment and cost savings in healthcare.
Reproductive scientists have successfully created male and female mice from two fathers using induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. This breakthrough could pave the way for preserving endangered species and improving livestock breeds, as well as advancing human assisted reproductive technology (ART).
Patients over 65 who survive hospitalization with mechanical ventilation are more likely to suffer from long-term disabilities compared to those without ventilation. Researchers found that these patients experience greater mobility difficulties and activities of daily living (ADL) disability, even when their pre-hospitalization disabil...
A study by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that youth generally perceive community street outreach workers positively, regardless of personal experience. The majority of respondents reported successfully resolving conflicts and needing help with employment, education, and healthcare needs.
Researchers identified SynCAM 1, a molecule that promotes synaptic connections and controls plasticity in the brain. The study found that too much of this molecule can be damaging, while mice with normal amounts of it have impaired learning ability.
A new study funded by the National Institute of Mental Health found that toddlers with autism who received a targeted intervention showed significant improvements in social and communication skills. The intervention, which focused on core social deficits, yielded sustained gains even in very young children.
Climate scientist Lonnie Thompson warns of impending environmental, societal, and economic consequences of climate change. He cites evidence of glacier retreat, rising sea levels, and diminished ice cover as indicators of the urgent need for action to forestall global warming's effects.
Research finds that dominant animals in primate societies have higher parasite loads due to suppressed immune systems. Frequent aggression and contact with other animals may contribute to the risk of infection.
This special section of Perspectives on Psychological Science explores the promises and issues facing neuroimaging, including its potential to reveal the anatomy of mental functions. Researchers discuss the need for more emphasis on cognitive processes and the importance of clear communication with the public.
A team of researchers has used a large database to create a new map of Great Britain, dividing the country into smaller regions based on human interactions. The analysis reveals unexpected patterns, such as a 'western crescent' centered on high-tech activities and Wales being well-integrated with its English neighbors.
Researchers found that brain regions surrounding seizure-generating areas have reduced synchrony, a key finding in understanding epilepsy. The study suggests that this isolation could be used as a clinical biomarker to identify individuals with abnormal brain function.
A new study found that parents have a limited impact on their children's eating habits, with complex factors like schools and peer influence playing a significant role. Researchers analyzed worldwide studies to conclude that correlations between parent-child dietary intakes have become weaker over time.
The University of Illinois has received a $662,836 NSF grant to establish a program mentoring Latino undergraduate students in quantitative biology and informatics. Four cohorts of students will participate in one-year research experiences, receiving fellowships for their work.
Researchers have shed light on dopamine's role in the brain's reward system, finding that individual differences in response to environmental cues can fundamentally influence chemical reward patterns. The study provides new insights into compulsive behavior and may lead to preventive tools or treatments for addiction.
A new computer model projects flu season severity by analyzing genetic and serological data, explaining over 90% of variation in severity. The study provides insights for informed decision-making in planning for influenza, including vaccine selection.
A large-scale content-analysis of cross-linguistic text reveals national biases, cultural, economic and geographic links between countries influence the news agenda. Outlets from similar countries tend to cover similar stories, such as those related to trade or Eurovision.
A pediatric trauma research network is crucial to develop evidence-based recommendations for improving standard of care for children injured in traumatic events. The establishment of such a network could minimize the occurrence and severity of pediatric trauma.