A new study by UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology and colleagues found that diverse landscapes with varying habitats help maintain stable butterfly populations. This can aid conservation efforts, as stable populations are better equipped to withstand extreme weather conditions.
A new magnetic tuning method has been developed to improve the storage capacity of next-generation computer hard drives. The method, reported in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, enables writing, storage, and readout at a fixed temperature by tuning the softness of the magnet with an external magnetic field.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found that inhibiting serotonin synthesis in the gut effectively cured osteoporosis in mice and rats. The compound, LP533401, prevents bone breakdown while building new bone, offering a potential treatment for millions of osteoporosis sufferers.
Dr. Constance Millar has been recognized with the USDA Forest Service Deputy Chief's Distinguished Science award for her groundbreaking research on forest ecosystems' response to climate change. Her work aims to inform land management planning and adaptation strategies for a changing climate.
Researchers at the Genome Institute of Singapore have identified the genetic molecule Tbx3, which significantly improves the quality of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells). The study successfully produced iPS cells that can recapitulate entire developmental processes and exhibit superior ability for germ-line transmission.
A large-scale study found that estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may increase the risk of developing asthma after menopause. Women who used estrogen-only HRT were 21% more likely to develop asthma than those who never used HRT, with a significant increased risk among non-smokers and those with previous allergies.
A study published in The Lancet Oncology found that hypofractionated radiotherapy schedules do not increase adverse symptoms or worsen body image compared to the international standard treatment. Patients reported moderate or striking concerns about body image, but these did not differ between radiotherapy schedules.
A study published by the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine found that women with fibroids are at a significantly increased risk of stillbirth. The research discovered that pregnancies with fetal growth restriction had an even higher risk of IUFD, with absolute risk remaining rare.
A new study published in Child Development found that children who spend more time in institutional care perform worse on tests of visual memory and attention, but make significant cognitive advances once adopted. Early deprivation can have lasting impacts on brain development.
A new study of young children in Romanian orphanages found that early foster care significantly improved secure attachments to caregivers compared to those placed after age 2. The Bucharest Early Intervention Project, a randomized controlled trial, suggests foster care can be a powerful intervention for vulnerable children.
Queen's University researchers discovered a low-dose nitroglycerin treatment may slow and halt prostate cancer disease progression without severe side effects. The study, which targeted 29 men with increasing PSA levels following surgery or radiation, showed significant slowing in disease progression in all but one patient.
Using transcriptional profiling, NTU researchers uncovered the gene functions for almost the entire Plasmodium falciparum genome, better understanding its response to existing compounds. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more potent drugs or a vaccine for malaria, potentially saving millions of lives.
A study of 58 Ukrainian children with and without HIV found that family care was better for children's physical growth and cognitive performance than institutional care. The quality of the relationship between caregivers and children had a significant impact on their development.
High-coverage HPV vaccination among adolescents and young women has been shown to rapidly reduce the risk of genital warts, cervical cell abnormalities, and diagnostic procedures. The study found significant reductions in risk across all HPV types, paving the way for a notable decrease in cancer rates.
Physicist Alex Evilevitch directly measured the energy associated with viral DNA expulsion, a discovery that could lead to broad-spectrum antiviral drugs. The study used isothermal titration calorimetry and found that increasing DNA length increases heat release, highlighting the importance of hydration entropy in viral genome packaging.
According to a recent Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health poll, nearly half of Americans (44%) think the H1N1 flu outbreak is over, while concerns about getting sick have decreased. Meanwhile, most adults do not intend to get vaccinated, with 61% citing reasons such as safety risks and lack of perceived risk.
Researchers have developed a barley protein concentrate that can meet the protein needs of trout and other commercially produced fish, potentially replacing fishmeal and soy protein concentrate. The concentrate is produced through an enzymatic method and has been shown to be effective in feeding trials.
Researchers have found that hair cells in the inner ear amplify even the faintest sounds, a phenomenon also observed in the vestibular system. This discovery sheds light on how our brains interpret head movements and balance, revealing a shared amplification mechanism between auditory and vestibular systems.
Researchers found that universal screening of pregnant women is cost-effective and improves pregnancy outcomes, reducing the number of premature births. The study also showed that routine care costs more than screening for short cervix, resulting in cost savings.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered that sugar-based protein modification called O-GlcNAcylation regulates cell division. Disrupting this process can lead to polyploidy, a condition exhibited by many cancer cells. The findings have implications for new treatments for diseases like cancer.
Jason Petta's discovery enables control of single electrons, achieving rapid manipulation without disturbing surrounding trillions. This breakthrough paves the way for future high-capacity quantum computers.
Scientists have discovered DNA from the agave butterfly caterpillar in mescal liquor, confirming their theory that preserved specimens can leak into preservative liquids. This breakthrough allows for non-invasive genetic analysis protocols, reducing the need for tissue samples or DNA extraction.
Researchers at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine have identified a regulatory protein that binds to RSK, keeping its activity in check. This discovery could lead to new treatments for breast cancer, prostate cancer, and heart enlargement, as well as Carney complex.
The entry of oil companies into renewable energy could hinder a sustainable economy based on carbon resources. A democratic and equitable transition is necessary to avoid a centralized structure that contradicts the nature of renewable energy sources.
A new study by neurology researchers at the University at Buffalo found that blacks with multiple sclerosis (MS) have more damage to brain tissue and accumulate lesions faster than whites. This aggressive disease process in blacks is associated with reduced remyelination, a brain's ability to repair the protective myelin sheath.
Scientists successfully produced plant-based monoclonal antibodies that effectively combat West Nile virus infections, rivaling their mammalian cell counterparts. The production technique holds promise for making life-saving treatments more affordable in resource-constrained regions.
A study by researchers at the University of Washington has demonstrated a link between gastroschisis, a congenital abdominal wall defect, and exposure to atrazine, an agricultural chemical. The risk of gastroschisis increased for women who conceived in the spring and resided near areas with high surface water contamination.
A study of nearly 1,900 Montreal-area high school students found that those who self-identified as GLB were at a higher risk for suicidal ideation and attempts. In contrast, teens with same-sex attractions or experiences but not identifying as GLB were not at greater risk.
Researchers reconstruct past ocean chemistry using calcium carbonate veins that precipitate from seawater-derived fluids in rocks beneath the seafloor. The composition of past seawater can be determined from suites of calcium carbonate veins that formed millions of years ago, providing valuable insights into climate and ocean evolution.
A study published in World Journal of Gastroenterology analyzed the clinical course of 252 subepithelial lesions. The majority of lesions (96.8%) remained unchanged after endoscopic surveillance, supporting the use of this approach for small tumors. Further studies with long-term follow-up are needed to validate these findings.
A longitudinal study of 80 Canadian mom-baby pairs found that mothers who used effective parenting techniques, such as responding quickly to requests and encouraging problem-solving strategies, helped their children develop better executive functioning skills. This skillset is crucial for later school success and social competence.
A new checklist called CURVES (Choose and Communicate, Understand, Reason, Value, Emergency and Surrogate) has been developed to quickly assess a patient's decision-making capacity in emergency situations. The acronym helps physicians determine whether a patient is able to make decisions in life-or-death situations.
Research found that hospitalization for Crohn's disease was more common among women and younger people, while ulcerative colitis was more common among older people. The study suggests that social deprivation and distance traveled to hospital are associated with Crohn's disease, but not ulcerative colitis.
Researchers studied mineralized microfossils, sea level rise, and mammalian fossils to better understand Earth's history. They also found evidence against the Lilliput Effect and geochemical mapping of Mars.
A special issue of Health Affairs features articles by AMIA members on e-health in developing countries, focusing on mobile health, global partnerships, and local solutions. The articles highlight the critical role of informatics in achieving overall health improvements globally.
A new longitudinal study suggests that highly reactive children are more likely to do well when raised in supportive, nurturing, and encouraging environments. The researchers found that such children were more affected by family adversity but also more likely to thrive in low-stress families due to their sensitivity.
A study by Penn State researchers found that health information from doctors on websites is considered more credible than blogs. Participants were more likely to trust expert sources and act on their advice, with a greater emphasis on the role of editors in presenting accurate information.
A study of over 500 low-income children found that early abuse can lead to more frequent and severe depression, with distinct cortisol regulation patterns. Children who experienced maltreatment before age 5 showed atypical cortisol production, indicating compromised stress systems.
Researchers found tiny genetic regions, or hotspots, responsible for the butterflies' identical wing patterns, challenging previous assumptions about evolution. The study reveals a flexible genetic mechanism underlying this remarkable example of adaptation.
Researchers found that the current interglacial period has lasted 2.0-2.5 millennia longer than predicted by dominant theory, raising questions about natural climate trends and human impact. The study suggests that orbital changes may still influence climate for another two thousand years or so.
A new study by John Anderson of the Nevada Seismological Laboratory has compiled a list of 100 earthquakes with the strongest peak accelerations (PGA) and velocities (PGV) ever recorded, exceeding thresholds of 7.31 m/s2 for acceleration and 0.65 m/s for velocity.
The Fraunhofer Institute developed FlashFind to enable swift, intuitive full-text search on mobile devices for large datasets. Users can quickly locate streets, cities, and points of interest without network access or limited keyboards.
A study by the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine found that widespread screening for spinal muscular atrophy is not cost-effective due to a high cost per case prevented. The study suggests that prenatal screening may be more cost-effective in high-risk populations with a family history of the disease.
A longitudinal study found that pregnant mothers who experience depression are four times more likely to have children exhibiting violent behavior at age 16. The study suggests a link between maternal depression during pregnancy and increased antisocial behavior in children, with no apparent influence from family environment factors.
Researchers observe complex electron patterns resembling fractals in a gallium arsenide semiconductor, revealing the transition point where it becomes magnetic. The findings suggest that magnetism arises from localized interactions within these fractal puddles.
Researchers found that patients with flame-like Barrett's epithelium and those with a C extent ≥ 2 cm had higher rates of erosive esophagitis. The study suggests a potential strategy for preventing esophageal adenocarcinoma.
Scientists at Imperial College London are developing a composite material that can store and discharge electrical energy, making it ideal for use in hybrid vehicles. The material could reduce the number of batteries needed, leading to a 15% reduction in car weight and improved range.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge found that first-generation artificial pancreas systems can lower risk of low blood sugar emergencies while sleeping and improve diabetes control. The study showed improved target blood glucose levels, minimized low blood sugars, and reduced hypoglycemia.
Researchers at Yale University have found that progesterone prevents apoptosis in fetal membranes, reducing the risk of preterm birth. Progesterone supplementation from weeks 16-20 may also prevent premature rupture of the fetal membranes.
The GOES-P spacecraft has been fueled and prepared for its 14-year orbit around the Earth. Engineers conducted propulsion system pressurization and leak checks to prevent fuel leaks. The launch vehicle is currently processing on stand, with a March 1 target date.
Researchers found that sutures resulted in significantly lower rates of wound separation and composite wound complications compared to staples. The use of staples was associated with a higher risk of wound complications and post-operative physician visits.
A new approach to smoking cessation uses individualized risk assessments to motivate smokers to quit. Studies show that tests like Respiragene improve quit rates by providing smokers with personalized information about their risk of lung cancer and other smoking-related diseases.
A soft intelligence approach can help solve problems in healthcare, defense, economics, engineering, and science where definitive answers are rare. Soft metrics use shades of gray and judgments to provide justifiable answers that aren
Researchers found an association between genes regulating maternal inflammatory response, bacterial vaginosis, and preterm delivery. A cohort study identified nine SNPs in three genes associated with increased risk of preterm birth among women with bacterial vaginosis.
NIST's new aluminum-based quantum logic clock outperforms previous mercury atom clocks by more than twice its precision, achieving accuracy within 17 decimal places. The enhanced logic clock uses a different type of partner ion to improve efficiency and sets the stage for future time standards.
Researchers at Yale School of Medicine have developed a simple urine test to rapidly predict and diagnose preeclampsia in pregnant women. The Congo Red Dot Test accurately predicted preeclampsia in a study of 347 pregnant women, allowing for better preventive care.
Research reveals genetic variants increasing risk of preterm labor, but also necessary for fighting infection; identifying high-risk individuals may lead to personalized care and healthier outcomes.
Researchers found acupuncture to be an effective treatment for depression during pregnancy, with participants experiencing significant symptom reduction and higher response rates. The study's results suggest that acupuncture could be a viable treatment option for pregnant women struggling with depression.
The US Green Building Council has awarded NASA's Exploration Sciences Building with the highest LEED Gold certification, recognizing its sustainable design and construction. The 200,000 sq ft building features nearly 60 laboratories and is the largest green building on Goddard's campus.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have synthesized the entire protein responsible for life-threatening malaria in pregnant women and their unborn children. A protein-based vaccine is planned to trigger antibodies protecting against malaria, saving over 200,000 lives annually.