The CU-Boulder Extreme Ultraviolet Variability Experiment (EVE) will measure rapid fluctuations in the sun's extreme ultraviolet output, affecting Earth's upper atmosphere and technology. Scientists hope to use this research to make better space weather predictions, predicting communications and navigation outages.
A team of Yale scientists has deciphered the color palette of a 150-million-year-old feathered dinosaur, Anchiornis huxleyi, revealing rich patterns and colors previously unknown. The analysis suggests that dinosaur feathers evolved for communication, rather than just flight.
A new device, OdoReader, uses pioneering technology to rapidly diagnose Clostridium difficile infections by analyzing stool samples' odors. Early detection could save the NHS £200 million annually and prevent infectious disease spread.
Scientists at Rice University have discovered a new technique for singling out individual diseased cells and destroying them with tiny explosions using lasers and nanoparticles. The method, known as nanobubbles, can be tuned to create either small, harmless bubbles or large bubbles that burst the cells.
A closed-loop 'artificial pancreas' system can improve blood sugar control in young patients with type 1 diabetes, reducing the risk of nocturnal hypoglycaemia and achieving good glucose levels. The study found that children with the artificial pancreas maintained normal blood glucose levels for 60% of the time.
A researcher at Virginia Tech is developing a unified mathematical framework to study the spread of pandemics, malware, and power grid failures. The framework aims to improve robustness in healthcare, computer networking, and power grid controls, addressing concerns for workers and policy planners.
A recent study by Feeding America found a 133% increase in the number of people served by emergency food programs in Eastern Illinois, including 33,198 children. University of Illinois faculty, such as Craig Gundersen, are involved in evaluating these programs and examining innovative initiatives like the BackPack Program.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis study how mosses adapt to dehydration, revealing the role of ABA and ABI3 signaling pathways. They identify 22 genes that are upregulated during dehydration and discover that these genes are also expressed during rehydration, but only in wild-type moss.
Researchers found that businesses can reduce waiting times by up to 50% by manipulating customer perception, using techniques such as fragmented lines and distractions. By designing well-structured lines and providing enjoyable experiences, businesses can decrease the subjective waiting duration, turning a long wait into a short one.
A team of computer scientists at Google, Rutgers University, and universities in California, Michigan, and Virginia will explore ways to create low power modes in servers. The goal is to conserve 40-50% of the power consumed by current servers.
A new report reveals that a prion-like protein called CPEB may participate in memory in higher eukaryotes, including sea slugs. The protein's ability to switch between distinct conformational states suggests it could maintain stable states with unstable biological molecules.
A new study has identified a specific gene product that may be responsible for the proliferation of adenotonsillar tissue in children with OSA. The study suggests that blocking the phosphatase protein PSPH could be a potential therapeutic target for reversing adenotonsillar enlargement and treating pediatric OSA.
Cyclone Oli has strengthened to Category 4 strength, bringing heavy rainfall and gusty winds to the region. The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission satellite observed large circulation patterns and intense rainfall in distant islands like Bora Bora and Tahiti.
Researchers at LA BioMed found that patients with mild gallstone pancreatitis can safely undergo surgery within 48 hours of admission, reducing hospital stay lengths by a day. This new approach aims to shorten hospital stays and improve outcomes for these patients.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new compound that appears to balance neurotransmitters better than existing antidepressants, potentially offering improved efficacy and reduced side effects.
A study published in World Journal of Gastroenterology found that long-term endoscopy-based studies do not significantly affect the quality of life (QOL) of healthy volunteers. The researchers evaluated QOL in ten healthy volunteers during a prospectively conducted study, using validated surveys and questionnaires.
Researchers found bacteria developed into complex cells earlier than thought, with mitochondria evolving around 2000 million years ago. The discovery transforms our understanding of cell evolution and the emergence of more complex life forms.
Researchers discovered that N-acetylserotonin, a melatonin precursor, activates the same brain growth factor circuits as BDNF, potentially explaining its antidepressant activity. This finding suggests new targets for depression treatment and may also shed light on neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers at Henry Ford Hospital found that online programs providing practical tips on fruits and vegetables increased participants' daily intake by more than two servings. Many participants continued using the program and reported involving their family members.
Researchers at MIT have successfully built a germanium laser that can emit wavelengths useful for optical communications. This breakthrough paves the way for the development of light-based computers that could process data more efficiently than current electrical systems.
A Monash University-led nationwide study found that severely obese individuals feel powerless to change their weight due to internalized stigma and shame. In contrast, mildly to moderately obese individuals believed they could lose weight if needed, but felt no urgent need to do so.
Physicist Patrick Huber has been awarded $750,000 by the U.S. Department of Energy to research neutrinos. His work aims to better understand the role of neutrinos in cosmology, astrophysics, and elementary particle physics, with potential breakthroughs in these fields.
Researchers have discovered a possible biomarker for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder using electroretinography, suggesting retinal deficits contribute to perceptual problems. This finding highlights the importance of considering subtle visual issues in individuals with these conditions.
The 2008 Organic Production Survey found that US organic farms had higher average sales ($217,675) and production expenses ($171,978) compared to conventional farms. California dominated the market with $1.15 billion in sales, accounting for 36% of nationwide sales.
A new report found that over 30% of seniors in 36 states are not immunized against pneumonia, highlighting a need for increased awareness and access to vaccines. The report also highlights low vaccination rates for the seasonal flu, tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough vaccines.
ARS researchers have inserted individual resistance genes from a wild oat into domestic oat varieties, developing new lines with effective resistance to crown rust. The goal is to create plant lines that will fight off the disease for many years, improving oat yields and food security.
Researchers found that maggot 'biosurgeons' used to treat chronic wounds are vulnerable to deadly bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which can kill the maggots within 20 hours. This discovery could lead to more effective treatment of wounds and development of novel antibiotics.
Researchers have identified DNA variants in mothers and fetuses that increase the risk for preterm labor and delivery. The variants were found in genes involved in inflammation and extracellular matrix regulation, suggesting a link between immune response and preterm birth.
A new study published by researchers at Eastern Virginia Medical School has identified a protein-based enzyme called 12-Lipoxygenase (12-LO) as a key player in the development of Type 1 diabetes. The enzyme produces specific lipids that cause inflammation and lead to beta cell death, highlighting a potential target for new therapies.
Researchers have found a proton channel in sperm cells that allows them to rid themselves of excess protons when resting, enabling their movement in the female reproductive tract. This finding may lead to new ways of controlling male fertility and potentially even male contraception.
Researchers from the University of Minnesota have found that fish bodies and swimming styles evolve to optimize efficiency in their respective aquatic environments. Computational simulations revealed that fish adapt their forms and techniques to match their speeds, demonstrating the influence of water movements on fish evolution.
The study found that tooth enamel defects in ancient humans were associated with shortened lifespans, suggesting a link between early life stress and adult diseases. The research supports the Barker hypothesis, which proposes that many adult diseases originate during fetal development and early childhood.
Researchers at Salk Institute found that nucleoporins, proteins in nuclear pore complexes, act as transcription factors regulating genes during early development. They also offer new insights into cancer mechanisms and potential markers for causes of cancer.
A Kansas State University economist found that SAT scores and college chances for native students are not negatively affected by immigration. The study, published in Economics Education Review, analyzed data from California and Texas schools between 1994 and 2001.
Researchers found that fa'afafine men in Samoa exhibit stronger kin selection, allocating resources to their nieces and nephews, potentially enhancing their own evolutionary prospects. This supports the kin selection hypothesis as a potential explanation for the persistence of male same-sex attraction.
Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science found that bats aim their sound beams off-center when locating objects, making this strategy more efficient than aiming directly at the center. This approach allows bats to better track movement across the beam.
Researchers used radar equipment to observe migrating butterflies and moths flying several hundreds of metres above the ground, highlighting their remarkable abilities. The study found that these insect migrants can travel nearly twice as far and closer to their preferred direction as an insect just randomly drifting downwind.
A study by Harvard researchers found that overeating in mice activates a molecule called PKR, which destroys normal metabolism and leads to insulin resistance. The discovery could lead to targeted drugs or nutrients to regulate PKR and prevent diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
MSU researcher Charles Mackenzie is working on reformulating flubendazole, a drug that targets adult parasitic worms causing elephantiasis and river blindness. The goal is to develop a safe administration method to eradicate filarial diseases globally by 2020.
Researchers have discovered a novel protein, MRG15, that directs the gene-splicing machinery, leading to aberrant proteins that can damage cells and contribute to diseases such as cancer and aging. This finding has implications for developing new therapies to treat these conditions.
A recent study by Professor James Campbell of the University at Buffalo found that Democratic and Republican presidents have had comparable economic records, contradicting a previous finding by Princeton professor Larry Bartels. Campbell argues that the key difference lies in how the economic data is analyzed, taking into account the s...
Researchers have identified a molecular regulator Hv1 that controls human sperm ability to fertilize eggs. Hv1 operates as a pore in the outer membrane of sperm cells, increasing internal pH levels. The findings provide new insights into male infertility treatment and marijuana's effect on sperm motility.
The study shows that a simple, standardized checklist can virtually eliminate central-line catheter bloodstream infections. By combining the checklist with culture change and continuous monitoring, hospitals can sustainably reduce infection rates, making them more transparent to patients.
A new study published in Journal of Clinical Oncology found that pazopanib slowed the progression of advanced renal cell carcinoma, a form of kidney cancer, in patients by 54%. The drug targets multiple pathways within cancer cells, inhibiting blood vessel development. Common side effects include diarrhea, hypertension, and weight loss.
Scientists at the University of Missouri have created a low-cost, soy-based chicken substitute that simulates chicken's fibrous qualities. The new product has health benefits, including lowering cholesterol and maintaining healthy bones.
A study published in the journal Thorax found that prenatal acetaminophen exposure is associated with an increased risk of asthma symptoms in children. The relationship was strongest in children with a variant of the glutathione S transferase gene involved in detoxification.
Increasing ocean acidity poses a significant threat to marine species, with potentially profound ramifications for food chains. A UAB expert warns that the effects of climate change on the world's oceans are undeniable and urgent.
The NHLBI is awarding $23.6 million to develop preclinical testing of devices for pediatric circulatory support, expanding life-saving options for infants and children born with congenital heart defects or those who develop heart failure.
A study by researchers at the University of Maryland and Yale University found that measuring the fetal zone of the adrenal gland using 2D ultrasound is a better predictor of preterm birth than measuring cervical length. The d/D ratio was calculated as an index of FZE, which showed significant correlation with cAGV and d/D.
A new study reveals that Egyptian fruit bats use an alternative strategy to detect and track targets. By alternating the direction of their sonar beam, they can pinpoint the location of a target but make it harder to detect in the first place. This approach optimizes pinpoint accuracy while sacrificing some detection ability.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are developing a heart assist device called PediaFlow to support infants and small children with congenital or acquired heart disease. The device has already shown promise in preclinical research, pulling oxygenated blood from the left ventricle through its innovative mag-lev technology.
A statewide initiative in Ohio reduced the number of near-term scheduled births without a documented medical reason, from 25% to below 5%. The program, led by the Ohio Perinatal Quality Collaborative, implemented education and intervention tools to promote delayed births until 39 weeks.
Adolescent exposure to cocaine or ecstasy leads to long-lasting changes that increase addictive power, persists into adulthood. The study highlights the critical stage of development in which drug consumption affects brain plasticity.
A survey found that most patients are interested in obtaining a video recording of their colonoscopy procedure, with younger patients more willing to pay for the service. Awareness of missed lesions during colonoscopy is a significant predictor of interest in having a video recording.
A new study reports successful laparoscopic hepatectomy in an aged cirrhotic patient with HCC recurrence. The procedure resulted in smaller wounds, less blood loss, and faster recovery. Further studies are needed to fully evaluate the role of laparoscopic surgery in HCC management.
Researchers discovered DNA variants in genes involved in fighting infection that increase the risk of preterm labor and birth. These variants, carried by both mothers and fetuses, can lead to an inflammatory response that triggers early childbirth.
Scientists at the University of Cambridge have developed a new algorithm that significantly improves glucose control and reduces the risk of hypoglycemia in children with type 1 diabetes. The study shows that using an artificial pancreas system overnight can halve the time blood glucose levels fall below 3.9mmol/l, while sleeping.
A new study by the University of York reveals that acupuncture significantly affects specific neural structures in the brain, particularly those associated with pain processing. This finding could lead to a better understanding of how acupuncture works and its potential as a treatment option for various medical conditions.
Women with IUGR may experience similar adverse neonatal outcomes when waiting for birth versus induced labor, according to a randomized controlled trial. The study suggests individualizing care based on patient comfort and needs.
Researchers found that obese patients with pancreatic cancer have significantly higher levels of MCP-1, a chemokine associated with inflammation, compared to non-obese patients with the same condition. Inflammation has been shown to contribute to tumor progression in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.