Researchers at the United States Department of Agriculture have developed new cultivars of common beans with multiple genes for resistance to fungal diseases, including common bean rust. These resistant varieties are essential for protecting legume crops in the face of evolving strains of the pathogen.
A study by Max-Planck-Gesellschaft researchers found that House sparrow males' bill color is correlated with their testosterone levels, while the size of their badge has no such correlation. This suggests that the badge may be an honest signal of a male's quality rather than his dominance status.
Vegetation around the world is shifting towards poles and equator due to climate change, altering ecosystems and reducing habitat for endangered species. An estimated one-tenth to half of the land mass will be highly vulnerable to vegetation shifts by the end of this century.
The University of Houston's teachHOUSTON program has been awarded a grant from ExxonMobil to take ownership of the flagship Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp. The camp provides a two-week, free-of-charge experience for over 1,500 students from urban districts across the country.
A new study led by the University of Maryland School of Medicine reveals that vaginal microbes can vary significantly between healthy women, even among those from the same ethnicity. The research identifies five main groups of microbial communities and finds that certain communities are more common in Hispanic and black women.
Researchers found that reducing beta-amyloid levels in young mice with a Down syndrome-like genetic anomaly significantly improved their ability to learn. The study suggests that drugs targeting gamma-secretase may offer therapeutic benefits for children with Down syndrome, who develop cognitive decline and dementia in adulthood.
Researchers found that mongooses in the wild carry out traditions passed down from adults to young through social learning. The study shows that foraging specializations are long-lived and can be transmitted from one generation to the next.
A new study from Northwestern University's McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science reveals that hunting at a drag-inducing position could be the basis for fish's unusual body shape. The researchers found that the increased cost of movement caused by body tilting was more than counterbalanced by increased sensory performance.
Researchers pinpointed molecular changes that enabled Tamiflu-resistant H1N1 flu viruses to replicate and spread globally. The study revealed two secondary mutations in the neuraminidase gene of resistant strains, allowing them to overcome previous inhibitory effects of Tamiflu.
The John Theurer Cancer Center is presenting 16 research abstracts on various areas of oncology during the ASCO Annual Meeting. These studies include Phase I and II trials for multiple myeloma, lymphoma, and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma treatments.
Researchers in China develop electromagnetic absorbing device for microwave frequencies using metamaterials, demonstrating an absorption rate of 99%. The device traps and converts electromagnetic waves into heat, exhibiting properties similar to an 'electromagnetic black hole',
A UC Davis study found that online games and websites marketed to children are predominantly branding tools, with nutrition information often buried or absent. The researchers recommend increased regulation to prevent childhood obesity and promote healthier eating habits.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have found that a medication used to treat seizures may be able to reverse or prevent the scarring of the liver in children with a genetic disorder. The study, published in Science, shows that carbamazepine can reduce toxic protein accumulation and improve liver function.
Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine have discovered a novel component of the influenza virus that may be the key to developing a universal anti-viral treatment. By inhibiting this component, replication and spread of the virus can be slowed or halted.
A new study by CU-Boulder researchers suggests that the thick organic haze surrounding early Earth may have protected it from damaging ultraviolet radiation. The haze, composed of methane and nitrogen chemical byproducts, would have blocked UV light but allowed visible light to reach the surface. This finding has significant implicatio...
Researchers have developed joint source-channel encoding/decoding (JSCC/JSCD) techniques to overcome the limitations of Shannon's separation theory in practical applications. The new schemes utilize variable-length coding and symbol-level trellis decoding to achieve better performance than existing methods.
A series of studies found that spending time in nature significantly increases feelings of vitality and energy, even in indoor settings. The research, led by Richard Ryan, suggests that nature is fuel for the soul and can provide a natural connection to living things, promoting physical and mental health.
A team of researchers has developed a more consistent method for isolating pancreatic islet cells from brain-dead donors using ductal injection, resulting in three type 1-diabetes patients becoming insulin-independent. The study's success rate surpasses the standard 50% with an impressive 80% clinical islet transplantation rate.
The study reveals that Wilms tumor cells share epigenetic characteristics with normal kidney stem cells, highlighting the critical role of chromatin in tumor development. This discovery may provide new avenues for therapy and shed light on other pediatric cancers.
Scientists have discovered an outcrop of carbonate-rich rock, dubbed Comanche, in the Columbia Hills of Gusev Crater on Mars. The discovery was made possible by a calibration technique developed to correct for dust effects on the instrument, revealing a couple of large outcrops of rock with high carbonate content.
Researchers at Imperial College London have discovered a distinctive chemical fingerprint in the urine of children with autism, which could lead to a simple non-invasive test for early diagnosis. This finding has the potential to improve the progress of autistic children by enabling them to receive advanced behavioral therapy earlier.
Researchers at NYU Langone Medical Center found that Jewish communities retained their genetic influences despite migration, exhibiting common genetic threads. The study identified distinct population clusters with shared Middle Eastern ancestry and variable degrees of European and North African intermingling.
Researchers successfully sequenced the brown algal genome, revealing genes essential for multicellular life and photosynthesis. The study provides insights into the evolution of higher life on Earth.
A team of researchers has discovered a protein that can mimic the effect of training in rats, inducing a memory of safety. The protein, BDNF, supports the growth and survival of neurons and was found to be effective in extinguishing fear memories in rats.
The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) has issued guidelines addressing ethnicity and gastrointestinal diseases. The guideline recommends that colorectal cancer screening begin at age 45 for average-risk African-American men and women, emphasizing the importance of early detection in reducing mortality rates.
A study by University of Exeter biologists uses digital video technology, tagging, and DNA fingerprinting to examine the behavior and ancestry of field crickets in their natural environment. The research reveals that dominant males don't always have more mates or offspring, and females can benefit from having multiple partners.
A recent study has found that Jewish people from different regions share a common ancestry and distinct genetic traits. The research provides detailed genetic maps of major Jewish subpopulations, which can help understand genetic links to diseases like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
Researchers at University of Florida have developed a two-pronged therapy targeting both leukemia cells and their environment. The therapy, called Oxi4503, uses an agent that poisons leukemia cells and destroys blood vessels supplying them with oxygen and nutrients.
A study on frequent users in inner-city emergency departments found that social factors such as transportation, insurance, and healthcare costs were associated with a higher number of visits. Researchers also discovered an 83% increase in visits by frequent users over a 10-year period despite stable insurance coverage.
A study by the American Society of Nephrology found that growth hormone therapy improved growth and bone mineral density in infants with chronic kidney failure. Infants treated with growth hormone grew an average of 5.7 inches, while those without treatment grew only 3.7 inches.
Researchers have identified distinct Jewish population clusters with shared Middle Eastern ancestry and variable degrees of European and North African genetic intermingling. The study suggests that Jewishness can be identified through genetic analysis and highlights the importance of understanding the complex history of Jewish migrations.
A study conducted at Henry Ford Hospital found that keyboard contamination was predominantly in non-treatment areas, suggesting alternative keyboard designs may improve safety in these areas
Researchers developed a biosensor to study cell division in bacteria, finding that the regulatory messenger c-di-GMP is distributed unevenly between swimming and stay-put cells. This asymmetrical distribution affects enzyme production and cell function, with implications for bacterial behavior and disease.
Researchers have unlocked how potassium channels control electric currents in the body, a crucial process in cell communication and heart function. The study reveals that molecular gates switch conduction on and off in response to physiological signals, clarifying a long-standing mystery.
The Optical Society (OSA) has launched a new peer-reviewed journal called Optical Materials Express, which will focus on advances in novel optical materials. The journal aims to cover a wide range of topics in optical materials, including biomaterials, detector materials and metamaterials.
A new gene therapy called SERCA2a has been shown to be safe and effective in reversing advanced heart failure by stimulating the production of an enzyme that enables the heart to pump more effectively. Patients who received SERCA2a demonstrated improvements in symptoms, heart function, and severity of heart failure.
Eight scientists recognized with Kavli Prizes for discoveries transforming our knowledge of matter, nanotechnology, brain signals, telescopes, and physiological functions. The awards promote public understanding of science and encourage international cooperation.
A Johns Hopkins-led committee, sponsored by the FDA, will examine drug safety studies' scientific and ethical issues. The committee aims to deliver a report on July 1 outlining key considerations for clinical trials evaluating post-market drug safety.
New research suggests that reduced deforestation rates in the Amazon may lead to increased fire incidences, potentially offsetting carbon savings from the UN's REDD programme. Sustainable land management practices are needed to prevent this.
Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center are testing a new antibody, MM-111, that targets the HER2/HER3 pathway in patients with advanced breast and gastric cancers. The trial aims to provide an additional therapeutic target within the HER2 pathway and potentially overcome resistance to current HER2-targeted therapies.
Despite accelerated progress in reducing child mortality, maternal mortality remains high. Brazil and China are highlighted as countries on track to meet the targets set out in MDG4 and MDG5. The report emphasizes the need for increased investment in health systems, community-based interventions, and social determinants.
A new study found that choline supplementation during pregnancy and nursing may improve cognitive and emotional abilities in people with Down syndrome. The research also suggests potential protection against neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease.
A UCLA study reveals that having friends who attend the same school is key to academic success, with students having more in-school friends scoring higher GPAs. The study found associations similar for boys and girls across all ethnic groups.
The Lancet highlights the 10 reasons why women and children are invisible, including a lack of social mission, poor attitudes, inadequate evaluation, and insufficient leadership. The article emphasizes the need for coordination and empowerment to address these issues.
The University of North Carolina has launched a new imaging center with advanced microscopes and equipment, providing researchers with cutting-edge technology and collaboration opportunities. The center is designed to stimulate scientific inquiry in fields such as cancer, neuroscience, and pharmacology.
A study on child survival in rural Bangladesh found that mother's death massively reduces child's chances of survival to age 10 years. The father's death has a negligible effect on child mortality rates, with the greatest impact seen in children aged 2-12 months whose mothers had died.
Research found that frequent moves in childhood are related to lower life satisfaction and fewer quality social relationships as adults. Introverts and neurotic people were more negatively affected by frequent relocations.
The study introduces Dynamic Memory Paravirtualization (DMP), which dynamically patches binary code in the guest operating system for better performance. DMP reduces virtualization overhead by replacing hot instructions, making it a significant contribution to system virtualization technology.
A new concept of optical time domain reflectometry (OTDR) based on a chaotic light correlation method has been developed, achieving distance-independent resolutions of up to 25 km. This technique uses broadband chaotic light generated from a laser diode to improve the accuracy of fiber fault location.
New research from a University of Texas at Austin psychologist identifies biological motivations behind adolescent risk-taking behavior. The study found that teenagers' brains are overactive in the mesolimbic dopamine system, driving them to seek rewards and engage in risky behaviors.
The study reveals a small chemical makes Staphylococcus aureus stronger, more infectious and resistant to antibiotics. Shutting down this synthesis renders the bacteria non-functional and non-infectious.
Researchers from John Theurer Cancer Center present studies on first-line treatments for aggressive lymphoma, the efficacy of genetically engineered cancer therapy, and the value of a commonly used tool for staging lymphoma. Findings include a high complete remission rate with rituximab-FND combination therapy and better survival rates...
Researchers from University Hospitals Case Medical Center will present new clinical research findings on biomarker-driven treatment in stage II colon cancer and the utility of the Vulnerable Elders Survey for predicting sixth-month functional decline among older patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer. Additionally, a study found t...
A UNC study finds that most kidney dialysis patients are unprepared for emergencies like hurricanes, which could disrupt life-saving treatment. The survey of North Carolina patients highlights the need for better disaster preparedness education and awareness.
Scientists found a way to pharmacologically induce a memory of safety in the brain of rats by administering brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) into the prefrontal cortex. This procedure prevented rats from expressing fear to a tone that had been previously paired with a shock, suggesting new treatments for anxiety disorders.
Cyclone Phet has reached Category 4 strength on the Saffir-Simpson scale, bringing extremely dangerous seas and strong winds to Oman's east coast. The storm is expected to weaken due to dry air and friction over the coast before making landfall in Pakistan.
Researchers Wang and Chang have found Pliocene cyprinid fish fossils in the Kunlun Pass Basin, suggesting relatively extensive water systems in the area during the Pliocene. The study suggests a more humid climate and less amplitude of uplift compared to previous proposals.
A study by Indiana University found that inspiratory muscle training can reduce the oxygen required by breathing muscles during exercise, making more oxygen available for other muscles. This improvement in whole-body endurance performance was previously reported following IMT.
The study of single-particle resonant states in deformed relativistic potentials is essential for understanding exotic short-lived nuclei far from stability. The research team finds that the admixture of s1/2 component determines the occurrence of single-neutron resonant states as functions of the axial deformation parameter.
Patients with stage II colon cancer treated after 1995 had longer time to recurrence, but improved overall survival. Stage III colon cancer patients treated after 1995 also showed improved overall survival without change in time to recurrence compared to those treated before 1995.