Research led by University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee scientists finds that soil-borne pathogens drive species diversity and explain patterns of tree abundance. The study's findings suggest that certain tree species are more susceptible to pathogens, which prevents rare species from becoming abundant.
A team from Ascension Island's Conservation Department rediscovered the long-thought-extinct parsley fern, Anogramma ascensionis. The fern was found on a knife-edge ridge and has been successfully relocated to sterile conditions for cultivation.
Researchers found that adult trees harbor pests and diseases that harm seedlings of their own species more than others, leading to stabilizing mechanisms that maintain diversity. The study suggests that plant interactions with soil biota are powerful enough to explain co-existence and abundance patterns in tropical forests.
Researchers found that while municipal employees and public health officials believed walkable neighborhoods could promote healthy lifestyles, developers were skeptical about individual responsibility. The study also revealed a surprising lack of concern for access to affordable healthy food options in neighborhood design.
The GOES-13 satellite captured images of two major hurricanes, Celia and Darby, with Celia being a Category Five hurricane and Darby a Category Three. The storms appear to be chasing each other, with Hurricane Celia having the larger eye.
A comprehensive genomic analysis of prostate cancer has identified key alterations in the androgen receptor pathway and defined subsets of low- and high-risk disease. The study provides valuable resources for cancer research and may lead to the creation of a genetic-based test to determine which tumors require aggressive treatment.
Researchers discovered a novel protein complex that regulates around 4000 genes in Drosophila, with implications for human biology. The Non-Specific Lethal (NSL) complex helps MOF bind to promoters and determine gene expression in both sexes.
Researchers discovered a key regulator of spermatogonial stem cell self-renewal by manipulating the STAT3 protein. This process may be linked to degenerative diseases in humans, highlighting the importance of understanding stem-cell activity in disease prevention and treatment.
System 93L in the western Caribbean has become better organized, leading to a higher chance of forming Tropical Depression Alex. Forecasters expect heavy rainfall and gusty winds affecting the Yucatan Peninsula this weekend.
A study found that vitamin D levels were associated with better cognitive performance in elderly individuals receiving home care. Those with sufficient vitamin D blood levels performed better on executive function tests, suggesting a potential link between vitamin D and mental agility.
New research published in Public Health found that deprivation is only one factor contributing to Glasgow's poor health outcomes. The study revealed that additional factors, such as alcohol and drug use, may also play a role in the city's high mortality rates.
A study by the University of Oviedo has shown that the change in the points system used to reward wins in European leagues led to an increase in dirty play. The researchers found a significant rise in red cards issued to teams winning matches during the 95/96 season.
Researchers at CSHL discovered new modes of mRNA regulation involving Ago2 and Drosha proteins, highlighting a previously unappreciated complexity in gene expression control. The study found that mRNAs can be targeted for destruction by multiple molecules, expanding our understanding of post-transcriptional events.
The AcademyHealth and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation awarded 10 scholarships to graduate students conducting research on public health systems. The scholarships support students' attendance at conferences and presentation of their work in the field of public health systems research.
A massive study at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute found that rare species of trees are more sensitive to their own species neighbors than common species. This interaction plays a crucial role in determining which organisms thrive in tropical forests.
The ONOM@TOPIC project developed advanced prototypes for new-generation e-ID cards and SIM devices, utilizing Near Field Technology to enable wireless data exchange. These innovations led to the creation of a global standard, IAS-ECC, now used in various European e-government programs.
The Deep Impact spacecraft will fly past Earth for the fifth and last time on its EPOXI mission, changing its orbit to boost speed on its way to comet Hartley 2. The spacecraft's instruments will be used during an extended flyby in November to gather data on the comet.
New research suggests that liquid water existed all over Mars during its early history, with studies of minerals found in craters revealing a global alteration by water. The discovery provides clues about the planet's potential habitability and suggests sites for future landers.
Female human embryonic stem cells show variations in X chromosome inactivation as early as five passages, suggesting culture conditions can impact cell safety. The study's findings may have implications for cancer development and disease treatment, prompting further research on uniforming X chromosome inactivation patterns.
A study published by University of Copenhagen researchers found that psychotropic medications were associated with serious side effects such as birth deformities, low birth weight, and premature birth. Psychostimulants like Ritalin and antidepressants like Prozac were linked to over half of the cases.
A team of researchers proposes a chain of events linked to the melting of northern hemisphere ice sheets, which reconfigured planet's wind belts and led to rapid southern hemisphere warming. This shift triggered a series of cold spells in Greenland and Europe, but also amplified global warming by resetting the planet's thermostat.
Researchers tested the spin-statistics theorem, which dictates whether particles are fermions or bosons. They found no evidence of forbidden transitions, strengthening the theory and ruling out photons behaving like fermions.
A study published by Purdue University found that older adults report better marriages, more supportive friendships, and less conflict with children and siblings. The perception of limited time, willingness to forgive, aging stereotypes, and attitudes of respect all play a role in improving relationships with age.
A Stanford-led analysis of over 900 climate researchers found that those unconvinced of human-caused climate change had significantly less research publications and citations. The study also found that top climate researchers who endorsed the IPCC's assessment were 97% of the top 100 surveyed scientists.
The International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation has developed a standardized nomenclature for cardiac allograft vasculopathy, which will benefit heart transplant patients. The new classification system defines four levels of CAV severity, allowing for more accurate treatment options and improved patient outcomes.
Researchers found resveratrol inhibits pathogenic new blood vessel growth, a central role in various cancers and eye disease. The compound may offer a novel therapeutic strategy to treat these diseases.
A new study by Northwestern University researchers suggests that online classes may have negative consequences for lower-performing and language minority students. The study found modest evidence that live-only instruction results in higher learning outcomes than internet instruction, particularly for relatively low-achieving students.
Scientists discovered that adding antioxidant therapy to traditional antimalarial treatment can prevent long-lasting cognitive impairment in cerebral malaria. Oxidative stress is present in the brains of mice infected with cerebral malaria, and treating with antioxidants prevents cognitive damage.
Scientists present new data estimating motion of the Sagaing fault and study river deposits to understand flood frequency and magnitude. Researchers also explore enigmatic volcanism and find evidence for cryogenic origin of brine in southern McMurdo Sound, Antarctica.
Dr. Helene Fung, a Chinese University of Hong Kong associate professor, is the recipient of the 2010 Baltes Foundation Award for her work on goal changes across adulthood and their impacts on social relationships, emotional regulation, and cognition. The award recognizes her efforts to promote psychology and aging research in China.
Researchers found that preen oil gland secretions support a natural mechanism for AIV concentration, facilitating virus diffusion in nature. This discovery has important implications for avian influenza virus surveillance and prevention strategies.
The new School for Global Animal Health will support scientific staff with two floors of research laboratory space and an administrative wing. The facility aims to reduce zoonotic diseases through vaccination and strategic interventions in animal populations and the environment.
A team of researchers has discovered a protein called Ronin that recruits a co-regulator to bind to a specific DNA sequence, enabling the growth of embryonic stem cells. This finding may also contribute to understanding cancer growth and development.
Researchers have developed a novel assay to test for multiple tumor markers in bladder cancer using custom-designed MLPA with multiple short synthetic probes. The study found paired tumor and urine samples showed identical marker patterns, suggesting this assay may be used for non-invasive diagnosis.
Researchers have made significant discoveries in the fields of atherosclerosis and Alzheimer's disease, revealing new insights into the role of neutrophils and hyperploidy. A study found that neutrophils contribute to atherosclerosis, while another discovered that hyperploid neurons are more prone to cell death in Alzheimer's disease.
The G8 Muskoka Initiative fell short of its target funding, with only $5 billion pledged over five years, despite annual global health funding requirements of $42.5 billion by 2015.
Researchers found that individual organs' internal clocks synchronize with the external time at varying speeds, leading to discoordination of physiological processes. The adrenal gland plays a key role in this adaptation, and manipulating corticosterone production can help rodents recover from jet lag faster.
A team from Brown University has discovered extensive glaciofluvial valleys on Mars, which were formed by running water originating from glaciers. The findings, published in Icarus, indicate that water existed on the planet as recently as several hundred million years ago.
Researchers found a positive association between mold exposure and severe asthma exacerbations requiring hospitalization in individuals with specific chitinase gene variants. High levels of fungus were also linked to increased risk of severe asthma attacks among people with certain genetic markers.
A Yale University-led team of scientists has made an important breakthrough in regenerating fully functional lung tissue that can exchange gas. The researchers successfully implanted cultured lung cells into rats, which efficiently exchanged oxygen and carbon dioxide, mimicking the natural lungs' function.
The new system corrects for atmospheric distortion, allowing for higher resolution images. The technology is scalable and suitable for large telescopes like the E-ELT, and can be integrated into existing ones.
A team of scientists from the University of Missouri reviewed EPA greenhouse gas emission estimates for agricultural anaerobic lagoons, finding errors and potential underestimates by up to 65%. The study suggests that some manure storage facilities may exceed current reporting requirements.
Researchers find that natural methane sources from wetlands in high northern latitudes caused a significant increase in atmospheric methane concentration 40,000 years ago. This contradicts the clathrate gun hypothesis and suggests that human activities are not responsible for current climate change.
Researchers found that regular aerobic exercise improves function, lessens joint pain, and increases quality of life in patients with stable rheumatoid arthritis. The study analyzed 14 studies and meta-analysis included 510 patients, showing that cardio-respiratory conditioning is safe and beneficial for this group.
New gene transfer agents have been developed to overcome the limitations of viral vectors and chemical agents, showing promise for treating hereditary diseases and cancer. The agents are more effective at delivering DNA into cell nuclei, increasing the chances of successful treatment.
The National Science Foundation has awarded a $360,000 grant to establish an online resource for biochemistry and molecular biology educators. The initiative aims to improve undergraduate-level teaching by providing core concepts, assessments, and forums. Hundreds of life scientists will collaborate on the project.
Researchers have identified hydrophobic proteins as potential biomarkers for colorectal cancer detection. The study used two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry to analyze protein profiles from colorectal cancer tissues, revealing differentially expressed proteins related to tumor stages, grades, and patient gender.
Liver transplant patients receiving cyclosporine for immunosuppression are at higher risk of developing de novo cancer, particularly those transplanted in recent years and younger than 50. The study found a significant association between C2 monitoring and increased early de novo cancer risk.
Researchers developed a new radiotracer, florbetapir F18, to distinguish between Alzheimer's disease patients and healthy volunteers on brain scans. The compound has a longer half-life than previous options, allowing for more widespread use and potential applications in diagnosing dementia and tracking disease progression.
A study found that standard CRP tests are not informative enough for pediatric IBD patients, while hs-CRP detects low levels of CRP and correlates with ileal inflammation. However, hs-CRP did not help distinguish between active intestinal inflammation and quiescent disease or response to treatment.
Researchers recommend using water conservatively and developing ways to harness energy from the sun, wind, and Earth to cope with projected climate changes in the West and Southwest. The region is expected to experience widespread drought, wildfires, and decreasing snowpack.
Researchers have discovered that tiny smectitic clay coatings on the rock surfaces of the San Andreas fault reduce friction and facilitate creeping motion. This coating, less than 100 nanometers thick, acts as a lubricant, allowing the fault to move slowly and steadily over time.
A study by Chi Wai Chan reveals that information technology enhances the earnings of highly-educated workers, particularly men. However, it widens the gap between those with and without technological skills, negatively impacting unskilled laborers.
A CXCR4 antagonist, AMD3100, decreases epithelial apoptosis and gut permeability in experimental colitis, enhancing epithelial barrier function. This study suggests a pivotal role of the CXCL12/CXCR4 chemokine axis in ulcerative colitis pathogenesis.
A new diabetes drug, dapagliflozin, has been shown to improve blood sugar control in patients who have inadequate control with metformin. The drug acts independently of insulin, promotes excretion of glucose in the urine, and is associated with weight loss and low risk of hypoglycaemia.
A Stanford study uses high-powered genomic analytical techniques to establish the coexistence of 1,000 single-celled species in every healthy human gut. By manipulating microbial populations through dietary interventions, scientists aim to remedify diseases and enhance health.
Scientists studying the Venus Express mission have found that Venus likely had oceans billions of years ago, but they were likely atmospheric and short-lived. The loss of water into space has left the planet's surface dry today.
Researchers at Salk Institute and Duke University have identified a new gene, HEMERA, that plays a crucial role in the chain of molecular events enabling light signals to control gene activity in plants. The discovery sheds light on how plants respond to light and could lead to breakthroughs in agricultural yields and weed management.
Researchers have successfully improved nematodes to control the western corn rootworm, a major pest causing $1 billion of damage annually in the US. The nematodes were enhanced to respond more effectively to a volatile signal emitted by infested roots.
A laboratory milling device called the 'insect-o-graph' can detect internal insects in wheat that are not visible to the eye or detectable by usual grading methods. The system estimates the number of live insects hidden in a one-kilogram grain sample in about one minute.