Researchers found a massive carbon dioxide 'burp' occurred 18,000 years ago, locking away CO2 in the deep ocean during the last ice age. This discovery supports the theory that ocean circulation played a significant role in triggering global warming during ice ages.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have developed a novel technique to produce genetically modified rats, offering potential for biomedical research on human diseases. The new method enables the creation of rat lines with mutations in specific genes, including those linked to cancer, diabetes, and mental illness.
Researchers discovered a new bacterial signaling molecule, cyclic-di-AMP, which stimulates a strong immune response in host cells. This molecule may be used to improve vaccines that use live or disabled bacteria, making them more effective against pathogens such as Listeria.
Researchers found that lowering salt intake is more effective than antihypertensive medications in controlling blood pressure for kidney patients. Achieving dry-weight through diet and dialysis prescription can also provide benefits to the heart.
A groundbreaking study has shown that a novel treatment using small interfering RNAs can protect monkeys from lethal Ebola virus infection after exposure. The treatment was found to be well-tolerated and offered complete protection in some cases, paving the way for further research and potential human trials.
A team of researchers, led by Naomi Levin of Johns Hopkins University, reexamined data from a 2009 study on the early human ancestor Ardi and found that its environment was likely a savanna, not a forest. This conclusion contradicts the 'savanna hypothesis', which proposes that the expansion of grasslands prompted humans to walk upright.
A team of researchers has resolved the structural, electronic, and optical properties of a chiral gold nanocluster after ten years of mystery. The cluster, composed of 38 gold atoms and 24 organothiolate molecules, exhibits unique chiral properties that influence its response to circularly polarized light.
A study published in the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting showed that lenalidomide significantly improved response rates and complete remission in patients with transformed lymphoma. Patients treated with lenalidomide had a remarkable response rate, with some experiencing complete remission for over a year.
A recent study found a significant rise in rheumatoid arthritis incidence among women between 1995 and 2007. Researchers attribute the increase to environmental factors such as vitamin D deficiency, cigarette smoking, and lower-dose synthetic estrogens in oral contraceptives.
The review article provides a comprehensive guide to pain management in cirrhotic patients, recommending reduced dosing of acetaminophen and avoiding NSAIDs due to risk of acute renal failure. The authors emphasize the need for diligent follow-up for toxicity and adverse effects.
A large national clinical trial has shown that carotid artery surgery and stenting are equally effective in preventing stroke, with personalized treatment options available for individual patients. The study found excellent safety and long-term results for both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients.
A large multinational study found that antiretroviral therapy (ART) significantly reduces HIV transmission risk, with 349 HIV-infected partners initiating ART at a rate of 90% HIV transmission reduction. Regular CD4 measurements and counseling services were provided to all couples.
A new type of 95-million-year-old pterosaur has been discovered in Morocco, distinguished by its lance-shaped lower jaw and wing span of about six metres. The discovery suggests that several types of pterosaurs lived alongside one another in the same region, each probably specializing in a different ecological niche.
A study combining genetic, archaeological, and linguistic data reveals that genetic variation in Africa is structured geographically and linguistically. The research provides a clearer picture of the continent's history and highlights the importance of independent lines of evidence in interpreting genetic and genomic data.
Researchers found that bumblebee populations with similar colors in the same environment did not have higher loss rates to predators. Instead, birds likely avoid all animals resembling a bumblebee to avoid the sting.
A McMaster University study found that women who drank two large glasses of milk a day after weightlifting gained more muscle and lost more fat compared to those who consumed sugar-based energy drinks. The researchers attributed the gains to the combination of calcium, high-quality protein, and vitamin D in milk.
Researchers at Oregon State University have made an important fundamental advance in robotics, achieving optimal approach with robotic mechanisms. This breakthrough aims to create robots that can walk and run effectively while using little energy, potentially leading to applications in military missions, prosthetic limbs, and wheelchai...
Researchers from UTK-ORNL-Oslo successfully compute the proton halo state in Fluorine-17 using a many-body problem approach. This breakthrough calculation provides tools to investigate nuclear existence and predict properties for applied fields.
Brendan Reagan, a Colorado State University graduate student, has won the prestigious Theodore Maiman Student Paper Competition with his work on a compact X-ray laser. The technology developed by his team can be used to create extremely small patterns and manipulate materials in ways that visible light cannot.
A new species of plant-eating dinosaur, Jeyawati rugoculus, has been discovered in western New Mexico. The dinosaur is believed to have had a unique chewing mechanism that includes large scales above its eye, providing protection from predators.
A recent study by Nationwide Children's Hospital sheds light on the deadly bowel disease necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in infants born with complex congenital heart disease. The research reveals that neonates undergoing the hybrid procedure have a lower risk of NEC compared to those receiving the Norwood procedure.
A new study found that genome-wide association studies (GWA) have identified several genetic risk factors for common cancers, but their predictive power is limited by small effect sizes. The study suggests that performing GWA studies using larger sample sizes would yield more genetic loci with smaller or very small effects.
A new study has found significant quality-control issues with genome comparison tools, which can lead to incorrect conclusions. The researchers used a large-scale dataset and found that the best-performing tool, Pecan, produced more reliable alignments than other tools.
A new study reveals that male sex hormones play a crucial role in regulating female fertility by controlling follicle growth and development. The research suggests that irregular levels of these hormones can lead to infertility, especially in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome.
Scientists from the Helmholtz Centre in Braunschweig, Germany, have created a new and cheaper way to produce insulin. The new method uses yeast Pichia pastoris to increase the yield of an insulin precursor, reducing costs. This breakthrough could make insulin more affordable for people in developing countries.
A new database will gather information on technologies to assess and repair the condition of buried pipes, helping utility managers make informed decisions. The database aims to provide a single point of information for utilities to select effective and cost-effective rehabilitation technologies.
Researchers at McGill University have discovered a way to control the normal expression of genes, including those active in cancer, through RNA interference. This breakthrough has important applications for laboratory research and could lead to the development of individually tailored cancer therapies.
The Powered Rope Ascender technology, developed by ONR in collaboration with industry partners, allows warfighters to efficiently climb and descend vertical surfaces at high speeds. This innovation increases the functionality of naval operations, such as boarding enemy vessels or evacuating remote casualties.
Researchers have identified numerous previously unknown star-forming regions in the Milky Way, shedding light on the galaxy's structure and chemical evolution. The discovery allows for a better understanding of star formation processes and the distribution of heavy elements across the galaxy.
A large Phase III randomized trial of shark cartilage as a cancer agent found no survival benefit for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. The study enrolled 379 newly-diagnosed patients and did not meet its primary endpoint: survival.
Researchers have discovered a previously unknown protective mechanism in mice that helps remove blood clots and other blockages from the brain. The finding provides insights into mechanisms involved in age-related cognitive decline, Alzheimer's disease, and recovery from stroke.
A breakthrough discovery by Colette Heald simplifies our understanding of atmospheric organic aerosols, a key factor in climate change. By identifying common characteristics among these tiny particles, scientists can now accurately represent their composition in climate models.
Researchers at the University of Toronto and Royal Ontario Museum discover new fossils of Nectocaris pteryx, a 500-million-year-old squid-like carnivore. The findings suggest that primitive cephalopods existed earlier than thought, offering insights into their evolution and diversity.
Scientists at Northwestern University found that tiny blood vessels in the brain have a unique method of clearing debris by growing a membrane that envelopes the obstruction and then shoves it out. This process is slower in an aging brain, resulting in more capillary death and potentially contributing to age-related cognitive decline.
A research team at Worcester Polytechnic Institute found that yeast produce a plant hormone called indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) that can trigger fungal cells to become more infectious. The hormone is known to regulate plant growth, but its presence in sufficient quantity within the yeast's environment also triggers morphogenic transition...
Researcher Gary Seidel aims to develop tiny sensor patches with carbon nanotubes for structural health monitoring of huge wind turbine blades. The patches can detect deformation and send signals to the control center to prevent damage.
Scientists developed a fast, simple and inexpensive test for detecting chemicals that cause contact dermatitis, eliminating the need for animal testing. The test uses nitrobenzenethiol as a skin protein surrogate, producing positive results for known skin irritants and negative results for non-irritating substances.
A new study by Sarah Kaplan at the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management reveals that PowerPoint has a significant impact on strategy-making processes. The research shows that PowerPoint facilitates greater collaboration among team members and influences the discussion parameters, leading to more effective decision-making.
A study of 2.5 million screening mammograms found improved detection of breast cancer from non-cancerous lesions over nine years, with increased recall rates and sensitivity rates. The increase in cancer detection outweighed false-positive test results, leading to a positive net effect.
Researchers identify 66 proteins in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), a potential early test for gum disease, and uncover antibacterial substances involved in fighting infection.
A study by psychologists at the University of Leicester identified characteristics of people prone to shoplifting, including males, unpleasant and antisocial individuals, and those with disorganized and unreliable personalities. Younger and outgoing individuals were more likely to engage in minor fraud.
The Office of Naval Research has selected nine researchers to receive funding for their innovative energy projects, aiming to help the Navy decrease its reliance on fossil fuels. The winners will use up to $100,000 to develop technologies such as solar power and microbial energy generation.
Four new gorgonea species have been discovered in the Antarctic region, including Tauroprimnoa austasensis and Digitogorgia kuekenthali. The study found distinct characteristics among these species, such as differences in scale pattern and ramification of colonies.
Data from NASA's Swift satellite have solved a decades-long mystery about black holes emitting vast amounts of energy. The survey confirms that galaxies colliding trigger the 'lighting up' of supermassive black holes.
Complete Genomics sequenced a patient's lung tumor and normal tissue to detect somatic mutations and structural variations. The study found over 50,000 high-confidence single nucleotide variations, revealing an estimated genome-wide somatic mutation rate of 17.7 per Mb.
A Spanish Centre for Pharmacoepidemiological Research study found that slow-release NSAIDs increase the risk of gastrointestinal complications, including GI bleeding and perforation. Long half-life or slow-release formulations were associated with a greater risk.
A Kaiser Permanente study associates increasing BPA levels in urine with decreased sexual desire, difficulty having an erection, and lower overall satisfaction with sex life. The five-year study of 427 Chinese factory workers found a dose-response association between higher BPA exposure and male sexual dysfunction.
A new study from UCSF reveals that vigorous physical activity can protect individuals from the effects of stress by reducing its impact on telomere length. The researchers found that even moderate amounts of exercise can provide critical protection for telomeres.
Researchers find threespot damselfish kill slow-growing head corals due to habitat needs. Restoring staghorn coral populations can alleviate pressure on other corals and help mitigate the damage.
A new study suggests that hurricanes can propel underwater currents with enough force to dig up the seabed, potentially creating underwater mudslides and damaging pipes or other equipment. Researchers warn that major oil leaks from damaged pipelines could have irreversible impacts on the ocean environment.
Researchers discovered that the key signaling molecule nitric oxide is crucial for maintaining the number of collateral vessels and their growth into natural bypass vessels. The study found that a lack of nitric oxide impairs collateral remodeling, which can lead to reduced blood flow and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
A study found that patients with positive CT exam results who exhibit inconsistent symptoms may have chronic or recurrent appendicitis and should undergo surgical treatment. The researchers reviewed medical records of 2,283 patients who underwent CT scans between 2002 and 2007.
A new approach calculates the change in greenhouse gas emissions resulting from changes in land use, taking into account factors such as plant density and ecosystem vulnerability. This comprehensive method provides a more accurate assessment of land-use projects' impact on climate change.
A new surgical procedure has been shown to improve survival rates in infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), a severe form of congenital heart disease. Researchers compared two techniques used in the initial stage of surgery and found that the newer technique, RVPA shunt, resulted in higher survival rates at 12 months.
The new system integrates optical scanning, data processing, and encryption with manual ballot paper writing, ensuring total vote-counting accuracy. It also allows voters to verify their vote without revealing how they voted.
Scientists at UCI created an eight-layer, early-stage retina from human embryonic stem cells, a complex tissue structure that could lead to transplant-ready retinas for treating eye disorders. The breakthrough uses differentiation technique to create multiple cell types necessary for the retina, mimicking early-stage retinal development.
A study found that quaternary amines in household cleaning products can form NDMA when mixed with chloramine. This process is of concern to health officials as sewage treatment plants may not remove all these precursors, potentially leading to environmental contamination.
Researchers found that blocking a receptor thought to mediate cell suicide in normal cells paradoxically stopped tumor growth. The study suggests using a drug that blocks the receptor to treat cancer. Further research will explore how this receptor promotes tumor growth and develop new therapies.
Dr. X. Frank Xu has been awarded the 2010 K.J. Bathe Award for his groundbreaking work on multiscale methods for uncertainty quantification of heterogeneous materials. His research aims to improve the assessment and optimization of advanced materials like functionally graded materials.
A study published in International Journal of Eating Disorders found that adults with anorexia can regain brain volume after weight gain through specialist treatment. Brain volume deficits among underweight patients with Anorexia Nervosa were reversed within several weeks of weight restoration.