The discovery of four new mutations of Ug99 stem rust poses a significant threat to global wheat production and food security. The new variants have acquired the ability to defeat two of the most important stem rust-resistant genes, making existing breeding programs less effective.
Professor Richard Radke is leading a new study to develop novel computer automation techniques to reduce prep time of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) from several hours to minutes. IMRT delivers non-uniform doses of radiation to tumors, but requires manual adjustments and optimizations.
Researchers found that extended-release injectable naltrexone (XR-NTX) decreases the brain's craving response when presented with alcohol cues. XR-NTX works by blocking opioid receptors in the brain and was approved for treating alcohol dependence in 2006.
A University of Montreal study found that hyper-masculine drivers are more likely to engage in aggressive behavior, such as speeding and disregarding traffic rules. The researchers used a driving simulator to test the effect of macho masculinity on driving behavior.
Researchers at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute have discovered two new frog species in Panama, Pristimantis educatoris and P. adnus, which were identified through genetic analysis. The discoveries bring the total number of frog species to 197, with nearly 15% described in the past seven years.
A study of 549 newborns found that infants who underwent a newer surgical procedure were more likely to survive their first year without needing a heart transplant. After the first year, both procedures yielded similar results.
Researchers tracked orchid bees using tiny radio transmitters, revealing they travel surprisingly long distances through sparse tropical forest patches. The study opens doors to future research on temperate forests and highlights the importance of preserving plant pollination.
A genetic variant in the ISL1 gene has been identified as a strong risk factor for congenital heart disease, which affects at least one in 100 live births. The study found that different variants of the gene increase the risk of CHD in white and African American children.
A study found that patients taking bisphosphonates are often uninformed about the drug's possible side effects on oral health, including bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaw (BON). The researchers interviewed 73 participants and discovered that 82% were unsure if their physicians had informed them about potential adverse ...
Queen's University biochemistry professor Zongchao Jia and post-doctoral student Jimin Zheng discovered a unique protein switch in bacteria, allowing them to adapt to low-nutrient environments. This breakthrough could lead to the development of molecules that can kill bacteria in water, reducing contamination risks.
A recent study found that antiretroviral treatment (ART) significantly reduces the risk of HIV transmission in heterosexual couples, with a 92% lower rate of transmission among those on ART compared to those not on treatment. The greatest benefit was seen in individuals with CD4 counts below 200 cells per μL.
A new report by SSPEED Center warns that a major hurricane could endanger tens of thousands of lives and cripple the Houston Ship Channel. The study highlights vulnerabilities in existing dikes and levees, highway infrastructure for evacuation, and coastal flooding risks.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital describe mathematical patterns underlying human preference, potentially guiding psychiatric disorder diagnosis and treatment. The study's findings meet criteria for scientific laws, showing predictable patterns in preference behavior.
A phase III clinical trial found no significant difference in overall survival between AE-941 and placebo arms for patients with non-small cell lung cancer. The study suggests that shark cartilage-derived products do not support the treatment of lung cancer.
Researchers used CASL MRI to compare cerebral blood flow in 11 non-medicated patients with schizophrenia and 25 healthy controls. The study revealed extensive areas of hypoperfusion in frontal lobes and higher cognitive function regions, while hyperperfusion was observed in cerebellum and brainstem.
Researchers have reconstructed the formation of two curious features in Mars' northern ice cap, including Chasma Boreale and spiral troughs, revealing that wind shapes polar ice caps over millions of years. The study provides new evidence of climate change on Mars and vindicates an early explanation for the spiral troughs.
Researchers at the University of Michigan's Congenital Heart Center led a groundbreaking trial on shunts used to direct blood flow to the lungs, improving outcomes for kids born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. The study found that one type of shunt was more effective over the first year, but its long-term impact is still uncertain.
A new study reveals that reduced energy expenditure is the primary cause of rising body mass index (BMI) levels in children in Great Britain. Despite a marginal increase in total sugar intake, mean body weight and BMI increased significantly over the period.
Researchers present new slip rate estimates for the Alpine fault near Inchbonnie, New Zealand, yielding dextral, vertical, and reverse-slip rates of ~13.6, ~3, and ~3.4 mm/yr. These values have important implications for understanding plate boundary kinematics and comparing short-term strain with medium-term geologic rates.
A modified measles virus has been shown to effectively kill medulloblastoma cells in laboratory studies and mouse models, suggesting its potential as a new treatment option for childhood brain tumors. The vaccine strain targets the CD46 receptor, which is highly expressed in multiple tumor types.
The partnership will help broaden the reach of Electronic News to academic, educational, and professional markets. The Journal focuses on teaching, practice, and research of electronic news, with goals including enhancing engaged learning of radio, television, and online journalism.
Researchers have developed a real-time wireless monitoring system to track vital signs of patients with debilitating conditions like Parkinson's disease and COPD. The system uses wearable sensors and a web portal for medical personnel to receive alerts in case of life-threatening events.
Scientists tracked 17 iridescent orchid bees using radio transmitters, finding that males spent most of their time in small core areas but could visit farther afield. These long-distance movements help explain why some orchids are rare despite being pollinated by these bees.
Researchers at GTRI are designing, fabricating and testing planar ion traps to create large, interconnected trap arrays for a useful quantum computer. The team has used state-of-the-art simulations and genetic algorithms to design versatile traps capable of holding many ions.
Hydrogen gas clouds found near Galactic bar exhibit distinct properties, indicating they originated from supernova explosions and young star winds. This discovery sheds light on critical process of material movement between Galaxy's disk and halo.
Researchers found that inflammasome activation increases muscle damage in muscular dystrophy, while galectin-7 expression levels are associated with metastasis in breast cancer. These findings provide new insights into disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets.
Researchers at Caltech identified two learning strategies associated with unique neural signatures, model-free and model-based learning. Model-free learning relies on trial-and-error comparisons, while model-based learning generates cognitive maps of environments, enabling adaptability in novel situations.
A new study from Ben-Gurion University found that older drivers are more sensitive to potential hazards and focus on risky situations. The research showed that experienced and older-experienced drivers were equally proficient at hazard detection, whereas young-inexperienced drivers struggled with detecting hazardous events.
Researchers identified a genetic variant in the ISL1 gene that strongly raises the risk of congenital heart disease, affecting multiple subtypes of the condition. The study provides new insights into the molecular basis of heart disease and may lead to better understanding and treatment options for children with CHD.
Threespot damselfish are killing head corals and adding stress to Caribbean coral reefs due to habitat competition. Restoring staghorn coral, their preferred home, can alleviate pressure on other corals. The fish were not overfished, but rather limited by available real estate.
NASA engineers have completed a critical design review of the Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS) instrument, which will help monitor water consumption in the U.S. West. TIRS will extend the Landsat database in the thermal infrared bands needed by various users, providing high-sensitivity cryogenically cooled detector arrays.
A Texas A&M University oceanographer is leading a team to investigate the massive amounts of methane in the Gulf oil spill. The research aims to understand how this potent greenhouse gas affects oxygen levels and potentially exacerbates 'dead zones.'
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have found a new aggressive treatment approach for anaplastic thyroid carcinoma to be highly effective, resulting in 70% one-year survival rate. The treatment combines surgery, intensity modulated radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, and is being tested in a nationwide clinical trial.
Studies found correlations between specific bacterial groups and obesity, as well as genetic variations affecting gut diversity. These results could lead to individualized probiotic or antibiotic treatments for obesity.
Global air traffic will significantly contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, doubling or tripling by 2050. The increase in emissions will be driven by the growing number of flights and the lack of improvement in fuel efficiency.
Researchers developed a detailed metabolic profile of exercise effects, revealing changes in over 20 metabolites reflecting sugar, fat, and amino acid processing as fuels. These findings have implications for optimal training programs, nutritional supplements, and potential treatments for cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine have developed a new influenza vaccine that targets the HA globular head, bringing science closer to a universal influenza vaccine. The vaccine was shown to be effective against multiple strains in mice, with all vaccinated mice surviving and unvaccinated mice dying.
Research found that termite mounds contribute significantly to grassland productivity in central Kenya by enhancing plant and animal activity locally and maximizing ecosystem-wide productivity. The evenly distributed colonies of termites create an optimized network of plant and animal output.
A large population-based study found a small increase in heart disease risk linked to higher blood sugar levels, but the changes were not substantial. The researchers confirmed their findings in a systematic review of existing literature.
A study found that CEO pay increased significantly over 20 years, driven by 'leapfrogs' who receive large raises, affecting peer groups and company pay. The research suggests that benchmarking practices contribute to the surge in executive compensation.
The DOE JGI's new QC tool, GenePRIMP, helps check the quality of microbial genomic DNA sequences, reducing errors in gene annotations. With its ability to identify and correct anomalies, GenePRIMP facilitates comparative analysis and improves the overall accuracy of structural annotations.
A recent study by the Cleveland Clinic reveals that patients with NASH-induced cirrhosis are at an equal risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma as those with HCV-cirrhosis. Researchers found three key factors associated with HCC development in the NASH population: older age, higher BMI, and lifetime alcohol consumption.
The American Sociological Association (ASA) has launched the Teaching Resources and Innovations Library for Sociology (TRAILS), an online platform offering peer-reviewed teaching resources, syllabi, and class activities. The tool aims to improve the way professors are evaluated and valued for their teaching skills.
A Spanish study finds that teenage mothers tend to emancipate earlier, enter romantic relationships, and experience career disruptions. The study also reveals a decline in age of onset for sexual activity and contraceptive use, leading to a significant increase in teen pregnancy.
Researchers at Rice University have discovered thin films of nanotubes created with ink-jet printers can be used to make field-effect transistors. The technique allows for the creation of digital electronics on flexible substrates, with potential applications in raincoats and other devices.
Physician-scientists from NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center present research findings on suicide prevention, with funding prioritized for post-hospital discharge care. They also explore the relationship between music and creativity through the analysis of composer Frederic Chopin's life.
A new encryption scheme developed by Professor Nigel Smart allows for computations to be performed on encrypted data, enabling secure storage and access of sensitive information. This technology has the potential to revolutionize fields such as medical care research and electronic voting, while maintaining patient privacy.
Parasites in invasive species can cause significant harm to local invertebrates, fish stocks, and ecosystem services. The discovery challenges previous thinking that parasites-free invaders do well in new locations.
Researchers used MRI to identify high-risk atherosclerotic plaques in an animal model, which could lead to non-invasive diagnosis and treatment of patients. The study found that MRI can accurately detect stable and unstable plaques, including those with enhanced gadolinium uptake associated with inflammation.
The REDUCE trial found dutasteride to be effective in reducing the chance of a positive biopsy by 23% and preventing disease progression. However, more detailed analyses are needed to monitor long-term effects on cardiovascular health and selectively identify aggressive disease.
Researchers found that the supermassive black hole at the center of M87 is displaced from its expected position, likely due to a previous merger or the iconic jet's push. This discovery could have significant implications for understanding galaxy formation and evolution.
Researchers found pyrophosphite, a molecule similar to ATP, could transfer energy without enzymes. This discovery suggests that pyrophosphite played a role in the emergence of complex biology and potentially provided power for early lifeforms.
A Tufts University study sheds light on how marine animals like Galapagos iguanas survive stress, revealing the crucial role of negative feedback in coping with 'fight or flight' responses. The research also has implications for understanding wildlife responses to environmental disasters and oil spills.
The Andromeda Galaxy's supermassive black hole, M31*, is surprisingly quiet and faint in X-ray light, deviating from expectations. A decade-long study by Chandra reveals that the black hole underwent a significant outburst of X-rays in 2006.
Researchers found RSV was the predominant virus detected among infants and children hospitalized with severe pneumonia in Kenya. The study suggests that RSV vaccination may offer considerable public health benefit, potentially reducing all-cause clinically severe or very severe pneumonia admissions by one-third.
A study published in JAMA found that patients hospitalized for acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who received antibiotics within the first 2 hospital days had improved outcomes, including lower likelihood of mechanical ventilation and fewer readmissions. Antibiotics also reduced hospital costs.
A study found that nearly one-third of RA patients and their physicians disagreed on assessing the disease severity. The disagreement was most prevalent in patients with depressive symptoms or poor overall function.
Researchers at UMass Medical School have identified a crucial pathway in malignant glioma cells that can be targeted with existing cancer drugs, offering new possibilities for therapy. The discovery was made using genome-wide RNA interference screening and has implications for the treatment of this deadly brain cancer.
Researchers at Tufts University School of Medicine identified a protein that regulates the accumulation of an enzyme linked to Alzheimer's disease. Increasing levels of this protein may prevent the progression of the neurodegenerative disorder.
Research published in PLOS Medicine found an association between greater early-infancy gains in weight and length and genetic markers for adult obesity risk. Early infancy weight gain is also linked to increased risk of overweight and obesity in children globally.