Researchers in Spain and Scotland created bricks with wool fibres that are 37% stronger than conventional bricks, reducing environmental impact. The new material is made from clay, alginate, and sheep's wool, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional construction materials.
Researchers developed a method to detect early signs of lung cancer by examining cheek cells using biophotonics technology. The test, called partial wave spectroscopic (PWS) microscopy, shows promise in prescreening patients at high risk for the disease.
Scientists have identified microRNA miR-33 as a key to controlling HDL, or "good" cholesterol levels. Increasing miR-33 levels resulted in lower HDL cholesterol levels, while turning it off raised HDL levels.
A new species of dinosaur, Sarahsaurus, discovered in Arizona suggests that dinosaurs did not spread globally by overpowering other species but instead took advantage of a natural catastrophe. The fossil, which lived around 190 million years ago, shows that sauropodomorphs started out small and later evolved to large size.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles identified PDGF as a key factor in epicardial cell proliferation and transformation. Blocking PDGF signaling impaired epicardial cell proliferation and coronary blood vessel development.
A team of researchers found that speed cameras decrease crashes involving injury and fatalities by reducing average speed and speeding violations. The study compiled data from 35 relevant studies, concluding that the cameras are effective in preventing road accidents.
Researchers found that approximately half of increased umbilical cord IgE levels were due to maternal IgE transfer. This discovery challenges the use of umbilical cord blood for assessing allergy risk in infants.
The 2009 H1N1 pandemic response was a mixed bag, with some key successes like swift international coordination and robust public health measures. However, there were also areas for improvement, such as limited preparedness at national levels and slower vaccine development.
Researchers used ambient-pressure XPS to examine every feature of a working solid oxide electrochemical cell, operating in an atmosphere of hydrogen and water vapor at high temperatures. This allowed for direct measurement of local chemical states and electric potentials at surfaces and interfaces during the cell's operation.
A $250,000 CDC grant supports a Rhode Island Hospital study exploring the effectiveness of statewide prescription monitoring programs in reducing accidental overdose deaths involving prescription opioids. The study aims to provide valuable public health data on medication access and abuse patterns.
A vaccine that targets a genetic mutation driving aggressive glioblastoma improved patient survival, with median overall survival of 26 months compared to 15 months for control group. Limited side effects were reported.
Research study reveals that only a limited number of Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes are responsible for most invasive pneumococcal disease globally. The top seven serotypes (1, 5, 6A, 6B, 14, 19F, and 23F) accounted for the majority of cases in every region worldwide.
Tropical Depression 14W forms near Hainan Island, China, with strong thunderstorms and rapid wind shear detected by NASA's Aqua satellite. The depression's organization and punch are being weakened by wind shear, which is expected to make it turn north-northeast before making a brief landfall in southern China.
UT Southwestern researchers have found a set of proteins in blood serum that shows promise as a sensitive and accurate way to diagnose Alzheimer's disease. The analysis proved 94 percent accurate in detecting suspected Alzheimer's and 84 percent accurate in ruling it out in people without the disease.
Scientists at Kyoto University have developed a new method to study polymers in confined spaces, revealing unexpected thermal transitions and potential breakthroughs in nanoscale manufacturing. The technique uses porous coordination polymers to trap polymers, allowing researchers to observe their behavior under controlled conditions.
A new theoretical model reported in the Journal of Chemical Physics investigates protein unfolding under smaller forces, revealing a previously uncharacterized sequential loss of structure involving fluctuation between two intermediates. The researchers discovered more steps and complexity compared to previous experiments and models.
Research by Michigan State University found that high doses of fish oil can induce severe colitis and colon cancer in mice. The study suggests that establishing dietary guidelines for omega-3 consumption is necessary to prevent harm, particularly in individuals with inflammatory bowel disease.
A study by Saint Louis University scientist John E. Morley found that low testosterone levels are associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease in older Chinese men. The study, which analyzed data from 153 participants, also revealed elevated ApoE 4 protein levels and high blood pressure as additional risk factors.
Researchers have developed nano-sized optical gyroscopes that can fit on the head of a pin, improving rotation rates and accuracy in smartphones and medical equipment. These devices will enable enhanced tracking capabilities, including GPS system improvements and navigation for small capsules within the body.
A recent study published in Cell Metabolism has identified podocytes as a crucial factor in the development of kidney failure in diabetes. The researchers found that these cells become less responsive to insulin, leading to similar kidney disease symptoms in mice with normal blood sugar levels.
A study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that exposure to air pollution suppressed immune system regulatory T cells, leading to increased severity of asthma symptoms and lower lung capacity. The research suggests a potential long-term effect of polluted air on children's health.
A new species of dinosaur, Sarahsaurus, discovered in Arizona challenges conventional wisdom about dinosaurs' spread across the world. The fossil suggests that dinosaurs took advantage of a natural catastrophe to move into North America, rather than overpowering other species.
The MAVEN mission aims to investigate how Mars lost its atmosphere and gain insight into the Red Planet's history. The spacecraft will make definitive scientific measurements of present-day atmospheric loss, addressing fundamental science questions.
A new report by The Nutrilite Health Institute found that only about a third of American women meet their fruit and vegetable intake recommendations, leading to potential health issues. Older women have higher total carotenoid intakes compared to younger women after accounting for caloric differences.
The study found that the use of CT or MRI scans for injury-related conditions increased by 3 times between 1998 and 2007, despite no significant change in hospital admissions. The average length of stay increased by 126 minutes for visits with CT or MRI use.
The use of bespoke drugs in primary care is associated with high costs, lack of transparency, and legal pitfalls. The review calls for a major overhaul to reduce unnecessary prescribing and improve patient safety.
A new study led by the University of York will assess the motives behind medical tourism, including consumerism and patient decision-making. The research aims to establish the economic impact of medical tourism and its potential benefits for the NHS.
A 2008 Kasatochi volcano eruption sparked a record-breaking phytoplankton bloom in the North Pacific Ocean, with iron-laden ash from the eruption taking up only a modest amount of atmospheric CO2
Researchers used Doppler weather radar data to improve forecast models for monsoon systems, reducing landfall error from 200km to 75km. This enhancement can better prepare people for heavy rains and catastrophic floods in coastal areas of India.
Researchers at SMU's Geothermal Laboratory estimate that West Virginia's geothermal generation potential has increased to 18,890 megawatts, a 75% increase over previous estimates. This discovery could provide a new source of green energy in coal country.
A new study published in PLOS ONE suggests that the way the brain processes second-stage learning could be mimicked therapeutically to help people with impaired memory formation. The researchers discovered a new mechanism of learning that is independent of the NMDA receptor, which is currently essential for learning and memory.
The MU College of Veterinary Medicine is conducting a study to examine the efficacy of Attaxol in dogs with naturally occurring cancer. The study aims to determine the optimal dose and treatment duration for this cancer drug, which was developed specifically for canine use.
A randomized controlled trial found no significant difference in 6-month neurologic outcome among patients with severe traumatic brain injury who received hypertonic fluids versus normal saline. The study involved 114 patients and found no improvement in survival or disability.
A low pressure area designated as System 97L has an 80% chance of developing into a tropical depression over the next 48 hours. The system is expected to bring locally heavy rainfall to the Leeward Islands, Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Hispaniola in the coming days.
A new device, SeaFlow, detects and tracks microscopic algae that take up 50% of the world's ocean carbon dioxide. This discovery challenges traditional knowledge of ocean ecosystems and highlights the importance of monitoring phytoplankton communities for global carbon cycle understanding.
Research reveals a causal relationship between rainfall and earthquakes, with variations in rainfall affecting pore-fluid pressure at depth and triggering earthquakes. Ground motion patterns in the Santa Clara Valley are also studied, revealing complex geological structures that influence seismic wave propagation and amplification.
Researchers used transmission electron microscopy to study the effects of increasing hydrogen concentrations on iron metal catalysts. They found that too much hydrogen causes fibers with thick walls, instead of nanotubes, or no growth at all.
Researchers have found wind farms' effects on local temperatures and proposed strategies for mediating those effects, increasing the potential to expand wind farms. The study identified two possible mediation strategies: low-turbulence rotors or locational deployment in regions with natural mixing in the atmosphere.
A team of Georgia Tech researchers developed PinDr0p, a system that analyzes and assembles call artifacts to create a fingerprint, allowing for the identification of call provenance with up to 100% accuracy. This technique helps detect phone phishing scams by exploiting unique signatures left on call audio by voice networks.
Research by University of Illinois finance professors Murillo Campello and Heitor Almeida finds that small firms face higher costs of financing when economic conditions worsen. They often re-invest profits before paying off creditors, leading to increased debt and potential financial distress.
Researchers have successfully made tiny high-frequency capacitors using a complex mineral, paving the way for high-frequency microwave applications. The capacitors, made from barium strontium titanate, exhibited excellent microwave properties up to 40 GHz.
The new electrofluidics design combines the best features of both slow and fast electronic devices, requiring low-power and displaying bright images at high speed. This technology is manufacturable using existing equipment, making it a game-changer for environmentally friendly electronics.
Research published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health found no increased risk of socioemotional difficulties or cognitive deficits at 5 years of age for children born to mothers who light drank during pregnancy. Children born to light drinkers were 30% less likely to have behavioral problems than those whose mums had a...
Penn researchers found retinal ganglion cells responding to darkness are more numerous and clustered than those seeing light, reflecting the natural world's darker spots. This suggests brain separation of retinal circuitry into off and on mosaics, allowing for structural adaptation to natural scenes.
Researchers generated mice with a human immune system using human stem cells, allowing them to produce human monoclonal antibodies. This breakthrough could simplify the study and treatment of diseases.
The discovery of ancient dinosaur footprints in Poland pushes the timeline for the emergence of dinosaurs by 5-9 million years. The oldest evidence, Sphingopus footprints, dates back to 246 million years ago and provides insight into the evolution of bipedal dinosaurs.
Researchers at the University of York found that Neanderthals exhibited deep-seated commitments to the welfare of others, including prolonged care for injured individuals. The study proposes a four-stage model for human compassion, with ancient humans developing empathy towards each other dating back six million years.
Research by Michelle J. Budig and Melissa J. Hodges finds that low-paid women experience the largest earnings penalty from having children, ranging from 4-15% per child. The study also highlights the importance of policies aimed at reducing the motherhood penalty to address the gender pay gap.
Long-term finasteride use has been shown to reduce disease progression and improve urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia. The treatment also reduces the risk of acute urinary retention and surgical intervention, making it an effective option for men with moderate to severe lower urinary tract symptoms.
A study found that patients who received compression-only CPR had a higher survival rate compared to those receiving conventional CPR or no CPR. The use of COCPR increased significantly over time, resulting in improved odds of survival.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology developed a new templated growth technique for fabricating nanometer-scale graphene devices. The method involves etching patterns into silicon carbide surfaces to direct graphene growth, resulting in smooth-edged nanoribbons with controlled widths.
Researchers at Stevens Institute of Technology have developed a new method to generate three-dimensional tissue models for studying bacterial infection of orthopedic implants. The microfluidic devices mimic the human body's conditions, allowing for realistic bone tissue growth and analysis of antibiotic delivery.
A new Cochrane Systematic Review found that vitamin D supplements have no effect on bone density in healthy children. However, children with low levels of vitamin D may benefit from supplementation.
Researchers found binary systems in the Kuiper Belt would be destroyed by Neptune's interaction, contradicting previous assumptions. The study suggests the region formed near its present location and remained undisturbed over the age of the solar system.
Research published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that workers exposed to loud noise at work are twice as likely to have serious heart problems as those in quiet workplaces. Workers under 50, particularly men and smokers, were at greater risk.
Researchers have identified the first reproductive hormone of the hagfish, a gonadatropin, which plays a crucial role in regulating sex steroid hormones and reproduction. This breakthrough helps unravel the mystery of hagfish reproduction, shedding light on their unique evolutionary position as the oldest living vertebrate.
Iowa State University researchers estimate a new fisheries system will reduce fishing costs by up to $22 million annually. The system uses tradable permits to control catch amounts, allowing for greater flexibility and efficiency in the fishing industry.
A microfluidic device developed in Hong Kong enables non-invasive testing of anti-tumor drugs by subjecting cancerous cells to different concentration gradients. The device integrates a previously validated analysis method that quantifies cell apoptosis in real-time, allowing for precise control and reduced costs.
Researchers found that water and sulfur dioxide react as ice with surprising speed and high yield at temperatures hundreds of degrees below freezing. This unexpected reaction could revamp current thinking about Europa's chemistry and geology, potentially leading to new discoveries on the moon and other icy bodies.
Experts advocate for phasing out codeine due to its significant risks and unpredictable pharmacokinetics. Morphine, its active metabolite, is proposed as an alternative, offering more predictable metabolism and cost savings.