According to a University of California, Berkeley study, nearly one in four sun-like stars could have Earth-size planets. The researchers found increasing numbers of smaller planets, down to super-Earths, about three times the mass of Earth.
Researchers have uncovered a rare find of an ancient royal garden at Ramat Rachel, which dates back to the 7th century B.C.E. The dig has revealed intricate irrigation systems, stone-carved gutters, and elaborate waterfalls, providing valuable insights into power dynamics and water management in ancient times.
Tumor cells can escape chemotherapy by hiding in the thymus, an organ where immune cells mature, and are bathed in growth factors that protect them from drugs' effects. Researchers plan to test drugs that interfere with these protective factors to prevent cancer relapse.
A new study has found a strong association between low birth weight and poor growth rate in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The research, published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, analyzed data from over 400 children with CKD and found that those born with lower birth weights were more likely ...
Researchers created a technoeconomic model to simulate critical factors in biorefinery operations, enabling cost-efficient production and analysis of various processing scenarios. The model provides a transparent and open platform for the community to share findings and direct research efforts.
A study published in Academic Medicine found that NIH's stricter ethics rules have reduced industrial relationships without affecting research productivity. However, respondents reported both positive and negative effects of the conflict-of-interest policies, with many feeling the rules are too restrictive and impeding the NIH's scient...
Scientists at Weill Cornell Medical College have identified a potential new treatment for the Nipah and Hendra viruses, which are lethal and emerging viruses with no current treatment or vaccine available. The approach uses cholesterol-tagged peptides to target the membrane where the virus fuses with host cells, preventing infection.
A new UCLA–Harvard University study found that birds of a feather don't always flock together; instead, plain social pressure and shared characteristics like ethnicity, major, or state of origin play stronger roles in forming friendships. Social pressure proved seven times stronger than shared racial background.
The University of Maryland School of Medicine will establish a research enterprise dedicated to autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, including celiac disease. The $45 million gift from Ken and Shelia Cafferty will support multidisciplinary research and collaborations with the University of Maryland Institute for Genome Sciences.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute develop new strategies to identify collections of rare genetic variations associated with common conditions. By analyzing whole genomes, they aim to find genetic predispositions that can inform preventative medicine.
A recent study published in PLoS Genetics has identified genetic variants that may modify the risk of breast cancer in women with BRCA2 mutations. The research found that variants near the ZNF365 gene decreased breast cancer risk by approximately 25 percent, while other variants like FGFR2 increased risk.
Researchers found that FAK inhibitor Y15 effectively blocked colon cancer cell growth and viability in mice. The study showed promise for a new therapy by decreasing tumor growth and promoting apoptosis in mice treated with Y15.
A study by Henry Ford researchers identified five risk factors for late-stage head and neck cancer, including two genes, tumor grade, vascular invasion, and location of the tumor. The study found that race was not an independent predictor, contrary to previous research findings.
Physicist Lei Ren received the Basic Science Abstract Award for his research on reducing radiation therapy imaging dose by optimizing cone beam computed tomography (CT) usage. The new technique aims to lower imaging doses by eightfold, improving treatment outcomes for lung cancer patients affected by breathing motion during treatment.
The University of Cincinnati presented multiple papers at the Geological Society of America annual meeting, focusing on Permian extinction understanding, oceanic oxygen depletion, nitrogen cycles, ancient plant water use, and fossil classification. Research by UC geologists shed light on climate change mechanisms.
Researchers have discovered the oldest evidence of pressure flaking in South Africa's Blombos Cave, pushing the origins of a skillful stone-tool-sharpening method back more than 50,000 years. The technique, used by anatomically modern humans, allows for precise control over tool shape and sharpness.
Researchers from North Carolina State University have discovered the optimal length of DNA strands for self-assembly, overcoming historical challenges. This breakthrough enables the creation of biocompatible, biodegradable drug-delivery vehicles and molecular sensors with significant diagnostic applications.
Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine identified a novel regulatory mechanism controlling protein TCF3, essential for embryonic development and potentially leading to cancer diagnosis and therapy. This discovery may enable early detection of cancers and develop drugs targeting the modified TCF3.
A major new study on the impact of conservation efforts reveals that many vertebrate species are threatened, but seagrasses, which provide habitat for these animals, are experiencing significant loss. Researchers say pollution and coastal development are main drivers of biodiversity loss.
University of Pittsburgh researchers have developed a 3D system to mimic colon cancer stem cell growth patterns. They found that some cancer stem cells produce differentiated cells, while others produce self-renewing cells, paving the way for testing new therapies.
A study found that 67% of food adverts promote unhealthy foods, particularly in peak viewing time, with Germany, Spain, and Greece leading the way. The research suggests that current regulations are inadequate, as they only consider the proportion of children watching, not the actual number.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that the Medicare Part D program's payment system creates perverse incentives for insurance companies to raise premiums in the low-income market. This results in millions of patients being reassigned to different drug plans, causing them financial and logistical hardship.
A Danish study reveals that schistosomiasis causes sores in women's reproductive organs, making them more susceptible to HIV infections. Younger women with the parasite are more likely to receive effective treatment and prevention programs.
Researchers at NC State University have developed a new methodology to precisely control and study gene function in localized areas of developing organisms. By using UV-light activated 'off switches' called morpholino oligonucleotides, scientists can now turn off specific genes only when exposed to UV light.
Researchers have found that beta cells in humans do not replicate after age 30, which could lead to breakthroughs in treating type 1 and 2 diabetes. The discovery uses radioactive carbon-14 dating to determine the number of beta cells remains static after this age.
The new journal will focus on structural and functional connections in the brain, exploring how neurological disorders alter these connections. Researchers can access human connectome data through an interactive website, enabling the publication to contribute to novel diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
A team of scientists at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center discovered that the Rictor protein plays a key role in destroying a close cousin of the AKT oncogene, SGK1. This finding suggests that faulty regulation of Rictor may play a part in some forms of cancer and could offer new targets for treating the disease.
A recent study found that 66% of preschool-age children in the US exceed the recommended daily screen time limit. The study analyzed data from nearly 9,000 children and found that children spent an average of 4 hours per day on screens, with those in home-based child care exceeding the limit even more.
The University of New Hampshire will lead a $700,000 study on greenhouse gas emissions at traditional and organic dairy farms. The three-year project aims to improve the competitiveness of organic livestock and crop producers by developing extension programs and decision-support tools.
Canadian researchers have made a breakthrough in CO2 capture by identifying the exact sites where CO2 is held in a capture material. This discovery enables scientists to design better materials to capture more CO2, potentially mitigating greenhouse gas emissions from coal-burning flue stacks or unconventional natural gas reservoirs.
Researchers studied infant-mother interactions to develop a baby robot capable of learning social skills. They found that babies and mothers create patterns in their play, which becomes more stable with age.
The National Council's new eight-month pilot program aims to advance standards of care for people living with schizophrenia by improving their daily functioning, reducing stigma, and broadening understanding of the condition. The program will provide technical assistance and utilize an interactive assessment tool to track progress.
The VCU Massey Cancer Center has received a $2.4 million grant from the Virginia Tobacco Commission to expand its community outreach programs and grow its clinical research capabilities. This funding will support the extension of cancer prevention and control initiatives into tobacco counties in Southside and Southwest Virginia.
Researchers developed a non-intrusive load monitoring system to track electricity consumption in single-family homes, providing households with a more accurate picture of their energy usage. The system uses machine-learning algorithms to identify appliances and reduce energy waste, potentially leading to cheaper bills and greener homes.
Researchers identified two small-molecule inhibitors that effectively targeted FAK, an enzyme present in certain cancers. These inhibitors, Y11 and Y30, inhibited colon cancer-cell growth and decreased tumor formation, offering a potential for more effective and less toxic cancer therapies.
A Princeton University study found that wild Scottish sheep with stronger immunity lived longer, but were less fertile, and vice versa. The research suggests a balance between strong and weak immune responses in the population.
Researchers found a link between long telomeres and an increased risk of colorectal cancer in young-onset patients. The study suggests two distinct groups of colorectal cancer: one with accelerated aging due to telomere shortening, and another with longer telomeres.
A five-year study found that workers with high urine BPA levels had decreased sperm concentration, total sperm count, and vitality. The association between BPA exposure and poor semen quality strengthens evidence that BPA may have detrimental effects on the male reproductive system.
A new clinical test that predicts lupus flares has been licensed for development, providing patients and physicians with a crucial tool for managing the disease. The test, which measures chemokine levels in blood, may help reduce corticosteroid exposure and prevent flare intensity.
Mice lacking CEACAM1 have excess neutrophils but suffer from accelerated mortality due to liver damage and severe tissue harm. These findings suggest that natural mechanisms restraining white blood cell proliferation are crucial in treating infectious and auto-inflammatory disorders.
Ancient ocean sediments revealed phosphorus played a crucial role in establishing the first animals on Earth. Oxygen levels surged due to phosphorus, allowing complex life forms to emerge.
USDA researcher David Straus found copper sulfate effective in controlling Ich and a fungus on catfish eggs, offering an inexpensive and safe solution for aquaculture. The treatment has potential for widespread use in fish ponds worldwide due to its ease of application and effectiveness.
A new satellite-based global map of mangrove forests reveals they make up less than previously thought, sparking motivation for stronger conservation efforts. The map also shows 75% of the world's mangroves are concentrated in just 15 countries.
A team of researchers led by Thomas Algeo from the University of Cincinnati analyzed chemical evidence from rocks formed during the Permian-Triassic extinction event, which wiped out 90% of all living species. The study suggests that massive volcanic eruptions in Siberia and global climate change contributed to the catastrophic event.
A team of scientists from Caltech and JPL have characterized a key chemical reaction affecting smog formation, suggesting current models underestimate ozone levels by 5-10%. Their findings likely impact air quality predictions, emissions regulation, and health assessments.
The project aims to create a comprehensive software framework that combines cyberinfrastructure, GIS, and spatial analysis and modeling capabilities to tackle complex problems in various fields. CyberGIS has the potential to advance scientific breakthroughs with broad societal impacts, particularly in disaster preparedness and response.
A study by University of Leicester researchers found that two people can learn to cooperate without conscious intention, but larger groups require explicit communication to coordinate actions. Experimental results showed gains exceeded losses in group pairs but not in three-person or larger groups.
Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed a new organic solvent process that selectively dissolves noble metals like platinum, palladium, and gold. This ability to preferentially dissolve these metals creates a customized system with high control over the process.
Recent studies have identified 20 genes associated with multiple sclerosis susceptibility, paving the way for more accurate understanding of the disease. New therapies targeting neuroinflammation and regenerative stem cells hold promise for controlling the disease, mirroring progress made in AIDS treatment.
A recent report by the Nutrilite Health Institute found that Americans who don't meet their daily fruit and vegetable recommendations tend to have lower intakes of vitamins A, C, and E, zinc, and selenium. These nutrients are essential for a healthy immune system. The report suggests that incorporating more colorful plant-based foods i...
Enterovirus 71, closely related to poliovirus, causes major outbreaks in Asia-Pacific region. Rapid evolution and family transmission facilitate severe cases of neurological disorders like meningitis and paralysis.
A recent IRCM breakthrough reveals a novel molecular mechanism that regulates cell motility, a key factor in tumour spread. The study identifies the ELMO protein's regulatory feature as critical in preventing uncontrolled cell migration.
The December 2010 Lithosphere issue presents various studies on tectonic histories, fault activity, and mantle deformation. Researchers analyze the Llano Uplift in Texas, the Kern Canyon fault in California, and the Twin Sisters ultramafic body in Washington State, among other locations.
A study found that only half of oncologists and haematologists agreed that sperm banking information is readily available to patients. Researchers are urging clinicians to discuss sperm banking with all male cancer patients to increase the opportunity for preservation.
A new investigational DNA methylation test has been shown to detect precancerous adenomas and cancers with high accuracy, detecting 64% of polyps over 1cm and 85% of cancers. The test is simple, non-invasive, and can be done from home, making it a promising alternative to traditional screening methods.
Researchers found that extra-virgin olive oil and its extracts protect against oxidative damage of hepatic tissue in rats. The study showed a significant increase in antioxidant enzyme activity and a decrease in markers of liver damage, indicating potential health benefits of olive oil consumption.
The discovery of Yizhousaurus sunae sheds light on the evolution of sauropod dinosaurs. The ancient creature lived around 200 million years ago with a long neck and robust skeleton, exhibiting hallmarks of later sauropods.
A new study published in Liver Transplantation found that obese children have a higher mortality risk after primary liver transplantation, while severely thin pediatric patients face an early mortality risk within the first year. The study suggests post-metabolic syndrome may contribute to late morbidity and mortality.
The USDA has awarded $3.8 million to Virginia Tech to improve grape and wine quality in the eastern US through research-based practices. The project aims to create a robust and sustainable industry by integrating research with market drivers, focusing on challenges such as unpredictable weather and high production costs.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University developed new software to analyze the three-dimensional movement of an insect's leg joints, allowing for a detailed understanding of cockroach locomotion. The software enables 90% accurate analysis of 106,496 individual points in hours, not weeks.