A new study found that the Alzheimer's drug donepezil enhances perceptual learning in healthy adults, particularly in tasks involving motion direction discrimination. The researchers tested 12 healthy adults and showed a significant improvement in performance after training under the influence of donepezil compared to a placebo.
Hurricane Julia has weakened to a Category 2 storm due to wind shear and cooler sea surface temperatures. The storm is being pulled northwest by mid-level winds, causing its main convection to shift away from the center, resulting in weakening.
The amount of development aid to maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) doubled between 2003 and 2008, but its proportion relative to overall aid remained unchanged. The largest increases were made by the US, UK, EU, GAVI, and Global Fund, while others saw stagnation or fluctuations.
Research team isolates aerosol particles in near-pristine pre-industrial conditions, shedding light on cloud formation and precipitation. Organic compounds from plants are found to be a primary source of submicron particles, which can affect climate.
A new study found that taking a placebo improved symptoms in about one-third of women with low sexual arousal, with the most improvement occurring during the first four weeks. The key predictor of symptom change was an increase in satisfying sexual encounters, suggesting a need to investigate behavioral factors more closely.
A new University of Michigan study documents the impact of war on Palestinian and Israeli children's mental health. The research found that nearly half of Palestinian children between 11-14 reported witnessing violence, leading to significant increases in post-traumatic stress symptoms and aggressive behavior.
Scientists have used a new seismic method to investigate the collision process between India and Tibet, revealing a more pronounced boundary between rigid lithosphere and softer asthenosphere. The study provides insights into the processes involved in the collision and aims to reduce earthquake risk in the region.
A special issue of DNA and Cell Biology features undergraduate research projects that demonstrate the valuable contributions of young scientists. The studies showcase innovative approaches to bioluminescence testing, mutant gene mapping, telomerase regulation, and fruit fly metabolism.
Scientists at the University of Calgary found that available area is the most important factor driving flower diversity, with family traits coming in second. The study suggests that geography and morphology play a significant role in shaping biodiversity patterns.
Researchers created a comprehensive catalog of large craters on the moon to study the chaotic early days of the inner solar system. The analysis suggests that larger projectiles dominated the bombardment, ending around 3.8 billion years ago.
Research shows that artificial night lighting impacts dawn song in forest-breeding songbirds, causing them to sing earlier and females to lay eggs a day and half earlier. This can lead to lower-quality offspring, as females may mate with lesser males.
Simon Cocklin, Ph.D., wins the ProteOn XPR36 Giveaway Program for his novel research applications for surface plasmon resonance technology. He plans to use the system in his lab and make it available to other researchers at Drexel University.
New Caledonian crows use tools to extract wood-boring longhorn beetle larvae from burrows, providing a nutritious food source. The crows' tool use is energy-efficient and profitable, suggesting that unusual foraging opportunities have selected for their sophisticated behavior.
A new study argues that synthetic life sciences require a global regulator to detect pathogenic agents and ensure approved purposes for DNA sequences. However, current technology is insufficient to create an effective clearinghouse, highlighting the need for improved screening software and procedures.
Researchers isolated aerosol particles in near-pristine pre-industrial conditions, providing crucial clues about cloud formation and differences between natural and polluted environments. The finding could help understand global climate change and inform modeling of anthropogenic perturbations.
More than 100 marine scientists advocate for an integrated European network of long-term marine observatories to provide reliable data for sustainable use of seas. The network aims to reduce uncertainty about sea-level rise and its impact on coastal defences, saving millions annually.
Research shows early metabolic abnormalities due to poor diet and exercise may increase risk of asthma in children, regardless of body weight. The study implicates metabolic disorders directly in the development of asthma, suggesting a new way of viewing diet and lifestyle as risk factors.
Oregon State University researchers have successfully loaded biological molecules onto nanosprings, a nanostructure that maximizes surface area in microreactors. The findings may lead to new nanotech applications in pharmaceuticals, biological sensors, and biomedicine.
A University of Michigan study found Native Hawaiians are more likely to suffer early death, particularly among infants and young adults. The research highlights the need for renewed efforts to understand the causes of increased mortality among Native Hawaiians and other high-risk minority populations.
Researchers examine how silicic magma contributes to continental crust growth, the dynamics of the Tibetan Plateau's formation, and the nature of earthquakes in the Eastern Carpathians. New data suggest that continental delamination may be responsible for seismic activity in this region.
The TRMM satellite provided a 3-D image of Hurricane Igor's cloud heights and rainfall rates, revealing towering clouds and heavy rainfall. The image showed the eye was still distinct but the southwestern portion had eroded, with heavy rainfall falling at 2 inches per hour.
A recent study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that approximately 1% of patients who underwent total hip replacement surgery still developed deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism within 90 days. The researchers identified several co-morbidity factors that increased a patient's likelihood, including previou...
A breakthrough study by UCI researchers reveals the complex evolution of aging, development and fertility in sexually reproducing species like fruit flies. By analyzing their genomes, they found evidence of selective adaptation in over 500 genes linked to traits such as size, sexual maturation and life span.
Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have discovered a new class of phase-change materials, BEANs, that can switch between crystalline and amorphous states in nanoseconds. These nano-sized particles have the potential to revolutionize data storage and optical data storage technologies.
A study found that low socioeconomic status is associated with higher serum phosphate levels in patients with chronic kidney disease, regardless of race. This suggests that limited access to healthy food choices contributes to the racial disparity in kidney disease progression.
New research reveals tyrannosaur diversity, including smaller species and earlier ancestors, has significantly expanded our understanding. A comprehensive evolutionary tree shows the group's complexity, challenging popular perceptions of T. rex as a singular apex predator.
A rare saola was photographed for the first time in over a decade in Laos, shedding light on its critically endangered status. The species, found only in dense forests along the Lao/Vietnamese border, is one of the most threatened large mammals globally.
Researchers at UCLA have successfully controlled chemical reactions mechanically, enabling precise manipulation of molecular interactions. By applying mechanical stress to enzymes, they can influence specific steps in the reaction process, paving the way for new applications in medicine and beyond.
A series of essays examines the challenges in determining effective treatments, benefits and drawbacks for patients, as well as consumers' right to their genetic information. The articles discuss controversies surrounding direct-to-consumer tests, genetically customized drug treatments and biospecimen use.
The winners of the 2010 Science in Society Journalism Awards were announced, honoring outstanding investigative reporting on science and its impact on society. Susan Cohen and Christine Cosgrove won for their book
Karl strengthened into a hurricane as it moved across the Gulf of Mexico, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds to the region. The storm is forecast to make landfall in mainland Mexico late Friday or Friday night, with minimum central pressure at 983 millibars.
A new study reveals that fish shoals and krill swarms share a unique, irregular crystal-like shape across different locations. Researchers used multibeam sonar to record the three-dimensional structure of Antarctic krill swarms, finding a fixed surface area-to-volume ratio, similar to studies on fish from diverse locations.
The latest global under-5 mortality rates show significant declines in many regions, with reductions of at least 50% in most areas except sub-Saharan Africa, southern Asia, and Oceania. However, the planet is not on track to meet MDG4's goal of reducing child mortality by two-thirds between 1990 and 2015.
A recent study found that opening a new line of communication about sex can have a positive effect on many women with low libidos. Fifty women were given a placebo instead of a drug treatment for low sexual arousal, and on average, one in three showed an overall improvement.
Scientists have discovered that Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV), an ancestor of HIV, is thousands of years old, challenging previous estimates. The research suggests SIV may be even older than a million years and has implications for understanding the origin of HIV.
Researchers at IRCM discover a protein called Gfi1b that regulates blood stem cell activity and mobilization, potentially accelerating the production of new blood cells. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and safer stem cell therapy for leukemia patients.
Researchers have improved alkali-vapor magnetometer measurements by maintaining spin polarization for over 60 seconds at room temperature, a two-orders-of-magnitude improvement. The technique involves coating the glass vapor cell with an antirelaxation coating to reduce magnetic fluctuations and collisions among atoms.
New research from CAMH and SickKids reveals that males with specific alterations of DNA on their X-chromosome are at high risk of developing Autism Spectrum Disorder. The study found mutations in the PTCHD1 gene, which may disrupt brain development and contribute to autism.
Economists Krislert Samphantharak and Robert M. Townsend introduce a framework that enables researchers to create detailed accounts for households based on corporate financial accounting principles. This approach allows for more accurate data collection and comparisons across households and regions.
A University of California, Riverside researcher is leading a $6.25 million grant to develop fuel cells that could replace batteries with up to 80% less weight and increase device life by five times.
A DASH-style diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, may help prevent kidney stones by increasing urinary volume and citrate levels. The study suggests that a DASH-style diet could be an effective way to reduce the risk of kidney stone recurrence.
A growing number of people are traveling to Tornado Alley for an experience beyond thrills, seeking unique encounters with nature's power and beauty. Most tourists, mostly middle-aged and educated, spend $3,000-$5,000 on a one-to-two week tour with experienced storm chasers.
A University of Michigan-led team identified a gene responsible for a devastating inherited kidney disorder using a new, faster genetic analysis technique. The success offers hope that scientists can speed the search for genes responsible for many rare diseases and test drugs to treat them.
Researchers found that fat-derived stem cells are safe to use in breast tissue reconstruction after mastectomy as long as there is no evidence of active cancer. The study suggests that dormant cancer cells are not sensitive to the growth signals sent by the stem cells.
A quick-dissolving vaginal film containing a powerful anti-HIV drug is being developed by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh. The film could provide an alternative dosage form that releases the drug faster and more efficiently than existing gel formulations, potentially leading to better protection from HIV infection.
North Carolina State University has received a four-year, $3.5 million grant to explore using artificial intelligence as a learning tool in fourth- and fifth-grade science classrooms. The project includes creating CyberPads with AI-based software that supports interactive scientific modeling for topics such as electricity and landforms.
The COGNITO project, led by the University of Bristol, aims to develop computer systems that can understand and predict human behavior and activity. By using on-body sensor networks and advanced computer vision algorithms, researchers hope to create systems that can assist people in skilled assembly and manipulation tasks.
The Scripps Research Institute has been awarded a four-year, $5.1 million grant to develop nanopore strand sequencing, a rapid real-time technology that can sequence a person's DNA in 15 minutes with minimal sample preparation time. The goal is to make genome sequencing cost-efficient and routine medical care possible.
A new study published in the Journal of World Business found that developing countries may not gain more foreign direct investment by adopting major international economic treaties. In some cases, adoption can even hurt their economies. Developing countries with low innovation bases are particularly vulnerable to negative effects.
A new model by UCLA researchers suggests the WHO's test-and-treat strategy for HIV in South Africa may not be feasible due to substantial cost underestimation. The study found that annual testing, prevention programs, and healthcare infrastructure scaling up were not accounted for in the original proposal.
Researchers found that pristine rainforests in the Amazon produce aerosol particles that act as seeds for cloud formation and precipitation. These particles are formed from organic molecules emitted by trees and other biological matter, and play a crucial role in sustaining the hydrological cycle.
Case Western Reserve researcher Menachem Shoham discovered new anti-pathogenic drugs that prevent MRSA's production of toxins, rendering the bacteria harmless. The drugs block the activation of a key bacterial protein, AgrA, preventing toxin release and serious infections.
The amount of development aid for maternal, newborn and child health in developing countries doubled between 2003 and 2008. However, the aid was not highly targeted to countries with the highest rates of maternal and child mortality, resulting in some recipient countries receiving far more aid per birth and per child than others.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed a silicon chip that uses two identical photons to perform complex calculations and simulations, paving the way for a new type of quantum computer. The device has the potential to solve problems that are currently beyond the capabilities of conventional computers.
A study published in Science has found that the anterior prefrontal cortex and white matter structure are associated with introspective ability. Researchers used MRI scans to analyze participants' brains and identified a correlation between gray matter volume and self-awareness, which could lead to better treatments for mental illness.
Researchers developed a new approach to determining the optimal distribution of sulfates in the stratosphere to achieve defined climate goals. The study found that uniformly distributed aerosols can minimize both temperature changes and hydrological cycle alterations, with potential reductions of up to 90% and two-thirds, respectively.
The study found that between 1970 and 2009, the average woman aged 25 and over saw a doubling of her years in education. This increase in education is estimated to have prevented 4.2 million children's deaths globally in 2009.
A genetic marker linked to elevated tau levels in cerebrospinal fluid predicts rapid progression of Alzheimer's disease. The marker is associated with higher tau levels and more severe dementia in patients, offering new insights into the disease's progression.
Researchers found that intensive care diaries significantly reduced new onset post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following critical illness. The diaries, completed daily by nursing staff and relatives, featured information about the patient's stay accompanied by photographs, helping to alleviate delusional memories and fears.
Research led by Dr. James White has developed a novel 3D imaging technique to visualize myocardial scar tissue and coronary blood vessels in a single image. This breakthrough may improve targeting of blood vessels for therapy in patients requiring pacemakers, bypass surgery or angioplasties.
Research from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation found that increased education among women of reproductive age led to a significant reduction in child mortality rates. Between 1970 and 2009, 51% of the reduction in child deaths can be attributed to improved education levels.
According to a study published in JADA, asthma and cavities are both prevalent childhood diseases in the US. However, researchers found little evidence suggesting that asthma causes tooth decay, with some studies showing children with asthma having fewer cavities.
Researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health have identified two bacteria that instigate gut inflammation, leading to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in mice. The study suggests that the genetic background influences the intestinal microbiota, with Enterobacteriaceae playing a role in triggering IBD.
The University of Illinois Center for One Health Illinois is tackling the gap in surveillance by recruiting experts to build a system for sharing environmental and health data. The center has funded several small-scale research projects and is seeking to fund new studies that integrate human, animal, agricultural, and ecosystem health.
MIT researchers found cancer cells use an alternative glycolytic pathway to speed up metabolism and build new cells, which could be exploited to develop new anti-cancer treatments. The discovery sheds light on how cancer cells adapt to rapidly proliferate and highlights potential targets for therapy.
A five-year, $2.8 million National Science Foundation grant supports a bilingual thinking and learning study at Penn State's Center for Language Science. The project aims to greatly expand the existing body of knowledge on the neural and cognitive processes involved in second language learning and bilingualism.
Researchers discovered Prozac's mechanism of action, revealing that it increases serotonin levels by releasing a signal molecule that reduces microRNA miR-16, unlocking expression of the serotonin transporter. This unlocks new 'source' of serotonin production in brain neurons, leading to antidepressant effects.
The moon was bombarded by two distinct populations of asteroids or comets in its youth, resulting in a more complex surface than previously thought. The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) spacecraft provided unprecedented global topographic maps using the Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter (LOLA), highlighting lunar craters with clarity.
Researchers found that bariatric surgery significantly improves lipoprotein profiles in women within a year, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Significant weight loss also leads to improvements in glucose homeostasis and lower mortality rates.
Researchers identified a genetic marker associated with rapid progression of Alzheimer's disease, which may lead to drug treatment targeting tau accumulation. The discovery helps determine the rate at which Alzheimer's patients develop full-blown dementia after diagnosis.
Researchers have discovered previously unseen compositional differences in the moon's crustal highlands and confirmed the presence of material surprisingly abundant in silica. This has provided scientists with global, high-resolution infrared maps of the moon, enabling them to identify silicates commonly found within its crust.
A team of scientists led by David Valentine and John Kessler studied the behavior of methane and other natural gases in the Gulf of Mexico after the Deepwater Horizon disaster. They found that propane and ethane were responsible for most of the respiration and oxygen loss observed in deep plumes, with butane accounting for the remainder.
A new method, developed by Prof. Herzl Chai at Tel Aviv University, measures the size of chips in tooth fossils to determine the types of foods early humans consumed. The study found that larger chips indicate harder foods like nuts and seeds.
Researchers at Princeton University have developed 3D computer simulations of supernovae explosions, providing new insights into the universe. The simulations match massive blow-outs observed by astronomers and may lead to a better understanding of the physics involved.
Researchers have sequenced the genome of the Criollo variety of cacao tree, which is considered the finest chocolate-producing variety. The analysis identified key gene families that could enhance crop yields and provide protection against diseases.
The discovery of the interaction between two cellular signaling pathways may lead to therapies that aid brain growth and repair in children and adults. Researchers have found a critical step toward understanding the molecular networks regulating neural stem cells.
Researchers have discovered that a precursor to the AIDS-causing HIV is at least 32,000 years old, contradicting previous estimates. The study suggests that HIV's evolution into a non-lethal form is unlikely due to its rapid virulence.