The quagga mussel's voracious appetite for phytoplankton is causing a decline in its abundance, which in turn is affecting the food chain and fisheries in southern Lake Michigan. As a result, zooplankton populations are dwindling, and fish species such as alewives, chubs, and Atlantic salmon are facing extinction.
A Loyola University Health System study found that only seven of the 22 patients who experienced pulmonary embolisms showed evidence of leg blood clots. Researchers suggest screening for DVTs in the arms as well as legs before and after surgery to assess risk.
Rice physicists Qimiao Si and Seiji Yamamoto create a theoretical model to understand the quantum quirks of high-temperature superconductors and ferromagnetism. Their model predicts the origins of metallic ferromagnetism, providing a rigorous answer to a long-standing question in condensed matter physics.
Tropical Storm Fiona is weakening and stretching out in a north-south direction, according to NASA satellite data. Forecasters expect her to dissipate over the holiday weekend in the Atlantic Ocean.
Researchers suggest molecular structures involving transition metals could catalyze the synthesis of basic biochemicals, leading to the origin of life. The model proposes that simple transition metal-ligand complexes in hydrothermal ocean vents catalyzed reactions that gave rise to more complex molecules.
Only one in six Americans who have ever been overweight or obese successfully maintains their weight loss, according to a new study. The researchers found that women, adults aged 75-84, and non-Hispanic whites were more likely to achieve long-term weight management.
A long-term study found that women with BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic mutations significantly reduced their risk of breast and ovarian cancer with preventive surgeries. Risk-reducing mastectomies and removal of the fallopian tubes and ovaries lowered cancer risks, including those with prior breast cancer.
NASA's Genesis and Rapid Intensification Processes (GRIP) mission is analyzing Hurricane Earl's structure and behavior. The GRIP aircraft are equipped with instruments such as HAMSR, which provides detailed data on the storm's temperature, water vapor, and cloud liquid water distribution.
A recent University of Pennsylvania study compares two hip screening methods and finds that traditional scoring underestimates a dog's susceptibility to osteoarthritis. The PennHIP method suggests that even 'excellent' hips may be at risk for hip dysplasia, with some breeds facing a high risk of up to 100% susceptible progeny.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have discovered the underlying mechanisms that activate gamma delta T cells in the skin and other organs. These cells play a unique role in recognizing damage or disease in epithelial tissues, and their activation is crucial for wound healing.
Roger Angel will receive the Kavli Prize for his pioneering work on telescope design, which has allowed astronomers to observe distant and ancient objects. His innovative approach has resulted in lightweight and rigid mirrors that can be used in larger telescopes, enabling more compact and cost-effective designs.
16.6 million small business employees are eligible for tax credits under the Affordable Care Act, with benefits including increased competition among insurers and reduced health insurance premiums. By 2013, 3.4 million workers may take advantage of the tax credit, which increases in value to up to 50% of premium contribution by 2014.
A new study by Texas A&M AgriLife Communications found that using test-tube calf embryos can double pregnancy rates and increase heifer births during the summer months. The method uses fresh or frozen embryos fertilized in a lab, bypassing heat stress's negative effects on fertility.
Scientists at University of East Anglia and Frankfurt discover largest chlorine isotope enrichment ever found in nature. This breakthrough could lead to identification of sources of banned CFCs still being released into the atmosphere.
Researchers have discovered a novel compound, spiroindolone NITD609, effective against both strains of the malaria parasite and shows pharmacological properties compatible with a once-daily dosing regimen.
A new study reveals that tiny ants play a crucial role in protecting acacia trees from elephants in the African savanna. The findings suggest that swarming groups of ants can deter elephants, which prefer to eat ant-plants over their favorite tree food.
A team of McGill chemists has discovered a technique that can identify the composition of pigments used in art work that is decades or even centuries old. The technique, known as photoacoustic infrared spectroscopy, analyzes the infrared spectra emitted by pigments when exposed to light, allowing researchers to classify 12 historically...
Researchers have created a new mid-infrared supercontinuum laser that can blind heat-seeking missiles from a distance of 1.8 miles away, providing a promising solution for helicopter protection in combat zones. The technology is being commercialized through Omni Sciences, Inc., which has received $1 million in grants from the Army and ...
Researchers at UCLA have overcome difficulties in integrating graphene into electronic devices, achieving the fastest graphene transistor to date with a cutoff frequency of up to 300 GHz. This breakthrough enables the development of high-speed radio-frequency electronics for applications in microwave communication and radar technologies.
Duke University researchers identified two genes influencing susceptibility to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections. The study suggests that genetic clues can help inform patient management and drug development, potentially saving lives.
A new study found that ants play a crucial role in protecting tree cover in East African savannas from elephants. The researchers discovered that swarming groups of ants can repel elephants, preventing extensive damage to trees.
A study reveals that individuals with prior non-kidney organ transplants are more likely to be listed for a kidney transplant before dialysis initiation. This trend adds to the list of organ allocation challenges, as these patients have higher waitlist mortality rates and shorter lifespans compared to those with prior kidney transplants.
A team of UC Santa Barbara researchers successfully predicted the movement of oil from the Deepwater Horizon spill in the Gulf of Mexico. They developed a new approach that uses computational models to forecast sea surface conditions and predict where and when oil will wash ashore.
Dr. Sothern provides three opportunities for change to prevent the obesity epidemic: intensive nutrition and physical activity counseling, free play opportunities, and high-quality weight-management programs. These interventions aim to protect future generations from health consequences by programming their metabolism at a young age.
A recent study suggests that individuals' core values and prior beliefs have a substantial impact on their confidence in scientific reports, particularly when it comes to environmental issues like offshore oil drilling. This finding raises questions about the influence of science on public policy debates.
A new study from Duke University Medical Center found that half of patients with advanced disease in palliative care settings don't benefit from oxygen therapy, and receiving pure oxygen or room air offers equal relief. The study suggests alternative methods, such as using a small fan, may be equally effective.
A risk assessment questionnaire identified risk factors for respiratory adverse events in children undergoing general anesthesia, including family history of asthma and eczema. The findings suggest that tailored anesthesia management can benefit high-risk children, improving outcomes.
A research team led by Scripps Research Institute has discovered a promising new drug candidate to treat malaria, which shows an attractive safety profile and potential for treatment in a single oral dose. The study's findings provide hope for the development of new treatments against this deadly disease.
Astronomers measure velocity and composition of 'star guts' from nearby supernova Supernova 1987A using Hubble Space Telescope observations. The study reveals the deposition of energy and heavy elements into the host galaxy, including elements necessary for life on Earth.
Tropical Storm Kompasu is becoming extratropical as it moves northeastward towards northern Japan. The storm had maximum sustained winds near 56 mph, but they were waning at 1500 UTC on September 2.
A special issue of CBE—Life Sciences Education journal introduces new ways to integrate mathematical thinking into biology education and vice versa. The articles explore teaching modeling, DNA microarray analysis, fractal geometry, and more to bridge the gap between math and biology skills.
A recent study funded by the Lupus Research Institute has discovered a link between an X-linked TLR7 gene variant and an increased risk of developing lupus in men. The research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, provides strong evidence that alterations in the TLR7 gene can promote lupus in humans.
Researchers at Caltech have developed a simple technique using graphene to visualize the structure of molecules at the atomic scale. The technique reveals new details about how water coats surfaces, including its structure and properties.
A study found that oxygen therapy provides no additional benefit over regular air in relieving persistent breathlessness in patients with life-limiting illness. The researchers suggest less burdensome strategies should be considered for these patients.
A new University of Arizona study found that even complete strangers can infer a person's emotional state from just 30 seconds of conversation. Verbal snippets, such as tone and language use, provide significant insight into how people are coping with separation and divorce.
Moussa B.H. Youdim, a renowned neuroscientist, receives the 2010 ECNP Lifetime Achievement Award for his groundbreaking work on neuroprotective therapies for Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. His research focuses on the role of monoamine oxidase enzymes in neurotransmitter metabolism and brain iron metabolism.
A new study by Elizabeth Seng and Dr. Kenneth Holroyd found that psychological treatments significantly increase confidence in self-management abilities among severe migraine sufferers. Behavioral management programs alongside drug therapy led to increased confidence, especially among those with low control over their condition.
A University of Arizona-led consortium aims to create next-generation varities of rice that can withstand drought and poorer soils. The project will study the genes of wild rice species and identify those that could improve crop yields, providing a 'toolkit of genes' for enhanced food security.
A review suggests that many cases of treatment-resistant severe asthma in children are due to poor management, including adherence issues and environmental triggers. The authors recommend a multidisciplinary approach to confirm diagnosis, address comorbidities, and develop an individualized treatment plan.
EMBL scientists uncover counterpart of cerebral cortex in marine worm Platynereis dumerilii, a relative of the earthworm. The finding suggests that the pallium is much older than previously thought and likely evolved as an adaptation to early marine life.
NASA's Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite observed heavy rainfall within Hurricane Earl, with rates exceeding 2 inches per hour. The Global Hawk unmanned aircraft is gathering information about the storm from 60,000 feet high, aiding scientists in understanding rapid intensification.
Tropical Depression Nine strengthened into Tropical Storm Gaston before weakening back into a depression due to dry and stable air. The storm's compact circulation showed high, cold thunderstorm cloud tops reaching -63 degrees Fahrenheit.
A survey of Connecticut primary care physicians found that only 2.1% diagnose and treat patients with chronic Lyme disease, contradicting claims by 'Lyme literate' groups. The study's findings suggest that chronic Lyme disease may not be as common as previously thought.
A chemical compound, NITD609, has shown promising results in clearing malaria parasites from mice after a single oral dose. The compound targets a parasite protein not attacked by existing malaria drugs and has desirable features for a new malaria therapy.
A study published in Science shows that neutrophils release enzymes that cause collateral damage to surrounding tissue, leading to chronic lung diseases. However, another enzyme LTA4H degrades a molecular fragment PGP, breaking the cycle and preventing damage.
A study found that kidney transplants showing fibrosis and inflammation after one year are at increased risk of long-term transplant failure. Routine biopsies can help identify these abnormal signs and predict potential targets for early preventative treatment.
Researchers have found evidence that ancient Nubians regularly consumed tetracycline, a powerful antibiotic, most likely through their beer. This discovery suggests that the art of making antibiotics was common practice nearly 2,000 years ago and challenges traditional views on the origins of modern medicine.
Researchers used imaging mass spectrometry to map signaling molecules between organisms, discovering metabolites involved in bacterial cannibalism. SDP and SKF were found to be essential for identifying and killing genetically identical cells.
Researchers investigated the effect of heat treatment on the superconducting properties of Ag-doped Sr0.6K0.4Fe2As2 compounds and found that increasing heat treatment temperature improves Jc, while Tc remains unaffected. The study demonstrated that Ag doping enhances Jc at higher sinter temperatures.
A recent study by IRCM researchers revealed the crucial role of the Vpr protein in blocking cell division and triggering immune cell death during HIV infection. The findings suggest that targeting this process could lead to new potential therapeutic targets, providing a better understanding of HIV infection and AIDS.
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that cigarette smoke inhibits the enzyme Leukotriene A4 Hydrolase (LTA4H), preventing it from shutting down proline-glycine-proline (PGP). This leads to chronic inflammation and a never-ending cycle of neutrophil recruitment. The study identifies PGP as a biomarker for lung d...
Scientists at the University of Trieste discovered a massive 280-million-year-old fossil supervolcano in northern Italy's Sesia Valley, exposing magmatic plumbing system to unprecedented depth. The discovery provides a model for understanding active calderas and may help predict future eruptions.
Astronomers discovered a cloud of hot water vapor around the old star IRC+10216 and suspected comets or dwarf planets were evaporating to produce it. However, Herschel's instruments revealed that ultraviolet light from surrounding stars is the actual source of the water, which forms closer to the star than comets can stably exist.
Researchers developed models to investigate non-healing bone fractures, suggesting cell transplantation as a potential treatment. The study used an animal model and mathematical modeling to demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach.
Rice University researchers are testing wireless communications technology that uses dormant broadcast television channels to deliver free, high-speed broadband Internet service. The new grant will allow the network to dynamically adapt its frequency usage and study how people interact with the new technology.
Researchers at UCLA found that female induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) retain an inactive X chromosome, similar to most female human embryonic stem cells. This discovery has critical implications for studying X-linked diseases and could lead to a unique form of gene therapy.
Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered edible nanostructures that can be used for gas storage and food technologies. The compounds, made from natural ingredients like sugar and starch, offer a green approach to storing hydrogen and have potential applications in cleaner air and healthcare.
A research team at the University of Georgia has discovered a critical role for the cancer-causing gene Myc in stem cell biology, which could revolutionize medicine by enabling patient-specific stem cells. The study found that Myc sustains pluripotency by repressing a master regulator gene, and its absence triggers differentiation.
Researchers at Harvard University developed a millionth-scale automobile differential for minuscule aerial robots. The PARITy differential generates torques up to 10 million times smaller than in a car, allowing the robots to balance aerodynamic forces and navigate unpredictable environments.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have identified two proteins, Piezo1 and Piezo2, that play a crucial role in mechanotransduction - the conversion of mechanical force into chemical signals. This discovery could lead to new treatment approaches for pain, deafness, and cardiac function.