Researchers found that high levels of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) can lead to congenital hydrocephalus in mice by disrupting brain development and causing excess cerebrospinal fluid buildup. Blocking LPA's action prevents the effect, offering a potential new treatment for the condition.
Researchers found 15% of flares have a late phase with increased energy output. This discovery could improve predictions of space weather affecting Earth's communications and GPS signals.
Lee's surface circulation absorbed by a large extratropical low pressure area near the Tennessee/Virginia border. Heavy rainfall expected from central Appalachians into New England, with totals up to 10 inches until week's end.
Researchers have measured the lifetime of an extremely stable energy level of magnesium atoms with great precision, achieving a record-breaking 2050 seconds. This is the longest lifetime ever measured in a laboratory and has significant implications for the development of ultra-precise atomic clocks.
Adhesive capsulitis, also known as frozen shoulder, is a condition causing chronic inflammation and scarring around the shoulder joint. Gentle stretching exercises and physical therapy can help restore movement and reduce discomfort. Surgery may be necessary for those not showing progress with non-surgical treatments.
China's existing protected areas are failing to conserve wild plants, which could be valuable sources of future crops and medicine. The country should develop accurate data on threats to its plant species and create well-enforced reserves in appropriate areas.
Scientists have developed a new type of solar cell that converts sunlight into electricity with an efficiency of 10%, outperforming conventional solar cells made from silicon. The device retained at least 95% of its sun-converting ability for 1,000 hours of testing.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed innovative superconductors using sapphire fibers, capable of carrying 40 times more electricity than copper wires. This breakthrough has the potential to transform energy transfer, grid stability, and renewable energy collection.
Researchers have created stem cells with a single set of chromosomes, simplifying the study of gene function and its impact on development. This technique enables scientists to identify mutations in genes that affect cell behavior and potentially develop new treatments for diseases.
A University of Alberta nutrition expert recommends re-evaluating trans fat labelling due to evidence suggesting natural trans fats have positive health effects. Natural trans fats found in dairy and beef products are not detrimental to health and may even reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Experts urge collective global effort to stem cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and other major health challenges. A United Nations summit will draw on experiences from the HIV/AIDS pandemic, promoting research, prevention, and treatment efforts.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute discovered a mechanism that allows cells to coordinate respiratory activity and degrade toxic oxygen radicals. This discovery may have significant implications for cancer research, as it could be used to target nutrition deficiency in tumour cells and render them more vulnerable.
A US patient has received the world's first transplanted lungs treated with an experimental repair process. The treatment, part of a national study, uses STEEN SolutionTM to evaluate suitability of donor lungs for transplantation. If successful, it could increase transplantable lung supply and reduce wait times.
The University of Tennessee is part of a nationwide effort to study the effects of global change on climate, invasive species, and biodiversity. The project, NEON, aims to detect and forecast ecological changes across the continent using cutting-edge technology.
A study found that online tailored nutrition programs had no effect on reducing saturated fat intake, as measured by blood lipids. The researchers suggest exploring methods to improve the impact of computer-tailored interventions and incorporating social interaction.
A national clinical trial found that intensive medical therapy reduced the risk of stroke and related death, while stenting increased it. Patients who received medical therapy alone had a lower risk of stroke and death compared to those who underwent stenting.
Researchers at UC San Diego have been awarded grants to develop innovative, affordable healthcare technologies. The projects include a smartphone-based disease diagnostic tool and a device that turns cell phones into microscopes, with the goal of improving chronic disease management and preventive care in underserved communities.
A new process boosts mushroom vitamin D content by 700%, while preserving essential nutrients like C and B vitamins. The UVB light processing technology has no adverse effects on mushrooms.
Patients with narrowed brain arteries who received intensive medical treatment had fewer strokes and deaths than those who received a brain stent. Medical management was found to be the most effective treatment option for preventing stroke prevention.
Researchers at the University of Warwick have successfully developed an embedded system that enables standard LED TVs to display High Dynamic Range (HDR) content. This innovation allows for a wider range of light intensity levels, enhancing the viewing experience with improved depth perception and reduced noise.
The brain maintains its balance between excitation and inhibition through synaptic changes. Following a retinal lesion, nerve cells reduce their inhibitory synapses by 30% to compensate for lost information.
Research reveals that newborn neurons in adults are more likely to survive if they undergo sensory experience followed by a period of rest. This survival is linked to structural reorganization of the olfactory bulb after feeding, and prior olfactory sensory experience enhances neuronal survival during sleep.
The development of new proppant materials enables the production of oil and gas from previously inaccessible deposits. New high-tech ceramics and coated sands are being used to fracture open rock formations at depths of over a mile, increasing access to more difficult-to-recover reserves.
African American women with higher BMI levels are at increased risk of death, according to a new study. A larger waist size was also associated with a higher risk of death among non-obese women, highlighting the importance of maintaining a healthy weight and reducing waist size.
A new study reveals that Przewalski's horse, an endangered species, has a much more ancient origin than previously thought, with a common ancestor dating back 160,000 years. The research also suggests that the present-day population of 2,000 individuals has a highly diverse gene pool.
Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine have identified SUMO1 as a potential therapeutic target for treating and preventing the progression of heart failure. Gene therapy with SUMO1 improved cardiac function in human and pig hearts, suggesting its critical role in pathogenesis.
A new North Carolina State University study found that helicopter parents can impede children's ability to engage in higher levels of physical activity. Researchers suggest that designing public parks with comfortable areas for parents to observe from a distance may reduce hovering and increase spontaneous play.
A study on natural killer cells in wild mice found that these mice have higher numbers of NK cells compared to lab mice, suggesting a closer representation of human immune systems. The findings support the hypothesis that environmental factors are needed to fully represent the immune system.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 21 studies found that biological agents for rheumatoid arthritis may increase the risk of skin cancer. The pooled risk showed a 45% higher likelihood of developing other types of skin cancer, while two studies indicated a 79% increased risk of melanoma.
A new study at Brown University measures head blows during games and practices over three seasons, documenting that running backs and quarterbacks suffer the hardest hits to the head. Linemen, however, were hit on the head most often, with doctors warning about the potential for subconcussive neurological damage from repeated impacts.
Researchers at USC's Keck School of Medicine identified a protein called Sab that protects the liver from acetaminophen toxicity in mice. Silencing this protein also prevents liver injury caused by apoptosis and other stressors, offering a potential new target for preventing drug-induced liver disease.
A study by Yale University cognitive psychologists found that intense focus on objects can distort perception of where things are in relation to one another. Participants in the experiment reported the attended objects as closer together than they really were, while the other objects were seen as farther apart.
A review article finds that men who are prone to anger and have hostile attitudes toward women are more likely to commit sexual aggression when intoxicated. The study suggests that alcohol primarily influences the circumstances under which some men commit sexual assault, rather than who becomes sexually aggressive.
The University of Arizona space systems engineer Roberto Furfaro and his colleagues have designed an autonomous guidance system that will fly the privately-funded Moon Express lander to the lunar surface. The $30 million X Prize is won by landing a spacecraft on the moon, deploying a robot, and sending back an image and data to Earth.
The Harvard School of Public Health has received a $12 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to improve maternal health in developing countries. The project aims to expand research and educational activities critical to eradicating preventable maternal morbidity and mortality.
A commercial weight loss programme, Weight Watchers, has been shown to be effective in reducing weight and improving health outcomes for overweight adults. Participants who received the programme lost around twice as much weight as those receiving standard care over 12 months.
Researchers found a higher likelihood of conception in March among school-aged adolescents compared to adults. The study suggests that biological factors and increased access to contraception during Spring Break may contribute to this phenomenon.
A large clinical trial has found that intensive medical treatment is more effective than stenting in preventing a second stroke in patients at high risk. The study, funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, showed that patients who received aggressive medical management had significantly fewer strokes and d...
Researchers will examine the effectiveness of state and local anti-smoking programs across the US. The study aims to inform government policy decisions and allocate resources efficiently. Tobacco control in California has already saved over $86 billion in health costs.
A new study identifies a novel link between neuroinflammation and Alzheimer's disease pathology, revealing that an inflammatory mediator enhances A² protein plaque formation. The research also highlights the potential therapeutic target of NOS2 inhibition for treating AD.
A recent study published in the Journal of Forestry reveals that US national forests can help Americans meet guidelines for regular physical activity. The study found that activities such as hiking, walking, and fishing account for about two-thirds of all visits to national forests, resulting in annual energy expenditures equivalent to...
Research published in BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care found parents who lost a child during the first year of life are at significantly increased risk of an early death. Bereaved mothers are especially prone to an early death, with effects lasting up to 25 years.
Researchers found diverse mineralogies in two troughs of Noctis Labyrinthus, Mars, indicating a potentially habitable environment and liquid water presence. Additionally, studies on EarthScope seismic observations and the formation of high delta18O fayalite-bearing A-type granite reveal key factors for these unique rock types.
Scientists are working on structure-based HIV vaccines and understanding the evolutionary processes of human B cells producing broadly neutralizing antibodies. New research tools and a better understanding of the human immune response offer optimism for developing an effective HIV vaccine.
The University of Missouri has received a $100,000 grant from Monsanto to support student research in plant sciences. The fellowship program will pay high-achieving students up to $5,800 per year to conduct research projects and participate in internships.
Researchers discovered genetic material from extinct archaic humans, including Denisovans, contributing to present-day African populations. The study suggests that contemporary Africans contain about 2 percent of archaic DNA, which may hold beneficial genes for human physiology and disease resistance.
Researchers at Rice University have successfully powered a fluorescent light bulb using a cable made of carbon nanotubes, which is six times lighter than copper and silver. The new material shows great promise for use in applications where weight is critical, such as airplanes and automobiles.
Researchers used computer-aided design to create accurate moulds and patient-specific physical scaffolds for breast tissue reconstruction. This technology holds promise for reducing scars, blood loss, and anaesthesia time, while improving surgical outcomes.
Researchers at Purdue University have created a type of turfgrass that is safe for grazing animals but toxic to certain insects. The fungus, called Neotyphodium, produces compounds that kill insects while protecting the grass from animal harm. This breakthrough could lead to reduced pesticide use and promote sustainability in agriculture.
A University of Maryland study found that young women with early-stage breast cancer who undergo lumpectomy and radiation have similar survival rates as those who undergo mastectomy. The analysis of nearly 15,000 patients showed no difference in overall or breast cancer-specific survival between the two groups.
Researchers have discovered a new genetic defect linked to Leigh syndrome, a devastating mitochondrial disease. The finding offers promise for improved diagnosis and potential treatments.
A new study found that 46% of African-American adolescent girls report unprotected sex due to partner abuse, highlighting the relationship between HIV and partner abuse. Developing clinic-centered interventions can inform more tailored prevention methods to address condom coercion and silence in relationships.
Researchers analyzed Billboard Hot 100 song lyrics from 1959 to 2009, finding a significant increase in sexually explicit references over time. The study suggests degrading music can negatively impact teens' self-worth and lead to poor body image, depression, and substance abuse.
Eight young investigators from Australia, China, India, and Japan received IOF Young Investigator Awards for their exceptional work on bone health. The award winners presented their research at the joint Asia-Pacific Osteoporosis and Bone Meeting & ANZBMS Annual Meeting.
A study by the University of Granada found that people's attitude towards their past experiences significantly influences their perception of health and quality of life. Individuals with a negative view of the past tend to have worse physical and mental health indicators, including depression, anxiety, and reduced physical strength.
The Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary has received a $11 million grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease to coordinate a Harvard-wide project on antibiotic resistance. The goal is to develop new antibiotics to treat highly resistant infections caused by staph and other related bacteria.
Cells can switch between sender and receiver mode, inhibiting their own signals while allowing them to receive information from other cells. This mechanism could lead to the development of cancer drugs that target specific cell communications, potentially stopping uncontrollable proliferation.
Physicists confirm neutrino mass exists, even if infinitesimal, after decades of discussion. Experimental evidence includes neutrino oscillations, which suggest mass is necessary for such transformations.
A clinical trial shows that chondroitin sulfate significantly decreases pain, improves hand function, and relieves morning stiffness in patients with osteoarthritis of the hand. The study found that 800 mg of chondroitin sulfate improved grip strength and reduced pain compared to a placebo group.
The mission has provided sharper views of the lunar surface, including the trails left by astronauts and the tracks laid down by the lunar rover. The higher resolution allows scientists to retrace the astronauts' steps with greater clarity to see where they took lunar samples.