A 247 million-year-old fossil from China has been reclassified as an archosaur, revealing that the bird and crocodile family trees split earlier than previously thought. The discovery provides new evidence for the evolution of archosaurs and sheds light on the origins of these dominant land vertebrates.
Researchers tracked six bird species to estimate seed dispersal distances and found that only one species ingested seeds. The study suggests that long-distance dispersal is critical for plants to establish new populations, and humans may need to create stepping-stone vegetation or forest corridors between fragmented habitats.
A new model suggests that heat flow at the core-mantle boundary varies depending on the structure of the overlying mantle, causing localized melting. This phenomenon is linked to plate tectonics and affects the Earth's magnetic field generation.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University discovered a biomarker Stat5 in breast cancer that predicts patient response to anti-estrogen therapy tamoxifen. Women with active Stat5 have an increased likelihood of responding to the treatment, while those without it are at a higher risk of dying from breast cancer.
Researchers and clinicians face challenges in diagnosing and managing occupational lung diseases in veterans returning from Southwest Asia deployments. Key findings include a unique pattern of fixed obstruction in half of cases and clinically-reversible new-onset asthma in most, as well as rare interstitial lung disease.
Researchers found that microorganisms swim slower in elastic fluids due to increased viscosity and resistance. The study used nematode worms to test the effect of elasticity on swimming speed.
A University of Utah study shows that men can hit with far more force when standing upright than when on all fours, giving tall males a fighting advantage. This supports the theory that bipedalism evolved to allow humans to fight with greater strength, and may explain why women prefer tall men.
A new study by University of Calgary researcher Dr. David Hodgins highlights the growing issue of problem gambling as access to online gambling increases. Problem gamblers often co-occur with other mental health and substance-abuse disorders, and treatment effectiveness is variable.
ExxonMobil has donated $586,766 to the University of Houston through its educational matching gift program, primarily funding scholarships and programs in engineering, natural sciences, and business. This donation brings the total amount given by ExxonMobil to UH over $10 million since 1962.
A Kaiser Permanente study of 711,000 children found that obese kids are almost 40% more likely to have psoriasis than normal-weight peers. Teens with psoriasis also had higher cholesterol levels, regardless of weight status.
Mayo Clinic researchers developed a protocol that increased testing for Lynch syndrome by nearly 90%, helping doctors make informed decisions on care timing and delivery. The testing caught 11% of MSI-H tumors that would have been missed, improving early cancer detection.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab have successfully performed nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) without the use of magnets, overcoming obstacles like polarization and chemical shifts. This breakthrough enables more portable and cost-effective NMR, with potential applications in medical diagnoses and field analyses.
The prevalence of gambling disorders varies greatly across countries, with high rates in Asia and the US. Research suggests a complex interplay between genetic, environmental, and psychological factors contributing to the development of problem gambling.
A new study by Rouder and Morey applies a statistical method to Dr. Bem's ESP experiments, finding modest evidence that doesn't support claims of extra-sensory perception. The researchers conclude that the odds are against ESP existing, given the current scientific knowledge.
Research suggests that children living in areas with limited sunlight are at higher risk of developing asthma. Vitamin D, synthesized through sun exposure, plays a crucial role in preventing the illness.
New studies released by ASCO highlight advances in cervical cancer screening, ovarian cancer detection, and prostate cancer risk prediction. The studies also explore genetic biomarkers for chemotherapy-induced neuropathy and potential treatments for relapsed ovarian cancer.
Researchers have identified an enzyme that drives the production of estradiol, a potent form of estrogen, in human breast cancer tissue. The enzyme creates a positive cycle where estradiol sustains its own production, leading to aggressive and potentially deadly cancer types.
Research suggests that doctors should tailor treatment to specific qualities of second tumor, regardless of whether it's old or new. Studies found that 89% of recurring tumors differed in at least one characteristic compared to the original tumor.
Bennett's team found 10 free-floating planets roughly the mass of Jupiter, suggesting planetary systems often become unstable, ejecting planets from their orbits. The discovery confirms that free-floating planets exist and are quite common, estimated to be twice as many as stars.
A new treatment combination of a PARP inhibitor with chemotherapy offered significant benefit in patients with metastatic colon cancer who had exhausted all standard therapies. The study found that the treatment controlled cancer growth for nearly six months in 23% of patients, with two experiencing a partial response.
Children with specific language impairment (SLI) face difficulties with language, grammar, vocabulary, literacy, short-term memory, and higher-order thinking skills. Teachers can employ various techniques to help them learn more effectively.
A new study suggests that Arab television networks such as Al Jazeera do not promote anti-American feelings among all their viewers. Research based on surveys of nearly 20,000 residents of six Arab countries found that while watching networks like Al Jazeera fuels anti-American feelings in some viewers, it actually reduces such sentime...
Scientists have detected potentially toxic flame retardants in 80% of baby products containing polyurethane foam. The study reveals compounds associated with pentaBDE, a substance banned in many countries due to health risks, as well as two potential carcinogens.
Researchers at Cornell University have developed dermal templates made of type 1 collagen that promote vascular growth and encourage healthy skin to invade wounded areas. The templates are designed to improve healing outcomes and reduce the need for invasive surgeries.
A new study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center finds that half of prostate cancers have a genetic anomaly making them responsive to PARP inhibitors. These drugs are being tested in breast cancer patients and show promise in shrinking tumors and blocking cancer spread.
Researchers at UCSF have identified BCL6, a protein that leukemia cells use to survive treatment, as the basis for drug resistance. Targeting this protein may lead to more powerful cancer drugs and improved cure rates for children with leukemia.
The World Future Foundation has contributed US$250,000 towards NTU's first-of-its-kind Ph.D. prize for excellence in environmental and sustainability research. Five annual prizes will be awarded to top PhD theses related to these topics, with a focus on societal and economic relevance.
Advances in gene therapy success depend on the development of viral delivery vectors. Researchers have made progress in refining AAV-based vectors, improving their production and use. This has enabled clinical proof of concept and paved the way for commercialization.
A new international task force aims to promote fair pay and develop organisational capacity in lower-income countries. Research found significant disparities between local and expatriate aid workers' salaries, pushing local employees below the poverty line and contributing to 'brain drain'.
University of Minnesota researchers have discovered a method to quickly and exponentially grow regulatory T-cells, which can help patients avoid severe immune reactions after bone marrow or organ transplants. The new technique has already shown promising effects in treating acute graft-versus-host disease.
A 'gatekeeper' protein called C/EBP alpha plays a crucial role in preventing DNA damage and skin cancer. Its absence is linked to human skin cancers, including breast and colon cancer, and may also play a role in tumor suppression.
USGS research suggests that certain lichens can break down the infectious proteins responsible for chronic wasting disease, a prion disease fatal to wild deer and elk. The study found that some lichen species contain a protease enzyme capable of significantly breaking down prions in the lab.
Professor Richard Wakeford critiques the comparison of Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Station to Chernobyl, highlighting key differences in radiological hazard and Japanese authorities' response. He notes that lessons learned from Chernobyl have guided actions taken in Fukushima, including evacuation zones and iodine tablets.
Researchers found that alemtuzumab is as safe and effective as basiliximab or antithymocyte globulin in preventing organ rejection after kidney transplant. The study's results suggest that the less expensive drug option could lead to cost savings without compromising patient outcomes.
A new study from MD Anderson Cancer Center found that yoga improved physical functioning, general health, and reduced cortisol levels in women with breast cancer. Yoga also helped patients find meaning in their cancer experience and report positive life changes after treatment.
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have discovered a modified form of vitamin A that slows the formation of detrimental dimers, leading to improved vision and ocular health in mice with Stargardt's disease. The study provides hope for treating age-related macular degeneration and Stargardt's disease.
Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have developed a new form of diamond aerogel that is lighter than air and has exceptional optical properties. This material could improve the efficiency of telescopes, eyeglasses, and other devices by reducing reflection.
The European Menopause and Andropause Society (EMAS) has published a position statement on managing menopausal women with a personal or family history of venous thromboembolism. The statement recommends transdermal estrogen as a first-choice option for overweight/obese women requiring hormone therapy, while micronized progesterone and ...
A study conducted at the University of Arizona found that only 28% of pharmacies' clinical decision support software correctly identified clinically significant drug-drug interactions. Pharmacists should be familiar with how their computer system identifies drug interactions to reduce medication errors.
Researchers found that removing all road-side salt pools can reduce moose-vehicle collisions by as much as 79 percent. Moose are attracted to the high sodium concentration in salt pools, posing a significant risk to human and vehicle safety.
Researchers at University of Granada analyzed antibody levels in patients with multiple sclerosis and found a statistically significant association between viral infection markers and the condition. Further research is needed to confirm the link.
Researchers have discovered a blueprint to block crucial Matrix Metalloprotease enzymes that activate the fatal inflammatory response in sepsis. Elevated levels of proMMP-1 and active MMP-1 predicted early and late death in human sepsis patients.
A University of Illinois law expert argues that professional athletes should negotiate employment terms at the collective bargaining table, rather than in federal court. This approach could strengthen labor peace and prevent players from exploiting the system.
Geographic profiling successfully located the sources of disease outbreaks in London and Cairo, revealing breeding habitats of mosquito Anopheles sergentii. This method shows great promise as a component of policy relating to control of various infectious diseases.
TDR, a UN program, has won the 2011 Gates Award for its impact in advancing research efforts worldwide to fight neglected diseases. It supports and advocates research, reducing leprosy to elimination and river blindness, and continues work on dengue, tuberculosis, and other diseases.
A novel gene called MLIP has been identified as affecting heart development and the aging process. The discovery opens up new avenues for understanding cardiac development and loss of cardiac function.
The Cole Foundation has awarded over $700,000 in fellowships to researchers studying pediatric leukemia and lymphoma. The funding will support the work of 14 scientists at Université de Montréal and McGill University, with projects focused on understanding the disease's causes and developing new treatments.
A new study by the University of Leicester found that being able to see a preferred GP reduces emergency hospital admissions. The research, led by Dr John Bankart, discovered that patients who reported having continuity of care were less likely to be admitted to hospital.
A study by Irish researchers found significant reductions in emergency hospital admissions due to respiratory illness and cardio-pulmonary disease after the implementation of a workplace smoking ban. The most pronounced decrease was observed in the 20- to 29-year-old age group.
Researchers develop new method to unreel silk from wild cocoons without damaging strands. The technique allows for long, strong fibers, opening up the silk industry to new regions with wild silkworm populations.
Scientists at the University of Alberta discovered the first step in a bacterial immune response, where RNA is cut into pieces to target invading viruses. This finding has implications for controlling bacterial growth and fighting human infections.
The Bee Informed Partnership aims to reduce honey bee mortality, increase profitability, and enhance sustainable management systems. The project will use epidemiological methods to identify effective practices and create a dynamic Honey Bee Health database with an interactive web-based interface.
Researchers found that gut bacteria can influence brain chemistry and behavior, with changes in bacteria disrupting behavior and increasing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Disrupting the normal bacterial content of the gut with antibiotics also produced changes in behavior.
A new study found significant organic material buried in deoxygenated layers of sediment, indicating a mass mortality event in the oceans during a greenhouse effect. The research suggests that subtle changes in temperature and CO2 levels can trigger catastrophic effects on ocean sustainability.
Two teams from Queen's University Belfast are working on different approaches to cure Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) in premature babies. The first team aims to tackle the disease at an early stage, while the second team investigates using stem cells from umbilical cords to repair damaged eyes.
Researchers at New York University's Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences developed an algorithm for pose estimation, which involves detecting specific objects or individuals under various conditions. They achieved this by utilizing a unique visual database from the Dutch band C-Mon & Kypski's music video crowd-sourcing project.
The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard has received a $50 million gift from the Stanley Medical Research Institute to extend funding for its Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research. Researchers will continue to unravel the genetic mysteries of psychiatric illnesses, aiming to develop new treatments for patients.
A recent study published in Nature has identified a key molecular mechanism that causes stem cells to differentiate into muscle cells in embryos. This breakthrough discovery could lead to new treatments for muscle dysfunction associated with aging and disease.
Sodium channels are a key component of animal nervous systems but evolved prior to their development, according to new research published in PNAS. The discovery suggests that complex traits like the nervous system can evolve gradually from pre-existing genes.
Researchers at the USDA's Agricultural Research Service have identified several blueberry cultivars with high resistance to mummy berry disease, caused by the fungus Monilinia vaccinii-corymbosi. These cultivars, including 'Brunswick' and 'Bluejay,' can withstand both stages of the fungal infection.