A research study has found the first green frog fossil in Murcia, confirming the presence of the green toad in south eastern Spain at the end of the Early Pleistocene. The discovery provides key osteological clues and sheds light on the reasons behind its local extinction.
Extracurricular activities affect children's and adolescents' mental health, with excessive involvement linked to depression, loneliness, and risky behavior. Research explores the threshold effect beyond which benefits stabilize or decline.
A team of researchers found that half of all learned insights are consolidated in our memories, and the amygdala plays a crucial role in this process. The study used camouflage images to induce sudden insight, and participants' ability to identify the images was predicted by amygdala activity.
A Michigan State University researcher has been awarded a $3.3 million grant to develop an intervention program for low-income mothers who are overweight or obese. The program aims to promote healthy eating, physical activity and stress management through interactive DVDs and peer support.
Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt have elucidated a new signaling pathway in the immune system that regulates inflammation and chronic dermatitis. The discovery provides new avenues for therapeutic intervention and potential targeted therapy for patients with unclear origin.
Michigan Technological University researchers found an immigrant wolf in Isle Royale's gene pool through DNA analysis of scat samples. The introduction of new genes led to a decrease in inbreeding and increased survival rates among the wolves.
Scientists have engineered a protein fragment that prevents the AIDS virus from entering cells, offering a potential breakthrough in treating and preventing HIV/AIDS infection. The discovery is based on a naturally occurring protein called RANTES, which was modified to remove harmful effects while maintaining its therapeutic properties.
Studies by CSIRO and the University of Sydney found that ants and termites can increase wheat crop yields by up to 36% under low tillage conditions. The insects improve soil nitrogen and water infiltration, reducing runoff and evaporation. This breakthrough has significant implications for dryland agriculture in hot and dry climates.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have identified a promising target for an AIDS vaccine: the V3 loop of the virus's protein envelope. Immune system antibodies aimed at this loop may offer protection against multiple genetic subtypes of HIV-1, offering hope for a universally effective vaccine.
A new study confirms fluvastatin's antiviral activity in patients with chronic hepatitis C, improving EVR and SVR rates when used with pegylated Interferon-alpha and ribavirin. The findings suggest lipid-lowering drugs like fluvastatin may complement standard HCV treatment.
Researchers found that eating high amounts of protein made men who were trying to lose weight feel fuller throughout the day. The study also showed that larger meals led to reductions in appetite and feelings of fullness, contrary to the common trend of eating smaller, more frequent meals.
Researchers discovered that the brain processes mirrored words automatically and unconsciously in a matter of milliseconds. This finding opens up new avenues for studying dyslexia and other reading problems.
Researchers have discovered that a gene called Sox10 coordinates the balance of cell types in healthy development. This means that it's difficult to get 100% of cells to become one type, even in lab conditions. The study suggests that understanding these balancing mechanisms is crucial for harnessing stem cells in medical applications.
A new pilot study aims to fill the research gap for young women with Triple Negative Breast Cancer, a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer that affects mostly African-American or Hispanic women. The two-year study will survey up to 60 women recently diagnosed with this type of breast cancer.
Research finds micro-RNAs play a role in type 2 diabetes mechanism, blocking insulin's blood-sugar-reducing effect. Obese mice produce excess miRNA-143, which silences genes responsible for insulin activation.
New modeling studies support EU policy efforts to address HCV-related morbidity and mortality. With ambitious policies, HCV-related mortality could decrease by up to 12% over nine years, corresponding to a relative impact of 117% compared to current practice.
Researchers discovered that a supposedly inactive protein ROP5 plays a crucial role in Toxoplasma gondii's ability to cause disease, suggesting the possible role of similarly errant proteins in other diseases. The team engineered strains without ROP5 and found the pathogen was unable to cause disease in mice.
A new spray-on material can detect and neutralize terrorist explosives, including peroxide-based substances like TATP. The ink-like material changes color and becomes a non-conducting material when exposed to explosives.
A new study reveals a previously unrecognized link between tobacco smoking and altered DNA methylation of the coagulation factor II receptor-like 3 (F2RL3) gene, possibly identifying an early stage of smoking-associated cardiovascular pathology.
Middle-aged adults with diabetes are more likely to develop age-related conditions like cognitive impairment, incontinence, and vision problems. The study found that those with diabetes developed these conditions nearly double the rate of those without diabetes.
Biologists at UC San Diego identified molecular mechanisms in fruit flies that enhance the nervous system's response to smell, potentially regulating human appetite. The discovery could lead to new ways to decrease overeating among obese individuals and increase appetites among the infirm.
New research reveals that tree leaves in different canopy positions respond to varying light conditions by changing shape and physiology. This adaptation allows trees to cope with stress and use resources more efficiently, with outer canopy leaves influencing the inner canopy's ability to utilize diffuse solar radiation.
Researchers worldwide investigate factors driving teen civic involvement, aiming to inform efforts boosting youth participation. The symposium in Montréal will explore how cultural, social, and individual elements influence civic engagement among adolescents.
NIST has broken ground on three new facilities: a net-zero energy residential test facility, an expanded National Fire Research Laboratory, and over 2,500 solar energy modules. The Net-Zero Energy Residential Test Facility will serve as a testbed for new home-scale energy technologies, while the National Fire Research Laboratory expans...
A study of nearly 600 patients found that anaemia was frequently found in patients with severe non-inflammatory respiratory diseases. The research team discovered that older patients, those with other health problems and poor nutrition were more likely to have anaemia.
Researchers from Lund University and Mid Sweden University have identified a type of smell produced by bed bugs, known as alarm pheromones, which is repulsive to nymphs and potentially useful for controlling the pests. The study's findings suggest that the smells given off by adult and nymph bed bugs are surprisingly similar.
Three researchers conducted a first-ever US-led archaeological survey inside Iraq, exploring links between wetland resources and the emergence of Mesopotamian cities. The study shed new light on how civilization rose in the Near East, particularly in areas such as Hammar marshlands.
Research by Prof. Ron Naaman and colleagues reveals that biological molecules, such as DNA, can discern between quantum states of spin, a phenomenon previously thought irrelevant to their function due to their size and temperature. This chiral property enables them to selectively interact with electrons carrying specific spins.
New data reveals novel lymphocyte-hepatocyte interactions regulated by HCV, affecting CD4+ T-cell trafficking and cytokine expression. This understanding may influence anti-viral immune responses and chronic HCV replication.
Scientists at NIST and UM create a toroidal Bose-Einstein condensate with ultracold sodium atoms, exhibiting superfluidity and persistent flow. The circuit includes a tunable weak link barrier that controls the atom current to specific values.
Researchers at Macquarie University identified two brain areas that work together to control breathing and swallowing in babies, which may be disrupted in SIDS cases. Understanding how these mechanisms fail could lead to new treatments for the condition.
A two-year trial found that switching from entecavir to lamivudine resulted in a 24% virologic rebound rate and 12% drug-resistance rate. Patients who continued on entecavir therapy maintained undetectable HBV DNA levels.
A recent study reveals that bats save the US agricultural industry at least $3 billion a year by controlling insect pests. The analysis also warns of potential losses due to white-nose syndrome and wind-energy facility fatalities, emphasizing the need for bat conservation.
Researchers have found that exposure to vibrations from power tools can cause hand-arm vibration syndrome, a condition that leads to numbness, loss of dexterity, and discoloration in the extremities. A study by Concordia engineer Subhash Rakheja suggests that simple seat upgrades can reduce exposure by up to 60 percent.
Cross River gorillas diverged from Western lowland gorillas about 17,800 years ago during the Pleistocene era. The two subspecies continued to interbreed intermittently due to successive rounds of climate change.
Researchers found that half of learned insights are consolidated in memories within a week, while others fade over time. The amygdala, associated with emotion, is activated during insight moments and predicts ability to recall degraded images.
Researchers used human embryonic stem cells to study myotonic dystrophy type 1, revealing reduced expression of SLITRK genes in affected brains. The findings highlight the potential of embryonic stem cells for understanding complex diseases like muscular dystrophy.
Researchers from Indiana University have identified serious logic flaws in third-party payment services like PayPal and Amazon Payments. The team exploited these flaws to receive electronic products at significantly reduced prices or for free.
The US saw a decline in cancer death rates between 2003 and 2007, with the overall rate of cancer deaths falling by an average of slightly less than 1 percent per year. Despite this encouraging trend, experts caution that more efforts are needed to prevent and treat cancer effectively.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Children's Center found that removing children's catheters as soon as possible can reduce the risk of life-threatening bloodstream infections. The study analyzed 1,800 children treated over six years and found that length of use was a potent predictor of infection.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that treating girls with Turner syndrome with low doses of estrogen and growth hormone significantly increased their adult height. The treatment also showed modest synergy between growth hormone and low-dose estrogen in promoting growth.
Children with extreme social anxiety struggle to interpret facial expressions, confusing angry faces with sad ones. This misinterpretation can lead to problematic interactions and difficulties in making friends.
A recent study by Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that hands-free electronic water faucets are more likely to be contaminated with Legionella bacteria compared to old-style fixtures. The study found that these new devices pose a problem in preventing Legionella infections in hospitals, despite reducing daily water consumption by over half.
Carnegie Mellon University chemist Krzysztof Matyjaszewski and his team have developed a new method called electrochemically mediated ATRP, or eATRP, which allows for more precise control over the ATRP process. This breakthrough enables the creation of complex and specialized materials with tailored functionalities.
A new species of gigantic theropod dinosaur, Zhuchengtyrannus magnus, was identified from fossil skull and jaw bones discovered in China. The newly named dinosaur measured about 11 metres long, stood about 4 metres tall, and weighed close to 6 tonnes.
A double-blind parallel group study of 59 patients showed significant reductions in alkaline phosphatase levels with Obeticholic Acid, a novel bile acid receptor agonist. The results suggest that OCA may be an effective treatment for primary biliary cirrhosis, particularly at the 10mg dose.
Research finds smaller amygdala and insula regions in teenagers with conduct disorder, a psychiatric condition characterized by aggressive and antisocial behavior. The findings challenge the view that adolescence-onset CD is solely caused by imitating peers, suggesting a potential neurological basis for the condition.
A new study found that genetic variants in dopamine-related genes increased the risk of smoking initiation in adolescents, while variants in nicotinic cholinergic receptors influenced persistence in adulthood. These findings could lead to genetic testing and targeted drugs for nicotine dependence.
Global reinsurance company SCOR is establishing a research centre at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) to conduct applied research on insurance risk and related issues. The centre aims to produce research that will help the insurance industry meet growing protection needs in Asia.
Researchers examine daily variation in teenagers' sleep and its effects on well-being, academic performance, and stress levels. The symposium aims to better understand how sleep patterns influence adolescent development and overall health.
Researchers from NIST have created a new method to make neutral atoms behave as if they are charged particles in an electric field. This allows for the simulation and study of fundamental electrical phenomena, including superconductivity and the quantum Hall effect. The synthetic electric fields mimic the behavior of charged particles ...
Scientists at NIST have developed a method to measure the wear and degradation of AFM tips in real time, allowing for dramatic improvements in precision and speed. This technique uses contact resonance force microscopy to track the resonant frequency of the sensor tip, enabling atomic-scale resolution and reducing inaccuracies.
Bats play a crucial role in reducing pesticide use and crop damage, with estimates suggesting their value to agriculture is roughly $22.9 billion annually. However, widespread bat population declines due to diseases like White-Nose Syndrome and wind turbine collisions threaten this ecological balance.
Research suggests that probiotic E. coli Nissle 1917 can reduce negative effects of AIEC in Crohn's patients, modulating inflammatory immune proteins. The study emphasizes the potential of EcN in IBD treatment and its use as a therapeutic option for CD patients with pathogenic AIEC.
A new therapeutic target for lung cancer has been identified by researchers at Seoul National University. The variant of the protein AIMP2 is highly expressed in lung cancer cells and has been shown to compromise the tumor-suppressing activity of AIMP2, suggesting its potential as a new treatment option.
Young people value their mothers' care, empathy and ability to have fun with them. They also appreciate her influence in their lives and admire her resilience and dedication.
The 125 million-year-old fossil find suggests an earlier origin for eudicots and flowering plants. The newly discovered species, Leefructus mirus, exhibits characteristics similar to those of modern buttercups and Ranunculaceae family members.
Researchers found optimal light and temperature conditions for Tecoma stans, a flowering shrub native to Central and South America. The plant requires 14+ hours of light per day and supplemental lighting, making it an energy-intensive crop.
Researchers will study how tumor cells avoid immune detection, enabling cancer spread, and test whether modifying the environment can activate unresponsive immune cells against cancer. The grant enables visualization of tumor and immune cell interactions in real-time.
A new vaccine has been developed by McMaster University researchers, effective in treating people with cat allergies. The peptide immunotherapy vaccine is given through skin injections and may require fewer doses than traditional allergy shots, reducing side effects.