A new study using genetic, archeological, and climatic data found that humans and climate fluctuations contributed to the extinction of six large Ice-Age mammals. The research suggests that as the Earth warmed after the last ice age, these species were unable to find alternative habitats, leading to their demise.
TRMM Satellite tracks Tropical Storm Keila's formation in the Arabian Sea, showing moderate to heavy rainfall spiraling into its center. The storm made landfall in Oman and is expected to track west-southwest along the coastlines of Oman and Yemen.
Researchers have confirmed a rare incidence of individuals becoming infected with both seasonal and pandemic strains of the flu at the same time. Experts say this highlights the ongoing risk of distinct flu viruses combining in human hosts, particularly in Southeast Asia where avian influenza and pandemic H1N1 are prevalent.
Antibodies have been found to trick certain bacteria into killing each other, providing a new mechanism for bacterial clearance. Additionally, researchers suggest that humoral immunity may play a role in eliminating old seasonal influenza virus strains by inducing an anti-stalk antibody response.
Studies explore Ligurian accretionary complex evolution and Andean thrusting, shedding light on continental margin dynamics. Cosmogenic isotope analysis reveals insights into the geological history of Wonderwerk Cave and Redoubt Volcano.
Researchers found that administering a diabetes drug to newborn animals prevents the development of diabetes in adulthood. The study suggests an important developmental window for intervention to protect insulin-producing cells.
Researchers discovered a crucial brain area, neuro-hypophysis, where biochemical commands are passed from the brain to the bloodstream. They found that oxytocin, known as the 'hormone of love,' plays a key role in the development of this structure, governing blood vessel formation during embryonic stages.
USC Associate Professor Ellis Meng is selected for the NSF's Innovation Corps award to develop and commercialize her tiny, implantable medication-delivery system. The system has a better volume efficiency, allowing it to be powered wirelessly and used in animal studies.
A new MU study reveals that depression affects breast cancer survivors, with single women and mothers experiencing higher rates of distress. The research also shows that depressed patients are less likely to adhere to medication regimens, potentially complicating treatment outcomes.
A pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial found that ivacaftor provides sustained improvement in lung function, growth, and other signs and symptoms for cystic fibrosis patients. The therapy targets the underlying cause of CF, restoring balance on airway surfaces.
A recent Rhode Island Hospital study found no statistically significant difference in adolescent marijuana use between Rhode Island and Massachusetts after the state's medical marijuana legalization in 2006. The study of over 32,570 students from 1997 to 2009 suggests that concerns about increased youth use may be unfounded.
A study published in PLOS ONE reveals that big cats' square-shaped vocal cords allow for louder roars at lower lung pressure, making it easier for the tissue to respond to airflow. This discovery contradicts a long-held theory and could potentially help doctors reconstruct damaged vocal fold tissue.
Researchers find tau proteins interact with negatively charged lipids on cell membranes, causing protein aggregation and neuronal death. Compounds that prevent protein interaction with membranes offer hope for Alzheimer's patients.
Researchers at Northwestern University developed a new material that absorbs a wide range of wavelengths, enabling more efficient solar cells. The innovative trapezoid shape could be replicated in semiconducting materials to lead to thinner, lower-cost, and more efficient solar technology.
Researchers have discovered that malaria and other insect-borne diseases have existed for at least 100 million years, co-evolving with birds and monkeys. The study uses preserved insects in amber to reveal the evolution of these pathogens, making it difficult to conquer them.
A team of experts used cutting-edge diagnostic tools to analyze the ancient Egyptian mummy, discovering that it was a child from a wealthy family during the Roman period. The scans also found evidence of embalming techniques and the brain, heart, and lungs being left in the body.
A Mediterranean diet combined with physical activity has been shown to improve some symptoms of sleep apnea, including reduced number of disturbances during REM sleep. This study found a greater adherence to the calorie-restricted diet and increased physical activity in the Mediterranean diet group compared to the prudent diet group.
Researchers have created a genome-scale model called RiceNet to predict the functions of genes and gene networks in rice, accelerating the development of biofuel crops. The model, which encompasses nearly half of all rice genes, was developed using publicly available data sets and validated through experiments.
A landmark study in mice identifies a biological mechanism that could explain how tobacco products act as gateway drugs, increasing the risk of abusing cocaine. The study shows that nicotine primes the brain to enhance the behavioral effects of cocaine.
Researchers developed a method to measure customer emotions without relying on self-reporting, providing a more accurate assessment of brand attitudes. The study's findings suggest that companies can improve product development by incorporating such measures.
Recent research reveals that autistic individuals have superior cognitive abilities in perception and reasoning, challenging the long-held notion of autism as a deficiency. Autistic individuals like Michelle Dawson make significant contributions to scientific understanding through their unique perspectives and strengths.
A recent study published in Geophysical Research Letters found that perennial ponds are not a significant contributor to high levels of arsenic in India's groundwater. Instead, the researchers propose that organic matter contained in Holocene sedimentary basins is likely the source of the toxin, taking thousands of years to reach the a...
A new study published in Nature reveals that neither climate change nor humans alone can account for the Ice Age mass extinctions. The research team found that different species responded differently to climate change and human impact, with some being extinct due to a combination of factors.
Researchers at Boston College and MIT have developed a highly selective catalyst for ring-closing olefin metathesis, allowing the efficient synthesis of epothilone C and nakadomarin A, two potent anti-cancer agents. This breakthrough has major implications for the future of chemical synthesis.
Astronomers have identified 13 new diffuse interstellar bands with the longest wavelengths to date, which could help explain the presence of large organic molecules in space. The discovery supports recent ideas that these molecules, or 'carriers,' are hidden in interstellar dust clouds.
Researchers suggest that the placenta's invasiveness into the uterine wall may lead to increased blood loss at delivery. Biomarkers produced by trophoblasts could potentially predict risk, allowing women to make informed decisions about their birthing site and medical care.
Researchers at Caltech found that bacterial cells respond to stress by continuously flipping genes on and off, similar to a heater switching on and off. This pulsating mechanism, triggered by molecular fluctuations, could drive other cellular processes and reveal more about how life works.
Researchers found that nicotine alters the response to cocaine in terms of addiction-related behavior and synaptic plasticity. Nicotine also primes the response to cocaine by inhibiting histone deacetylase, enhancing cocaine's ability to activate the FosB gene.
Researchers have created thin, flexible sheets of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) using a low-cost 'roll-to-roll' printing process. This technology could revolutionize lighting by being used for everything from home and office tiles to windows that simulate sunrise and sunset.
A new regimen of conditioning therapy before stem cell transplant has improved survival outcomes for older patients with hematologic malignancies. The study found that 5-year overall survival rates were around 35%, and progression-free survival rates were around 32%.
Scientists at University of Warwick discover mechanism for cell division ensuring correct chromosome number, a key factor in cancer development. The study found that the 'spindle checkpoint' is conserved from yeast to human cells and can be targeted by drugs to prevent cancer.
A new study by the University of Leeds reveals that major roads have a detrimental impact on bat populations, reducing activity and diversity. The research shows a strong correlation between distance from the road and bat activity, highlighting the need for effective mitigation measures to protect these protected species.
A new study led by Brown University found that vitamin D does not confer benefits against mortality in postmenopausal women, contrary to previous beliefs. The study controlled for key health factors like abdominal obesity and found no association between high or low levels of vitamin D and reduced risk of death.
A new research technology is screening human blood serum samples for immunity to malaria-causing Plasmodium falciparum parasite proteins. Researchers found that young children are more vulnerable to malaria due to limited immunity to various protein variants.
The University of Leicester has established an Advanced Structural Dynamics Evaluation Centre (ASDEC) with £1.07 million funding, enabling the analysis of product design, parts, and components in the automotive, aerospace, and space industries. The centre will provide cost-effective system-level models to predict optimal design solutio...
A University of Missouri study finds that digital media is segmenting people into polarized interest groups, leading to nastier politics. Researcher Ben Warner recommends a balanced approach to information seeking to restore civility to political discourse.
A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals how Helicobacter pylori bacteria disrupts mitochondrial function to induce cell death. The researchers found that the bacterial toxin VacA recruits a host protein to activate apoptosis, a process linked to cancer development.
Researchers at Centenary Institute found prostate cancer cells have more pumps than normal, allowing them to take in leucine and outgrow normal cells. Disrupting these pumps slowed cancer growth by as much as 50%, offering hope for a treatment that slows tumor growth without surgical removal.
A new species of minute freshwater snail, Daphniola eptalophos, has been found in a mountainous spring in central Greece. The species differs from its congeners in shell dimensions, soft body pigmentation and penis coloration.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that physical activity can substantially reduce the effect of the FTO gene on obesity risk. The research, which analyzed data from over 218,000 adults, showed that individuals who were physically active had a nearly 30% weaker association with the FTO gene compared to those who were inactive.
Scientists discover a possible therapy for hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type 1, reversing toxic molecule accumulation in mice. Additionally, researchers design minihepcidins to reduce iron overload by mimicking the natural protein's ability to lower blood iron levels.
A Mayo Clinic study of 1,382 procedures found no increased risk of bleeding in patients taking anti-clotting drugs during removal of precancerous lesions. Bleeding was more common when procedures were performed on the esophagus and stomach, but not linked to medication use.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina Health Care have identified the regulatory mechanism behind cell polyploidy, a phenomenon observed in plants and insects. The discovery may lead to new insights into liver regeneration and disease treatment.
Researchers found that shutting down radiology workstations and monitors after an 8-hour shift can save substantial energy and costs. By doing so, they reduced their energy consumption by 76.3% and saved $9,225.33, mainly due to the shutdown of standby equipment.
Researchers find that providing obese adolescents with a daily dose of 4,000 IUs of vitamin D3 improves their vitamin D status. The study suggests that obese adolescents require higher doses due to reduced absorption in fat stores.
A nationwide study found that radiologists performed 55% of non-cardiac ultrasound studies in 2009, while non-radiologists accounted for 41%. The role of radiologists in non-cardiac ultrasound is strong but may be impacted by miniaturization of ultrasound equipment
The US preterm birth rate has improved by nearly 5% between 2006 and 2009, with 40,000 more babies receiving a healthy start in life. This improvement is attributed to various health interventions and treatments, including progesterone, which have reduced medically unnecessary c-sections and inductions.
The Arizona State University-led initiative aims to identify molecular markers for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease risk, with the goal of predicting heart attack risk and assessing potential new treatments. The project will use proteomics and mass spectrometry technology to discover and validate biomarkers.
Community land ownership in Scotland has been found to stimulate businesses, affordable housing, and infrastructure projects, bringing new people and increasing employment. Local decision-making is crucial for building resilience, with communities able to overcome challenges through their own resources or external connections.
Patients aged 60-75 who received the mini-transplant experienced comparable survival rates across three age groups, with increased comorbidities and cancer aggressiveness affecting outcomes. The five-year survival rate was 35% for overall and 32% for disease-progression free
Researchers found that individuals rationalize restrictions they cannot change, but rebel when they believe a change is possible. This finding could explain uprisings and unrequited love, suggesting that perceived absoluteness influences behavior.
A new study by Cedars-Sinai researchers found a targeted antibiotic to be the safest treatment option for irritable bowel disease, with fewer adverse side effects compared to other therapies. Rifaximin was shown to have a significantly lower number needed to harm than other commonly used treatments.
A study by San Francisco State University researchers has identified critical fertility enzymes in nematode worms, shedding light on sperm development and mobility. These PP1 phosphatases play a key role in separating chromosomes during division and propelling the sperm with a unique treadmilling motion.
Researchers found that higher loneliness scores were associated with significantly higher levels of fragmented sleep. The study suggests loneliness may compromise a good night's rest, potentially affecting overall health.
A study led by Durham University has identified a potential drug therapy for premature ageing diseases, including Hutchinson Gilford Progeria Syndrome. The treatment, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), controlled oxidative stress and DNA damage in cells, suggesting a possible model for understanding processes that cause us to age.
Researchers at Caltech found that leeches rely on two distinct methods to detect prey: hairs detecting water disturbances and simple eyes picking up passing shadows. In adulthood, the preference shifts to using water disturbances alone.
PlateMate's calorie estimates have proved accurate like those of trained nutritionists and more so than users' logs. The research was presented at the 24th ACM Symposium on User Interface Software and Technology, a leading conference on human-computer interaction.
A new study found that middle-income earners prefer fast-food dining due to its affordability and convenience. The research suggests that policymakers should look beyond restaurant type when addressing the obesity epidemic.
Researchers found that a defect in the TERE1 gene, associated with Schnyder's corneal dystrophy, also contributes to invasive bladder cancer progression. The study showed that TERE1 inhibits bladder cancer cell growth and regulates cholesterol levels in cells.
Overweight teenagers in Philadelphia report wanting to lose weight, but their actions are more hindrance than help. The study found that obese teens are more likely to smoke and consume soda daily, despite exercising regularly.