A nationwide study found that people taking oral steroids are twice as likely as the general population to have severe vitamin D deficiency. This increased risk is particularly pronounced for steroid users under 18, who were 14 times more likely to have a severe vitamin D deficiency.
Researchers used MESSENGER data to confirm past volcanic activity on Mercury, which poured out huge volumes of lava 3.5-4 billion years ago
New research shows that prolonged alcohol consumption can reduce the body's ability to produce anti-viral cytokines, leading to increased inflammation and impaired immune response. This study highlights the negative impact of alcohol on the immune system, particularly in relation to viral infections.
Researchers have uncovered details on the brain and nasal passages of a 72 million-year-old armoured dinosaur Euoplocephalus. The team found that it had good senses of smell and hearing, and may have generated sound through its looping nasal passages to communicate.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a new way to decrease zinc oxide's thermal conductivity without reducing its electrical conductivity by adding aluminum. This innovation could lead to new technologies for harvesting waste heat and creating energy-efficient systems, such as cars, aircraft, and power plants.
In polygynous colonies, worker ants reinforce dominant queens by feeding and grooming them, while eliminating weaker sisters. Researchers found that inter-queen fighting involves ritualistic behavior, while workers are more aggressive, suggesting a complex reproductive strategy to maintain queen dominance.
A defective gene in mice shows behaviors and symptoms similar to those observed in humans with autism spectrum disorders. The animals respond similarly to an FDA-approved drug used to treat repetitive behaviors in people with autism.
Scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have identified a new approach to treating diabetes and obesity by targeting the PTP1B enzyme, which is crucial in regulating insulin signaling. By oxidizing a specific cysteine residue, the enzyme's activity is temporarily halted, allowing for improved insulin sensitivity.
A new study of over 26,000 stroke patients found that those with Atrial Fibrillation have a mortality rate almost twice that of other stroke patients. The study highlights the need for better use of existing anticoagulant medication to prevent fatal and disabling strokes.
Researchers created a mouse model that displays remarkably similar symptoms and behavior as children and adults on the autism spectrum. The animals responded well to an FDA-approved drug prescribed to treat repetitive behaviors often associated with the disease.
A new study examines the impact of climate change on amphibian species, finding that rapid temperature swings can trap species at different points in their travels. The research suggests that many species will become endangered due to their inability to tolerate unfavorable climate conditions for extended periods.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have found that propranolol may improve language and social skills in people with autism. The drug acts by reducing stress-induced norepinephrine effects, allowing the brain to function more flexibly.
Researchers discovered that resveratrol blocks the growth of breast cancer cells by reducing estrogen receptor levels. This finding has significant implications for treating women with breast cancer whose tumors develop resistance to hormonal therapy. Resveratrol may serve as a potential tool to combat hormone-resistant breast cancer.
A University of Pittsburgh study found that introducing new vaccines can decrease vaccine availability by up to two-thirds due to storage and transportation issues. Computational models can forecast the impact of new vaccine introduction and identify potential disruptions.
A new study reveals that fruit fly aggression is correlated with smaller brain parts and involves complex interactions between networks of important genes. The findings also show that certain portions of the fly brain affected by hyper-aggressive flies, and that calming did not necessarily come through chemistry.
The FDA has approved a diaphragm pacing system to help ALS patients breathe longer without the aid of a ventilator. The system, called NeuRx Diaphragm Pacing System, provides electrical stimulation to the diaphragm muscles and conditions them to delay respiratory failure.
Scientists argue that when a species recovers enough to be removed from the federal endangered species list, state management should follow the public trust doctrine, which guides conservation for the public good. The researchers apply this principle to the gray wolf case in the northern Rocky Mountains.
Researchers from PTB and Hanover have created a novel laser cooling method using a single laser source to bring a magnesium ion to a standstill. This technique allows for more precise measurements of the fine-structure constant, potentially resolving contradictions in astronomical data comparisons.
A University of Hull study found that weeds are vital to the existence of many farmland species, providing food for over 330 species of insects, birds, and animals. The research also showed that increasing farm management intensity can lead to a decline in seed biomass and energy, affecting farmland biodiversity.
Research from the University of Warwick suggests that the 'Protestant work ethic' in the 19th century gave northern Europe an educational advantage over southern neighbors, leading to higher incomes and a larger income gap. This historical factor is believed to have contributed to the North-South debt crisis.
Researchers found that male koalas produce lower resonances in their bellows, which may be related to the length of their vocal tracts. The team also discovered that koalas can make themselves sound larger than they are by using simultaneous resonance in their oral and nasal tracts.
Researchers recorded novel responses to human faces from single neurons in humans, revealing a new insight into the neural basis of social perception. The findings suggest that the brain is highly sensitive to representing entire faces and responding strongly to anything wrong with the face.
Researchers develop a comprehensive genetic model that integrates various types of genetic variation, including single gene changes, chromosomal alterations, and de novo mutations. This framework recognizes the importance of both inherited and new genetic variants in disease susceptibility.
A recent study confirms shark populations are in trouble worldwide, with significant declines observed on the Great Barrier Reef. The research used innovative methods to estimate population growth rates, finding that sharks are declining rapidly due to fishing.
A recent study found that villages along roads have higher rates of antibiotic-resistant E. coli than rural areas, suggesting roads facilitate the spread of superbugs. The researchers attribute this to increased antibiotic use and poor water quality, which allow resistant strains to thrive.
A recent study by Lawson Research Institute found that nearly half of newly diagnosed Canadian patients with glaucoma were at moderate to advanced stages by the time of diagnosis. The study suggests a lack of preventive screenings and inadequate awareness about risk factors are contributing factors to this issue.
Researchers found that bats control echolocation calls with the fastest-contracting muscle type, enabling them to produce calls at rates of up to 190 calls per second. This allowed bats to better track insects in flight and make them successful hunters.
The MESSENGER mission has provided unprecedented data on Mercury's magnetic field, revealing a host of firsts, including evidence of widespread flood volcanism and direct measurements of its surface composition. The study sheds light on the planet's global magnetic field geometry and its interaction with solar wind.
A recent study published in the British Journal of Social Psychology suggests that racism and prejudices are often learned through cultural exposure. Participants responded faster to word pairs found together in literature, indicating a potential link between cultural stereotypes and individual gut reactions.
Scientists have discovered 'superfast' muscles in bats that allow them to navigate and hunt in total darkness using echolocation. These muscles can contract up to 100 times faster than typical body muscles, enabling the rapid succession of calls needed for successful hunting.
Despite efforts to improve representation, women in science and engineering are lagging behind due to a hostile classroom climate, lack of supportive peer relationships, and poor faculty attitudes. Universities need to focus on making structural changes, such as diversity training for faculty and mentoring programs, to create an inclus...
Researchers at Rice University have created a technique to control plasmonic scattering from nanoparticles using liquid crystals. By applying an electric field, the alignment of liquid crystal molecules can be manipulated, acting as a shutter to switch the nanorods' signals like a traffic light.
Researchers found that patients with well-developed coronary collaterals have a 36% reduced risk of mortality from heart disease. The study suggests promoting natural bypass vessels through lifestyle factors and potential treatments, such as external counterpulsation or injections with growth factor G-CSF.
Scientists have discovered a new component of the biological clock, a gene responsible for starting the clock from its restful state every morning. This discovery may help explain the genetic underpinnings of sleeplessness, aging and chronic illnesses such as cancer and diabetes.
Scientists have developed a novel technique to measure and document tumor-inducing changes in DNA, revealing the earliest stages of cancer formation. The study provides insight into chromosomal rearrangements known as translocations, which can lead to tumors in leukemias, lymphomas, and sarcomas.
A University of Delaware professor found hitting accounts for more than 45% of teams' winning records, fielding for 25%, and pitching also for 25%. The impact of stolen bases is greatly overestimated in baseball winning percentages.
The Cedars-Sinai Regenerative Medicine Institute has opened a new facility to produce induced pluripotent stem cells, which can be used to study human diseases and develop new treatments. Cells produced by the core will be critical for innovative research aimed at increasing our understanding of human diseases and genetic disorders.
Thomas L. Kash, a UNC assistant professor, has been awarded the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) for his innovative research on alcohol's effects on neural circuits in the brain. The award recognizes his potential for leadership as both a scientist and model citizen.
Scientists have identified a protein that controls the development of varicose veins, offering new hope for prevention and treatment. By inhibiting this protein, researchers were able to stall the progression of varicose veins and reduce the need for surgery, potentially improving quality of life for those affected.
Physicists are being called on to take action against climate change by reducing their own carbon footprints. By changing behavior at the individual level and carefully planning future experiments, physicists can contribute to a more sustainable energy supply.
The Bolshoi supercomputer simulation, based on WMAP5 parameters, provides a powerful new tool for studying galaxy formation, dark matter, and dark energy. Initial studies show good agreement between the simulation's predictions and astronomers' observations.
Scientists have made precise measurements of the quantum Hall effect in graphene, supporting the redefinition of the kilogram and ampere. This breakthrough aims to establish a universal and stable definition for these fundamental constants, linking them to natural quantities.
Researchers at Delft University of Technology found that smaller metal alloy nanoparticles release hydrogen gas more quickly when stored in a metal hydride. This could lead to more efficient hydrogen storage for fuel cells.
Astronomers have detected stardust in debris discs of extra-solar planetary systems, providing insights into the planet formation process. The Jena research team found two systems with transiting planets, using photometric analysis to identify irregularities in the infrared range.
Researchers are using smartphones to conduct large-scale language studies, collecting data from over 4,157 subjects in seven languages. This innovative approach allows for faster data collection and opens up possibilities for future research on human cognition.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have corrected the genetic alteration causing sickle cell disease by using a patient's own stem cells. The team found four working iPS cell lines containing correct copies of the hemoglobin gene and successfully converted them into immature red blood cells.
Researchers at UCSF Brain Tumor Research Center discovered a protein called NG2 that controls the switch from asymmetric to symmetric cell division in normal cells. This abnormal cell division pattern is associated with oligodendroglioma brain tumors, which may respond to chemotherapy but often recur in resistant forms.
A new study reveals that tobacco companies were aware of cigarette radioactivity since the 1950s and conducted research on its effects. The industry used misleading statements to suppress information, including a technique that could have eliminated radioactive particles from tobacco.
A multi-state research team will develop a blueprint for using marginal farmlands to grow perennial grasses for biomass, reducing soil erosion and increasing carbon sequestration. The study aims to create a market for perennial grass that gives farmers a solid return, promoting sustainable land use and biofuel production.
Public attitudes toward gays and lesbians are changing to reflect greater acceptance, with younger generations at the forefront. A significant trend toward greater tolerance regarding homosexuality has emerged, particularly in support for same-sex marriage.
The MVA-B vaccine has been shown to induce an 90% immune response in humans against Human's immunodeficiency virus (HIV), with 85% of volunteers maintaining this response for at least one year. The vaccine works by training the immune system to recognize and respond to HIV particles and infected cells.
A new study found that blocking Toll-like receptors reduces the effects of alcohol on the brain, which could lead to treatments for alcohol dependence and acute overdoses. This shift in understanding may help identify individuals at risk of brain damage after long-term drinking.
A City College of New York-led research team is developing wearable sensors to assist the visually impaired in navigating their environment. The project aims to create devices that can convey information about surroundings through touch, hearing, and other senses.
A new study published in Journal of Hospital Medicine found that discussing end-of-life care with physicians does not affect survival rates. Patients who have advance directives in their medical records also have similar survival rates as those without these discussions and documents.
Three international teams describe in unprecedented detail the workings of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), a major molecular target for drugs. GPCRs are essential to human life, involved in almost every physiological function, and malfunctions have been linked to dozens of diseases.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that oxaliplatin, a widely used chemotherapy drug for colorectal cancer, causes permanent nerve damage in some patients. A new study suggests using simple skin biopsies to track nerve cell degeneration and develop new treatments to prevent or slow the damage.
The IDS Bulletin report explores how global crises are affecting poor people worldwide, questioning core development ideas. Emerging powers and aid donors' responses to crises are being reevaluated, with the report's findings highlighting the struggle of new ideas to replace established concepts.
A randomized controlled clinical study demonstrated that RESPeRATE can significantly relieve symptoms of heart failure in elderly patients. After 4 weeks of twice daily treatment sessions, patients showed a reduction in the severity of CHF measured by NYHA classification and dyspnea.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have modified HIV to trigger an immune response, a major hurdle in vaccine development. The altered virus activates the adaptive immune system's response against HIV, negating its immunosuppressive properties.
Researchers identified a new pathway of stem cell activity in the subventricular zone of the human brain, which targets the prefrontal cortex in newborns. This discovery challenges previous reports that suggested neural stem cells remain active into adulthood.