A new polymer-based solar-thermal device collects both solar energy and heat, providing a more efficient way to heat homes. The device has shown 30% efficiency in converting solar energy to power, outperforming standard solar cells with a conversion efficiency of up to 8%.
Researchers at Queen's University Belfast have developed a new drug that prevents tumor growth by cutting off their blood supply, showing promise for treating prostate and breast cancers. The treatment targets tumor angiogenesis using an entirely different pathway than existing therapies.
Tanya Rautian is a pioneer in seismology, recognized for her work on earthquake source, seismic coda, and nuclear explosions. She will be honored with the Seismological Society of America's Reid Medal for her contributions to science and society.
Researchers have developed a novel biomarker test that can detect proteins secreted from tumors caused by asbestos exposure with high accuracy. The test, which uses aptamer proteomics platform, showed an 80% sensitivity rate in detecting stage 1 or 2 malignant pleural mesothelioma, a type of aggressive and often fatal lung cancer.
Research by Brian Duncan and Stephen Trejo found that third-generation Mexican youth are more successful than previously reported, as many fail to identify as Mexican due to intermarriage with non-Mexicans. This 'ethnic attrition' skews results, leading to a downward bias in measures of attainment.
A study of twins found that genetic factors play a significant role in urinary incontinence, accounting for around 50% of the variation. Various forms of urinary incontinence, including stress and urge incontinence, have also been linked to genetic explanations.
A new risk calculator predicts postoperative complications for individual bariatric surgery patients, helping surgeons and patients discuss risks before procedure. The tool aids in surgical decision-making and prepares patients for recovery.
Angelique Whitehurst receives grant to study genes that support tumor cell survival and develop new therapeutic targets. Her work aims to selectively destroy tumor cells while leaving normal tissue unharmed.
A study reveals that ancient enzymes known as thioredoxin were chemically stable at temperatures up to 32 degrees Celsius higher than their modern counterparts. The enzymes also showed increased activity at lower pH levels, indicating they operated in a hot, acidic environment during early life.
A UCLA-led study found that adherence to national guideline-recommended therapies for heart failure significantly lowered mortality rates. Six out of seven individual measures were associated with improved patient survival over 24 months.
A study of 6,831 adolescent girls found that participating in high-impact sports like basketball, running, and gymnastics/cheerleading increases the risk of developing stress fractures. Family history of osteoporosis and low bone mass density also plays a significant role.
A study found that controlling behaviors in relationships are associated with physical and sexual relationship violence, particularly among young women. Controlling behaviors include restriction of contact with family and friends, ignoring or treating someone indifferently, and expecting permission for health care decisions.
An epidemiological study on trees reveals earlier spring warming and summer drought as significant risk factors for tree reproduction and survival. The study helps scientists predict which species are vulnerable to climate change by analyzing the effects of climate variability on tree growth and fecundity.
A new study confirms that genetic differences exist in breast tissue across racial groups, which may explain disparities in breast cancer morbidity and mortality. The research found varying levels of genes related to the DNA repair pathway, a known mechanism in cancer.
Dr. Michael S. Watson, PhD, FACMG, receives the first ACMG Presidents' Award for his groundbreaking work in translating genetic information into healthcare use. He has been a driving force behind the American College of Medical Genetics' success.
Researchers found that heavy beer drinkers with a certain genetic variant were at higher risk of developing non-cardia gastric cancer. The study also showed that non-drinkers with the same gene variant had an elevated risk of gastric cancer.
Scientists have discovered algae living inside the cells of developing spotted salamanders, marking the first known example of a eukaryotic algae endosymbiont in vertebrates. This finding highlights the complexity of animal-algae interactions and raises questions about the evolutionary origins of mitochondria and chloroplasts.
The Prix Galien awards recognize outstanding achievements in improving the global human condition through innovative drugs and treatments. The 2010 winners were announced as a special issue of Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, including Luminex Corporation for xTAG™ and Merck & Co, Inc. for RotaTeq™.
Fossil teeth analysis reveals different herbivore families responded differently to the emergence of C4 warm-season grasses in East Africa. The shift occurred at varying rates and times, with some animals adapting to their new diet before grasslands spread rapidly.
Scientists at nanoGUNE have successfully transmitted and focused infrared light with miniature transmission lines, enabling single molecule spectroscopy and sensitive optical detection. The technique uses tapered transmission lines to confine light down to nanometer scales.
A new Duke University-led study reveals a 10.2% increase in leatherback sea turtle nests at 68 beaches in Florida since 1979, suggesting conservation and recovery efforts are paying off. The growth may be attributed to improved monitoring, reduced predators, and changing ocean conditions favoring turtles.
A study by Brookhaven National Laboratory found that cocaine users initially respond more intensely to drug-related images than non-users, but this response diminishes with recent use. The researchers suggest that this may lead to compulsive drug use as a way to compensate for reduced motivation.
Researchers developed new models to predict seabird bycatch, using remotely sensed data to project where birds and boats are likely to intersect. The models demonstrate potential for improved conservation efforts in predicting bird habitats.
Peng, a 35-year-old Assistant Professor at Georgia Tech, will be honored with the Seismological Society of America's (SSA) Charles F. Richter Early Career Award for his work on physics of earthquakes and faults. Peng has made significant contributions to understanding earthquake triggering, non-volcanic tremor, and fault zone structure...
Research at Kansas State University found that student confidence levels correlate with academic achievement, particularly when targeted learning objectives are used. Students' reported confidence improved significantly over the course period and was positively correlated with their academic performance.
Researchers use Closterium moniliferum algae to remove strontium, a major component of nuclear waste, by sequestering it in solid crystals. The algae's ability to differentiate between strontium and calcium can help isolate highly radioactive 'high-level' waste from 'low-level' waste.
Researchers found that people who experience stronger stimulating and lower sedative effects of alcohol are more likely to develop binge drinking problems. A new study published in Archives of General Psychiatry suggests that the 'double whammy' of alcohol effects predicts those who progress to severe drinking and alcohol-use disorders.
Researchers found that autistic brains concentrate more activity in temporal and occipital regions, which are involved in pattern recognition and object perception. This enables them to perform well in visual tasks that require reasoning and decision-making.
A new study suggests that the soy-based compound Natural S-equol does not increase the risk of estrogen-sensitive breast cancer. Supplements containing SE5-OH have reduced menopause symptoms in postmenopausal women, and the study's findings enhance our understanding of Natural S-equol's safety profile.
A Finnish study suggests that urban children have weaker connections to nature than their rural counterparts. Horticultural interventions can help bridge this gap, particularly for girls who show greater interest in plants. The research also highlights the importance of outdoor learning environments.
CTC utilization has tripled in recent years, increasing access to colorectal cancer screening, and potentially saving lives through early detection of disease. The study suggests an opportunity for more people to be screened due to CTC's alternative to conventional optical colonoscopy.
Studies found that exercise prevents telomere stress and cell aging, suggesting a link between physical activity and healthier cells. Telomeres measure cell age and health, with shorter lengths linked to diseases like cancer and cardiovascular disease.
A study finds ranolazine effective for refractory angina, but only 59% of patients remain on the medication after one year. Adherence issues, including cost and side effects, are major concerns.
Researchers found that flying female fireflies receive nuptial gifts from their mates, whereas wingless females do not. This suggests that flightless females prioritize reproduction over male contributions.
Two species of gorillas diverged 17,800 years ago during the Pleistocene era, with climate change causing intermittent interbreeding and population separation. The critically endangered Cross River gorilla population has lost 60% of its genetic diversity in 320 years due to anthropogenic pressure.
The GERONTOSHIELD project aims to understand the aging immune system and develop personalized therapies for the elderly. Researchers investigate how immune responses in young and old mice differ from each other and identify risk markers predicting increased susceptibility for infectious diseases.
The Northwestern Pacific experienced its first tropical cyclone of the new season after March, forming Tropical Depression One W on April 2. The system had strong thunderstorms dropping heavy rainfall and high cloud tops before dissipating by April 4.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that young women experiencing controlling behaviors are less likely to report relationship violence, highlighting the need for healthcare providers to screen for controlling behaviors.
Research from the University of Texas at Austin reveals that high school students who feel they don't fit in are less likely to attend college. Girls who are gay or obese face significant barriers, with girls who are obese 78% less likely to attend college than their non-obese peers.
Researchers found that a common variant of the p53 gene increases inflammatory responses following DNA damage, making African Americans more susceptible to certain diseases and cancers. The proline variant interacts with NF-kB, a protein complex regulating the immune response, leading to enhanced activation of inflammation genes.
Research suggests that living near a busy road junction increases the likelihood of premature birth by 4.4%. The study found that even short distances from freeways can have negative effects on gestation times. Reducing traffic emissions through improved vehicles or public transport use could provide immediate health benefits.
Researchers discovered that ionizing radiation drives overexpression and activity of MET through the ATM and NF-κB signaling pathways, making some tumor cells resistant to radiation. Inhibiting MET counteracted this increased invasiveness, promoting apoptosis in tumor cells and enhancing the effect of radiation.
Researchers have determined that correcting a genetic defect does not substantially increase the number of potentially cancer-causing mutations in induced pluripotent stem cells. This breakthrough suggests that human-induced pluripotent stem cells altered to correct a genetic defect may be cultured into subsequent generations of cells ...
A study from Emory University School of Medicine found that measuring oxidative stress can predict the risk of developing atrial fibrillation. High levels of the amino acid cystine in blood are linked to increased risk, while factors like high blood pressure and obesity also play a role.
Mexican migrants to the U.S. are at a higher risk of experiencing clinically significant depression and anxiety disorders compared to non-migrants. The study found that those between 18 and 25 years old have nearly four-and-one-half times greater odds of developing a depressive disorder.
A study of over 47,000 people found that a genetic variation in the AUTS2 gene is associated with lower alcohol consumption, suggesting its role in regulating drinking behaviour. The researchers also investigated animal models and found that blocking a related gene increased sensitivity to alcohol.
A study by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine found that statin users had a 33% lower risk of death from pneumonia compared to non-statin users. This protective effect was observed among patients who were already taking statins when they developed pneumonia.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has identified a novel gene, AUTS2, associated with differences in alcohol consumption. The research team analyzed data from over 48,000 individuals and found that this gene contributes to individual variations in drinking patterns.
A recent study found that mangroves store up to four times more carbon per hectare than most tropical forests. The high-carbon storage capacity of mangroves can be attributed to their deep organic-rich soils and complex root systems.
The University of Illinois has sequenced the genome of the woodland strawberry, a close relative of the apple, to aid in researching complex fruits. This will help improve strawberry quality and characteristics, as well as enhance the development of desirable traits in apples.
Researchers have developed a method to assess breast cancer risk using epithelial cells found in breast milk. The study showed that average RASSF1 methylation levels were higher in biopsied breasts compared to non-biopsied breasts, suggesting a potential correlation between epigenetic signals and breast cancer risk.
Biocontainers offer a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic containers, with rice hulls showing the highest vertical dry strength and lowest water loss rates. Researchers recommend selecting biocontainers based on specific physical properties to meet greenhouse needs.
Adolescent binge drinking may lead to subtle yet persistent alterations in the frontal cortex, impacting decision-making and related behaviors. Reduces neurotransmitter activity and forebrain volume, increasing risk of impulsive actions and poor adaptation to life situations as adults.
A recent study presents a promising serum test that can identify lung cancer in people who have never smoked. The test uses a panel of biomarkers to analyze blood samples and has shown high sensitivity and specificity in distinguishing lung cancer from non-cancerous conditions.
ATV-related injuries disproportionately affect children, with lower extremity fractures, partial foot amputations, and head injuries being common. The number of ATV-related deaths among children has increased dramatically over the past decade, highlighting the need for proper adult supervision, helmets, and age-appropriate vehicles.
Researchers have observed improvements in eye contact, social interaction, and speech in adults and children with autism and Fragile X syndrome treated with acamprosate. Larger studies are needed to determine effectiveness and tolerability.
Researchers discovered that cancer cells generate a 'stress response' signal that induces nearby macrophages to issue a similar stress response, promoting inflammation and tumor development. This finding presents a potential target for tumor-specific therapies.
A new study from the University of Gothenburg found that people with certain genetic changes in the ghrelin gene consume more sugar than those without. Trials using rats also showed reduced sugar consumption when ghrelin was blocked, suggesting a strong link between ghrelin and addictive behaviors
Researchers found that social isolation combined with a high-fat diet increases levels of a brain neurotransmitter called neuropeptide Y, promoting obesity, insulin resistance, and breast cancer risk in mice. The study's findings suggest a link between human social isolation and elevated cancer risk.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University identified a new gene, KCNV2, that influences the risk of developing epilepsy. The gene codes for a unique potassium channel protein and alters electrical activity in nerve cells, leading to seizures.