The museum's new dinosaur hall features a unique 78-million-year-old fossil that shows evidence of live birth in an adult plesiosaur and its developing embryo, resolving a long-standing mystery in the field. The research establishes that plesiosaurs gave birth to live young, rather than laying eggs on land.
The La Jolla Institute's new RNAi Center will focus on understanding the genetics behind disease processes and developing new therapies to treat disease. The Center aims to make key discoveries about how the immune system recognizes bacteria and viruses and fights infections.
A clinician-scientist team, led by Joseph M. Miano and Craig Benson, has created a model resource that identifies and outlines the function of common mutations in the human genome. They believe this information will help guide the development of new prevention and treatment options for diseases.
Researchers identified five core themes for successful implementation of evidence-based practices in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) to reduce Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections. Engaging front-line staff, building multi-disciplinary teams, and acquiring top management support are critical commonalities.
Engineers create epidermal electronic systems (EES) with miniature sensors, light-emitting diodes, tiny transmitters and receivers to measure human physiological data. The devices are seamlessly integrated onto the skin, providing opportunities for non-invasive medical monitoring.
Researchers at the University of Missouri found that urban Chinese households save significantly more than American households, driven by education-related motives. The study attributes this disparity to cultural values emphasizing education and the lack of social-welfare programs in China.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health have decoded the workings of Pyrazinamide (PZA), a critical TB drug. PZA inhibits trans-translation, a process essential for cell survival under stress conditions, making it effective against non-growing bacteria called persisters.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a new dual-action protein that effectively prevents the formation of blood vessels by targeting two key chemical receptors. This breakthrough could lead to more effective cancer treatments and potentially benefit diseases such as macular degeneration.
Researchers found evidence of gas outflows from the supernova ancestors, suggesting they don't originate from white dwarfs. This discovery is crucial for understanding Type Ia supernovae and their immense luminosity.
Researchers have engineered bacteria to withstand high levels of mercury and remove it from their surroundings, providing a potential technology for bioremediation. The bacteria were able to grow in extremely high concentrations of mercury and remove over 80% of it in five days.
Researchers at Duke University have demonstrated a theoretical ability to significantly increase the efficiency of ships by creating a 'fluid flow cloak' that tricks the surrounding water into staying still. The cloak uses porous materials and tiny pumps to push flowing water along, greatly reducing the energy needed to propel vessels.
A team of researchers from the University of Valladolid analyzed 40 brands of beer and found that dark beer contains more free iron than pale and non-alcoholic beers. The average free iron content in dark beer was 121 ppb, while pale beer had an average of 92 ppb.
Researchers found that Arctic ice under current climate conditions is as likely to expand as it is to contract for periods of up to a decade. The study suggests that climate change and variability work together to accelerate sea ice loss, but temporary stabilization or expansion may occur.
A study found a clear association between after-hours care clinic accessibility and reduced emergency department use. The clinic saw a 40% decrease in semi-urgent patients visiting the ER, suggesting better resource allocation.
A study published in PLOS Genetics found that there are significant differences in metabolites between men and women, which may lead to the development of gender-specific treatments for certain diseases. The researchers used metabolomics and genetic data to identify key biomarkers, paving the way for new therapeutic approaches.
Estrogen has been found to help regulate white blood cell activity, preventing them from sticking to blood vessel walls and causing vascular damage. This natural mechanism could have important implications for understanding and treating cardiovascular disease.
The DYCAST program successfully predicted where 81.6% of human cases of the West Nile virus would arise in California in 2005. By using biological parameters, the model identified high-risk areas with a risk 39 times higher than low-risk areas, allowing for targeted mosquito control and reduced human illness.
Scientists discovered that the intestinal membrane receptor protein, GC-C, is also expressed in critical brain areas. The study found that GC-C's activation amplifies dopamine responses, leading to hyperactivity and attention deficits in mice. Treatment with a PKG activator reversed these behavioral problems.
Climate change is causing significant changes in polar ecosystems, particularly in the Arctic where permafrost thawing affects land and water ecosystems. This can lead to increased nutrient levels, altered stream networks, and changed habitats for plants and animals.
A case study published in Cortex reveals that severe damage to the hippocampus resulting from lack of oxygen in infancy can hinder episodic memory recall. In contrast, semantic memory remains intact, supporting the theory that different areas of the brain are responsible for distinct types of memory.
Researchers created a device platform that combines electronic components for sensing, medical diagnostics, communications, and human-machine interfaces on an ultrathin skin-like patch. The circuit bends and stretches like the skin, allowing for comfortable wear and freedom of movement.
A new study found that consumers with low body esteem are influenced by the consumption behaviors of others, including attractive salespeople and fellow shoppers. The researchers also suggest retailers design store layouts to minimize self-esteem impacting moments for customers trying on clothes.
A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research introduces a model capturing the process of goal revision. Consumers tend to set and revise goals, with adjustments influenced by factors such as motivation, external pressures, and previous achievements.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have successfully treated advanced chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients with genetically engineered 'serial killer' T cells. The treatment involves removing and reprogramming patient cells to target specific proteins, resulting in sustained remissions and reduced side effects.
Algae-based fuel produces high energy output with minimal land use, but its production is associated with significant environmental costs. The research suggests that algae-based biofuels may not be a silver bullet for replacing petroleum as a transportation energy source.
The use of nanoparticles in sunscreens has sparked controversy over potential health effects. Scientific evidence suggests a link between particle penetration and undesirable body reactions, but proven benefits in reducing skin cancer risk outweigh theoretical concerns.
A pharmacist-directed anticoagulation service improves the transition of care for patients treated with warfarin, enhancing communication between hospital and outpatient clinicians. The study found a 5% decline in bleeding and thrombosis risk for patients treated by the service.
Researchers at the Trudeau Institute have identified a previously unknown link between the migration of white blood cells to infected tissues and their ability to survive as long-lived memory cells. This discovery aims to improve vaccine efficacy, particularly for the elderly population.
A Vietnamese PhD student, Tung Le, has made a breakthrough in understanding how an antibiotic-producing organism controls resistance to its own antibiotic. His research shows that the SimR protein regulates antibiotic export by binding to DNA or the antibiotic itself.
Gordon, a high-performance supercomputer using large amounts of flash-based SSD memory, is being made available to US academic researchers. The system will handle massive databases with up to 100 times faster speeds than traditional hard drive disk systems.
A University of Virginia study found that intense light enhances fear or anxiety in mice, while dimmer light reduces it. The researchers discovered that the visual pathway responsible for this behavior is in the rods and cones, which can be used to treat depression and anxiety disorders.
Research at Queen's University Biological Station reveals that singing shared songs is an attention-seeking behavior often displayed by older males. Song sharing is linked to individual differences like age and neighborhood characteristics.
Researchers found that commercial blood serum antibody tests are not accurate or cost-effective for diagnosing active TB, leading to more false-positive diagnoses and secondary infections. The World Health Organization has recommended against using these tests in the diagnosis of active TB.
Researchers studied flatworms to understand how they regenerate their excretory systems from scratch, providing clues about the evolutionary origin of mammalian kidneys. They found that flatworm protonephridia, a complex epithelial organ, shares structural similarities with mammalian nephrons.
The study found that CT scan use grew 11 times faster than the rate of ED visits during the study period, increasing from 3.2% to 13.9% between 1996 and 2007.
Researchers at Kiel University have discovered a novel state of crystal matter with both compressible and incompressible properties. The discovery was made using extensive computer simulations and sheds light on the behavior of excitons, hydrogen atom-like bound states of electrons and holes.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that frequent tanning bed users exhibit brain activity and blood flow patterns similar to those of people addicted to drugs or alcohol. The study suggests that the rewarding effects of tanning beds may lead to compulsive behavior despite the increased risk of skin cancer.
Scientists have found that minced banana peels can quickly remove toxic metals like lead and copper from river water. The banana peel purification apparatus can be reused up to 11 times without losing its effectiveness, making it a promising alternative to traditional methods.
Researchers at the University of Southern California found that mice lacking a key enzyme are unable to properly assess threats, leading to defensive behaviors in response to neutral stimuli and reduced caution in the presence of danger. The study suggests that this deficiency may be related to an inability to adapt to environmental cues.
An international team of scientists identified 29 new genetic variants linked to multiple sclerosis, providing key insights into the biology of the disease. The study confirms 23 previously known genetic associations and doubles the number of genes associated with MS.
A Baylor University study found that NO2 Platinum, a muscle-strengthening supplement, has no significant impact on blood flow. The researchers saw a slight increase in blood flow after exercise but attributed it to resistance exercise rather than the supplement.
A recent study by Yale University researchers has identified more than two dozen new genetic variants linked to disease risk in multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases. The findings suggest a common genetic basis for many devastating immune system disorders.
A University of New Hampshire researcher has discovered that Yale psychologist Arnold Gesell manipulated his photographic record to support his pro-eugenic thesis. Gesell's research falsely accused Alma, Wisconsin of being overrun with mentally and morally unfit people, a claim that has been debunked by the new discovery.
Researchers report that people over age 50 tend to miss the metallic taste of iron in water, even at levels above EPA thresholds. This decline in taste perception raises health concerns for older adults who may be at increased risk for conditions like Alzheimer's disease and other age-related issues.
A new study finds that paper money from around the world contains bisphenol A, a potentially toxic substance. The amounts of BPA on currency are higher than in house dust, but human intake is lower due to dermal absorption.
A new study uses advanced analysis to predict reaction time by assessing neural firing rates in the brain. The research found that the degree of neural activity advancement at the 'go' cue significantly affects reaction time.
Rice University researchers developed a method to rapidly convert glucose into biofuels and petrochemical substitutes by reversing the beta oxidation cycle in bacteria. They produced butanol, a biofuel, about 10 times faster than previously reported organisms, using cheap feedstocks like glucose and mineral salts.
A commentary in New England Journal of Medicine suggests fibrates do not lower heart risk in diabetic patients taking statins; doctors recommend prescription only to high-risk patients after optimal LDL control achieved
A pilot study at UCSF found the highest levels ever reported of banned flame retardants among pregnant women worldwide, with high levels associated with thyroid hormone disruption. The chemicals were linked to liver, thyroid, and neurodevelopmental toxicity, highlighting concerns over exposure in lower-income populations.
Two UC Irvine papers suggest that reduced use of petroleum and increased capture of natural gas contributed to the leveling off of methane levels in the atmosphere. In contrast, a second study found that changes in Asian farming practices, particularly the use of inorganic fertilizers, were a key factor in reducing methane emissions.
A Northwestern University study reveals that people with arthritis are not engaging in physical activity critical to their health. The research found that more than half of women and 40 percent of men with arthritis were inactive.
New research by University of York scientists proposes that quantum mechanics could be the key to understanding how black holes work, potentially allowing information to escape. The study's findings suggest a possible breakthrough in our understanding of gravity and its relationship with space and time.
A study by the University of Maryland School of Public Health found that organic poultry farms have lower levels of drug-resistant enterococci bacteria compared to conventional farms. This suggests that removing antibiotics from large-scale U.S. poultry farms can lead to immediate and significant reductions in antibiotic resistance for...
A new study found that fast disclaimers can harm purchase intentions for unknown or distrusted brands, while trusted brands can use them without issue. Advertisers promoting trusted brands may save time by using fast disclaimers, but regulators need to consider the impact on consumer trust and advertising policies.
A global study led by University of Edinburgh found that rivaroxaban is as effective as warfarin in reducing stroke risk for patients with irregular heartbeats. The new treatment has a lower risk of fatal bleeding and requires less monitoring than the current standard treatment.
Researchers at INRS have developed a new iron-based catalyst capable of generating more electric power in fuel cells. This breakthrough could pave the way for the use of iron-based catalysts instead of rare and expensive platinum-based ones, enabling the production of more efficient fuel cells for transportation applications.
A Woods Hole team joins forces with NOAA to map and survey shipwrecks off North Carolina, a critical piece of WWII history. The mission aims to create detailed 3D images of wrecks using ROVs and dive teams, providing insights into the marine environment and potential new discoveries.
A study by Purdue University and the University of Arkansas evaluated 12 bermudagrass and zoysiagrass cultivars for divot resistance. The results show that some grasses are more resistant to divoting than others, which can help reduce maintenance inputs and costs.
Researchers have discovered hydrogen-powered symbiotic bacteria in deep-sea mussels, which use hydrogen as an energy source. The ability to harness hydrogen is widespread in hydrothermal vent symbioses, with one mussel population consuming up to 5000 liters of hydrogen per hour.
A new study develops and tests genetically engineered spider silk for safe and efficient gene delivery, offering a promising alternative to viral vectors. The material successfully attaches to diseased cells and injects DNA without harming mice in lab studies.