Gina Turrigiano's concept of synaptic scaling resolves the paradox of maintaining stability and flexibility in neurons. Her laboratory has shown that neurons can 'tune' themselves by adjusting excitatory synaptic strengths to control output, while maintaining relative input strengths.
A new study found that Florida's reefs suffered unprecedented losses of coral species during the 2010 cold weather event, with coral tissue mortality reaching over 40%. This was particularly devastating for shallow and near-shore reefs, where large colonies were hardest hit.
Researchers found a marked decline in Atlantic salmon populations in Spanish rivers, particularly in Asturias, due to increased fishing effort and higher temperatures. The study suggests that conservation measures should be implemented to protect these populations, which are experiencing cyclic fluctuations.
A recent study by Stanford University researchers found that preserving just 9 key sites could protect habitat for 84% of all marine mammal species on Earth. The study identified critical conservation locations off the coasts of Mexico, Canada, Peru, and other countries as areas with high species richness.
A low-cost, hand-held device called Gene-Z is being developed to detect cancer in resource-poor countries. The device monitors microRNAs and other genetic markers to diagnose cancer, providing an affordable solution to the lack of cancer screening resources in these countries.
NASA satellites gathered detailed rainfall measurements and spotted heavy thunderstorms around Irene's center, indicating the storm's power. The storms were dropping rainfall at 2 inches per hour, with hurricane-force winds expected along the eastern U.S. coast.
A team of researchers at the University of Warwick has found a solution to a 40-year-old problem in understanding solar wind turbulence. By analyzing data from the Cluster mission and creating a virtual model, they discovered that turbulence is not affected by the direction of travel of the solar wind, resolving a long-standing issue.
A team of physicists evaluated the UK's caesium fountain clock, achieving an unprecedented level of accuracy. The new method improved uncertainties in Doppler shifts and microwave-lensing frequency shift, reducing errors to 2.3 × 10^-16.
Dutch company Dura Vermeer has developed a floating house technology using light plastic foam and composite materials, allowing for larger structures without losing buoyancy. The innovation has potential to help countries affected by climate change and rising sea levels, such as small island-states.
A team of medical engineers at TUM has developed a sensor chip that measures oxygen levels in tumors and transmits data wirelessly to doctors. This technology aims to make cancer therapies more targeted and less aggressive for patients.
A common antibiotic has been found to help reduce severe wheezing and acute symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in a large multicenter clinical trial. Patients who received the antibiotic experienced a 27% reduction in acute flare-ups compared to those who received a placebo.
Researchers found that transitional cues significantly improve children's ability to switch tasks on their own. Providing reminders, such as auditory cues or visual signals, can help kids adapt to changes in rules or requirements.
Scientists at WashU Medicine reveal that CD8 alpha+ dendritic cells (CD8a+ DCs) help fight infections, but can also be hijacked by bacteria like Listeria to cause harm. The trait that makes these cells both an asset and a liability is the way they alert other immune cells.
A new UBC study reveals that single parents and male gay couples are nearly 25% and 15% more likely to be rejected by landlords, respectively. The study found geographic variation in discrimination rates, with certain neighborhoods exhibiting increased levels of bias towards single parents.
Researchers have discovered a key mechanism controlling the segregation of genetic material from parent to daughter cells. The study found that degradation of CenH3 protein is essential for limiting its presence at centromeres and that this degradation is mediated by protein partner Ppa.
A new study found that African Americans are more likely to develop kidney failure due to high levels of protein in the urine. The study analyzed data from 27,911 individuals and found that African Americans were four times more likely to develop kidney failure than whites.
A Swedish study published in American Heart Journal found that genetic factors are the primary cause of coronary heart disease, rather than family lifestyle. Adopted individuals with at least one biological parent having coronary heart disease had a 40-60% higher risk of developing the condition.
A University of Alberta study finds that unconscious feelings about objects in the environment influence long-term goal pursuit. The unconscious continues to positively value objects related to goals, even after success or failure, making it a key motivator. Participants reacted neutrally to objects after a failure, indicating a shift ...
A comprehensive review of research literature highlights the need for child-care facilities to support healthy eating habits and regular physical activity. The study suggests that significant improvements in these behaviors depend on combined strength of interventions and supportive policy changes.
Research by Imperial College London found that babies and toddlers with congenital heart disease have higher levels of toxins in their blood after surgery, leading to longer intensive care stays. The study suggests a link between gut bacteria, bacterial fragments called endotoxins, and poor clinical outcomes.
A recent study by Dr. Kenneth E. Anderson found that there is no significant nutritional difference between eggs produced by hens in range or cage environments. Cholesterol levels in both types of eggs were significantly lower than previously believed, prompting a revision in USDA guidelines.
Researchers predict 65 million more obese adults in the US and 11 million more in the UK by 2030, leading to increased medical costs and preventable diseases. Annual spending on obesity-related diseases is estimated to increase by $48-66 billion/year.
Linguistic researcher Marianne Pouplier aims to clarify why certain sound patterns are rarely encountered in languages, proposing an empirical approach using ultrasound imaging and perceptual tests.
Super Typhoon Namadol has strengthened to a Category Four typhoon with winds near 135 knots (155 mph), while Tropical Storm Talas is expected to intensify further due to favorable conditions. The storms are forecast to bring heavy rainfall and rough seas to the Philippines and Japan.
A recent UC Davis study found that people with lower socioeconomic status are more likely to develop heart disease, even after long-term improvements in other risk factors. The researchers suggest that access and adherence to treatments may not account for the differences.