A new network of deep-ocean moorings is being deployed in the Indonesia Archipelago to measure changes in ocean currents between the Pacific and Indian Oceans. The moorings will help scientists understand the impact of these currents on Australia's climate, including tropical weather patterns and seasonal rainfall.
A team of scientists successfully forecast the eruption of Axial Seamount, an undersea volcano located off the Oregon coast. The eruption, which began in April, is believed to be at least three times larger than the previous 1998 eruption.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have demonstrated the direct participation of IgE in atherogenesis in a mouse model. IgE stimulates macrophage and vascular smooth muscle cell apoptosis, leading to increased atherosclerotic lesions. Anti-IgE monoclonal antibodies may become a novel therapy for atherosclerosis.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham have pioneered a new method for producing graphene nanoribbons, which could revolutionize electronic devices. The breakthrough allows for the creation of nano-switches, nano-actuators, and nano-transistors with unprecedented physical properties.
A new study finds that reducing catches of small 'forage' fish like sardines and anchovies can protect larger predatory species. Halving fishing rates for high-impact species could greatly reduce ecosystem impact while achieving 80% of maximum sustainable yield.
A study found that older women with sleep-disordered breathing were more likely to develop cognitive impairment or dementia than those without. Measures of hypoxia, not sleep fragmentation or duration, were associated with an increased risk.
The Operational Land Imager (OLI), built by Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp., has been approved for shipment to Orbital Sciences Corporation. OLI will provide more sensitive land cover information and better detect changes over time, benefiting scientific, commercial, and governmental users.
Researchers found adenine and guanine, key components of DNA, in meteorites, providing evidence they were created in space. The discovery supports the theory that a 'kit' of prebiotic material was delivered to Earth by meteorite impacts.
Researchers found that men are willing to take more financial risks, while women take more social risks, such as starting a new career or addressing an unpopular issue. Adolescents can be just as cautious and careful as adults when thinking calmly about a situation.
A Wayne State researcher has discovered an antibiotic that can prevent and treat aseptic loosening, a condition where surrounding bones disintegrate after prosthetic joint surgery. The antibiotic, erythromycin, can be administered directly at the site of bone breakdown, reducing side effects associated with long-term oral use.
A new diagnostic test is being developed to pick up the presence of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias much sooner than possible currently, allowing for more effective treatment. The research could mean patients will receive timely treatment that slows down devastating symptoms.
A new in vitro study reveals that dilating the tricuspid valve opening or displacing its papillary muscles can cause leakage, with combination of both increasing severity. The study's findings suggest improved diagnosis and treatment for tricuspid regurgitation, a condition affecting millions of Americans.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a pocket-sized sensor that can detect 'date rape' drugs with 100% accuracy. The sensor works by detecting subtle changes in the optical properties of the drink, alerting users to potential danger.
A Scripps Research scientist has identified the critical role of a night blindness gene in facilitating rapid signal transmission in the eye's initial response to light. This discovery sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying low-light vision, highlighting the importance of nyctalopin in coordinating the assembly and precise ...
A small amount of exercise has been shown to prevent exaggerated inflammation in the brain and long-lasting memory impairments following a bacterial infection. This study suggests that voluntary exercise can confer robust benefits for those who exercised, especially for older adults at risk of memory loss.
A new study suggests that moderate exercise can prevent age-related memory loss after a bacterial infection. Researchers found that older rats who ran on an exercise wheel showed improved cognitive function and reduced inflammation in the hippocampus compared to non-exercising rats.
Researchers at York University have identified a protein called nesfatin-1 that stimulates insulin secretion and regulates appetite, leading to potential weight loss and improved blood sugar control. The study found that rats administered with nesfatin-1 ate less, used more stored fat and became more active.
A study published in JAMA found that younger black patients undergoing dialysis have significantly higher mortality rates compared to their white counterparts. The disparity is attributed to differential access to transplantation and inadequate dialysis care. Researchers emphasize the need for targeted interventions to address these di...
A Michigan State University study shows that converting Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) land to corn and soybean production creates a significant carbon debt. Growing CRP grasses for cellulosic ethanol instead provides immediate energy and climate benefits, with no carbon debt.
Researchers from CSIRO and universities have developed a pragmatic decision framework for determining when to relocate species due to climate change. The framework considers factors such as population size and expected losses through relocation to determine the best timing for moving species.
Recent research investigates the effects of invasive velvetgrass on a native daisy, revealing direct competition as a key mechanism. The study found that removing invasive species can alter soil communities, leading to lingering negative impacts on native plants.
A recent Review highlights the urgent need for high-income countries to fund interventions addressing unmet mental health needs of displaced children. Exposure to violence is a major risk factor, while support from family and peers can be protective.
Researchers have identified a genetic mechanism that enables viruses to infect plants, causing diseases. By targeting the CHL1 gene, CMV and its satellite virus cause yellowing symptoms in plants by preventing chlorophyll production. This breakthrough allows for the development of altered plant varieties with resistant genes.
A study found that trastuzumab increases the risk of heart problems in elderly women with a history of heart disease or diabetes. The researchers recommend referring these patients to a cardiologist and monitoring for cardiac function.
Non-invasive prenatal tests using cell-free fetal DNA from mother's blood have high sensitivity and specificity for determining fetal sex. The study found that performance improves with later gestation, making this technology useful for early detection of fetuses at risk for sex-linked disorders.
New research provides key clues to looping morphogenesis, helping diagnose conditions like gastric torsion in large breeds and malrotation in babies. The study's findings could also aid in understanding the formation of other organs, such as hearts and vascular systems.
A consortium of universities, small companies, and bigger players in the energy sector has developed a novel approach to reviving biofuels. The project focuses on redesigning engines to adapt to non-conventional fuels, resulting in less noisy and longer-lasting engines.
A research team led by Franz Klein has analyzed the mechanism of meiosis at high resolution, finding that DNA-break machines are tightly associated with chromosomal axis regions. This discovery sheds light on how breaks on chromosomes impede other breaks in their vicinity and how shape changes influence the function of these machines.
CSIRO scientists rely on international cooperation to deploy Argo ocean and climate monitoring instruments, as Somali pirates operate in the region. The program offers crucial data for understanding Australian and south Asian weather patterns.
A study published in Psychological Medicine found that psychiatrists are not regularly monitoring patients for metabolic complications associated with antipsychotic medication. The researchers reviewed over 300,000 individuals across five countries and found that only half of patients had blood pressure and triglyceride checks conducted.
Ralph Roskies, PSC's scientific co-director, has been appointed to the National Library of Medicine's Board of Regents for a four-year term. He brings expertise in bioinformatics and high-performance computing to the role.
X-class flares are the largest explosions in the solar system, producing as much energy as a billion hydrogen bombs. These powerful events can cause long-lasting radiation storms that harm satellites, communications systems, and ground-based technologies.
A new study using Saccharomyces cerevisiae found that yeast cells grow and reproduce better in multicellular clumps than singly, especially in dilute sugar solutions. This cooperative behavior increases the chances of each cell taking in enough nutrients to grow and divide.
Concordia researchers Carsten Wrosch and Jesse Renaud find that persistent bitterness can lead to global feelings of anger and hostility affecting physical health. They propose recognizing bitterness as post-traumatic embitterment disorder (PTED), requiring therapeutic intervention for affected individuals.
Paleontologists have found over 20 polar dinosaur tracks in Victoria, Australia, offering insights into the animals' behavior during a period of pronounced global warming. The tracks belong to three different sizes of small theropods and may have been made by three species.
Patricia Soranno is pioneering landscape limnology, a new field of research that studies bodies of water as integrated elements in the landscape. The goal is to create a new understanding for natural resource managers to address unique freshwater resources in a landscape context.
Researchers found that a diet of flaxseed protects lung tissues before and after exposure to radiation, reducing damage and improving survival rates in mice. Flaxseed's bioactive lignan component is believed to confer its antioxidant properties, making it an attractive radioprotector and mitigator.
Engineered from muscle and nerve cells, the functional anal sphincters showed normal tissue function and developed a blood supply when implanted in mice. This breakthrough suggests a potential future treatment for both fecal and urinary incontinence.
Researchers at WashU Medicine have developed a new technique to rapidly access brain landmarks, enabling better brain maps and insights into how the healthy brain works. The technique speeds up long-distance signaling by mapping myelination levels, shedding light on brain evolution and function.
Researchers built upon a previous study to demonstrate how naturally occurring sugars and amino acids can form the building blocks of life. They found that adding simple amino acids allowed only the natural, stable form of RNA precursors to be generated.
Researchers found that injecting mice with killed baker's yeast protected them from fatal aspergillosis and reduced infection load. The study suggests a 'panfungal' vaccine could protect against multiple fungal infections in immunocompromised individuals.
The August 2011 Geosphere issue explores the tectonic influence on the Surveyor Fan and Channel system in the Gulf of Alaska and reviews advancements in measuring currents in submarine canyons. It also delves into the origin and evolution of the Sierra Nevada magmatic arc and the consequences of lithospheric removal in California.
Elderly women with sleep apnea are twice as likely to develop dementia in five years, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Oxygen deprivation may be the key factor leading to diminished cognition.
Commercial serological tests used to detect active TB do not accurately diagnose the disease, often producing false positives or negatives. In contrast, sputum smear microscopy is found to be more cost-effective and should take priority in tuberculosis control efforts.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center are receiving $1 million each from the Prostate Cancer Foundation to develop a vaccine that boosts patients' immune systems against prostate cancer. The goal of this treatment is to directly attack prostate-cancer cells and potentially be less expensive and more easily disseminated.
Researchers at UCLA have created a novel concept for harvesting and recycling energy from LCD screens, which can convert ambient light into electricity. This technology has the potential to improve the efficiency of LCD displays and potentially harvest 75% of wasted photons from LCD backlights.
Researchers found that curcumin can suppress inflammation in tendon diseases, potentially reducing reliance on NSAIDs. This natural compound could be used to treat tendinitis and other inflammatory conditions.
Research shows that a student's perspective can determine success or failure in school. For students with low working memories, there is little difference in performance related to cortisol production or math anxiety. In contrast, for students with high working memories, a positive outlook can lead to better performance under stress.
A systematic review found that taking aspirin during IVF did not increase a woman's chances of becoming pregnant. There is limited evidence on the potential benefits and risks of aspirin use in IVF, with some studies suggesting improved blood flow to the womb and ovaries.
Archaeologists have uncovered a 3,000-year-old lion sculpture adorning a citadel gate complex in southeastern Turkey. The find provides valuable insight into the cultural sophistication of Iron Age states in the eastern Mediterranean.
Researchers found that NPM-ALK silences the tumor suppressor gene IL-2Rγ in cancer cells, leading to cell death. The discovery presents a potential new target for treating lymphoma and other types of cancer.
A study found that narcissistic leaders inhibit the free exchange of information, leading to poorer decision-making outcomes. Narcissism is not a trait beneficial for everyday leadership in organizations.
A team of experts from five universities and two government research institutes aims to create new materials for high-performance applications. They plan to build 3D networks of carbon nanotubes and graphene sheets to produce strong electrical and thermal conductivity.
A Miriam Hospital study found that male and female smokers who completed a 12-week resistance training regimen were twice as likely to successfully quit compared to those without weight lifting. The study also showed long-lasting effects, with 15% of participants maintaining their quit attempt three months after the study.
The special 'Fragile Earth' field guide examines records and recording tools of geological processes, including plate motions and deep crustal structure. The conference in Munich, Germany, focuses on global to local scales and associated hazards and resources.
Research found that small 'sneaker' males produce larger sperm than large, competing males. This adaptation allows them to increase their chances of fertilizing female eggs.
A University of Iowa research team discovered a new genetic cause of retinitis pigmentosa by analyzing DNA sequencing and induced pluripotent stem cells. The study identified a mutation in the MAK gene as the likely cause of the disease, which affects about 1 in 4,000 people in the US.
Women should have open discussions with their doctors about individualized breast cancer screening timing, considering personal preferences, risk factors, and understanding of mammogram benefits and harms. This is particularly important for women under 50, who may be subjected to false positives and unnecessary procedures.
A new Cochrane systematic review shows that music can reduce anxiety in cancer patients, with positive effects on mood, pain, and quality of life. The results also suggest that music therapy may increase patients' quality of life and have smaller beneficial effects on heart rate and blood pressure.
Researchers have discovered a dual-action treatment combining steroids within a viscosupplement that provides superior pain relief and improved function. Hydros-TA Joint Therapy shows promise as a next-generation osteoarthritis treatment, offering faster onset and longer-lasting results.
According to a commentary in JAMA, the individual mandate would strengthen the patient-physician relationship, increase access to health insurance coverage, and stabilize insurance premiums. This could lead to reduced costs and increased life expectancy for patients.
A study by Penn State researchers found that road graders can spread seeds of invasive plants, such as Japanese stilt grass, several orders of magnitude further than natural dispersal. The rapid spread of these plants can outcompete native vegetation and cause significant ecological damage.
Researchers developed a method to translate actor motions into three-dimensional face models, subdividing them into regions for intuitive animation control. This allows animators to rapidly create realistic characters with natural expressions.
Duke University engineer Nico Hotz proposes a hybrid system that uses sunlight to heat water and methanol, producing hydrogen more efficiently than current technology. The resulting hydrogen can be stored and used as fuel, making it a promising alternative to fossil fuels.
The pharmaceutical industry is accused of manipulating medical journal authorship rules to conceal its contributions. Alastair Matheson argues that the current International Committee of Medical Journal Editors guidelines allow for industry exaggeration and downplaying of commercial writers' roles.
A new Johns Hopkins research published in JAMA finds that younger black patients on kidney dialysis face a higher risk of death compared to equally sick white counterparts. The study highlights a long-standing racial disparity in outcomes for African-American patients with end-stage kidney disease.
A new population model explains Atlantic herring population trends driven by haddock egg predation. The study suggests that when haddock populations are high, conservative fishing efforts can trigger severe declines in herring populations due to predation on eggs.
New research reveals that established forests remove 2.4 billion tonnes of carbon from the atmosphere annually, equivalent to one third of current annual fossil fuel emissions. This is a significant breakthrough demonstrating how forests impact atmospheric CO2 levels through tree growth and expansion.