This issue of GSA Bulletin explores river geomorphology, submarine landslides, and paleoclimatic analysis. Researchers examine the impact of a dome-building eruption on downstream channel aggradation in Oregon, as well as the age and genesis of the Sangamon/Loveland complex in the Lower Mississippi Valley.
A recent study published in the Journal of Advanced Nursing found that nearly a third of tablet fragments deviated from recommended dosages by 15% or more after being split. The practice is considered highly inaccurate and potentially dangerous, especially for tablets with narrow margins between therapeutic and toxic doses.
Researchers have discovered how a malfunctioning gene associated with Lou Gehrig's disease leads to nerve-cell death in mice. The study found that the gene, TDP-43, causes neurons to die when it is bound up outside the nucleus and depletes the cell of normally functioning TDP-43.
Psychologists at Jena University discovered that adapting to faces of older people can make a person appear younger. The study found that viewing multiple faces of the same age group can influence age perception and lead to estimates that are systematically wrong.
A study of over 2,100 individuals with multiple sclerosis found that women were 1.4 times more likely to carry the HLA gene variant associated with MS than men. The researchers also discovered that women with this gene variant were more likely to pass it on to other women in their families.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University discovered that the hornet's body shell can harvest solar power due to its unique structure. The yellow and brown stripes on the abdomen enable a photo-voltaic effect, converting solar radiation into electric energy.
A new, simplified method for producing large amounts of viral vector cassettes has been developed, overcoming previous limitations. This approach enables efficient packaging of single- or double-stranded AAV vectors and large AAV cassettes, paving the way for commercial production.
A pair of clinical trials found that two weeks of rifaximin treatment significantly reduced IBS symptoms, including bloating and abdominal pain. The benefits persisted for 10 weeks after treatment was stopped, suggesting a potential underlying cause of IBS: alterations in gut bacteria.
In a study by Ohio State University, consumers preferred to use few colors for an entire shoe design, with an average of only four colors used. They also favored identical or similar colors for different elements, avoiding contrasting color combinations. A small minority chose to highlight one element with a contrasting color.
A team of researchers from University of Missouri and Columbia University successfully regenerates complete shoulder joint surfaces in animals using the patient's own cells. The new technique eliminates the need for multiple surgeries to harvest and implant cells, making it a promising alternative to metal and plastic joints.
A new antibiotic therapy developed at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center has shown long-lasting relief from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms, even after treatment is stopped. The study found that patients experienced significant relief from bloating, abdominal pain, and loose stools for up to 10 weeks.
Researchers found evidence of ancient ocean 'dead zones,' where oxygen levels were low, around 499 million years ago. This challenges the long-held assumption that oceans became oxygen-rich about 600 million years ago. The findings suggest that fluctuations in oxygen levels may have played a major role in shaping early animal evolution.
Leading climate economist William Nordhaus advocates for carbon taxes as a means to achieve significant emissions reductions, citing economic inefficiency and ineffectiveness of cap-and-trade systems. A carbon tax could also provide a revenue source to curb budget deficits while meeting environmental objectives.
A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that domestic violence against mothers increases the risk of death among female children, but not male children, in India. The researchers attribute this disparity to lower investment in girl children, leading to a higher mortality rate for girls.
A recent study by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health found that children in formal centre-based and family-based child care were less likely to be late talkers compared to those cared for at home. This effect was strongest between the ages of 1 to 1.5 years.
A new study found that supplementing antibiotics with high-dose vitamin D can significantly reduce the time needed for TB bacteria to clear from sputum culture by almost a week in patients with specific genetic profiles. The treatment improved response in those with the tt genotype of the TaqI vitamin D receptor polymorphism.
The Infectious Diseases Society of America has released its first-ever guidelines for the treatment of MRSA, which may mean not prescribing antibiotics for less complicated forms of infection. The guidelines address treatment of both common and invasive MRSA, a potentially deadly infection responsible for 18,000 deaths annually.
Scientists report that household sewage has nearly 20% more energy potential than previously estimated, offering a new avenue for extracting methane, hydrogen, and other fuels from wastewater. The discovery could transform treatment facilities into energy sources, reducing their energy drain.
Researchers found no significant difference in polyphenol content between organically grown and conventionally grown onions, carrots, and potatoes. Organic farming methods are still considered beneficial for animal welfare and environmental protection.
Bacteria, specifically Enterobacter hormaechei, found in excised atherosclerotic plaque tissue of patient who suffered a heart attack. The data suggest that chronic infection may underlie the process of atherosclerosis.
A study published in Journal of Infectious Diseases found that children who received two doses of the varicella vaccine had a 95% lower risk of developing chicken pox. The effectiveness of two doses was 98.3%, significantly higher than one dose at 86%.
New research shows vitamin D can speed up antibiotic treatment of tuberculosis (TB), clearing bacteria from the lungs in just 5 weeks for certain patients. Vitamin D deficiency is a common problem among TB patients, and those with a specific genetic type of vitamin D receptor responded better to supplementation.
The study aims to assess how hip replacement affects older adults' ability to work, thereby easing financial pressure on pension systems. The research will examine data from various studies to compare patients who received a hip replacement with those who didn't.
A Rhode Island Hospital study found that culturing the nose is more likely to reveal MRSA than other body sites, and a strong correlation exists between nasal MRSA quantity and colonization at other sites. The researchers suggest screening the nose and groin for MRSA yields the highest yield.
Researchers at Newcastle University found that the compounds in green tea are more effective against key triggers of Alzheimer's development when digested by enzymes in the gut. The study also suggests that these compounds have anti-cancer properties, slowing down the growth of tumour cells.
The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation has awarded grants totaling $1.9M to 12 early-career researchers conducting innovative cancer research. The fellowships provide independent funding to support novel projects and enable recipients to pursue careers in cancer research.
Research analyzing California hospital data found extreme obesity significantly increased risk of death from 2009 H1N1. Half of hospitalized patients over 20 were obese, with nearly three-fold increased odds of death compared to non-obese counterparts.
Researchers found that gesturing while talking changes how people think by providing a visual clue to their mental state. This effect is particularly pronounced when discussing abstract concepts like mathematics or physics.
The new simulator will take into account the unique physics of fluid flow and storage in shale gas reservoirs. OU researchers aim to address concerns about water production and its impact on shallow aquifers.
Using thermostatic mixer valves can significantly reduce bath water temperatures, reducing the risk of scalding in children. The study found that families with TMVs had temperatures up to 11°C cooler than those without, and were within the recommended 46°C limit.
Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine developed a web-based screening tool to assess Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in war veterans. The Brain Injury Screening Questionnaire (BISQ) is a low-cost, anonymous tool that detects symptoms such as sleep disturbances, irritability, and memory problems.
Community-based co-management is a promising solution for sustaining world's fisheries, according to new study. The approach shares responsibility between government and users, fostering social cohesion, clear incentives, and protected areas.
A new smart grid system aims to optimize energy use, allowing consumers to control their appliances and use electricity during off-peak hours. The proposed 'time of use' pricing strategy could lead to significant cost savings for US households.
Researchers in India have found that various kitchen waste water filtration systems can produce clean water suitable for agricultural or horticultural use. Ceramic microfiltration membrane systems with physicochemical treatments such as biotreatment and adsorption showed promising results, removing up to 98% of BOD and 99% of COD.
University of Illinois researchers create an acoustic cloak that hides underwater objects from detection, using metamaterials to manipulate sound waves. The technology has potential applications in military stealth, soundproofing, and medical imaging.
A new study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that personal motivation is a crucial factor in determining how quickly patients return to work following total knee replacement surgery. Motivated patients were able to return to work an average of 8.9 weeks after surgery, while those with lower motivation took longe...
A team of researchers from the University of Notre Dame and The Nature Conservancy has successfully validated their environmental DNA (eDNA) technique for detecting invasive Asian carp in the Chicago-area waterway. This breakthrough method, which uses genetic material from aquatic organisms to identify species presence, has been hailed...
Researchers imaged graphene grain boundaries using diffraction imaging electron microscopy, revealing that impurities are responsible for fluctuating electrical conductivity. Larger grains do not improve conductivity as previously thought, highlighting the importance of controlling impurities in graphene growth.
Scientists have identified three distinct migration routes taken by female leatherback turtles from Gabon to feeding grounds across the South Atlantic, with one route spanning over 7,500km. This research is crucial for informing conservation efforts and protecting these endangered creatures.
Researchers at the University of Arizona have developed a new hand-held instrument to detect glaucoma earlier and with greater accuracy. The device uses micro-force sensors and math-based procedures to gently rub the eyelid, measuring intraocular pressure without the need for painful eye drops or sterilized sensors.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School identified a new aspirin-derived molecule that reduces levels of pro-inflammatory molecules and cells in mice. This finding suggests that the molecule could contribute to the beneficial effects of aspirin.
Researchers created a model predicting a drug's likelihood of causing birth defects by analyzing genes targeted by the medication. The model showed 79% accuracy in classifying drugs as safe or known to be teratogenic.
A new study found that kittiwake's summer breeding performance affects their winter distribution, with failed breeders migrating over 3000km to Canada. Successful breeders remained closer to Britain.
Researchers have discovered how a key viral gene helps viruses evade early detection by the immune system, providing new insights into chronic infection treatments. Dendritic cells, critical for immune response, are compromised by this gene, allowing viruses to establish chronic infections.
Researchers discovered that removing ZIP proteins protects brain cells from seizures and other insults. Zinc enters cells through ZIP transporters, and its removal is an effective way to protect memory circuits.
Current clinical practice deviates from medical evidence-based recommendations for osteoarthritis management. Researchers suggest that weight loss programs and exercise are essential but often overlooked by clinicians. The study aims to improve the quality of OA healthcare by promoting a patient-centered approach.
Researchers used fruit flies to investigate the function of intestinal neurons, finding that they regulate appetite and adjust water balance during reproduction. Intestinal changes triggered by reproductive hormones may provide a benefit in terms of nutrient absorption but could come at a cost: shorter lifespan.
A significant increase in MMP-1, an enzyme produced in tissues under conditions of inflammation, was found in the blood vessels of women with preeclampsia, explaining edema and proteinuria. This finding also suggests a new mechanism for hypertension, with PAR1 activation potentially causing blood vessel contraction.
A study found that clinical decision support systems can lower imaging utilization rates for low back pain lumbar MRI, headache head MRI, and sinusitis sinus CT. These systems provide real-time feedback to providers, aiding in the elimination of unnecessary imaging and increasing patient safety and quality.
A new analysis in PLoS Medicine prioritizes research questions for scaling up community-based interventions addressing prematurity and stillbirths. The top five priorities focus on equity, behavioral practices, and quality of care provided by community health workers.
A study published in Biological Psychiatry found that people with schizophrenia have abnormalities in inhibitory neurons within the cortex and increases in neurons in white matter below the cortex. The researchers suggest that inhibitory neurons may be 'stuck' at a stage of development due to genetic and environmental factors.
A study found that vitamin D deficiencies are prevalent among patients with autoimmune lung diseases, particularly those with connective tissue disease. The study suggests a potential role for vitamin D in the development of these diseases and improving lung function.
A compound found in birch bark, betulin, has been shown to lower cholesterol and prevent diet-induced obesity in mice. It works by targeting SREBPs, transcription factors involved in lipid synthesis, and also improves insulin sensitivity.
A new IVF prediction model developed by Scott Nelson and Debbie Lawlor uses data from 144,018 IVF cycles to provide a more accurate assessment of likely outcomes. The model identifies factors such as maternal age, duration of infertility, and oocyte use that affect the chances of successful treatment.
A UC professor is spending his Fulbright experience examining health challenges in China and sharing research about health education programs in the US. He will teach courses and explore cross-cultural comparisons of health knowledge and behaviors among Chinese and US students.
A Purdue University study finds the US is at a 'blending wall' for ethanol use, with insufficient infrastructure to increase production beyond current levels. Advances in next-generation biofuels, such as thermo-chemical biofuels, may provide a solution to meet federal renewable fuel standards.
Scientists have discovered that anaphylatoxin C5a contributes to the development of atherosclerotic disease by causing plaques to break free and block blood vessels. Inhibiting C5a may provide a new therapeutic tool for preventing heart attacks and strokes.
Researchers discovered a specific enzyme inhibitor, delta-protein kinase C, that can help control lung inflammation by protecting the lungs from neutrophil-mediated damage. This could lead to new therapeutic targets for treating acute respiratory distress syndrome and reducing morbidity and mortality associated with sepsis and trauma.
Current smokers with early rheumatoid arthritis showed reduced response to treatment with methotrexate and tumor necrosis factor inhibitors. The study found that smoking history did not impact the effectiveness of these therapies.
Researchers at MSU found that soldiers with a positive outlook were less likely to experience health problems after traumatic events. The study suggests training individuals to think more optimistically could help them cope better with distressing events.