The Tiramisu app uses crowdsourced data to provide real-time bus arrival information, benefiting riders with disabilities and enhancing the overall transit experience. The app's success in a field test demonstrates its potential to improve public transportation in Pittsburgh and beyond.
A study found that computer-aided detection (CAD) software used in analyzing three out of four mammograms does not improve detection rates or cancer outcomes. CAD was associated with more false positives, but did not detect smaller or less aggressive cancers.
A University of Florida study shows that Arctic tundra fires can release significant amounts of soil-bound carbon into the atmosphere, potentially accelerating global climate warming. The 2007 Anaktuvuk River fire in Alaska released 2.1 million metric tons of carbon, equivalent to twice the amount emitted by the city of Miami in a year.
A new study using satellite observations reveals that magnetic oscillations carrying energy from the Sun's surface into its corona are far more vigorous than previously thought. These waves are energetic enough to heat the corona, driving the solar wind and affecting the entire solar system.
Scientists with NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) have tracked Alfvén waves carrying more energy than previously thought, which could drive the intense heating of the corona and solar winds. The study confirms that these waves may be part of a mechanism supplying a huge reservoir of energy at the sun's surface.
The International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants will allow electronic publication of new taxa names, making the process more efficient and rapidly available for all.
A signaling pathway plays a key role in determining the type of new neurons generated from postnatal neural stem cells. The study found that sonic hedgehog signaling, which is active in specific locations within the subventricular zone, influences neuron production and can redirect adult stem cell fate.
A new study published in Nature shows that the neural networks in the brains of middle-aged and elderly individuals have weaker connections and fire less robustly than in younger ones. However, the research suggests that this condition is reversible with the help of a medication called guanfacine.
Researchers are working to improve lung function in babies with heart defects by boosting the recycling system that enables blood vessels to handle excess blood volume. They've found that a key enzyme is insufficiently energized, and PPAR agonists may provide the necessary boost.
The deployment of speed cameras in urban areas saves vast amounts of money by reducing the number of road traffic accidents. This financial analysis reveals net savings of up to £20.17 million over two years.
Tropical Storm Nock-ten has been a big rainmaker across the Philippines for two days, with NASA tracking its heavy rainfall using TRMM satellite data. The storm's 3-D image revealed towering convective storms near the center of circulation, extending to heights above 15km, associated with future strengthening.
A new system tracks cattle's feeding patterns and behavior using RFID technology, enabling early detection of illnesses and improving treatment outcomes. The system has shown promising results in detecting subtle changes in animal behavior indicative of health challenges.
Researchers have discovered a breakthrough therapy for patients with kidney disease by reprogramming their own kidney cells. The process involves collecting cells from urine and coaxed them into becoming progenitor cells that can form healthy kidney tissue.
Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine identified a gene related to HPRT1 that explains why mice with the same mutation do not exhibit self-destructive behavior like humans. The PRTFDC1 gene may be a target for treating Lesch-Nyhan disease, a condition characterized by delayed development and neurological problems.
A study found that only 47% of parents consulted their GPs about their child's weight, and even fewer were referred to weight-management services. The research highlights the need for healthcare professionals and families to work together to address childhood obesity.
Research published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine suggests that growing up on a livestock farm is associated with an increased risk of developing blood cancers. The study found that those who grew up on poultry farms were three times more likely to develop a blood cancer.
A study published in PhytoKeys has sorted out the names of three Australian Cucurbitaceae species collected in 1856, which are distinct from each other and one is closest to the honeymelon. Molecular data link herbarium science with molecular results to resolve economically important group identities.
The Scientific Steering Committee of the Census of Marine Life was awarded the 2011 International Cosmos Prize for its groundbreaking research on marine biodiversity, distribution, and abundance. The prize recognized the Committee's comprehensive approach to understanding relationships among living organisms and their global environment.
A team of scientists used BGI's rapid, bench-top DNA sequencing technology to analyze the deadly E. coli O104:H4 outbreak in Germany, revealing a new model of international collaboration for infectious disease control. The study found that genome sequencing provides the foundation to identify and characterize novel pathogens.
A team of geneticists at IRCM discovered that the pituitary gland's secreting cells form highly-structured networks. These networks allow cells to recognize and exchange signals, supporting hormone balance and function.
Researchers discovered that flood basalts contain traces of ancient Earth's primitive mantle, challenging previous theories. The findings suggest that a significant fraction of large volcanic events originate from a modern mantle source similar to the primitive reservoir found in northern Canada and Greenland.
Scientists identify two genetic sequences that control how a breast cancer gene responds to estrogen, leading to tamoxifen resistance. The discovery may help guide the search for new therapeutic targets in breast cancer.
The study estimates that around 10 million injecting drug users globally are infected with HCV, while 1.3 million have HBV infection. The authors emphasize the need for increased attention to viral hepatitis in IDUs and enhanced access to treatments.
Dr. Eui-Hyeok Yang, a Stevens Institute of Technology professor, has received a Defense University Research Instrumentation Program (DURIP) grant to support nanoscale imaging research. The grant will enable the purchase of state-of-the-art equipment, including a high-resolution scanning probe microscope.
A record-breaking tundra fire in Alaska's North Slope released as much carbon as the tundra stored in 50 years, according to scientists. The study highlights the rapid impact of climate warming on tundra ecosystems.
Researchers used a new imaging technique to study brain activity in patients with chronic low back pain, finding increased activity in specific brain regions during worsening pain episodes. The study provides insights into the basic physiology of pain processing and may lead to tailored therapies.
J. Craig Venter will receive the Dickson Prize in Medicine for his groundbreaking contributions to human genome mapping and synthetic biology, including the completion of the first draft of the human genome and construction of a synthetic bacterium. The award recognizes his innovative work as a scientist, researcher, and entrepreneur.
A new network defense tool developed by Heechang Shin uses a game theoretic model called defensive forecasting to detect network intrusions. This approach is more effective than previous methods and provides real-time detection, allowing for quicker response and blocking of intrusions.
A large UC Davis study analyzed 1.6 million mammograms and found that computer-aided detection (CAD) technology is not effective in finding breast tumors, leading to increased false-positive results and unnecessary recalls for further testing.
A new study by McGill University researchers suggests that people tend to eat healthier at home due to emotional associations with the meal. The study, based on data from 160 women, found that positive emotions triggered at home lead to better food choices.
Panic attack sufferers experience significant physiological instability for at least 60 minutes before the attack, including changes in heart rate, respiration, and carbon dioxide levels. This finding challenges the common notion of sudden, unexpected panic attacks.
Researchers used a statistical model to estimate that 50,000 people carried the Korean family name Kim in 500 AD. This suggests stability in Korean culture over the past 1500 years, despite population growth and social changes.
Researchers identified the genetic mutation causing Proteus syndrome, leading to spontaneous tissue and bone growth. The discovery offers hope for potential drug therapies and confirms the disease's cause, previously unknown.
A study by UCLA researchers found significant disparities in healthcare spending between Latinos and whites, with Latinos paying out-of-pocket more often. The gap narrows over time for naturalized citizens but remains constant for non-citizens.
A new study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that knee replacement patients are at a higher risk of developing clots, particularly those with cardiovascular disease, smoking history, or advanced age. The study suggests extending blood thinner therapy into weeks following surgery to minimize this risk.
Two major reviews published in the Journal of Advanced Nursing explored clinical and non-clinical factors affecting vaginal birth after caesarean section. Key findings included guidelines, audit and feedback impacting VBAC rates, and private health insurance not being a barrier to successful VBACs.
Researchers at the University of Maryland have developed a non-invasive brain computer interface that allows users to control computers and robotic prosthetic limbs with their thoughts. The technology, known as UMD brain cap, uses EEG signals to translate brain waves into movement commands.
Research published in Nature reveals Canadian cod populations are recovering, with haddock playing a dominant role, and a reversal of predator-prey roles contributing to the growth of smaller fish species. The study suggests an ecological transition towards balance is underway.
A recent study suggests that mitigating chytridiomycosis through different infection control methods could largely prevent local extinctions and outbreaks of the disease. Researchers have identified successful pilot studies in Spain, including a heat therapy treatment using itraconazole, which has increased amphibian survival rates.
Research from Northwestern University finds that many Americans assume behavior is a product of personal choice, fostering the belief that opportunities are equal and gender barriers no longer exist. This framework, known as 'opting out,' can lead to a vicious cycle where women underestimate discrimination and overestimate their own ag...
A team of researchers at Purdue University has successfully created ultrapure gallium arsenide material that captures exotic states of matter. By cooling the material to extremely low temperatures and applying a magnetic field, they can create correlated states where electrons behave according to quantum mechanics.
Researchers measured HAA levels in swimmers' and pool workers' urine after exposure to chlorinated water. The study found that HAAs appeared 20-30 minutes after exposure and were eliminated within three hours, with children accumulating higher concentrations.
Researchers found that humans experience significant brain shrinkage and degeneration with aging, unlike chimpanzees who do not display comparable losses. The study suggests evolution led to large brains in humans, but also increased vulnerability to age-related brain diseases like Alzheimer's.
A new treatment protocol has been shown to dramatically increase the survival rate of patients with incompatible kidneys, doubling their chances of eight-year survival. The treatment involves removing problematic antibodies from a patient's blood prior to transplant and aims to replace them with low-dose IVIg, resulting in an 80.6% sur...
A new species of pearl-flowered legume, Psoralea margaretiflora, has been discovered in the Sneeuberg Centre of Floristic Endemism in South Africa. This discovery highlights the importance of exploring the poorly explored Great Escarpment in southern Africa.
A Cochrane Systematic Review found that short-term amphetamine use can improve Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms in adults. However, the high risk of adverse events and limited duration of treatment restrict its effectiveness.
Cigarette smoke exposure fundamentally alters airway tissue in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), leading to self-perpetuating fibrotic changes. The study reveals that cigarette smoke induces the production of pro-fibrotic cytokines and activates the NF-κB pathway, contributing to COPD persistence.
A recent paper by Elizabeth Bennett highlights the alarming rate of wildlife extinction driven by organized crime syndicates. The trade, fueled by wealthy East Asian markets, uses sophisticated smuggling methods, including e-commerce and hidden compartments, to wipe out species at an unprecedented scale.
An international team of scientists used single molecule, real-time DNA sequencing technology to analyze the pathogenicity and evolutionary origins of the highly virulent German E. coli outbreak strain. The results provide the most detailed genetic profile to date, highlighting the importance of DNA sequencing in understanding how bact...
The NASA Visualization Explorer app allows users to interact with extraordinary images, video, and information about NASA's Earth science research. The app features high-resolution movies, short written stories, and interviews with scientists, all designed to be easily accessible to the general public.
A systematic review of 32 trials involving 3128 patients found that cocaine-free topical anaesthetics substantially reduce pain without triggering serious side effects. These agents offer an attractive alternative to injecting pain killers into damaged tissue, making them easier and less painful for patients.
A new type of therapy has shown promise in reducing symptoms of pain, weakness, and fatigue in people with functional or psychogenic symptoms. The study, which included a self-help workbook and guided sessions, found that participants who received the extra therapy were more likely to report improvements in their overall health.
The search for biomarkers has made significant strides in disease diagnosis and treatment monitoring, with some tests already incorporated into everyday medicine. However, recent studies have shown that promising cancer biomarkers are no better than existing ones, highlighting the need for new approaches.
Researchers are studying early reptiles' movement using a fast X-ray video system and comparing it with modern animals. The goal is to create animated studies of the early saurians and gain insights into their movements.
Scientists at the University of Nevada, Reno conducted a series of earthquake tests on a 5-story building in Japan to demonstrate the effectiveness of seismic isolation technology. The goal is to make critical facilities safer and more resilient to extreme earthquakes, such as those that occur every 2500 years on the West Coast of the ...
New research suggests that women and men perceive risks differently, with women taking more social risks and men taking more financial risks. This difference is partly due to differences in how familiar individuals are with different situations.
A new cognitive neuroscientific study challenges traditional models of working memory, introducing a 'multiple-component framework' that considers different capacities operating simultaneously. This framework has practical implications for education and interventions for aging or brain damage.
Scientists use optogenetics to induce social-behavior deficits in mice resembling those seen in people with autism and schizophrenia. The findings lend credence to a hypothesis that an altered balance between excitatory and inhibitory nerve cells may contribute to the development of these disorders.
A team of researchers led by Dr. David Rasko analyzed the genomic data of the German E. coli outbreak strain, revealing it was a unique combination of enteroaggregative and enterohemorrhagic E. coli subtypes. The analysis provided critical information for treating infected patients and tracing the source of the pathogen.
A team of engineers from four US universities aims to create a prosthetic arm that can be controlled by brain signals, allowing amputees to perceive tactile sensations. The project combines noninvasive neural decoding, direct brain control, and sensory feedback to improve the user experience.
A study found that women with dense breasts are at higher risk of certain breast cancers and their tumors are more likely to be aggressive. Breast density was also linked to specific tumor characteristics, including ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and estrogen receptor-negative tumors.
Researchers have developed a reflective 'carpet cloak' made of silicon oxide and silicon nitride, which conceals an object under layers and bends light waves around it. The device demonstrates the possibility of actual invisibility for the light seen by the human eye, surpassing previous infrared-based demonstrations.
Tropical Depression 11W is currently located southwest of Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, with maximum sustained winds near 30 knots. The storm is expected to move northwestward for the next day or two before shifting in a northeasterly direction.
A team of Brandeis researchers has created artificial cilia-like structures that spontaneously organize into active bundles and beat in a periodic manner. This breakthrough offers a new approach for studying the beating patterns of real cilia, which could lead to advances in nanotechnology.
Researchers used CT scans to identify structural changes in lungs of COPD patients linked to exacerbations. These findings suggest that distinct subgroups of patients may require targeted therapies, independent of spirometry measures.
A new study by Michigan State University found that teacher influence persists in early grades, affecting students' reading and math scores in later grades. The research highlights the importance of identifying and hiring effective teachers in elementary school to improve student achievement.
A study tracking 126 leatherbacks found that they migrate across vast Pacific areas and require greater international collaboration for protection. The researchers discovered diverse foraging behaviors influenced by oceanographic features, shedding light on conservation efforts.
Berkeley Lab researchers have created a graphene and tin nanoscale composite material for high-capacity energy storage. The new material, dubbed a 'sandwich' structure, bolsters battery performance and enables quick charging and repeated cycling without degradation.
Researchers have discovered a range of new colors by tweaking the chemical structure of the existing blue pigment, which could lead to safer and more durable pigments. The new orange pigment is already being explored for commercial use.
A recent study suggests that social media tools like Facebook and Twitter can improve disaster preparedness and response by harnessing crowd-sourcing technologies and electronic communications. The authors propose several examples of social media tactics to boost disaster preparedness, including mobile apps, buddy systems, and RSS feeds.
A study by Michigan State University found that farmers are more likely to reenroll their land in a conservation program if they talk to their neighbors about it. Farmers who interacted with each other were willing to reenroll more land, with over 15% more land being reenrolled after 10 interactions.
A new study led by Johns Hopkins University psychologist Amy Shelton found that people with better social skills are more proficient in taking another person's perspective, including spatial ones. This ability is crucial for those on the autism spectrum and may be related to empathy and tolerance.
Scientists develop aquatic microrobot that stands effortlessly on water surfaces, walking and turning freely. The robot incorporates improvements over previous devices, making it a prime candidate for military spy missions and water pollution monitoring.
Researchers use Photo Activated Localization Microscopy (PALM) to accurately count proteins on the cell surface, gaining insight into their interactions and evolution. This technique may help develop more effective drugs by understanding how cells react to external agents.
A recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that children and adolescent mobile phone users are not at a statistically significant increased risk of brain cancer compared to non-users. The study included data from over 352 brain cancer patients and 646 control subjects, and found no clear exposure-res...
A York University study found that yoga significantly reduces physical and psychological symptoms of chronic pain in women with fibromyalgia. Practicing hatha yoga twice weekly for eight weeks led to elevated cortisol levels and decreased pain intensity, suggesting a positive impact on the body's stress response.
Astrid Matthey and Tobias Regner's study found that individuals tend to act fairly if consequences are clear, but ignore them for personal gain. The researchers suggest providing information can improve behavior, such as promoting sustainable consumer choices.
A new study by University of Vermont geologists provides the first broad, standardized view of pre-human erosion rates, measuring 1599 measurements from 87 sites worldwide. The study reveals that slope is a key driver of erosion, contradicting previous assumptions about rainfall's role.