The WHOI Ocean Science Journalism Fellowship program provides a one-week, residential experience for professional writers and producers to explore ocean research and its impact on climate change and human activities. Fellows gain access to new research findings and fundamental background information in various ocean disciplines.
A new tool developed by researchers at the Autonomous University of Barcelona predicts the environmental fate of pharmaceutical products. The model assesses the physical-chemical properties of drugs and their growth in use to determine their likelihood of entering the environment.
Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf develop a system to recreate amyloid formation on artificial surfaces, providing insights into disease mechanisms. The customized mica surface exhibits hydrophobic properties, facilitating the formation of oligomers and fibrils that can destroy cell surfaces.
Researchers tracked Malayan colugos using accelerometer packs and found they glide to save time, but not energy. The animals cover long distances gliding, which helps them forage more efficiently and protects them from predators.
Modern humans arriving from Africa swarmed the region with over ten times the population of Neanderthals, leading to their sudden disappearance. The incoming group's superior hunting technologies, social contacts, and complex behavioural patterns allowed them to outcompete Neanderthals for resources.
A team of scientists tracked the movements of toucans carrying seeds from a nutmeg tree, revealing that birds disperse seeds most effectively in the morning. The data created a map of the relative patterns and distances of seed dispersal, providing new insights into plant ecology.
Researchers found that uneven temperatures in semiconductors can create electronic whirlpools and sideways magnetic fields, leading to a new effect on thermopower efficiency. The discovery could improve the efficiency of commercial semiconductor devices
NASA's MODIS instrument on the Aqua and Terra satellites captured visible images of light brown smoke from wildfires streaming toward the Great Lakes. The data revealed high levels of aerosols, particularly north of the Great Lakes, posing a health hazard due to pollution from Ontario fires.
Research from Brown University economists finds that voters are more likely to support recommended candidates after newspaper endorsements, but credibility matters. Moderate voters are most influenced by endorsements. Key findings suggest voters filter out media bias when making informed decisions.
A UC Irvine study found a 28% rise in physical ailments among those who watched the 9/11 attacks live on TV, while reports of doctor-diagnosed illness climbed by 18% in adults. The study highlights the impact of collective trauma on health.
A recent study found that exotic grasses are better equipped to adapt to warmer temperatures than native grasses in California. This could lead to the expansion of invasive species into new areas, potentially threatening biodiversity and ecosystems.
A growing number of countries are supporting Australia's trailblazing stance on plain packaging, while others align themselves with the tobacco industry. The legislation aims to break the affiliation smokers have with a particular brand, helping them quit and prevent teenagers from becoming smokers.
Researchers have developed a method to reconstruct neural networks in detail, using computer programs KNOSSOS and RESCOP. The team successfully mapped over 100 neurons from the retina with high accuracy, reducing the time required compared to previous methods.
Researchers at University of Minnesota discovered a gene pattern in dogs that distinguishes between aggressive and less aggressive forms of bone cancer. The finding may lead to the development of laboratory tests to predict tumor behavior in humans, allowing for tailored therapy and potentially reducing side effects.
NASA's GOES-13 satellite captured the formation of Tropical Storm Don, which strengthened into a tropical depression and then storm over two days. The storm is expected to bring isolated showers and tropical storm-force winds to Texas coast, potentially providing drought relief.
Scientists create genetically modified mice with a built-in 'off switch' for their serotonin-producing cells, which control breathing, temperature regulation, and mood. The discovery sheds light on sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and depressive disorders, two conditions linked to low serotonin levels.
Researchers at Brown University discovered how bats can distinguish between target echoes and background clutter using subtle changes in sound intensity. By delaying their neural response to weaker echoes, bats can effectively 'defocus' clutter, maintaining a clear image of the target.
Professor Ingrid Daubechies of Duke University received the John von Neumann Lecture Prize for her fundamental work in developing the foundations and applications of wavelets. Her research focuses on time-frequency analysis, with contributions to mathematical sciences and engineering fields.
Research by Thomas Marler and Karl Niklas examines environment's influence on Guam cycad reproduction, finding wind's role in seed production is less crucial than initially thought. The study suggests insects play a more significant role in pollination, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect the endangered species.
Tropical Storm Nock-ten's intense convection is intensifying as it moves through the South China Sea, feeding on warm waters. The storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall, local flooding, gusty winds, and rough surf along coastal areas in Hainan Island and Vietnam.
A study suggests that middle-aged American health disparities contribute to a life expectancy gap with Europeans. By improving middle-age health, the US could save $632 billion by 2050 through reduced healthcare costs.
New research reveals how C. elegans nematodes suppress exploratory head movements to evade predacious fungi, increasing survival chances. The study suggests a biological and ecological link between genes, molecules, neural circuits, and behavior.
A recent study found that higher muscle mass is associated with better insulin sensitivity and lower risk of pre- or overt diabetes. Building muscle may be a key factor in improving metabolic health, particularly for overweight individuals who struggle to lose weight.
The Centre for Nanostructured Photosystems will pioneer the development of highly efficient, thin, flexible, and affordable solar cells. The centre aims to harness new clean energy sources effectively and make them commercially viable.
A new study finds that gout prevalence has risen significantly in the US adult population, affecting 8.3 million people, while hyperuricemia affects 43.3 million adults. The study suggests that managing modifiable risk factors like obesity and hypertension could help prevent further escalation of gout and hyperuricemia.
A University of Florida team applied GIS and spatial analysis to show where clusters of diseased coral exist. They found significant disease clustering at Buck Island National Monument, which can help scientists derive better hypotheses on coral disintegration.
Researchers have identified unexpected genetic mutations in head and neck squamous cell cancer, including defects in the p53 tumor suppressor gene and alterations in the NOTCH family of genes. These findings shed new light on the complex biology of this understudied disease.
Chinese researchers have found that oral chicken interferon-alpha can significantly reduce influenza virus levels when given either preventively or therapeutically. This could be a convenient and inexpensive method for protecting neighboring uninfected birds from infection.
The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center will extend its role as a coordinating hub for a nationwide research consortium studying the link between obesity and cancer. The initiative aims to understand the underlying behavioral causes of obesity and ways to prevent it, particularly among high-risk populations.
The study found that female education is a key determinant of population growth, with more educated women having fewer children and better health outcomes. The authors suggest that concerted efforts to fast track education could help keep the global population below 9 billion by 2050.
A University of North Carolina-led international study shows that male circumcision is associated with a lower prevalence of human papillomavirus-associated precancerous lesions of the penis among Kenyan men. Circumcision was found to reduce HPV-associated penile precancerous lesions by 78%.
Researchers at the University of California, Riverside have successfully transformed a family of acid compounds into bases using boron-based ligands. This breakthrough enables a vast array of new catalysts for use in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and material manufacturing, with potential applications yet to be fully explored.
A recent study published in Administrative Science Quarterly found that the way goods are traded plays a crucial role in determining an industry's moral legitimacy. The researchers examined the trade of human cadavers for medical education and research, highlighting how narrative distinctions and proper practices can render markets moral.
A study by Rice University biologist Evan Siemann and colleagues found that the invasive Chinese tallow tree was not introduced to the US by Ben Franklin. The genetic evidence suggests that the trees originated from eastern China, with a faster growth rate in the US than their Chinese counterparts.
Professor Bjorn Engquist received the Peter Henrici Prize for his fundamental contributions to applied and computational mathematics, with a focus on scientific computing and engineering applications. He also delivered the associated lecture, Fast Algorithms for High Frequency Wave Propagation, at ICIAM 2011.
A recent study found that consuming high fructose corn syrup increases cholesterol and triglycerides, key indicators of heart disease risk. The study suggests the current upper limit of sugar consumption may need re-evaluation.
Scientists create first large-scale map of a plant's protein network, revealing evolutionary process and disease mechanisms. The study, published in Science, uses Arabidopsis thaliana to uncover how microbes disrupt plant defenses against disease.
Researchers at Caltech have developed a new, more potent form of the HIV-fighting protein cyanovirin-N by linking two proteins together. The engineered protein, called CVN2L0, is 18 times more effective at preventing infection than the naturally occurring single protein and neutralizes all 33 subtypes of HIV tested against it.
A UC San Diego study found that mimicking someone's body language can incur a reputational cost in certain situations. In real-life interactions, people are often observing others' mirroring behavior, which can negatively impact their perception of the person doing the mirroring.
Scientists at the US Department of Agriculture have identified yeast species that produce sophorolipids, a type of green surfactant. The study found three new Candida species that can be used to mass-produce these eco-friendly alternatives.
A comprehensive assessment reveals that relying on protected areas is insufficient to address the ongoing global biodiversity crisis. The study highlights five key technical and practical limitations of this approach, including inadequate enforcement and insufficient funding.
Tamoxifen therapy for 5 years improves survival by about a third in women with hormone-sensitive breast cancer, according to an analysis of over 20,000 patients. The treatment reduces the risk of breast cancer recurrence and death in ER-positive disease, regardless of chemotherapy use.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College developed an RNA mimic of green fluorescent protein called Spinach to track the mysterious workings of various forms of cellular RNA. This technology will help unlock secrets of RNA's diverse roles in human biology and disease.
The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) has launched the Helios Scholars Program, a 8-week internship that strengthens biomedical education. The program provides high school, undergraduate and graduate level students with hands-on research access in state-of-the-art laboratories.
A rainforest vine has evolved a dish-shaped leaf with strong echoes to attract bat pollinators. The researchers found that the leaf reduces search times by 50% when presented above a feeder, indicating its effectiveness as an echo beacon.
A scientist at the Gladstone Institutes has discovered a way to convert human skin cells into brain cells, offering new hope for regenerative medicine and personalized drug discovery. The breakthrough discovery allows for efficient and robust methods to transform adult skin cells into neurons capable of transmitting brain signals.
The Institute on Asian Consumer Insight (ACI) will provide insights into Asian consumers' needs, wants, and preferences. It aims to help firms innovate brands, products, and services for the Asian market, capitalizing on Singapore's strategic location and multicultural environment.
Researchers have identified a new gene, LGI2, linked to human benign childhood epilepsies characterized by seizure remission. The discovery provides new insights into the development of a child's brain and the mechanisms of childhood epilepsy.
A new Harvard study analyzing hundreds of bone samples found no correlation between fluoride levels in bone and osteosarcoma. The results support the long-standing evidence that fluoride is safe and effective at preventing cavities, according to ADA President Raymond Gist.
Researchers found that antioxidants may have significant value in addressing infertility issues, including erectile dysfunction. Antioxidants can help control free radicals that destroy nitric oxide, an agent that relaxes and dilates blood vessels.
A new study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill reveals that plant pathogens employ a surprisingly limited number of cellular targets to infect plants. By mapping the interactome for Arabidopsis thaliana, researchers found that these targets are shared among multiple pathogens, suggesting a coordinated attack strategy.
The world's population is expected to surpass 7 billion in 2011, with a projected increase of 2.3 billion people by 2050. Most of this growth will occur in less developed regions, including Africa, posing significant challenges for food, water, housing, and energy supply.
African-Americans and Latinos with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes often struggle to meet their therapeutic goals due to economic, social, and cultural factors. Researchers are exploring an intervention combining clinic-based pharmacists and community-based health promoters to improve lifestyle behaviors and medication compliance.
Using a 'systems biology' approach, researchers identified proteins in the blood that change in abundance long before aggressive breast cancer is clinically detectable. The study found that host tissues respond to and amplify signals from tumor cells, leading to changes in blood-protein levels.
The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology has named 12 scientists as award winners, including Stuart Kornfeld, Lovell Jones, and Susan Marqusee. The awards recognize their outstanding research achievements in various fields, including lipid research, protein folding, and eukaryotic signaling.
The PATH B program provides a comprehensive educational resource for patients with chronic hepatitis B, improving understanding of the disease and enhancing patient-physician dialogue. The program aims to increase patient engagement in disease management, resulting in better quality of life.
Researchers have uncovered a huge network of genes that help plants defend against pests and diseases, making it possible to explore new avenues for crop improvement. The study's findings suggest that looking for single genes is not sufficient and instead, breeders should work together to produce plants with robust networks of genes.
A Montreal Heart Institute study found that ivabradine significantly improves left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and reduces cardiac fibrosis in rabbits with cholesterol-enriched diets. The results suggest that ivabradine may be an effective treatment for patients with diastolic heart failure.
The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) will build 62 sites across the US, utilizing cutting-edge technology to gather and synthesize continental-scale data. This information will support understanding and predicting environmental change on regional and continental scales.
Researchers at Humabs BioMed SA have discovered the first antibody to target all 16 hemagglutinin subtypes of influenza A, representing a promising treatment option for severe cases of flu. The novel monoclonal antibody, FI6, has been shown to protect mice and ferrets from infection by influenza A virus using multiple mechanisms.
Researchers discovered genetic changes in the mitochondrial genome of iPS cells, which can cause metabolic disorders and nervous diseases. The study highlights the need to test cell lines intended for clinical use for such mutations.
Researchers found that states of relaxation consistently increase the monetary valuations of products, with relaxed individuals valuing products more highly than their less-relaxed counterparts. This effect applies to a wide range of products, including luxury items and services.
UK PubMed Central will be led by EMBL-EBI for the next five years, providing access to over 2 million full-text biomedical research articles. The service aims to build a gold-standard digital repository for the biomedical literature, benefiting researchers worldwide.
A UT Southwestern men's support group has published a book to reach out to husbands and partners of women with cancer. The book shares stories of five men who know firsthand what it's like to love and care for a cancer patient, offering emotional support and practical advice.
A study published in Science found that the last interglacial period saw less melting in Greenland and more in Antarctica than previously thought. The researchers used sediment analysis to estimate past ice sheet behavior and improve future projections.
Researchers will study diet, weight, physical activity, and environment's impact on cancer and cancer survivorship. The goal is to reduce cancer-related deaths from obesity and improve treatments.
Researchers at Lawson Health Research Institute have found that introducing maspin protein into the nucleus of cancer cells can significantly limit tumor growth and spread. This discovery may lead to new targets for drug development and improved understanding of cancer prognosis.
A recent study published in the Journal of Dental Research investigated the link between bone fluoride levels and osteosarcoma risk. The research found no significant association between the two, contradicting previous controversies over fluoride's potential role in increasing osteosarcoma risk.
Kezhong Zhang is studying CREBH's role in regulating NAFLD through a $1.7 million NIH grant. He aims to understand how CREBH controls fat production and digestion, with implications for preventing and treating NAFLD.
Professor David E. Keyes has been awarded the SIAM Prize for his leadership in high performance computing and computational science engineering, spanning advisory committees and interdisciplinary research university development. The award honors his long-term advocacy and contributions to the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathemat...
Researchers found familial breast cancer patients have significantly shorter telomeres, suggesting a genetic mechanism contributing to disease progression. The study also demonstrated genetic anticipation in affected daughters, with decreased telomere length relative to their mothers.
A study found that hedge fund leverage decreases prior to the financial crisis in mid-2007, while investment bank leverage increases. Hedge funds' leverage is more predictable by economy-wide factors than fund-specific characteristics.
Tropical Storm Muifa strengthened in the western North Pacific Ocean on July 28, with highest thunderstorms located on its eastern and southern sides. A nearby high-pressure area is preventing evaporation in the storm's northern quadrant, weakening its convection.
Researchers from Salk Institute and Dana Farber Cancer Institute mapped thousands of protein-to-protein interactions in Arabidopsis thaliana, revealing networks and functional groups. The dataset provides new insights into plant evolution and potential for breeding more resilient agricultural plants.
A device has been created that can automatically classify different types of cava wines, thanks to a combination of sensor systems and advanced mathematical procedures. The classification is based on the amount of sugar added during production.
Researchers have developed a toolkit to selectively silence serotonin-producing neurons in mice, revealing new insights into Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The study found that serotonergic neuron activity affects body temperature regulation and responses to carbon dioxide levels.
A massive Arctic wildfire released 20 times more carbon to the atmosphere than undisturbed tundra, accelerating the transformation of tundra ecosystems. The impacts could have profound implications on atmospheric carbon and climate as the Arctic landscape warms and shrubs appear in place of grasses and mosses.
Researchers propose Positive Activity Interventions (PAI) as a new and less expensive approach to treating depression. PAIs include activities like gratitude, optimism, and acts of kindness, which have been shown to increase positive thinking, affect, and behaviors.
Researchers found that mannan oligosaccharides increase the total number of immune cells in pigs infected with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus. MOS also alleviates the overstimulation of the immune system, reducing fever and improving feed efficiency.
A new study shows that reducing nitrogen pollution from wastewater treatment plants can come with significant economic benefits, including up to $600 million per year. The study also found that using emissions credits could create an incentive for utilities to adopt technologies that reduce climate pollution and improve water quality.
The comet's water production in 2010 was three times less than in 1997, with a sudden increase of hydrogen signatures detected by SWAN. This observation challenges standard models of comet behavior and highlights the need for further analysis to understand the underlying causes.
Research shows that bacterial resistance mechanisms increase survival and reproduction rates when both genetic mutations and plasmid insertions occur simultaneously. Bacteria like Escherichia coli exhibit faster reproduction in up to 32% of mutation-plasmid combinations.
A new study by McMaster University researchers found that South Asians are more likely to store fat in internal organs like the liver, increasing the risk of diabetes and coronary artery disease. The study suggests that this type of visceral fat is associated with metabolic problems and may affect organ function.
German researchers have successfully used electroencephalography (EEG) to detect drivers' intentions to brake, reducing reaction time by 130 milliseconds. The system uses EEG and myoelectric activity to detect emergency situations before they occur, potentially saving thousands of car accidents caused by human error.