The EarthScope Transportable Array has reached a major milestone by installing its first station east of the Mississippi River in northwest Mississippi. This new station will continuously record ground motion from local, regional and global earthquakes for the next two years.
USDA scientists found bacterial strains producing the enzyme urease survive longer when fed to caterpillars, making them more effective at controlling pests. Researchers tested 50 strains and found that urease-producing phenotypes survived better when repeatedly fed to gypsy moths.
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) has awarded $383,000 to nine state and local organizations to enhance COPD education initiatives across the country. These organizations will focus on increasing awareness among at-risk populations and enhancing leadership for prevention and treatment.
The study identifies three periods of rapid evolution in the fly family tree, with mosquito, March fly, and common house fly branches emerging around 220, 175, and 50 million years ago. This research provides a framework for future comparative work on species critical to society and science.
The symposium aims to address food insecurity in North America, focusing on its effects on child development and academic, health, and socio-emotional problems. Researchers will explore current government and charitable programs, their similarities and differences, and public policy implications.
Michael Elowitz was awarded the 2011 HFSP Nakasone Award for his groundbreaking research on genetic noise, a concept that has transformed our understanding of cellular behavior. His work has shown that noise is not just a random variation but an essential element that enables core cellular functions.
Researchers have developed a microreactor to improve biodegradable polymer production by using enzymes. The continuous flow process accelerates reaction rates and improves enzyme recovery, showing promise for commercial-scale applications.
Researchers at NIST and University of California, Irvine, developed a way to magnify cell membranes up to 1,000 times resolution, revealing the importance of cholesterol in maintaining membrane order. The findings suggest that cholesterol may have profound consequences for gatekeeper proteins, which interact constantly with the membrane.
Researchers have developed a computational model to clearly identify significant genome variations, which will aid in understanding the impact of such variations on cell functions and treatment outcomes. The approach was tested using Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacterium responsible for hospital-acquired infections, and showed promising ...
Marine scientists compiled a directory of life on Australia's continental shelf, identifying 37 environmental factors shaping seabed life. The new maps and knowledge highlight complex patterns of biodiversity across the country's shelf habitats.
The ALSPAC project will investigate how behavior before birth, infancy, childhood, and adolescence affect adult health. Researchers will collect data from three generations: the original mothers and children, their adult offspring, and now, grandchildren.
Researchers identify IL-23 as a major contributor to inflammation in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, offering hope for new treatments. The study provides insight into the pathogenic role of IL-23 and its potential as a therapeutic target.
A study by researchers at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine found that electronic faucets carry high levels of bacteria, including Legionella spp., compared to traditional manually operated faucets. The findings led to the decision to replace electronic faucets with manual ones in clinical areas.
A recent study warns that human impacts on the Southern Ocean are degrading its unique ecology, threatening native fauna. The researchers highlight various human activities causing harm, including pollution, overfishing, and climate change, which are altering food webs and endangering species.
NJIT professor Bruce Bukiet predicts the Major League Baseball winners using his mathematical model, which takes into account various factors such as team performance and player statistics. His predictions aim to promote the power of math and show how it can be used to analyze complex issues.
Researchers create water-resistant thermoplastic from chicken feathers using methyl acrylate, resulting in films with excellent mechanical properties and resistance to tearing and water. The development aims to replace petroleum-based plastics with renewable resources, promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Researchers investigate links between wetland resources and city emergence, exploring archaeological sites from 5,000 B.C. to Islamic times. The study aims to understand the contributions of early-mid Holocene shoreline and marshes to Mesopotamian cities.
A new review suggests that conservation efforts should focus on protecting vulnerable species and habitats rather than those with lower extinction risk. The proposed 'vulnerability assessment' would use a wider range of data to provide a more accurate picture of which species are most at risk.
Yale engineers have developed miniscule nanowires made of a novel material that boosts long-term performance in fuel cells. The nanowires' high surface area exposes more catalyst, increasing efficiency.
Climate change communication has been ineffective in changing public opinion, with researchers arguing that the public lacks understanding of climate uncertainties. A new study suggests that a cross-disciplinary team approach and strategic listening can improve communication.
Researchers are exploring how fathers contribute to their children's cognitive development, emotional well-being, and social skills. Studies will examine the role of fathers in rural American communities, Israeli families, and low-income African American households, shedding light on the often-overlooked impact of fathering on childhood
Scientists have found that molecules in thin films remain frozen at a temperature where the bulk material is molten. This phenomenon, known as surface freezing, occurs at the buried interface between bulk liquids and solid surfaces, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 30 degrees Celsius above the melting point of the bulk material.
A new study in flies reveals that the sense of smell plays a crucial role in controlling appetite. When flies are starved for hours, their insulin levels drop dramatically, increasing the sensitivity of odor-sensitive neurons.
A study published by Scottsdale Healthcare and TGen identified microRNA-328 as a biomarker that can predict lung cancer patients' risk of developing brain metastasis. The study found that over-expression of microRNA-328 resulted in increased cancer cell migration, suggesting its involvement in 'brain-seeking' metastatic potential.
A new study suggests that rare genetic variants are more likely to influence disease than common ones. Researchers sequenced the complete genomes of 29 people and found that functional regions of DNA were more enriched in rare variants.
Researchers have developed an immune therapy technique that can suppress fertility hormones in females and males, potentially preventing pregnancy. The treatment could be used on dogs, cats, and other mammals, as well as humans with hormonal imbalances or conditions such as androgen excess syndromes.
A recent study found that using acute kidney injury (AKIN) criteria in hospitalized cirrhotic patients can predict outcomes and improve diagnosis. The AKIN criteria is more sensitive than current definitions, considering a ≥50% increase in serum creatinine within 48 hours as renal failure. This may lead to better management of health s...
The NIH Strategic Plan for Obesity Research aims to curb the growing obesity epidemic by investigating key processes, understanding contributing factors, and designing new approaches for achieving a healthy weight. The plan also emphasizes education and outreach to move proven strategies into community programs and medical practice.
Researchers have identified a connection between DNA damage and the regulation of inflammatory responses in humans. The study found that an injury to chromosomes alters the expression of Toll-like receptors, leading to inflammation. This discovery may lead to new treatments for inflammatory diseases and cancer.
A UBC study found that certain populations of Fraser River sockeye salmon are more likely to adapt to changing environmental conditions due to their unique migration routes and specialized physiological adaptations. These findings have implications for conservation efforts in other watersheds worldwide.
A research study has found the first green frog fossil in Murcia, confirming the presence of the green toad in south eastern Spain at the end of the Early Pleistocene. The discovery provides key osteological clues and sheds light on the reasons behind its local extinction.
Extracurricular activities affect children's and adolescents' mental health, with excessive involvement linked to depression, loneliness, and risky behavior. Research explores the threshold effect beyond which benefits stabilize or decline.
A team of researchers found that half of all learned insights are consolidated in our memories, and the amygdala plays a crucial role in this process. The study used camouflage images to induce sudden insight, and participants' ability to identify the images was predicted by amygdala activity.
A Michigan State University researcher has been awarded a $3.3 million grant to develop an intervention program for low-income mothers who are overweight or obese. The program aims to promote healthy eating, physical activity and stress management through interactive DVDs and peer support.
Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt have elucidated a new signaling pathway in the immune system that regulates inflammation and chronic dermatitis. The discovery provides new avenues for therapeutic intervention and potential targeted therapy for patients with unclear origin.
Michigan Technological University researchers found an immigrant wolf in Isle Royale's gene pool through DNA analysis of scat samples. The introduction of new genes led to a decrease in inbreeding and increased survival rates among the wolves.
Scientists have engineered a protein fragment that prevents the AIDS virus from entering cells, offering a potential breakthrough in treating and preventing HIV/AIDS infection. The discovery is based on a naturally occurring protein called RANTES, which was modified to remove harmful effects while maintaining its therapeutic properties.
Studies by CSIRO and the University of Sydney found that ants and termites can increase wheat crop yields by up to 36% under low tillage conditions. The insects improve soil nitrogen and water infiltration, reducing runoff and evaporation. This breakthrough has significant implications for dryland agriculture in hot and dry climates.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have identified a promising target for an AIDS vaccine: the V3 loop of the virus's protein envelope. Immune system antibodies aimed at this loop may offer protection against multiple genetic subtypes of HIV-1, offering hope for a universally effective vaccine.
A new study confirms fluvastatin's antiviral activity in patients with chronic hepatitis C, improving EVR and SVR rates when used with pegylated Interferon-alpha and ribavirin. The findings suggest lipid-lowering drugs like fluvastatin may complement standard HCV treatment.
Researchers found that eating high amounts of protein made men who were trying to lose weight feel fuller throughout the day. The study also showed that larger meals led to reductions in appetite and feelings of fullness, contrary to the common trend of eating smaller, more frequent meals.
Researchers discovered that the brain processes mirrored words automatically and unconsciously in a matter of milliseconds. This finding opens up new avenues for studying dyslexia and other reading problems.
Researchers have discovered that a gene called Sox10 coordinates the balance of cell types in healthy development. This means that it's difficult to get 100% of cells to become one type, even in lab conditions. The study suggests that understanding these balancing mechanisms is crucial for harnessing stem cells in medical applications.
A new pilot study aims to fill the research gap for young women with Triple Negative Breast Cancer, a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer that affects mostly African-American or Hispanic women. The two-year study will survey up to 60 women recently diagnosed with this type of breast cancer.
Research finds micro-RNAs play a role in type 2 diabetes mechanism, blocking insulin's blood-sugar-reducing effect. Obese mice produce excess miRNA-143, which silences genes responsible for insulin activation.
New modeling studies support EU policy efforts to address HCV-related morbidity and mortality. With ambitious policies, HCV-related mortality could decrease by up to 12% over nine years, corresponding to a relative impact of 117% compared to current practice.
Researchers discovered that a supposedly inactive protein ROP5 plays a crucial role in Toxoplasma gondii's ability to cause disease, suggesting the possible role of similarly errant proteins in other diseases. The team engineered strains without ROP5 and found the pathogen was unable to cause disease in mice.
A new spray-on material can detect and neutralize terrorist explosives, including peroxide-based substances like TATP. The ink-like material changes color and becomes a non-conducting material when exposed to explosives.
A new study reveals a previously unrecognized link between tobacco smoking and altered DNA methylation of the coagulation factor II receptor-like 3 (F2RL3) gene, possibly identifying an early stage of smoking-associated cardiovascular pathology.
Middle-aged adults with diabetes are more likely to develop age-related conditions like cognitive impairment, incontinence, and vision problems. The study found that those with diabetes developed these conditions nearly double the rate of those without diabetes.
Biologists at UC San Diego identified molecular mechanisms in fruit flies that enhance the nervous system's response to smell, potentially regulating human appetite. The discovery could lead to new ways to decrease overeating among obese individuals and increase appetites among the infirm.
New research reveals that tree leaves in different canopy positions respond to varying light conditions by changing shape and physiology. This adaptation allows trees to cope with stress and use resources more efficiently, with outer canopy leaves influencing the inner canopy's ability to utilize diffuse solar radiation.
Researchers worldwide investigate factors driving teen civic involvement, aiming to inform efforts boosting youth participation. The symposium in Montréal will explore how cultural, social, and individual elements influence civic engagement among adolescents.
NIST has broken ground on three new facilities: a net-zero energy residential test facility, an expanded National Fire Research Laboratory, and over 2,500 solar energy modules. The Net-Zero Energy Residential Test Facility will serve as a testbed for new home-scale energy technologies, while the National Fire Research Laboratory expans...
A study of nearly 600 patients found that anaemia was frequently found in patients with severe non-inflammatory respiratory diseases. The research team discovered that older patients, those with other health problems and poor nutrition were more likely to have anaemia.
Researchers from Lund University and Mid Sweden University have identified a type of smell produced by bed bugs, known as alarm pheromones, which is repulsive to nymphs and potentially useful for controlling the pests. The study's findings suggest that the smells given off by adult and nymph bed bugs are surprisingly similar.
Three researchers conducted a first-ever US-led archaeological survey inside Iraq, exploring links between wetland resources and the emergence of Mesopotamian cities. The study shed new light on how civilization rose in the Near East, particularly in areas such as Hammar marshlands.
Research by Prof. Ron Naaman and colleagues reveals that biological molecules, such as DNA, can discern between quantum states of spin, a phenomenon previously thought irrelevant to their function due to their size and temperature. This chiral property enables them to selectively interact with electrons carrying specific spins.
New data reveals novel lymphocyte-hepatocyte interactions regulated by HCV, affecting CD4+ T-cell trafficking and cytokine expression. This understanding may influence anti-viral immune responses and chronic HCV replication.
Scientists at NIST and UM create a toroidal Bose-Einstein condensate with ultracold sodium atoms, exhibiting superfluidity and persistent flow. The circuit includes a tunable weak link barrier that controls the atom current to specific values.