Researchers have discovered that malaria and other insect-borne diseases have existed for at least 100 million years, co-evolving with birds and monkeys. The study uses preserved insects in amber to reveal the evolution of these pathogens, making it difficult to conquer them.
A team of experts used cutting-edge diagnostic tools to analyze the ancient Egyptian mummy, discovering that it was a child from a wealthy family during the Roman period. The scans also found evidence of embalming techniques and the brain, heart, and lungs being left in the body.
A Mediterranean diet combined with physical activity has been shown to improve some symptoms of sleep apnea, including reduced number of disturbances during REM sleep. This study found a greater adherence to the calorie-restricted diet and increased physical activity in the Mediterranean diet group compared to the prudent diet group.
Researchers have created a genome-scale model called RiceNet to predict the functions of genes and gene networks in rice, accelerating the development of biofuel crops. The model, which encompasses nearly half of all rice genes, was developed using publicly available data sets and validated through experiments.
A landmark study in mice identifies a biological mechanism that could explain how tobacco products act as gateway drugs, increasing the risk of abusing cocaine. The study shows that nicotine primes the brain to enhance the behavioral effects of cocaine.
Researchers developed a method to measure customer emotions without relying on self-reporting, providing a more accurate assessment of brand attitudes. The study's findings suggest that companies can improve product development by incorporating such measures.
Recent research reveals that autistic individuals have superior cognitive abilities in perception and reasoning, challenging the long-held notion of autism as a deficiency. Autistic individuals like Michelle Dawson make significant contributions to scientific understanding through their unique perspectives and strengths.
A recent study published in Geophysical Research Letters found that perennial ponds are not a significant contributor to high levels of arsenic in India's groundwater. Instead, the researchers propose that organic matter contained in Holocene sedimentary basins is likely the source of the toxin, taking thousands of years to reach the a...
A new study published in Nature reveals that neither climate change nor humans alone can account for the Ice Age mass extinctions. The research team found that different species responded differently to climate change and human impact, with some being extinct due to a combination of factors.
Researchers at Boston College and MIT have developed a highly selective catalyst for ring-closing olefin metathesis, allowing the efficient synthesis of epothilone C and nakadomarin A, two potent anti-cancer agents. This breakthrough has major implications for the future of chemical synthesis.
Astronomers have identified 13 new diffuse interstellar bands with the longest wavelengths to date, which could help explain the presence of large organic molecules in space. The discovery supports recent ideas that these molecules, or 'carriers,' are hidden in interstellar dust clouds.
Researchers suggest that the placenta's invasiveness into the uterine wall may lead to increased blood loss at delivery. Biomarkers produced by trophoblasts could potentially predict risk, allowing women to make informed decisions about their birthing site and medical care.
Researchers at Caltech found that bacterial cells respond to stress by continuously flipping genes on and off, similar to a heater switching on and off. This pulsating mechanism, triggered by molecular fluctuations, could drive other cellular processes and reveal more about how life works.
Researchers found that nicotine alters the response to cocaine in terms of addiction-related behavior and synaptic plasticity. Nicotine also primes the response to cocaine by inhibiting histone deacetylase, enhancing cocaine's ability to activate the FosB gene.
Researchers have created thin, flexible sheets of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) using a low-cost 'roll-to-roll' printing process. This technology could revolutionize lighting by being used for everything from home and office tiles to windows that simulate sunrise and sunset.
A new regimen of conditioning therapy before stem cell transplant has improved survival outcomes for older patients with hematologic malignancies. The study found that 5-year overall survival rates were around 35%, and progression-free survival rates were around 32%.
Scientists at University of Warwick discover mechanism for cell division ensuring correct chromosome number, a key factor in cancer development. The study found that the 'spindle checkpoint' is conserved from yeast to human cells and can be targeted by drugs to prevent cancer.
A new study by the University of Leeds reveals that major roads have a detrimental impact on bat populations, reducing activity and diversity. The research shows a strong correlation between distance from the road and bat activity, highlighting the need for effective mitigation measures to protect these protected species.
A new study led by Brown University found that vitamin D does not confer benefits against mortality in postmenopausal women, contrary to previous beliefs. The study controlled for key health factors like abdominal obesity and found no association between high or low levels of vitamin D and reduced risk of death.
A new research technology is screening human blood serum samples for immunity to malaria-causing Plasmodium falciparum parasite proteins. Researchers found that young children are more vulnerable to malaria due to limited immunity to various protein variants.
The University of Leicester has established an Advanced Structural Dynamics Evaluation Centre (ASDEC) with £1.07 million funding, enabling the analysis of product design, parts, and components in the automotive, aerospace, and space industries. The centre will provide cost-effective system-level models to predict optimal design solutio...
A University of Missouri study finds that digital media is segmenting people into polarized interest groups, leading to nastier politics. Researcher Ben Warner recommends a balanced approach to information seeking to restore civility to political discourse.
A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals how Helicobacter pylori bacteria disrupts mitochondrial function to induce cell death. The researchers found that the bacterial toxin VacA recruits a host protein to activate apoptosis, a process linked to cancer development.
Researchers at Centenary Institute found prostate cancer cells have more pumps than normal, allowing them to take in leucine and outgrow normal cells. Disrupting these pumps slowed cancer growth by as much as 50%, offering hope for a treatment that slows tumor growth without surgical removal.
A new species of minute freshwater snail, Daphniola eptalophos, has been found in a mountainous spring in central Greece. The species differs from its congeners in shell dimensions, soft body pigmentation and penis coloration.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that physical activity can substantially reduce the effect of the FTO gene on obesity risk. The research, which analyzed data from over 218,000 adults, showed that individuals who were physically active had a nearly 30% weaker association with the FTO gene compared to those who were inactive.
Scientists discover a possible therapy for hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type 1, reversing toxic molecule accumulation in mice. Additionally, researchers design minihepcidins to reduce iron overload by mimicking the natural protein's ability to lower blood iron levels.
A Mayo Clinic study of 1,382 procedures found no increased risk of bleeding in patients taking anti-clotting drugs during removal of precancerous lesions. Bleeding was more common when procedures were performed on the esophagus and stomach, but not linked to medication use.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina Health Care have identified the regulatory mechanism behind cell polyploidy, a phenomenon observed in plants and insects. The discovery may lead to new insights into liver regeneration and disease treatment.
Researchers found that shutting down radiology workstations and monitors after an 8-hour shift can save substantial energy and costs. By doing so, they reduced their energy consumption by 76.3% and saved $9,225.33, mainly due to the shutdown of standby equipment.
Researchers find that providing obese adolescents with a daily dose of 4,000 IUs of vitamin D3 improves their vitamin D status. The study suggests that obese adolescents require higher doses due to reduced absorption in fat stores.
A nationwide study found that radiologists performed 55% of non-cardiac ultrasound studies in 2009, while non-radiologists accounted for 41%. The role of radiologists in non-cardiac ultrasound is strong but may be impacted by miniaturization of ultrasound equipment
The US preterm birth rate has improved by nearly 5% between 2006 and 2009, with 40,000 more babies receiving a healthy start in life. This improvement is attributed to various health interventions and treatments, including progesterone, which have reduced medically unnecessary c-sections and inductions.
The Arizona State University-led initiative aims to identify molecular markers for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease risk, with the goal of predicting heart attack risk and assessing potential new treatments. The project will use proteomics and mass spectrometry technology to discover and validate biomarkers.
Community land ownership in Scotland has been found to stimulate businesses, affordable housing, and infrastructure projects, bringing new people and increasing employment. Local decision-making is crucial for building resilience, with communities able to overcome challenges through their own resources or external connections.
Patients aged 60-75 who received the mini-transplant experienced comparable survival rates across three age groups, with increased comorbidities and cancer aggressiveness affecting outcomes. The five-year survival rate was 35% for overall and 32% for disease-progression free
Researchers found that individuals rationalize restrictions they cannot change, but rebel when they believe a change is possible. This finding could explain uprisings and unrequited love, suggesting that perceived absoluteness influences behavior.
A new study by Cedars-Sinai researchers found a targeted antibiotic to be the safest treatment option for irritable bowel disease, with fewer adverse side effects compared to other therapies. Rifaximin was shown to have a significantly lower number needed to harm than other commonly used treatments.
A study by San Francisco State University researchers has identified critical fertility enzymes in nematode worms, shedding light on sperm development and mobility. These PP1 phosphatases play a key role in separating chromosomes during division and propelling the sperm with a unique treadmilling motion.
Researchers found that higher loneliness scores were associated with significantly higher levels of fragmented sleep. The study suggests loneliness may compromise a good night's rest, potentially affecting overall health.
A study led by Durham University has identified a potential drug therapy for premature ageing diseases, including Hutchinson Gilford Progeria Syndrome. The treatment, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), controlled oxidative stress and DNA damage in cells, suggesting a possible model for understanding processes that cause us to age.
Researchers at Caltech found that leeches rely on two distinct methods to detect prey: hairs detecting water disturbances and simple eyes picking up passing shadows. In adulthood, the preference shifts to using water disturbances alone.
PlateMate's calorie estimates have proved accurate like those of trained nutritionists and more so than users' logs. The research was presented at the 24th ACM Symposium on User Interface Software and Technology, a leading conference on human-computer interaction.
A new study found that middle-income earners prefer fast-food dining due to its affordability and convenience. The research suggests that policymakers should look beyond restaurant type when addressing the obesity epidemic.
Researchers found that a defect in the TERE1 gene, associated with Schnyder's corneal dystrophy, also contributes to invasive bladder cancer progression. The study showed that TERE1 inhibits bladder cancer cell growth and regulates cholesterol levels in cells.
Overweight teenagers in Philadelphia report wanting to lose weight, but their actions are more hindrance than help. The study found that obese teens are more likely to smoke and consume soda daily, despite exercising regularly.
Four Michigan State University researchers are working on new projects to combat cystic fibrosis, using funds from the $110,000 grant from Hunt for a Cure. The studies aim to develop new treatments and prevent bacterial infections, with a focus on understanding the role of molecules, genes, and biofilms in the disease.
A study from Rhode Island Hospital found that emergency department staff perceptions of their roles significantly impact patient satisfaction. The researchers used a web survey to identify gaps in key indicators of patient satisfaction, with staff reporting changes or reconsidering their role responsibilities.
New research from NC State University sheds light on how blow flies survive when buried underground during their development. The study found that blow flies can survive burial and provides additional information for murder investigations, helping forensic entomologists determine body burial times and potential relocations.
The Alliance for Person-Centered Accessible Technologies (APAcT) program will produce a new generation of experts trained in assisting individuals with disabilities. The program combines faculty and staff from Arizona State University and California State University, Long Beach, to provide students with diverse research experiences.
A new study by University of Guelph professor Merritt Turetsky and colleagues found that draining northern wetlands leads to severe peatland wildfires, releasing nine times as much carbon into the atmosphere. This discovery highlights the importance of cumulative impacts on peatland ecosystems and their role in the global carbon cycle.
A large prospective cohort study found that low levels of alcohol consumption are associated with a small increase in breast cancer risk, and this association persists even after controlling for drinking patterns and age. Women who consumed at least 30 grams of alcohol daily had a significantly higher risk of breast cancer.
Regular physical activity is associated with a lower risk of suffering depression in old age. Self-determined motivation and perceived competence are key factors in persuading elderly people to exercise more.
Crop sensors outperformed farmers in choosing nitrogen rates for corn fields, resulting in average yield increases of almost 2 bushels per acre. The technology reduced excess N applied by 25% without harming yields, offering a potential solution to environmental concerns about fertilizer pollution.
A recent study published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology found that mild fever-range hyperthermia enhances the generation and differentiation of CD8+ cytotoxic T-cells, which can destroy virus-infected cells and tumor cells.
The Christchurch earthquake ruptured a previously unmapped fault, causing widespread liquefaction-induced damage. Eight papers focus on structural and geotechnical damages associated with strong ground motion shaking.
A recent study by the American College of Radiology found that many radiologists disagree on managing incidental findings on body computed tomography (CT) scans. Despite advances in CT resolution and increasing utilization, published guidelines are still emerging, leading to a lack of agreement among radiologists.
The New York University College of Nursing will use the grant to develop a simulation-based teaching strategy called D-SETS, which aims to increase cultural competence among nursing educators. The project also focuses on minority recruitment and retention to address the shortage of diverse nursing faculty.
A recent study found that women having a coronary angioplasty (PCI) procedure have more health issues compared to men. However, the study did not find that they had a higher mortality rate after the procedure.
The Ontario Genomics Institute's Toronto Centre of Genomic Services (TCAG) has received a $5 million injection to continue providing cutting-edge genomic services. Led by Dr. Stephen Scherer, TCAG supports over 1,600 labs worldwide in various disciplines.