Fossil moths from 47 million years ago had yellow-green wings that may have helped them blend in with leaves to avoid predators. Researchers reconstructed the original colors using mathematical analysis, providing insights into the evolution of color use among lepidopterans.
Researchers found that providing prophylaxis to the uninfected partner could be cost-effective, at least as effective as initiating antiretroviral therapy earlier. This strategy may become a valuable addition to existing HIV prevention approaches.
Researchers found that COPD patients are 5 times more likely to develop lung cancer than normal smokers. Early detection of COPD through lung function testing can help identify high-risk patients for lung cancer screening.
Researchers found that reappraising emotions can quickly reduce negative responses to angry faces, with brain activity showing decreased signals for negative emotions after reappraisal. This process is faster and deeper than previously thought, allowing people to prepare themselves for potentially challenging situations.
A new project will study the behavior of carbon deep within the Earth, led by a UC Davis chemistry professor with a $1.5 million grant from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.
Scientists quantify differences between microwave-induced and conventional heating in liquid glycerol samples, finding increased mobility and reactivity at low frequencies. The type of heating used has a limited impact on molecular mobility and reactivity at high temperatures.
Researchers have found that the brain uses a more complex process to perceive lightness than previously thought. They conducted an experiment where participants viewed images with high ranges of light intensities and reported what shades of gray a target square looked like.
A Cleveland Clinic study reveals that maximum doses of Crestor and Lipitor are equally effective in reversing atherosclerosis after 24 months of treatment. The trial showed no significant differences between the two drugs in reducing plaque burden, but rosuvastatin was found to lower LDL cholesterol and increase HDL levels.
Evacetrapib, a new CETP inhibitor drug, shows striking increases in HDL (good) cholesterol and significant reductions in LDL (bad) cholesterol. The study found that evacetrapib increased HDL levels by 53.6-128.8 percent and lowered LDL by 13.6-35.9 percent.
Studies highlight brain's resiliency to damage from stroke and premature birth, proposing ways to prevent or limit harm with new treatments on the horizon.
Researchers tracked Dusky Large Blue butterfly movements to discover that long-distance travel is crucial for landscape-level effects, informing more efficient conservation methods. The study, published in Journal of Animal Ecology, sheds light on butterfly mobility in fragmented landscapes and has implications for habitat design.
A clinical trial found that denosumab treatment increases bone-metastasis-free survival by an average of four months in men with prostate cancer. The drug targets the bone microenvironment to prevent tumor spread.
New research reveals that columbines achieved a rapid radiation of 70 species through a simple change in cell shape, not cell proliferation. The extent of cell elongation drives diverse spur lengths across species.
Researchers developed a new genetic screening tool to investigate possible treatments for patients with melanoma and unique genetic mutations. The study found that vemurafenib was most effective in melanomas with the V600E mutation, while vincristine only worked on those without BRAF gene mutations.
Researchers developed genetically engineered blood vessels that can secrete erythropoietin, reversing anemia in mice. The system also has an on/off control mechanism, allowing for flexible dosing and minimizing antibiotic exposure.
Researchers at Monash University discovered a gene that helps protect against squamous cell carcinoma, the most common form of skin cancer. The absence of this gene is a profound driver of SCC tumours, leading to unchecked cell growth and cancer.
Researchers found that patients with epilepsy on long-term antiepileptic drugs, especially phenytoin, carbamazepine, and valproic acid, are at increased risk for developing atherosclerosis. The study suggests that newer AEDs like lamotrigine may minimize metabolic disturbances and reduce this risk.
Students in health classes with a mastery focus reported better responses regarding sexual advances and safe sex habits, including lower intentions of having sex and improved navigation of sexual situations. In contrast, extrinsic-focused classrooms showed no improvement or even negative effects on these measures.
The UK and India will collaborate on bioenergy research to develop sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels, with a focus on plant and algae processing. The joint call aims to tackle global challenges in this area, leveraging expertise from both nations.
Researchers at the University at Buffalo have developed a new approach to regenerating heart muscle cells. By infusing cardiosphere-derived cells into coronary arteries, they were able to increase healthy heart muscle cells by 30% within a month.
A new study reveals that air pollution can exacerbate severe storms while suppressing gentle rains, according to the researchers. The findings have significant implications for water resource management in regions across the US and globally.
Researchers at University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine discovered a new human gene, TAF15, similar to TDP-43 and FUS, that may contribute to ALS pathology. The study used yeast as a model organism to identify potential disease genes associated with the neurodegenerative disease.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have designed and synthesized a protein with 242 amino acids, validating a new approach to engineer large proteins. This breakthrough expands the scope of protein engineering efforts, enabling the creation of new antibodies and other beneficial proteins.
The new chip can simulate the activity of a single brain synapse and capture intracellular processes that underlie many brain functions, including learning and memory. It represents a significant advance in modeling neural functions and could be used to build systems for neural prosthetic devices and artificial intelligence devices.
A blood-based gene expression test was found to be more effective than myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) in ruling out obstructive coronary artery disease in stable symptomatic patients. The test demonstrated high sensitivity and negative predictive value, enabling clinicians to rule out patients with high accuracy.
Researchers at USC's Keck School of Medicine discovered how estrogen activates genes in breast-cancer cells through a protein called TIP60, which recognizes methylation signals in chromatin. This finding builds upon previous work and has broader implications for gene regulation and potentially global significance.
Georgia Institute of Technology experts developed RealOpt-ABM software to model guest movement through the aquarium. The tool accurately predicted guest flow, recommending strategies for show scheduling, resource allocation, and theater loading/unloading. Optimized designs minimized congestion and ensured an amazing guest experience.
A study published in The Lancet Oncology found that CT colonography significantly increased participation in colorectal cancer screening, with a more than 50% increase compared to traditional colonoscopy. This non-invasive technique has the potential to positively impact overall patient outcomes and reduce complications and costs.
A randomized controlled trial found that telephone-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy and an exercise program were associated with short-term positive outcomes for patients with chronic widespread pain. The combined intervention showed improvements in physical component score and reduced passive coping strategies.
Researchers at George Mason University have identified a key driver in inflammatory breast cancer, allowing for the development of new treatments. The study found that nearly all samples had high activation of the protein anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), paving the way for targeted therapy.
Researchers found that prenatal exposure to xenoestrogens from urban pollution is associated with higher birth weights in infants. The study established a correlation between estrogenic burden in pregnant women's placenta and increased birth weight.
Researchers used laser capture microdissection to analyze individual root cells and discovered genes involved in arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis. The study found that even non-colonized cells are reprogrammed to prepare for fungal colonization, enabling plants to thrive in nutrient-depleted soil.
Research found that low-income older adults are at a higher risk of developing heart failure, regardless of their education level. The study highlights the need for affordable access to healthcare and healthy lifestyle promotion.
A new report calls for stronger institutions, improved public engagement, and alignment with national policies to enhance the effectiveness of carbon markets in promoting sustainable development. Key findings highlight the need for wider political changes to address the winners' and losers' from a low-carbon energy economy.
Researchers developed a gelatin-based drug-delivery system that can quickly restore blood flow by activating tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) in blood clots. The treatment, which uses soundwaves to reactivate tPA once it reaches the clot, shows promise for treating patients with chest pain en route to the hospital.
Researchers discovered Mycobacterium tuberculosis produces a protein that disables the immune response, allowing the bacteria to live comfortably in human cells. This breakthrough provides new targets for developing better treatments against this devastating disease.
Researchers are discovering promising treatments for pain, including mirror box therapy and a new opioid-like drug that relieves acute pain without euphoric effects. The studies also identify the neurobiological source of common morphine side effects.
The US Department of Energy has established a high-speed network connecting three top supercomputing centers in California, Illinois, and Tennessee. This network delivers data at 100 Gigabits per second, making it one of the fastest systems in the world.
A study by McMaster University researchers found that voters tend to prefer candidates with lower-pitched voices, perceiving them as more attractive and dominant. This preference is related to the cue of dominance, which has been an important factor in human leadership throughout evolution.
Researchers at Virginia Tech discovered that certain bats can deform their ears in just one-tenth of a second, changing their ultrasonic hearing patterns. This allows them to adapt to different acoustic sensing tasks, outperforming humans in spatial hearing sensitivity.
Professor Andreas Strasser has been awarded the 2011 Victoria Prize for his groundbreaking research into programmed cell death, which has shown that defects in apoptosis can lead to cancer and autoimmune disease. His work aims to improve anti-cancer treatments by increasing cancer cells' propensity to die.
Adults with congenital heart disease and implanted cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) experience sexual performance problems due to fear of device shock. The study found men with ICDs had lower sexual function scores, especially those with high shock-related anxiety.
Climate change is expected to alter water flows in major river basins in Africa, posing a new challenge to food production and cross-border water conflicts. The Limpopo Basin, Nile Basin, and Volta Basin are particularly vulnerable to changes in temperature and rainfall patterns.
Researchers found that TDP-43 binds to NF-kB p65 in spinal cords of ALS patients, promoting inflammation and killing neurons. Treatment with an agent blocking p65 activity eased disease symptoms in a mouse model.
A national study led by Johns Hopkins cardiologist Thomas Aversano found that nonemergency angioplasty can be performed safely at hospitals without cardiac surgery backup, with low rates of complications and death. The study compared over 18,500 patients who underwent heart artery-opening angioplasty or stenting at hospitals with or wi...
A new study published in Psychological Science finds that individuals pay attention to negative information about a system when they believe the status quo can be changed. This shift in perspective allows people to focus on finding solutions to problems, rather than reinforcing the existing system.
Research from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that 57% of cardiac arrest patients' treatment with hypothermia involved documentation of poor prognosis, with 25% of patients having their care withdrawn within 72 hours after arrest. Despite this, over 20% of patients survived to discharge with good neurological ou...
A recent study found that a gene influencing empathy and sociability can be detected in strangers, who rated individuals with a particular genetic variation as more caring and trustworthy. The oxytocin receptor gene was linked to prosocial behavior, with those carrying the GG genotype exhibiting higher levels of kindness and trust.
A study found that retinal microvascular changes are associated with disability in daily activities among older adults. The presence of two or more retinal signs was linked to a higher risk of disability, independent of vascular risk factors and carotid atherosclerosis.
A Mayo Clinic study found that stem cells delivered two to three weeks after a heart attack do not improve heart function. The research provides vital information for the field of cell therapy and cautions against seeking stem cell treatment outside the US.
In a preliminary human trial, an injection targeting PCSK9, a cholesterol regulator, lowered low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or 'bad' cholesterol by 64% in healthy volunteers. The study found that increasing doses of the monoclonal antibody AMG145 improved cholesterol levels and reduced side effects.
A study published in Archives of Neurology found that breast cancer survivors who received chemotherapy demonstrated reduced activation in key brain areas and poorer executive function. The researchers also discovered that negative effects of chemotherapy may be exacerbated by factors such as age and educational level.
A University of Rochester Medical Center study found that high school football and hockey players showed subtle brain injuries after routine head hits, even without concussions. The research used diffusion tensor imaging to detect changes in white matter, which are similar to axonal injury at the cellular level.
A primary care-based weight intervention led to a significant weight loss of 10.1 pounds over two years in obese patients. The program, which included lifestyle counseling and meal replacements, also improved cardiovascular disease risk factors.
New research from Northwestern University and Texas A&M University suggests that ideal partner preferences can be flexible once meeting in person. People tend to focus on the whole person rather than individual traits, making preconceived notions less important.
A new study suggests a possible link between radon exposure and non-melanoma skin cancer in the southwest region of England. The research found a correlation between areas with high radon concentrations and squamous cell carcinoma cases.
Scientists at the University of Georgia have developed a new method to create neural crest cells, precursors of bone cells, smooth muscle cells, and neurons, using a single-step process that reduces production time by half. The method uses small molecules to activate specific signaling pathways, increasing consistency and reducing costs.
Researchers found that influenza viruses can circulate globally, with multiple urban centers acting as sources of seasonal epidemics. The study used RNA sequences from 2003-2006 and showed high rates of viral migration among cities, challenging the long-held theory that tropical areas are the only source of seasonal flu.
A six-month telephone-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) program improved symptoms of chronic widespread pain, with significant benefits reported three months after treatment ended. Exercise also showed substantial improvements in self-rated global health.
The Allen Institute for Brain Science has launched a new brain atlas resource, the Allen Mouse Brain Connectivity Atlas, which provides a three-dimensional map of neural connections throughout the mouse brain. The Atlas will help scientists understand how the brain is wired and what goes awry in brain diseases and disorders.