Researchers at Salk Institute discover a "hidden" code linked to DNA that allows plants to develop and pass down new biological traits rapidly. The epigenetic code is found to evolve more quickly than the genetic code and strongly influence biological traits.
Tropical Storm Sonca is bringing moderate to light rainfall as it passes east of the southern island of Chichi Jima. The storm's western quadrant has dry air that suppresses thunderstorm development.
A species of mosquito capable of transmitting West Nile virus has been found on Galapagos Islands, posing a significant risk to the archipelago's unique wildlife. Strict insect control measures and further research are recommended to prevent the disease from reaching the islands.
A $37 million grant has been awarded to test a combination prevention strategy to prevent HIV in African countries. The PopART project aims to reduce new HIV infections through community-wide testing, medical circumcision, and immediate ART for those testing positive.
Researchers found that people born after World War II are more likely to engage in heavy episodic drinking and develop alcoholism. The study highlights the need for specific public health prevention and intervention efforts, particularly for young women who face unique health risks due to their smaller body size.
Researchers at Uppsala University have identified a rare, previously unknown group of bacteria that could be the origin of mitochondria. The study suggests that these bacteria evolved from ocean- and earth-dwelling bacteria with larger genomes, explaining their success in global carbon cycles.
Research finds children with autism and GI disturbances have changed genes involved in digestion, altering intestinal bacteria. These changes may contribute to behavioral disturbances in some cases.
A NASA team will attempt to send a balloon with an instrument payload to measure gamma rays from the Crab Pulsar, 6,500 light years away. The mission aims to study the polarization of gamma rays, which can provide clues about the source's mechanism.
A new laser technology has been developed by Michigan State University researchers to detect roadside bombs with high sensitivity and selectivity. The laser can canvas large areas and distinguish between explosives and similar compounds, making it a potential game-changer for detecting improvised explosive devices.
Tropical Storm Roke is consolidating with strong convection and cold cloud-top temperatures, indicating its potential for further strengthening. The storm's environment is favorable for development due to light wind shear and warm sea surface temperatures.
Researchers found that virtual stroke care using two-way audio-video telemedicine is cost-effective for rural hospitals without a neurologist on staff. The study suggests that improved reimbursement rates and equipment costs could greatly diminish the disparity in stroke care between urban and rural areas.
The Pitt team discovered molecular changes in the brains of women with major depressive disorder, including reduced BDNF and GABA gene expression. These findings replicate changes seen in a mouse model, providing new insights into depression's biological mechanisms.
A new durum wheat line, DGE-1, has been developed with enhanced scab tolerance through the incorporation of a specific wheatgrass chromosome. Researchers used molecular markers to identify and transfer the resistance genes from the added wheatgrass chromosome into related durum wheat chromosomes.
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine has been awarded a $11.3 million grant from the National Cancer Institute to establish a center for research on gastrointestinal cancers. The center will focus on translational research to develop new tests, treatments, and prevention methods for colon and esophageal cancers.
A new study reveals a dramatic increase in medication poisoning cases among young children, with opioids and sedatives being the most commonly ingested substances. The PROTECT Initiative aims to improve storage devices and child-resistant closures to reduce the risk of accidental overdoses.
A study by University of Texas Medical Branch researchers has identified fortilin as a key protein that promotes the growth of cancer cells by inhibiting p53, a tumor suppressor. This finding may lead to new treatments for cancers and atherosclerosis.
A study by Cornell economist Michael Lovenheim finds a strong correlation between home prices and college attendance. The housing boom led to increased college enrollment nationwide, with the effect being particularly strong among middle and lower-income families.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a method to pinpoint the amount of methane hydrates trapped under the seabed using shallow core samples. The technique, which analyzes transition zones between methane and sulfate, can aid in selecting deep drilling sites for expensive exploratory drilling.
Researchers have detected stellar oscillations in a hotter star, revealing insights into its internal structure and composition. The discovery was made possible by the Kepler space telescope and provides new information on the processes that govern stellar behavior.
The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite measured powerful convective storms dropping rainfall at over 50mm/hr northwest of Maria's center. Heavy rainfall bands were detected between the storm's center and Bermuda, with winds predicted to reach minimal hurricane strength by 2:00 p.m. EDT.
Researchers at Emory and Johns Hopkins universities have quantified the data capacity of a biochemical signaling pathway for the first time, finding that it is significantly lower than expected. The study suggests that cells may use alternative methods to communicate when their primary pathways are insufficient.
A supercomputer simulation by University of Pittsburgh researcher Christopher W. Purcell suggests that the Milky Way's spiral arms were triggered by a collision with the Sagittarius Dwarf galaxy. The impact stripped off 80-90% of the dark matter halo, producing instabilities that eventually formed the spiral arms and ring structures.
A study by University of Texas Medical Branch researchers found that protein UNC-45A is linked to increased cell proliferation in breast cancer specimens and cell lines. High levels of UNC-45A also drive enhanced myosin and actin activity, leading to increased rates of cell proliferation and migration.
The University of Guam's entomologist has received $205,500 in grants from the USDA to control the coconut rhinoceros beetle population on the island. The beetle has shown high resistance to current biocontrol methods, including pheromone-baited traps and a biocontrol virus.
A study of over 400 children with ADHD found a link between regular outdoor play in green settings and milder symptoms. Children who regularly played outdoors had better impulse control and concentration than those who played indoors or in built-outdoor environments.
Astronomers detect a double sunset on the newly discovered Kepler-16b, a planet similar to Saturn in size and mass. The planet orbits two smaller, cooler stars and is estimated to be around -100°C due to its distance from its parent bodies.
A study introduces ethnicity-specific reference genome sequences to analyze whole-genome sequencing data, improving disease risk assessment. The approach was demonstrated in a four-person family and showed increased accuracy in detecting rare variants and reducing errors.
NASA's Aqua satellite revealed powerful convection in System 94W, strengthening it into Tropical Storm Sonca. Infrared data showed cloud temperatures and heights, aiding forecasters in predicting the storm's behavior.
Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center found that blocking cholesterol uptake in brain cancer cells could provide a new strategy to battle glioblastoma. The study, published in Cancer Discovery, identified the LDL receptor as a key regulator of cancer cell growth and survival.
A team from the University of Alberta has discovered 11 feather specimens trapped in amber, preserving details of ancient feathers and their pigment. The find suggests that small theropod dinosaurs were the source of these protofeathers, which shared similarities with modern bird plumage.
A new framework for evaluating human influences on wildfires is developed to inform sustainable fire management practices. The research emphasizes the importance of understanding relative influences of climate, human ignition sources, and cultural practices in particular environments.
The Arctic sea ice extent fell to 1.67 million square miles in September 2011, the second lowest recorded since satellites began measuring it in 1979. Scientists attribute this decline to rising temperatures caused by human-produced greenhouse gases, which is expected to lead to ice-free summers by around 2030 or 2040.
Scientists have found a control switch that regulates stem cell pluripotency by altering the DNA binding properties of FOXP1, facilitating maintenance of pluripotency and reprogramming adult cells. The discovery has significant implications for therapeutic applications in regenerative medicine and cancer research.
Researchers used a pioneering approach to speed up drug development for ependymoma, a rare tumor with few treatment options. Dozens of potential new treatments were identified, including 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and other chemotherapy agents.
A new study published in American Journal of Physiology and Endocrinology Metabolism found that mice born to mothers on a high-fat diet before and during pregnancy have higher fat mass and smaller livers. Switching to low-fat diet reduces risk, according to researchers at Oregon Health & Science University.
Researchers have found that chronic drinking leads to reduced cortical thickness in frontal and temporal brain regions, affecting cognitive abilities and intellectual functions. The study's results indicate that alcohol damage occurs in gradations, with more severe damage associated with higher levels of consumption.
A FSU researcher suggests that video games may not boost cognition as claimed by previous studies. The researcher critiques the methodological flaws in these studies and argues that there is little solid evidence to support the benefits of video game play.
Restoring forests and planting trees on farms can greatly improve food security by providing a source of income, food, and fuel for households. In dryland areas like the Horn of Africa, forests serve as a crucial defense against poverty and provide critical sources of moisture and nutrients in the soil.
Scientists discovered a previously unknown compensatory pathway that protects the brain and organs from genetic and environmental threats. The NMD pathway is vulnerable to insults, but human cells have evolved a way to overcome attacks by sending reinforcement molecules to compensate for losses.
Researchers at Cleveland Clinic discovered that medicated stents reduce heart attacks and new blockages in vessels beyond the stent. Patients receiving drug-coated stents have a lower likelihood of suffering heart attacks or developing new blockages.
Astronomers have discovered a planet that orbits around a pair of stars, providing direct evidence for the existence of circumbinary planets. The discovery was made using data from the NASA Kepler space telescope and confirms long-speculated theories about these systems.
This study found that chronic alcoholics' gait and balance can continue to recover with long-term abstinence from alcohol. However, deficits can persist, especially in eyes-closed standing balance. The results suggest that impaired brain functions appear to recover with extended abstinence.
Astronomers have found supermassive black holes in small distant galaxies, suggesting that central black holes formed early in galaxy evolution. The study used the Hubble Space Telescope to probe the universe and identifies a connection between star formation and active galactic nuclei.
The study improves computational tools for medical interpretation of genomes, enabling disease-risk prediction and personalized medication responses. The research involves a four-person family with a history of blood clotting, allowing for the identification of genetic variants associated with health risks.
A Virginia Tech researcher has developed an app called Small Craft Motion Program (SCraMP) that provides boat operators with motion analysis data, including acceleration, heave, roll, pitch, and yaw. The app aims to help captains make informed decisions about their vessel's stability and safety.
Marriages between African Americans and whites increased rapidly between 1980 and 2008, but the total number remains smaller than those between whites and other groups. The study found that education played a key role in bridging racial gaps, with highly educated blacks and whites more likely to intermarry.
A new study led by a University of Florida researcher verifies that the pet trade is the No. 1 cause of invasive amphibian and reptile introductions in Florida. The study documents 137 non-native species, with about 25% traced to one animal importer.
A study of two small group living care homes in the Netherlands found that residents felt at home, maintained their identity, and benefited from family involvement. The domestic environment and normal daily activities provided stability and clarity.
Tropical Storm Roke is showing signs of intensification with strong convection and cold cloud tops, posing a threat to Kadena Air Base. Meteorologists expect the storm to strengthen as it approaches the base, bringing tropical storm conditions from Friday to Sunday.
The study reveals that EGFR plays a crucial role in the development of KRAS-driven pancreatic cancer, blocking its progression without it. Researchers found that mice with EGF receptor deletion had blocked pancreatic cancer development.
The Office of Naval Research has developed a smartphone app called PASSION that allows deployed sailors to navigate, locate, and track people and assets on ships in real-time. This system provides low-cost, real-time situational awareness for enhanced navigation and force protection.
Researchers found that low serotonin levels weaken communication between brain regions, making it harder to control angry feelings. Healthy volunteers' brains were scanned while viewing angry faces to understand the impact of serotonin on aggression.
Researchers at the University of Notre Dame have identified a critical mechanism in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics. The 'lysine N-decarboxylation switch' process, facilitated by protein BlaR1, enables MRSA to conserve resources until it detects an antibiotic threat.
A new LAMP (Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification) test has been designed specifically for sleeping sickness diagnosis in rural African settings. The test promises to improve diagnosis accuracy and reduce the need for repeated lumbar punctures, paving the way for potential elimination of the disease.
A major shift in European fish stocks is already underway due to rapidly rising temperatures, with some species' losses being others' gains. The study found that over 72% of common fish species have changed in abundance related to warming trends, with three out of four species increasing in numbers.
Researchers have discovered how the Merkel cell carcinoma virus operates, offering a potential new approach to treating this rare and aggressive skin cancer. The study found that the virus can cause abnormal cell growth even after removing key interaction sites with heat-shock proteins.
Infants use 'statistical learning' to predict future events and find boundaries between movements. This skill is crucial for learning words, and researchers believe it begins as early as 7-9 months old.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab create high-voltage photovoltaic effects in ferroelectric materials using an electronic bucket brigade. The study reveals a simple, periodic domain structure that enables efficient charge transport and increased voltage output.
A new class of stem cell-like radial glial cells has been identified in the spinal cord, which may offer a fresh avenue for therapies to treat spinal cord injury and disease. These cells were discovered using the Allen Spinal Cord Atlas and display a unique progenitor phenotype.
Arctic ground squirrels have adapted to store high levels of anabolic steroids in their muscles, allowing them to burn protein and maintain vital functions during hibernation. This unique mechanism could hold the key to understanding how to mitigate negative effects of testosterone on human health.