A new sequencing approach using long-range PCR and Next Generation Sequencing has been developed to provide a more effective method of BRCA1/2 mutational analysis. The method was successfully tested on 12 familial breast cancer patients, identifying all expected variants with high accuracy.
A new study by Oregon State University found that preschool-age children's ability to pay attention and persist on tasks is a key predictor of college completion. Children who were rated higher by their parents on these skills at age 4 had nearly 50% greater odds of getting a bachelor's degree by age 25.
A recent study examines ambulance diversion in California hospitals, finding that minority populations are more likely to be impacted by ER crowding. The researchers discovered that hospitals serving high numbers of minorities were on diversion for 306 hours, compared to 75 hours at hospitals with fewer minority patients.
A study by Cliff Frohlich found that most earthquakes in the Barnett Shale region occur near injection wells used for hydraulic fracturing fluids disposal. The study suggests that injection wells enhance the probability of earthquakes, with nearly all quakes being small and posing no danger to the public.
The US Forest Service study found that New Hampshire has the highest percent tree cover (89%) and Connecticut has the highest urban tree cover (67%). Urban forestry is essential for sustaining urban forests, which provide environmental benefits such as air pollution reduction and heat island mitigation.
A study by NYU and Princeton researchers found that hearing generic language about a social category leads children to develop essentialist beliefs, which can lead to stereotyping and prejudice. The researchers suggest that changing the way we speak about groups could help reduce societal prejudice.
Vega is a general-purpose modeling software that allows users to simulate and move complex objects in real-time. With over 50,000 lines of software code, it offers a wide range of materials and deformable simulation methods, making it a powerful tool for animation, game artists, and engineers.
Nir Yakoby, a Rutgers-Camden assistant professor of biology, has received a $686,544 NSF CAREER Award to investigate the dynamics and diversity of bone morphogenetic protein signaling in epithelial cells. He aims to understand how changes in this signal create different morphologies in humans and model organisms like Drosophila.
A new NASA study has found that the likelihood of experiencing an extreme summer heat wave has increased significantly since the middle of the 20th century. The researchers analyzed mean summer temperatures and found that 'extremely hot' summers, previously rare, have become routine in recent decades.
A large double-blind study found that over 80% of children with moderate to severe Crohn's disease responded to adalimumab within a month. Approximately 34% of patients were in clinical remission after six months, and 28.4% remained in remission after one year.
Tropical Storm 13W showed strong uplift and high cloud tops north and east of its center, indicating powerful atmosphere circulation. Forecasters expect the storm to maintain intensity while tracking into drier air, preventing further intensification.
Scientists have found proof of a caffeinated brew made from the leaves of a holly tree, dating back 700-900 years to the Cahokia settlement. This 'black drink' was used in rituals and was part of a broader cultural and trade network in North America.
Researchers identified a brain signal that can predict which depressed patients will respond to ketamine, a rapid-acting antidepressant. The signal also holds clues to the agent's mechanism of action, which may lead to more personalized treatment.
A new study by an international team has identified that quantum discord, a more robust and accessible phenomenon than entanglement, can provide a quantum advantage. Researchers have discovered a direct link between quantum power and quantum discord, which can be tapped with the right quantum tools.
A study found that adding creatine to antidepressant treatment significantly improved response rates, with twice as fast response times and higher remission rates compared to placebo. The supplement may provide a relatively inexpensive treatment option for women who haven't responded well to traditional antidepressants.
Research found that 69% of overweight Chinese children underestimated their own weight, while 72% of mothers rated their children as normal or underweight. This highlights the importance of accurate perceptions of weight in preventing childhood obesity.
The award will support Louisiana Tech's partnership with Winrock International to foster business growth in northern Louisiana and southern Arkansas. The initiative aims to create new jobs, enhance economic clusters, and increase funding opportunities for startups.
Researchers can now navigate biological tissues from whole embryo to subcellular structures thanks to virtual nanoscopy and enhanced JCB DataViewer. The technique allows for exceptional opportunities for future discoveries by integrating information across cells and tissues.
Dr. Anastasi's $2.5 million NIH grant aims to investigate the efficacy of acupuncture/moxibustion in reducing abdominal pain and IBS symptoms. The randomized, blinded study will follow rigorous clinical trial standards.
Scientists from Disney Research have used simulations to study the elusive twinned rainbow, a rare optical phenomenon. The team found that the key to its occurrence lies in the combination of different-sized water drops falling from the sky, which produce slightly deformed rainbows.
A recent study by researchers at UC Davis found that white children are more likely to receive cranial CT scans following minor head trauma compared to Hispanic and African-American children. This may be due to unnecessary radiation exposure, as white children were more likely to have parental anxiety cited as a reason for the scan.
Tropical Storm Ernesto is strengthening with NASA tracking its progress, revealing strong thunderstorms and deep convection on August 5. The storm's maximum sustained winds were near 50 mph on August 5, and it continued to strengthen after passing over the Aqua satellite.
Research found that fainting triggers were common among twin sets, with identical twins more likely to experience fainting associated with typical triggers. The study suggests multiple genes and environmental factors influence the phenomenon of fainting.
Researchers studying papaya's sex chromosomes have found that the X chromosome has undergone significant changes since its emergence, including rapid expansion and gene loss. These findings challenge previous assumptions about the early stages of sex chromosome evolution and provide insights into the human X chromosome.
A comprehensive behavioral therapy program has been shown to be effective in reducing tic severity in adults with Tourette syndrome. The study found that 38% of participants who received the treatment showed significant symptom improvement, compared to 6% of those receiving a control treatment.
A new study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that men who engage in weight training regularly may reduce their risk of type 2 diabetes by up to 34%, compared to those who do not. The study also showed that combining weight training with aerobic exercise can further lower the risk, even as high as 59%.
Researchers found two opposing proteins regulating the same set of genes in prostate cancer, suggesting potential therapeutic targets. The study identified genetic markers associated with tumor relapse, which could help predict patient outcomes.
A WSU researcher finds that forest disturbances, including fires and wildfires, can help create habitats for rare plants and animals. This approach to forest management can enhance biodiversity by mimicking natural disturbances.
Researchers found that CCR9 is abundant in early stage colon cancer but lacks in invasive and metastatic cancer, suggesting its role in reducing cancer spread. Activation of NOTCH promotes degradation of CCR9, inhibiting the chemokine-induced signaling pathway.
Researchers found that countries with press freedom tend to have happier citizens and better environmental quality. Press freedom allows for diversity in news sources, exposing corruption and prompting positive change.
Scientists used airborne 3-D mapping to quantify tree losses across Kruger National Park, finding that elephants are primary agents of tree loss. The study highlights the challenges faced by conservation managers and provides valuable insights for improving savanna management practices.
Research highlights the dangers of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) on adolescent brain function and behavior. Studies show that exposure to AAS at critical periods during adolescence can impose permanent changes in brain organization and function, leading to physiological and psychiatric effects that may persist into middle age.
A KAIST research team has developed a high performance flexible all-solid-state battery, overcoming limitations of existing lithium-ion batteries. The breakthrough allows for the creation of fully flexible electronic systems, such as rollable displays, with improved power density and thermal stability.
Researchers have created extremely hot and dense plasmas hundreds of times hotter than the sun's surface, challenging a widely accepted model. The study demonstrates the capabilities of LCLS X-ray laser, providing detailed information about plasma properties.
A recent study published in Genome Biology and Evolution found that paddlefish have a duplicated genome, adding complexity to comparative studies. This discovery may require re-interpreting previous research on the fin-to-limb transition using paddlefish as a proxy for human ancestors.
A third of Earth's organisms live in rocks and sediments, yet their lives and ecology are unknown. Researchers at UMass Amherst study methane-exhaling microbes in undersea volcanoes, establishing the first environmental hydrogen threshold for hyperthermophilic methanogens.
A large group of patients with diabetes showed a lower risk of total and cardiovascular mortality with higher levels of physical activity, including leisure-time PA and walking. Moderately active individuals had the lowest mortality risk compared to those who were physically inactive.
A recent study by Johns Hopkins researchers reveals that being underinsured is a strong predictor of death among patients admitted to hospital with serious cardiac events. The study found that underinsured patients had a higher risk of early death compared to those with private insurance, regardless of their racial background.
A study published in PLoS ONE revealed the genetic cause of a severe skeletal disease in Brazilian Terrier puppies, caused by a mutation in the GUSB gene. The discovery enables the development of a DNA test to identify carriers, allowing breeders to systematically eliminate the disease from breeding programs.
A new genetic analysis maps the Jewish Diasporas, focusing on North African Jews. The study supports historical records of Middle Eastern Jews settling in North Africa and forming distinct populations.
Researchers found that more efficient lighting leads to increased productivity, rather than lower energy consumption. Historically, improvements in lighting have resulted in higher light consumption, not savings.
Physicians can improve antibiotic prescribing habits by paying attention to contextual clues, reducing flu season prescribing rates. The authors recommend equal evaluation of HbA1c levels for diabetes diagnosis in all racial groups, as black patients have higher levels at the same blood glucose levels.
A new 'Multi-Hit' mouse model has been developed to study interactions between gene mutations that cause cancer, revealing key findings about the role of Ras and other genes in tumour development. The research suggests that combinations of mutations can lead to cancer, making it a crucial step towards understanding treatment options.
University of Kentucky researchers have identified a major breakthrough in treating geographic atrophy, an untreatable form of age-related macular degeneration. They found that blocking specific pathways can prevent retinal degeneration and vision loss, paving the way for a new potential therapy.
A new communication system will connect 120 cars in real-life testing to optimize traffic routes, detect obstacles, and reduce energy consumption. The simTD consortium's system will also provide drivers with real-time recommendations on the best route and alert them to imminent hazards.
The Office of Naval Research's PROMIS tool allows command staff to submit human research protocols and track studies. The system provides a centralized database for the nation's first Defense Department-wide tracking of human subject studies.
Patients with hoarding disorder showed abnormal brain activity when deciding about possessions, with reduced activity for items not belonging to them and increased activity for items that did. The study found that these patients had difficulty discarding possessions, with fewer items discarded compared to healthy individuals.
Researchers discovered that brain stem cells monitor chemical communication between nearby neurons to determine when to remain dormant or create new cells. The findings may reveal how the brain reacts to its environment and how antidepressants work, increasing brain cell numbers in animals.
Michigan State University will lead a new global food security effort using a $7.3 million federal grant. The program aims to strengthen agricultural research institutions and train researchers in Africa and Asia, focusing on plant breeding, food science, and food security.
A new legal analysis warns that some states may delay or refuse to participate in the Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act, leaving millions of impoverished children and adults at risk for lack of coverage. The expansion could create new jobs and provide a much-needed boost to thousands of communities affected by poverty.
The Lab in the Wild project aims to gather data on how people think, perceive information, and use technology from around the world. Researchers will analyze thousands of users' responses to tests designed to elicit information about their online culture, including preferences for website design and functionality.
Researchers developed a method to determine the origin of seized ivory using mitochondrial DNA sequences from elephant samples. The technique identified unique sequences linked to specific locations and countries, providing valuable information for conservationists to prevent poaching.
Researchers at Disney Research developed a new virtual ray lights technique to simulate realistic smoke, dust, and participating media effects. The approach leverages photon beams to generate images, reducing the need for particles and increasing efficiency.
A recent study found that an inflammatory monocyte population plays a key role in ALS progression, suggesting it as a potential therapeutic target. Monocyte depletion reduced cellular recruitment to the spinal cord, decreased CNS cell death, and extended survival time in mice with ALS.
A new study finds that US workers with disabilities experience both nonoccupational and occupational injuries at a significantly higher rate than those without disabilities. The study highlights the need for improved workplace safety programs and accommodations to prevent injuries among workers with disabilities.
A recent study published in the Journal of Pediatrics found that babies born to overweight or obese mothers gained less weight and grew less in length than those born to normal-weight mothers. This delayed growth may be attributed to inflammation and an underdeveloped pituitary gland, which plays a crucial role in fetal development.
The study found that diesel soot triggers a genetic detoxification mechanism in human lung cells but also contains toxic substances like carboxyl groups. The World Health Organization has reclassified diesel soot as a cause of lung cancer based on sufficient evidence.
Typhoon Haikui is approaching mainland China, with NASA tracking its movement and intensity using visible and infrared light. The storm's strongest storms had cloud top temperatures near -63F, packing heavy rainfall.
Yellow fever swept through Savannah, Georgia in 1854, killing almost half of the 650 people who died, with 293 being Irish immigrants. The disease primarily affected adults and those without prior exposure, highlighting a green bias in mortality rates.
Scientists monitor interleukin-6 levels in patients with schizophrenia to identify potential red flags for relapse. The study aims to develop a personalized treatment approach using multi-drug therapies.