A mid-level solar flare, classified as M7.7, was detected by NASA on July 19, 2012, causing brief radio communications blackouts at the poles. Increased numbers of flares are expected during the sun's peak activity cycle, which is approaching its maximum in 2013.
Belgian scientists have developed a simple assay to track 'superparasites', a type of Leishmania parasite that causes deadly visceral leishmaniasis. This breakthrough could help monitor the spread and emergence of these drug-resistant microbes, contributing to better control of the disease.
A Caltech-led team reports on the first high-resolution observations of the 2012 Sumatra earthquake, which ruptured along multiple faults at nearly right angles. The study provides fresh insights into the possibility of complex earthquakes occurring elsewhere, including California's San Andreas fault.
Researchers discovered that RfaH protein can unfold and reform into a completely new structure, granting it an additional function. This remarkable ability has significant implications for gene expression control and protein structure studies.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis decoded the brain activity of two monkeys performing a reaching task, revealing distinct planning strategies and cognitive styles. The study found that one monkey, hyperactive, jumped the gun while the other, smooth operator, waited for the target to appear.
Researchers create SSDAlloc, allowing companies to substitute solid state memory for RAM, reducing energy consumption by up to 90% and costs. The new technology enables faster retrieval speeds of flash memory, bypassing traditional storage system bottlenecks.
Scientists at Scripps Research Institute mapped two essential cellular processes, revealing their cooperation during apoptosis. The study provides insights into programmed cell death and opens a new approach to cancer treatment.
A preclinical study published in Cancer Discovery reports genetic validation for ongoing clinical trials testing IDO inhibitors in cancer patients. The findings suggest that IDO promotes tumorigenesis by enhancing vascularization and modifying the inflammatory environment, particularly in lung adenocarcinoma and metastatic disease.
Research found that wild boars with more reddish hair have higher levels of oxidative stress due to the consumption of glutathione by pheomelanin production. However, surprisingly, gray-haired boars showed signs of good condition and lower oxidative damage. This study suggests that different levels of melanin may have physiological con...
A meta-analysis of 10 studies found that cognitive behavioral therapy and pharmacologic interventions decrease depressive symptoms in cancer patients. The study also identified effective interventions for different stages of cancer and cultural subpopulations.
Researchers will develop nanocomposites for medical implants that break down safely, replacing metal implants in bone surgery. The project tackles challenges in nanoparticle production, dispersion, degradation, and scaling up manufacture.
The slowest-growing metro areas in the US had lower unemployment rates and higher income levels compared to the fastest-growing areas. They averaged $8,455 more per capita in personal income in 2009.
A large national sample of women diagnosed with cervical cancer between 2000 and 2007 found that lack of insurance was the second strongest predictor of late-stage diagnosis, after age. The study suggests that screening should be made accessible and affordable for all women at higher risk of advanced-stage disease.
Tropical Depression Khanun made landfall in South Korea on July 19, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds that caused widespread flooding and power outages. The storm's remnants moved over the Sea of Japan by 11 a.m. EDT, leaving behind significant damage and one reported fatality.
Researchers identified six genes with driving mutations in melanoma, three of which have recurrent 'hotspot' mutations caused by UV light exposure. The study provides potential targets for new treatments and offers insights into the frequency and characteristics of driver mutations.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital are conducting a new study, REVEAL, which will provide genetic testing and Alzheimer's risk estimates for individuals with mild cognitive impairment. The goal is to evaluate how well participants understand the risk information and adjust their behavior in response.
Researchers examine relationship between disorder and quantum coherence in materials, finding that a pinch of disorder is good but too much can destroy coherence. The Joint Quantum Institute experiment uses laser beams to introduce slight disorder into rubidium atoms, revealing how it affects their behavior.
Researchers at RIT are working with Washington State University and Georgia Tech to develop a new infrastructure that could increase computing speed and reduce power usage in chip processors. The goal is to integrate wireless technology with copper wiring, allowing multiple processing engines to communicate simultaneously.
Max Planck scientists have successfully imaged the actin-myosin-tropomyosin complex with a resolution of less than one-millionth of a millimeter. This breakthrough allows researchers to accurately identify protein locations and analyze muscle contraction processes.
Experts from NYU Langone Medical Center will present research on non-invasive evaluation of tau targeted immunotherapy, physician intention to screen for dementia, and remission of pre-mild cognitive impairment. These studies aim to improve diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
IRVE-3 is the third in a series of suborbital flight tests for an innovative heat shield technology. The experiment aims to create an aeroshell using high-tech inner tubes and a thermal blanket, protecting a payload with camera gear, telemetry equipment, and steering mechanisms.
A new study reveals that the western corn rootworm's resistance to crop rotation is linked to increased levels of protein-degrading enzymes in its gut. The insects can survive longer on soybeans and cause more damage than their non-resistant counterparts, allowing them to lay eggs in bean fields.
A Northwestern University study reveals that farmers and ranchers with major limb amputations struggle with durable, affordable, and adaptable prosthetics. These limitations hinder their ability to perform farm tasks, making traditional prosthetic solutions unsuitable for their unique needs.
Researchers suggest using multicellular tumor spheroid (MCTS) models to improve cancer drug discovery, as they more accurately mimic human tumors. MCTS models can help identify specific genetic mutations targeted by drugs and interact with the surrounding environment.
Scientists measured reactive oxygen species in worms and found high levels during early development, which may determine lifespan. Mutant worm variants lived longer due to better oxidative stress coping mechanisms.
Intermediate-mass black holes can grow in galaxy gas disks through a mechanism similar to giant planet formation. The 'runaway growth' phenomenon allows stellar black holes to swallow stars and increase their mass, potentially creating an intermediate-mass black hole.
A new study published in the journal Stem Cell reveals an antibody developed by researchers can detect stem cells in organs like the liver and pancreas. This breakthrough helps understand tissue regeneration and cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers at Scripps Research have identified a natural compound, Cortistatin A, that effectively reduces HIV replication by 99.7 percent in infected cells. The compound works by inhibiting the viral protein Tat, making it a promising potential treatment for the ongoing pandemic.
Researchers from the University of Toronto and University of California Santa Cruz discovered a link between massive gypsurn deposits and changes in seawater chemistry. This connection may have led to global cooling periods, such as during the Eocene epoch, and is supported by data from the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program.
Researchers explore the role of Lactobacillus reuteri in protecting against foodborne infection, finding that its antimicrobial substance reuterin can protect intestinal epithelial cells from Salmonella infection. The study's results suggest the efficacy of using probiotic bacteria or their derivatives in future therapies.
Researchers at Leibniz-Institute DSMZ discovered that Roseobacter clade bacteria can exchange genetic characteristics through plasmids, allowing them to conquer new ecological niches. This horizontal gene transfer enables photosynthesis and enhances survival in diverse ocean habitats.
Researchers sequenced 91 human sperm from one man, revealing the whole-genome sequence and degree of genetic mixing, with implications for studying cancer, infertility, and other disorders. The study provides a detailed view of recombination in individual sperm, allowing for diagnosis and detection of potential problems.
Children with low serum albumin levels are at a moderately increased risk of graft failure after kidney transplant, according to new research from UC Davis. The study found that even a single low serum albumin measurement can be a clear risk factor for future graft failure.
Physicists Andrea Pocar and Krishna Kumar's team successfully set a new lower limit for the half-life of neutrino-less double-beta decay, nearly excluding a 10-year-old claim. The discovery could provide insight into matter and anti-matter asymmetry in the universe.
Research finds that experiencing awe can alter an individual's subjective experience of time by slowing it down. Awe also influences decisions, makes life feel more satisfying, and increases willingness to volunteer time to help others.
A new technique developed by NASA scientist Nicholeen Viall uses color-coded images to track the 12-hour history of cooling and heating on the sun. The technique reveals that coronal heating is likely caused by numerous nanobursts of energy, lending credence to those theories.
Researchers study Bolivian and Paraguayan families' medical travel experiences seeking pediatric oncology care in Argentina. Medical travel can be a strategy for economically challenged patients to save their lives, but it also carries challenges like relocation uncertainty.
Researchers have identified a molecular cue that maintains a quiescent pool of blood-forming stem cells in mouse bone marrow by regulating non-canonical Wnt-signaling. The study found that Flamingo and Frizzled 8 play a crucial role in maintaining the balance between long-term maintenance and ongoing tissue maintenance and regeneration.
The workshop focuses on increasing mathematical modeling across undergraduate curricula, developing STEM courses based on modeling and computation, and assessing college STEM readiness. It also proposes ideas for multidisciplinary STEM education and introduces a high school applied mathematics program to integrate STEM subjects.
Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch will study hospital readmissions for high-volume, high-cost patients receiving post-acute inpatient rehabilitation services. The goal is to identify factors associated with readmissions and improve discharge planning.
The new grant will fund conferences on malaria, HIV vaccines, and tuberculosis, as well as Global Health Travel Awards for researchers from developing countries. The funding also supports pre-meeting workshops and registration costs for local participants in developing countries.
Researchers find that hippocampal NMDA receptors are crucial for detecting conflicts in spatial orientation problems. The study used genetically modified mice to demonstrate that the receptors are necessary for resolving conflicts, contradicting a central tenet of neuroscience.
Studies have found that herbal remedies like valerian, hops, and kava-kava show promise in managing insomnia symptoms, improving sleep quality and duration. However, more research is needed to assess the safety and effectiveness of these natural therapies for insomnia management.
Researchers have developed a new technique to detect and target tiny electrical disturbances in the heart, resulting in an 86% success rate in treating atrial fibrillation. The CONFIRM trial found that this approach significantly improved outcomes compared to conventional catheter procedures.
A new study by George Loewenstein and Linda Dezsö reveals the pitfalls of personal loans. Borrowers often exhibit self-serving biases when it comes to loans, leading to misunderstandings and negative repercussions. Delinquent loans can cause significant harm to relationships.
A new guideline published by the American Academy of Neurology recommends several treatments for people with chorea, a symptom of Huntington's disease that can make everyday activities challenging. The guideline suggests that medications such as tetrabenazine, riluzole, and amantadine may be helpful in treating chorea.
Researchers developed a GPS-like device to optimize electric vehicle routes, reducing energy consumption and emissions. The system takes into account factors such as traffic conditions, road type, grade, and passenger/cargo weight to increase range by at least 10%.
A new study found that higher levels of ceramides in the blood are associated with a 10-fold increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The research suggests that identifying this biomarker could help prevent or delay the disease, which is expected to double globally every 20 years.
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic found that slow gait and short stride are associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline. The study measured over 1,300 participants and found significant declines in global cognition, memory, and executive function among those with lower cadence and velocity.
A new study published in Neuropsychopharmacology suggests that long-term use of ADHD drugs does not affect brain development or increase susceptibility to substance abuse. Researchers found no differences between animals treated with Ritalin and those in a control group, providing reassurance for parents and clinicians.
A study of 192 families found that fathers' involvement in early interactions with their infants is linked to fewer behavioral problems later on. The researchers suggest that interventions aimed at improving parent-child interaction may be beneficial to the child's behavior, and highlight the importance of early parental engagement.
Scientists recreated extreme conditions at Earth's core-mantle boundary using X-rays, showing that partially molten rock is buoyant and should segregate towards the surface. This evidence supports the theory that volcanic hotspots like the Hawaiian Islands originate from mantle plumes generated at the Earth's core-mantle boundary.
Two independent research reports published in PLOS ONE show that chimpanzees use weight to choose the best hammer for cracking open nuts, a sophisticated tool use. In contrast, old world monkeys modulate their begging behavior based on whether an experimenter is paying attention to them, suggesting intentional communication.
Researchers will explore ways to induce protective IgA human antibodies by vaccines to prevent HIV-1 infection, and produce recombinant IgAs to be tested as therapies.
Researchers found that RA patients primarily cite joint pain as the reason for their perceived change in disease activity, while physicians emphasize swollen joints. The study's results suggest a discrepancy between patient and physician perceptions of disease activity, with potential implications for improved shared decision-making.
A long-term study found increased deaths from both liver-related and non-liver diseases in patients with active hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections who had not cleared their infection. Chronic HCV infections can lead to increased mortality, even in people without symptoms.
A survey of all 24 Scottish intensive care units found that a quarter of admissions were alcohol related, particularly among men and younger people. Patients with alcohol problems required longer ventilation times and had higher estimated annual costs.
The Gene Expression Commons enables researchers to see the whole picture of gene expression in a sample, overcoming limitations of DNA microarray technology. By analyzing collections of thousands of publicly available DNA microarray experiments, scientists can compare absolute levels of expression among many genes in each cell type.
A recent study by the Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry found that binge drinking in older adults is associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline. Participants who reported binge drinking at least once a month were 62% more likely to experience significant declines in cognitive function and memory.
A new study funded by the NIH suggests that oral immunotherapy can help children with egg allergies overcome their condition. The trial found that 55% of participants who received daily egg white powder doses were able to pass an oral food challenge after 10 months, and 75% were able to do so after 22 months.