A study by University of North Carolina researchers found that breast milk has a strong virus-killing effect and protects against oral transmission of HIV. The 'BLT' mouse model was used to demonstrate this, with the oral cavity and upper digestive tract of mice mimicking human cells affected by HIV transmission.
Male Cardiocondyla obscurior ants use chemical tagging to identify and kill younger rival males, ensuring colony survival. This behavior increases the chances of surviving fights against two-day-old males to 14%.
Researchers used sediment cores to study climate conditions during the Eemian period, which may not be a suitable analogue for current climate change. The Atlantic Ocean showed higher-than-Holocene temperature signals, while the Nordic Seas indicated cold conditions, suggesting a significant difference in oceanic circulation.
Researchers at University of Missouri-Columbia discovered that the region's record-warm February and March were linked to a similar La Niña climate pattern in 1889. This finding could help scientists develop more accurate weather prediction models by understanding the variability within climate patterns.
Zacharie Tchoundjeu, a forestry conservationist in Cameroon, and Martha Ruiz Corzo, an environmental activist in Mexico, win the National Geographic/Buffett Award. They are recognized for their outstanding work in conservation and community-based management of protected areas.
Researchers use JILA's frequency comb to measure concentrations of reactive molecules in air streams, capturing complex chemical reactions and optimizing sterilization techniques. The system achieves high-level disinfection without liquid chemicals or high temperatures.
Researchers at the University of Michigan Health System discovered that digoxin, a centuries-old heart drug, enhances the body's natural protection against high blood pressure and heart failure. By activating RGS proteins, digoxin may improve survival rates in patients with congestive heart failure.
A new study confirms cougars are re-populating their historical range across the US Midwest. The research reveals cougar populations have spread from Texas to Ontario and Manitoba, with males traveling long distances.
NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center detected a new solar active region, AR1504, which fired off two M-class flares and two coronal mass ejections (CMEs) on June 13-14, 2012. The CMEs are traveling towards Earth at speeds of 375 and 800 miles per second.
Researchers identified a simplified fruit fly gene that splits into two complex human genes playing roles in cancer and birth defects. This split made studying the genes easier, providing unique insights into massive human MLL2 and MLL3 genes.
Researchers found that stressed grasshoppers consume more carbohydrate-rich plants, leading to changes in their excretions and affecting the microbes in the ground. This results in slower degradation of complex organic materials, impacting plant growth and field crop productivity.
Researchers sequenced the bonobo genome to identify key differences with humans and chimpanzees, finding over 2.5 million transposon insertions unique to the bonobo genome. These findings may help understand the genetic basis for traits shared among humans, chimpanzees, and bonobos.
University of Minnesota public health researchers found two high-signal genetic markers correlated with coronary artery disease, which may help define genetic fingerprints for increased risk. The study analyzed data from over 75,000 patients and offers biological and clinical data supporting future research into the genetic markers.
Guchol, a compact system, intensified into a typhoon with cloud temperatures as low as -63 degrees Fahrenheit. The storm has maximum sustained winds near 70 knots and is expected to brush east central and northern Luzon, Philippines.
Research team studied genetic diversity of coelacanths in Africa, revealing low genetic diversity but specific patterns in certain regions. The study shows that coelacanths can continue to develop and adapt to new conditions despite their slow evolutionary rate.
Researchers analyzed soil cores from 55 locations in central and western Amazonia, finding that early inhabitants lived near rivers but had little long-term impact on outlying forests. The study challenges the popular idea that the Amazon was a culturally altered landscape before European arrival.
Clinicians must address the immediate safety issue of a gun in the home to effectively engage rural parents in preventing youth suicide. The study found that relating one's own experience with guns increases credibility with parents.
The UK government has invested £6.5 million in 16 research and development projects to stimulate innovation in the manufacturing sector. The projects aim to develop new technologies that can create high value through novel processes, advanced product manufacture, resource efficiency and production techniques.
A new UCSF report highlights the need for improved medical care for elderly inmates, who disproportionately account for escalating medical expenses. The report recommends nine policy areas to promote cost-effective quality care, including screening for dementia and palliative care.
A study by the University of Zurich found that practicing character strengths such as curiosity, gratitude, and optimism boosts life satisfaction. Participants who trained these strengths reported increased happiness and better mood regulation.
According to researchers from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and National Institutes of Health, preventable childhood deaths can be nearly eliminated in 10 years. To achieve this goal, a new common vision is proposed with concrete and measurable benchmarks for curbing childhood preventable deaths.
The chance alignment of galaxies NGC 3314A and NGC 3314B shows a unique view of their spiral arms and dust lanes. The motion of the galaxies indicates they are not on a collision course, with NGC 3314A's warped shape likely due to an encounter with another nearby galaxy.
A review of global ocean commitments has shown little success over the past 20 years. Despite international agreements, governments have failed to meet targets for protecting vulnerable species and marine habitats, leading to increased fish stock depletion and ecosystem destruction.
A new study published in Genetics reveals a gene in Caenorhabditis elegans, similar to a human gene correlated with Alzheimer's disease, is involved in multiple metabolic pathways, including insulin. The discovery suggests that this gene plays a role not only in Alzheimer's but also in diabetes.
The journal Fundamenta Informaticae publishes a special issue commemorating Alan Turing's work on reaction-diffusion theory, which is considered a foundation of chaos theory and theoretical biology. The issue explores the applications of mathematical theories inspired by Turing's work to natural phenomena.
The International Journal of Alcohol and Drug Research (IJADR) aims to address the lack of addiction research in low- and middle-income countries by publishing peer-reviewed papers on cross-cultural perspectives. The journal offers a mentoring program for non-native English researchers, further enhancing its unique features.
Scientists have developed more efficient organic solar cells by harnessing the power of polarized excitons. This breakthrough could make solar energy a cost-effective alternative to conventional sources. Researchers are exploring new materials to improve efficiency and competitiveness.
Researchers found that high doses of nicotinamide riboside (NR) in mice fed a fatty diet led to significant weight loss, improved energy expenditure, and enhanced muscle performance. NR also prevented diabetes development and improved insulin sensitivity, all without toxicity.
A new study found that a plant's toxic 'mustard oil bomb' makes mice spit out its seeds when eating the fruit, aiding seed dispersal. This discovery illustrates the first known case of directed deterrence in a single species.
A group of Japanese scientists developed a model that predicts the success of movies at the box office by analyzing daily advertisement costs and word-of-mouth communication. The model was tested with 25 movies and showed promising results in predicting actual revenue.
A new microscopy technique called trolling AFM allows researchers to study soft biological samples in liquid with high resolution and high quality. The technique uses a thin, long nanoneedle to extend the tip of an atomic force microscope, reducing hydrodynamic drag and allowing for minimal disturbance of the sample.
A longitudinal study found that marital discord in kindergarten years can lead to emotional problems and difficulties in adolescence, including depression and anxiety. Children's early experiences of conflict between parents can have long-lasting negative effects on their emotional security and social adjustment.
Researchers at UPNA aim to create affordable, high-precision eye tracking systems for applications beyond assisting people with disabilities. They have developed a database of over 100 users and are working on algorithms to detect pupil position and gaze direction.
Research reveals 'green grabs' lead to dispossession and poverty in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Local ecosystems are being exploited for profit, undermining sustainable development and justice.
A study by Georgetown University Medical Center researchers found that 7 out of 10 Capital Bikeshare commuters do not wear helmets, compared to 70.8% of private cyclists. The study aims to encourage helmet use among frequent riders through targeted marketing and incentives.
The Pew Latin American Fellows Program provides salary support for postdoctoral-level scientists to work in top laboratories in the US. Over 70% of fellows return to their home country to build scientific infrastructure, despite a high number of foreign doctorate recipients staying in the US.
A study by the University of Sheffield found that kitchen air quality can be hazardous, with nitrogen dioxide levels three times higher than recommended outside concentrations. The research highlights the need for more data on indoor pollutants and calls for action to improve home air quality.
Research reveals that secretly unfaithful individuals are less likely to practice safe sex and more likely to engage in high-risk behaviors. Monogamy can be an effective method for preventing STIs, but its effectiveness relies on couples' commitment to testing negative at the start of their relationship.
Fuxman Bass, a postdoctoral scholar, received the fellowship to study the complex immune system and its regulation by transcription factors. The research could lead to new treatments for cancer, infection, and autoimmune diseases.
Lachke's research focuses on identifying genes associated with eye diseases, aiming to understand lens development and function. He has discovered three new cataract-associated genes using his online gene discovery tool iSyTE.
A new study suggests that large areas of western Amazonia were sparsely inhabited before European arrival, contradicting the idea that most of Amazonia was heavily occupied. The research found few signs of charcoal from fires, indicating low-intensity human impacts on forests.
Researchers at CCNY found that a single gene forms a common link between diabetes and Alzheimer's disease, affecting the insulin pathway. The finding could point to a therapeutic target for both diseases.
Saskia B. Neher, a UNC School of Medicine assistant professor, is one of 22 promising scientists to receive the 2012 Pew Scholars award, supporting her research on LPL regulation and its implications for cardiovascular disease.
Researchers at the University of Missouri are developing a system that uses motion-sensing technology and video gaming technology to monitor seniors' movements and detect changes in health. This allows for early interventions and enables residents to remain in their own homes for longer.
New research from McMaster University debunks the bodybuilding myth that growth-promoting hormones stimulate strength after weightlifting. Contrary to conventional wisdom, anabolic hormones do not influence muscle protein synthesis, leading to bigger muscles.
A new method of virtual colonoscopy, administered without laxatives, has been shown to be as accurate as conventional colonoscopy in detecting potentially cancerous polyps. The procedure uses a CT scanner and a tagging agent to identify polyps, and was found to detect clinically significant polyps with 91% accuracy.
Research at Thomas Jefferson University discovered that senescent cells in the tumor microenvironment produce nutrients for cancer cells via autophagy, supporting their growth. This finding suggests that aging is a key factor in driving tumor growth and metastasis.
A new ethics framework is recommended to manage conflicts of interest in the development of medical guidelines, ensuring expert input without industry influence. The study found that such a framework can help identify and address ethics issues, but further analysis and initiatives are needed.
Research from the University of Washington found that meditation training can help individuals perform better in stressful work settings, showing improved concentration, reduced stress and increased memory. Meditation was shown to be more effective than body relaxation training in enhancing multitasking skills.
Researchers analyzed fossilized primate skulls and CT scans of living primates to determine how extinct animals moved, focusing on the bony labyrinth of the inner ear. The study found that ancient primates were relatively agile, with some species moving faster than their Old World ancestors.
A recent study shows that liposuction can lead to an increase in visceral fat, associated with cardiovascular disease. However, regular physical activity effectively prevents this compensatory growth. The study found that exercising after liposuction reduces the risk of weight regain and related health issues.
A new study by American Chemical Society researchers suggests that long-term irrigation with treated wastewater does not enhance antibiotic resistance in soil microbial communities, indicating a safer alternative for water-scarce areas.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have identified a new group of RNA-binding proteins that accumulate in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease. These findings may lead to novel diagnostic approaches and a better understanding of the disease progression.
A new study by UC Davis researchers suggests that folic acid consumption during the first month of pregnancy may reduce the risk of autism in offspring. Women who take prenatal vitamins or supplements containing folic acid are found to have a lower risk of having a child with autism.
A significant number of teenagers engage in sexting despite being unaware of the potential consequences. Nearly 20% of students surveyed had sent a sexually explicit image via cell phone, with over a third doing so despite believing there could be serious legal and other consequences.
A study by Scripps Research Institute scientists shows that the single protein TLR7 plays a significant role in generating immune responses required to clear persistent LCMV infection. Without this protein, the immune system's ability to purge the infection is compromised, leading to exhaustion of T cells and impairment of both cellula...
Researchers mapped the normal microbial make-up of healthy humans, identifying over 10,000 species and 8 million unique protein-coding genes contributed by human microbiome.
University of Granada researchers develop melatonin analogues to inhibit nitric oxide synthase (NOS) enzyme, which is involved in neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. The new substances show promising pharmacological properties, including enhanced efficiency over melatonin.
Researchers at the University of Granada developed a new software solution to predict urban noise levels using a dataset of street type, road conditions, and vehicle speed. The system has shown higher accuracy than traditional mathematical models, with a reliability of 95%, and will help perform urban noise mapping projects.
A 10-year-old girl's successful transplantation of a tissue-engineered vein has dramatically improved her quality of life, avoiding complications associated with synthetic grafts and lifelong immunosuppressive drugs. The procedure restored normal blood flow and significantly enhanced her physical growth.