A new study reveals that kinship categories across languages reflect general principles of communication, including a trade-off between simplicity and informativeness. The study found that languages use only a handful of the vast number of logically possible kinship categories, with English and Mandarin Chinese using two and four terms...
Researchers developed a stapled BIM BH3 peptide that competitively binds to anti-apoptotic proteins, leading to enhanced apoptosis in cancer cells. The compound suppresses tumor growth in mice and works synergistically with other pharmaceutical agents.
The San Francisco State University Department of Biology has received a $1.5 million grant to support faculty-led improvements in undergraduate science education. The Biology Faculty Explorations in Scientific Teaching (FEST) program aims to refine teaching skills and assess student learning through evidence-based methods.
A UC Irvine immunologist has received a $4.8 million grant to create new neural stem cells for treating multiple sclerosis. The cells aim to halt ongoing myelin loss and encourage the growth of new myelin to mend damaged nerves.
The Iowa State team has successfully delivered functional protein and DNA into plant cells using custom-built nanoparticles, opening up opportunities for targeted genome editing in crop plants. This achievement marks a significant advancement toward delivering proteins and enzymes to both animal and plant cells.
Scientists have developed a new type of nanostructured metamaterial that can dramatically change the properties of light, leading to potential breakthroughs in advanced solar cells and quantum computing. The metamaterial combines layers of silver and titanium oxide with tiny quantum dots, resulting in hyperbolic light behavior.
Researchers studied adhesion of E. coli to silver- and copper-coated porous clay ceramic surfaces, with silver nanoparticles showing highest affinity for bacteria. Copper may be a less expensive alternative to colloidal silver as a disinfectant coating.
A new type of male contraceptive may be developed thanks to a key gene essential for sperm development, Katnal1. The gene regulates microtubules that support and provide nutrients to developing sperm cells.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory warn that current sensor technologies are not optimized for real-world conditions, posing risks to the nation's food and water supplies. Developing more effective sensors is crucial to address safety concerns, particularly in complex environments.
Bud has become the first hurricane of the eastern Pacific Hurricane Season, with NASA satellites providing key imagery and data. The storm is expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds, and life-threatening surf conditions to southwestern Mexico.
A Kaiser Permanente study found a strong association between childhood obesity and the development of idiopathic intracranial hypertension, particularly in non-Hispanic white teenage girls. The condition can result in blindness if left untreated, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
A new technology harnesses power from a single droplet sliding along an electret film, producing electricity when it reaches maximum velocity. The device has potential for low-power portable devices and human body motion harvesting, with a prototype demonstrating peak output power of 0.18 microwatts.
A new study definitively links Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) to bacterial overgrowth in the gut, finding that over 30% of patients with IBS also have small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Antibiotics are an effective treatment for IBS, according to previous clinical trials and this study
A team of researchers has identified 24 compounds as responsible for the distinct flavors and aromas of heirloom tomatoes. These findings hold promise for improving the flavor of commercially grown tomatoes.
Researchers have developed a technique to measure the flux of metabolites in cancer cells, revealing a link between glycine consumption and fast cell division. The study's findings suggest that glycine metabolism plays a crucial role in cancer cell proliferation, with implications for understanding cancer biology.
UCSB alumnus Michael Douglas establishes a $1 million endowed chair for the Dean of Humanities and Fine Arts, supporting teaching, research, and programs in the humanities and fine arts.
A new USGS study using LiDAR technology confirms the existence of previously suspected faults west of Lake Tahoe, increasing seismic hazard assessment for the region. The study also identifies an earthquake-induced landslide hazard along the fault-formed range front.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University successfully tested a solar-powered desalination system that provides high-quality irrigation water for crops in arid regions. The system uses nanofiltration membranes to treat brackish water, resulting in 25% less irrigation and fertilizer needed compared to traditional practices.
Researchers at UCSF have successfully treated chronic neuropathic pain in mice by transplanting immature embryonic nerve cells into the spinal cord. The transplanted cells integrated into the nerve circuitry, forming synapses and signaling pathways with neighboring neurons, leading to a significant reduction in pain hypersensitivity.
University of Florida physicists achieved a groundbreaking 8.6% power conversion efficiency from a graphene solar cell created in their lab by chemically treating the graphene with trifluoromethanesulfonyl-amide. This breakthrough could make graphene solar cells a contender in the market if production costs are kept low.
A new study finds that bark beetles infesting pine trees can release up to 20 times more VOCs, contributing to haze and air pollution in forested areas. This could harm human health, reduce visibility, and affect climate.
The UK has allocated £250M for five-year strategic investment programmes in bioscience research, including 26 strategic science programmes and 14 key national research capabilities. This funding will focus on addressing global challenges such as sustainable food production, energy security, and healthcare.
A new study by Stanford psychologists reveals that race affects juvenile sentencing, with participants who imagined a black offender more likely to support life sentences without parole. The study's findings highlight the fragility of protections for juveniles when race is in play.
Researchers found that a multidisciplinary approach combining cognitive behaviour therapy with sound-based tinnitus retraining therapy significantly improves quality of life and reduces symptoms in adults with tinnitus. The study recruited 492 adults and showed that the new treatment programme is beneficial for both mild and severe cases.
Researchers developed a new method to identify vaccine targets for Streptococcus pneumoniae, the most common cause of bacterial meningitis. Gene therapy has shown promise in treating adenosine deaminase deficiency by correcting B cell tolerance problems and supporting treatment options for patients with severe combined immunodeficiency.
A research team at the University of Melbourne has discovered the biological mechanisms behind drug hypersensitivities, revealing how the immune system perceives the body's own tissues as foreign. The finding could lead to the development of a diagnostic test to determine drug hypersensitivity.
Researchers found that including genetic variants and environmental factors in disease models only increases risk prediction sensitivity by 1-3% for three common diseases. The study suggests that understanding the complexity of genetic and environmental factors will be crucial to improve risk prediction.
A new type of male contraceptive could be created by regulating the Katnal1 gene, which controls sperm maturation and development. This finding offers an alternative to hormone-disrupting treatments that can cause side effects.
Physicists have successfully trapped and cooled exotic particles called excitons, condensing them into a giant matter wave that coheres at extremely low temperatures. This breakthrough allows scientists to better study the physical properties of excitons, promising applications in efficient solar energy harvesting and ultrafast computing.
A study by Queen's University researcher Troy Murphy found female birds with more colourful bills have higher antibody levels, indicating greater strength and ability to fight off invaders. The colour of a female bird's bill is strongly correlated with immunoglobulin antibodies, a component of the immune system in birds.
The EPSRC has awarded five-year fellowships worth £1 million each to Drs Geoffrey Nash, Harish Bhaskaran, Ajoy Velayudhan, and Peter Foote to address the gap in UK manufacturing research. The fellowships aim to strengthen links between industry and academia, driving growth and innovation.
A 'nanoclutch' has been designed to regulate the speed of nanomotors, allowing for stepless control. The device uses electrowetting forces and charged carbon nanotubes to transmit torque between tubes.
A Case Western Reserve University class has been awarded a Science magazine prize for its innovative approach to teaching biology and computer science. The 'Dynamics of Biological Systems' class uses an inquiry-based learning model, where students work on real-world problems using online interactive tools and mathematical models.
Marine scientists discovered that deep-sea limpets can survive extreme pressure changes when transported by submersibles. This finding highlights the potential risk of human-driven change to hydrothermal vent ecosystems.
A 34-year study found that Japanese-American men who did not eat foods rich in vitamin D had a higher risk of stroke later in life. Men with the lowest dietary vitamin D intake had a 22% increased risk of stroke, while those with the highest intake had a 27% lower risk.
Researchers at Lund University developed a new technique that converts stem cells into brain cells with improved safety and efficiency. The method mimics the brain's natural development process, reducing the risk of tumour formation and improving cell integration.
The International Osteoporosis Foundation predicts a significant rise in hip fractures in Brazil, projected to increase by 32% by 2050. This is largely attributed to the aging of the Brazilian population, with over 37% expected to be over 50 years old and 14% over 70 years old by then.
The TRMM satellite observed the eastern half of Typhoon Sanvu experiencing most of the rainfall, with intense storms dropping rain at over 2 inches/hr. The storm's track is predicted to bring it close to Japan's Iwo To island on May 26.
Researchers have made groundbreaking discoveries about ancient geological events. Green rust formations were found in Indonesia, while historical sulfide concentrations were reconstructed in the Black Sea using molybdenum isotopes, providing new insights into past environmental conditions.
Researchers found that seagrass beds store up to 19.9 billion metric tons of carbon globally, more than temperate and tropical forests. Seagrasses can store up to twice as much carbon per unit area, mostly in their soils.
A team of researchers has developed a new genetic method called spatial ancestry analysis (SPA) that can model genetic variation in two- or three-dimensional space. SPA allows for the modeling of the spatial distribution of each genetic variant, enabling individuals to be localized on a world map based on their genetic information alone.
Researchers have successfully transplanted embryonic cells into adult mouse spinal cords to alleviate persistent pain. The study suggests that this approach may not only treat symptoms but also correct underlying disease pathology. This new therapy offers hope for patients with neuropathic pain, a condition with limited treatment options.
A Northwestern University study reveals that female shift workers and women with circadian rhythm sleep disorders experience fertility and menstrual issues due to disrupted circadian clocks. The researchers found that mice subjected to advances of the light-dark cycle had greater circadian clock disruption and lower reproductive success.
Researchers at NYU have discovered a new role for non-master pacemaker neurons in regulating circadian rhythms. By studying fruit flies, they found that these neurons suppress signaling of master pacemaker neurons during the evening, allowing them to fire and wake up the fly.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that variations in certain 'obesity genes' are associated with increased snacking, high-fat foods, and more calories per day. These findings suggest that modifying eating habits may help minimize genetic risk for obesity.
A Duke University study found that toddlers from lower socioeconomic backgrounds have higher levels of flame retardant chemicals in their blood, potentially due to hand-to-mouth activity. This highlights the need for better public access to information on household products and potential exposure routes.
Research published in the journal Heart found that calcium supplements may increase the risk of heart attacks, while boosting dietary calcium intake has no significant heart health benefits. The study of nearly 24,000 participants suggests that high levels of calcium supplements may be harmful due to their impact on blood calcium levels.
A study of over 7,500 women found that IUDs and implants were significantly more effective than birth control pills, patches, or rings in preventing unintended pregnancies. The study also showed that educating women about the effectiveness of these methods and providing them for free could reduce unintended pregnancy rates.
A UC Davis study shows that mothers who experienced fevers during pregnancy were more than twice as likely to have a child with autism or developmental delay. The researchers recommend controlling fevers while pregnant to modify the risk of having a child with these conditions.
A new study shows that Breast MRI provides an indication of a breast tumor's response to pre-surgical chemotherapy significantly earlier than possible through clinical examination. MRI size measurements were superior to clinical examination at all time points, predicting both complete tumor response and residual cancer burden.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that maintaining healthy nerve connections as we age helps keep us sharp. The research suggests that intelligence is not located in a single part of the brain, but rather in its overall network of connections.
A new study finds that sleep disordered breathing and nocturnal hypoxemia independently predict both glycosylated hemoglobin levels and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Moderate and severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome were significant predictors of prevalent T2DM and HbA1c levels, even after adjustment for obesity.
Heavy rainfall and intensification signs were observed in Tropical Storm Bud by NASA's TRMM satellite. The storm is heading northwest at 9 mph with sustained winds near 65 mph, expected to slow down and turn north-northeast by Friday.
Researchers found that babies seek out situations with just the right amount of surprise or complexity to capture their attention. The findings suggest that babies are active information seekers who can predict what happens next based on previous observations.
The use of old herbicides is increasing due to emerging weed resistance, prompting companies to develop new crop varieties with resistance to these chemicals. This shift aims to maintain control over weeds while reducing the reliance on chemical herbicides.
A new study at Karlstad University in Sweden shows that phthalates from PVC flooring materials are taken up by the bodies of infants, primarily through ingestion with food, breathing, and skin contact. The study's findings highlight the importance of considering non-food sources of exposure to banned chemicals like DEHP and BBzP.
A new study found significant decreases in hospital mortality rates among severely ill HIV-positive patients nationwide, primarily due to a decrease in opportunistic infections. However, the study also revealed an increase in chronic diseases and bloodstream infections among this population.
A randomized controlled trial found that azithromycin improved lung function in patients with BOS following lung transplantation. The study showed a significant improvement in FEV1 measurements, with a mean gain of 37ml in the Azithromycin group and a mean fall of 181ml in the placebo group.
Researchers found that introduced white-eye birds outcompeted native Hawaiian species for food and resources, leading to stunted growth and feather replacement issues. This threatens the long-term survival of these endangered bird species, which are considered 'conservation reliant' in Hawaii.
A Wayne State University researcher has developed a web-based decision support system to help people with disabilities select wheelchairs that suit their needs. The system improves the selection process by enabling remote assessment of wheelchair alternatives, providing a reusable information repository and systematic evaluation.