Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a new phase-change memory alloy that can store more data, last longer and work faster than current materials. The breakthrough could lead to the development of more efficient computer systems, movie discs and other data storage media.
Scientists from Queen Mary University of London found that zebrafish housed individually spent less time on the bottom of their tank, indicating lower stress levels. Individually housed fish also responded to ethanol and had lower cortisol levels compared to group-housed fish.
A new study reveals that automated breast ultrasound can detect additional clinically significant breast cancers missed by mammography, in just three minutes of physician time. This technology is a game-changer for women with dense breasts, who are at higher risk of missing cancer diagnoses.
Researchers identified a group of patients with high immune response gene expression who are more likely to have their tumors completely eradicated by pre-operative chemotherapy. Patients with HER2-positive and ER-negative/HER2-negative subtypes showed better treatment outcomes.
Researchers used rare earth element analysis to determine that human remains found at Vero Beach dated back to the late Pleistocene epoch around 13,000 years ago. This discovery sheds light on the lives of early North Americans, who likely co-existed with extinct giant mammals like mammoths and mastodons.
A new study conducted at Elizabeth Wende Breast Care in Rochester, NY found that women aged 40-49 with no family history of breast cancer are still at a high risk of developing invasive disease. The study included 211 women who underwent screening mammography and found that 64% had invasive disease.
Researchers at McGill University turned back the clock to understand the evolution of sex differences in water striders. They found that male traits, such as elaborate antennae, were shaped by a struggle between sexes during mating, leading to increased mating success.
Rapid advancements in corneal transplantation have led to the decline of complete cornea transplantation (PK), with newer forms of lamellar transplantation surgery selectively replacing diseased layers offering better visual outcomes and lower risks of complications.
Researchers found blacks and Hispanics have a higher risk of developing precancerous colorectal polyps compared to whites, with a higher rate in the upper portion of the colon. Colonoscopy may be a more effective screening test for these populations than sigmoidoscopy.
Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory and collaborators provide direct evidence for magnetism's role in forming Cooper pairs, a key to high-temperature superconductivity. The findings strengthen confidence in using this theory to identify new materials with improved properties.
Research reveals breast cancer in young women is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, with a significantly higher risk of relapse independent of other factors. Genomic analysis identified age-related biological processes and potential targets for treatment, including the phosphoinositide 3-kinase molecular pathway and RANKL.
A new study shows Greenland's contribution to rising sea levels may be less than expected due to a 30% speedup in outlet glaciers. This means the ice sheet could contribute up to nearly 19 inches of sea level rise by 2100, but long-term behavior is still uncertain.
Researchers at NIST created a novel bioreactor that stimulates and evaluates tissue as it grows using ultrasound technology, reducing the need for destructive sampling. The device has shown promise in creating three-dimensional engineered cartilage with improved structural properties.
Researchers identified a genetic pathway that influences the spread of cancer cells, which could lead to new treatment avenues. The study found that changes in genetics affect DNA methylation, causing cells to divide uncontrollably.
Research shows that earplugs can lower the incidence of confusion and delay cognitive disturbances in ICU patients. The use of earplugs resulted in better sleep quality, with a corresponding decrease in delirium risk by over 50%.
Researchers discovered that low adrenomedullin levels may contribute to slower muscle contractions and ciliary beating, favoring embryo retention in the oviduct. Administering adrenomedullin reversed this effect, suggesting it could be a useful predictor for tubal ectopic pregnancy.
Researchers found that reducing fishmeal in farmed fish diets leads to lower health and growth. The cobia fed with reduced fishmeal had higher levels of metabolites linked to physical stress and lower levels of primary energy sources. In contrast, the diet with full fishmeal showed more normal growth and energy production.
Astronomers have discovered a supermassive black hole eating a star's core, revealing that these massive objects snack infrequently. The discovery showcases the power of the Panoramic Survey Telescope and Rapid Response System (Pan-STARRS) in detecting transient phenomena.
A $4.5 million grant will fund the search to find new ways of treating glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most common type of primary brain tumors. The study aims to discover new medicines that can precisely target tumors, shrinking or eliminating them with minimal harm.
A new transatlantic graduate school in ocean system science and technology is launched by German and Canadian researchers. The Helmholtz Research School will improve understanding of the ocean's responses to natural and human influences, with a focus on sustainable use of marine resources.
Researchers at Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine have identified variant enhancer loci (VELs) that can turn genes on or off in colorectal cancer. The discovery provides clues about the disease's development and could lead to new therapeutic targets.
Researchers use satellite-based data to measure crustal uplift at unprecedented accuracy, indicating a relatively fast rise of 1 to 2 millimeters every year. This data challenges previous estimates and suggests the modern Sierra Nevada could be formed in less than 3 million years.
Ten University of Delaware students have received National Science Foundation Graduate Research Program Fellowships, a three-year stipend of $30,000 plus cost of education allowance. The awards recognize exceptional students pursuing research-based master's and doctoral degrees in STEM fields.
A new study shows cone beam CT is better than multidetector CT for visualizing superior semicircular canal dehiscence and normal temporal bone anatomy, with improved image quality at half the radiation dose. The study found a significant reduction in false positives and improvements in pathology detection.
A new study has found that experiments underestimate plant responses to climate change, with shifts in flowering and leafing timing being much greater than estimated. Long-term historical records show that many plant species have shifted their leafing and flowering earlier, in step with warming temperatures over recent decades.
A new study suggests that invasive bladder testing before incontinence surgery is not necessary, with a preoperative office evaluation showing equally successful outcomes. Women with stress urinary incontinence experienced high success rates with minimal testing.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that about 70 percent of people have two functional copies of a gene linked to an odor receptor that detects androstenone, a compound in male mammals like pigs. This genetic variation may contribute to why some people find the smell of meat unpleasant.
A study found that varenicline significantly reduced average number of drinks per week by 36% in participants assigned to take the drug. The effects on drinking behavior were separate from its effects on smoking.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University develop a peptide therapy that mimics DJ-1's normal function, protecting dopamine-producing neurons and reducing mobility dysfunctions. The treatment has shown promising results in pre-clinical trials on mice, indicating a viable option for Parkinson's patients.
A new analysis of streams in the western US found that stream temperatures are not necessarily warming at the same rate as air temperatures despite general climate trends. Long-term monitoring sites with minimal human impact show cooler-than-expected maximum, mean, and minimum temperatures.
Researchers discovered that underweight babies are more likely to become obese due to a disrupted hypothalamus, which leads to an increased appetite for calories. This results in the child consuming more calories to catch up on lost nutrition in utero, potentially leading to childhood obesity.
A study by the Wildlife Conservation Society found that intense gas development is driving away wildlife from their traditional wintering grounds. In Wyoming's Jonah and PAPA gas fields, researchers discovered an 82% decline of high-quality habitat for pronghorn, a sharp increase in infrastructure, and behavioral shifts among the animals.
Researchers discover that a highly toxic beta-amyloid protein triggers Alzheimer's disease by converting abundant beta-amyloids into a more toxic form. This process involves the interaction of beta-amyloid with tau protein, leading to the formation of toxic tangles in the brain.
A study by Loyola Medicine found that routine urodynamics tests before stress incontinence surgery are not necessary for most patients, suggesting a potential cost savings. The study evaluated over 630 women with stress incontinence and compared those who underwent urodynamics testing to those who received only a doctor's evaluation.
Researchers found that tiny fragments of plaque can provide clues about ancient diets by analyzing stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios. This new method avoids the need for destructive methods like analyzing bone or hair, which are often too expensive or perishable.
A University of Maryland-led team will investigate ways to understand, prevent and reverse the radicalization of young people in destabilized areas, using a $4.5 million DoD grant. The study's focus on preventative counterterrorism aims to identify tactics to inoculate young people against extremist recruiters.
A survey of 4,000 US Ph.D. students found that interest in faculty positions wanes with more years in school, while non-academic careers become increasingly attractive. The study suggests a need for more information and resources about pursuing non-academic careers.
Astronomers have gathered direct evidence of a supermassive black hole ripping apart a star that strayed too close. The team identified the victim as a helium-rich star in a galaxy 2.7 billion light-years away, providing insights into the harsh environment around black holes.
Scientists at UCSF used a pioneering imaging technique to study the interaction between breast cancer and the immune system in mice. They found that activated immune cells are headed off at the pass by healthy cells forming a 'thin red line' around tumors.
A study published in Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions found that thrombus aspiration during PCI provides similar long-term outcomes to conventional stent use in STEMI patients. The analysis of the PASSION trial data reported no significant difference in major adverse cardiac events between the two groups.
A recent study found that vaginal microbes change in some healthy women over short periods, while remaining stable in others. These changes can impact a woman's susceptibility to infections and diseases. Researchers hope this research will lead to personalized medicine for women.
Researchers from UCLA created a crowd-sourced online gaming system where players distinguish malaria-infected red blood cells from healthy ones, achieving accuracy within 1.25% of medical professionals. The platform has potential to overcome limitations in malaria diagnosis, affecting 210 million people annually.
A new study found that rising temperatures and reduced rainfall in European Alpine spruce forests led to more frequent and severe bark beetle attacks. The study suggests that sustainable forest management strategies are necessary to mitigate the impact of climate change on these ecosystems.
Researchers at TUM discovered that macrophages can originate from two distinct cell lines: one from hematopoietic stem cells and the other from yolk sac cells. The study reveals that yolk sac-derived macrophages migrate to organs during embryonic development and remain there, while blood-circulating macrophages are replaced by stem cells.
A research group from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev has identified genetic mutations in the GUCY2C gene that cause intestinal blockages in newborns from two Bedouin tribes in Israel. The mutations may have evolved to protect against diarrheal diseases in the harsh desert climate.
A new study by the University of California Santa Barbara found that female brown-headed cowbirds prefer less intense wing-spreading displays as courtship behavior. This suggests that current physical condition may not be the most reliable measure of male quality for females to use when choosing a mate.
A new University of Michigan Health System study found that middle-aged and older adults with diabetes showed strong survival rates, even those living in nursing homes or with multiple health issues. The study suggests that interventions can prevent or delay diabetes complications.
Research at Dartmouth-Hitchcock investigates the use of stem cells to treat lower-limb peripheral artery disease (PAD), a condition affecting 9 million US patients. The study shows significant improvement in blood flow and reduced risk of amputation among patients who received stem cell therapy.
A study published in Nature shows that relatively few amino acid mutations enable avian H5N1 influenza virus to transmit in mammals. This breakthrough has significant public health benefits and contributes to understanding the pathogen's transmission dynamics.
A team of astronomers led by Suvi Gezari has identified a star rich in helium gas that was ripped apart by the gravitational forces of a supermassive black hole. The star's remains were seen falling into the black hole, while the rest was ejected at high speeds, providing insights into the harsh environment around black holes.
The US has the highest preterm birth rate among 130 countries, with 12.0 preterm births per 100 live births. Nearly half a million babies are born too soon in the US each year, resulting in significant human and economic costs.
Researchers found that increased fructose consumption depletes cellular energy in obese and diabetic individuals, leading to decreased ATP stores and increased risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Measuring uric acid levels may help doctors predict the presence and monitor the severity of this condition.
The Regenstrief Institute's Aging Brain Care Program is launching a global initiative to provide collaborative dementia care. The program's tools and resources aim to reduce emergency room and hospital visits by up to 45%, improving the quality of care for those with dementia.
A new study finds that plant responses to climate change are advancing at a rate four to eight times faster than predicted by experiments, according to natural observations. This could lead to major changes in ecosystems, pollination of crops, and water supplies, emphasizing the need for accurate predictions.
A U-Mich study tracks changes in retirement plans after the Great Recession, finding that people who postponed retirement also expected to leave less for their heirs. Most respondents planned to work an additional 1-3 years due to financial losses, but few aimed to recoup their entire economic loss
Research suggests that brief prenatal exposure to plant estrogens may affect a woman's fertility as an adult. Exposure to estrogenic chemicals in the womb or during childhood has been shown to alter immune response genes and compromise oviduct support for preimplantation embryo development, leading to infertility.
Individuals with epilepsy have a higher risk of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, as well as an increased likelihood of developing psychosis. A Finnish study found that families with a history of epilepsy were more likely to experience both conditions.
Researchers at the University of Oklahoma investigate the green pigment in nitrite-cured bacon, discovering its chemical composition and potential health effects. Further research is needed to determine if 'nitrite burn' poses a risk to human health.
Scientists discovered that liquid crystals can spontaneously create nanoscale morphologies, leading to new classes of materials with unique properties. This breakthrough could lead to advancements in fields such as biosecurity, healthcare, and biology research.
Two UC Davis faculty members, Frederic Chedin and Noriko Satake, received Individual Biomedical Research Awards to explore novel approaches to understanding autoimmune diseases. Paula Goines, a postdoctoral researcher, will also receive funding for her work on autism research using nerve cells grown from adult stem cells.