A recent study found that heavy smokers who experienced significant price hikes from increased taxes reduced their smoking by an average of 35% more than lighter smokers. This suggests that higher taxes can lead to a substantial decrease in smoking behaviors among the most heavy users, which is a positive development for public health.
Researchers discover engraved stone artifact in northwest China, providing evidence of human symbolic and cognitive capabilities during the Late Paleolithic era. The find, dated to approximately 30 ka BP, suggests that humans in East Asia may have possessed complex communicative systems, including language.
A new study suggests that daily exposure to low-magnitude mechanical signals partially rescues B- and T-cell populations damaged by obesity, improving immune function. Brief daily vibration interventions showed promise in obese mice, potentially leading to a cheap and drug-free way for people to regain health.
A recent study finds that Fortune 1000 companies using marketing analytics see an average 8% increase in return on assets, with potential gains of $70-180 million in net income. The research highlights the key role of management support and analytics skills in successful marketing analytics deployments.
Darlene Ketten, a biologist at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, has been recognized as an AAAS Fellow for her work on the biophysics of hearing in mammals. She is also developing ultra-high resolution imaging techniques to diagnose hearing impairments.
Tropical Storm Bopha is moving through Micronesia in the western North Pacific Ocean, triggering warnings and watches. The storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall and wind gusts to Woleai and surrounding islands, with the center passing about 180 miles south of Woleai on Friday night.
Scientists found bacteria that cause tick-borne disease create their own food supply by hijacking autophagy process in host cells. This allows them to grow and remain hidden from the immune system.
Intimate partner violence is more likely to occur in working couples, with over 60% of women reporting victimization. The study highlights the impact of female employment on relationship dynamics and suggests that clinicians should address specific risk factors and cultural differences when treating victims.
Research reveals that fly larvae fed alcohol-spiked food exhibit lasting changes in brain function, even after abstinence. This study provides insights into the neural mechanisms underlying ethanol dependence and its evolutionary roots.
Researchers found that GM1 ganglioside improved symptoms and slowed disease progression in patients with Parkinson's disease over a 2.5-year period. The study enrolled 77 subjects and followed them for 120 weeks, with significant benefits observed when participants stopped taking the drug.
Scientists from six countries emphasize the importance of collaboration between science and policy in addressing air pollution effects. Successful integration has led to significant improvements in reducing acid rain and eutrophication, but challenges persist, including nitrogen emissions and climate change.
A study by Brigham Young University found a strong correlation between the persistence of fears and the severity of classic symptoms of autism. Children with autism took longer to extinguish their original fear in response to a changing visual cue, highlighting the need to help them make emotional transitions.
A USC Marshall study found that smog check firms cluster with competitors, leading to lenient passing grades for cars that should fail. This practice could have passed 39,000 cars in New York State, contributing to public health problems.
A new study found that writing about emotions after a divorce can actually increase emotional distress in some individuals, particularly those prone to rumination. Non-expressive control writing may provide greater healing benefits for these individuals.
A genetic variation in the vitamin D receptor has been linked to a decreased risk of developing osteoporosis, according to a meta-analysis of 26 studies. The study suggests that individuals with this variation may have a significantly lower risk of bone mineral density loss.
A study found that open heart surgery is safer than angioplasty for dialysis patients with blocked arteries surrounding the heart, with five-year survival rates over 90% without kidney disease but dismal in kidney failure patients. Heart disease is a leading cause of death in kidney failure patients, affecting 30-60%.
Recent research revealed mosquitoes possess surprisingly effective immune systems, destroying pathogens by utilizing the circulatory system's unique characteristics. A Vanderbilt study discovered a new mechanism for eliminating pathogens, increasing effectiveness in disease control strategies.
Researchers created an atlas that maps molecular connections between caloric restriction and aging, identifying pathways in mitochondria that control metabolism. The study suggests therapies targeting Sirt3 function could provide novel interventions to prevent age-related illnesses.
Fifteen University of South Florida faculty were named AAAS Fellows this year, recognized for their scientifically or socially distinguished efforts. The university was among the top ten organizations worldwide with the most AAAS Fellows, alongside universities such as Michigan and California-Davis.
Researchers used RNA interference technology to identify hundreds of molecular targets linked to HD toxicity, including RRAS signaling as a pathologic feature. The study provides a roadmap for discovering new therapies and offers hope for treating the devastating disease.
Researchers have identified a key piece of the Notch signaling pathway, specifically a domain within the Notch receptor that is crucial for determining which ligand to bind. This finding provides a molecular handle for future studies and potential therapeutic targets for diseases such as cancer.
Scientists at Penn State University developed a new paradigm for understanding the earliest eras of the universe, extending analyses to the Big Bang using loop quantum cosmology. The research reveals that fundamental fluctuations in space-time evolved into large-scale structures, challenging classical physics and inflationary theories.
Researchers have discovered that magma in oceanic crust is cycled through the Earth's surface before eruption, altering previous theories on the formation of oceanic crust. This breakthrough could help scientists better understand the conditions of mantle melting and production of the Earth's most-common rock.
A Turkish biologist's review of existing scientific literature suggests that releasing non-native guineafowl in Turkey to eat ticks may actually spread the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus. The birds carry ticks on their feathers, which could facilitate the spread of the disease despite initial intentions.
Researchers developed a large dynamic, reconfigurable, distributed I-ROF system to meet the growing demand for broadband and ubiquitous information access. The system offers flexible wireless access and fiber-optic broadband transmission, providing effective solutions for modern information society.
A new genetic test can accurately identify the presence of breast cancer tumors and predict the progression of tumor development. This breakthrough technology analyzes genetic switches to detect cancer growth, enabling earlier diagnosis and more effective treatment plans.
The Wyss Institute team developed a new method to build 3D nanostructures using DNA 'bricks', expanding the repertoire of nanobiotechnology applications in medicine and beyond. The technique enables the creation of complex shapes with sophisticated surface features and intricate interior cavities.
A study by Lauren A. Rivera found that employers at elite professional service firms value shared culture and personal connections over superior cognitive or technical skills. This can lead to inequalities in access to jobs based on parental socioeconomic status.
A new hyperspectral camera has captured the first-ever images of auroras, revealing a previously unknown atmospheric phenomenon. The camera's unprecedented capabilities have enabled scientists to study auroras in unprecedented clarity, revealing subtle changes in atmospheric behavior.
Researchers have found that dual-agent chemotherapy resistance in ovarian cancer arises from unique genetic changes, distinct from single-agent resistance. This discovery may lead to new strategies for overcoming resistance and improving treatment outcomes.
Scientists have mapped a weak spot in the parasite that causes African sleeping sickness, providing a promising target for treating the disease. The study uses X-ray lasers to determine the structure of biological molecules, which could lead to the development of a new drug.
A study found that essential oils reduce blood pressure and heart rate in people exposed for less than an hour, but prolonged exposure is associated with increased heart rate and blood pressure. This suggests that aromatherapy may be beneficial for cardiovascular health when used correctly.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes have identified a key underlying process implicated in MS, offering new hope for therapies to treat the disease. The discovery reveals that a protein called fibrinogen sets off an immune response in the brain, leading to nerve cell damage and debilitating symptoms.
A total of 42 reptile species were found in Lenáois Maranhenses National Park, with approximately 80% living in restinga habitats. The park's ecosystems are threatened by human activities such as off-road vehicle use and path creation, which could harm the environment and potentially endangered species like sea turtles.
Researchers exposed a possible Achilles' heel of the sleeping sickness parasite by solving its molecular structure with an X-ray laser. The discovery reveals a unique plug that can selectively block a vital enzyme, potentially killing the parasite without harming humans.
Scientists at IRB Barcelona created a Drosophila melanogaster fly model that reproduces the steps of healthy cell transformation into cancer. The model can help identify genes and molecules involved in cancer progression, potentially leading to specific treatments for cells with genomic instability.
Climate scientists analyzed satellite observations and computer model simulations to find a human-caused climate change signal. The study found that tropospheric and stratospheric temperature changes are related to human activities, with the lower stratosphere cooling due to ozone depletion.
An international team of satellite experts has produced the most accurate assessment of ice losses from Antarctica and Greenland to date, confirming both regions are losing ice. The study reveals that melting of the Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets has contributed significantly to global sea level rise over the past two decades.
A new Caltech study suggests the Grand Canyon was formed over 70 million years ago, contradicting conventional models of its creation. The research uses a novel method to analyze ancient rocks and provides crucial insights into the canyon's incision.
A new study finds that men and women with smaller finger ratios self-reported higher levels of verbal aggression. The research suggests that prenatal testosterone may play a role in the development of verbal aggression, providing new insights for therapists and communication scientists.
Study finds that people can't accurately judge emotions from facial expressions alone but can recognize them through body language. The researchers tested this with dozens of real-life intense images and found that participants were unable to tell apart positive and negative faces.
Astronomers have discovered a black hole with 17 billion solar masses in the heart of a small galaxy, NGC 1277. This massive object challenges current models of galaxy evolution and could be the largest known black hole of its kind.
Recent studies have elucidated the mechanisms of lanthanide biological actions, indicating that these metals can alter neural functions. High doses and chronic exposure are associated with neural system damage, particularly in pregnant and lactating animals.
Four Pacific Northwest National Laboratory scientists, Nigel Browning, Allison Campbell, Anthony Peurrung, and Douglas Ray, have been elected as AAAS fellows. They were recognized for their contributions to electron microscopy, thin film synthesis, radiation detection, and national security programs.
A team of researchers led by Professor Mingjun Zhang discovered the secret behind the whirligig beetle's high propulsive efficiency, which inspired the development of energy-efficient propulsion mechanisms for swimming vehicles and robots. The key to the beetle's efficiency lies in its unique leg functions, alternative patterns of leg ...
Scientists have discovered several toxins in sea anemones that could be used as new generation of insecticides. These toxins disable ion channels, potentially leading to the development of pain and cardiac disorder treatments.
Research reveals IkBNS promotes formation of Foxp3, key feature of regulatory T cells, and influences NFkB family of transcription factors. Manipulating IkBNS could lead to therapeutic breakthroughs for autoimmune diseases and inflammation.
Lung cancer researchers at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center identified a gene involved in non-small cell lung cancer tumor growth, leading to potential new treatments that inhibit tumor growth. The study found that the Fn14 gene is elevated in NSCLC tumors and promotes migration and invasion.
A novel imaging method based on SISAR is proposed to extract the target profile accurately in forward scatter radar (FSR). The method can effectively deduce the target type, such as a cruise missile or unmanned aerial vehicle. Simulations are conducted to evaluate the validity of the algorithm, showing promising results for stealth tar...
Four University of Cincinnati faculty members, including President Santa Ono and professors Bruce Ault, Prabir Bhattacharya, and Alvaro Puga, have been named AAAS Fellows for their contributions to science and research. The university now has 24 faculty members who are AAAS Fellows.
Researchers applied infectious disease control principles to track 2,366 homicides in Newark, NJ, finding patterns that evolved over time. The study identified areas with no homicide clusters, suggesting community resistance factors that can be targeted to reduce violence.
New research suggests that planets orbiting white or brown dwarfs are unlikely to support life due to the cooling and shrinking of their habitable zones. The study's findings indicate that such planets would have had to undergo a 'sterilization phase' in the past, making them dead for hosting life.
A Baylor University study suggests that chelation therapy, a popular autism treatment, is ineffective and potentially harmful. The research found methodological weaknesses in existing studies on chelation, which could contribute to cardiac problems and other serious side effects.
USDA scientists identify urban runoff as a significant source of E. coli bacteria in California's middle Santa Ana River Watershed. The study found that pathogens are more often carried into waterways via urban runoff than animal production facilities, highlighting the need for improved water quality management.
Researchers have discovered how two proteins regulate telomeres, the protective caps on chromosome ends. The POT-1/TTP-1 complex promotes telomerase activity, a key target for anti-cancer drugs.
A team of Harvard engineers and chemists are working on a one-year, $600,000 grant from ARPA-E to develop a new type of storage battery that uses eco-friendly small organic molecules. The technology aims to make stationary energy storage cost-effective, enabling wind and solar power to displace fossil fuels more widely.
Seven University of Minnesota faculty members have been named AAAS Fellows for their groundbreaking research and innovative efforts in science. They were recognized in four different sections, including geology, physics, pharmaceutical sciences, and biological sciences.
A study by researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine reveals how T-cell exhaustion occurs in chronic viral infections, with implications for novel therapies. The team found that two distinct classes of virus-specific CD8+ T cells work together to keep the infection in check, but their long-term pressure depletes progenitor pools.
Researchers at NYU Langone Medical Center have identified two genes, Hoxa5 and Hoxc5, that establish the neuronal circuits required for breathing. The discovery could advance treatments for spinal cord injuries and neurodegenerative diseases like ALS.
A new study by a University of North Carolina sociologist found that organizations spreading negative messages about Muslims have gained traction in the media, stoking public fears and anti-Muslim sentiment. The research tracked over 50,000 TV transcripts and newspaper articles from 2001 to 2008, revealing a significant rise in negativ...