A new genomic analysis of pigs reveals similarities with humans in terms of adaptability and susceptibility to domestication. The study also found differences between European and Asian breeds, supporting the independent domestication of pigs in western Eurasia and East Asia.
Researchers have developed a new computer algorithm that analyzes thermal images of breasts to enhance breast cancer detection. The approach improved accuracy from 90% to 96% in tests on 28 patients, paving the way for future studies with larger patient groups.
A new study by a University of British Columbia medical resident found that hypothermic patients in cardiac arrest have a 50% chance of surviving if transported to a hospital with advanced heart and lung support equipment. Non-invasive rewarming techniques, such as hot air blankets, are recommended for mild cases.
Researchers compared the genomes of domestic pigs with wild boars to reveal genetic differences that could improve pig health and combat diseases like diabetes, obesity, and Alzheimer's. The study also identified genes linked to smell, shedding light on human diseases.
A gene variant known as R47H in TREM2 nearly triples the risk of Alzheimer's disease, according to a global team including Mayo Clinic researchers. The study identified rare variants in TREM2 associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer's, with the R47H variant showing strong association with the disease.
Researchers found that brain activity oscillates in sync with sounds we hear, influencing our ability to detect fleeting gaps in music. The study's findings suggest that the brain uses rhythmic fluctuations to prepare for important incoming information, potentially aiding individuals with hearing loss or stuttering.
A new study suggests climate change is causing significant stress to western rangelands, leading to ecosystem degradation and loss of biodiversity. The researchers recommend reducing or eliminating livestock from public lands to mitigate these effects and restore affected ecosystems.
A team of researchers has successfully cloned single-wall carbon nanotubes with identical structures using a DNA-based technique. This breakthrough solves the challenge of producing nanotubes of specific structure for nanoelectronics.
Researchers discovered a genetic mutation in the TREM2 gene linked to increased Alzheimer's disease risk. The study found that this rare mutation occurs in just 0.3% of the population but makes patients three times more likely to develop the disease.
The Illacme plenipes, a millipede species from California, boasts the most legs of any animal group, with females reaching up to 750 legs. Its unique anatomy and adaptations enable it to thrive in its limited habitat near San Juan Bautista, where thick fog accumulation provides a specialized environment.
A new study found that adding vegetables to dinner can increase positive evaluations of the main course and the cook. The study suggests that thinking about vegetables as an enhancement of the meal may be a more effective strategy for increasing vegetable consumption.
A team of USC researchers has successfully grown carbon nanotube semiconductors with predefined structures, paving the way for their potential use in future electronics. The breakthrough, known as 'nanotube cloning,' involves using pre-selected and separated carbon nanotubes as seeds to control the growth of longer nanotubes.
Scientists discover ancient intermediate form of great white shark, which shows modern sharks descended from broad-toothed mako sharks. The discovery pushes the origin of great whites back 2 million years, challenging previous classifications.
A new report from USC analysis shows that California has a higher proportion of uninsured children compared to the US. The study found that public health insurance and employer-based coverage have increased, but the gap between these options and private insurance has stalled over the past three years.
Researchers use supercomputer simulations and clinical studies to identify threshold levels of stress for better helmet designs. The sensors could alert sufferers to potential problems, helping military and civilian populations.
Researchers found that captive mink in confined spaces showed increased interest in stimuli and spent more time seeking stimulation when given little to do. The study aimed to assess animal boredom scientifically and has implications for understanding its causes and effects across species.
A new relationship education program specifically designed for male same-sex couples is being tested, focusing on commitment, communication, and conflict resolution. The program has shown promising results in helping couples build stability and resolve conflicts, highlighting the need for tailored support for this population.
A new gene delivery vehicle has been developed to target tumor cells with the TNFα cytokine, allowing for improved drug delivery and reduced resistance. The treatment approach combines the cytokine with a DNA-intercalating drug doxorubicin, showing promise in reducing tumor growth and metastasis.
Research published by Viren Swami from the University of Westminster found that men and women equally identified Kate's symptoms as indicative of a mental health disorder, but men were less likely to recognize Jack's symptoms. Men also rated Kate's case as more distressing and deserving of sympathy than Jack's.
A new study reveals that improving water supplies in rural African villages can lead to higher birth rates, larger family sizes, and increased household shortages. As a result, young adults are more likely to migrate to cities, exacerbating poverty and urbanization issues.
Researchers from the University of Illinois found that frontline employees are more likely to commit to continuous improvement initiatives if they perceive high job autonomy and trust their leaders. Employees need a sense of control over their work environment to be motivated to improve, and leadership must provide support for this mot...
A preliminary study by researchers at the National Institutes of Health found that couples with high levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and similar environmental pollutants take longer to achieve pregnancy. The study suggests a possible link between exposure to these pollutants and pregnancy delay.
A recent study led by academics from the University of Bristol's School of Veterinary Sciences found that caudal compression of the infraorbital nerve can be a viable option for headshaking in horses. The procedure showed a nearly 50% long-term success rate, offering a promising alternative to euthanasia.
A new study suggests that chronic exposure to bright light at night can lead to depression-like behaviors, including decreased interest in sugar and pleasure seeking, and impaired cognitive function. Treatment with Prozac restored the mice's healthy moods and learning abilities.
Research published in PLOS ONE found that bonobos yawn more contagiously when closely related or relaxed, while senior group members trigger yawns regardless of context. This social component suggests empathy plays a role in shaping yawning behavior.
A recent study published in the British medical journal 'Clinical & Experimental Allergy' found that children with skin manifestations have increased levels of eosinophil progenitors in their blood. Exposure to environmental contaminants, such as cigarette smoke, was also linked to higher levels of allergy-relevant stem cells.
Scientists have identified stem cells in the adult pancreas that can be turned into insulin-producing cells, offering a potential cure for type 1 diabetes. This breakthrough discovery provides further evidence of the existence of stem cells beyond embryos and may lead to new treatments for the condition.
Researchers discovered that desynchronised brain activity during sleep could trigger some of schizophrenia's symptoms. The study suggests poor sleep might be a cause, not just a consequence of the disorder's effects.
Researchers from Princeton University found that large national and international banks wield an influence that far exceeds their actual size. To mitigate this effect, the researchers suggest requiring large banks to maintain capital relevant to their systemic importance.
The new textbook on thermodynamics provides a clear structure and mathematical foundations, making it easier for students to understand the subject. It combines mathematical exactness with intuitive approaches, useful for chemists, biologists, and engineers.
The Keeneland Full Scale System is a 615 TFLOPS HP Proliant SL250-based supercomputer with 264 nodes, offering sustained performance of over a quarter of a PetaFLOP. This system enables researchers to run higher resolution simulations than ever before.
Spatial cognition researchers will form a virtual institute to collaborate and advance the field of spatial intelligence and learning. The Thematic Network in Spatial Cognition aims to establish spatial cognition as a scientific discipline, with relevance to education in STEM fields and professional areas.
The Wuzhishan miniature pig genome sequence has provided valuable knowledge for medical engineering and drug design. Despite high levels of polymorphism, the genome is mostly homozygous, with 84% homology between humans and pigs.
Scientists at Virginia Commonwealth University have made a significant breakthrough in understanding how cancer spreads, discovering that a specific protein can be inhibited to stop melanoma metastasis. The research could lead to new targeted therapies and diagnostic tools for patients with melanoma and potentially other cancers.
The growth of citizen science has led to a surge in public involvement in scientific research, with over 25 NSF-funded projects now underway. Chemistry projects, such as Curating ChemSpider or monitoring water quality, allow hobbyists and enthusiasts to contribute to groundbreaking research.
Researchers found that a little distraction can help drone operators stay engaged and perform better. Participants who were distracted 30% of the time scored almost as high as those who focused the majority of their attention on the simulation.
The pig genome has been mapped, providing insights into the evolution of domesticated pigs and their relationship to wild boars. The study reveals that domestication occurred nearly 10,000 years ago in several independent locations across Europe and Asia.
The 2012 AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Awards honored outstanding science journalists, including Carl Zimmer for his work on evolution and the human microbiome. The awards recognized the importance of science journalism in covering big stories that both excite and enlighten. Sarah Holt won three times for her NOVA documentary exploring...
Australian researchers discovered that reduced heart rate variability best predicts cognitive disturbances in people with chronic fatigue syndrome. The study found a significant loss of vagal modulation, consistent with the notion that CFS represents a system under stress. This could lead to new ways to improve cognitive difficulties i...
Researchers develop novel sensor systems using RFID and sensors to monitor human activity, enabling timely assistance for older people living independently. The system adapts to individual routines and context-aware reasoning, producing alerts when necessary.
A new study by Brown University researchers found that men with more consistently made sperm have better swimming abilities. The research suggests that variability in sperm length may be a sign of trouble with the production process, potentially affecting fertility.
Michigan State University will use a $7.8 million grant to help eight African nations intensify sustainable farming methods and improve environmental quality. The project aims to promote effective government strategies, build capacity of national policy institutes, and support small farmers.
The U.S. Department of Energy's ESnet has deployed the world's fastest science network, serving national laboratories, universities, and research institutions at 100 gigabits per second. This upgrade accelerates discovery in fields like energy, climate science, and cosmology by enabling faster data sharing and analysis.
The study found that resveratrol induces cell death in cancer cells with normal p53 expression, but not those with defective p53. Introducing a normal copy of p53 into p53-defective cancer cell lines makes them sensitive to resveratrol's anti-tumor effects.
Researchers at Indiana University found a way to combine two hormones into a single molecule, producing more effective weight loss with fewer side effects. The hormone combination targets the hypothalamus and pancreas, reducing the risk of cancer and stroke.
A new study found that currency's physical appearance dramatically affects consumer behaviour, with people preferring to spend dirty, crumpled currency in social situations. The researchers' findings challenge long-held beliefs about the value of money and suggest that it can be a part of conspicuous consumption.
A study led by Michigan State University researcher Gwen Wyatt found that reflexology can significantly ease cancer symptoms such as shortness of breath, improve physical functioning, and reduce fatigue. The results suggest that reflexology may be a useful complementary therapy for mainstream care.
Research reveals that genes involved in glutamatergic transmission are associated with an increased risk of depression. Drugs targeting the glutamate system may help improve current antidepressant treatment outcomes.
Researchers found that a protein called TGFβig-h3 is impaired in patients with gastric cancer, allowing cancer to spread. This discovery could lead to the development of new therapies restoring the functions of this protein.
Dr. Richard Casaburi leads research on COPD, a disease affecting millions, to identify genetic factors and develop new treatments. The study, funded by NIH, aims to understand what genetic deficiencies contribute to COPD development and progression.
Researchers at Harvard University have developed a biocompatible gel-based sponge that can be molded to any shape, loaded with drugs or stem cells, and delivered via injection. The sponge pops back to its original shape once inside the body, gradually releasing its cargo before safely degrading.
Researchers report progress in Pakistan's efforts to eradicate polio, with the potential elimination of one type of wild poliovirus. However, vaccine refusals remain a major challenge, driven by false rumors and misinformation. In Nigeria, a surge in cases threatens to re-infect countries that have already been cleared of polio.
A recent study by Craig Cameron highlights the need for robust policies on workplace pornography to protect employees from sexual harassment and discrimination. The study identifies five primary methods of employee participation with pornography, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe work environment.
Researchers at Radboud University Medical Center have developed an injectable formulation of malaria parasites that can achieve controlled infection in human volunteers. The breakthrough could make it easier to evaluate new drugs and vaccines, as well as potentially become a vaccine itself.
A study published in Environmental Health found that family members and preschool children are at high risk for exposure to toxic compounds such as arsenic, pesticides, and acrylamide. The researchers suggest dietary modifications can mitigate risk, including eating organic produce and limiting consumption of animal meat and fats.
A new CU-NOAA study analyzes 90 years of observational data to show that summer climates in regions across the globe are changing, mostly warming, according to lead author Irina Mahlstein. The technique reveals location-by-location temperature changes and could yield valuable insights into changes in ecosystems on a regional scale.
Researchers at Penn State used scenario-based games to detect confirmation bias in intelligence analysts. The study found that teams trained in considering alternative hypotheses outperformed others in identifying perpetrators and targets. The game was designed to mimic real-life situations faced by U.S. intelligence analysts in Iraq.
A University of Cincinnati research team isolated and grew lung cancer stem cells in a preclinical model, offering a new avenue for investigating immunotherapy options that specifically target stem cells. This breakthrough could lead to the development of novel therapies targeting these cells and improving treatment outcomes.
A new study conducted by scientists at the University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found a strong correlation between uranium exposure and an increased lupus rate. People who were exposed to higher levels of uranium had lupus rates four times higher than the average population.
Researchers at UC Riverside developed a new method to double wireless network efficiency, addressing the 'spectrum crunch' issue. This breakthrough has significant implications for the mobile internet and wireless industries, enabling faster data speeds and lower costs.