A collaborative project will analyze the impact of environmental conditions and management tactics on mite populations and disease incidence in wheat. The team aims to develop an accurate forecasting model to help growers anticipate and take action against wheat streak mosaic virus, high plains virus, and triticum mosaic virus.
Researchers at MIT's Haystack Observatory have measured the radius of a black hole at the center of a distant galaxy using the Event Horizon Telescope. The measurement confirms Einstein's theory of general relativity by showing that the accretion disk is spinning in the same direction as the black hole.
A study published in PLOS ONE reveals that our brains prioritize detecting new sounds over detecting when a sound disappears. In busy environments, participants often miss more than half of changes and experience longer reaction times to detect oncoming sounds.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have made a breakthrough in understanding how muscles regenerate and grow. By blocking the action of myostatin, a protein that suppresses muscle growth, they found that muscle mass can be increased significantly without the need for fully functional satellite cells.
Scientists at Rice University and UTHealth discovered a simple formula that enables Myxococcus xanthus bacteria to create waves to spread and devour other bacteria. The formula involves side-to-side contact between cells, a reversal time interval, and physical interactions, allowing the waves to move outward in unison.
A new database compiled by researchers has linked 16 independent gene variants to an increased risk of colorectal cancer. The database, known as CRCgene, provides valuable insights for furthering research on the disease.
The EPFL team has achieved a record efficiency of 22.4% for photovoltaic cells by combining amorphous and monocristalline silicon in a 'heterojunction' structure. This breakthrough could lead to cheaper and more efficient solar power, with costs estimated at $100 per square meter.
A Kansas State University doctoral student is developing a high-performance nanostructure of silicon coated onto carbon nanofibers to improve lithium-ion batteries. The material stores roughly 10 times the energy of current electrodes, resulting in a 10-15 percent improvement in battery technology.
A new assessment technique allows researchers to determine fish population status using less data than traditional methods. This enables the recovery of thousands of 'data-poor' fisheries, which could boost seafood supply by 8-40% compared to unsustainable fishing practices.
Scientists have reduced graft-versus-host disease, a life-threatening complication of stem cell transplants, by altering the circulation and trafficking of donor T-cells. The new approach maintains the therapeutic anti-leukemia effect while minimizing harm to healthy tissues.
A team of scientists has discovered a 'launchpad' where jet streams from black holes originate, providing insight into the phenomenon. The finding suggests that the black hole is the engine driving the jets, and spin plays a crucial role in their production.
Tropical Storm Miriam is weakening due to strong wind shear and cooler sea surface temperatures, with maximum sustained winds decreasing to near 40 mph. The storm is expected to turn west and generate dangerous ocean swells along the south and west coasts of Baja peninsula.
Research identifies distinct microbial communities in healthy and cystic fibrosis patient lungs, suggesting beneficial microbes contribute to health. The findings suggest a potential new approach to treating cystic fibrosis, including probiotic therapies.
Researchers used simulations to study the scaling behavior of polymers at extreme limits, where it depends on their density and length. They found that polymer blends in ultrathin films displayed enhanced compatibility due to the simulations' ability to efficiently compute dense large-chain systems.
A study by CNIO researchers finds that the rate of telomere shortening determines longevity in mammals. Individuals with slower telomere shortening tend to live longer, suggesting a new approach to predicting life expectancy.
A nationwide study found that primary-care physicians earn an average of $2.8 million less than their specialist colleagues over a lifetime, potentially discouraging medical students from pursuing primary care. The study's authors recommend reducing pay disparities to ensure adequate access to primary care.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have made a major breakthrough in type II diabetes treatment by inhibiting VEGF-B. The study shows that VEGF-B inhibition can prevent and treat insulin resistance, which is related to the storage of fat in muscles, blood vessels, and heart.
A Texas A&M University-led study has uncovered a new water cycle connection between the U.S. southwest and tropical regions, shedding light on ancient lakes that once filled desert valleys. The research suggests that precipitation in the region may have enhanced the summer monsoon, supporting the development of these lakes.
Researchers reviewing Cogmed's claims found limited evidence supporting improved working memory and addressing underachievement. The debate raises concerns about the program's efficacy, sparking a nuanced discussion among experts.
The new guidelines, published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons, apply to every patient 65 years and older as defined by Medicare regulations. The guidelines cover 13 key issues of preoperative care for the elderly, including cognitive impairment, decision-making capacity, and medication management.
A cluster randomized trial found that an intervention to enhance sense of coherence (SOC) improved oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), oral health beliefs, and gingival health in children. The study suggests that SOC may be an avenue for oral health promotion.
A Clemson University and University of Louisville study found that sports journalists used Twitter to post biased commentary during the Penn State sex abuse scandal, blurring personal and professional boundaries. The research highlights the challenges of maintaining objectivity in social media news reporting.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that the protein TRPV4 is highly expressed in white fat cells, enabling them to burn calories instead of storing excess energy. The study provides a potential target for treating obesity and related metabolic diseases.
Researchers at University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine showed that liver cells, thymus tissue and insulin-producing pancreatic islet cells can thrive in lymph nodes despite being displaced from their natural sites. This could lead to cell-based alternatives to whole organ transplantation.
Researchers have developed semi-dwarf trees through genetic modification, which can improve wood production, biomass production, branching, water-use efficiency, and root structure. The modified trees can also be more resistant to drought stress and better sequester carbon.
Farmers can create detailed maps using NASA and USGS Landsat satellite data to identify areas suitable for crops, reducing fertilizer waste and promoting sustainable agriculture. The technology uses band combinations to rapidly recognize features and changes over time, supporting crop analysis and decision-making.
The National Science Foundation has extended the Center for Biorenewable Chemicals at Iowa State University with $12 million over three years. Researchers are developing new technologies that produce industrial chemicals from biorenewable resources, attracting industry partnerships and funding.
Scientists focus on RNA processing differences in cancer cells to understand their role in tumor development. Alternative RNA splicing occurs more frequently in cancerous cells, but its biological importance is unknown.
A new classification of eukaryotic life forms clarifies the current state of protist diversity, recognizing two new super groups: Amorphea and SAR. These groups reveal ancient relationships between protists, animals, and plants, highlighting a vast unknown diversity in soil and deep sea environments.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a novel method that utilizes heat to enhance the yield and reduce costs of high-energy biofuels production. This breakthrough could pave the way for more widespread adoption of renewable energy sources, as the new process is more efficient and cost-effective than previous methods.
Researchers at UCSB have developed inexpensive medical diagnostic tests that can detect a wide range of diseases in under five minutes, using nanometer-scale DNA switches. The new technology has the potential to significantly impact world health by eliminating the lag between testing and treatment.
Scientists at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center identify a molecular pathway critical to body repair processes after injury, leading to potential new anti-fibrotic or anti-inflammatory agents. The discovery could provide a targeted intervention point in fibrotic diseases, including heart failure and muscular dystrophy.
A study found that infants with regulatory problems and/or maternal psychiatric issues may develop unexplained physical symptoms like headaches and fatigue in later childhood. Mothers with depression or anxiety during their infant's first year were 7 times more likely to have children with FSS at age 5-7.
A recent study found that treating hepatitis C in prison can be just as effective as treatment for non-incarcerated patients, with 43% of prisoners achieving a sustained viral response. The research highlights the importance of providing antiviral therapy to incarcerated individuals to curb the spread of hepatitis C.
A content analysis of 150 children's TV shows found that 92% contained some form of social aggression. Attractive perpetrators who committed social aggression were rarely punished, and such scenes were often presented in a humorous way.
Researchers discovered specific proteins in honey bees that help them resist Varroa mite infestations. These proteins enable the removal of infected larvae and reduce mite populations, promoting the survival of the species. This natural approach could provide a solution to Colony Collapse Disorder.
Researchers discovered hummingbirds' reverse flight is cheaper than hovering and equally costly to forward flight, employing unique kinematic adjustments. The study found that the birds reduce wing beat frequency and inclination during backwards flight, making it 20% more efficient.
A recent Rutgers study found that increased nurse burnout is associated with higher rates of hospital-acquired infections, such as urinary tract and surgical site infections. By reducing burnout levels from 30% to 10%, researchers estimate a potential prevention of 4,160 infections and an estimated savings of $41 million.
A team of three from Case Western Reserve University will demonstrate their 'Budget It Yourself' app, which tracks home electricity use and costs, at the Department of Energy's Energy Datapalooza. The app, developed with Android devices in mind, aims to help users budget their power consumption and costs via a smartphone.
Researchers found that a developmental protein called fibroblast growth factor-2 drives aging muscle stem cells out of dormancy, reducing their ability to regenerate. Blocking FGF signaling improved muscle tissue repair in aged animals.
A recent study on rhodopsin in Xenopus rod photoreceptor cells reveals that the geometry of micro-compartments formed by incisures affects its signaling. The researchers found that boundary geometry, rather than heterogeneity in diffusion or bound fraction, explains differences in rhodopsin distribution
Tropical Storm Miriam has weakened to a tropical storm in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, with maximum sustained winds near 65 mph. Wind shear and decreasing sea surface temperatures will continue to weaken the storm over the next several days.
A new study by researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital distinguishes multiple sclerosis patients into two meaningful subsets, MSa and MSb, based on distinct RNA molecules. This categorization may lead to more personalized treatments for individual patients.
Researchers will examine climate-water-land use interactions in the Minnesota River Basin to predict and mitigate changes. The project aims to develop a framework guiding decision-making toward a resilient environment.
A new article explores the link between chronic laminitis and inflammation, identifying an anti-inflammatory protein APOA-IV as a key factor. The psychology of equine performance also plays a crucial role in enhancing horse's mood, emotion, and temperament to improve performance.
Enslaved worker ants kill off parasite offspring to increase chances of survival for their neighbors. Slave workers feed and care for larvae but neglect pupae, resulting in low survival rates. This behavior benefits neighboring colonies by reducing slave-maker colonies' growth and effectiveness.
Researchers found that bigger turbines harness more wind without increasing mass or fuel needs, leading to cleaner power production. The study solidifies the trend towards larger windmills, expected to approach 10% of global electricity by 2020.
Analysis of seismic waves from the magnitude 8.7 earthquake reveals a complicated faulting process involving at least four faults at right angles to each other. The event was the largest intraplate earthquake ever recorded and involved horizontal motion on a series of faults in the middle of the Indo-Australian plate.
A Concordia researcher is developing a system that converts physiological displays of emotion into music. The music is used to teach individuals with autism disorders how to identify feelings by externalizing them through sound. By tapping into the brain's electrical signals, researchers can create an emotional symphony.
A study by Penn State researchers found that people perceive tweets and retweets differently depending on the source, with original tweets from popular doctors being most credible. Non-medical professionals with a large following were also seen as more trustworthy than doctors who retweet health messages.
A recent study found that climate change can exacerbate the negative effects of losing sensitive species, and that high biodiversity may be weaker than expected. This is particularly true for eelgrass meadows in shallow inlets, where a loss of cod and other predators can lead to an overgrowth of filamentous algae.
A study by Moffitt Cancer Center researchers found that a series of ten self-help booklets helped nearly 70% of pregnant women remain smoke-free after giving birth. The booklets provided detailed information on quitting cigarettes during and after pregnancy, with varying effects based on household income and age.
Researchers found that viewing objects associated with one gender can make viewers perceive an androgynous face as being of the opposite gender. The study suggests two possible explanations for this effect, including common brain regions involved in identifying both types of stimuli and a higher cognitive function of adapting to gender.
Researchers identify 60,000 T2D-associated metagenomic markers in Chinese patients and develop a new classification system using metagenomic linkage groups. Healthy individuals have higher butyrate-producing bacteria, while T2D patients show an increase in opportunistic pathogens.
Researchers have detected male DNA in female brain tissue, a phenomenon known as microchimerism, which is common and affects multiple brain regions. The findings suggest that this long-lasting fetal DNA may be associated with altered risk of Alzheimer's disease.
A study in The Journal of General Physiology reveals that CFTR's mechanism is akin to ABC transporters, with ATP hydrolysis underlying its unidirectional cycling. This finding provides new evidence for the functionality of a protein crucial to cystic fibrosis research.
A new University of Nottingham study will examine the incidence and impact of gluten intolerance in the UK, focusing on coeliac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis. The research aims to improve diagnosis rates and healthcare for affected individuals, with a goal of creating a more accurate estimate of the condition's prevalence.
Researchers discovered that a protein called SAMHD1 protects resting T helper cells from HIV replication by degrading genetic information. The study provides new insights into the immunodeficiency syndrome AIDS and could lead to new treatments for HIV.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that male DNA is commonly detected in the brains of women, possibly derived from previous pregnancies with male fetuses. The research suggests that fetal cells may frequently cross the human blood-brain barrier, leading to microchimerism in the brain.
A new study published in Nature suggests that vaccines could be developed to prevent premature birth and pregnancy complications by stimulating the production of immune suppressive cells. These cells, which are generated during pregnancy, can tolerate foreign antigens and provide protection to the fetus.