The US Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate has developed the BIOSwimmer, an unmanned underwater vehicle inspired by the tuna fish. It features a flexible aft section and fins for high maneuverability in hard-to-reach spaces, making it ideal for inspection and security missions.
A new study from the University of Haifa and the University of Texas found that Israel's perception of Barack Obama is influenced by his middle name, Hussein. Jewish Israelis and Arab Israelis perceive him as less pro-Israeli when his middle name is mentioned, while American participants show no effect.
Countries prioritizing poorest groups show fastest progress in increasing maternal and child health coverage. Lead author highlights importance of equity in assessing overall coverage progress.
Researchers used a combination of traditional and innovative model-building techniques to create a lifelike reconstruction of an ancient mollusk. The model revealed key characteristics of the creature, including its dense spines and shells, which had splayed out and decayed prior to fossilization.
Tropical Storm Nadine's rainfall rates are diminishing according to NASA satellite data. The lack of convection near the storm's center indicates a possible decaying or weakening trend for Nadine.
Dr. Timothy Bestor's research could overturn a 20-year-old theory of carcinogenesis, instead proposing that methylation changes kill incipient cancer cells. The study aims to develop new methods to differentiate between 'driver' and 'passenger' epigenetic events in tumor development.
A new study by University of Guelph researchers has found that DNA barcoding can accurately identify natural health products with up to 88% effectiveness. This technique uses short genetic sequences to compare specimens to reference databases, making it an efficient tool for authenticating products.
Stem cells found in cord blood have the ability to migrate to the intestine and contribute to its cell population, suggesting a potential treatment for inflammatory bowel disease. The cells' innate ability to form blood vessels may also improve vessel abnormalities found in IBD.
A team of scientists corrected a fundamental rule in quantum mechanics by slowing down particles to extremely cold temperatures. They used the University of Florida's Microkelvin lab, which can reach temperatures near absolute zero, to observe and manipulate quantum systems.
The Arctic Ocean's sea ice cover has reached its annual minimum extent of 1.32 million square miles, a new record low in the satellite era. This represents a decline of almost 300,000 square miles from the previous lowest extent set in 2007, and is approximately half the size of the average extent from 1979 to 2000.
Researchers discovered that people's moral attitudes are more flexible than thought, with participants often constructing coherent arguments supporting the opposite of their original position. The study highlights the potential limitations of self-reported questionnaires in capturing complex attitudes.
A genetic mutation in the FADS cluster on chromosome 11 allowed early humans to convert plant-based polyunsaturated fatty acids to brain PUFAs, enabling increased brain size and complexity. This trait rapidly spread throughout the African continent under intense selective pressure.
A new study published in Neurology suggests that emotional neglect in childhood is associated with a higher risk of stroke in adulthood. The study found that individuals who experienced moderately high levels of childhood emotional neglect were nearly three times more likely to develop a stroke than those with lower levels.
A new study by the Countdown to 2015 group found that official development aid for maternal, newborn, and child health activities decreased by 0.5% in 2010, despite an increase in the number of donors. This decrease is concerning as it may impact countries' ability to meet international targets for reducing maternal and child mortality.
A study by University of Missouri researcher Micah Mazurek found that nearly one-fourth of children with ASD also experience chronic gastrointestinal problems, anxiety and sensory sensitivities. These interrelated issues can significantly impact daily life and treatment outcomes for children with autism.
A new study suggests that oral insulin may prevent or delay the onset of type 1 diabetes among individuals with autoantibodies against insulin. The study found that participants who took oral insulin had a delayed development of type 1 diabetes compared to those who took placebo capsules. The delaying effect was attributed to the immun...
Researchers published new studies on the geology of Nevada, Alaska, and Arizona, shedding light on major faults, river systems, and tectonic processes. These findings provide new insights into the region's geological history and have significant implications for understanding natural disasters.
Researchers found that premature infants who received Kangaroo Mother Care had better brain functioning in adolescence, comparable to those born at term. The technique, which provides skin-to-skin contact with the parent's chest, promotes immediate and future brain development.
A new study found that cooking with a blend of sesame and rice bran oils significantly lowers blood pressure and improves cholesterol levels. The researchers discovered that the oil blend works nearly as well as a commonly prescribed high blood pressure medication, with even more impressive results when used in combination.
A new study reveals how warming waters in the Southern Ocean can connect with the movement of massive ice-sheets deep in the Antarctic interior. The research found that ocean warming can trigger increased flow of ice through narrow glaciers, causing inland sectors of the ice-sheet to become thinner and flow faster.
Northwestern University scientists have developed a thermoelectric material that can convert 15-20% of waste heat to useful electricity. The material exhibits a ZT of 2.2, the highest reported to date, and has the potential to recover high-temperature waste heat and turn it into usable energy.
A recent study found that consuming at least 2% of daily calories from yogurt may help lower the risk of high blood pressure. Long-term yogurt-eaters had lower systolic blood pressure and were 31% less likely to develop hypertension than those who didn't eat yogurt.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that pharmaceutical industry sponsorship can downgrade physicians' perceptions of trial rigor and results. The study suggests that funding source should not be a determinant of a trial's impact, but rather its methodological rigor.
Researchers have discovered that melanoma cells produce receptors for chemokines present in the brain tissue, drawing them to the brain. This interaction could be a potential target for new therapies.
Greater adherence to the DASH diet can lead to significant reductions in blood pressure, but African Americans are less likely to adhere to it compared to whites. The study found that after four months, participants with higher post-treatment DASH adherence scores had lower blood pressure levels.
A recent University of Tennessee study found that women who read food labels weigh nearly 9 pounds less than those who don't. The researchers analyzed data from the National Health Interview Survey and discovered a significant correlation between label use and lower obesity rates, particularly among women.
A study of spinal injury data found that explosions accounted for 56% of spine injuries, followed by motor vehicle collisions and gunshots. The average age of injured personnel was 26.5 years, and 90% were enlisted personnel.
The new LandEx tool uses the National Land Cover Dataset 2006 to enable example-based queries for localities with similar patterns of land cover. The tool allows researchers and educators to explore its capabilities online, providing a total search for a sense of place.
Climate change is expected to transform Australia's natural landscapes by 2030, with significant ecological impacts by 2070. The study highlights the need to adapt biodiversity conservation strategies to accommodate changing ecosystems and shifting species.
A multi-site study of 293 patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and 146 matched controls found no evidence of XMRV or pMLV infections. The researchers tested for the presence of these viruses using molecular, culture, and serological methods, but none were detected in CFS samples.
A lack of AgRP-neurons leads to obesity if fed a regular carbohydrate diet, but high-fat diets counteract this effect. The study reveals the importance of brain-cell interactions in nutrient metabolism and storage.
Researchers will examine cancer cell drug resistance and focus on prevention strategies using breast cancer as a proof-of-concept model. The goal is to minimize the probability of drug-resistant cancer cells emerging, which are a major cause of current cancer treatment failure.
A GW University researcher is using a green electrochemical process to form cement without CO2 gases, aiming to replace traditional cement production methods. The project could potentially decrease the cost of solar cement and contribute to training the next generation of renewable energy scientists.
Typhoon Sanba caused severe flooding and landslides in South Korea on September 17, 2012. The TRMM satellite captured data showing intense rain bands with rates of over 90 mm per hour, and powerful thunderstorms reaching heights of up to 14km
A study found that high antibody levels for Porphyromonas gingivalis were associated with a two-fold risk of pancreatic cancer, while high levels of antibodies for commensal oral bacteria were linked to a 45-percent lower risk. The study strengthens the suggestion that oral bacteria may be indicators of pancreatic cancer risk.
Research shows women participate less than their proportion in groups, but are empowered when decisions are made unanimously. Consensus-building approaches can bring valuable insights and reduce inequality.
Manuela Neumann has been recognized with a Euro 150,000 award from the French Alzheimer's Foundation for her groundbreaking research on abnormal proteins in neurodegenerative diseases. The award aims to support further investigations into mechanisms and causes of these diseases.
The Journal of Visualized Experiments has established a Librarian Advisory Board to foster collaboration between academia and hospitals. The board aims to shape the JoVE platform's content and distribution strategy.
A recent study has confirmed that an association between XMRV and prostate cancer was due to laboratory contamination. The researchers found that the virus was introduced into prostate tissue samples through contact with a different cell line, which had been contaminated with XMRV in the 1990s.
A study by University of Iowa researchers found that morbidly obese patients experience higher dislocation rates due to increased thigh girth, which creates hip instability. The team suggests surgeons modify procedures and consider new implant designs to minimize this risk.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a program that automatically imparts strength to objects created using 3-D printing. The tool identifies problematic areas and applies solutions such as increasing thickness or adding struts, resulting in significant cost and weight savings.
A significant reduction in the risk of developing diabetes was observed in individuals who underwent bariatric surgery compared to those receiving traditional care. The Swedish Obese Subjects study found that bariatric surgery can reduce the risk of diabetes by over 80% among obese patients.
A meta-analysis found a detectable increase in the risk of oral cavity and pharynx, esophagus, and female breast cancers associated with light drinking. However, no association was found with colorectum, liver, and larynx cancers.
Researchers at Ruhr-Universität Bochum use infrared spectroscopy and computer simulations to study the Ras protein's role in cell growth. They found that Ras accelerates the cleavage of GTP by putting a phosphate chain under tension, which slows down cell growth.
A study by Michigan State University scholars suggests that CEOs who have three times as much prospective wealth as current wealth are more willing to take risks. Companies can influence CEO risk-taking behavior by issuing equity pay strategically, rather than relying on predetermined quantities.
A study published in JAMA found that obese individuals who underwent gastric bypass surgery experienced significant weight loss and reductions in cardiovascular risk factors. The surgery helped improve fitness, quality of life, and even reduced the incidence of diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea.
Providing energy-dense food supplements to malnourished children has limited effect on reducing wasting, but increases height and hemoglobin levels. A cluster-randomized controlled trial found that adding Ready-to-Use Supplementary Food to a general food distribution had little impact on acute undernutrition.
Researchers tested blood samples from 300 people for the presence of XMRV and pMLV genes, eliminating potential contamination that led to earlier false positives. No correlation between these viruses and chronic fatigue syndrome was found, refuting previous speculation.
A recent study published in the Journal of Neurotrauma found that children who suffered moderate or severe traumatic brain injuries may still experience substantial functional disabilities and reduced quality of life two years after the injury. The authors suggest that a plateau is reached in recovery beyond this period.
Stephen Quake's work has revolutionized biophysics, biological automation, genome analysis, and personalized medicine with innovative physical techniques. His pioneering efforts have enabled answers to previously impossible questions and had profound impact on nearly every area of biology.
A new study published in International Journal of Obesity concludes that high fructose corn syrup is not a unique cause of obesity and is nutritionally equivalent to sugar. The research found no short-term health differences between the use of HFCS or sugar.
A new study by the University of Michigan Health System and VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System found a significant link between substance-use disorders and mortality in veterans with PTSD. Younger veterans, including those from Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts, showed a stronger association between substance-use disorders and death.
Yuk Ming Dennis Lo received the Illy Trieste Science Prize for developing non-invasive prenatal diagnosis technology that can scan a fetus's genome from a pregnant mother's blood sample. This technology has reduced reliance on invasive methods and offers concrete benefits to both mothers and fetuses during pregnancy.
A new database allows users to search for information on Florida's endangered species with ease. The tool, developed by a team of researchers, provides access to comprehensive data on threatened and endangered vertebrates in the state.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that obese individuals with visceral fat are at a higher risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. In contrast, those with excess abdominal subcutaneous fat were not at greater risk. The study, which sampled over 700 obese adults, used imaging methods to determin...
Researchers at UCSB and colleagues found that diagrams with a diagonal tree extending from left to right tend to be more easily accessible, leading to increased accuracy in comprehension. The study suggests that diagrams should be angled downward for better understanding.
The National Science Foundation awards a $2.3 million scholarship program at Kansas State University to train students in cybersecurity, as the nation faces growing cyber threats. The program aims to develop experts capable of handling cybersecurity challenges and safeguard critical infrastructure.
A study found significant variability in how English hospitals collected, recorded, and reported central line infection rates. This variability makes it difficult to use these rates for performance measures or to impose financial sanctions.
A study by Newcastle University found that witnessing fewer older people in the street can lead to faster life strategies among younger generations. In deprived neighborhoods, more young adults were observed on the streets, despite actual age distribution indicating a higher proportion of residents over 60.
Sea surface temperatures reached record highs on the Northeast continental shelf in 2012, exceeding 10.5 degrees C, affecting cod distribution and marine life. The annual spring plankton bloom was intense, starting earlier and lasting longer than average, with implications for species spawning at specific times of the year.