Researchers at UC San Diego are conducting a two-week series of tests on the world's largest outdoor shake table to assess a five-story building's resilience to earthquakes and fires. The tests aim to improve understanding of nonstructural systems' performance during earthquakes, with a focus on medical centers.
A University of Illinois study found that obese mothers' placentas have an unhealthy nutrient supply, placing babies at risk for future health problems. Experts advise pregnant women to lose weight before conception to minimize the obesogenic environment.
A team of UCLA researchers demonstrates that genetically engineered human blood stem cells can form mature, multi-functional T cells that specifically target HIV-infected cells. This approach shows promise for suppressing the virus in living tissues in animal models.
A study by Kelvin Lui and Alan Wong found that frequent media multitaskers outperformed light multitaskers in integrating visual and auditory information. This improvement was attributed to their ability to routinely take in information from multiple sources.
Scientists present latest seismological research on earthquake hazards in San Diego, focusing on the Rose Canyon fault system and offshore faults. The study aims to improve understanding of seismic hazard and define a level of hazard for future large earthquakes.
A team of researchers at Caltech has traced the developmental process that ensures certain stem cells become T cells. They identified key genes and regulatory proteins involved in this process, shedding light on how stem cells are committed to a specific cell fate.
A new study suggests that reducing nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from the industrial and agricultural sectors by 50% is crucial to meet the IPCC's most aggressive strategy for climate change mitigation. The study found that a 50% reduction in meat consumption per person is necessary to stabilize atmospheric N2O concentrations.
High intelligence and worry both correlate with brain activity measured by choline depletion in subcortical white matter, suggesting co-evolution between the two traits. Worry may aid survival by causing individuals to avoid dangerous situations, leading to higher survival rates.
Several critical NASA components are being tested to ensure the success of the James Webb Space Telescope. The OSIM and BIA instruments will simulate the telescope's science cameras and spectrographs, while also verifying their functionality in cryogenic temperatures. This testing program is essential for the mission's success.
Researchers at IMIM discover LOXL2 protein plays a crucial role in gene silencing, leading to tumor growth. The study opens new avenues for developing treatments that block LOXL2's activity.
Residents of Louisiana and Florida, most impacted by the BP Deepwater Horizon disaster, have altered their views on global warming, deepwater drilling, and alternative energy. They express greater concern about sea level rise and support conservation of natural resources.
Researchers from Wayne State University will analyze the condition of several bridges in Michigan with a focus on diagonal cracks and potential design flaws. The study aims to identify the causes of these cracks and provide recommendations for repairs and design procedure revisions.
Researchers found significant variation in craniofacial characteristics, with Lisbon females exhibiting broader noses and eyes spaced further apart than Coimbra females. The difference suggests genetic variations rather than dietary or nutritional influences.
A study by BUSM researchers has identified a gene called GPS2 that plays a critical role in regulating inflammatory response and homeostasis. Increasing GPS2 levels was found to impair the response to TNF-alpha, resulting in a decreased inflammatory response.
Researchers found that consuming out-of-hand nuts led to higher intakes of healthy fats, fiber, and lower carbohydrate intake. This was associated with a reduced risk of hypertension and low HDL cholesterol levels in both children and adults.
African American women are more likely to directly rebuff racist comments, while Asian American women may use indirect methods like choosing bad-tasting jellybeans as a form of revenge. This difference reflects deeply rooted cultural differences in conflict management and emotional display rules.
The Office of Naval Research is funding a project to reduce jet noise, which can cause hearing damage to Sailors and Marines. Eight research teams will develop noise-reduction technologies, measurement tools, and prediction models to dampen jet noise, resulting in safer environments for personnel.
The ALMA observatory has discovered a nearby planetary system with sharp-edged dust ring, indicating 'shepherding' planets that keep the disk within their gravitational effect. The planets are smaller than previously thought, about the size of Mars to a few times the Earth, and are among the coldest planets found orbiting a normal star.
Researchers developed a magnetically actuated peel test technique to measure adhesion strength between thin films in microelectronic devices, photovoltaic cells and MEMS. The fixtureless and non-contact method helps ensure long-term reliability and resistance to thermal and mechanical stresses.
A new University of British Columbia study reveals that pride directly influences racist and homophobic attitudes. Authentic pride boosts empathy, while hubristic pride exacerbates prejudice. The findings offer insights into the attitudes of leaders and shed light on human psychology.
Research reveals that corals can adapt to changing ocean conditions by shifting species composition, which could help reefs survive climate change. However, this shift may lead to loss of habitat for fish and other marine life.
Researchers suggest that stem cells have intrinsic capacities for self-maintenance and evasion of differentiation. By analyzing current properties and characteristics of stem cells, the 'by default' hypothesis proposes that stem cells exist due to factors that repress cellular signals for specialization.
Climate change may trigger multiple outbreaks of invasive pests and diseases in Southeast Asia's cassava industry, posing a significant threat to smallholder farmers. The region's multi-billion dollar industry is heavily reliant on the crop for income, with Thailand alone accounting for over 60% of global exports.
A new study suggests that targeting the glucagon pathway could be an effective way to lower blood sugar levels without disrupting other functions of this hormone. Researchers found that blocking calcium signaling through CaMKII can regulate hepatic glucose production, leading to improved insulin sensitivity and reduced liver fat.
A study estimates that resurfacing urban areas can provide a CO2 offset between 130 and 150 billion tonnes, equivalent to taking every car off the road for 50 years. This could also generate huge financial savings of $3300-$3800 billion dollars.
Researchers found that many nematodes communicate using the same types of small-molecule pheromones, revealing a universal nematode language. This discovery could lead to strategies to prevent unwanted nematode species and improve agricultural and healthcare industries.
Researchers found that humans and chimpanzees tend to copy majority behaviour, while children consider both frequency and number of demonstrators. Orangutans, however, showed no such bias, possibly due to their solitary group structure. The study suggests a key difference in social learning mechanisms between humans, chimpanzees, and o...
A new study published in the Journal of Athletic Training found that overuse injuries account for nearly 30% of all collegiate athlete injuries, with females more affected in low-contact sports. The most common overuse injuries were general stress, inflammation, and tendinitis.
A study by the University at Buffalo found that families dealing with environmental disasters often experience conflict, denial, and silence when discussing serious health issues. This can lead to isolation, decreased seeking of medical or psychological help, and increased psychological distress.
A new study from the University of Illinois concludes that learning-by-doing played a significant role in reducing the processing costs of corn ethanol in the US. The study found that biofuel policies, which induced ethanol production beyond free-market levels, contributed to increased industry competitiveness over time.
The study reveals that roads cause significant harm to midwife toad and palmate newt populations in Asturia, Spain. The results suggest that traffic alleviation measures can help protect the newts but are insufficient for the midwife toads.
Penn State researchers found that perceived control over hot flashes is a key factor in how exercise affects menopausal women. Women who felt they had more control over their hot flashes experienced fewer symptoms after physical activity. Cognitive behavioral therapy may also help some women feel more in control.
A study published in Diabetes Care found that high levels of phthalate metabolites are associated with an increased risk of developing diabetes. The research, conducted among over 1,000 elderly individuals, suggests a connection between environmental chemicals and the development of type-2 diabetes.
A recent study found that tree nut consumers had lower body weight and a lower prevalence of metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure, and low HDL-cholesterol levels. This suggests that incorporating tree nuts into one's diet may be beneficial for overall health.
A new study finds that athletic frogs tend to have faster-changing genomes, with the rate of evolution correlated with physical fitness. The research suggests that free radicals produced during exercise may cause wear and tear on DNA, leading to genetic changes.
A statewide assessment of stonefly diversity in Ohio has revealed at least 102 species, with many adapted to survive warm summer water temperatures. The study's findings will inform conservation efforts, prioritizing rare and threatened species like the Atlantic Needlefly.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in understanding volcanic plumbing systems, which could lead to improved predictions of eruptions. The team's study reveals that ground uplift occurred four months before an eruption due to increased pressure in one of the underground chambers.
A team from UNC Health Care has developed a broad-based test to measure the activation of protein kinases, enabling the measurement of drug resistance in cancer. The test can identify combinations of drugs that block resistance, offering personalized therapies for breast cancer.
Researchers identified the most strongly associated strains with premature birth and severe birth defects, using a new blood test developed by NIAID. The study suggests that widespread screening and treatment of pregnant women infected with Toxoplasma gondii could prevent infants from suffering eye and brain damage.
A study by Uppsala University researchers found that humans have a unique genetic variant allowing for efficient production of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids from vegetable oils. This adaptation is linked to the development of modern human brain capacity but increases the risk of cardiovascular disease in today's life situation.
Scientists at the University of Liverpool have resolved the debate on the mechanisms involved in human cell shut-down during division, finding that receptors can transport nutrients but are temporarily blocked. This discovery may lead to future studies on manipulating this process to prevent harmful infections.
Brown capuchin monkeys demonstrate empathetic perspective-taking by withholding food from a fellow monkey who has just eaten, suggesting they understand their physical needs. The study provides first evidence for this behavior in primates.
A new study published in Neurology found that antidepressant medications can effectively treat depression in Parkinson's patients without worsening their motor symptoms. The study, led by Irene Hegeman Richard, M.D., showed significant improvements in depression scores with paroxetine and venlafaxine, two commonly used antidepressants.
A new study reveals that overweight pregnant women with mildly elevated blood sugar levels are at a higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes than previously thought. These women, who do not have gestational diabetes or obesity, carry significant risks for their health and the health of their babies.
A new study published in Nature has disproved the theory that pigeons' navigation skills are linked to iron-rich nerve cells in their beaks. Macrophages, specialized white blood cells, were found to contain tiny balls of iron instead, contradicting earlier research.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new method to prevent undersea ice clogs by using passive coatings on pipe insides that inhibit methane hydrate adhesion. The coatings reduce hydrate adhesion to one-quarter of the amount on untreated surfaces, providing a simple and inexpensive solution.
Research in over 3000 children found no association between vitamin D levels and academic performance. Higher levels of vitamin D2 were linked to poorer English grades and fewer A* to C GCSE grades.
A recent study reverses many Fragile X syndrome symptoms in adult mice using a new compound CTEP. The study found that pharmacologic inhibition of mGlu5 receptor can correct FXS symptoms, including learning and memory deficits and auditory hypersensitivity.
A new study proposes that purchasing extraction rights for dirty fossil fuels in non-participating countries is a more effective way to combat climate change. By conserving these deposits, coalitions can reduce emissions and mitigate carbon leakage, allowing them to implement their ideal policy without fear of non-participating countri...
A study published in Neurology found that certain antidepressants decrease depression in people with Parkinson's disease without worsening motor problems. The study used paroxetine and venlafaxine, two types of antidepressants with fewer side effects, and showed significant improvements in depression scores.
David Shelly has made a dramatic impact on the field of seismology through his pioneering work detecting and locating deep tectonic tremor. He is recognized for his outstanding contributions to seismology, challenging prevailing theories and providing new insights into earthquake behavior.
McMaster University researchers found a remarkable prevalence of antibiotic resistance bacteria isolated from Lechuguilla Cave, one of the deepest and largest caves in the world. The discovery suggests that there are far more antibiotics in the environment that could be used to treat currently untreatable infections.
A new study establishes reference levels for beach sand contaminated with disease-causing bacteria, helping health departments determine when it's too risky for children and others. The research used computer simulations and measurements of microbes at California and Florida beaches.
A recent study found that men who hold guns or large kitchen knives are perceived as taller and more muscular than those holding non-threatening objects. The researchers suggest that this pattern may reflect human psychology's tendency to associate size with danger and formidability.
Researchers successfully implanted a biofuel cell in a snail, generating sustainable electrical micropower for extended periods without harming the animal. The long-lasting enzymes used induced an electric current by breaking down glucose and oxygen molecules.
Scientists developed reference guide for potentially harmful germs in sand to inform beach management decisions, with a focus on minimizing risk for children. The study found low levels of harmful microbes at one beach site, indicating the sand was safe for beachgoers.
Researchers at MIT have developed hybrid copper-gold nanoparticles that can convert carbon dioxide into hydrocarbon fuels with significantly less energy than pure copper. The tiny particles, engineered to increase surface area and stability, have the potential to greatly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from powerplants.
Research suggests that individuals with polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases, including Huntington's disease, have a lower risk of developing cancer. This reduced cancer risk is thought to be due to the expansion of certain sequence repeats in specific genes, which impairs gene activity and leads to cell death.
Researchers found bands of fast and slow growth in Edmontosaurus fossils, indicating periodic seasonal stresses. The study suggests these dinosaurs adapted to Arctic conditions by living year-round, rather than migrating to warmer regions.
Researcher Timpka investigates how different age groups are affected by the flu, with seasonal epidemics striking hardest in children and elderly. The study also explores theories on why this is the case, including the impact of early-life infections on immunity.