A study on sea lampreys reveals that they undergo programmed genome rearrangement and gene loss during early development, sealing away potentially deleterious genes. This discovery builds on previous research and may provide insights into how vertebrate genomes remain stable, with potential implications for human health.
Researchers found drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in 36 chimpanzees (58% of tested), with nearly 10% showing multi-drug resistance. The risk of acquiring novel pathogens from humans poses a significant threat to wild apes, echoing worst-case scenarios in U.S. hospitals.
Researchers at UC Riverside have developed a test called CTAB, which examines how DNA modifications lead to aberrant transcription and disruption in protein synthesis. The method could help explain how environmental chemicals cause cancer development and lead to the development of new effective drugs.
A recent study suggests that the ancient Maya's extensive forest clearance may have exacerbated droughts in their empire, potentially hastening their decline. The research, published in Geophysical Research Letters, utilized computer simulations to model the impact of deforestation on climate patterns.
Researchers found that Alzheimer's protein APP is related to the production of neurotransmitters and can curb their creation. The study suggests a new mechanism by which abnormal APP deposits in Alzheimer's patients disrupt nerve cell signaling.
A special journal edition published by the University of Witwatersrand and the Palaeontological Scientific Trust (PAST) reveals groundbreaking findings on Homo habilis and its ecological pressures. The research, conducted over two decades at Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania, sheds new light on human evolution and technological development.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine have discovered the crucial role of Mof in preserving stem cells' ability to become any type of cell. By regulating DNA access, Mof enables stem cells to maintain their 'stem-ness' and differentiate into specialized cells.
NASA's Terra and Aqua satellites monitor low-pressure areas with a chance of becoming tropical depressions, storms, and hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean. Tropical Depression 9 is expected to strengthen into a tropical storm, while System 96L has a high chance of becoming the tenth tropical depression of the season.
A new version of methyl cellulose, SATISFIT-LTG, has been developed to combat hunger and reduce calorie intake. In clinical trials, it showed a 13% decrease in energy consumption and prolonged feelings of fullness.
A new study by the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation found that Optim lead insulation paper may not prevent insulation abrasions in St. Jude Medical defibrillator leads, raising concerns about patient safety. The study suggests that patients with these leads should be regularly evaluated for potential failures.
Researchers will survey producers and interview key stakeholders in 15 cities to examine trends in urban farming. Urban agriculture's diversity in production methods and its potential impact on community development and access to healthy food are also being studied.
Two new species of rare forget-me-nots have been added to Flora of New Zealand, found in the mountains of the South Island. These uncommon species are Nationally Critical due to their low population numbers and habitat specificity.
A new study by the University of Michigan found that children exposed to ethnic and political violence in the Middle East exhibit increased aggression, with younger children most affected. Exposure to conflict and violence is linked to aggressive behavior among children, particularly in families, schools, and neighborhoods.
Renowned author and speaker Shirley O. Corriher has been selected as recipient of the 2013 James T. Grady-James H. Stack Award for Interpreting Chemistry for the Public, recognizing her work in bringing home the power and pleasure of chemistry through popular books and dynamic presentations.
Scientists have discovered a way to increase antioxidant levels in sweet potatoes through an electric current treatment, which can help relieve hunger and improve nutrition. The study found that the treatment increased antioxidant activity and polyphenol content by 1.4 times and 1.6 times compared to untreated potatoes.
Researchers have made progress toward a portable emergency treatment for stopping life-threatening internal bleeding. Synthetic platelets, artificial versions of blood's natural clotting particles, are being developed to quickly and efficiently form clots at internal wounds, increasing survival rates in laboratory tests.
CU-Boulder designed and built an instrument to capture high-energy electrons, while another instrument measures changes in electric and magnetic fields. The mission aims to understand and mitigate space weather risks for satellites and astronauts.
Researchers at University of Washington suggest testing the concept of marine cloud brightening through a small-scale experiment. The study aims to investigate the feasibility and potential climatological impacts of adding sea salt particles to clouds over oceans, which could create a cooling effect on Earth.
A new technique using amniotic fluid stem cells can regenerate damaged urethral sphincter muscles and prevent pressure incontinence in mice. Researchers found that the stem cells induced regeneration of the mouse's own urethral sphincter muscle with proper nerve connections.
Scientists have developed a new oil spill dispersant using edible ingredients like peanut butter, chocolate, and whipped cream. The dispersant not only breaks up oil but also prevents it from sticking to bird feathers, reducing the risk of harm to wildlife.
A new paper by Matthew Baggetta argues that both voluntary associations and civic engagement are essential for creating good citizens. The study found that participation in associations can change people's behavior and attitudes, leading to a more engaged citizenry.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine and Intel Corp. developed a grid-like array of short pieces of disease-associated proteins on silicon chips to identify patients with lupus. The technology has the potential to improve diagnoses, assess therapies, and design more-effective drugs.
A team of scientists from the University of Southampton will explore ways to prevent graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) and improve bone marrow transplants by stimulating donor T-cells to target cancerous cells while reducing immune system reactions.
A neural interface has restored function in motor control brain areas of an amputee, allowing for natural control of a prosthetic hand. The study used multielectrode arrays to re-establish communication between the central and peripheral nervous systems.
Canada faces unpredictable and widespread drug shortages, affecting patient health and healthcare costs. A national approach with mandatory reporting and integrated leadership can minimize the impact of shortages.
Scientific analysis strengthens the view that record-breaking summer heat, drought, and other extreme weather events are caused by human activities and global warming. Nobel laureate Mario J. Molina suggests a new international agreement to put a price on greenhouse gas emissions and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Hurricane Gordon was tracked for three days by NASA satellites, showing its strength and eye structure. The storm weakened to a tropical storm on August 20 with maximum sustained winds near 70 mph.
Astronomers have discovered galactic winds measuring up to 2,500 km/s, driven by intense bursts of star formation, potentially shutting down galaxy star formation. Young, compact galaxies with high-velocity winds are rare and may be part of a common phase in galaxy evolution.
A recent study published in the journal AIDS and Behavior found that HIV home testing kits are a cost-effective and acceptable tool for preventing HIV transmission among men who have sex with men. The kits were found to be particularly effective in encouraging individuals to disclose their HIV status, leading to reduced risk of transmi...
Scientists at Caltech have successfully recreated plasma loops, which could help predict solar flares. By studying the magnetic forces controlling these loops, researchers aim to develop a two-day warning period for massive solar flares.
Researchers from USC used earthquake data to model the Earth's mantle and reveal the strength of continents compared to the rest of the Earth. They found that a part of the South American plate, known as a cratonic keel, deflects and channels mantle flow.
Sir John Ball received the SIAM John von Neumann Lecture award for his pioneering work on existence theorems and constitutive models in nonlinear elasticity. He delivered a lecture on Liquid Crystals for Mathematicians, explaining the math behind this multi-billion dollar industry.
A new study by the American Psychological Association found that 3-year-olds can evaluate the reasonableness of another person's distressed reaction and respond accordingly. The children showed concern for adults in situations involving real harm or injustice but not in cases where distress was unjustified.
Ontologies enable computers to transform information into knowledge by attaching meaning to data. This allows scientists to access and analyze large datasets more efficiently, facilitating breakthroughs in plant science and beyond.
Research models stellar explosions revealing neutrinos' previously unrecognized impact on supernovae's core and outer envelope. The study shows that neutrino interactions with halo neutrinos significantly alter the explosion's physics, changing element formation.
Astronomers have discovered evidence of a planet's destruction by its aging star, BD+48 740. The star's peculiar chemical composition and highly unusual elliptical orbit suggest that it consumed a massive planet, leaving behind a surviving massive planet with an eccentric orbit.
Researchers describe a new treatment approach for periodontal disease, targeting inflammation and promoting gum tissue regrowth. The controlled-release capsules release a protein that guides immune cells to the diseased area, reducing inflammation and creating an environment conducive to healing.
Researchers have successfully engineered a soil bacterium to produce isobutanol, a renewable fuel source that can be used in current engines with minimal modification. The microbe, Ralstonia eutropha, was modified to use carbon dioxide as its carbon source, paving the way for potential applications in industrial-scale production.
Researchers discovered similarities between compulsive behavior in dogs and humans, including early onset, recurrent behaviors, and nutritional supplements' beneficial effect. The study suggests that dogs can serve as an excellent animal model for studying the genetic background and environmental factors associated with human OCD.
The study aims to evaluate the relationship between zoning code reforms, physical environment, and physical-activity behavior in communities nationwide. Researchers will analyze data from over half of US counties to determine if zoning reforms are linked to increased physical activity levels among adults.
Researchers have discovered compounds in berry wines that inhibit enzymes responsible for carbohydrate absorption, which could lead to a tasty and effective treatment for diabetes. The drinks contain high levels of anthocyanins, which have been shown to reduce inflammation and may have positive effects on cognitive function.
Scientists have developed a new material to restore lost flexibility in human vocal cords, which can help alleviate voice loss due to aging, disease, or medical procedures. The material, called polyethylene glycol 30 (PEG30), is flexible and can vibrate like human vocal cords.
A study found that distressing life events and poverty are significant factors behind many abortions in the US. Nearly half of women who used contraception at the time of pregnancy reported disruptions from these events affecting their contraceptive use.
A national survey of 7,288 US physicians found that 45.8% reported symptoms of burnout, with higher rates in emergency medicine and family medicine specialties. The study highlights the need for policy makers and healthcare organizations to address physician burnout to improve patient care.
Patients with Alzheimer's who suffered delirium episodes had a sharply increased rate of mental decline for up to five years after hospitalization compared to those without episodes. The study highlights the importance of recognizing and preventing delirium, which is estimated to cost the healthcare system billions annually.
New data from WiggleZ galaxy survey finds matter distributed evenly on scales over 350 million light years, contradicting fractal theories. The study's findings support the standard model of cosmology, confirming our understanding of space and time.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine warns that declining US infant male circumcision rates could lead to significant healthcare costs. The researchers estimate that each uncircumcised male would incur $313 more in illness-related expenses, totaling $4.4 billion over the next decade.
Researchers found that people see things with greater clarity when they are emotionally arousing and remember them more vividly. This phenomenon, known as 'emotionally enhanced vividness,' is linked to increased activity in the brain's visual cortex and amygdala. Studies used brain imaging measures to confirm these findings.
The ACS symposium highlights the critical role of forensic chemistry in protecting the innocent, featuring exonerated individuals and experts who used DNA testing to prove their innocence. The event also emphasizes the need for reforming the criminal justice system to prevent future injustice.
Tropical Storm Bolaven formed over August 18-19 in the western North Pacific and strengthened under NASA's monitoring. The storm took on a more rounded shape, with colder thunderstorm cloud-top temperatures indicating intensification.
A new study suggests that the 'pro-ana' online community provides a way for individuals with eating disorders to express themselves without judgment, leading to improved mood and increased support. Researchers found that nearly 20% of participants were in recovery, highlighting the potential benefits of this community for treatment.
Researchers have discovered a range of protein targets in Bacillus anthracis that could be used to create new drugs, potentially reducing the risk of resistance. The identification of novel targets is crucial in the fight against anthrax and biological weapon threats.
A U of S-led team discovered a protein in semen that prompts ovulation by acting on the female brain, found to be the same molecule as nerve growth factor regulating nerve cell growth and survival.
A new analysis of coconut water found it contains up to 1,500 mg/liter of potassium, compared to Powerade and Gatorade. The study suggests coconut water is a healthy drink that replenishes nutrients lost during moderate exercise.
A lung cancer risk prediction model developed at the University of Liverpool has been shown to be a viable tool for selecting high-risk individuals. The model was tested in international datasets and found to be more effective than smoking duration or family history alone in predicting individuals at risk.
A new study found that elderly subjects who underwent temporal training improved not only their rate of processing auditory information but also other cognitive areas such as attention and short-term memory. The results were long-lasting, with effects confirmed 18 months after the training.
The National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) is honoring its 50th anniversary with a symposium showcasing research advancements in disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. NIGMS has funded over 74 Nobel laureates and supports research training programs to foster the next generation of scientists.
Typhoon Tembin rapidly intensified over the past 24 hours, growing from a tropical depression to a powerful typhoon with maximum sustained winds near 95 knots. The storm is moving slowly north-northeast and is expected to track across Taiwan by August 23.
Ecologists warn of potential unintended consequences of genetically engineered algae for biofuel production. Researchers argue for independent studies and adequate funding to explore potential risks, including survival in the wild, hybridization, and ecosystem disruption.
Researchers propose a new concept called Quantum Graphity, suggesting that space is composed of tiny indivisible blocks similar to pixels. This idea challenges the traditional Big Bang theory and offers a potential explanation for the nature of space.