Researchers mapped ant genomes to reveal relationship between epigenetic regulation and caste differentiation. DNA methylation patterns correlated with alternative splicing events and caste-specific genes.
Rudy M. Baum's thought-provoking editorials tackled global climate change, population growth, and human rights, challenging the scientific community to think deeply about these issues. The symposium featuring eminent scientists and policy experts aimed to continue his legacy of sparking meaningful discourse on contentious science topics.
University of Oregon chemists have identified a catalyst that dramatically reduces waste made in methyl methacrylate production, a process used for lightweight glass alternatives. The new catalyst overcomes fundamental chemical reasons why previous catalysts failed, enabling efficient conversion to methyl methacrylate.
A new paper calls for a trauma-informed approach in shelters to address the unique challenges faced by homeless families with children who have mental-health problems. The authors recommend changes in shelter practices and future research on parenting in homeless families.
A new study found that exposure to ethnic-political violence in the Middle East can lead to increased aggression in children. Palestinian children were at greatest risk for exposure to violence and showed highest level of aggressive behavior.
The Teva Pharmaceuticals Scholars have made significant breakthroughs in the fight against cancer and hepatitis. Researchers presented new findings on anti-cancer drugs made from antibiotics and a potential new treatment for hepatitis C. Additionally, advancements were shown in delivering drugs to the body through innovative approaches.
Scientists have developed new solar-energy conversion devices using abundant, less-expensive materials like copper and zinc. These devices break records for electrical current and voltage achieved by existing solar cells, bringing the cost of electricity closer to that of coal-fired power plants.
Researchers have discovered that blocking GM-CSF action can suppress both pain and inflammation in experimental models of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. This breakthrough could lead to a new therapy for patients suffering from debilitating conditions.
People with Parkinson's disease performed better on a working memory test after a night's sleep, with slow wave sleep linked to improved performance. Sleep disorders can interfere with this benefit, and dopamine-enhancing medications may play a role in memory improvement.
Scientists have discovered that thiabendazole, a generic antifungal drug, can decrease blood vessel growth in tumors, starving them of nutrients. The study also found that the drug slows tumor growth, suggesting it could be used in combination with other chemotherapies.
The Radiation Belt Storm Probes mission will help scientists understand how the Van Allen radiation belts react to solar changes, contributing to Earth's space weather. The twin satellites will collect data on particles, magnetic and electric fields, and waves to reveal how the belts change in space and over time.
A new study found that infants learn to avoid drop-offs while crawling due to their motor abilities, but this knowledge doesn't transfer to walking. The findings suggest that what infants learn is related to their ability to crawl or walk, not a generalized fear of heights.
A groundbreaking clinical trial is underway to test the safety and efficacy of fecal transplantation as a treatment for relapsing C. difficile infection. The study aims to demonstrate that fecal transplant is a viable, safe, and curative option for patients suffering from recurring C. difficle.
A new mass spectrometer, DESI, is being used in real-world medicine to analyze fingerprints, detect pesticides, and identify biomarkers for prostate cancer. The device can also aid in brain cancer surgery by analyzing tissue samples and determining tumor type and stage.
Researchers discovered that two nanomaterials, cerium oxide and zinc oxide, can profoundly alter soil-based food crop quality and yield. The study found that zinc oxide nanoparticles increased the level of zinc in plant tissues, while cerium oxide reduced nitrogen fixation, compromising soil fertility.
A University of Rochester Medical Center study challenges traditional treatment guidelines for early-stage follicular lymphoma, concluding that six different therapies can bring remission. Careful patient staging is key to predicting prognosis and superior progression-free survival.
Young children in lower-income families living in high-cost areas underperform academically compared to those in low-cost areas. Higher cost of living is linked to lower academic achievement and fewer educational investments for these families.
Typhoon Tembin is intensifying and moving towards Taiwan, with forecasted landfall on August 23. Tropical Storm Bolaven is also strengthening and expected to become a typhoon as it heads northwest around August 25-26. Both storms are being closely monitored by NASA satellites.
Two CU-Boulder student-built payloads will be launched on a NASA sounding rocket on August 23, as part of the RockSat-X project. The experiments are designed to test drag effects on CubeSat satellites and analyze atmospheric particles and pressure.
Scientists found a link between high galectin-3 levels and increased risk of cancer and heart disease. A new blood test can predict disease outcomes, while modified citrus pectin may block galectin-3's negative effects.
Researchers have identified molecular markers that can predict the progression of low-grade oral premalignant lesions to cancer. These markers, including loss of heterozygosity, help clinicians determine which patients are at high risk for progression and need closer follow-up.
A study by Penn State researchers found that teens continue to spend time with their parents, contrary to the stereotype that they grow apart. Shared time with fathers has a positive impact on adolescents' social skills and self-esteem.
Researchers studied Dead Sea sediment cores to reconstruct climate conditions over the past 10,000 years, finding rapid changes between moist and dry phases. They linked pollen data to plant species that can tolerate specific temperature and precipitation levels.
The Central Maya Lowlands collapsed due to a combination of natural climate change and human-made environmental stress. The researchers developed a complex systems theory that highlights the role of commerce and choice in the collapse.
Nek9 protein is required for chromosomes to separate into two identical groups during cell division. Its inhibition has been identified as a promising strategy against cancer.
A new law could lift the financial burden of higher education from middle class and working people, easing student debt and college funding cutbacks. The proposed legislation aims to reinvest in public higher education and foster innovation.
Researchers have successfully integrated RNA switches into viral genetic material to control gene expression, increasing the production of therapeutic genes by ten times. This technology has vast potential for various research and medical applications.
Pediatric cancer patients who underwent total body irradiation (TBI) before age 3 are at risk of developing endocrine, metabolic, and other complications. The study found that 90% showed abnormally low levels of growth hormone and 71% were under height.
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison have identified small molecule chemicals that can disrupt quorum sensing in Acinetobacter baumanni, a pathogenic bacterium responsible for deadly hospital-acquired infections. The compounds may potentially be used to limit the virulence of the bacteria and prevent biofilm formation.
The American Chemical Society shares expert insights on how certain foods, like chili peppers and ice cream, can actually make you feel hotter. Researchers will discuss counter-intuitive ways to cool down with food during a special briefing.
A study of over 10,000 children found a correlation between early antibiotic exposure and increased body mass percentile in childhood. Children exposed to antibiotics from birth to 5 months old were more likely to be overweight by 38 months of age.
A study published in PNAS found that different regions of the frontal lobes are responsible for behavioral control and decision making. The researchers mapped brain lesions in over 300 patients and showed that damage to specific areas can impair reasoning and decision-making abilities.
A new study reveals that Shanghai is the most vulnerable city to severe flooding due to its exposure to powerful storm surges and subsiding land. The index also ranks Dhaka and Manila as highly vulnerable cities, while European cities like Marseille and Rotterdam excel in resilience.
A study published in JAMA found that patients treated with newer-generation drug-releasing stents had a significantly lower rate of major adverse cardiac events at 1 year compared to those receiving bare-metal stents. This was attributed to reduced target vessel-related reinfarction and ischemia-driven target-lesion revascularization.
A study from Queen Mary University of London found that British citizens in Turkey struggle with local and international laws, leaving them financially at risk. An inability to speak or read Turkish hinders access to Turkish citizenship, limiting civic legal rights.
A new longitudinal study found that sacrificing sleep time for studying can lead to increased academic problems the following day. The study, conducted at UCLA, analyzed data from 535 students in grades 9-12 and found that extra hours of studying reduced sleep time led to poorer performance on tests and homework.
Chittaranjan Kole, a Clemson University scientist, has received the Outstanding Crop Scientist Award from the International Crop Science Society for his lifetime and original contributions to crop science. He is recognized for developing crop varieties for functional foods and dietary supplements to combat chronic ailments.
Researchers found that a commercially available acai berry product can triple the lifespan of fruit flies under oxidative stress conditions. Acai also protected normal flies against oxidative stress and neurotoxic effects of paraquat.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has awarded 14 grants totaling $7.8 million to focus on basic research for designing a safe and effective HIV vaccine. Recent discoveries about HIV biology are guiding the development of new vaccine strategies.
Researchers have identified a biochemical marker, SSEA4, that can be used to identify and purify human pancreatic stem cells. These stem cells can differentiate into insulin-producing cells when grown in culture with high glucose levels, potentially offering a new approach for treating type 1 diabetes.
A new MRI study reveals that vein abnormalities do not contribute to multiple sclerosis (MS) severity and are not specific to the disease. Despite previous speculation, the researchers found no correlation between cerebral blood flow and MS symptoms.
A study found that spouses of people who suffer a sudden heart attack are at an increased risk of depression, anxiety, or suicide. Men were more susceptible to depression and suicide after their wife's survival or death from an acute myocardial infarction.
Researchers identified powerful antibodies that can neutralize up to 80% of HIV-1 virus types by binding to specific sugars on the glycan shield. A vaccine designed around this approach could offer wide-ranging protection for immunized individuals.
Research suggests that time perception is influenced by approach motivation, with goal-oriented activities making it feel like time is passing quickly. This effect is specific to states high in approach motivation, such as desire or excitement, which narrow memory and attention processes.
Researchers at PNNL and ORNL have developed a new method to extract uranium from seawater, with initial tests showing the adsorbent material can soak up more than two times the uranium than Japan's material. The study could potentially provide a cost-competitive source of nuclear fuel, enough to power the world's reactors for 6,500 years.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in extracting uranium from seawater, which holds at least 4 billion tons of the precious material. The economic analysis suggests that uranium from the oceans could help solidify nuclear energy potential as a sustainable electricity source for the 21st century.
Researchers developed a self-charging power cell that converts mechanical energy into chemical energy, eliminating the need for separate generators and batteries. The device can harness mechanical energy from walking or other sources, generating enough current to power small electronic devices.
A study found that natural regeneration accounts for two-thirds of urban trees, but newly established young trees are less likely to be planted, with rates ranging from 1 in 12 to 1 in 20. The proportion of naturally regenerated trees is higher in grassland or desert regions and decreases in forested areas.
A new survey conducted by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons found that 89% of women want to see the results of breast reconstruction surgery before undergoing treatment for breast cancer. The ASPS is launching a campaign to educate women about their options and provide a platform for patients to share their experiences.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a material called HiCap that can extract valuable and precious dissolved metals from water. The material effectively removes toxic metals from water and has been shown to outperform current best adsorbents in terms of capacity, speed and selectivity.
A new study found that spending time with parents increases in early and middle adolescence, despite a decline in overall parent-teen interaction. Teens who spend more time alone with their dads experience better social skills with peers, while those with mothers report higher self-worth.
Researchers are developing new prebiotic ingredients to support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Studies show that consuming more prebiotics can improve gut balance and lead to various health benefits, particularly for individuals with gastrointestinal diseases, Type-2 diabetes, and low-grade inflammation.
A research team has identified how a genetic mutation affects nerve growth in the eye, leading to Duane Syndrome. This discovery could lead to therapies that reverse the condition and improve our understanding of movement disorders.
WPI will develop miniaturized wireless sensors to detect early signs of blood loss, and create algorithms to process signals from those sensors to measure seven physiological parameters. The project aims to save the lives of soldiers wounded on the battlefield with wearable sensors and smartphone technologies.
Investigators found that low oxygen levels increase SMN2 exon 7 skipping, reducing survival motor neuron protein levels. Higher oxygen treatment improved motor function and reduced disease severity in a mouse model of severe SMA.
Dr Kylie Mason's research on BH3-mimetics and platelets reveals a molecular 'clock' that dictates their lifespan. Her work has implications for diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting platelets, as well as blood bank storage.
Researchers use new approaches to analyze individual brain cells, shedding light on the root causes of chronic pain and memory loss. They found that the chemical imprint of pain occurs in only a few cells, holding promise for developing new treatments.
A recent study published in JAMA found that coronary artery calcium (CAC) scans are superior to other assessment tools in identifying individuals at intermediate risk of cardiovascular disease. The CAC scan uses a CT scan to detect calcium build-up in the arteries, allowing for more precise prediction of heart disease risk.
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that LPA1 inhibition induces metastatic dormancy in mouse models of breast cancer. The inhibitor, Debio-0719, suppresses metastases without affecting primary tumor size.
A meta-analysis of 16 statin trials and 7 fibrate trials found that statin therapy was associated with a 21% lower risk of pancreatitis. In contrast, fibrates showed no significant risk reduction. Lifestyle modifications remain important for improving lipid profiles in patients with hypertriglyceridemia.
Research suggests that radiation therapy is not necessary for older women with low risk of breast cancer recurrence, according to a recent editorial published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. The study found that patients over 70 years old with estrogen receptor-positive tumors did not show improved survival or quality of life with...
A study found that coronary artery calcium provides superior discrimination and risk reclassification compared to other risk markers for intermediate-risk individuals. The marker offers the highest improvement in discrimination over traditional risk scores, supporting its use in refining cardiovascular risk prediction.
Scientists at UCLA and the Technion have unraveled how our brain cells encode vowel pronunciation in speech. They found two distinct areas in the brain responsible for this process, one responding to all vowels and another firing exclusively for specific vowels.
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.