Researchers at Lawrence Berkley National Laboratory's Center for Nanoscale Control of Geologic CO2 have engineered bacteria to speed up the formation of solid carbonate minerals, which can permanently trap carbon dioxide. This process could help remove excess CO2 from the atmosphere and mitigate global warming.
A recent analysis of data from the National CT Colonography Trial confirms the efficacy of CT colonography as a front-line colorectal cancer screening tool for seniors. The study found that CT colonography accurately detects polyps and precancerous lesions in people aged 65 and older, comparable to standard colonoscopy.
A new study reveals that the Classic Maya Civilization's collapse was related to relatively modest rainfall reductions of 25-40% between AD 800-950. This reduction led to rapid evaporation and reduced open water availability.
A University of Southampton-led project, Google Ancient Places (GAP), is developing a web application that allows users to search for references to ancient places within classical texts. The project uses specialist software to identify place mentions and plots results on a map using an independent digital gazetteer.
Researchers propose a new approach to treating infectious diseases by targeting tolerance to infection. This strategy aims to reduce tissue damage and promote host protection. By distinguishing between failed resistance and failed tolerance, scientists can choose more effective therapeutic approaches.
A large-scale genomic study in Bangladesh has identified genetic variants associated with arsenic metabolism and elevated risk of skin lesions. The findings suggest that boosting arsenic metabolism may be an effective intervention for individuals exposed to the toxin.
A team of experts at Florida State University is working on a new project to better understand and diagnose dyslexia and other learning disabilities. The research aims to identify the complex interactions among genes and environments that contribute to dyslexia, with the goal of providing early intervention and prevention programs.
Researchers discovered a correlation between temperature and body size in mammals by studying the evolution of early horses. As temperatures increased, their body size decreased, with some species shrinking up to 50% in just 130,000 years.
Photonic interconnects promise to revolutionize computer architecture with ultra-high communication bandwidths and extreme energy efficiency. HP Labs is studying the shift to light-based interconnects to build next-generation IT solutions.
Researchers have found that bath salts contain two structurally similar chemicals that produce dissimilar effects on the brain's dopamine transport system. The combination of these chemicals enhances the effects of each other, leading to feelings of euphoria and long-lasting stimulation.
The study will review evidence of practices used to support children with ADHD that do not involve drugs, such as classroom management programmes or psychological therapies. The research aims to identify which methods work best to reduce the symptoms of ADHD and provide best value for money.
At least 13 workers died from exposure to methylene chloride used in paint-stripping products, leading to recommendations for safer methods and product restrictions. MSU researchers urge manufacturers to note safety warnings on products and restrict access.
Scientists at Scripps Research Institute have uncovered a self-sustaining signaling circuit in breast cells that leads to cancer. This circuit is triggered by the activation of MEK/ERK and IKK/NF-kB pathways, which maintain the malignant state of tumor cells.
Researchers have discovered a vital player in the sexual phase of the malaria parasite's reproduction that could prove an effective target for new treatments. The new protein, CDC20, plays a crucial role in cell division and the development of male sex cells, essential for parasite transmission between humans and mosquitoes.
A new study has found that cancer patients with breast, melanoma, testicular, and endometrial cancers are more likely to be referred to a specialist after just one or two consultations. In contrast, patients with less common cancers such as multiple myeloma, pancreatic, stomach, and ovarian cancer require three or more visits before re...
Weizmann Institute scientists have disproved a claim about the origin of eggs in female mammals and created a new method for reconstructing lineage trees for cells. The study found that ova cannot be descended from bone-marrow stem cells, but older mice eggs undergo more cell divisions than younger ones.
Researchers have identified over 50 genes linked to age-related macular degeneration, including those involved in inflammation and wound healing. These findings may lead to new diagnostic methods and treatment targets for the disease.
Researchers have discovered a crucial link between mitochondrial function and heart damage caused by chronic alcoholism. Using electron microscopic tomography, the team created the first 3D images of mitochondria, revealing tiny tethers linking them to another cell compartment where calcium is stored.
A survey of over 41,000 patients with various cancers found that women, young people, and ethnic minorities experience delayed recognition due to symptom characteristics. GPs are less likely to consider cancer in younger patients and those from different ethnic groups, leading to longer consultation times.
Researchers found that naked mole-rats retain a tolerance for oxygen deprivation into adulthood, similar to infant humans. This discovery could lead to better brain cell protection during heart attacks or strokes.
Researchers have identified a promising strategy for HIV vaccine design using mathematical techniques also used in quantum physics and stock market analyses. They found high-order evolutionary constraints in the Gag region of HIV, which could be targeted by vaccines.
Researchers have identified two proteins responsible for the Langereis and Junior blood types, shedding light on a long-standing medical mystery. The discovery may improve treatment options for breast cancer patients and enhance blood transfusion safety for rare blood type carriers.
A study analyzing eBird data finds that rising temperatures are altering bird migration patterns, pushing birds to arrive earlier in the year. This could negatively impact bird populations, especially slow migrators, as they may struggle to adapt to changing conditions and face increased competition for resources.
A recent study analyzed the photospheric stellar abundances of planet-host stars, uncovering a wide variety of terrestrial planet compositions. The results suggest that extrasolar planets may be significantly different from Earth due to variations in elemental ratios and planetary formation processes.
Researchers developed a visual tool to help doctors assess patients' pain levels by analyzing their movement patterns, providing a more precise assessment than traditional questionnaires. The new 'barcode' tool offers a dynamic view of a patient's condition, enabling doctors to monitor progress and adapt treatment accordingly.
A new on-off switch for hormone production has been discovered in the brain by Dr. Gil Levkowitz's team, which regulates corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) release. The switch involves a protein called Otp that activates CRH genes and regulates receptor variants, potentially contributing to stress-related disorders.
A study in Spain reveals that job insecurity negatively impacts work performance and overall satisfaction in personal and professional lives. The impact varies across occupational groups, with blue-collar workers exhibiting the most significant dissatisfaction.
Nicotine, a component of cigarette smoke, can change cell structure, leading to migration and invasion of smooth muscle cells that line blood vessels. This process contributes to the formation of fatty deposits known as plaque, the hallmark of heart and blood vessel disease.
Researchers at Tufts University have combined two peptides to successfully stimulate wound healing. The combination promotes blood vessel growth, tissue re-growth, and cell migration, demonstrating a 50% increase in blood vessel wall development.
A Tel Aviv University researcher found that employees who engaged in physical activity were less likely to experience burnout and depression. The optimal amount of physical activity was 150 minutes per week, with those exercising for four hours or more showing significant benefits.
Researchers propose a new 'theory of mind' approach: infants as young as 1 year old can distinguish their own beliefs from those of others. They develop this capacity through two interacting systems, including an association module and an operating system.
African-American women are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS in the US, with 44% of new infections attributed to this group. The NC State project seeks to improve prevention materials targeting African-American female college students through culturally relevant messaging and language strategies.
Dr. Travis Franklin's studies found that Native Americans, especially young males, face harsher sentences than whites, African Americans, and Hispanics in federal courts. In another study, he discovered that Asian Americans are the least likely to be incarcerated and receive shorter sentences in state courts compared to other racial gr...
Researchers found that Parkinson's disease patients who took dopamine therapy showed improved creative skills, including drawing, painting, poetry, and sculpture. However, the study also revealed a lack of correlation between creative thinking scores and impulsivity measures.
A new study reveals girls outperform boys in arithmetic, with superior verbal skills as the key factor. Girls excel in tasks like simple subtraction and complex multiplication, while also demonstrating better language skills.
Researchers discovered vitamin D's mechanism to inhibit inflammation by binding to DNA and activating the MKP-1 gene. Vitamin D levels above 30 ng/ml significantly reduced inflammatory responses.
Astronaut Drew Feustel recounts his experiences as a spacewalker on Endeavour's final mission to the International Space Station. He emphasizes the fragility of our planet's atmosphere and the need for protection.
Penn researchers created the first physical demonstration of 'lumped' optical circuit elements, a milestone in the nascent field of metatronics. By manipulating light waves with nanorods, they replicated the function of electronic circuit elements like resistors and capacitors.
Researchers identified a previously unknown mutation in a sodium channel protein as the likely cause of a rare and severe form of epilepsy. The discovery provides emotional relief to the patient's family, who had been searching for answers.
Chemists at UC Berkeley have developed a new, edge-based catalyst that can efficiently produce hydrogen from water. The breakthrough could lead to more affordable and efficient fuel cell technology, reducing emissions and increasing the use of clean-burning fuels.
Biologists at the University of Rochester used a genetic tool from jewel wasps to find changes in cell regulator genes that affect wing growth. This discovery could help understand cell growth regulation and underlying causes of some diseases.
Fish release a 'scary stuff' signal when injured, containing chondroitin sulfate that alerts nearby fish to flee. This discovery provides insight into the nature of fear in fish.
A University of Georgia study found that convenience stores in low-income black neighborhoods often lack fresh produce, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. The research also revealed that supermarkets are scarce in these areas, leaving residents with limited shopping options.
A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that mobile DNA elements, called transposons, can significantly disrupt gene expression and cause biological variation in mice. The study discovered that these elements can influence gene expression even when located far away from the affected gene.
Researchers at Princeton University discovered that the size of liquid drops affects how they spread along flexible fibers, with certain sizes maximizing wetting and others hindering it. This knowledge can improve industrial applications such as oil slick cleanup, bird rescue, and microfabrication.
A 28-year study found that wild cereal populations are undergoing dramatic changes due to climate change, including earliness in flowering time and reduced genetic diversity. These changes threaten the best genetic resource for crop improvement and may damage food production.
NASA is upgrading its Global Positioning System (GPS) and International Terrestrial Reference Frame to improve location accuracy. The new systems will benefit not only GPS but also observations of Earth from space, enabling more precise measurements of the planet's shape, orientation, and gravity field.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a low-cost material that can achieve negative refraction of light and other radiation. The discovery has significant implications for various applications, including super lenses, energy harvesting, and stealth coatings.
A Rhode Island Hospital physician describes his experience caring for over 1,300 patients in a Libyan field hospital, highlighting the importance of strong logistical support and supply chain management. Community support was also vital to the project's success, with local staff and volunteers playing a key role.
A new study reveals how tumours exploit the lymphatic system to evade immune cells, but also identifies a weakness that can be targeted to boost vaccine efficacy. By understanding this mechanism, future cancer vaccines may be able to bypass the tumour's defence and effectively kill cancer cells.
The Dictionary of American Regional English has completed its fifth volume, covering Sl to Z, after nearly five decades of research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The dictionary records regional variations in words, phrases, pronunciations, and grammar across the US.
A recent study reveals that human population is a primary factor in exotic plant invasions in the United States, with many non-native species spreading considerable distances and crowding out native plant populations.
Researchers discovered that A. ervi lays two eggs in infected hosts and one egg in uninfected hosts, overcoming bacterial symbiont defenses through a compound secreted by developing wasps.
A new theory developed by John J. Toner extends the concept of flocking to include the effects of birth and death, revealing persistent fluctuations in density. This understanding has potential applications in designing targeted cancer therapies that selectively kill diseased cells while leaving healthy ones intact.
Researchers discover that phytoplankton release their toxic cargo when exposed to blue light, which stimulates a process called exocytosis. This discovery provides a handle on understanding the development of huge phytoplankton blooms and affects several square miles of ocean's upper surface.
Researchers at Harvard University have developed a new type of tunable color filter that uses optical nanoantennas to control color output. The filters can produce a range of colors by changing the polarization of the light illuminating them, with potential applications in televisions and biomedical imaging.
Sanford-Burnham researchers discovered the first 3D structure of the botulinum neurotoxin and its protein bodyguard. This reveals a weak spot that can be targeted to develop new therapeutics, including potential treatments for botulism and bioterrorism agents.
Scientists have found that the unfolded end of a protein, ColN-T, can still kill E. coli-like bacteria even after its toxic folded portion is removed. This discovery may lead to new, targeted ways to kill antibiotic-resistant microbes.
Researchers identified NLRP7 as a key protein that recognizes bacterial cell wall components in harmful gram-positive bacteria. The discovery could lead to novel treatment strategies to combat infections from deadly bacteria like Listeria and MRSA.
A new study by MIT economist David Autor shows that the rise in low-wage manufacturing industries overseas has a significant impact on the US economy and its workers. The disappearance of US manufacturing jobs frequently leaves former workers unemployed for years, creating a drag on local economies.