The Hubble Space Telescope has created the sharpest visible-light image ever made of the nucleus of an external galaxy, the Andromeda galaxy. The blue stars surrounding the massive black hole are just 200 million years old and formed in a burst of star formation near the black hole.
A team of astronomers using gravitational microlensing detected three exoplanets, including a super-Earth and planets comparable to Neptune and Jupiter. Combining this data with previous findings, the researchers conclude that planets are more common than stars in the Milky Way.
A new study explains why dew drops form on leaf tips, rather than flat surfaces, based on the principle of free energy. Dew droplets tend to accumulate at the tips of spindly leaves due to their inherent 'unwillingness' to move on dry surfaces.
Researchers have used a three-dimensional color map of the universe to create the most accurate calculation yet of how matter clumps together. By analyzing the brightness of 900,000 galaxies, they found that dark energy accounts for 73% of the universe's density, providing new insights into the cosmos.
A new study supports a 2006 theory by Qimiao Si to explain the electrical properties of unconventional superconductors. The research provides a global phase diagram for heavy-fermion systems, helping relate the behavior of several materials.
A recent study published in the Western Journal of Nursing Research found that exposure to blue-green light has therapeutic effects on Alzheimer's disease patients. Patients treated with this type of light showed improved recognition, recollection, and motor coordination, as well as enhanced moods and personalities.
Research found parabens in breast tissue of all study participants, regardless of underarm product use, indicating alternative sources. The study detected five common paraben esters in 60% of samples and high levels of n-propylparaben near the armpit.
A team at University of East Anglia has identified changes in tendon structure and proteolytic enzyme activity as the cause of adult-acquired flat foot. The findings could lead to new drug therapies for this condition and others like Achilles tendonitis.
Researchers have confirmed that Type Ia supernovae are produced by the explosion of carbon-oxygen white dwarf stars. By analyzing a fluke observation of SN2011fe four hours after its explosion, scientists set stricter limits on the size of the progenitor star, ruling out other possibilities.
Researchers found that low iron levels in adolescence can affect the brain's physical structure, leading to changes in brain regions vulnerable to neurodegeneration. High iron levels during adolescence may also impact brain wiring and myelin production, potentially increasing the risk of diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
The chemical industry is expected to see a boost in sales due to growing demand for chemicals used in agriculture, electronics, cars, and airplanes. However, the industry faces challenges such as expiring patents and slowing growth in Asia, which will impact industries like paint and construction materials.
New guidelines aim to reduce waiting times and improve patient outcomes for patients with hip fractures. The guidelines recommend fast-tracking admission, multidisciplinary care, and surgery within 48 hours of hospital admission.
Researchers analyze ancient Mayan pottery using advanced technology to detect nicotine and its oxidation products, providing rare evidence of unsmoked tobacco leaves. The discovery represents new insights into the ancient roots of tobacco use in the Americas.
Researchers at the University of Montreal are working on a project to create the first shopping mall specifically adapted for individuals with physical handicaps. The initiative aims to improve accessibility and social inclusion for people with disabilities, with features such as intelligent wheelchairs and personalized guides.
Researchers found that deep brain stimulation improved motor symptoms, including reduced tremors and dyskinesia, and increased periods of effective symptom control. Patients also reported improvements in daily activities, mobility, emotional state, social support, and physical comfort.
Researchers created three-dimensional lab-made tissue models to study oral cancer, revealing the importance of epigenetic mechanisms in cancer development and progression. The findings support the need for more complex tissue-like systems in cancer drug screening, replacing conventional petri dish cultures.
Astronomers at Vanderbilt University and Caltech discovered three smallest planets yet orbiting a distant star, KOI-961, connected to Barnard's star. The planets range in size from Mars to three-quarters the size of Earth, with short orbits making liquid water impossible.
A new model for epidemic contagion has been developed, accounting for human mobility patterns and reducing the spread of infectious diseases. The study found that older diffusion-based models overestimated the speed of epidemics, highlighting the importance of considering home locations in modeling human mobility.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new design that reduces land requirements and increases sunlight collection for concentrated solar power plants. By arranging mirrors in a sunflower-inspired spiral pattern, the team achieved a 20% increase in energy generation and significant cost savings.
Researchers at the University of Melbourne have discovered a potential new treatment for smoking-related lung diseases like COPD. The protein SAA plays a key role in chronic inflammation and lung damage in COPD, hindering natural healing in the lungs.
Research suggests internet addiction disorder is characterized by impaired white matter fibers in the brain, affecting emotional regulation and cognitive control. This study provides a new approach to understanding IAD, potentially leading to novel treatments.
Two new transiting circumbinary planet systems have been discovered using data from NASA's Kepler Mission. The planets, Kepler-34 b and Kepler-35 b, orbit two stars in the constellation Cygnus, with climates that could experience dramatic temperature changes due to the variable distance between the planet and its stars.
Mildred S. Dresselhaus and Burton Richter are recognized for their pioneering research and scientific leadership in various fields, including condensed matter systems and particle physics. The award acknowledges their contributions to energy and economic security, as well as their efforts to promote diversity and gender equity in science.
Most cardiac events during races are attributed to underlying heart disease; bystander-initiated CPR significantly improves survival rates. The study found that the risk of cardiac arrest for marathon and half-marathon runners is comparable to other athletes, providing reassurance about the activity's safety.
Heavy coffee drinkers have a lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, with four cups daily reducing the risk by 50%, and every additional cup by 7%. Coffee's beneficial effects may be attributed to compounds blocking human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) misfolding.
A genetic mutation in the PLCG2 gene causes a rare immune disorder characterized by excessive and impaired immune function, leading to symptoms such as cold-induced hives, immune deficiency, and autoimmunity. The study identifies a unique genetic mechanism at the crux of allergy, immune defense, and self-tolerance.
Researchers found that specific brain areas underlie perception of different 3D structures, including convex and concave surfaces. Electrical stimulation of these areas influenced monkeys' choices and decision-making times.
A diet high in fiber, such as whole grains and legumes, reduces markers of inflammation by 22% in overweight adults. The diet also increases a hormone that regulates metabolism, providing a clinically useful strategy for reducing chronic disease risk.
A new study examines the relationship between observed workplace incivility towards same-gender colleagues and negative emotions. Female employees who witness rudeness towards female colleagues experience higher levels of anger, demoralization, fear, and anxiety. In contrast, male observers are more affected by observing uncivil behavi...
Chris Austin discovered two new species of frogs in New Guinea, one of which is the smallest known vertebrate, challenging previous thought that extreme body size is associated with aquatic species. The tiny frog Paedophryne amauensis occupies a unique habitat niche in tropical rainforests.
A study led by UCSF researchers found that drinking releases endorphins in areas of the brain associated with pleasure and reward. This discovery provides a possible approach to improving treatment for alcohol abuse through more effective medications targeting the Mu opioid receptor.
A team of researchers has provided the most detailed look ever at the proteasome regulatory particle, a critical component in cellular waste disposal. The study's findings have significant implications for understanding protein quality control and potentially treating diseases like cancer.
Researchers found that people only feel the urge to mimic each other when they have the same goal, contradicting the idea that we are naturally inclined to copy others. In an experiment, participants synchronized their movements with an experimenter's choices in a card game when they shared a common goal
A newly discovered brain mechanism reveals that cocaine triggers a signaling pathway that activates HDAC5 to limit its rewarding effects and reduce the development of addiction-related behaviors. This finding may lead to new strategies for treating addiction by modulating this protective process.
Astronomers using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope found a large population of hot, bright blue stars in the center of the Andromeda galaxy. The stars, which are aging sun-like stars, have prematurely shed their outer layers to expose their extremely blue-hot cores.
The Air Force Office of Scientific Research awarded approximately $18 million in grants to 48 young scientists and engineers with exceptional research abilities. The recipients will conduct basic research over a 3-5 year period, fostering creative research and early career development.
Scientists have identified the chemical signals that promote aggregation in nematodes, allowing them to come together in groups. This discovery has significant implications for understanding social behavior and communication in organisms.
A team of astrophysicists discovered a ring system in the constellation Centaurus that is similar to Saturn's. The system consists of four thin rings of dust debris, with each ring having a mass similar to Earth's moon, and orbits tens of millions of kilometers from the central star.
Researchers at the Salk Institute discovered a gene called multicilin that tells cells to develop multiple cilia, tiny structures moving fluids through the lungs and brain. This finding may help create new therapies using stem cells to replace damaged lung tissues with healthy ones.
Researchers have discovered a new species of tiny frog, Paedophryne amauensis, which is the world's smallest vertebrate. The frog has an adult body size ranging from 7.0 to 8.0 millimeters, making it significantly smaller than the previous record holder, Paedocypris progenetica.
Researchers have identified a rare genetic mutation linked to a significantly higher risk of developing prostate cancer, particularly in men with a family history of early-onset disease. The mutation, called HOXB13, is associated with a 10-20 times higher risk of developing prostate cancer.
Researchers have discovered a genetic connection between two cancers, one with poor prognosis and the other with better outcomes. The study suggests that patients with the more aggressive cancer may benefit from treatment developed for acute myeloid leukemia.
The discovery of three smallest confirmed planets ever detected outside our solar system may boost the likelihood of existence of habitable planets. The planets, all rocky with a solid surface, orbit a small star called KOI-961, which is similar to red dwarfs, the most common type in the Milky Way.
A new study from CAMH found that treatment of depression while working increases productivity, with workers experiencing moderate depression 2.5 times more likely to be highly productive compared to those without treatment.
Scientists have discovered two new circumbinary planets, Kepler-34b and Kepler-35b, orbiting two stars in the constellation Cygnus. The discovery suggests that planets with two suns are common, potentially existing in millions in the Galaxy. This finding sheds light on the formation of these unique planetary systems.
Chemical engineers at UMass Amherst develop a new catalyst that boosts the yield of five key petrochemicals from biomass by 40%, creating a sustainable and competitive production process. This breakthrough could reduce industry's reliance on fossil fuels, worth an estimated $400 billion annually.
Researchers have discovered a way to selectively target the glutathione pathway in brain cancer cells, making them more susceptible to chemotherapy. The breakthrough could potentially improve treatment outcomes for the nearly 45,000 people diagnosed with brain cancer each year.
Dr. Sandra Van Schaeybroeck's research aims to identify ways to increase survival from bowel cancer by developing new treatment strategies and understanding drug resistance. The £688,000 Cancer Research UK Clinical Scientist Fellowship renewal will support her work for another three years.
A team of researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute has isolated a natural hormone from muscle cells that triggers key health benefits of exercise. The protein, called irisin, has been shown to improve glucose tolerance and reduce white fat, promoting the development of 'good' brown fat.
Tropical Storm Heidi is forecast to make landfall today along Western Australia's Pilbara coast, bringing heavy rainfall and gusty winds. The storm's center is still north of the coast, with maximum sustained winds increasing to 63 mph.
Astronomers have solved a longstanding mystery on the type of star that caused a Type Ia supernova seen in a nearby galaxy. The Hubble Space Telescope detected faint white dwarf remnants, contradicting previous theories and suggesting two tightly orbiting stars may have collided to trigger the explosion.
A team led by LSU Professor Bradley Schaefer and graduate student Ashley Pagnotta discovered the origin of thermonuclear supernovae as a pair of white dwarf stars. The study resolves the decades-long 'progenitor problem' in astrophysics, with no remaining possible explanations for the explosions.
A new RAND Corporation study emphasizes the importance of office-based medical practice in promoting adult vaccinations. Despite the high efficacy of vaccines, adult vaccination rates remain low, with only 70% of those at highest risk exceeding recommended inoculation rates for influenza. To address this issue, researchers propose stra...
Scientists have developed an imaging agent that binds to signs of Alzheimer's disease, including ß-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. The agent, called FPPDB, has shown promise for early diagnosis in laboratory tests.
The updated guidelines emphasize the importance of creating social and physical environments that support healthy behaviors. The report includes recommendations for community action to accompany individual choices, highlighting the need for public policy and environmental changes.
A study published in mBio found that children with autism and gastrointestinal symptoms have high levels of the bacterium Sutterella in their intestines. The researchers detected Sutterella species at remarkably high levels, which may play a role in the development of gastrointestinal disturbances in children with autism.
Astronomers using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope have discovered a distant Type Ia supernova, offering new opportunities to study dark energy. The discovery marks a significant step forward in understanding the mysterious force driving the universe's acceleration.
Researchers at McMaster University found that nearly 1 in 3 patients with pacemakers and no history of atrial fibrillation experience asymptomatic atrial arrhythmias, increasing stroke risk. These episodes were often undetected until they were picked up by the pacemaker, highlighting the importance of monitoring for silent fibrillation.
Researchers at NIST developed a new software to quantify the friction of graphene, finding that the material becomes more slippery when stacked. The study provides new quantitative data and sheds light on the differences in graphene's friction compared to three-dimensional graphite-like materials.
Astronomers using ALMA have found compelling evidence for how star-forming galaxies evolve into 'red and dead' elliptical galaxies, catching a large group of galaxies right in the middle of this change. The study reveals that galaxies are being starved of star-forming gas by their central black holes' jets.
A new study published in The Lancet found that transferring one or two embryos during IVF therapy results in higher live birth rates and lower risks of adverse perinatal outcomes. However, transferring three or more embryos is associated with increased risks, especially severe preterm birth.
A brain training computer game called Brain Age can improve executive functions and processing speeds, but does not affect global cognitive status or attention. The study suggests that it may be possible to improve some cognitive functions quite rapidly with a relatively short training period.
Research finds that ISG15 pathway disrupts cytoskeletal architecture in breast cancer cells, promoting cell migration and invasion. The study suggests that targeting the ISG15 pathway could provide a therapeutic advantage for patients with metastatic tumors.
Researchers found that chemotherapy can lead to DNA damage in cancer cells, which can cause them to evolve and become resistant to treatment. The study suggests that targeted therapies based on individual mutations may be more effective than current treatments.
A study by Brown University researchers found that offering fitness club memberships as a covered benefit attracts healthier patients. This strategy is effective in reducing costs and improving quality for Medicare Advantage plans. The trend of increasing plans offering fitness benefits suggests it may be an attractive business strategy.
Researchers have identified a rare, inherited mutation linked to a significantly higher risk of developing prostate cancer. The mutation was found in 10-20 times more men who inherited it compared to the general population. Further studies may lead to genetic testing for inherited prostate cancer.
The University of Louisville Health Sciences Center's Area Health Education Centers (AHECs) have a significant economic impact on the western half of Kentucky, with a value of over $5.7 million. The AHECs provide donated services and training to healthcare professionals in underserved areas, improving the lives of those in need.
Researchers suggest allocating sustainable annual whale-catch quotas to members of the International Whaling Commission, making them tradable in a global market. This approach could reduce whales harvested annually from two thousand to zero, according to proponents.
Most of the Milky Way's 100 billion stars have planets similar to Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars. The research found an average of 1.6 planets in the habitable zone around each star.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have identified a new mechanism behind the rapid growth of retinoblastoma, a rare childhood eye tumor. The study found that epigenetic factors play a crucial role in cancer progression, linking an abnormal gene to aggressive tumor growth.
Researchers have discovered two new planets, Kepler-34b and Kepler-35b, orbiting a binary star system using data from NASA's Kepler mission. The low-density gas giants are comparable in size to Jupiter but much less massive, with Kepler-34 being about 24% smaller and Kepler-35 being about 26% smaller.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine debunked the concept that excess salt causes high blood pressure by stimulating the sympathetic nervous system to produce adrenalin, causing artery constriction. The study suggests that diuretics may not be enough to treat hypertension cases associated with renal failure and recommend...