A new study predicts that global warming will lead to a significant decline in Emperor penguin populations by 2040, with only 500-600 breeding pairs remaining by 2100. The melting of sea ice will disrupt the penguins' food source and breeding habits.
Researchers uncovered surprises in genes previously thought uninvolved in breast cancer, revealing the complex drivers of this leading cause of cancer death. The study found novel fusion gene MAGI1-AKT3, which acts as an oncogene and offers new therapy targets.
Researchers at Oregon State University have linked carcinogens to cancer stem cells and found that spinach can reduce the incidence of colon tumors by almost half.
Researchers have discovered a new method to sub-typing GBM tumor lines using proteins expressed, which could lead to targeted drug treatments and more accurate patient prognoses. The study found that patients with the CNP subtype may live up to 10 years after diagnosis.
A new study by Sidney D'Mello and Art Graesser found that strategically inducing confusion in learning sessions on difficult conceptual topics can lead to better retention and application of knowledge. Subjects who were confused scored higher on a difficult post-test and could identify flaws in new case studies.
A team of chemists at the University of Geneva has developed a rare halogen bond that can transport anions across phospholipid bilayer membranes, similar to cellular structures. This discovery has significant implications for medical applications, particularly in treating diseases linked to ion transport issues.
Dafna Lemish has partnered with UNICEF to develop a free resource package for creating quality media for children, based on her research on effective communication strategies. The initiative aims to improve children's lives by providing guidance on age-appropriate content and holistic approaches.
Researchers at Helmholtz Association confirm the existence of Tayler instability, a magnetic phenomenon that reduces rotation rates and creates powerful fluid flows. This discovery has significant implications for the development of liquid metal batteries and their potential use in renewable energy storage.
A mathematical model has been proposed to study malaria transmission, focusing on the reproduction number and its dependence on human travel rates. The research highlights the critical role of human movement in spreading the disease, suggesting that effective control measures may involve more rigorous border screening and regulation.
Researchers have developed a new class of antimicrobials that target bacteria virulence factors, reducing the risk of antibiotic resistance. The most potent substance prevented UTIs from developing in mice for over eight hours and reduced bacterial growth by nearly 10,000 times.
A new study has questioned the safety and feasibility of a controversial HPV vaccine trial in India, citing lack of data on cervical cancer incidence. Researchers found that figures for cervical cancer rates in India are low and do not justify the introduction of an HPV vaccination programme.
A study by Scottish researchers found that women who experience an initial ectopic pregnancy are less likely to conceive in the future and at increased risk of having another ectopic pregnancy. However, their obstetric outcomes following the ectopic pregnancy were no worse than those in first-time mothers.
Researchers created a website called AchieveTogether to study the effectiveness of positive deviance in weight loss. Users lost about 4.5 pounds more weight than those without access to the site. The study suggests that online weight loss programs featuring successful dieters may be an effective strategy for weight loss.
Researchers propose 'automated hovering' approaches combining technology, behavioral economics, and new payment strategies to motivate patients to improve their health. These approaches aim to reduce costly hospital admissions by targeting specific patient populations and promoting adherence to medication regimens.
A molecule believed to suppress tumor growth is found to accelerate anaplastic thyroid cancer cell growth when active. Researchers discovered a potential therapeutic target by identifying a gene promoting growth in cancer cells.
Tropical storm Talim brought almost 600 mm of rainfall to southern Taiwan, with intense rainfall rates reaching 50mm/hr in the Strait of Taiwan. The TRMM satellite captured powerful storms near Talim's center, indicating heights of up to 16km.
A Wake Forest Baptist study suggests Long QT Syndrome may cause unexplained deaths during Excited Delirium. The syndrome can be triggered by agitation, confusion, or psychiatric issues, highlighting the need for law enforcement education to prevent in-custody deaths.
A study of 1,978 Spanish adolescents found that those who ate more frequently had lower accumulated fat rates, regardless of physical activity. Eating breakfast daily was particularly beneficial for young men who did not exercise.
Adding nevirapine to the regimen of newborns born to HIV-positive mothers halves their risk of contracting the virus, according to a recent study. The research found that the two-drug combination is effective in preventing mother-to-child HIV transmission and is relatively easy to administer.
A Yale graduate student has developed a method for detecting an infectious pathogen driving amphibian extinctions worldwide. By analyzing preserved specimens, she found evidence of the pathogen in six older samples from Connecticut, revealing its early presence in the region.
Researchers at RIKEN Brain Science Institute found two brain signals involved in predicting others' decisions, enabling humans to balance expected and observed rewards and choices. The signals, located in distinct prefrontal circuits, strike a balance between the other's values and their own, allowing for accurate predictions.
Bigger wind turbines harness more wind with increased efficiency and reduced material needs. Scientists conclude that larger turbines make greener electricity, a trend expected to grow in the coming years.
The American Headache Society is focusing on traumatic brain injury in its scientific conference, with experts discussing earlier detection, prompt treatment, and prevention. The conference aims to raise awareness of the issue and reduce long-term consequences for affected individuals.
A study funded by the NIH found that surgery to support the urethra with a sling reduces incontinence rate, but carries risk of complications such as difficulty emptying bladder and urinary tract infection. The study suggests considering potential benefits and risks when deciding whether to have second procedure at same time as first.
A study found that children spend less than an hour a day engaging in moderate to vigorous physical activity, with girls becoming more sedentary than boys by age eight. Children of older fathers spent higher percentages of time in sedentary behavior.
A recent NIH study reveals that children born with HIV are more likely to experience hearing loss by age 16. The researchers estimated that 9-15% of HIV-infected children and 5-8% of uninfected peers may be affected.
The variable camber airfoil has obvious advantages in controlling separation and flight maneuverability. Research shows that the stall type determines the distinction between different camber deformation paths, with trailing-edge stalls being softer and having higher lift.
Researchers develop algorithms to identify flavor matches, leading to new dishes like almond sponge cake with poached banana and chocolate-ketchup ice cream. Skepticism surrounds the validity of flavor pairing as a scientifically grounded concept.
Physician-owned specialty hospitals are driven by commercial interests rather than patient care, argues Indiana University professor Joshua Perry. Despite providing jobs and revenue, these hospitals treat a lower percentage of severely ill patients and have higher costs and utilization rates compared to general hospitals.
The National Academy of Inventors congratulates 11 top universities for their 2011 patent success, including the University of South Florida. The list includes American universities and Chinese institutions, with the University of California System holding the most patents awarded.
Scientists have demonstrated that they can control the length and height of plasmons on graphene using an electrical circuit, opening up possibilities for information processing in tight spaces. This breakthrough uses infrared light to excite surface plasmons with wavelengths as short as 100 nanometers.
Scientists developed the first laboratory system to evaluate pile driving's effect on fish, finding individual blows above a certain sound level can irreparably harm them. The recommended sound threshold aims to minimize harm to marine animals while permitting ocean development.
Researchers have discovered genes that cooperate in tumor development and identified potential new drug targets for the most aggressive subtype of medulloblastoma. The study found alterations linked to subtypes with the best and worst prognosis, offering new direction for understanding what drives these tumors.
A three-year $900,000 grant was awarded to Drs. Brian Brown and Art Borkent to inventory all species of flies living in a 100x200 meter area in Costa Rica, estimated to discover at least 3,000 new species. This project aims to better understand the importance of insects in ecosystems and gauge the impact of habitat change.
Researchers found that regional anesthesia was associated with a significant reduction in major pulmonary complications and death among hip fracture patients. The use of regional anesthesia versus general anesthesia resulted in a 29% lower adjusted odds of mortality and a 24% decrease in the adjusted odds of any inpatient pulmonary com...
The High Park Fire in Colorado has expanded to 65,738 acres with over 1,900 people battling the blaze. The fire has generated significant smoke visible on NASA satellite imagery, affecting nearby areas like Wyoming and Nebraska.
New research by Richard Wright and colleagues found that while racial diversity is increasing in major US cities, highly diverse neighborhoods are still rare. The study also showed that many African Americans remain concentrated in segregated neighborhoods despite immigration, which has led to more racially diverse tracts.
A new gene-silencing strategy has reversed core symptoms of Huntington's disease in animal models, suggesting a potential treatment approach for the neurodegenerative disorder. The therapy, involving antisense oligonucleotides, produced sustained benefits with minimal side effects.
A Johns Hopkins University team found a protein molecule, p190RhoGAP, that regulates cardiac stem cells to form healthy heart tissue or blood vessels. By altering its levels, the researchers were able to improve the effectiveness of stem cell therapy in treating heart attack patients.
Researchers discovered how bacteria release proteins to spread infections, providing a new target for antibiotic development. The discovery sheds light on the mechanism by which normal, non-pathogenic bacteria can release proteins through their membrane pores.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found a significant association between traffic noise exposure and an increased risk of heart attacks. The research showed that every 10 decibels of noise above the threshold resulted in a 12% higher risk of myocardial infarction.
Tropical Storm Guchol made landfall in Japan, bringing heavy rainfall to the islands of Kyushu and Shikoku. The TRMM satellite detected a large area of rainfall over 500 km from the typhoon's center, highlighting the storm's impact on the region.
Researchers at University of York and University of Canterbury disprove the accepted theory of nestedness, finding instead that a species' number of mutualistic partners is a better predictor of individual survival and community persistence. This challenges the idea that ecological communities exhibit nested structures.
A BUSM study found that blocking the Sigma-1 receptor reduced binge eating and caused eaters to eat more slowly, suggesting a potential therapeutic treatment target for binge eating disorder. The researchers also observed improved decision-making in experimental subjects.
A high-fat/calorie diet has been shown to accelerate the development of pancreatic cancer in both human epidemiological studies and mouse models. In the latter, mice fed a diet rich in fat and calories developed obesity, insulin resistance, and inflammation, all conditions that can stimulate the growth of precancerous cells.
Researchers estimate that ice may make up 22 percent of Shackleton crater's surface material using laser light from NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. The team discovered the crater's floor is brighter than nearby craters, indicating possible ice presence.
The Euclid mission, a collaboration of nearly a thousand scientists, aims to study the distribution and evolution of dark matter and dark energy using state-of-the-art instruments. The UK Space Agency has funded £8.5M for the development of scientific instruments and the Science Ground Segment.
A six-food elimination diet significantly improves symptoms in adult patients with eosinophilic esophagitis, reducing inflammation and improving digestion. The study identified specific food triggers that cause symptoms like heartburn and difficulty swallowing.
Scientists have created a simple procedure to remove nearly all acrolein impurities from pharmaceuticals, potentially increasing patient safety. The new method uses engineered particles and shows promise in removing 98% of impurities without affecting the active ingredient.
Gold nanoparticles with a slight positive charge have been found to unravel DNA's double helix, enabling potential breakthroughs in gene therapy. The research also highlights the importance of characterizing nanoparticle characteristics for DNA-based electronics.
A study found that deep brain stimulation (DBS) treatment effectively improved motor function in Parkinson's disease patients for at least three years. However, improvements in health-related quality of life and cognitive abilities were gradually lost over time., The treatment was most effective for reducing tremors and muscle rigidity.
Researchers found that neurons follow a simple pattern described by a power law, which explains their tree-like shape and efficient wiring. This pattern is supported by the growth of newborn olfactory neurons in the adult brain.
Researchers reveal evidence of dairy farming in prehistoric Saharan Africa around 7,000 years ago, based on fatty acid analysis of ancient pottery. This finding confirms the early presence of domesticated cattle and milk in the region.
A new study by University of Iowa researchers shows that a natural substance found in apple peel can partially protect mice from obesity and some of its harmful effects. Ursolic acid increases muscle and brown fat in mice on a high-fat diet, leading to increased calorie burning and reduced obesity, pre-diabetes, and fatty liver disease.
Researchers found that majority of Wikipedia pages are peaceful, but edit wars are waged between strongly disagreeing editors. Consensus is generally reached in a reasonable time, even for controversial articles, except in cases of never-ending wars with multiple active editors.
A recent study analyzed respiration rates across aquatic and land ecosystems, revealing that warmer climates may lead to more CO2 release from marine and freshwater environments. This finding suggests a stronger response of aquatic ecosystems to temperature changes, potentially increasing their carbon dioxide emissions.
Researchers found that primate lip smacking and human speech share similar frequency ranges, developmental trajectories, and neural controls. This study provides insight into the neural basis of human communication disorders by exploring the evolution of primate facial expressions and their potential link to speech.
Researchers found that geckos' toe pads have microscopic hairs that clean themselves by hyperextending their toes. This discovery could lead to reusable adhesives like duct tape.
A new intestinal gel formulation of levodopa/carbidopa has improved the duration of treatment benefits in people with advanced Parkinson's disease, reducing 'off' time and dyskinesia. The study found that the continuous delivery reduced 'off' time by nearly four hours, two hours more than standard oral formulations.
Tropical Storm Chris formed on June 19, with NASA's Aqua satellite capturing an image just before it reached tropical storm strength. The storm exhibited a 'tail' shape due to a band of thunderstorms wrapping around its center, giving it a comma-like appearance.
Climate change is expected to reduce the extent of Antarctic sea ice, threatening the Emperor penguin population, which may decline by up to 80% by 2100. The study used computer simulations and statistical models to project the impact of sea ice loss on penguin demographics.
A new study published by Ohio State University found that omega-3 fatty acid supplements can lower inflammation in healthy but overweight middle-aged and older adults. After four months of supplementation, participants experienced a significant decrease in inflammatory markers, with the low-dose group showing a 10% reduction in interle...
Research on nano-pesticides is crucial for understanding their fate and toxicity, as well as assessing potential benefits and drawbacks. The development of new pesticides products based on nanotechnology holds promise for reducing environmental contamination, but concerns about human health risks persist.
Electronic asymmetry was discovered in iron-based high-temperature superconductors, providing new insights into their behavior. The study found that this asymmetry is a result of collective electronic behavior and may be essential for the material's superconductivity.
A multicenter study found that midurethral slings significantly reduce the risk of post-surgical urinary incontinence in women without pre-existing symptoms. The study's findings provide valuable data for counseling patients and help physicians make informed decisions about sling use.
A proposed drug treatment has shown promise in reversing Huntington's disease symptoms in animal models, with sustained motor and neurological benefits reported. The therapy silences the mutated gene responsible for the disease by using antisense oligonucleotides to destroy toxic proteins.
A recent study published in Gynecologic Oncology reveals that widely available cell lines are often misidentified or contaminated, leading to faulty cancer science. Researchers suggest verifying cell lines as a prerequisite for publishing, and the team is working to build a database to help identify mismatched cell lines.
Four Argonne National Laboratory-developed technologies have been awarded R dashD 100 honors, including Globus Online for big data research and three battery materials for plug-in hybrids and all-electric vehicles.
Research suggests up to 640,000 hospital admissions and nearly 2 million emergency department visits may be linked to alcohol consumption. Patients who admitted to drinking before their visit were more likely to have injuries and exceeded recommended weekly units.
Researchers examined the resurrection of TrackTown USA identity through personal interviews, track meets, and media accounts. They found that community engagement, sustained pattern of events, and authentic outcomes forged the distinctiveness of TrackTown, with a key role played by UO coach Bill Bowerman.
Researchers at Duke University and the University of Arizona developed a gigapixel camera that captures unprecedented detail by synchronizing 98 tiny cameras. The camera's resolution is five times better than 20/20 human vision over a 120-degree horizontal field, with potential applications in surveillance, inspection, and photography.
Research suggests that sociometric status, rather than socioeconomic status, predicts social well-being. Studies found that students with high standing in their local ladder reported higher levels of social acceptance and power, leading to increased happiness.
A new UCLA-led study shows that a two- or three-drug combination given to infants within 48 hours of birth can reduce the risk of mother-to-child HIV transmission by about half compared to AZT alone. The study found that this combination significantly reduced HIV transmission, while also being less toxic to the infants.
Children aged 8-10 years spent an average of just 4% of their day engaging in moderate to vigorous physical activity, falling short of the daily recommended amount. This early disparity highlights the need for interventions to encourage primary school children to become more physically active.
Berkeley Lab's Laser Ablation Molecular Isotopic Spectrometry (LAMIS) technology enables remote chemical analysis on other planets, while the Compact Variable Collimator (CVC) improves X-ray beam shaping for protein crystallography. The Multinozzle Emitter Array (MEA) accelerates biomedical research by analyzing biomolecules in microfl...
Researchers found distinct differences in how muscle affects bone microstructure between men and women, with muscle mass linked to bone strength at specific locations. The study also identified a biomarker, IGFBP-2, that can help predict people at higher risk for falls and fractures.
Scientists visualize the trapping and confinement of light on graphene, making it a promising candidate for optical information processing. Graphene plasmons can be used to electrically control light, enabling new optical switches and applications in medicine, bio-detection, solar cells, and quantum information processing.
Research published in BMJ Open found that over half of inner city school-kids in deprived areas consume fast foods/drinks at least twice a week. The most common reasons for buying fast food were taste and ready access, while peer influence played a significant role among frequent consumers.
Researchers at MIT CSAIL discovered brain organizes objects based on size, with distinct regions for big and small objects. This finding has major implications for fields like robotics and could lead to better understanding of brain organization and mapping information.
The European Space Agency has adopted the largest astronomy collaboration to build the Euclid satellite, which will study the dark universe with great precision. The mission will trace the distribution and evolution of dark matter and dark energy throughout the Universe.
Researchers at WashU Medicine identified a protein called dual leucine zipper kinase (DLK) that regulates signals telling the nerve cell it's injured, allowing nerve regeneration. The study shows DLK governs whether the neuron turns on its regenerative program.
A new Stanford University School of Medicine study has found that genetics significantly impact the severity of opiate side effects, such as nausea and respiratory depression. The research also suggests that genetic variations can influence an individual's risk of addiction to these powerful painkillers.
Researchers have defined and analyzed the crystal structure of a yeast Argonaute protein bound to RNA, shedding light on the RNA interference pathway that silences gene expression. The study reveals a four-component active site, resolving a longstanding mystery in the field.
Richard Alley, a renowned geoscientist, has been recognized by the US News STEM Leadership Hall of Fame for his groundbreaking work in the field. He will receive the award on June 29 at U.S. News STEM Solutions 2012 in Dallas, Texas.
A meta-analysis of 24 studies found that 12% of heart patients develop clinically significant PTSD symptoms, doubling their risk for future cardiac events and death. The study suggests that underdiagnosis may be even more pronounced in cardiac practices than in other types of medical practices.
A novel chemotherapeutic agent, BAY 86-9766, has shown dramatic tumor shrinkage and prolonged survival in a genetically engineered mouse model of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. The treatment was effective even in animals with advanced tumors and ascites, a common presentation in humans.
A study led by Arizona State University's Center for the Study of Religion and Conflict investigated what drives generosity among Muslims and Catholics. The researchers found that both groups value community and connecting with people in need, as well as a sense of duty to their faith. They also discovered commonalities in the ways rel...
Six international research projects worth $16.5 million aim to develop practical solutions to combat hunger and food insecurity in developing countries. These projects, funded by IDRC and CIDA, team up Canadian and developing-country scientists to create lasting impact.
Physicists at TUM successfully created and analyzed tin-100, a doubly magic nucleus with the fastest beta decay rate. The experiment confirmed predictions made by theoretical physicists and aims to improve understanding of heavy element formation during compact star explosions.