Researchers narrow down possible masses for neutrino, a tiny particle that rarely interacts with matter, using sensitive detectors buried underground. The new data suggests a neutrino cannot be more massive than about 0.140 to 0.380 electron volts.
Researchers at Georgia Tech discovered that mosquitoes can fly through rain due to their strong exoskeleton and low mass. The insect's ability to absorb impact forces from raindrops allows it to survive collisions, with the help of its legs and wings.
The University of Nevada, Reno is supporting the commercial harvesting of invasive crayfish at Lake Tahoe to improve clarity and take away a food source for other invasive species. The estimated 220 million crayfish could be harvested, stimulating local tourism and providing a new market for restaurants.
Researchers at UC3M developed an algorithm called SoSACO that accelerates route-finding in social networks by mimicking the behavior of ants. This allows for rapid responses in tens of milliseconds, with applications in various fields such as online games and delivery systems.
A new study led by University of Rochester Medical Center researcher Barbara L. Asselin shows that giving a cardio-protective drug during cancer treatment may prevent damage to the hearts of childhood leukemia survivors. The study found that the drug Zinecard significantly reduced heart problems and damage in patients who received it.
The 37-million-year-old Afrasia fossil closely resembles Afrotarsius libycus, indicating that early anthropoids colonized Africa shortly before these animals lived. This discovery supports the idea that Asian anthropoids are the source of earliest human ancestors.
Researchers suggest that inactivation of two specific genes related to the immune system may have conferred selected ancestors of modern humans with improved protection from some pathogenic bacterial strains. This proposed factor could have contributed to the emergence of anatomically modern humans around 100,000 years ago.
A study found that women treated with chest radiation for childhood cancer have a high risk of developing breast cancer comparable to those with BRCA1/2 mutations. The study analyzed data from over 1,200 female survivors and found a 24% breast cancer incidence by age 50.
A study of 313 healthy postmenopausal women found that long-term soy protein consumption had no significant effect on overall cognitive ability. However, visual memory and facial recognition were improved by 13% compared to a milk protein placebo.
Research shows that PET/CT imaging can change management plans for 34% of esophageal cancer patients, leading to improved survival rates. The technique provides powerful prognostic stratification and should be incorporated into routine clinical practice.
A three-drug treatment combining carfilzomib, lenalidomide, and low-dose dexamethasone showed rapid and durable responses in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients. After at least eight cycles of treatment, 61% had a stringent complete response.
A new antibody treatment has shown promising activity in patients with advanced kidney cancer, melanoma and lung cancer. Patients who received the treatment experienced a positive response without severe side effects.
Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have identified key elements in the biochemical mechanism plants use to limit fatty acid production. They found that a specific intermediate inhibits oil synthesis, leading them to discover an enzyme that regulates this process.
A 38-year study found that children with higher genetic risk scores had higher BMIs from age 3 to 38, and were more likely to be obese in adulthood. Rapid childhood growth was also linked to increased obesity risk, regardless of family history.
Typhoon Mawar brought heavy surf, heavy rainfall, and gusty winds to the Philippines, resulting in several missing and injured people. The storm intensified to typhoon strength before weakening and moving north-northeast, with forecasters predicting it will become an extra-tropical storm south of Japan by mid-week.
Scientists at Washington University, Stanford University, and Columbia University identified rhythmic brain cell firing patterns coordinated across populations of neurons in the motor cortex. These patterns were linked to different kinds of shoulder muscle movements, providing new insights into the brain's control of movement.
Scientists recommend increasing refuge acreage for Bt corn to slow western corn rootworm resistance and promote integrated pest management. The current 20% refuge requirement may not be sufficient to delay resistance, and doubling the size of refuges could help sustain the success of transgenic corn.
New research published in Journal of Economic Entomology shows consumer products known as bug bombs or foggers to be ineffective against bed bugs. The study found that bed bugs can survive the insecticide mist and hide in protected sites, making it unlikely for them to be exposed.
Thermoelectric power plants in the US and Europe are vulnerable to climate change due to reduced water supply, leading to increased electricity prices and concerns about future energy security. The study projects a decrease in thermoelectric power generating capacity of 4-19% by 2031-2060, affecting both regions.
A large survey by the SWOG cancer research cooperative group found that lower-income cancer patients were less likely to participate in clinical trials than those with higher incomes. This disparity is concerning, as it may limit their access to cutting-edge treatments and impact the accuracy of trial results.
Patients with incomes under $50,000 were 27% less likely to participate than those earning more, with lower-income individuals expressing greater concerns about costs. The study highlights the need for better education and support for these patients.
Scientists at Scripps Research Institute discover that unnatural DNA bases can replicate efficiently, suggesting an expanded genetic alphabet could carry more information. The finding has implications for the origins of life and the development of novel molecular tools.
A comprehensive analysis of the maize genome has been completed, increasing scientists' understanding of differences across related species and individual varieties. The research is expected to speed development of improved corn varieties, which will help optimize yield and disease resistance in changing climates.
An interdisciplinary team has completed the most comprehensive genetic analysis of corn, shedding light on its genetic diversity and evolution. The study provides a foundation for developing improved varieties equipped to resist pests and disease, addressing global food security challenges.
Researchers found that ancient farmers had a stronger impact on maize evolution than modern breeders. The study analyzed genomic variation in maize, providing critical insights for increasing corn yield to meet growing global demand.
A seventeen-year study led by SWOG found that intermittent hormone therapy for metastatic prostate cancer is inferior to continuous therapy, with overall survival times shorter for many patients. The treatment approach was also shown to have varying effects on different disease stages.
A study projects that thermoelectric power generating capacity will decrease by 4-16% in the US and 6-19% in Europe due to lack of cooling water. This could lead to higher electricity prices, disruption to supply, and environmental impact on river ecosystems.
Researchers at Griffith University are on the brink of an effective human treatment for the deadly Hendra virus, which has killed over 200 people in South East Asia. The therapy attacks the virus by turning off a vital gene and is highly effective in very low doses.
Researchers propose a new theory that motor cortex neurons generate rhythmic signals to control arm movements, contradicting the long-held assumption of encoding external spatial information. This discovery has broad implications for neuroscience and may explain some of the perplexing aspects of brain activity in motor cortex.
Maize's impressive genetic diversity was comprehensively characterized, revealing over 55 million SNPs across 103 inbred lines. The studies also found that SVs were associated with important agronomic traits and influenced genome size variations.
A new breast cancer treatment, trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1), has shown significant improvements over standard therapy in keeping advanced tumors from progressing, with fewer and less harsh side effects.
A study by Griffith University has identified a new region on the X chromosome linked to migraine in females. The research suggests multiple genes may be involved, including one related to iron regulation in the brain.
Researchers identified a genetic marker, microRNA, that differs in expression between African American and Caucasian women with breast cancer. The study found that African American patients overexpressed only six microRNAs, while Caucasian patients expressed 20 microRNAs, suggesting potential connections to treatment outcomes.
Two experimental drugs targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway showed promising early results in patients with advanced non-small cell lung, melanoma, and kidney cancers. Significant tumor shrinkage was seen in patients treated with these therapies.
A new medication, abiraterone acetate, has been shown to slow the spread of metastatic prostate cancer while maintaining quality of life in patients. The study involved 1,088 men and demonstrated improved survival and reduced need for chemotherapy and pain medications.
Researchers have identified androgen receptors as a key target for treating breast cancer, leading to the development of enzalutamide as a potential new therapy. The study suggests that blocking these receptors can inhibit cancer growth, offering new hope for patients with hormone-dependent breast cancers.
A new approach to preventing 'high spinal block' may be provided by a simple technique using local anesthetic mixed with magnetized ferrofluids, which can control the spread of spinal anesthesia. Researchers believe this technique could offer a second means of controlling block spread and provide a safeguard against serious complications.
A Caltech study finds the CMS auction system falls short of expectations, leading to low-ball bids and few companies able to afford the items. The experimentally tested auction structure shows that eliminating two unorthodox rules can improve efficiency, but it may still face challenges.
Research confirms long-lasting severe droughts in western US throughout history, including 200-year megadroughts in the Sierra Nevada. Scientists used advanced sonar tools and tree-ring analysis to determine precipitation levels over the past 12,000 years.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have developed a new approach to creating multilayered, ceramic-based microelectronics circuits that can maintain stability in resonant frequency despite temperature fluctuations. This technology has the potential to improve the performance of cell phones and reduce costs by eliminating unnec...
A recent study by Norwich BioScience Institutes reveals that the complex worldwide food-transport network generates 'hotspots' vulnerable to making outbreak tracing difficult. Countries with high import and export volumes are identified as key nodes in the network.
Researchers release first installment of 500 terabytes of data on whole-brain circuit mapping project. The data provide a detailed picture of individual neurons and their processes, enabling users to explore three-dimensional brain space.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is issuing recommendations for breast cancer trials that would substantially accelerate patient access to new medications. The new regulatory guidelines are based in part on groundbreaking, national breast cancer research led by UCSF.
A new compound has been discovered that can significantly reduce heat absorption on building roofs and walls, making it a promising candidate for 'cool roofing' applications. The material has an infrared heat reflectivity of around 40%, outperforming most blue pigments currently used.
Researchers studied butterfly life cycles in central Spain's mountain range to understand climate change impacts. Some species that emerge later or fly higher may struggle, while others with longer reproductive windows are more resilient.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh and LTER Network sites reveal that historic human activity has a profound impact on today's ecosystem. The study highlights how legacy effects from human actions continue to reverberate throughout present-day ecosystems, influencing environmental policies and land management.
Researchers discovered that GPR21 inhibition improves insulin sensitivity and energy expenditure in mice with obesity. The absence of GPR21 also reduces inflammation and decreases body weight under normal diet conditions. Additionally, another study found that FOXO1 plays a critical role in regulating energy balance and glucose metabol...
Researchers at the University of Alberta have discovered a genetic mutation that can predict heart failure in certain individuals. The team, led by Howard Young, will screen blood samples from 750 patients to identify mutations in phospholamban, a protein linked to heart disease.
A team of researchers has discovered a novel combination of two previously approved FDA drugs that can be used to treat advanced/late stage lung cancer by activating key genes involved in the disease. The treatment targets a pathway to accelerate cancer diagnosis and treatment.
New UCSF research establishes a stronger causal link between alcohol consumption and serious palpitations in patients with atrial fibrillation. Patients with atrial fibrillation had almost a four and a half times greater chance of having an episode if they were consuming alcohol than if they were not.
A multi-institutional survey study found that 74% of radiology residents own smartphones and 37% own tablet devices, with 81% believing they would spend more time learning if provided with a tablet device. Tablet technology has the potential to enhance radiology education by providing more study time.
Complex networks from different disciplines exhibit similar core structures, known as skeletons, which are shaped by basic growth mechanisms. This discovery could help predict how diseases or information spread across networks.
LDK378 shows encouraging activity in patients with ALK+ non-small cell lung cancer, including those who no longer respond to crizotinib. The compound is well-tolerated and its optimal dose is being further tested.
A study by University of Copenhagen researchers found that only 5.7% of Danish children with anxiety disorders were diagnosed between 2004 and 2007, compared to 27-45% in Western countries. The low diagnosis rate indicates a lack of reporting and inadequate treatment options for children suffering from the most common anxiety disorders.
Researchers have identified a new method for picking the 'right' egg in IVF by analyzing genes expressed in cumulus cells surrounding the eggs. This non-invasive approach may help avoid abnormal eggs with incorrect chromosomal make-up, increasing the chances of successful IVF cycles.
A study found that combining lapatinib and pazopanib did not improve outcomes for patients with inflammatory breast cancer, despite increased side effects. Lapatinib was shown to be an effective treatment option for women with this disease.
NASA's Hurricane and Severe Storm Sentinel (HS3) mission will deploy two Global Hawk aircraft to study hurricane formation and intensity changes. The aircraft will sample the environment of storms and measure winds, precipitation, and other factors to improve hurricane prediction.
The NASA Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) will observe the June 2012 Venus transit to calibrate its instruments and learn more about Venus' atmosphere. The transit provides a unique opportunity to test the SDO's orientation accuracy and understand the point spread function of the telescope.
Exercise significantly reduces neuropathic pain severity and inflammation-promoting cytokine expression in rats with sciatic nerve injury. This study provides evidence that exercise can be a helpful, non-pharmacological therapy for managing neuropathic pain.
Scientists at EMBL have created a first complete atlas of RNA-binding proteins, revealing over 300 previously unknown proteins. This discovery opens new avenues for studying diseases such as diabetes and glaucoma, suggesting that gene mutations may affect RNA control rather than protein function.