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.