A new study by Rice University scientists reveals that cooking temperature determines the effectiveness of 'biochar' as a soil additive. Biochar can improve hydrology and make more nutrients available to plants when produced at high temperatures.
A comparative genomic analysis of two white rot fungi found substantial differences among the sets of genes involved in lignocellulose degradation. C. subvermispora was found to selectively break down lignin at an efficient rate, making it a potential game-changer for the pulp and paper industry.
Scientists have discovered a liquid-like compound that could lead to more efficient thermoelectric devices, which convert heat into electricity and vice versa. The copper-selenium material exhibits liquid-like behavior due to the flow of copper atoms through the selenium's crystal lattice.
Researchers have discovered a new mechanism of prostate cancer cell metabolism by identifying the PFKFB4 gene, which is vital for tumor growth and antioxidant production. The study found that depletion of this gene in laboratory models inhibited tumor growth, suggesting potential targeted therapies.
A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that prenatal exposure to combustion-related pollutants was significantly associated with symptoms of anxious/depressed and attention problems in young children. High levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) were measured in mothers' air samples and umbilical cord blood.
Scientists at Purdue University have identified enzymes and biochemical compounds that are targeted and modified by the dengue virus during infection, suggesting a potential new therapy. Medications used to treat high cholesterol may also inhibit dengue's replication.
The Scripps Research Institute has received a $206,250 grant from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) to expand its high school summer internship program. The program aims to inspire talented students from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in stem cell research.
Photoacoustic tomography allows scientists to see deep beneath the skin with high contrast, revealing tissue oxygen use and cancer biomarkers. The technique enables non-invasive imaging for breast cancer staging, early chemotherapy response monitoring, melanoma detection, and gastrointestinal tract visualization.
Researchers at Linköping University have developed a new type of battery using brown liquor as a raw material, which could provide an inexpensive and sustainable solution for storing renewable energy. The breakthrough uses organic solar cells based on conductive plastic, achieving high performance levels that make them competitive.
A new study found that liver cancer patients are less likely to die on the wait list than non-HCC candidates, with HCC patients having substantially lower odds of waitlist removal for death or deterioration. The researchers argue that exception points currently allotted for HCC should be lowered.
Researchers discovered that false killer whales can focus their echolocation beams on targets using a strategy called 'acoustic squint', increasing beam width when faced with harder tasks. By plotting the path of acoustic beams, they found that wider beams were focused furthest away, allowing Kina to target specific objects.
New research published in BMC Public Health found that people living alone have an increased risk of developing depression, with women's risk attributed to sociodemographic factors such as lack of education and low income. The study identified poor housing conditions and lack of social support as key contributory factors.
A new study led by UC Riverside's Alexander Raikhel aims to control mosquito population through hormonal regulation. The researchers will focus on deciphering genes involved in mediating hormone action during egg production in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which spread dengue and yellow fever.
A new genomic test has been shown to help doctors identify breast cancer patients who do not need adjuvant chemotherapy, reducing side effects and improving quality of life. The study found that patients classified as low risk by the test had a higher distant disease-free survival rate compared to those classified as high risk.
Researchers have successfully harnessed neurons in mouse brains, allowing them to at least partially control a specific memory. The study advances understanding of how memories form and offers new insight into disorders such as schizophrenia and post-traumatic stress disorder.
A Cardiff University team has secured funding to develop a new surgical simulator that accurately reproduces the effects of cutting in real time. The project, led by Professor Stéphane Bordas, aims to reduce risk to neurosurgery patients and aid training worldwide.
Researchers at San Francisco State University found that a music-based curriculum can significantly improve fraction understanding in third-grade students. The program, known as Academic Music, uses rhythm and gestures to introduce fractions, resulting in a 50% increase in test scores compared to traditional math instruction.
Researchers found that lengthy spaceflight affects cardiovascular responses, but the intensive exercise routines on these missions keep mechanisms well-prepared for return to Earth. The study tested six astronauts on long-term missions aboard the International Space Station.
Researchers are conducting a seismic survey at the Mariana trench to map the distribution of serpentinite in subducting plates and overlying mantle. This will help understand island-arc volcanism and subduction-zone earthquakes, which are among the most powerful in the world.
Scientists discovered a 3-4 million-year-old toothed whale species, Bohaskaia monodontoides, that lived in warm water regions and shared features with belugas and narwhals. The fossil skull found in Virginia suggests its modern relatives' Arctic adaptations evolved recently.
A study led by Eric Courchesne identified genetic mechanisms involved in abnormal early brain development and overgrowth in young autism patients. The findings suggest novel genetic and molecular targets for prevention and treatment strategies.
Scientists have discovered a new understanding of the Earth's mantle beneath the Pacific Ocean, revealing that the Gutenberg discontinuity is closely related to the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary. The study suggests that partially molten rock plays a key role in forming the Gutenberg discontinuity.
Scientists have designed a battery cathode made of lignin byproducts, which may lead to cheaper and safer electrodes. The new cathode is comparable to those that require precious metals or rare raw materials.
Researchers found that molybdenum, not phosphorus, is the limiting nutrient for nitrogen-fixing bacteria in tropical forests. The discovery could have widespread implications for understanding how tropical forests respond to climate change and regulate the Earth's climate system.
Researchers found that cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and physical exercise can significantly reduce menopausal symptoms, such as hot flushes and vaginal dryness, in breast cancer patients undergoing treatment. The interventions also improved sexuality and physical functioning, with positive effects still apparent after six months.
Researchers have identified a new type of landform on Mars, periodic bedrock ridges, which provide valuable information about the planet's geological past. The ridges, formed by wind erosion of bedrock, offer a unique window into Martian history and potentially allow scientists to study the planet's ancient layers.
A recent study by John Gill and colleagues found that the age of a live donor between 18 to 64 years has minimal effect on the survival of transplanted kidneys. This finding suggests that patients over 39 years old may benefit from participating in living donor paired exchange programs or kidney swaps.
Researchers have made significant progress in understanding animal metacognition, finding that macaques exhibit uncertainty-monitoring capacities similar to those in humans. This consensus suggests that animals may share a form of self-reflective, metacognitive capacity with humans.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center discovered that low doses of epigenetic-targeted drugs azacitidine and decitabine can re-activate genes that stop cancer growth. The study found antitumor responses in breast, lung, and colon cancers, with effects caused by alteration of the epigenetic environment of DNA.
A recent study published in PloS ONE suggests that immediate skull reconstruction following traumatic brain injury can exacerbate brain damage. In contrast, delaying surgical repair for two days resulted in reduced secondary brain swelling and damage in animal models.
A University of Delaware oceanographer found trace amounts of radioactive iodine in the Delaware River, providing a new way to study substance travel through rivers to the ocean. The contaminant enters waterways via wastewater treatment systems and has a half-life of eight days.
New research from Rice University suggests that childhood hunger policies should focus on neighborhoods rather than individual families. Children living in poverty-stricken neighborhoods with high foreign-born populations are more likely to experience hunger.
New research reveals four key reasons why radical transparency is hard to achieve, including the limits of technological fixes, intermediary challenges, and government responses. The analysis highlights that information has no transformative power in its raw form, requiring distillation and interpretation to capture audience attention.
A recent study found that two specific genes, TAS2R38 and CD36, may play a role in some people's ability to taste and enjoy dietary fat. Individuals with certain genetic variants are more likely to prefer higher-fat foods, potentially contributing to obesity risk.
A study found that wide negative margins are associated with a lower risk of local recurrence in women with ductal carcinoma in situ treated with breast-conserving surgery. Researchers recommend considering radiotherapy as the top priority to complement targeting wider free margins.
A recent study published in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine reveals that survivors of multiple cancers exhibit poorer physical and mental health status compared to those with a single cancer diagnosis. These individuals also engage in more unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a new technology to predict solar energy output, which could help utilities generate significant savings. The system uses sky imagers to capture cloud conditions and forecast power output in 15-minute increments.
Modern nature conservation faces challenges in governing diverse ecosystems, with threats from human activities like forestry, agriculture, and fisheries. The study emphasizes the need for efficient governance to address these issues and halt biodiversity deterioration.
A new NIH study finds that programs to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes in high-risk adults can improve quality of life, reduce healthcare costs, and result in significant savings over time. Lifestyle interventions and metformin treatment were found to be cost-effective options for preventing type 2 diabetes.
The University of Bonn team has successfully derived brain stem cells directly from connective tissue in mice, which can reproduce and be converted into various types of brain cells. This method is faster, safer, and associated with a lower risk of tumors compared to existing approaches.
A national survey of OB-GYNs found that most doctors do not routinely ask about sexual problems or satisfaction, and even fewer inquire about a patient's orientation. This omission can lead to missed opportunities for diagnosis and treatment, with women often suffering in silence due to fear or embarrassment.
Researchers found a strong correlation between genetic variation and chemotherapy side effects, enabling personalized treatment approaches. This study aims to tailor chemotherapy regimens to individual patients' genetic profiles.
A NASA-sponsored researcher found that a melt-rich layer under the Pacific Ocean basin is not the only mechanism allowing continents to gradually shift their position. This discovery sheds new light on plate tectonics, providing insight into the movement of Earth's crustal plates over millions of years.
A study published in Molecular Cell found that more than 30% of PDZ domains interact with various membrane lipids, controlling their cellular location and interaction with other protein partners.
Researchers have developed a diatom-based biosensor that can detect specific substances in water samples using fluorescence. The biosensor uses genetic engineering to insert fluorescent proteins into the silica shell of a marine algae, allowing it to respond to certain chemicals.
A new study found that high school math teachers systematically rate white girls lower than their male counterparts, despite similar grades and test scores. The researchers suggest that this bias may be due to societal stereotypes about women's abilities in math, making it hard for teachers to recognize and resist the bias.
Soil arsenic levels and cancer rates have been linked by researchers, highlighting the need for recorded monitoring of environmental sources. Ongoing exposure to arsenic in soil is thought to contribute to childhood cancers in the Goldfields region of Victoria.
A study by researchers found that a small group of countries control most of the world's freshwater trade, while regions like Africa are left out. The virtual water network has almost doubled in size since the 1980s, driven by globalization and economic factors.
A study published in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology found that people with autism possess a higher capacity for processing information, especially when faced with rapid presentations and distractions. This increased ability can be beneficial in careers such as IT, where intense concentration is required.
Researchers at the University of Calgary have made a significant breakthrough in quantum copying, demonstrating that original states can be perfectly recovered from imperfect copies. This achievement has far-reaching implications for quantum technology, including potential applications in precision measurement and sample analysis.
A Purdue University study found that obese white teenage girls who lose weight still struggle with negative body perceptions and low self-esteem. The study suggests that addressing body image, identity, and self-esteem issues is crucial to maintaining weight loss.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital found that early-life exposure to microbes prevents asthma and colitis in mice. The study suggests that the hygiene hypothesis may be supported by a potential mechanism involving unique T cells.
A 15-year follow-up of over 1000 DCIS patients found that radiotherapy reduced local recurrence risk by 50%, while improving survival for invasive recurrence cases. The study suggests a continuous protective effect of RT on DCIS recurrence in the long term.
Research published in BioMed Central's Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery found that opera and classical music increased survival time before organs failed. Music may act via the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing inflammation and increasing regulatory cells.
Researchers have developed a new method to induce somatic stem cells directly from fully differentiated skin cells. This breakthrough reduces the risk of tumor formation and increases their therapeutic potential for tissue regeneration.
Scientists discover that cellular stress takes place in pancreatic beta cells before T1D onset, potentially igniting autoimmune attack. ER stress response may contribute to beta cell dysfunction and death, shedding light on disease progression and potential therapeutic targets.
Researchers have identified enzymes and biochemical compounds that target the dengue virus, suggesting a potential new therapy. Medications used for high cholesterol may also inhibit the virus's replication.
A new website provides access to genomic data on chronic lung disease, making it easier for researchers to analyze and gain insights. The site offers a range of data types and tools for different user groups, including quantitative scientists, basic investigators, and translational scientists.
Researchers found that the absence of a single gene in Neospora makes it less able to evade the immune response in mice and other species. This may explain why Neospora has a limited host range compared to Toxoplasma, which has more surface proteins necessary for host adaptation.
A study at Nationwide Children's Hospital has identified proteins in the blood that may indicate whether a mother's urinary tract infection affects fetal growth. The researchers found that infected mothers had higher levels of inflammatory protein IL-6, which correlated with lower birth weights and increased risk for prematurity.
New research reveals that runaway planets exist and can reach speeds of up to 30 million miles per hour, outpacing most objects in the Galaxy. These hypervelocity planets are produced by double-star systems interacting with supermassive black holes.
Scientists at Los Alamos National Laboratory successfully produced a 100.75-tesla magnetic field, exceeding the world record, using a novel pulsed magnet system. The achievement paves the way for studying quantum behavior under high magnetic fields and exploring new materials.
A new study suggests that antidepressants, specifically duloxetine, can be an effective treatment for osteoarthritis pain. The analysis of FDA-approved studies found that duloxetine provides significant advantages over traditional treatments, including fewer side effects.
Researchers at Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona manufacture a cylinder that hides contents and makes them invisible to magnetic fields, paving the way for the invisibility of light. The device uses high-temperature superconductor material and is fully isolated from external magnetic fields.
Researchers from SRI International and the University of Michigan have taken the first-ever measurement of naturally occurring auroral turbulence recorded using a nanosatellite radar receiver. The RAX CubeSat measured turbulence over Fairbanks, Alaska in response to a geomagnetic storm triggered by the largest solar flare in five years.
The survey found that 81% of employers target lifestyle habits such as physical activity, tobacco use, and weight management. Employers that tracked screening results reported measurable improved outcomes in blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and body mass index.
49 states and the District of Columbia have taken action supporting the Affordable Care Act's implementation, including passing legislation, issuing regulations, or reviewing insurer filings. States have adopted a range of pragmatic approaches to ensure residents receive consumer protections promised under the law.
Researchers found 22% of TNBC patients had the androgen receptor, which was linked to more aggressive cancer but not necessarily worse survival rates. The study suggests targeting the androgen receptor could be a new way to treat TNBC.
Scientists have identified a genetic marker that predicts which breast and ovarian cancers will respond to platinum-based chemotherapies. The marker, found on chromosomes within cancer cells, flags tumors unable to repair DNA damage caused by platinum agents, offering new hope for aggressive triple-negative breast cancer patients.
Researchers discovered a DNA damage marker, telomeric allelic imbalance (tAI), that predicts sensitivity to platinum-based chemotherapy in patients with triple-negative breast cancer. The study found an inverse relationship between tAI and BRCA1 expression levels.
Researchers developed a noninvasive imaging technique using magnetic resonance spectroscopy to detect 2-hydroxyglutarate, a chemical produced by some brain tumors' warped metabolism. The technique can predict the presence of IDH1/2 mutations with 98% accuracy and may help doctors tailor treatment plans.
Gennadi Henkin has received the 2011 Stefan Bergman Prize for his fundamental contributions to theory of functions on complex manifolds, integral representations in several complex variables, and multidimensional Cauchy-Riemann equations. He is recognized as a leading scientific researcher with over 130 publications in various fields.
Endocannabinoids play a crucial role in motivating human exercise behavior, suggesting that natural selection drove the evolution of endurance activities. The study found that exercising mammals release pleasurable endocannabinoids in response to high-intensity exercise.
A new study found that anxious individuals can detect negative odors more accurately due to heightened sensory perception, leading to increased anxiety responses.