A new medical sensor has the potential to simplify disease diagnosis by measuring white blood cells in small samples. The sensor could be used to diagnose conditions such as severe combined immunodeficiency, allergies, infections, and cancer.
A new species of deep-sea catshark has been described from the Galapagos Islands, characterized by its chocolate-brown coloration and pale, irregularly distributed spots. The species is found at depths of 1,400-1,900 feet and is believed to be susceptible to overfishing due to its restricted range.
A new training program has been developed to improve the physical fitness of elite football players, resulting in increased oxygen intake, improved jumping ability, and faster sprints. The study, published in the Journal of Sports Medicine, shows a 8.6% increase in oxygen intake after just 8 weeks of intense training.
Researchers at NIST have created a method to directly correlate particle size, shape, and agglomeration with redox chemical properties of nanoparticles. This allows for the observation of structural changes in nanoparticles during important chemical reactions.
Research suggests the SRY gene, which directs male development, promotes aggression and a fight-or-flight response to stress in men. In contrast, women primarily adopt a less aggressive tend-and-befriend response to stress, influenced by oestrogen and internal opiates.
A study published in NEJM describes a rare case of the abscopal effect in a melanoma patient, where combining targeted radiation therapy with immunotherapy led to a strong immune response and favorable clinical outcome. The patient's pre-existing immunity to NY-ESO-1 antigen played a crucial role in the enhanced tumor regression.
A new study led by Michigan State University sociologist Zhenmei Zhang investigates the racial gap in dementia, revealing that blacks are four times more likely to experience mild cognitive impairment than whites. The research aims to identify windows of opportunity for intervention and reduce disparities.
A recent study found that three commonly used herbicides can dramatically reduce butterfly populations. Researchers tested triclopyr, sethoxydim and imazapyr on butterfly larvae and found a significant drop in adult numbers. The findings have implications for conservation efforts to protect endangered species like the Lange's metalmark.
Researchers used computer prediction models to test a new docking seal, verifying its performance and improving upon costly experimental evaluations. The study showed significant correlations between experimental values and computer-modeled results, with some discrepancies attributed to extrapolation errors.
The Pitt team has generated a frequency comb with over 100 terahertz bandwidth, enabling the processing of communications data at a remarkably rapid speed. This breakthrough could increase information carried by more than 1,000 times compared to current technologies.
A recent study found that manganese concentrations in airborne particulate matter are higher in residential neighborhoods near industrial sites than in the surrounding areas. The study, conducted across five US counties, suggests that manganese toxicity varies significantly by geographic location.
In a study published in PLOS ONE, researchers observed chimpanzee groups and found that high-ranking individuals intervene in conflicts to ensure group stability. This behavior is driven by a community concern interest, with more parties to a conflict resulting in greater policing.
US Army suicides surged by 80% between 2004 and 2008, with 39% of cases linked to post-Iraq events. Mental health issues such as depression, anxiety disorders, and substance misuse increased significantly during this period.
A new study suggests that egocentric behavior in children is linked to an immature prefrontal cortex, rather than a lack of understanding of fairness. Researchers found age-related increases in strategic decision-making between ages 6-13 years, with improved impulse control and brain activity in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex.
Physicists from CDF and DZero collaborations found excesses in data that might be interpreted as coming from a Higgs boson, consistent with LHC results. The new result has a probability of being due to a statistical fluctuation at 2.2 sigma, excluding masses above 147 GeV.
Diana Lados, a WPI assistant professor, received a $525,000 NSF CAREER Award to develop new methods and tools for designing materials with confidence. Her goal is to increase the use of light metals in cars, trucks, airplanes, boats, and other transportation applications, reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers found that employees spend more time surfing the web for personal pursuits after switching to daylight saving time, resulting in potential productivity losses. The study suggests that lost sleep causes employees to exhibit poorer self-control, leading to increased cyberloafing.
The NIST/CU laser frequency comb has been used to calibrate measurements of starlight from stars other than the Sun, achieving precision comparable to established techniques. This technique may help detect Earth-like planets, which are hard to detect with conventional technology.
Researchers argue that UK law on cycle helmets should apply only to kids due to equivocal evidence of adult protection. The authors suggest a paternalistic approach and instead recommend public health information to empower adults to make their own decisions about helmet-wearing.
Miles C. Barr has developed a lightweight and bendable solar technology that can be integrated into various surfaces, including wallpaper, window shades, and clothing. The technology aims to increase adoption of solar power in the US and developing countries, providing inexpensive power generation.
A recent clinical trial found Pycnogenol to significantly improve signs and symptoms of menopause, including reduced oxidative stress. The study showed that Pycnogenol improved irregular heartbeat and digestive problems, as well as decreased bloating.
Researchers at Temple University found that high-fat diets alter metabolic pathways in healthy colon tissue, leading to increased colon cancer risk. Epigenetic marks on genes involved in breaking down carbohydrates and lipids were retrained in normal tissue from patients with colon cancer.
A new study suggests that organ transplant recipients may no longer need anti-rejection medication thanks to the power of stem cells. Researchers are conducting a clinical trial using donor stem cell infusions to 'trick' the recipient's immune system, gradually eliminating or reducing the need for immunosuppressive drugs.
The HOPSCOTCH learning system combines interactive gameplay with movement to make learning enjoyable for children of all ages. Initial tests at an elementary school showed enthusiasm from participants, particularly hyperactive kids, and Martina Lucht's vision is to integrate physical education with instruction in language skills.
The study compares the genomes of humans, chimpanzees, gorillas, and orang-utans, shedding light on human origins and genetic differences. Genetic changes important in evolution were found to be accelerated in genes related to sensory perception, hearing, and brain development.
A new study published in The Lancet found that misoprostol substantially reduces serious complications in early termination of pregnancy. Women given misoprostol were nearly a third less likely to experience one complication or more compared to those receiving placebo.
A study found that white rooftops, like those being installed in New York City, can reduce peak temperatures by 43 degrees Fahrenheit compared to traditional black roofs. The low-cost, DIY-friendly option also improves urban albedo and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
Tropical Storm Irina is showing signs of weakening due to the presence of dry air and cool sea surface temperatures. The storm's cloud top temperatures indicate a significant reduction in strength compared to its previous state, with the southern quadrant experiencing colder temperatures.
A 15-year study comparing experimental wetlands found that natural development led to higher carbon sequestration rates, but also increased methane emissions. The unplanted wetland retained more carbon, while the planted wetland was more diverse in plant communities.
The $3.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will provide medication and treatment to uninsured patients in the Augusta area, while also expanding rapid testing and education efforts. With this funding, nearly 1,300 HIV-positive patients can receive life-long treatment with a single pill daily.
Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center have identified distinct genetic patterns between cancer of the appendix and colon cancer. The study found that gene expression profiles differ significantly between the two types of cancer, suggesting a need for fresh approaches to treatment.
Pasireotide significantly reduced urinary cortisol levels and improved symptoms of Cushing's disease, cutting secretion by 50% and returning some patients' levels to normal. The drug, which blocks ACTH secretion by binding to somatostatin receptors on the pituitary tumor, showed promise in treating this rare endocrine disorder.
Researchers found that chronic stress in adolescence leads to a loss of glutamate receptor expression and function, resulting in impaired memory and recognition. Disrupting the enzymes responsible for this loss may prevent cognitive impairment induced by repeated stress exposure.
A new article from the American Chemical Society suggests that berry fruits contain high levels of antioxidants, which can protect cells from damage. The study also found that eating berries changes the way neurons communicate, potentially preventing inflammation in the brain and improving motor control and cognition.
Scientists at Emory University and GeoVax Labs developed a vaccine that protected nonhuman primates against multiple SIV exposures over three years. The vaccine regimen included a DNA prime vaccine with GM-CSF, which enhanced immune responses and provided 70-84% overall protection.
Scientists have probed the internal structure of antihydrogen atoms using microwave radiation, providing insight into their behavior. The results show that specific frequencies cause the spins to flip, ejecting the atoms from the trap and confirming a key aspect of antihydrogen's properties.
Research reveals that repeated stress affects memory by reducing glutamate receptors in the prefrontal cortex, impairing high-level cognitive processes. The study provides critical insight into how chronic stress influences mental illnesses and offers potential targets for prevention and treatment.
Research reveals that higher social class is associated with increased unethical behavior, including cheating, lying, and breaking the law. The study suggests that relative privilege and security among upper-class individuals lead to a prioritization of their own interests over others.
Scientists create magnetic valve using spintronics to stabilize data storage in MRAM. The spin-valve concept enables controlled lifetime of stored information, increasing overall life expectancy.
Tony McCaffrey's generic parts technique (GPT) helps people think beyond common uses of objects, leading to 67% more problem-solving successes. By breaking down objects into parts and asking two questions, individuals can find alternative uses and innovate.
Scientists at German Cancer Research Center have discovered that histone proteins actively open access to genetic information by detaching short DNA segments. This mechanism allows genes to be read and may be disrupted in cancer cells.
Researchers used a microbial lipid proxy to identify ancient droughts and alkaline soils on the Tibetan Plateau, associated with significant uplift nine million years ago. The study suggests that abrupt uplifts can cause enhanced aridity in central Asia.
A study by KIT's Institute for Technology Assessment and Systems Analysis reveals that fiercer technical competition in Japan drives innovative mobile services. European operators are recommended to adopt similar measures, such as unlicensed radio spectrum usage and new licensing schemes, to regain competitiveness.
The NASA Robotic Refueling Mission (RRM) successfully demonstrated robotic satellite-servicing technology on the International Space Station, marking a significant milestone in space technology advancement. The mission used the Canadian Dextre robot and RRM tools to perform tasks such as gas fittings removal and satellite refueling.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have identified a key molecular player that can reverse kidney damage in mouse models of diabetes and other kidney injuries. The targeted experimental drug has shown to suppress inflammation, cell death, and fibrosis formation, allowing normal tissue to regenerate.
A study found that arthropods and crabs were vulnerable to the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill but recovered within a year if host plants remained healthy. Salt marsh ecosystems showed resilience despite oil exposure.
Cystic fibrosis patients are vulnerable to Pseudomonas infection, which can be deadly. Researchers at Queen's University are working on a vaccine to combat this threat.
Researchers have discovered a global pattern in geochemical analysis that sheds light on the unusual preservation process of soft-bodied fossils found in the Burgess Shale. The team found that rapid burial in mud layers with low oxygen levels and the presence of calcium carbonate cement played a crucial role in conserving organic remains.
A genetic survey of Antarctic blue whales found a surprisingly high level of diversity among the surviving population, which may help them slowly rebound from catastrophic decimation. The study tracked individual movements and revealed some whales traveled over 6,650 kilometers in four years.
Researchers found that deafening causes rapid changes to motor areas in songbirds' brains, predicting which birds will have worse songs. This study may provide insights into how hearing loss affects the human brain's vocalization control.
Researchers developed functional oxide thin films for efficient electronics, creating a new field of oxide electronics. This innovation enables high-power devices and smart sensors by overcoming the limitations of silicon-based electronics.
Desert ants were trained with magnetic and vibrational landmarks relative to their nest, showing that the behavior was learned. The ants had no innate preference for these cues, suggesting they are adaptable navigators.
Researchers found that politically sensitive terms, such as Falun Gong and human rights activists, were frequently deleted from messages at varying rates based on current events or geography. High deletion rates were observed in certain provinces, particularly Tibet, where up to 53% of locally generated microblogs were deleted.
Scientists have found evidence that ocean acidification is happening faster today than in the last 300 million years, with potential consequences for coral reefs and other marine life. The oceans are acting like a sponge to draw down excess carbon dioxide, but at an alarming rate, putting these ecosystems at risk.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have created protein-based transistors using organic materials found in the human body, offering a biodegradable alternative to traditional silicon-based technology. The transistors are self-assembling and can be tailored for unique properties such as conductivity, memory storage, and fluorescence.
Researchers discovered that mice with an extra copy of the tumor suppressor Pten gene experience hyperactive brown fat, burning energy instead of storing it. This leads to improved metabolic balance, reduced insulin resistance, and lower liver fat, contributing to longer lifespan and cancer prevention.
Researchers have made significant discoveries about the New Madrid Seismic Zone, including its kinematics and potential for stepover structures. Additionally, studies on landslide prediction, gas domes in soft sediments, and regional moisture balance control offer new perspectives on geological phenomena.
Researchers have discovered a novel cell death pathway in bacteria that shares similarities with apoptosis in higher organisms. The newly described Apoptotic-Like Death (ALD) pathway is characterized by DNA fragmentation and depolarization of the cell membrane, similar to eukaryotic apoptosis.
A new study by University of Pennsylvania researchers finds that aggressive treatment for severe traumatic brain injuries significantly improves outcomes and reduces long-term costs. The study suggests that invasive interventions like ICP monitoring and decompressive craniotomies are cost-effective across all patient populations, inclu...
A recent study published in JAMA found that patients with epilepsy who underwent brain surgery soon after failing to respond to drug treatment had a lower risk of seizures during the 2nd year of follow-up. The study showed that 73% of participants in the surgical group were seizure-free, compared to 0% in the medical group.