Researchers identified 57 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with an increased risk of autism in siblings of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The study used a combination of statistical and functional genomic data to predict the risk of autism in unaffected siblings.
Research ecologist Katherine Elliott and her team found that cutting and burning sites reduces heavy fuel loads, improves soil nutrient status, and opens the canopy for restoration of shortleaf pine communities. However, poor pine regeneration was observed due to drought, seed production issues, and hardwood competition.
Researchers developed a simple and inexpensive method to detect more cases of tuberculosis using vacuum filtering a sputum sample through a small filter. The new technique detected 89% of cases in Brazil, compared to 60% detection with the traditional method.
Rural residents may face a digital divide due to the increasing adoption of technology that replaces copper lines with faster, cheaper, and more convenient alternatives. While cellular phones offer an affordable option, most cell phone companies charge per minute, and service can be unreliable.
Researchers at Kennedy Krieger Institute found that infants with weak head and neck control are more likely to develop language and social developmental delays, suggesting a potential early indicator of autism. The study adds motor skills evaluation to existing screenings, improving early detection of developmental delays.
A recent NIH-led study found that receiving genetic test results does not significantly impact the demand for follow-up health services. The researchers analyzed electronic health records and found no increase in healthcare usage among participants who underwent genetic testing compared to those who did not.
A study by University of Michigan anthropologists finds that religious rituals can foster cooperation among group members, while sacred values can sustain intractable conflicts. However, participation in collective religious ritual can also increase parochial altruism and opposition to compromise.
Naval Postgraduate School professor Moshe Kress' article reviews quantitative approaches to modeling military operations and threat situations. The piece discusses historical, classical, present, and future conflict models, including dynamics of today's insurgencies.
The incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among troops is surprisingly low, thanks to new programs and treatments. The Army's Comprehensive Soldier Fitness program and Battlemind training have helped soldiers build resilience and cope with stressors before deployment and after returning home.
A new study found that genetic testing does not significantly drive up demand for expensive medical care, even if individuals receive risk information. Researchers analyzed electronic health records of 217 healthy adults and compared their healthcare use before and after genetic testing.
A minimally invasive procedure called renal denervation disrupts overactive sympathetic nerves, lowering blood pressure in CKD patients with hypertension. The study found no worsening of kidney function, indicating the procedure is safe for those with CKD.
Researchers found that mental distractions, especially those requiring cognitive effort, reduce pain perception by inhibiting early spinal cord responses to painful stimuli. This effect is mediated by endogenous opioids, naturally produced by the brain.
Researchers describe a new extinct giant turtle species found near the world's largest snake, providing insights into climate change impacts. The study reveals that tropical ecosystems are crucial for understanding regional biodiversity and conservation.
In a phase I clinical trial, dabrafenib successfully shrank tumors in 9 out of 10 patients with brain metastases. The drug also showed activity in other cancer types with the BRAF mutation. Researchers recommend an oral dose of 150 mg twice daily for future trials.
A study published in Cancer Research found that RalA and RalB proteins are associated with aggressive cancer characteristics in human tumors. The signature of genes changed by these proteins predicts poor outcomes. Removing these proteins from cancer cells may stop the genetic changes that cause aggressive cancer.
This Geosphere special issue delves into the formation and transport of ancient oceanic rocks in southeastern Yukon, Canada. New techniques are also employed to study flat-topped seafloor mounds beneath the Ross Sea, which may be of volcanic origin.
Researchers at Kansas State University have developed a novel process to produce graphene quantum dots and nano-ribbons with controlled shape and size, revolutionizing electronics and optoelectronics. The process uses diamond knives to cleave graphite into nanoblocks, which are then exfoliated to produce ultrasmall sheets of carbon atoms.
Researchers analyze seismic data from India to understand past and present Earth dynamics. They also discuss the importance of studying forearc crust and ophiolites to understand subduction zone formation. Additionally, experiments reveal the melting of sediments at high pressures and temperatures.
A Bluetooth enabled fetal heart rate monitoring system has been developed for accurate long-term home care, showing a high level of accuracy compared to ultrasound-based Doppler shift technique, with 98% accuracy. The system is non-invasive, portable, and low power consumption, making it suitable for mothers-to-be.
A study published in Epilepsia found that pediatric epilepsy severely affects both child and parental sleep patterns. Parents of children with epilepsy reported decreased sleep quality when sharing a room or co-sleeping with their child, while children experienced greater sleep disturbance and daytime sleepiness.
Researchers at Brown University have discovered how flowers achieve industrial precision in pollination. The team found that flowers use a safeguard system to prevent too many pollen tubes from delivering too many sperm, and that fertilization can be salvaged if the first sperm is ineffective.
The MAJORANA DEMONSTRATOR experiment aims to detect neutrinoless double-beta decay in germanium-76, a process that could rewrite the Standard Model of Particles and Interactions. The detector will use advanced shielding and materials to minimize background noise and detect even the rarest decays.
A recent study found that rare variations in the human genome, which occurred following a population explosion, may influence susceptibility to common diseases. The researchers analyzed the genetic code of over 2,400 individuals and discovered more than half a million single-letter DNA changes, many of which were predicted to be harmful.
Researchers discovered a strong correlation between the amygdala and baseline distrust, which may be based on a person's beliefs about trustworthiness. The parahippocampal gyrus lit up when others' behavior aroused suspicion, acting like an inborn lie detector.
Researchers from Microbicide Trials Network reformulated tenofovir gel to reduce glycerin content, making it safer and more effective for rectal use. The new formulation is three times less likely to cause cells to release water and equally effective against HIV as the original vaginal formulation.
A team of Indiana University biologists has shown that species diversity is maintained on a spatial scale of unparalleled scope due to the survival of tree seedlings under their own parents. This discovery highlights the role of conspecific negative density dependence in driving diversity from boreal forests to sub-tropical forests.
A new technique called TAB-Seq has enabled scientists to map the entire genome of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine sites at single-base resolution. This breakthrough has revealed new information about its patterns of distribution in human and mouse embryonic stem cells, indicating a major role in regulating gene expression and development.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College have identified a novel base modification in RNA, which pervades the transcriptome and affects up to 20% of human mRNA. The discovery reveals widespread effects on gene expression, with links to diseases such as cancer, autism, and schizophrenia.
The study confirms that studying genes shared with other animals is a viable means of extrapolating information about human biology. Researchers analyzed 400,000 pairs of genes and found only a weak decrease in functional similarity between orthologs.
Specialized care from experienced teams reduces the chance of immediate death and disability by 30% for patients with bleeding brain aneurysms. Patients who receive this treatment have better long-term survival and quality of life.
A new study published in Psychological Science finds that parents are happier overall than their childless peers, with fathers expressing greater levels of happiness. The research suggests that parenthood is associated with feelings of joy and meaning, rather than misery.
A large survey of human genetic variation reveals that rare genetic variants are surprisingly common, affecting millions of people. The study, published in Science, found that one individual in 14,002 had a unique variant in each of 202 genes.
New research reveals that women stockbrokers often face a pay gap of up to 20%, despite equal sales abilities. Bias in commission-based pay and inferior account assignments contribute to the disparity, according to Prof. Janice Fanning Madden's study.
Researchers have found that even tiny amounts of water can accelerate hydrogen diffusion on metal oxides by 16 orders of magnitude at room temperature. This process, known as proton transfer, enables rapid hydrogen atom movement and has significant implications for industries such as petrochemicals and pharmaceuticals.
Diabetes-related neuropathy affects 1 in 50 people, causing numbness, tingling, and pain, with costs estimated at $4.6-13.7 billion annually in the USA. A new review suggests various metabolic risk factors, including prediabetes, may be linked to neuropathy, offering potential targets for disease-modifying drugs.
The Bay Area Photovoltaic Consortium has announced a $7.5 million research grant program to develop new technologies that significantly reduce the cost of photovoltaic modules and make large-scale solar technology cheaper for electric utilities. The goal is to achieve a module cost below 50¢ per watt by 2020.
Babies with a robust innate immune response have fewer respiratory illnesses in their first year, while those with a diminished response experience more infections. Researchers measured interferon-gamma levels in umbilical cord blood samples to identify potential indicators of viral infection.
Two studies led by University of Pennsylvania scientists uncover new information about Native American and First Nations migration patterns, genetic impact of cultural practices and historical relationships among groups. The research provides the first clear evidence of shared markers in DNA of people living in the circumarctic region.
A cap and trade system for interstate water trading could help solve the Colorado River's water supply problems, researchers propose. The system builds on Australia's successful Murray-Darling Basin model, exploring its viability for the US.
A hybrid vaccine has demonstrated a 43% reduction in risk of recurrence, with an estimated rate of 10.3% compared to 18% in control group, in patients with varying levels of HER2 expression.
Scientists at the University of Nottingham have proven a long-held theory about bacterial communication by showing that quorum sensing's effectiveness depends on bacterial population density. This discovery can inform research into disrupting QS and stopping toxin production in pathogenic organisms like Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Scientists have mapped how the XIAP protein activates a vital component of the immune defense system, specifically fighting bacterial infections. The study provides important insights into X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome type 2 (XLP2), a rare genetic disorder affecting male children.
A team of astronomers has discovered a giant galaxy-packed filament in the universe, containing hundreds of galaxies spanning 8 million light-years. The filament is ablaze with billions of new stars and offers a unique opportunity to explore how galaxies evolve and merge to form superclusters.
A team of researchers at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute sequenced the genomes of 21 breast cancers, revealing new mutation processes that drive their development. The study found that these mutations accumulate over time, creating a complex landscape of genetic changes in the cancer cells.
Saks Fifth Avenue's month-long charity drive raised $1.1 million for 196 organizations, including $17,000 for TGen biomedical research. The program linked customer accounts with chosen charities, allowing for significant charitable contributions.
A study found that off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery is likely safer than on-pump surgery for chronic kidney disease patients, cutting down on kidney injuries after heart surgery. CKD patients undergoing on-pump surgery were more than three times as likely to die or need dialysis compared to those who received off-pump surgery.
Researchers aim to develop commercially viable and scalable method for producing nanocomposites, potentially leading to faster production of electronic devices such as transistors and solar cells. The new approach combines molecular beam epitaxy and inert gas condensation to increase material production speed.
Researchers found that mice on a high-fat diet who ate in restricted eight-hour windows gained less weight, suffered less liver damage, and had lower levels of inflammation compared to those with unrestricted access. The study suggests that our body clocks may be out of sync with our eating habits, leading to metabolic issues.
A Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory study reveals a new way in which the cell's splicing machinery recognizes splice sites, impacting current ideas on how missteps triggered by mutations can lead to diseases. The discovery affects up to 5% of all splice sites and has implications for pinpointing splicing defects underlying certain diseases.
Scientists have found a 60-million-year-old giant turtle with a shell measuring 172 centimeters long, making it one of the largest turtles ever discovered. The turtle's massive size allowed it to thrive in its ecosystem, where other giant reptiles like snakes also existed.
Experimental video game technology helps therapists monitor patients' arm rehabilitation after stroke, improving recovery outcomes. A UK-led gene therapy approach has shown promising results in treating hereditary blindness, with no adverse effects reported.
A new study finds that parents are happier than non-parents, with benefits appearing more consistently in men and older, married parents. The research also highlights the importance of fatherhood, suggesting fathers tend to experience greater levels of happiness and positive emotion.
A new meta-analysis of research on athletes and pain perception reveals that regular exercise can help alleviate pain. Athletes were found to have consistently higher pain tolerance than normally active adults, with endurance athletes exhibiting moderate tolerance and game sports athletes showing a higher but more varied tolerance.
A new study published in Science found that workplace safety inspections conducted by California's Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) reduce on-the-job injuries and their associated costs, with no negative impact on companies' performance or profits. The researchers examined the effects of randomized inspections on w...
Researchers confirmed long-held belief that studying shared genes with other species is useful. They analyzed 400,000 gene pairs and found that studying orthologs is more relevant to understanding human biology than previously thought.
Scientists at Salk Institute found that mice who ate for 8 hours a day were healthier than those who ate freely, regardless of diet quality. Regular eating times and extended fasting may help prevent obesity, diabetes, and liver disease.
Researchers develop a more accurate method for predicting interaction energy of large molecules, such as biomolecules used to develop new drugs. The 'dispersionless density functional plus dispersion method' (dlDF+D) generates more accurate predictions than existing approaches.
According to Tel Aviv University researcher Prof. Nira Liberman, playing make-believe is crucial for building creativity in children, encouraging 'expansive thinking' that aids interpersonal skills and innovation. Children can be primed for creativity by viewing distant objects and perspectives, leading to increased creative performance.
Dabrafenib, a BRAF inhibitor, demonstrates substantial tumor shrinkage in patients with brain metastases from melanoma. The study also reveals potential for the treatment to prolong survival beyond 12 months.
Researchers from the University of Southampton have developed a groundbreaking study to investigate the experiences and needs of people after primary treatment of colorectal cancer. The CREW study aims to inform healthcare providers about what helps or hinders rapid and effective recovery, with over 1,000 patients recruited.
Researchers at the University of Strathclyde and Stanford University have developed a prosthetic retina that can restore sight to patients with age-related macular degeneration. The device uses video goggles to deliver energy and images directly to the eye, eliminating the need for complex surgery.
Researchers are investigating whether chickens' vocalizations can provide clues to their health and comfort. The study aims to identify specific vocalization features that can be used to detect stress and optimize living conditions.
A modified version of Google's PageRank algorithm is used to rank proteins by their genetic relevance to pancreatic cancer progression. Seven proteins were found that can help assess tumor aggressiveness and guide treatment decisions.
Researchers unveiled an inexact computer chip that allows for occasional errors, boosting performance by at least 15 times. The design improves power and resource efficiency by pruning sections of digital circuits and using confined voltage scaling.
SomaLogic and NEC announce the release of SomaSuite, a professional software tool that simplifies the analysis of proteomic data generated by SomaLogic's SOMAscan assay technology. The tool enables researchers to quickly discover significant protein expression changes in their biological samples.
Scientists at Queen Mary University of London used zebrafish to study psychiatric disorders, finding they can modify their behaviour in response to changing conditions. The research suggests zebrafish may be useful in studying the cause and prognosis of disorders related to impulse control.