Researchers aim to predict Dragon Kings, statistical anomalies in natural disasters, using advanced statistical analysis. They have identified empirical evidence in abnormal rainfall, hurricanes, and sudden events.
A serendipitous accident in shipping a donated human retina led to the discovery of a previously undetected mechanism causing choroidal neovascularization, a leading cause of vision loss. Researchers found that adhesion defects play a crucial role in maintaining the retina's structure and preventing blood vessel invasion.
A study by UC Irvine and U.S. Army researchers found that cutting off work email significantly reduces stress and improves concentration among employees. Without email, participants experienced more natural heart rates and were able to multitask less and stay focused.
Age-related macular degeneration is a progressive chronic disease causing vision loss worldwide. New treatments like Lucentis and Avastin have transformed management of the condition.
Researchers from Delft University of Technology have discovered a crucial step in the DNA repair process, revealing how a broken DNA molecule efficiently searches for a matching sequence. The discovery uses a dual-molecule technique to clarify why certain sequences lead to quick dissociation while others form strong bonds.
Researchers found a critical gene responsible for human brain features, duplicated around two million years ago. The partial copy's interaction with the original gene likely enabled cognitive changes and neuron development benefits.
Researchers at Michigan State University found that prebiotic galacto-oligosaccharide can significantly reduce the severity of colitis in mice. The prebiotic stimulates beneficial bacteria growth, leading to a 50% reduction in inflammation and abnormal cells, precursors to colon cancer.
A recent study published at the EuroPRevent2012 meeting found that regular jogging increases life expectancy by 6.2 years in men and 5.6 years in women. The study analyzed data from over 20,000 participants and showed a significant reduction in mortality risk among joggers.
Researchers discovered that embryo brains exhibit waking-like activity up to 20% into the final stage of embryonic life, followed by emergence of sleep patterns. This finding may have significant implications for understanding complex fetal learning and developmental consequences in premature infants.
A new study shows that imaging surveillance is a suitable alternative to surgical excision in patients with benign papilloma diagnosed at breast core biopsy without cell abnormalities. The study found no cancer was detected in 66 lesions monitored for at least two years, while 53 lesions were surgically excised, including 50 benign cases.
The US Department of Health and Human Services has contracted with Archimedes Inc. to provide the advanced mathematical modeling tool, ArcheS, to its agencies for large-scale analyses of healthcare spending, treatment, and effectiveness. This will enable policymakers to make informed decisions on health care interventions.
A Stanford University School of Medicine study has identified a homegrown genetic variant responsible for naturally blond hair in the indigenous people of the Solomon Islands, distinct from European genes. The research found that the gene variant accounted for 50% of the variance in hair color among the islanders.
A new systematic assessment helps diagnose malnutrition in patients with chronic diseases and acute injuries, considering inflammation status. The approach aims to guide practitioners in selecting nutrition interventions and predicting outcomes.
Carnegie Mellon and McGill researchers argue that current research ethics frameworks fail to prevent biased evidence in phase IV drug trials. They propose policy options to expand FDA review authority and empower oversight systems to detect scientific bias.
Scientists use Schumann Resonance technique to study planetary atmospheres, gaining insights into the solar system's composition and formation. By detecting electromagnetic waves from above, researchers can measure global density of volatiles like water, methane, and ammonia.
Researchers from Columbia University Medical Center will present on grief and major depression, exploring the complexities of complicated grief. The session also delves into the ethics of psychiatric relationships with pharmaceutical companies, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to patient care.
Scientists at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center have found that inhibiting the protein Cdc42 can reverse the aging of hematopoietic stem cells, restoring their functional efficiency. This breakthrough has significant implications for understanding and combating age-related diseases.
Researchers combine a blood test with CT imaging to screen for cancer, aiming to detect early-stage lung cancers while reducing biopsies and operations. The trial may improve survival rates and reduce the toll of lung cancer on patients.
Researchers at NIST have developed a novel method for generating superluminal light pulses through four-wave mixing, which can be used to improve communication timing and investigate quantum correlations. The technique introduces cleaner, less noisy pulses with increased speed, potentially enabling faster-than-light information transfer.
The European Society of Cardiology recommends eating oily fish at least twice a week to benefit from omega-3 fatty acids. Supplementation with pharmaceutical-grade omega-3 oils is also effective in achieving beneficial effects, but must be taken as prescribed by health professionals.
Touché, a new sensing technique, monitors capacitive signals across a broad range of frequencies to detect complex touch events and recognize body configurations. This enables objects to sense how they are being touched, enhancing everyday interactions.
Embryonic stem cells have a rapid suicidal response to DNA damage, eliminating them from the developing embryo. This adaptation prevents mutations from harming the organism and allows scientists to harness their potential for therapeutic use.
The new guidelines stress CVD prevention should be a lifelong effort starting in the womb, with greater emphasis on behavioral aspects. They highlight evidence from clinical trials and observational studies showing that 90% of heart attacks may be prevented through personal lifestyle choices.
Researchers identified new functions of cohesin SA1 relevant to human disease, including efficient chromosome duplication and regulation of gene expression during embryonic development. This work offers new clues to understand the pathologies observed in CdLS patients and may lead to a better understanding of cancer.
A new study has identified the Nkx2.5 gene as the first gene linked to congenital asplenia, a rare condition where babies are born without a spleen and are at risk of fatal infections. The discovery raises hopes for genetic prenatal screening to alert parents to potential issues.
A new study found that women with benign breast biopsies do not require close surveillance at six or twelve months, and may not need follow-up care at all. The study suggests an annual mammogram could replace the need for follow-up examinations.
Traditional forms of polygamy are inherently unequal due to a central spouse dividing rights and obligations among multiple spouses. Modifications like polyfidelity and molecular marriage could eliminate these inequalities by promoting equal sharing of rights, responsibilities, and benefits among all spouses.
The American College of Rheumatology has released new guidelines for the screening, treatment, and management of lupus nephritis. The guidelines include methods for identifying renal disease, newer therapies, and treatment of pregnant patients with kidney involvement. Patient survival rates are significantly lower when lupus nephritis ...
The JQI switch can steer a beam of light from one direction to another in 120 picoseconds using only 140 photons, requiring minimal power. This achievement marks a significant step toward creating ultrafast and low-energy on-chip signal routers.
A nanotech-based system called SAMMS captures carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere within submarines, providing a more environmentally friendly removal process. The technology has potential applications in air rejuvenation systems and energy efficiency.
A tidal wave of myopia is sweeping across East Asian countries, with up to 90% of school-leavers affected. Lack of outdoor exposure is thought to be the major cause, while increased schooling and environmental factors also play a role.
Researchers are developing hybrid NEM devices to improve performance and reduce power consumption in electronics. While individual NEM devices show high performance, scaling up production is a challenge due to the need for reliability over millions of cycles. New material selection methods have been demonstrated to enhance robustness.
Research explores treatment options, disorder management, and memory for children with ADHD and autism. The studies shed light on the challenges of learning and school performance for these children.
Researchers found that film casting methods can affect the ordering of block copolymers in thin films. Spin casting led to fewer residual stresses and improved cylinder alignment for computer memory devices, suggesting a potential route for enhanced device performance.
Researchers used stalagmites to reconstruct a history of the tropical West Pacific's climate over four glacial cycles, finding no evidence of a sudden shift in peak interglacial conditions following a key event. Instead, they found extreme drying in the tropics coincided with abrupt climate changes in high latitudes.
A new study shows that digital breast tomosynthesis reduces recall rates for routine mammography, particularly for asymmetries and calcifications. The technology allows for a more detailed examination of the breast tissue, resulting in lower recall rates and reduced anxiety for patients.
Researchers reveal that Langerhans cells can perform either immunosuppressive or immunostimulatory functions depending on the situation. They found that LCs induce proliferation of regulatory T cells to maintain tolerance under normal conditions, but also stimulate protective immune responses against pathogens.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in understanding the biological differences between individual breast cancers, highlighting the importance of biomarkers in identifying new targets for therapy. Studies also explored the mechanisms behind endocrine resistance and proposed a new approach to predicting response to treatment.
A new UCSF study questions the previous analysis of varenicline's safety, finding no clinically or statistically significant increase in serious adverse cardiovascular events. The researchers analyzed data from 22 trials with over 9,200 participants, concluding that the risk difference is only 0.27 percent.
A recent OHSU study sheds light on the process of passing mitochondrial genes from mother to child, revealing a narrow window of early embryonic development where these genes are transferred. The research challenges existing genetic testing methods, which may not accurately diagnose certain genetic disorders.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have identified a protein called calpain that allows Listeria bacteria to spread infection within human cells. By blocking this protein, new anti-infective drugs may be developed to combat antibiotic resistance.
Community-engaged research raises numerous ethical issues, including conflicts between academic and community partners, risks to groups not directly participating in the research, and distress among community partners. The authors propose several best practices and a detailed research agenda to address these concerns.
Researchers develop a new technique to predictably generate complex wavy shapes from hydrogels, which may help design more efficient drug-delivery systems. The technique uses an experimental setup that projects images onto a photosensitive hydrogel, causing it to assume the desired shape.
Scientists have extended the trapped particles' useful life more than tenfold by using a refined technique for trapping and manipulating nanoparticles. The new approach, which involves a control and feedback system that nudges the nanoparticle only when needed, increases the lifetime of the particle while reducing its tendency to wander.
Researchers at NIST developed a new protocol for communicating with biometric sensors over wired and wireless networks using web services. This protocol, WS-BD, simplifies setting up and maintaining secure biometric systems by enabling interoperability among devices.
Researchers at Seattle Children's Research Institute have discovered a genetic pathway causing rare facial malformation syndrome in children. The study identified two defective genes PLCB4 and GNAI3 as the primary cause of auriculocondylar syndrome (ACS), a condition that can lead to breathing and eating difficulties.
Brown-headed cowbird females are attracted to less intense wing spreading, feather puffing, and bowing during a display. This study reveals the opposite of what was previously predicted by sexual selection theory. The researchers used audiovisual recordings to investigate the female's response to male displays.
Scientists trim fruit fly males' spines using precision laser surgery and monitor mating success, finding spines aid reproduction before sex. The study sheds light on the evolution of male genital traits, suggesting a similar process to secondary sexual traits.
Researchers have found that measuring progesterone receptor expression can improve hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer management. The study identifies a subpopulation of patients with high survival rates when treated with endocrine therapy alone, and could lead to a more personalized medicine approach in breast cancer.
A University of Michigan study finds that over 60% of young adults between 19-22 received financial assistance from their parents. The average amount was around $7,500 per year, with significant variations by family and individual characteristics.
A gene duplication, occurring 2.4 million years ago, allowed maturing neurons to migrate farther and develop more connections. This extra copy of the SRGAP2 gene interfered with its original function, effectively giving neurons more time to wire themselves into a bigger brain.
A new analysis by French researchers identified patients with low phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3K) levels and low expression of the protein LKB1 as likely to benefit from everolimus treatment in breast cancer, contradicting initial hypotheses.
A new University of Minnesota study reveals that each species plays a crucial role in maintaining a productive ecosystem when considering long-term effects. The research found that increasing plant diversity led to gradual increases in both soil fertility and biomass production over a 14-year period.
Researchers from the University of Minnesota have effectively treated muscular dystrophy in mice using human stem cells derived from a new process that makes the production of human muscle cells efficient and effective. The study outlines a strategy for developing a rapidly dividing population of skeletal myogenic progenitor cells, set...
Researchers at Queen's University have developed TeleHuman, a life-size 3D videoconferencing pod that allows people to interact with each other in a Star Trek-like holodeck environment. The technology uses existing hardware and can be used for interactive 3D anatomy exploration through BodiPod.
Researchers at the University of Georgia found that long-term lack of oxygen in cells may be a key driver of cancer growth. Cancer cells switch to glycolysis for energy production, leading to a vicious cycle of increased hunger and growth.
Researchers blocked learning from past experiences in rats, impairing memory-guided decision-making. Awake mental replay is critical for linking immediate and earlier past experience to the reward.
SPECT/CT scans have been shown to change clinical management in thyroid cancer patients by improving staging and risk stratification. The technology has been used both post-operatively and pre-ablation to identify metastatic lesions and adjust treatment approaches, leading to avoidance of unnecessary therapy.
Researchers discovered dynamic changes in gene regulation in human stem cells, affecting their ability to serve as models for human disease and development. The study found that these cells can change their epigenomes, leading to unexpected outcomes in cell-based models of diseases like Lesch-Nyhan disease.
UCSF researchers identified brain activity patterns in rats that play a role in memory formation and decision-making. These patterns, known as sharp-wave ripples, are critical for recalling past experiences and making informed decisions.
Researchers have found that levels of certain proteins in the blood are associated with a greatly reduced risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. High levels of IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-2 were linked to a significant reduction in diabetes risk, suggesting these proteins may help stratify people at risk for diabetes.
Researchers are analyzing lake cores for pollen, charcoal, and organisms to understand past biotic changes over 500,000 years. They aim to improve models predicting how life will adapt to today's environmental pressures and inform state planning on climate change.
A study found that in-person counseling improved purchasing of fruits and green and yellow vegetables, resulting in healthier food choices. The study suggests that supermarket interventions can promote meaningful health benefits by encouraging shoppers to choose nutritious options.
A new study recommends that breast cancer patients with a positive ultrasound-guided axillary node biopsy undergo an axillary dissection due to more extensive disease. Patients with a negative biopsy can instead have a sentinel lymph node biopsy.
A new study reveals that people's judgements about their depression and anxiety symptoms are influenced by how they rank their own suffering compared to others. This can lead to inaccurate diagnoses, with vulnerable individuals being at higher risk of missed diagnoses due to relative severity perception.
Researchers have identified a functional genetic variant responsible for the highest prevalence of blonde hair outside of Europe in the Melanesian population. This finding explains over 45% of the variance in hair color in the Solomon Islands.
Researchers found that high levels of honor ideology predict hostile responses to terrorist attacks and support for extreme counterterrorism measures. Individuals from honor states showed stronger desires for lethal retaliation against terrorists compared to those from non-honor states.
A new study finds that differences in screening account for 42% of the observed disparity in colorectal cancer incidence and 19% of disparity in mortality between blacks and whites. Equal access to care could substantially reduce racial disparities in colorectal cancer rates.
Insect glands produce secretions that help sperm survive and guide fertilization in fruit flies, potentially providing clues to similar human reproductive glands. Mutant fruit flies with absent glands are infertile, but expression of a mouse gene can partially restore gland formation.
A study published at the University of Granada found that heart rehabilitation programs significantly improved cardiovascular health in patients with heart disease. The program reduced total cholesterol and plasma triglyceride levels, promoted healthier eating habits, and increased physical activity among participants.
A new study uses molecular clock methods to reconstruct the cypress family tree, revealing that their evolution reflects the break-up of Pangea. The research confirms that cypresses are a very old plant family with origins tracing back to 153 million years ago.
A new study by Emory University researchers found that patients with simple assault or ground-level falls without pre-existing spinal conditions do not need cervical spine CT scans. This reduction in unnecessary exams can help decrease radiation exposure to sensitive areas, such as the eyes and thyroid, and lower healthcare costs.
Researchers found four white dwarfs with dust from shattered planetary bodies containing oxygen, magnesium, iron, and silicon, similar to the Earth's composition. The study provides evidence of a 'terminal phase' in the death of rocky exoplanets, potentially shedding light on their destruction process.
Dr. Samuel Young receives grant to develop critical technology for researching potential therapies targeting LRRK2, a key Parkinson's-related gene. The technology aims to overcome challenges in expressing the gene using commonly used neuroscience research tools.
A study by Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center found that women with low levels of fetal cells have a 70% lower risk of breast cancer, while those with high levels have a four-fold increased risk for colon cancer. The biological reasons behind this contradictory effect are unknown and require further investigation.
The US spent nearly $8,000 per person in 2009 on health care services, while other countries in the study spent between one-third and two-thirds as much. Higher prices and greater use of technology appear to be the main factors driving high rates of US spending.
A recent study suggests that pleasure eating can activate the body's reward system, leading to overeating. Researchers found that the hormone ghrelin and chemical compounds like 2-arachidonoylglycerol increased during hedonic eating, overriding the body's signal that enough has been eaten.
University of Houston's Simon Bott receives $5,000 honorarium as a 2012 Piper Professor for his exceptional college-level teaching. He is praised for engaging students with hand-written pop quizzes and encouraging campus involvement.
Astronomers at Queen's University Belfast have gathered direct evidence of a supermassive black hole shredding a star that wandered too close. The discovery provides insights into the harsh environment around black holes and the types of stars swirling around them.
Researchers found women who smoke and carry certain gene variants are more likely to experience hot flashes. The study suggests that these women may benefit from aggressive smoking cessation efforts.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a new phase-change memory alloy that can store more data, last longer and work faster than current materials. The breakthrough could lead to the development of more efficient computer systems, movie discs and other data storage media.
Scientists from Queen Mary University of London found that zebrafish housed individually spent less time on the bottom of their tank, indicating lower stress levels. Individually housed fish also responded to ethanol and had lower cortisol levels compared to group-housed fish.
A new study reveals that automated breast ultrasound can detect additional clinically significant breast cancers missed by mammography, in just three minutes of physician time. This technology is a game-changer for women with dense breasts, who are at higher risk of missing cancer diagnoses.
Researchers identified a group of patients with high immune response gene expression who are more likely to have their tumors completely eradicated by pre-operative chemotherapy. Patients with HER2-positive and ER-negative/HER2-negative subtypes showed better treatment outcomes.
Researchers used rare earth element analysis to determine that human remains found at Vero Beach dated back to the late Pleistocene epoch around 13,000 years ago. This discovery sheds light on the lives of early North Americans, who likely co-existed with extinct giant mammals like mammoths and mastodons.
A new study conducted at Elizabeth Wende Breast Care in Rochester, NY found that women aged 40-49 with no family history of breast cancer are still at a high risk of developing invasive disease. The study included 211 women who underwent screening mammography and found that 64% had invasive disease.
Researchers at McGill University turned back the clock to understand the evolution of sex differences in water striders. They found that male traits, such as elaborate antennae, were shaped by a struggle between sexes during mating, leading to increased mating success.
Rapid advancements in corneal transplantation have led to the decline of complete cornea transplantation (PK), with newer forms of lamellar transplantation surgery selectively replacing diseased layers offering better visual outcomes and lower risks of complications.
Researchers found blacks and Hispanics have a higher risk of developing precancerous colorectal polyps compared to whites, with a higher rate in the upper portion of the colon. Colonoscopy may be a more effective screening test for these populations than sigmoidoscopy.
Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory and collaborators provide direct evidence for magnetism's role in forming Cooper pairs, a key to high-temperature superconductivity. The findings strengthen confidence in using this theory to identify new materials with improved properties.
Research reveals breast cancer in young women is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, with a significantly higher risk of relapse independent of other factors. Genomic analysis identified age-related biological processes and potential targets for treatment, including the phosphoinositide 3-kinase molecular pathway and RANKL.
A new study shows Greenland's contribution to rising sea levels may be less than expected due to a 30% speedup in outlet glaciers. This means the ice sheet could contribute up to nearly 19 inches of sea level rise by 2100, but long-term behavior is still uncertain.
Researchers at NIST created a novel bioreactor that stimulates and evaluates tissue as it grows using ultrasound technology, reducing the need for destructive sampling. The device has shown promise in creating three-dimensional engineered cartilage with improved structural properties.
Researchers identified a genetic pathway that influences the spread of cancer cells, which could lead to new treatment avenues. The study found that changes in genetics affect DNA methylation, causing cells to divide uncontrollably.
Research shows that earplugs can lower the incidence of confusion and delay cognitive disturbances in ICU patients. The use of earplugs resulted in better sleep quality, with a corresponding decrease in delirium risk by over 50%.
Researchers discovered that low adrenomedullin levels may contribute to slower muscle contractions and ciliary beating, favoring embryo retention in the oviduct. Administering adrenomedullin reversed this effect, suggesting it could be a useful predictor for tubal ectopic pregnancy.
Researchers found that reducing fishmeal in farmed fish diets leads to lower health and growth. The cobia fed with reduced fishmeal had higher levels of metabolites linked to physical stress and lower levels of primary energy sources. In contrast, the diet with full fishmeal showed more normal growth and energy production.
Astronomers have discovered a supermassive black hole eating a star's core, revealing that these massive objects snack infrequently. The discovery showcases the power of the Panoramic Survey Telescope and Rapid Response System (Pan-STARRS) in detecting transient phenomena.
A $4.5 million grant will fund the search to find new ways of treating glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most common type of primary brain tumors. The study aims to discover new medicines that can precisely target tumors, shrinking or eliminating them with minimal harm.
A new transatlantic graduate school in ocean system science and technology is launched by German and Canadian researchers. The Helmholtz Research School will improve understanding of the ocean's responses to natural and human influences, with a focus on sustainable use of marine resources.
Researchers at Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine have identified variant enhancer loci (VELs) that can turn genes on or off in colorectal cancer. The discovery provides clues about the disease's development and could lead to new therapeutic targets.
Researchers use satellite-based data to measure crustal uplift at unprecedented accuracy, indicating a relatively fast rise of 1 to 2 millimeters every year. This data challenges previous estimates and suggests the modern Sierra Nevada could be formed in less than 3 million years.