A 450 million-year-old study reveals that an ancient hurricane belt existed in North America, affecting areas now known as New York State and the eastern seaboard. The research team mapped the position of the Ordovician Equator and adjacent tropical zones using fossil distribution and sediments.
Four finalists have been selected in the My Air, My Health Challenge to create wearable sensors that measure airborne pollutants and related physiological data. The challenge aims to spur development of personal devices gathering health and air quality data for long-term health outcomes.
A study by Georgetown University Medical Center researchers found that high glucose diets increase mutant p53 gene expression in mice, which drives tumor growth. Reducing glucose intake through starvation or low-carb diet slows down cancer growth.
A University of Toronto-led team identified spear tips used in hunting 500,000 years ago, pushing back the timeline of human adaptations and capacities. The discovery highlights the importance of early hafted tools in hunting weaponry.
Scientists identify a novel structure that converts sound waves to mechanical energy, enabling insects to hear at remarkable frequencies. The discovery could lead to breakthroughs in acoustic sensor design and development.
A study by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley found that prenatal and childhood exposure to PBDEs is linked to poorer attention, fine motor coordination, and IQ in school-aged children. The study collected blood samples from 279 women during pregnancy or at delivery and from 272 children when they were 7 years old.
A new study reveals that 34.3% of students with an ASD enroll in STEM majors, higher than peers with other disabilities and the general population. However, young adults with ASD have one of the lowest overall college enrollment rates due to factors like family income and social challenges.
A study by the University of Edinburgh warns that funding cuts to global tobacco control will disproportionately affect developing countries. Millions in these countries risk increased smoking deaths due to reduced travel support for delegates from poorer nations.
Stanford expert Elisabeth Paté-Cornell argues that 'black swan' events are rare, while 'perfect storms' can be assessed using systematic risk analysis. She recommends considering dependent events and external factors to make better management decisions.
A team of scientists at the University of Pennsylvania has uncovered cellular impediments to induced pluripotent stem cell development, which could improve efficiency and speed. The study found that reprogramming factors interact with chromatin and overcome structural roadblocks to bind DNA.
A six-year study found a correlation between vitamin D3 serum levels and subsequent incidence of Type 1 diabetes, suggesting a preventive role for vitamin D3 in this disease. Researchers estimate that achieving an optimal serum level of 25(OH)D at 50 ng/ml can lower the risk of developing type 1 diabetes by half.
Researchers at The Ohio State University have developed a method to purify and enrich magnetotactic bacteria, which can produce magnetic nanocrystals. These bacteria are found in aquatic environments worldwide and possess unique properties that allow them to align with the Earth's magnetic field.
A recent study published by Columbia University Medical Center has found a surprising genetic link between kidney defects and neurodevelopmental disorders in children. The research identified large genomic alterations in 10% of kids born with kidney defects, which are known to cause neurodevelopmental delay or mental illness.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have found that Human Umbilical Cord PeriVascular Cells (HUCPVCs) are more effective than bone marrow cells in restoring heart function after a heart attack. The study demonstrates that HUCPVC cell therapy is twice as effective at repairing damage to heart tissue than no treatment.
A new study in Science reveals pallasites, space gems with iron-nickel matrices and translucent olivine crystals, were formed from a smaller asteroid crashing into a planet-like body 30 times smaller than Earth. The research team used advanced techniques to determine the parent body's radius and classify it as a protoplanet.
The Marilyn B. Gula Mountains of Hope Foundation raised $100,000 for groundbreaking breast cancer research at TGen through its annual 'Cookin' for a Cure at Eddie's House.' The funds will focus on primary Luminal B breast cancer, one of the most difficult-to-treat subtypes, to determine genetic variables driving this type of cancer.
Researchers found that diabetic rats on a high protein diet with arginine and proline showed better wound healing compared to those without supplementation. The study suggests that arginine and proline enrichment could offer new hope for effective treatment in diabetic patients with chronic wounds.
The Wuzhishan Pig's whole-genome sequence reveals a wealth of genetic tools for studying complex diseases common to humans. The pig's genome contains a large number of similar drug target genes, making it an excellent model for therapeutic drug testing.
A study by George Washington University researchers estimates that over 1 million low-income women could get mammograms and Pap tests for breast and cervical cancer. The Affordable Care Act could lead to major gains in screening and early detection, resulting in faster treatment and better outcomes for women across the nation.
UMass Amherst's Commonwealth Alliance for Information Technology Education (CAITE) has won a $6.24 million NSF grant to create a national resource for broadening participation in computer science education.
Researchers have developed a safe co-culture system using human umbilical cord blood cells to support the expansion of human embryonic stem cells. This method eliminates the risk of tumor formation associated with traditional feeder cultures, making it a more feasible option for cell transplantation.
A new study on monkeys with chronic diarrhea treated with microscopic parasite worm eggs has shown that helminths can restore the balance of gut bacterial communities, which are often disrupted in inflammatory bowel diseases. The treatment improved symptoms and allowed four out of five monkeys to gain weight and reduce their diarrhea.
Researchers at Imperial College London have identified a way in which Salmonella bacteria counteract human cell defenses. The study found that Salmonella injects a protein that prevents cells from recycling transport carriers, effectively cutting off the supply line of toxic enzymes.
Astronomers have discovered a distant galaxy, MACS0647-JD, which offers a glimpse into the early universe 420 million years after the Big Bang. The galaxy was magnified by a massive cluster using gravitational lensing, revealing three images of the same object.
A University of Alberta research team found that adjusting sea lice treatments improved wild pink salmon health and reduced mortality rates. By shifting treatment schedules to the fall and winter, they reduced sea lice in coastal waters, allowing more juvenile pink salmon to survive migration.
Researchers discovered a 'temporal sweet spot' that optimizes perceived brightness of light without increasing power. This finding could lead to significant energy savings by redesigning light-emitting devices to flicker with optimal dynamics.
Researchers found that antibiotic-resistant E. coli can survive in soil and recolonize in animal guts through pasture, forage or bedding. They propose potential solutions to limit the spread of resistance by isolating residual antibiotics before they interact with soil bacteria.
USDA researchers developed a formula to create eco-friendly fire logs and pellets from lawn clippings, agricultural waste, and plant-derived oils. The logs burn brighter, longer, and emit less pollution.
A new pneumococcal vaccine has been shown to prevent 93% of cases of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) in healthy infants who received at least one dose. The vaccine's effectiveness against IPD was confirmed by the Finnish Invasive Pneumococcal Disease Vaccine Trial, which tracked over 46,000 children under 19 months.
Research linked health, housing, benefits, and education data for over 12,000 children, finding no detrimental effect of asthma on educational performance. Social adversity, mental health problems, and special educational needs were significantly linked to poorer test scores.
The new system-on-a-chip enables integration of large components onto a single microchip, achieving significant improvements in power consumption. It cuts the size, weight, power consumption, and cost by about 10 times compared to conventional body data monitoring technologies.
Research suggests that hydrothermal fractures on Mars may have been a habitable environment for microbial life. Meteorites containing alteration minerals from these fractures indicate temperatures ranging from 50°C to 150°C.
A comprehensive register of marine species reveals approximately 226,000 identified species and up to 65,000 awaiting description. This comprehensive inventory provides a foundation for conservation efforts and estimates of extinction rates.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania Medicine are developing an educational program to educate residents, policy-makers, and scientists about the long-term social, economic, and health effects of hazardous industrial sites. The program aims to help communities like West and South Ambler recover from asbestos exposure.
A study by RAND Corporation found that frequent alcohol testing with swift sanctions reduced repeat DUI arrests by 12% and domestic violence arrests by 9%. The 24/7 Sobriety Project, which requires twice-a-day breathalyzer tests or continuous monitoring bracelets, has been adopted in South Dakota's counties.
Researchers at Simon Fraser University have improved the dating of early human settlement in the Polynesian triangle by applying uranium/thorium dating to coral artifacts. The study estimates that the first boats arrived between 880 and 896 BC, narrowing the previous timeline from 178 years to just 16 years.
A new study reveals that even low levels of preformed donor-specific antibodies can nearly double the risk of antibody-mediated rejection and increase kidney failure by 76%. This finding could help clinicians provide better donor-recipient matches and tailor immunosuppressive therapy.
Researchers from China have devised a universal method using just an optical microscope to measure graphene and other two-dimensional materials' thickness. The technique exploits the reflected light's red, green, and blue components, increasing contrast with sample thickness.
MIT researchers have created a new type of injectable gel that can withstand mechanical stress and remain durable over time. The gel, made with protein hydrogels, forms a reinforcing network when heated to body temperature, making it more suitable for long-term drug release and tissue engineering applications.
The University of Michigan and Michigan State University have awarded six grants to organizations across the region for projects that will help decision-makers adapt to climate change and variability in the Great Lakes basin. The grants aim to identify vulnerabilities, strengths, and knowledge related to climate change, and provide rel...
A study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology found that denosumab was associated with significantly improved overall median survival in lung cancer patients, including those with non-small-cell lung cancer and small-cell lung cancer. The treatment also showed improved survival in patients with squamous cell carcinoma.
A new study reveals that heat can travel like waves, not particles, through superlattices, allowing for precise control over heat flow. This discovery opens the possibility of creating materials with tailored thermal properties for thermoelectric devices and improved cooling of electronic chips.
A new partnership aims to broaden participation in computer science programs and enhance teacher training nationwide. The Expanding Computing Education Pathways Alliance seeks to replicate successful state-level initiatives, growing the pipeline of students in US computer science programs.
A study suggests that limiting non-medically indicated caesareans and induced labor can reduce preterm births in high-income countries. Implementing evidence-based interventions could avert around 58,000 preterm births annually, saving $3 billion in economic costs.
A Baylor University sociologist found that blending family commitment with strong religion can dampen civic participation. The study, published in Social Science Research, analyzed data from the National Survey of Families and Households, suggesting that familistic individuals may have limited time and energy for secular organizations.
Experts claim that lowering preterm birth rates by an average of 5 percent across 39 high-resource countries can prevent prematurity for 58,000 babies a year. Combining five proven interventions can lower the preterm rate and save about $3 billion in health costs.
A CU-led effort is transplanting biological soil crusts onto damaged military lands in the American West. The goal is to decrease erosion and increase water retention and soil fertility in these areas. The research team will evaluate the effectiveness of such soil inoculations and determine the optimal dosage for field test sites.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide have identified a genetic link between pre-eclampsia and a variant of the AGT2R gene. Women who are overweight or obese during pregnancy are more likely to carry this variant, which increases their risk of developing the condition.
A class of small RNA molecules called pachytene piwi-interacting RNAs plays a critical role in allowing sperm to develop normally. Defects in these molecules or their interactions may be responsible for some cases of male infertility, according to new research by Penn Vet researchers.
Researchers are using bioprinting to grow cells in 3D scaffolds that can be used to regenerate tissue, with the potential to treat diseases such as cavity wounds. However, limitations include cell survival rates and guaranteeing consistent quality.
A study by University of Illinois researchers found that cellphone bans in urban areas are associated with a relative decrease in accident rates after seven years. However, in very rural areas, cellphone bans were linked to higher accident rates than expected. The findings suggest that blanket bans may not be beneficial for all areas.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Dallas have developed artificial muscles made from carbon nanotubes infused with paraffin wax. These yarns can lift heavy loads and generate high mechanical power, making them suitable for robots, micromotors, and intelligent textiles.
The Hinode spacecraft observed two solar eclipses in 2012 and 2013, capturing distinct views of total and partial eclipses. The mission provided valuable insights into the Sun's surface magnetism, shedding light on sunspot activity.
Low levels of omega-3 during pregnancy may trigger depressive episodes. Increasing fish consumption could help bring maternal omega-3 levels up to recommended levels, potentially reducing the risk of postpartum depression.
Researchers at UCLA have developed a molecular compound called CLR01 that breaks up toxic protein aggregations in a mouse model, clearing amyloid-beta and tau aggregates and protecting neurons' synapses. The compound has shown high safety and efficacy in treating Alzheimer's disease.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Iowa found that fraternity and sorority members tend to be more conservative than their unaffiliated peers. The study, which analyzed data from over 2,000 students at 17 institutions, also discovered that Greeks remained more conservative over time, while their peers became more liberal.
The University of British Columbia is partnering with seven top North American universities to study improved teaching techniques in science classrooms. The Bay View Alliance aims to identify and evaluate ways for university leaders to inspire cultural change and enhance teaching and learning.
Researchers identified stone-tipped spear points at the South African site of Kathu Pan 1, dating back 500,000 years. This finding suggests that humans were using such technology 200,000 years earlier than previously thought, shedding new light on early human adaptations and capacities.
A new study found that baby boomers' interest in health issues peaks in the early 50s and again near age 65. Health professionals are encouraged to target this generation with health messages at these times, as they are most receptive to hearing them.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have discovered how MSCs traffic from circulation to damaged tissues, revealing a rate-limiting step that may explain their inefficiency in entering inflamed areas. The findings suggest enhancing MSC homing could improve delivery and therapeutic efficacy.