The study provides a comprehensive review of the Yuzhou Flora, recognizing 111 genera and 307 species from 40 fossil plant layers. The authors propose hypotheses on evolutionary trends in leaf structure and venation patterns, as well as a new morphotype classification scheme for Gigantopteridales.
A new species of hermit crab, Areopaguristes tudgei, has been discovered on the barrier reef off the coast of Belize by American University biologist Christopher Tudge. The species was named in his honor due to his unique contributions to knowledge of hermit crab reproductive biology.
Scientists at Karolinska Institutet have found that IGF-1 blockers are only partially effective because they stimulate the MEK channel, allowing cancer cells to survive. Researchers propose a combination therapy using MEK inhibitors and IGF-1 blockers to overcome this issue
Biomedical research faces a crisis due to flat government funding and reduced drug industry investment. Experts propose innovative private investment sources such as mutual funds, patent pools, and research bonds to support basic biology and translational research.
The Cassini mission has discovered a second feature shaped like the video game icon PAC-MAN on Saturn's moon Tethys. This finding confirms that high-energy electrons can dramatically alter icy satellite surfaces, and suggests that such anomalies may be widespread in the Saturn system.
An international team of biologists led by IU has identified the enzyme and molecular mechanism controlling chromatic acclimation in Synechococcus, a cyanobacteria that maximizes light harvesting for photosynthesis. This discovery has implications for healthcare and climate change research.
Researchers used machine learning techniques to predict functional associations between proteins in bacteria and extend biological pathways in humans. The study offers new insights into protein function and its relation to cellular aging and cancer.
The international consortium has published the watermelon genome sequence, revealing a loss of natural disease defenses during domestication. Breeders can now use this information to recover some of these natural defenses, potentially leading to more nutritious and resistant watermelons.
A new study from Rice University explores the effects of firm actions and industry spillovers on media coverage following wrongdoing. The research found that companies directly responsible for wrongdoing face more damaging media backlash than those not directly involved but affected by industry-wide scandals.
A study found that an active lifestyle can preserve gray matter in older adults' brains, reducing the burden of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The research suggests that a combination of lifestyle choices, including aerobic physical activities, may alleviate brain aging.
A new system uses real-time data and techniques from weather forecasting to predict the timing and severity of seasonal influenza outbreaks. The forecast can inform decisions on vaccine stockpiling and school closures, ultimately improving public health preparedness.
Research has shown a three-fold increase in autism risk associated with air pollution exposure during pregnancy and early childhood. Novel neuroimaging approaches have also confirmed an association between autism and immune function changes, shedding light on mechanisms behind the disorder.
Researchers have discovered that putrescine water can increase the viability of egg cells in women over 30 by inhibiting chromosomal defects. The compound, naturally produced in mammals during ovulation, has been shown to reduce defective eggs by over 50% in older mice.
Paleontologists find varying evolutionary modes among morphological traits within fossil species, validating mosaic evolution. The study analyzes hundreds of sequences of fossil samples using model selection methods, revealing conflicting patterns of change.
Researchers used MRI to image patients with mild traumatic brain injury and found that some brains compensate for damage by changing water flow patterns. This compensation is associated with fewer post-concussion symptoms and higher functioning, suggesting a potential new approach to treating traumatic brain injury.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital finds that newly insured patients may face challenges in accessing primary care due to a shortage of safety-net physicians. Safety-net physicians are more likely to accept new Medicaid and uninsured patients, but their capacity is being stretched to the limit.
Metallic glass alloys are three times stronger than industrial steel but have variable breaking points due to preparation method. Researchers developed a novel computational technique that simulates and predicts the breaking points of metallic glasses, shedding light on their mechanical properties.
Researchers at University of Massachusetts Amherst used biomarkers from human feces to establish the first human presence, arrival of grazing animals, and population dynamics in a landscape. The method provides a strong human signal with excellent chronological control, offering valuable insights into past environmental changes.
Researchers found that bariatric surgery techniques produce similar outcomes, with weight loss itself being the primary factor responsible for improved metabolic responses. In another study, antifibrinolytic drugs were linked to seizures due to their inhibition of glycine receptors in the brain. A companion commentary reviews the conne...
Researchers at Washington State University discovered that a simple scent is more effective in increasing retail sales than complex scents. The simple scent of orange freed customers' minds from processing tasks, leading to increased purchases and faster problem-solving.
USC/CHLA researchers have found that air pollution is associated with a higher risk of developing autism in young children. Exposure to traffic-related and regional air pollution during pregnancy and early childhood may increase the risk by more than two-fold.
Researchers developed a low-cost, high-throughput platform for identifying compounds with novel antibiotic properties using a diagnostic panel of bacterial strains. The new strategy promises to streamline the discovery of new antibiotics from natural sources, providing a solution to the looming antibiotic crisis.
A study of 279 children with autism and 245 control subjects found exposure to traffic-related air pollution during pregnancy and the first year of life was associated with an increased risk of autism. Children living in homes with high levels of modeled traffic pollution were three times more likely to have autism.
Children with developmental coordination disorder can improve their fine motor skills through a unique virtual reality training program. The study, published in the Journal of Child Neurology, used a three-dimensional virtual reality device to help children with DCD overcome their motor skill impairments.
Researchers analyzed 2.5 million articles from 498 English-language outlets, finding that tabloid newspapers are more readable than broadsheets and use more sentimental language. The study also revealed a dominance of male voices in news content, with 'Sport' and 'Financial' articles being the most male-biased.
Researchers have developed omni-tomography, a technology that integrates multiple imaging modalities to improve early disease screening, cancer staging, and therapeutic assessment. This approach enables precise reconstruction of small areas in the body using prior knowledge and common properties.
The largest community-based study of long-term diabetes outcomes after bariatric surgery found that most people don't experience long-lasting remission of their diabetes. However, those with less severe and earlier stage type 2 diabetes at the time of surgery tend to have better outcomes.
A new study reveals a 15-fold increase in inflatable bouncer-related injuries among children, with over 30 cases per day treated in US emergency departments. The research highlights the need for national safety guidelines to prevent these serious risks.
A study by Jayani Jayawardhana found that direct-to-consumer advertising of cholesterol-reducing prescription medications leads to improved consumer welfare. The research also suggests that targeted advertising efforts towards physicians can inform their selection of the drug, leading to better health outcomes.
Routine HIV testing can significantly reduce AIDS-related morbidity and death, as well as HIV transmission. Implementing this strategy would provide a roadmap for an AIDS-free generation.
A Kaiser Permanente study of 5,216 patients found that those who received automated reminders were 1.6 times more likely to fill prescriptions for cholesterol-lowering statins than those without reminders. The percentage of patients who picked up their prescriptions increased from 26% to 42% after the intervention.
A University of California at San Diego study has demonstrated that marine algae can produce biofuels as effectively as freshwater algae. The research opens up new possibilities for large-scale algae production using ocean water, which could provide up to 40 billion gallons of fuel annually.
The number of prescription drugs that interact with grapefruit is significantly increasing, putting patients at risk of serious adverse effects. Older adults are especially vulnerable due to decreased tolerance and age-related changes in drug metabolism.
A new neuroimaging study suggests that negative messages are not an effective way to deter drug and alcohol abuse, particularly among those who are substance-dependent. The study found that the brains of substance-dependent individuals show lower brain activity in response to negatively framed messages, leading to riskier decisions.
Researchers discovered a new bacterium, human Sodalis, in the infected wound of a man who impaled his hand on a tree branch. The bacterium is related to Sodalis, a genus that lives symbiotically inside insects' guts, and may be used to block disease transmission by insects and prevent crop damage.
A pioneering study reveals a diverse community of bacteria in Lake Vida, one of Earth's coldest and most isolated ecosystems. The brine, approximately six times saltier than seawater, harbors an abundance of life that survives at subzero temperatures without oxygen.
A new MRI technique has provided the first clinical evidence for the theory that Parkinson's neurodegeneration begins deep in the brain and advances upward. The study found significant loss of volume in the substantia nigra early on, followed by loss of basal forebrain volume later in the disease.
The North China Craton's thin lithosphere and signs of thermo-tectonic reactivation challenge the traditional view of a stable cratonic lithosphere. The concept of 'craton destruction' has been widely accepted, influencing understanding of intraplate magmatism and continental evolution.
Soil respiration in China varies significantly across regions, with the highest rates found in southeastern China and lowest in northwestern China. Precipitation and temperature also play a crucial role in controlling soil respiration, with increasing variability expected under warming scenarios.
Researchers found that both high and low levels of physical activity can lead to accelerated degeneration of knee cartilage in middle-aged adults. The study suggests that finding an optimal level of physical activity may help preserve cartilage health.
Scientists at the American Geophysical Union conference present findings that human population growth outweighs climate change as the culprit in region's dwindling water supplies. The research highlights the importance of water conservation and sustainability.
According to UCSB researchers, looking just below the eyes provides the best view of a person's face for identifying their identity, emotions and genders. The brain uses sophisticated computations to plan eye movements for accuracy in tasks like flight or love at first sight.
Researchers are using an insect growth regulator called pyriproxyfen to prevent the maturation of house fly larvae. This technology has shown promise in controlling the spread of bacteria through these insects.
A recent study by IkerRos found that students at co-operative schools display the greatest engagement, while those at public schools show the lowest. The study also reveals differences in engagement based on sex and age, highlighting the importance of organizational development and teacher-student interaction.
A CU-Boulder study suggests the iconic Columbia Glacier in Alaska will cease its retreat by 2020, reaching a new stable position 15 miles upstream. This prediction challenges current understanding of sea level rise and highlights the complexities of glacier dynamics.
Researchers have developed a 'solar energy funnel' that uses materials under elastic strain to produce unprecedented properties. This concept takes advantage of the varying strain across different wavelengths of light, allowing for more efficient energy production.
Researchers have designed new drugs that inhibit excess mucus production in airway cells, a major cause of death in respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD. The drugs target the MAPK13 protein, which is involved in the mucus pathway and can reduce mucus production by 100 fold.
A study found that women with Alzheimer's disease exhibit greater gray matter loss in the brain compared to men, with differences observed in regional atrophy patterns. This discovery has important implications for the development of therapies for mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease.
A team of researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center has identified a cancer-promoting protein's pathway into the cell nucleus and discovered how it fuels brain tumor growth. By targeting this pathway, they hope to develop new treatments for glioblastoma multiforme, the most common and lethal form of brain cancer.
A study suggests that eliminating payments for consultations commonly billed by specialists led to a net increase in spending on visits to both primary care physicians and specialists. The change was intended to be budget neutral, but it ultimately resulted in higher fees paid for office visits and increased intensity of coding.
Dr. Debra Auguste aims to develop targeted treatments for four metastatic breast cancer populations using engineered liposomes that deliver short interfering RNA to inhibit tumor progression and metastasis. The goal is to enhance cooperative binding, reduce cell migration, and improve treatment efficacy.
Researchers identified a molecular mechanism underlying antifibrinolytic drug-induced seizures. Antifibrinolytics inhibit glycine receptors, leading to seizures, but isoflurane treatment prevents this effect.
Imtiaz A. Khan, a GW professor, is studying the effects of microsporidia on HIV patients using a $1.6 million federal grant. His project aims to regulate CD8+ T cells to prevent complications in immunocompromised individuals.
A robotic laser system developed by Carnegie Mellon University and CTC uses high-powered lasers to remove coatings from fighter and cargo aircraft. The system promises to reduce labor, waste volume, environmental risk, and overall cost, making it an environmentally superior alternative to traditional methods.
Rates of hemorrhage for older warfarin patients are significantly higher than reported in clinical trials. Hemorrhage rates were found to be 11.8% in the first 30 days and 3.8% over a 13-year period.
Swans are found to have more common hip joint problems than previously believed, with CT scans revealing lesions in all five examined birds. The injuries likely occur during landing on hard surfaces, and the study suggests that computerized tomography is a better diagnostic tool for avian patients.
A new study suggests that lack of nutrients like folate and vitamin B12 may be associated with specific subtypes of depression. Melancholic depressive symptoms were linked to lower folate intake, while non-melancholic symptoms were tied to an increased risk of metabolic syndrome.
Researchers at Harvard University have developed a new device that can absorb 99.75% of infrared light on demand, using a tunable material with exceptional optical properties. The device has wide-ranging applications in thermal imaging, spectroscopy, and energy harvesting.
A new model developed by Concordia researcher Mohammed Othman takes into account workers' personality strengths and differences to create a more efficient workforce planning system. The result is a significant cost savings of 7.1% compared to traditional approaches.
A team of scientists has discovered an ancient thriving colony of microbes in the brine of Lake Vida, Antarctica, which is estimated to have been isolated for over 2,800 years. The microbes live in a highly saline environment with high concentrations of ammonia and nitrous oxide.
The American College of Cardiology and European Society of Cardiology disagree on mandatory ECG screenings. The ACC suggests $69 billion over 20 years to save 4,813 lives, while experts like Antonio Pelliccia argue cultural and policy obstacles hinder widespread adoption.
Soft Robotics is a peer-reviewed journal dedicated to the science and engineering of soft materials in mobile machines. The journal covers topics such as device development, flexible electronics, and control and simulation of highly deformable structures.
Scientists from Bangalore and Mainz have developed a new method for cooling ions using collisions with cold atoms. This process enables the storage of ions in ion traps at stable conditions for longer periods, which could lead to the formation of molecular ions in space.
Scientists have found metabolically active bacteria in the brine of an Antarctic lake sealed under ice for over 2,800 years. The discovery provides new boundary conditions on life's limits and suggests that chemical reactions between the brine and underlying sediment generate energy for microbes.
A new study from the University of Maryland School of Medicine has identified the orbitofrontal cortex as a critical brain area involved in value-guided behavior, decision-making, and learning. The research suggests that damage to this area can lead to decreased ability to use prior experience to make good decisions.
A study found that exercise programs on stationary bicycles improve Parkinson's disease symptoms, with faster pedaling leading to greater brain connectivity and motor ability improvements. The therapy is low-cost and effective, even for patients who don't need forced-rate exercise.
Researchers propose a mechanism by which life may have gotten its start in the early Earth's chemical environment. A mathematical model reveals that networks of molecules with self-perpetuating capabilities can give rise to complex systems and potentially life.
The US Preventive Services Task Force has updated its recommendations for hepatitis C screening in asymptomatic adults. The new guidelines suggest that targeted screening may be beneficial, as up to two-thirds of infected patients are missed by routine screening methods. However, there is currently no direct evidence that screening imp...
Researchers found that drugs like TXA and EACA associated with a four-to-six-fold increase in post-operative seizures. Adjusting these drug doses and maintaining sedation levels can help reduce the risk of seizure.
A Kansas State University study found that exercising with a teammate perceived as better increases workout time and intensity, but only when the partner is approximately 40% more skilled. Over time, this motivation can lead to significantly longer exercise sessions.
A University at Buffalo study examines maar craters, finding that their shape and ejecting distance are more accurate measures of an eruption's force. The findings could help scientists estimate the size of future volcano eruptions.
Researchers from Chinese Academy of Sciences and Tsinghua University presented additional, previously unknown geometries corresponding to all possible kinematical algebras. These geometries are classified into three relativistic geometries, absolute-time geometries, and absolute-space geometries, each with unique properties.
Scientists have discovered a method using shrubs to create historical climate data on glaciers, providing more accurate predictions of future changes. The method allows researchers to extend the current record of glacier melting back by many decades, giving them a better understanding of how glaciers behave in the summer.
A Rice University-led study has uncovered an elaborate mechanism allowing bacteria to begin preparing for survival even as it delays the decision to form a spore. The research found that nested 'feedforward' loops enable cells to process information while executing the program, making an accurate decision without delay.
Researchers will deploy sensors to analyze streambed conditions, measure water flow, and evaluate restoration efforts in a historic creek on campus. The project aims to enhance the watershed and restore part of lower Hunnicutt Creek as part of Clemson's Intelligent River initiative.
Scientists have spotted a second Pac-Man thermal shape on Tethys, confirming that high-energy electrons can dramatically alter an icy moon's surface. The discovery suggests a more complex and varied process in the Saturn system.
A study by Ohio State University researchers found that writing down thoughts and then disposing of the paper can reduce their influence on mental judgments. Participants who threw away the paper showed no difference in their attitudes towards positive or negative thoughts, suggesting that physical action influences thought use.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have successfully used human stem cells to test how diseased cells respond to drugs, paving the way for faster and cheaper drug development. The study identified a promising compound for treating Riley-Day syndrome and demonstrated the potential for tailored treatments for individual patients.
A study by Henry Ford Hospital found that a significant number of CT scans for cervical spine injuries could be avoided if physicians followed the National Emergency X-Radiology Study (NEXUS) criteria. The study showed that adherence to these guidelines reduced unnecessary CT scans from 24% to 16%.
A coronal mass ejection (CME) with speeds of 375 miles per second reached the sun's surface in November 2012, marking the third Earth-directed CME since November 20. The event may cause geomagnetic storms and auroras near the poles, but is unlikely to disrupt electrical systems or GPS communications.
A team of researchers at the University of Pennsylvania has developed flexible, low-voltage electronic circuits using cadmium selenide nanocrystals. The new technology offers improved performance and manufacturing cost compared to traditional silicon-based electronics, enabling potential biomedical and security applications.
Researchers found that gastric bypass and adjustable gastric banding produce similar therapeutic benefits in obese patients. Both procedures equally improved insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance after weight loss, with weight loss itself being the primary driver of these effects.
Tropical Depression 26W is threatening islands within Micronesia with heavy rain and strong winds. NASA's TRMM satellite imagery showed large, fragmented thunderstorms containing heavy rain and towering convective towers indicating intensification.
Researchers at Huntsman Cancer Institute have discovered a new drug with high potential to treat Ewing sarcoma by targeting the EWS/FLI protein. The study found that an enzyme called lysine specific demethylase (LSD-1) interacts with EWS/FLI to turn off gene expression in Ewing sarcoma.
Researchers suggest that physicians use tools from behavioral economics and social psychology to motivate patients to control their chronic diseases. Techniques include helping patients form specific plans, breaking big goals into smaller tasks, and using cash payments as a motivator.
The University of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences successfully performed the nation's first
A short burst of moderate exercise enhances memory consolidation in healthy older adults and those with mild cognitive impairment. Exercise immediately after viewing pleasant images improved recall in both groups compared to those who did not exercise.
Despite the devastating effects of smoking on cancer treatment and survival, many cancer patients struggle to quit due to various obstacles. Nicotine addiction, limited access to support programs, and socioeconomic status are just a few of the hurdles that hinder smoking cessation.