Researchers found that dolphins can use echolocation with near-perfect accuracy continuously for up to 15 days. Unihemispheric sleep allows them to remain alert and breathe at the surface of water even when half-asleep.
A new review paper supports inclusion of meditation, specifically Transcendental Meditation, in government-sponsored health programs to prevent and treat cardiovascular disease. The study found the technique reduced stress hormones, blood pressure, and improved heart structure in both teens and adults.
A new study using the Keck II telescope has produced high-resolution infrared images of Uranus, revealing its bizarre weather patterns. The planet's deep blue-green atmosphere is characterized by massive weather systems behaving in unusual ways, with winds reaching up to 560 miles per hour.
Overeating can cause a malfunction in brain insulin signaling, leading to increased fatty acid levels, inflammation, and worsened insulin resistance. The study suggests that the brain's response plays a crucial role in developing type 2 diabetes, making it a potential target for improving insulin function.
Researchers, led by Dr. Emily Shuckburgh, apply mathematical ideas from dynamical systems to analyze circulation in the Southern Ocean. Mixing of water with different properties is a key determinant in heat uptake by oceans.
Researchers found that the right hemisphere of the brain is more integrated and communicative than the left hemisphere during rest, regardless of hand dominance. This study may help explain why power naps benefit focus and mental clarity.
A comprehensive review article discusses progress and application of Cell-SELEX technology, which uses live cells as targets for binding aptamers. The technique offers stability, short length, and ease of manufacturing, making it an attractive option for drug compound screening.
The University of Michigan will receive a $5.2 million federal grant to study the relationship between birth-related pelvic floor injuries and common disorders such as urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. Researchers hope to develop new prevention strategies and treatment options for women suffering from these conditions.
Researchers at Caltech engineer a new class of microsensors using laser light, enabling detection of motions in tens of microseconds. The sensors can measure both extremely small and large accelerations, making them valuable for various applications including oil and gas exploration and biomedical uses.
A randomized controlled trial found that daily sedation interruption did not improve outcomes, including duration of mechanical ventilation, among critically ill patients. The study also revealed increased use of opioids and benzodiazepines in the interruption group.
A study of 284 controls and 142 children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia found a higher risk associated with longer formula feeding and later solid food introduction. The risk increased by 16% for every month of formula feeding and 14% for each month the introduction of solid foods was delayed.
Researchers from Inserm unit 693 have discovered that hyperprolactinaemia directly inhibits the secretion of kisspeptin, a neurohormone essential for GnRH release and ovarian cyclicity. Administering kisspeptin can restore ovulation function in women with hyperprolactinaemia.
A review by Northeastern University physicist Meni Wanunu questions the feasibility of nanopore technology for fast and affordable genome sequencing. The main technical hurdles include slow process rates, protein pore limitations, spectroscopic information gaps, and clogging issues.
Researchers discovered two distinct mechanisms for voluntary forgetting of unwanted memories: suppressing memories and substituting them with more desirable ones. This study may lead to improved treatments for disorders like posttraumatic stress disorder.
Patients with depression and short telomeres have a threefold increased risk for bladder cancer mortality, according to researchers. Lifestyle changes such as smoking cessation, weight loss, and increased physical activity may slow telomere shortening and improve survival.
The Living Voters Guide has expanded to include fact-checking by Seattle Public Library staff, providing voters with credible information and signals as to what's believable. This initiative aims to promote constructive online debate and informed voting through a collaborative and user-friendly platform.
A five-minute eye scan can accurately assess brain damage in people with multiple sclerosis, predicting disease progression. The scan uses optical coherence tomography to measure retinal tissue health, providing valuable information for doctors and patients.
A new model proposes that the Saturn system originated from giant impacts in which several major satellites merged to form Titan, resulting in the formation of Saturn's middle-sized moons. The model suggests these moons were formed from ice-rich material similar to Titan's mantle and have active geology and dynamics.
Research suggests that the timing of first sexual experience can predict the quality and stability of romantic relationships in young adulthood. A study found that individuals who had their first sexual encounter later were more likely to have higher educational attainment, live with a partner, and be satisfied with their relationship.
Researchers found that Muslims are less likely to have premarital sex and extramarital sex compared to Christians and Jews. National Islamic cultures also influence the sexual behaviors of residents in Muslim-majority nations.
Two Chicago high school students, Ayana Jamal and Ariella Hoffman-Peterson, presented their research on reducing the effects of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and understanding its genetics. Their work, conducted with a university professor, explored using retinoic acid as a potential treatment.
A leading bone marrow transplant expert recommends changing current practice to use adult stem cells from bone marrow instead of peripheral blood for unrelated donor transplants. This change can significantly reduce the risk of chronic graft-versus-host disease, a debilitating side effect of transplantation.
A European-wide network for systematic GMO impact assessment aims to improve the regulatory system by harmonizing environmental risk assessment and post-market monitoring. The framework proposes various methodologies, including indicator and field site selection, agro-environment typology, and state-of-the-art sampling approaches.
Researchers have developed a novel compound from vegetable sources that demonstrates superior anticancer activities, particularly against triple-negative breast cancer. The orally active compounds could offer safer and more effective treatment options for patients.
A recent study suggests that active surveillance is a viable alternative to surgery for small kidney masses, offering similar cancer outcomes in the short and intermediate term. Researchers found that patients under active surveillance had a growth rate of 0.21cm per month, with 53% showing no growth.
A team of MIT neuroscientists has created a way to monitor brain-cell activity by detecting calcium ions, which could provide insights into the origins of autism and obsessive-compulsive disorder. The technique allows for pinpointing specific cell types involved in psychiatric diseases.
Research shows that crows can ingest and excrete infectious prions without being destroyed, posing a risk for the geographic spread of diseases. Crows may play a role in the transmission of prion-caused diseases through their feces.
A study by Indiana University found that physical activity enhances muscle reflexes and coordination across both sides of the body in people of all ages. This improved coordination can help prevent falls and reduce the risk of injury.
Researchers discovered a second step in the light receptor process that corrects for rhodopsin errors, resulting in more accurate reading of light under dim conditions. This finding has long-term significance for understanding and treating vision deficits.
A study found that consuming red meat increases the risk of bladder cancer, particularly in individuals with a genetic variation in the RAD52 gene that impairs DNA repair. The study suggests limiting red meat intake to reduce this risk.
Researchers found that high indoor CO2 concentrations can impair people's decision-making performance, particularly in schools and other spaces with high occupant density. The study used a novel test to assess cognitive performance, revealing large reductions in decision-making ability at CO2 levels of 1,000 ppm.
Research found that antidepressant use, particularly SSRIs, increases the risk of intracranial and intracerebral hemorrhages by 50% and 40%, respectively. However, the actual increased risk for most people is extremely low, occurring at a rate of one additional stroke per 10,000 people per year.
A pilot study of over 100 interviews with professional staff found that confidence levels at primary and high school ages significantly impact occupational success. Workers with higher confidence reported better wages and faster career advancements.
A team of researchers has successfully mapped the barley genome, unlocking potential for higher yields, improved pest resistance, and enhanced nutritional value. The breakthrough, supported by USDA, will aid in addressing global food security challenges.
A new model developed by Southwest Research Institute reconciles the Moon's Earth-like composition with the giant impact theory of formation. The model involves larger impacts and produces an Earth that rotates faster than implied, but a subsequent resonant interaction could have decreased the angular momentum.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have developed a new drug called Minnelide to target and destroy tumor cells in pancreatic cancer. The drug works by inhibiting heat shock protein HSP 70, which aids tumor cell growth, effectively disintegrating the cancer.
A multi-agency collaboration is being implemented to provide evidence-based services to high-risk population, including parenting programs and trauma treatments for children of substance abusers involved in the DeKalb County Drug Court. The goal is to improve outcomes for these vulnerable children.
New water treatment firms are developing chemical treatments and evaporators to remove contaminants from fracking wastewater, which can then be reused. The cost of disposal is spurring oil and gas companies to adopt these technologies, limiting the amount of contaminated water that reaches people, plants, and animals.
A Loyola Medicine study reveals that breech births significantly increase the risk of complications for mothers and babies when the amniotic sac ruptures early. The study found that breech pregnancies were more likely to result in low amniotic fluid, premature birth, and serious neonatal outcomes.
A new study by Christine Greenhow at Michigan State University found that Twitter use among students improves course engagement and grades. Students who tweet as part of their instruction are more engaged with the content and have higher grades.
Researchers developed a medicated chewing gum formulation that improves patient compliance and faster absorption through the cheek, alleviating motion sickness sooner. Dimenhydrinate-based gum has great potential for commercialization and can be used to incorporate other active ingredients with objectionable taste into chewing gum.
A 16-million-year-old amber fossil reveals a surprising interaction between springtails and mayflies. The study, published in PLOS ONE, shows that springtails may have travelled on the wings of flying insects like mayflies, a previously unknown mode of transport.
A long-term study reveals that excessive nutrients can cause salt-marsh loss, leading to habitat destruction for fish and wildlife. The research highlights the need for better waste management practices to protect these critical coastal ecosystems.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that men and women with autism spectrum conditions exhibit different cognitive abilities. Women with autism performed comparably to non-autistic women in tasks involving attention to detail, while men struggled with similar challenges.
A recent study found that nearly 4 out of 10 lesbians are not routinely screened for cervical cancer, highlighting the need for effective communication with healthcare providers. The study suggests that open communication between patients and providers can significantly increase screening rates among this population.
Kaiser Permanente Research Affiliates has received a national designation as an Evidence-based Practice Center. The new collaboration will conduct comprehensive evidence reviews for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, focusing on cancer, obesity, diabetes, and other health conditions.
A 20-year study at Harvard Forest Long-Term Ecological Research site reveals that leaving storm-damaged trees intact allows native plants and wildlife to thrive. The forest recovers naturally, with original conditions recovering more readily than after salvage logging.
Researchers successfully excite a spin qubit using a resonant cavity, addressing challenges of quantum processing and decoherence. This breakthrough enables the transportation of quantum information over 'bus' conduits, similar to digital information in conventional computers.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have identified new subtypes of gastric cancer linked to environmental factors. The study's findings suggest that these subtypes may be targeted with specific therapies, improving treatment outcomes for the second leading cancer killer worldwide.
New brain imaging studies show that children with autism may recognize socially inappropriate behavior but have difficulty using spoken language to explain why the behavior is considered wrong. This decreased use of language may also make generalization of knowledge more difficult for these children.
Scientists discover evidence that Moon was born in a catastrophic collision with early Earth, releasing vaporized rock that condensed into the Moon. The discovery provides physical evidence for the Giant Impact Theory and sheds light on the Moon's composition.
A recent study found that men's facial prominence is higher in photographs from more gender-equal cultures, with women's bodies being more prominent. The bias is likely due to unconscious influences and can be reduced by awareness and education.
A BUSM study has pinpointed the two main areas of the brain most severely impacted by Huntington's disease, the striatum and outer cortical regions. The research also found significant variation in the extent of cell death across individuals, with some experiencing severe damage while others appear virtually normal.
Researchers found a daily multivitamin reduced the risk of total cancer by 8% in men over 50. The study also showed an apparent reduction in cancer deaths among those taking a multivitamin.
A recent study by the U.S. National Science Foundation found that excessive nutrient enrichment can cause salt marsh loss, leading to habitat destruction for fish and shellfish. The research showed that nutrient-enriched marshes experienced extensive erosion, converting vegetated areas into mudflats with reduced productivity.
A new military uniform material is being developed by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory that repels chemical and biological agents. The material uses a novel carbon nanotube fabric that can switch from breathable to protective states in response to environmental threats.
Astronomers detect the lightest exoplanet ever found around a Sun-like star, orbiting about six million kilometers away from the star. The newly discovered planet has a mass similar to Earth and orbits Alpha Centauri B every 3.2 days.
A University at Buffalo study found that obese teenage males have up to 50% less total testosterone than their lean peers, increasing their potential for infertility as adults. The researchers believe that lifestyle changes and weight loss may help restore testosterone levels in obese teen males.
Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have discovered new components of the DNA damage response network, including proteins that could be targeted as sensitizers for chemotherapy. The study's findings may lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies and accelerated treatment for cancer.
A new study by Harvard School of Public Health researchers found that high-dose micronutrient supplementation has no effect on HIV disease progression in patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy. The study also showed that high doses of multivitamins increased the risk of liver problems and other serious conditions.