A study found gene polymorphisms in hormone metabolism and growth factor pathways associated with breast density, which increases breast cancer risk. Variants in genes like PRL, TNF, and SULT1A1/2 were linked to breast density in both hormone therapy users and non-users.
Prominent wildlife biologists advocate for a national network to coordinate state, federal, and private initiatives. The proposed network aims to identify at-risk species, coordinate conservation efforts, and share information to address threats like climate change and novel diseases.
Meat from wild animals like antelope and rodents is increasingly important in African diets due to scarcity of traditional livestock. Researchers highlight the nutritional value of bushmeat, providing protein, calories, vitamins, and minerals.
Experts from the US FDA argue that few global initiatives focus on strengthening medical product regulatory systems in low-and middle-income countries. Strengthening these systems is crucial to assure product efficacy, safety, and quality, particularly as globalization increases access to medicines and vaccines.
The Beutler laboratory has released its ENU mutagenesis data, which underpin the Nobel Prize-winning discoveries, for public use. The dataset is available in an online open access repository called Mutagenix, linked permanently to a 'Data Note' article published in BMC Research Notes.
A new study of marine fossils reveals that ocean animals with small geographic ranges are more likely to go extinct, even when populations are large. The research found that habitat breadth played a secondary role in extinction risk, and population size had little effect.
A new study suggests that bacteria cue choanoflagellates, the closest living relatives of animals, to form colonies. The discovery implies that bacteria may have helped kick off multicellular life, a development that eventually led to all animals, including humans.
The new Big Data journal will publish peer-reviewed content on novel technologies, policies, and innovations in the field. It aims to facilitate collaboration among researchers, analysts, and business leaders to address challenges and discover breakthroughs in big data.
A study published in Annals of Oncology found that acupuncture can relieve symptoms of dry mouth (xerostomia) caused by radiotherapy for head and neck cancers. Patients who received acupuncture reported improved dry mouth symptoms, while those receiving oral care education showed no significant improvement.
Researchers will use x-ray crystallography and NMR to understand the structural rules governing nuclear receptors' activity. The goal is to fill gaps in knowledge about these proteins' role in metabolism, cancer, inflammation, and bone health.
A new study shows that New Jersey's decal law for novice drivers has prevented over 1,600 crashes and helped enforce regulations. The law, which requires a red decal on license plates, led to a 9% decrease in crashes involving peer passengers.
A team of neuroscientists proposes a new method to determine neuronal connectivity using high-throughput DNA sequencing. The BOINC barcoding technique labels neurons with specific DNA barcodes, which are then shared across synapses through engineered viruses. This approach promises to be faster and cheaper than current methods.
A new study reveals that time-of-day specific treatment with a synthetic glucocorticoid can shift the circadian rhythms of atria samples, but with different effects on the direction of shifts compared to the liver. The study highlights the sensitivity of the heart's circadian clock to glucocorticoid signaling.
Pediatricians at CHOP developed a three-part survey to help families and doctors make informed decisions about ADHD treatment. The results show that shared decision-making improves healthcare outcomes, but is not widely used in pediatric settings.
Researchers at Aalto University developed a durable and affordable nanofibrillar cellulose film platform to support medical testing. The new film can be made hydrophobic, hydrophilic, and electrically charged, enabling thousands of different medical tests to be conducted at home or in physicians' receptions.
Researchers found that high concentrations of crude oil combined with dispersant can harm beneficial microbial communities in the human digestive tract. However, low concentrations typically found in Gulf shellfish had no discernible impact.
A new framework for loan approval has been developed using data mining methods, enabling East Lancashire Moneyline to increase lending by 50% and top £10 million this year. This project aims to improve financial inclusion and reduce the risk of bad debts among low-income individuals.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have created an acoustic navigation system that can locate open doors inside burning buildings. The system uses a parametric array to create focused sound waves that can penetrate moderate-sized flames, providing firefighters with vital information to navigate safely.
Researchers identified two cell receptors, TIM and TAM, essential for the Dengue virus to enter cells. Inhibiting these receptors reduces infection and provides a new therapeutic strategy.
Researchers have successfully developed a bio-oil gasifier that can efficiently break down plant cellulose, producing synthesis gas for transportation fuels and boiler fuel. The technology aims to move towards cellulosic biofuels, reducing dependence on corn grain.
Lifting age restrictions on rotavirus vaccination in low- and middle-income countries could prevent up to 203,000 rotavirus deaths while potentially causing 547 intussusception deaths. The World Health Organization supports removing age restrictions where benefits outweigh risks.
A University of Michigan report found that less than half of Generation X adults can identify the Milky Way galaxy. The study also discovered a link between knowledge about the universe and personal attitudes.
A simple-to-use risk score identifies low-risk STEMI patients, allowing early discharge and reducing hospital length of stay by a day. This strategy results in estimated savings of nearly $7,000 in total hospital costs.
Researchers developed a noninvasive assay to monitor treatment response in patients with metastatic prostate cancer. The assay measures androgen receptor signaling pathway activity in circulating tumor cells, allowing for early detection of resistance to treatment.
Tropical Depression 19 shows a distinctive backwards letter 'C' structure in its strongest thunderstorms. The National Hurricane Center notes the depression has a small but persistent cluster of deep convection near its center.
A study found that koalas have had low genetic diversity for over 120 years, likely caused by inbreeding due to declining populations. The species' vulnerability to diseases like Chlamydia and retroviruses is a major concern.
A new study provides mathematical support for the 'grandmother hypothesis,' which proposes that humans evolved longer adult lifespans due to grandmothers' care. The simulations indicate that with only a little bit of grandmothering, animals with chimpanzee lifespans evolve into humans in less than 60,000 years.
Tropical Storm Sandy's intensification confirmed by NASA research, reaching hurricane strength in just six hours. The storm showed good organization and powerful 'hot towers' near its center of circulation.
Researchers highlight methodological limitations in direct-to-consumer research, including selection bias and information bias. The authors advocate for clearer communication of results and benefits, ensuring informed consent and safeguarding public trust.
The Antarctic Ocean has seen a steady increase in sea ice cover over the past three decades, growing by approximately 6,600 square miles annually. This growth is attributed to changes in atmospheric circulation and a depleted ozone layer over Antarctica, which leads to cooling of the stratosphere and strengthening of circumpolar winds.
A recent study from Stanford University School of Medicine found that increased use of colonoscopy screening may be responsible for the significant decrease in colorectal cancer incidence over the past decade. The study analyzed data from over 2 million patients and found a correlation between Medicare's extension of colonoscopy covera...
Old Order Amish children are twice as physically active and three times less likely to be overweight than non-Amish peers. This high level of activity is inversely correlated with their body mass index, suggesting a protective effect against developing Type 2 diabetes.
Researchers have found that graphene membranes contain tiny pores, allowing small molecules to pass through while blocking larger ones. This discovery opens up new possibilities for creating membranes that can filter microscopic contaminants from water or separate specific types of molecules from biological samples.
A team of researchers confirms ancient protein preservation in dinosaur bone cells using antibodies that target specific proteins found in vertebrate bone cells. This finding further solidifies the case for preservation of cells and possibly DNA in ancient remains.
A new study found that large hospital ICUs have higher rates of CAUTIs but are less likely to implement prevention policies. Researchers suggest recent federal regulations may refocus attention on CAUTI prevention in US hospitals.
Researchers suggest designing cost-sharing strategies in line with evidence-based screening guidelines to reduce expenditures. They also recommend improving communication about the risks and benefits of treatment, as well as changes to financial incentives for physicians.
A team from the University of Bristol's Centre for Quantum Photonics has developed a technique to recycle particles in a quantum computer, reducing physical resources required for factoring. This breakthrough enables more efficient calculations, paving the way for larger implementations of quantum algorithms.
University of California researchers use hard X-ray angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy to study gallium manganese arsenide, a material with potential in spintronics. The study reveals fundamental understanding of electronic interactions, suggesting future materials development.
A Korean research team uses systems metabolic engineering to improve butanol production in Clostridium acetobutylicum. The optimized process yields over 585g of butanol from 1.8Kg of glucose, making biofuel production cost-competitive.
Advaita Corporation, a startup based on Wayne State University tech, received $125,000 from the Michigan Emerging Technologies Fund program. Its Pathway-Guide software solution provides cutting-edge gene pathway analysis technology for researchers.
A new study has identified a genetic marker for the placebo response in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) patients, which could influence patient care and clinical trial design. The findings suggest that individuals with a specific genotype have a higher response to placebos when treated by a warm, supportive healthcare provider.
A study published in Psychological Science found that women are less likely to accept precarious leadership positions but more sensitive to social resources. Men, on the other hand, focus on financial resources. The researchers suggest that societal expectations about gender and leadership play a key role in driving these evaluations.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia found a correlation between birth month and success in corporate leadership. Summer-born individuals are underrepresented among CEOs due to differences in school enrollment ages.
A population study found that weightlifters have a lower prevalence of metabolic syndrome, a cluster of risk factors linked to heart disease and diabetes. Lifting weights was associated with a 37% reduction in the odds of metabolic syndrome.
A major three-year trial found that giving one-to-one feedback to healthcare workers makes them twice as likely to clean their hands or use soap. The study, published in PLOS ONE, showed improvements of up to 18% on Intensive Therapy Units and 13% on Acute Care of the Elderly wards.
A new study explains the connection between Kilauea and Mauna Loa by proposing an upper-mantle link that can account for their competition over a deep magma supply. The research suggests that increased pressure in the upper mantle is transmitted through a partially molten region, causing simultaneous inflation at both volcanoes.
A study on histone modification could lead to targeted drugs for cancer treatment. Dr. Osley's research focuses on how ubiquitin attaches to H2B and its impact on DNA copying, potentially targeting quiescent cancer cells.
A UNM Cancer Center researcher is investigating the link between mitochondrial DNA and ovarian cancer. She hopes to identify genetic markers that could lead to a screening test or therapy, potentially increasing survival rates.
Scientists have developed a way to generate super-high pressures without using shock waves, allowing them to study materials at conditions corresponding to the core of gas giant planets. This breakthrough could lead to new revelations about how the Earth evolved and how iron functions at extremes.
Research conducted through online communities faces methodological limitations, including selection bias and information bias, which may impact the accuracy of findings. The study highlights the need for clearer disclosure of benefits and risks to participants, particularly when data is shared with third parties.
A University of California, Berkeley researcher found that people are more likely to assign positive personality traits to orange cats and less favorable ones to white and tortoiseshell cats. The results suggest that cat color stereotypes can have a negative impact on adoption rates at animal shelters.
A new study published in Economic Development Quarterly reveals that the arrival of a new WalMart store leads to the decline of larger retailers like Ames Department Stores and Sears. In contrast, smaller retailers with fewer employees are not significantly impacted. The study uses Indiana as a case study to demonstrate this effect.
A Vanderbilt University study found that a widely-used diabetes medication can reduce the rewarding effects of cocaine, potentially offering new hope for addiction treatment. The findings suggest that this medication could be effective in treating other stimulant addictions as well.
A study from Lund University found that dogs under 7 months are immune to contagious yawning, but as they age, they start to mimic human yawns, indicating a developmental increase in empathy. This pattern is similar to human development, suggesting that empathy-based social modulatory effects emerge later in life.
Researchers discovered that boosting a specific cell adhesion pathway with a common cellular chemical could improve muscle structure and function in zebrafish with muscular dystrophy. This finding holds promise for the development of new therapies for patients with congenital muscular dystrophies.
Researchers create a dynamic gel made of DNA that mechanically responds to stimuli in the same way cells do. The DNA gel's movement runs on ATP, allowing for faster and stronger mechanics than other smart gels based on synthetic polymers.
Biologists have recorded a significant increase in plastic litter on the seabed of the Arctic deep sea, with quantities doubling over the past decade. The main victims of this contamination are deep-sea inhabitants, which can suffer injuries, impaired breathing, and reduced reproduction due to contact with plastic.
Researchers found that parents consistently rate their children as less worried and more optimistic than the children themselves. The study suggests that parental positivity bias should be taken into account when evaluating children's emotional well-being.
The PLOS Biology editorial emphasizes the need for open access journals to ensure research reusability, beyond just accessibility. The scientific community can progress by sharing and building upon each other's work.
Patients with prior open heart surgery who experience a severe heart attack and receive a coronary stent have similar outcomes to those without previous CABG. The study found that reperfusion rates were higher in the prior-CABG group compared to previous studies.
A new study from The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that New Jersey's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) decal requirement lowers crash rates among intermediate teen drivers. The study showed a 9% decrease in police-reported crashes and an 8% decrease in multiple-vehicle crashes after the decal's implementation.
Researchers estimate that the ocean was even louder 200 years ago due to whales' vocalizations. New data suggest that human-generated noise in modern oceans is just a small increase compared to natural whale sounds.
Scientists at Max Planck Institute for Medical Research in Heidelberg have developed a method to prepare the whole mouse brain for
Researchers discovered that migratory birds carrying ticks can transmit Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic fever to new areas in southern Europe. The study found one bird species, the woodchat shrike, was a carrier of virus-infected ticks.
Researchers have discovered that lung mucus acts as a physical barrier to nanoparticles, preventing them from reaching target locations in the lungs. The study's findings offer new insights into how drugs can be delivered effectively to treat respiratory diseases.
Virginia Tech researchers developed a computer-based system to analyze social media posts for vehicle defects, a first large-scale case study confirming the value of social media in vehicle quality management. The system can sift through millions of unrelated posts to identify useful information on safety and performance issues.
Research suggests that perfect pitch is associated with a large memory span for speech sounds, facilitating early associations between pitches and spoken languages. Musically trained individuals from non-tonal languages can acquire absolute pitch, but it remains a rare talent.
PaR-PaR allows researchers to create complicated protocols for robots within an hour after minimal training. The language is based on computer science principles and enables sharing of robotic protocols across laboratories.
A team of researchers has found evidence for a dramatic rise in early oxygen levels around 2.3 billion years ago, followed by an equally impressive fall. This drop in oxygen may have ushered in low-oxygen concentrations that set the stage for the evolution of eukaryotic organisms and eventually animals.
Researchers found a direct relationship between telomere length and pancreatic cancer risk: shorter telomeres increase the likelihood of developing the disease. The study used data from over 1,500 individuals, including those with pancreatic cancer and healthy controls, to demonstrate this link.
The new journal will publish innovative research, interviews, roundtable discussions, and briefs on emerging space-based technologies and initiatives. It aims to facilitate collaborations among industry, academia, and government agencies, advancing knowledge and society through space exploration.
A new paper by a Michigan State University professor argues that medical organizations should consider the varying degrees of health risk within racial groups when making recommendations. He suggests adding phrases to dietary guidelines and screening recommendations to be more specific and socially responsible.
A significant solar flare occurred on Oct. 22, 2012, peaking at an X1.8-class intensity, impacting radio communications for about an hour. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association categorized the radio blackout as R3 on a scale from R1 to R5.
Researchers found that Avastin increases survival in around 10-15% of bowel cancer patients by targeting the growth-promoting VEGF165 protein. Patients with lower levels of VEGF165b benefited from the treatment, while those with higher levels saw no improvement.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that provider-initiated HIV testing does not negatively impact clients' consent practices, confidentiality, and referral to care. The research suggests that various modes of access can be scaled up without compromising individuals' rights.
The University of Houston's Graduate Design/Build Studio has received the Mayor's Proud Partner Award for its sustainable design and construction of a solar-powered outdoor classroom. The studio, part of UH's Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture, collaborated with local organizations to create the eco-friendly pavilion.
A new genus of ferns has been discovered, with 19 species named after pop star Lady Gaga. The 'Gaga' ferns were recognized for their unique characteristics, including fluid definitions of gender and a distinct DNA sequence spelling GAGA.
A team of neuroscientists proposes a new method to assemble the 'connectome' via genetic barcoding, which uses high-throughput DNA sequencing to probe neural connectivity at the resolution of single neurons. This approach promises to be much faster and cheaper than current methods.
Researchers at Duke University have observed the deformation of water droplets within polymers when exposed to high electric voltages. The droplets transform from a spherical shape to a tubular shape, leading to material failure and potential applications in tunable lenses for eyes.
Researchers from the Niels Bohr Institute have developed a statistical model that can replicate chaotic flows in two dimensions, providing a better understanding of turbulent behavior. This breakthrough enables more accurate weather forecasting by accounting for motion patterns in the atmosphere, which are largely two-dimensional.
Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center studied the relationship between sunlight exposure patterns and timing to understand its contribution to basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Blistering sunburns and working outdoors were found to be associated with both types of skin cancer.
A study published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B found that cooperative family interactions and differing parental feeding patterns are crucial to a family's success. Small to medium-sized broods did best when mothers provided most food, while larger broods thrived with fathers as main feeders.
Researchers have provided a mathematical formula to describe the processes that dictate how cauliflower-like patterns form and develop. The formula was derived from thin films grown using chemical vapour deposition, which successfully predicted the final cauliflower-like patterns by comparing them to actual plants.
Researchers at Kansas State University are using the new mass spectrometer to analyze plant responses to heat, cold, and other stresses. By studying Arabidopsis thaliana, a model plant species, they aim to improve crop plants' ability to withstand environmental stress.
A University of Houston geologist is leading an international team on a two-month, $10 million expedition to drill into the Pacific Ocean's lower crust. The voyage aims to distinguish between competing theories on magma intrusion, shedding light on volcanic seafloor spreading and oceanic processes.
The report highlights poor road safety, traffic congestion, and air pollution in Africa, with urban populations expanding at unprecedented rates. It makes recommendations for sustainable transport policies based on five central principles to maximize accessibility and equity.
A new report by the Harvey L. Neiman Health Policy Institute suggests that declining medical imaging use may be driving up hospital stays and medical costs in the US. This trend could have negative consequences on patient safety and access to care if not addressed through policy changes.
Astronomers discovered a quasar hidden behind a dusty galaxy, where no starlight is visible due to intense dust blocking. The James Webb Space Telescope will help detect the underlying stars, which were not seen by Hubble.
A new study by Tel Aviv University researchers reveals that individuals with a family history of schizophrenia are 12 times more likely to develop autism. The findings suggest a shared genetic root cause between the two conditions, shedding light on their genetics.
Researchers have developed self-powered sensors that can harness heat from nuclear reactors to transmit data, addressing a critical monitoring issue. The sensors use thermoacoustic technology, exploiting the interaction between heat and sound waves to operate without electronic power or moving parts.