A new course module, ECO mission, has won the Science Prize for Inquiry-Based Instruction for its effective teaching of biology. The course uses a combination of web-based learning environments and hands-on experimentation to improve students' understanding of real research.
Researchers pinpoint high conservation priority areas worldwide, revealing stark differences with existing protected zones. The study's findings highlight the need to reassess global knowledge of conservation resources to effectively protect vertebrate species.
Researchers analyzed emergency department records to assess aerial mosquito spraying's impact on human health. No increase was found in diagnoses associated with pesticide exposure, including respiratory and neurological conditions.
A recent study suggests that genetic risk assessments could predict which children with asthma are likely to grow out of the condition. The analysis of data from a 40-year longitudinal study revealed that higher-risk genetic variants linked to asthma were associated with a greater likelihood of developing life-long-persistent asthma.
A scientist is working to bolster the body's natural antioxidant system to interrupt a vicious cycle of inflammation and free radicals that cause vision loss in diabetes. The goal is to use a selenium supplement to improve the thioredoxin system, which helps neutralize excess free radicals.
Researchers have devised a new fiber optic technology that could ease Internet congestion and enable on-demand video streaming. The technology uses donut-shaped laser light beams called optical vortices to boost Internet bandwidth, promising terabit-per-second capacity transmission links.
Researchers at the Buck Institute manipulated a signaling pathway implicated in Barrett's esophagus, suggesting a change in stem cell function as the cause of this transformation. This discovery may lead to new targets for therapies and inform the development of more effective treatments for Barrett's esophagus.
Researchers have identified unique patterns of chemical marks on histones that distinguish quiescent from active stem cells in muscles of young mice. These findings suggest that stem cells may be more versatile than previously thought, with the potential to become different types of tissue entirely.
A new technique uses cough sound analysis to diagnose pneumonia in children, with over 90% sensitivity and a low false positive rate. This method has the potential to revolutionize childhood pneumonia diagnosis in resource-poor regions.
Researchers at Northwestern University developed a computational framework to control large complex networks by identifying small perturbations that can rescue or reprogram them. The approach has been successfully applied to mitigate cascading failures in power-grid networks and identify potential drug targets in human cancer.
Researchers from McGill University have developed a method to use iron nanoparticles as catalysts in water-ethanol mixtures, overcoming the limitation of rusting in the presence of oxygen or water. This innovation enables the possibility of replacing platinum-series metals for hydrogenation under industrial conditions.
Higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids from fish and flax are linked to lower risk of hip fractures in postmenopausal women, according to a recent study. The study found that higher omega-6 to omega-3 ratio increased the risk for hip fracture.
Scientists describe three new species of foetid fungi from New Zealand, known for their strong and unpleasant odor. The new species belong to the genus Gymnopus and can be recognized by their rotting cabbage-like smell and distinctive waxy layer.
A new species of spoon worm, Arhynchite hayaoi, has been discovered in Japan with a distinctive elongated and spoon-like projection. The species was previously abundant but is now in decline, leading to its economic importance as a fish bait declining.
A study by researchers at Arizona State University found that global warming may affect the survival of key microbe species in topsoil crusts. The team discovered that two cyanobacteria, Microcoleus vaginatus and Microcoleus steenstrupii, have split their territory between themselves due to temperature differences.
Researchers at MIT found that blocking activity in the infralimbic cortex prevents rats from learning to run a maze on autopilot. The study suggests a new approach to treating disorders of repetitive behavior by targeting this brain region.
Researchers found that lower fitness levels in middle-aged South Asian men contribute to higher blood sugar levels and increased diabetes risk. To mitigate this, physical activity guidelines may need to be adjusted to account for ethnicity.
Scientists used a combination of biochemistry and mass spectrometry to reveal how protein degradation is critical to cell cycle progression and bacterial development. They identified over 100 new candidate substrates of the protease ClpXP, including proteins involved in DNA replication, transcription, and cytoskeletal changes.
Researchers have developed a new method to visualize material defects in thin-film solar cells using laser light, enabling the direct mapping of defect distributions. This breakthrough could lead to improved material quality and more efficient energy production by reducing temporary traps for charge carriers.
Researchers at Kansas State University have identified a key component of plants' immune system that recognizes and fights the invasive Ug99 stem rust pathogen. The discovery of the Sr35 gene provides hope for developing new wheat varieties to protect global food crops against this devastating disease.
Researchers created educational materials to empower Spanish patients to make health care decisions, addressing language barriers and cultural ideas that hinder participation. The study aims to improve knowledge and participation for Hispanic patients in clinical trials.
Researchers at MIT have developed an electrochemical system for capturing carbon dioxide from power plant emissions that can operate without a steam connection. This 'plug-and-play' solution could potentially capture 90% of CO2 from plant emissions while consuming only 25% of the plant's power output.
Research by Evan MacLean and colleagues found that lemur group sizes positively correlate with performance on tests of social cognition. In contrast, nonsocial cognitive skills were not affected by group size. The study suggests that the evolution of complex social intelligence may be linked to larger social networks.
Researchers found that participants adjusted their grasp location to avoid uncomfortable postures when working in collaboration. The study suggests an implicit social awareness that supports collaboration across individuals, enabling extended planning to achieve comfortable outcomes.
Researchers found a suite of changes in human shoulders and arms allowed efficient hunting by throwing projectiles, paving the way for later adaptations like increased brain size and migration out of Africa. The study suggests that humans' ability to throw played a key role in becoming part-time carnivores.
A new study finds that industrial extraction in Wolf Lake Forest Reserve would significantly threaten biodiversity, making it a 'scientifically irreplaceable system'. The reserve's unique characteristics allow for climate change studies and inform future restoration practices.
Researchers found gliomas produce quinolinic acid, a metabolite of tryptophan, to generate NAD+, evading cell death. A new enzyme, QRPT, enables this process, potentially leading to therapy resistance.
A 20-month community intervention program, Shape Up Somerville, showed a modest but significant reduction in weight gain among children, with fewer obese and overweight kids compared to control communities. The program's success highlights the effectiveness of holistic, community-based approaches in addressing childhood obesity.
Researchers at the University of California, Davis have made a groundbreaking discovery on how visual attention affects brain activity. By measuring signaling through single nerve connections in monkeys, they found that attention increases efficiency and boosts signal strength.
A study by Wayne State University researcher James A. Rowley found that African-American men are more likely to experience severe sleep apnea, especially in younger age groups. The study controlled for body mass index and other factors, revealing a racial disparity in sleep apnea severity.
A recent UCLA-led study highlights the crucial role nurse practitioners play in treating chronic geriatric conditions. Nurse practitioners were found to improve the satisfaction of quality indicators for patients with falls, urinary incontinence, dementia, and depression when co-managed with primary care physicians.
A recent study by the University of Gothenburg reveals that sailors are most commonly injured on land, primarily due to overstrain, especially during physical training. The study also found a higher incidence of injuries among younger sailors, with those on the national team experiencing more knee injuries.
Dr. Hollier highlighted the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of MODS, a leading cause of death in surgical intensive care units. He emphasized the need for research to find definitive answers and urged young students to consider this area of study.
Researchers at UC Irvine are working on two groundbreaking projects to treat Type 1 diabetes: islet cell transplantation using ultrapure algae membranes and the development of an accurate insulin sensor for real-time blood sugar monitoring. These innovations aim to improve treatment options and potentially cure the disease.
Researchers found that sleep deprivation triggers excessive anticipatory anxiety by activating the amygdala and insular cortex. Innate worriers are more vulnerable to this impact, suggesting that sleep therapy could be a potential treatment for anxiety disorders.
Scientists have discovered that large-scale upwelling in the Earth's mantle is mostly concentrated beneath Africa and the Central Pacific, with these locations remaining remarkably stable over geological time. This discovery provides a framework for understanding how mantle dynamics are linked to surface geology.
The West Fork Complex fire in southwestern Colorado reached heights of up to 13.5 kilometers, while smoke plumes were detected in European airspace. The fire was part of a larger complex involving three separate fires, burning over 75,000 acres before being fully contained.
The Air Force has announced 29 university researchers at 26 institutions will receive awards totaling $12.7 million for research instrumentation. These awards support the purchase of state-of-the-art equipment for cutting-edge defense research.
A study found that patients from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are less likely to receive opioid pain medications, regardless of racial or ethnic background. The results highlight the need for increased awareness and consistent treatment practices to address these disparities.
Researchers found that work provides emotional support and extra financial resources for women with HIV, enabling them to better self-manage daily tasks. The study also highlights the importance of job training programs and microenterprises in improving the lives of these women.
Common loons settle on territories very similar to their natal territories, not the best habitat for reproductive success. This finding challenges the ideal free model of habitat selection and suggests that loons may prioritize survival over breeding in familiar habitats.
Autism Speaks has committed nearly $199 million to research projects aiming to advance understanding of autism causes, prevention, treatment, and cure. The organization supports six translational postdoctoral fellowships focusing on brain studies, sleep patterns, and social cues in individuals with autism.
A lightweight, compact, and low-cost X-ray system has been developed by Los Alamos National Laboratory and Tribogenics. The MiniMAX camera-based system provides real-time inspection of sealed containers and facilities, enabling new applications in security inspection, field medicine, specimen radiography, and industrial inspection.
Researchers from University College London and the University of Gdansk found new laws governing microscopic systems, leading to fundamental limitations on extracting energy. Microscopic heat engines cannot be as efficient as their larger counterparts, with irreversibility playing a key role.
Adults with a disability are more likely to be obese or extremely obese than those without a disability, according to a recent study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. The study found nearly 42% of American adults with a disability were reported as obese.
A study found that policies with higher premiums for overweight individuals are perceived as stigmatizing, while 'carrot' plans with premium reductions for healthy-weight people are seen as more effective. Participants also evaluated plans on moral grounds, deciding that punishing someone for being overweight was wrong regardless of po...
A 700,000 year old horse's genome has been sequenced, revealing major genomic changes over the last 700,000 years of evolution. The study provides unprecedented details on the genetic makeup of modern horses and sheds light on the origin of Przewalski's Horse population.
Researchers have identified two genomic variations on chromosome 21 that are associated with the risk of congenital heart disease in people with Down syndrome. The study highlights the complex genetic architecture underlying this common symptom, which is also linked to an increased risk of chronic myeloid leukemia.
The University of Houston has received a $675,000 grant to investigate the effectiveness of transdiagnostic cognitive behavior therapy for smoking cessation among individuals with anxiety disorders. The study aims to reduce tobacco use and develop an effective smoking cessation treatment that targets people with anxiety disorders.
A University of Michigan-led study found that influenza infection significantly increases the likelihood of developing pneumococcal pneumonia, with a risk increase of up to 100-fold. The study suggests that vaccination against both flu and pneumococcal disease is crucial in reducing bacterial pneumonia incidence.
Researchers will study pediatric sarcomas, a rare and aggressive form of cancer affecting 11% of all childhood cancers, with the goal of developing new therapies. The project aims to improve outcomes for children with advanced or metastatic disease, who have limited success with current treatments.
Researchers found that people who believe stress affects their health have double the risk of a heart attack. After adjusting for factors, they still had a 50% greater risk compared to those who didn't perceive stress as affecting their health.
A scientist uses genetic analysis and 3D printing to create facial sculptures of anonymous strangers from their DNA collected from public places. The project raises questions about the limits of personal privacy in the digital age.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new approach to improve solar cells by creating the thinnest and most lightweight panels possible. These panels, made from stacked sheets of one-molecule-thick materials such as graphene or molybdenum disulfide, could produce up to 1,000 times more power per pound than conventional photovoltaics.
Diabetes-related mortality in UK and Canada has declined significantly since the mid-1990s, with a narrowing of the gap in mortality risk between those with and without diabetes. The excess risk of mortality for diabetic patients decreased over time, with notable reductions in all age groups.
Researchers found that people with traumatic brain injury were 30% more likely to develop a stroke than those with trauma with no brain injury. The study looked at records of adults in California who suffered a traumatic brain injury or other trauma without brain injury over five years.
Researchers found tigers in central Sumatra live at lower than expected densities due to high levels of human activity. The study suggests that legal protection and intensive management can reduce human disturbance and facilitate tiger recovery.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that reported plant genetic material entering human blood may be a false positive, contradicting previous research from Nanjing University. The team used advanced techniques to detect microRNAs in macaques' blood and found highly variable results.
Researchers at RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology successfully cloned mice using a drop of peripheral blood from its tail. This method uses white blood cells, which allow for repeated sampling with minimal risk to the donor mouse. While not surpassing the success rate of cumulus cells, this technique demonstrates a promising altern...
Researchers at the University of East Anglia made a major advancement in understanding tissue development, finding that protein EB2 is a key regulator of tube-like structures inside cells. This discovery has important implications for cancers such as gut, breast and pancreatic cancer.