The Springs Fire has reached the beach in Ventura County and is pushing toward the upscale city of Malibu due to howling Santa Ana winds and dry vegetation. As of early Friday morning, the fire had grown to 10,000 acres and was 10% contained, with over 2,000 homes under threat.
Astronomers may witness the birth of a black hole for the first time using a new analysis that predicts a distinct burst of light just before the black hole forms. The study suggests that this signature light burst could be detectable in nearby galaxies and provide valuable insights into black-hole formation.
A new species of small theropod dinosaur has been identified in northwestern China, with fossil remains estimated to be less than a year old. The discovery, made by a team led by George Washington University biologist James Clark, provides insights into the early evolution of meat-eating dinosaurs.
A study maps H7N9 risk in eastern China by analyzing bird migration patterns and poultry distribution. The model predicts future infection risks across central and western China, aiding surveillance and control of H7N9 infections.
A Cornell University study reveals that nearly a third of Facebook users deactivate their accounts, and one in 10 completely quit the platform. Participants cited reasons such as concerns about privacy, productivity issues, and shallow social interactions as motivations for leaving.
A mid-level solar flare with an M5.7-class rating was detected by NASA on May 3, 2013, affecting GPS and communication signals. The flare caused a temporary disruption to radio signals before subsiding.
Researchers have discovered a light-independent source of superoxide in the depths of oceans and dark environments. Bacteria common in these areas produce superoxide, which has both toxic and beneficial effects on the environment.
Researchers will explore sustainable business models for digital games with scientific goals, developing new algorithms to analyze player behaviors. The £1.2 million project brings UK game industry closer to scientists, teachers, and healthcare workers to drive innovation.
Researchers found that children with conduct problems show reduced brain activity in response to others' pain, potentially indicating early vulnerability to psychopathy. The study suggests tailoring interventions to individual profiles of atypical processing may help prevent future antisocial behavior.
Universal access to modern energy could be achieved with an estimated investment of $65-86 billion per year up until 2030. The proposed investments equate to just 3-4% of current global energy system investments. Improved access to clean-cooking fuels and stoves could avert between 0.6 and 1.8 million premature deaths in 2030.
Researchers detected lead, cadmium, chromium, aluminum, and five other metals in commonly used lip products, with some exceeding safe daily intake limits. The study highlights the need for greater oversight by health regulators to ensure cosmetic products meet safety standards.
A recent Lund University study analyzed antidepressant ads in the Swedish Medical Journal between 1994 and 2003, finding that 34% were deemed misleading by industry self-regulation. The review process was criticized for being ineffective, with only 0.009% of sales revenue fined for unethical marketing.
A new semiconductor device has been created that can emit two distinct colors, opening up the possibility of using LEDs universally for cheap and efficient lighting. The device is more energy efficient than traditional LEDs as it emits light in a narrower spectral line.
Hundreds of deliberate fires were detected in West Africa by NASA's MODIS satellite on May 01, 2013. The fires were likely set to manage land for farming and crop rotation, but also produce smoke degrading air quality during the region's agricultural burning season.
A team of researchers developed a 3D simulation to study the evolution of complex organs, revealing that not all aspects of form are fine-tuned by evolution. The study highlights the complexity of genetic interactions and how natural selection influences body form.
A Harvard University study found that 95% of people believe the Earth's seasons are caused by its distance from the sun. However, scientists know it's due to the axis tilt and resulting sunlight duration. The study showed that better teachers who predicted students' wrong answers helped them learn more.
A new tool, the DCIS Score, complements traditional factors to predict IBE risk in women with DCIS treated without radiation. The score helps guide personalized treatment decisions.
Researchers explore ancient iron oceans, Antarctic climate feedbacks and evidence of catastrophic spillover from Mars. High-resolution imagery reveals standing bodies of water in eastern Valles Marineris region of Mars.
Researchers found that amniotic fluid stem cells can communicate with mature heart cells through channels in the membrane, forming functional gap junction connections. However, these cells do not differentiate into cardiac tissue under these conditions.
The MetLife Foundation Journalists in Aging Fellows Program will continue its fourth year, supporting journalists in covering aging issues. The program provides valuable insight into the complex challenges facing seniors, particularly those from under-served ethnic communities.
Researchers found that participants who customized their avatars with a backpack overestimated the height and difficulty of virtual hills, while those without a backpack had more accurate perceptions. The study suggests that designing realistic avatars can improve the immersion and effectiveness of virtual reality exercises.
A study published by the American Heart Association found that increased heart disease risk factors can negatively impact cognitive function in young adults. The study revealed a significant association between smoking, diabetes, and poor cognitive scores, with heavy smokers experiencing a lower cognitive function than non-smokers.
The Autism BrainNet network will acquire, process, store, and distribute brain tissue resources to accelerate understanding of the biological basis of autism. The network aims to broaden the reach of existing brain donation programs, expanding access to research for scientists and families affected by autism.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine have identified a novel method to disrupt a common cancer pathway, suggesting a new treatment for breast, colon, melanoma and other cancers. The breakthrough was achieved by targeting a mutation in the PIK3CA gene.
This study explores the global nature of figs' association with humans, revealing their importance as a food source, animal fodder, and traditional medicine. Fig trees provide barkcloth, handicrafts, and other materials, emphasizing the consistent similarities in human values.
A new portable and real-time airborne asbestos detector has been developed using a laser-based light scattering technique. The device can identify asbestos fibers on-site, reducing the risk of lung cancers such as mesothelioma.
A Georgia Tech study found that users who share informational content, are happy and avoid negative posts attract more followers. The study also discovered that certain network structures have a predictable effect on follower growth.
Researchers found a surprising relationship between the oxidation state of iron in volcanic rocks and variations in the deep Earth's chemistry. The study revealed that lavas with lower iron concentrations are enriched in elements like barium and lanthanum, suggesting a role for carbon in the deep Earth.
Researchers at Harvard University have successfully demonstrated the first controlled flight of a robotic insect, weighing less than a tenth of a gram, which achieves vertical takeoff, hovering, and steering. The achievement marks the culmination of over a decade's work in micromanufacturing and control systems.
Researchers used Botox to discover a novel role for SNARE molecules in nerve cell signaling, linking fusion and retrieval processes. The findings have broad implications for understanding neuronal communication and diseases, including epilepsy and schizophrenia.
Researchers at the University of Granada have developed a self-compacting concrete using ash from olive pruning residue pellets, reducing time and costs. The new concrete has a higher compression strength than conventional concrete without requiring additional filler materials.
A team of researchers has developed a new synthetic polymer supplement that mimics natural synovial fluid, providing superior lubrication and reducing wear on cartilage surfaces. The biopolymer remains in the joint for more than two weeks, unlike current treatments which last only one or two days.
A gene expression test measures 58 genes in oestrogen receptor-positive breast cancers to differentiate between patients with high and low risk of late recurrence. The test provided significant prognostic information for late distant-relapse-free survival, with better individual risk prediction for women.
Jeffrey Morgan, UH math department chair and 10th professor to receive the prestigious title, is recognized for his superior college-level teaching and community outreach. He has inspired numerous students to pursue math majors and developed free resources for teachers and students.
Patients with increasing accumulations of coronary artery calcium were six times more likely to suffer a heart attack or die from heart disease. More frequent monitoring of patients with coronary artery calcium buildups could help determine the risk and give them time to make changes.
Researchers from the University of Manchester have found that babies born with abnormal fetal growth are at a higher risk of developing Autism Spectrum Disorder. The study analyzed data from over 40,000 child health records in Sweden and found that larger or smaller babies were more susceptible to autism.
Researchers use modern sequencing technology to characterize genetic aberrations in advanced postmenopausal breast cancer patients. The study found that tumours with similar clinical profiles can have distinct genetic characteristics, suggesting the need for tailored treatment strategies.
A team of researchers at the University of Minnesota has discovered that a single gene, Mesp1, can be used to create different cell types, including heart, blood, and muscle cells, from stem cells.
A genome-wide association study reveals that a DNA sequence variation on chromosome 15 can predict weight loss after gastric bypass surgery. Individuals with this variant tend to lose more weight than those without it. The findings may lead to new approaches for developing therapies for obesity and related metabolic disorders.
Researchers used virtual reality to study how brain cells create maps of the world, revealing that environmental cues such as smell and sound play a major role in activating these cells. The findings provide new insights into how the brain learns and makes memories.
Controlled fires in southern Australia are being used to clear dry underbrush and debris, reducing the risk of devastating bushfires. NASA's satellite imagery shows a mix of planned and spontaneous fires, with most currently under control.
Active transporters in cells, which facilitate nutrient entry, have been found to be leaky and allow water to pass through. This discovery suggests a universal behavior among all active membrane transporters, with large structural changes causing leaks during movement of substrates.
Scientists at the University of Edinburgh made a fundamental discovery about how embryonic stem cells renew and increase in number. Reducing the levels of protein Oct 4 enables pluripotent stem cells to self-renew more efficiently.
A new study found that weight loss surgery is safe and effective in a broader group of patients, including those with moderate obesity. The procedure helped reduce excess body weight and improve associated health conditions such as high cholesterol, hypertension, and diabetes.
A new study from Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center shows that regular exercise does not worsen the pain associated with fibromyalgia and may even improve symptoms. The study found that participants who engaged in moderate-intensity exercise for at least 12 weeks showed greater improvements in clinical symptoms.
Phyllis Guze, M.D., associate vice chancellor at UCR Medical School, has been awarded the Dema C. Daley Founder's award by APDIM for her career dedication to exemplary teaching and innovative educational program management. She also received the Mastership designation from ACP, recognizing her contributions to medicine and medical educ...
Renowned geneticist Susan Wessler has been elected a member of the American Philosophical Society (APS), a prestigious organization established in 1743. The election recognizes her extraordinary contributions to plant genetics and her commitment to scientific engagement and knowledge promotion.
Tobacco deaths can be reduced in the USA with new regulations and public health efforts. In Asia, controlling the tobacco epidemic is crucial to prevent devastating loss of life and illness. European countries face challenges in implementing effective tobacco control measures, highlighting opportunities for improvement.
Researchers at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, have discovered two different kinds of brown fat cells in humans, which can burn energy and turn it into heat. The discovery offers new possibilities for developing methods to stimulate the brown fat tissue and prevent obesity.
Cyclone Zane is a disorganized storm with strongest rain northwest of the center. NASA's TRMM satellite measured light to moderate rainfall within the storm, with an area northwest of the center showing a high rainfall rate of around 2 inches/50 mm per hour.
Researchers have developed a method to convert skin cells into neural progenitor cells without passing through the pluripotent stem cell stage. This breakthrough allows for the production of specific types of neural cells, enabling rapid drug screening and modeling of neurological diseases such as ALS and spinal muscular atrophy.
Researchers at RIKEN have developed a new molecular imaging technology that visualizes both bio-metals and molecules simultaneously in a live mouse. This breakthrough technology is expected to provide insights into the complex interactions between metal elements and associated bio-molecules in diseases such as diabetes and cancer.
Scientists at UCSF have developed a new gene sequencing technique that can identify the Lone Star virus in less than 24 hours, significantly faster than conventional methods. The ultra-rapid deep sequencing approach has the potential to democratize viral surveillance and could help prevent outbreaks.
Scientists have created a model cell system that allows them to investigate normal brain development and identify specific disruptions in biological signals contributing to neurodevelopmental disorders. The new model uses human embryonic stem cells to produce cortical interneurons, which control electrical firing in brain circuits.
A recent study has revealed the magnitude of variation in gene expression measurements within breast cancers. Combining samples from multiple biopsies from a single tumour can effectively overcome this variation for selected genes, allowing for more precise treatment tailoring and reliable predictions related to disease progression.
A new analysis compared five different scores to predict late recurrence in estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer patients. The Clinical Treatment Score was found to be the best predictor of late recurrence, while the PAM50 Risk of Recurrence and Breast Cancer Index scores added significant prognostic value.
A fast-moving brush fire broke out in Riverside County, forcing the evacuation of several communities and destroying one home. Over 400 firefighters have been working to contain the nearly 3,000-acre Summit Fire.
A new study has identified a genetic risk factor for persistent pain after traumatic events, such as motor vehicle collisions and sexual assaults. The research found that variation in the gene encoding for the protein FKBP5 is associated with a higher risk of moderate to severe neck pain six weeks after a motor vehicle collision.
Hot water recirculating systems touted as environmentally friendly actually use more energy and water than traditional systems, according to Virginia Tech researchers. The study found that these systems can require up to double the energy of conventional systems, increasing consumer bills.
A study found altered noncoding long chain RNA sequences in Rett Syndrome, which regulates gene expression and neurotransmitter function. The research could lead to new therapeutic strategies targeting lncRNA molecules or GABA receptors.