Researchers used surveillance data to identify coastal areas in China and the Nile Delta in Egypt as high-risk zones for future flu outbreaks. These regions could be targeted for increased monitoring and vaccination efforts to prevent a pandemic.
Researchers from Cardiff University and La Jolla Institute have identified a previously unknown cellular mechanism that could prove critical in creating a CMV vaccine. This discovery sheds light on the virus's stealthy nature and its ability to evade immune detection.
A new test developed by researchers can better understand how the human brain decodes letter sequences and distinguish words with jumbled letters. The study aims to provide solutions for helping people with dyslexia or other reading difficulties, potentially leading to new approaches in overcoming reading problems.
Geoengineering researchers propose a new framework to guide governance of climate-altering technologies. The UCLA and Harvard experts suggest allowing low-risk research to proceed while addressing public concerns and ending the current legal void that facilitates rogue projects.
A Swedish national registry study found that HPV vaccination before age 14 significantly reduced the incidence of genital warts in girls. The study also revealed socioeconomic disparities in vaccination rates, with higher educated parents more likely to vaccinate their daughters.
A new study at Henry Ford Hospital finds that catheter-based treatments are more cost-effective than traditional vein-stripping surgery. The treatment uses heat energy to seal diseased veins, restoring normal blood flow with minimal scarring and no hospitalization required.
Scientists have developed a new heat-storing material by encapsulating paraffin wax in silicon dioxide spheres, which shows high thermal stability and large surface area. The microencapsulated paraffin demonstrates improved safety and efficiency compared to existing phase-change materials.
Researchers have identified a carbohydrate modification on leukaemic cells that can be targeted to eradicate cancer. The study, published in Journal of Experimental Medicine, offers hope for new treatment options against drug-resistant forms of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
Research shows PCOS affects both insulin and non-insulin approaches to glucose control, with declines in non-insulin activity seen in women with high insulin resistance. The study found visceral fat predicted difficulty controlling glucose via insulin, while subcutaneous fat was linked to regulation by non-insulin means.
A national study of chicken pox admissions found a 68% drop in hospitalizations since the introduction of the vaccine in 2006. The results show that unvaccinated children were more likely to require intensive care treatment, highlighting the importance of herd immunity.
Researchers found that one-sided cellphone conversations are more distracting and memorable for bystanders than chats between two people. Participants rated cell phone conversations as more distracting and recalled more words from them.
Researchers found that bottlenose dolphin leaders are more likely to lead relatives, suggesting individual choices play a role in leader selection. This study provides insights into complex social dynamics of bottlenose dolphins.
Research suggests that combining numeric calorie labels with symbolic labels, such as traffic lights, is a more effective way to influence patrons to select healthier options. The study found that the combination label reduced total calories ordered by about 69 calories on average, while numeric labels alone had less impact.
A team of astronomers has discovered two ancient, highly active galaxies in the early Universe, formed soon after the Big Bang. These galaxies are characterized by an unusually high rate of star formation and will help improve our understanding of star formation in the early Universe.
A recent study has identified 10 statistically significant factors that distinguish wrongful convictions from 'near misses' in the US. These factors include state death penalty culture/state punitiveness, prosecution withheld evidence, and forensic evidence errors.
A new study suggests that our experiences of space and time have more in common than previously thought, with people perceiving the future as closer to the present. The researchers found that a temporal Doppler effect occurs when movement through space is toward the future, making it feel closer to the present.
Researchers found that whale baleen traps food particles at natural swimming speeds by tangling in flowing water. The flexible material, composed of keratin, forms plates with internal fibrous cores and bristly fringes that trap particles as whales skim or lunge through the ocean.
Researchers from the University of Montreal studied how hypergravity and microgravity affect plant reproduction, brain diseases, and cancer. They found that changes in gravity impact cellular traffic flow and construction of the cellular envelope, leading to compromised cell functioning and potential implications for human health.
Researchers at UC San Diego used a newly discovered function of an old drug to restore cell communications in a mouse model of autism, reversing symptoms. The findings suggest that correcting abnormalities in a mouse is a long way from a cure for humans but offer encouragement to test this approach in a small clinical trial.
A new study found that one out of four colonoscopies paid for by Medicare is potentially inappropriate, based on current screening guidelines. The researchers suggest that older adults are less likely to benefit from early detection due to the slow progression of colon cancer.
Heavy rains in the Midwest have increased significantly over the past 60 years, according to a study published by the University of Iowa. The research suggests that rising surface temperatures are contributing to this trend, as warmer air can absorb more water vapor, leading to an increase in precipitation.
A new DNA-based technique allows early identification of Geomyces destructans, a fungus causing White Nose Syndrome (WNS), in bats, soils, and cave walls. The test is 100-times more sensitive than previous ones, detecting single spores of the fungus.
Research found that playing action games improved capacity to track multiple objects, while hidden object and match three objects players showed improvement in visual search tasks. Video games improve specific skills, not overall mental abilities.
Researchers at UC Davis found that goats' milk carrying higher levels of the antimicrobial protein lysozyme successfully treated diarrhea caused by bacterial infection in young pigs. The study suggests that such milk may eventually help prevent human diarrheal diseases, which claim millions of lives annually.
Astronomers use ALMA to observe distant starburst galaxies, detecting water in one for the first time. The team finds that these galaxies formed stars at a furious pace 12 billion years ago, earlier than previously thought.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry has found that autism spectrum disorders affect brain activity differently in children and adults. The research suggests that brain changes associated with autism continue to develop into adulthood, highlighting the need for targeted treatments.
Astronomers using ALMA telescope discover starburst galaxies earlier than thought, representing massive galaxies in energetic youth. These galaxies are forming 1,000 stars per year, compared to just 1 for the Milky Way, making them 'monstrous bursts of star formation'.
A UCLA-led study found that clot-removal devices do not improve recovery from clot-caused strokes. However, a new generation of devices shows better results and may offer improved outcomes.
Scientists found that using a handsfree kit or sending text messages while driving has the same effect on reaction capacity as consuming alcohol above the legal limit. The study, conducted in Australia and Spain, used a simulation test involving 12 healthy volunteers who drove at speeds of 60-80 km/h.
A naturally occurring protein called lubricin appears to protect against osteoarthritis, a common condition affecting over 70% of the population between 55-77 years old. Researchers found that mice with higher levels of lubricin did not develop traumatic or injury-induced osteoarthritis.
A new study by UCSF researchers reveals that T cells gather together and share information, helping to mount a coordinated response to invading pathogens. The discovery sheds light on the mechanism behind vaccine effectiveness, which relies on T-cell aggregation to form long-term memory.
A new study from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that vitamin D supplementation can help reduce systolic blood pressure in African-American adults. The study showed modest but significant gains, suggesting that widespread use of vitamin D supplementation could have substantial public health benefits for this demographic.
A global study by University of Missouri researchers found that girls outperform boys in reading, while boys excel in math. The differences persist even in countries with high gender equality, suggesting a possible biological basis for the gaps.
A team of researchers from La Jolla Institute and Cardiff University has identified a novel cellular mechanism that could aid in creating a CMV vaccine. The study found that a specific CMV protein blocks the ability of immune pathways to kill infected cells, providing an important piece of the CMV puzzle.
Astronomers use ALMA to observe distant galaxies that churned out tens of thousands of stars each year at dawn of the universe. The study finds that these galaxies are more abundant than thought and host intense bursts of star formation.
Researchers have successfully replicated Feynman's famous double-slit thought-experiment using a gold-coated silicon membrane and a moveable mask. This achievement demonstrates the mysterious properties of electrons, including their ability to produce an interference pattern when fired at the wall one at a time.
Researchers have mapped tapeworm genomes to identify potential drug targets using existing drugs, which could lead to faster and more effective treatments. The discovery has significant implications for the development of urgently needed therapies for these devastating diseases.
Danfeng Yao received a $450,000 grant from the Office of Naval Research (ONR) to develop quantitative anomaly detection methods for Department of Defense systems. The project aims to detect anomalies in computer programs, systems, and networks, enabling early detection and prevention of cyber attacks.
A new project called Wordovators will study how people create, learn and use new words through mathematical modeling and large-scale computer games. Players from around the world will be recruited to perform tasks and challenges in invented languages.
Researchers have found that blocking the immune response can enhance viral therapy against solid tumors, leading to a 90% cure rate in mouse models. The study suggests combining oncolytic viruses with anti-VEGF therapies could be an effective treatment strategy for certain types of cancer.
A study will determine if a two-question screener accurately identifies underage drinking issues among children and teenagers. The researchers aim to assess the screener's effectiveness across different factors such as ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and family structure.
A new human monoclonal antibody, ESK1, has been developed to target proteins associated with many types of cancer, including leukemia and breast cancer. The antibody recognizes a protein called WT1, which is overexpressed in these cancers, and can kill cancer cells in preclinical research.
Scientists have found a way to flip the spin polarization of electrons emitted from topological insulators by controlling the polarization of the incident light. This discovery opens up new possibilities for studying and manipulating electronic states in these materials.
Twenty-four states and the District of Columbia have selected a benchmark plan to meet the Affordable Care Act's essential health benefit requirement. Most selected the largest small-group plan, which will serve as the basis for individual and small-group market plans.
A new teaching resource, Primer in the March 2013 journal GENETICS, pairs undergraduate teaching concepts with current research on speciation and sequencing in crickets. The Primer provides a concise overview of necessary genetics concepts and guidance for instructors to use primary literature in the classroom.
A Swedish study found that females with university-educated parents were 15 times more likely to receive an HPV vaccine before age 20. The researchers also noted a decrease in genital warts incidence among unvaccinated women over 20 years old, suggesting a self-selection bias where high-risk women preferentially sought vaccination.
French anthropologist Bruno Latour wins the 2013 Holberg International Memorial Prize for his ambitious analysis of modernity. Norwegian economist Ingvild Almås is awarded the Nils Klim Prize for her innovative methods to measure income inequalities.
A structured weight management program improved weight loss outcomes for overweight and obese children in low-income households. The study found that 53% of participants met or exceeded the Expert Committee Recommendations Regarding the Prevention, Assessment, and Treatment of Childhood and Adolescent Overweight and Obesity.
Researchers propose coverage with evidence development (CED) and parallel review policies to accelerate access to molecular diagnostics, which aid in disease prediction, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. These policies aim to streamline regulatory processes and provide benefits for developers.
Researchers at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research have made a groundbreaking discovery about a protein called Matrimony (Mtrm), which traps and inactivates the powerful Polo kinase. This finding has significant implications for cancer treatment, as Polo kinase is widely considered to be misregulated in many types of cancer.
Researchers at the University of New Mexico Cancer Center have identified a first-in-class chemical compound, CID2950007, that inhibits Cdc42 GTPase activity, controlling cell migration and adhesion. This novel compound shows promise in preventing cancer metastasis and may also be effective against infectious diseases.
Research by University of Pennsylvania doctoral candidate Jessica Ho reveals that excess mortality among Americans younger than 50 accounts for much of the US life-expectancy shortfall. Noncommunicable diseases, such as pregnancy complications and drug overdoses, are key factors contributing to this gap.
New research shows that 36% of UK-trained doctors attend medical school in their hometown, while 34% settle in the same region for their first career post. This trend may be linked to increasing emphasis on 'work-life balance' and shorter training periods.
A 505-million-year-old fossil, Spartobranchus tenuis, provides a crucial missing link in the evolutionary history of hemichordates. The finding pushes back the fossil record of enteropneusts by 200 million years.
Research team at UNIST developed high-performance NW-OPTs, showing enhanced charge-carrier mobility and higher external quantum efficiencies compared to thin-film OPTs. This breakthrough enables bottom-up fabrication of optoelectronic nanodevices with high operational stability and easy control of photoswitching voltages.
A new Ohio University study found that dwelling on stressful events increases levels of inflammation in the body, which can lead to chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer. The study recruited 34 healthy young women who were asked to give a speech about their candidacy for a job while others thought about neutral images.
An international team led by UCSC biologist Barry Sinervo is investigating how climate change affects plant communities and animal populations globally. The study will evaluate the effects of changing temperatures on local populations of lizards, frogs, fish, and other vertebrates.
Researchers at NIST have successfully demonstrated the use of a mechanical micro-drum as a quantum memory, storing and retrieving information with 65% efficiency. This innovation exploits a mechanical form of quantum physics and has potential applications in quantum computing and precise force sensing.
A clinical trial in Africa found that administering fluid to treat shock in children increases the risk of cardiovascular collapse and death at 48 hours. The study challenges the common practice of early fluid resuscitation, which was previously thought to improve survival rates.
Researchers found that carnivores, including lions and hyenas, can share space with humans without major conflicts. The Maasai people's unique approach to managing their environment allows for coexistence between humans, livestock, and carnivores.