Researchers found significant differences in DNA chemical modifications on genes related to kidney fibrosis, suggesting an early role in development. The study provides new insights into the molecular roots of chronic kidney disease and potential targets for new drugs.
Comet ISON, a time capsule from the solar system's formation, will be observed by NASA's solar observing fleet as it approaches the sun. The comet's journey will provide valuable insights into the solar wind and atmosphere.
A new species of carnivorous dinosaur, Siats meekerorum, was the apex predator of its time, competing with small-bodied tyrannosaurs for top roles. The giant carcharodontosaur lived alongside tyrannosaurs and filled a gap in the fossil record during the Late Cretaceous period.
Cyclone Helen made landfall in eastern India on November 22, with moderate rainfall expected from its northwestern edge. The storm is forecast to continue moving westward and dissipate over land within the next day or two.
A new study published by the CDC found that nearly half of US children diagnosed with ADHD received a diagnosis by age 6. The study also reported significant increases in medication use for ADHD among US children, with over 3.5 million taking medication by 2011-12.
Researchers at UC San Diego discovered how flu viruses exploit a mucus-rich barrier to infect cells, and found that blocking neuraminidase activity could prevent infection. This finding could lead to new drugs or therapies that more effectively inhibit viral activity.
Researchers found significant differences in the expression of genes in male and female brains, involving 2.5% of all brain genes. These differences could contribute to the higher incidence of autism in males.
Researchers at Duke University have developed copper nanowire catalysts that can efficiently harness solar energy to split water into hydrogen, a promising step towards cheaper and sturdier fuel cells. The material is abundant, inexpensive, and flexible, making it ideal for use in various applications beyond solar energy production.
A research team at the University of Bonn discovered a novel receptor that allows the immune system to recognize dangerous invaders and elicits an immune response. This receptor is found in Europeans but not in early men, suggesting it was inherited from Neanderthals.
Researchers at the University of Granada have successfully grown artificial skin using Wharton jelly mesenchymal stem cells from the umbilical cord. This breakthrough could provide instant use for burn victims, reducing the need for weeks-long growth periods.
A study found that preschoolers with TVs in their bedrooms and high background TV exposure have weaker understanding of mental states. However, children who had discussions about TV with their parents performed better on theory of mind tasks. This impairment may contribute to disruptive social behaviors.
A new, 30-foot-long dinosaur has been discovered in Utah, revealing a key gap in the fossil record of large predatory dinosaurs in North America. The discovery indicates that carcharodontosaurs dominated the ecosystem for longer than previously thought, before tyrannosaurs took over.
Tropical Cyclone Alessia has formed in the Southern Indian Ocean and is expected to threaten Western Australia. The cyclone's maximum sustained winds are near 35 knots, and it is currently moving east-southeast towards Darwin.
Researchers at MIT are developing smart tools that can mimic the human touch while controlling outcomes to ensure precision. These tools, designed by Amit Zoran and his team, use computer-aided design and feedback mechanisms to create distinctive imperfections and styles in handmade objects.
A Kaiser Permanente study of 17,217 adult members with diabetes found that those using mail order pharmacies had significantly fewer emergency room visits for any cause. The study suggests that mail order pharmacy may improve patient safety and utilization without compromising patient outcomes.
A new study reveals that biodiversity is higher in the tropics due to increased genetic diversity among subspecies, which are more likely to arise in harsher environments typical of higher latitudes. This counterintuitive finding suggests that species turnover and extinction rates may be balanced near the equator.
A new microscope allows scientists to capture the movements of atoms and molecules at the nanoscale, revealing crucial functions in nanoscale devices. This breakthrough has applications in nanoelectronic technologies and clean-energy industries.
A large study found a significant association between a history of airborne allergies, particularly to plants, grass, and trees, and an increased risk of hematologic malignancies in women. The study suggests that chronic immune stimulation may play a role in the development of blood cancers in women.
A potential science bubble has formed in cognitive neuroscience due to massive investments and promises of game-changing explanations. The value of these investments may not be supported by actual scientific results, highlighting the need for re-evaluating research funding structures.
Researcher Avinash Bhandoola's team discovered the mechanism of action of Hes1, a repressor protein that prevents T cells from defaulting to a myeloid developmental pathway. This knowledge may provide clues about how to stop T-cell leukemias.
A team of researchers at George Washington University and the University of Haifa have uncovered a 3,000-year-old wine cellar in Israel, containing jars holding nearly 2,000 liters of liquid. The contents are believed to be ancient medicinal wines, with a recipe similar to those used for 2,000 years in ancient Egypt.
A University of Louisville School of Nursing team is collaborating with the Office of Child Advocacy and the Louisville Fire Department to enhance fire prevention education. The goal is to reduce burn injuries in newborns and senior adults through in-home inspections and education programs.
Extra-Tropical Storm Melissa has weakened and is headed towards the Azores Islands with sustained winds near 45 knots. The storm's core temperature change indicates a transition from warm to cold, similar to a mid-latitude low-pressure system.
The recipient of the grant proposes a new way to view and study human walking, attaching sensors to mathematically meaningful locations on prostheses and orthotics. This approach aims to create off-the-shelf robotic limbs that allow users to easily control and adjust their devices.
Postmenopausal women who consumed sugar-sweetened beverages had a higher risk of developing the most common type of endometrial cancer compared to those who did not drink such beverages. The study found that women who drank more sugar-sweetened beverages had an increased risk, with the highest intake being associated with a 78% higher ...
A study by American College of Surgeons found that patients' choice of bariatric surgery is influenced by type 2 diabetes status, desired weight loss, and tolerance for risk, rather than BMI. Patients with uncontrolled eating patterns were more likely to opt for a reversible procedure like gastric banding.
A new study published in PLOS ONE has found that steroid injections given to pregnant women before premature birth may increase the child's risk of later behavioral and emotional difficulties. The study of over 6,000 children revealed poorer scores on general mental health at ages eight and 16, and a higher likelihood of symptoms of ADHD.
The largest and oldest ancient wine cellar in the Near East has been discovered in northern Israel, containing 40 jars of strong, sweet wine dating back to around 1,700 B.C. The team found molecular traces of key wine-making ingredients, including honey, mint, and resins, indicating a consistent recipe was followed in each jar.
A study published in Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes found that people are more likely to choose unhealthy food options for themselves and others when they perceive the other person as overweight. This can lead to poor diet choices, especially during holiday celebrations. The research suggests that marketers should...
Researchers found that sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide releases from Siberian volcanoes could have created acidic rain, damaging plants and organisms. The study suggests that ozone depletion and temperature increases contributed to the end-Permian mass extinction on land.
Investments in aging biology research are expected to yield significant benefits for human longevity. The Gerontological Society of America and American Federation for Aging Research have partnered on a new report highlighting the potential of geroscience to extend healthy life.
A team of 90 international experts expect a sea-level rise of 40-60 centimeters by 2100 and 60-100 centimeters by 2300 under strong emissions reductions. However, unmitigated emissions scenarios predict a high-end value of 1.5 meters or more by 2100 and 4.0 meters or higher by 2300.
A recent study published in PLOS Pathogens has shed light on why some ear and respiratory infections become chronic. Researchers discovered that the bacterium nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae uses its host's immune response to its advantage, allowing it to evade detection and thrive.
A new technique using Arctic fossil records reveals that Greenland's ice sheet was smaller between 3,000-5,000 years ago, with warmest land and ocean conditions during this period. This finding suggests the ice sheet may respond to ocean temperatures, providing a clue to future climate change.
Researchers at LSUHSC discovered a combination of six natural compounds from vegetables, fruits, and spices killed 100% of breast cancer cells. The super cocktail suppressed cell growth by over 80%, inhibited invasion, and caused cell death without harming normal cells.
A team of researchers from Berkeley Lab has made the first in situ electronic structure observations of a metal-organic framework (MOF) as it adsorbs carbon dioxide gas. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of Near Edge X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy in probing MOF chemistry and gas adsorption.
A large Danish study of over 600,000 children found no significant link between antidepressant medication during pregnancy and the risk of autism. After adjusting for parental psychiatric diagnoses, the researchers determined that taking antidepressants during pregnancy does not further increase the risk of autism.
A recent study found that cannabis use among adolescents is stable or increasing in developing countries, unlike richer nations where it's declining. The research suggests that socioeconomic factors may play a role in shaping cannabis use patterns among young people.
A recent study by Finnish scientists found that smaller island areas support fewer species and shorter food chains. The research team analyzed 20 islands off the Finnish coast and discovered that top predators were often missing from small islands, leading to a loss of control functions in local ecosystems.
A genetic defect in the FoxP2 gene, commonly associated with human speech problems, disrupts the ability of songbirds to sing effective courtship tunes. Researchers found that the defect impairs a network of nerve cells, leading to stuttering and stammering in affected individuals.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that obese mice have fewer taste cells capable of detecting sweetness and react weakly to sweet stimuli. This impairment may contribute to overeating and weight gain by reducing the effectiveness of the body's natural appetite suppressants.
The SIKELOR project seeks to process silicon waste from solar panel production through electromagnetic stirring and separation. The goal is to develop an industrially viable and resource-friendly method for recycling silicon waste, potentially reducing production costs and increasing efficiency.
Children and adolescents with chronic kidney disease from lower-income families were less likely to grow to normal height ranges. Researchers found that more aggressive intervention or programs to support treatment adherence could help improve outcomes.
Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have discovered key cell-signaling pathways used by BRAF-mutant melanoma to resist inhibitor drugs. The studies provide a better understanding of how tumors adapt and become resistant to treatment, ultimately leading to the development of new combination treatments.
Carnegie Mellon and Temple researchers found that improving learning depends on multiple factors, leading to an vast number of instructional options. The study offers five recommendations to maximize the potential of educational research behind practice and student learning.
Scientists found two human proteins, UPF1 and PCNA, that interact with a jumping gene called L1. The study reveals how these interactions affect the movement of L1 within the human genome, providing new insights into the regulation of this volatile DNA segment.
A new study by Columbia University researchers has found a single overactive enzyme that worsens both impaired insulin sensitivity and overproduction of glucose in obese individuals, suggesting a potential target for treating type 2 diabetes. The enzyme MK2 can be inhibited with metformin, leading to additive benefits when combined.
A genetic variant in the IRF4 gene is linked to reduced melanin production, leading to increased UV radiation sensitivity and conditions like freckling. Researchers also explore the role of epigenetic variation in this trait.
Researchers have predicted that a single layer of tin atoms, dubbed 'stanene,' will exhibit 100% electrical conductivity at room temperature. This breakthrough has the potential to significantly reduce power consumption and heat production in future computer chips.
A new technique uses nanoparticles and ultrasound to regulate blood sugar levels in diabetics, potentially eliminating the need for insulin injections. The method involves injecting biocompatible nanoparticles into the skin, which are then activated by a small ultrasound device to release insulin painlessly.
Scientists at UCLA and Emory University have identified a biochemical signal in the blood associated with the faster-progressing form of Parkinson's. The researchers discovered that N8-acetyl spermidine is significantly elevated in rapid progressors, suggesting its potential as an early biomarker for the disease.
Scientists trained desert locusts using Pavlov's dog method, finding that they can re-associate toxic odors with food rewards when in a swarm. Locusts retain memories of previously acquired associations but cannot form new aversive memories.
Researchers have identified that seasonal flu escapes immunity by making just a single amino acid substitution, occurring at seven specific places on its surface. This new understanding could lead to more effective flu vaccines.
Research by Case Western Reserve University found that younger individuals with HIV are more likely to experience social isolation and stress due to stigma and limited support networks. In contrast, older adults with HIV were found to have developed social connections and coping mechanisms that helped mitigate these effects.
Transplant recipients who suppress their immune systems with powerful medications may inadvertently allow a mysterious microorganism called the anellovirus to thrive, Stanford researchers report. The study found that levels of anellovirus rose significantly as immunosuppressant drugs took effect.
Los Alamos scientists observed an extraordinary cosmic event, a black hole birth, with advanced telescopes that yielded detailed data on the event's energy levels and 'afterglow.' The rare occurrence tested long-held assumptions about the universe, revealing higher-than-theoretically-possible energy levels for gamma rays.
A new technique, deformability cytometry, can analyze over 1,000 cells per second and provide more accurate diagnoses than traditional methods. The test uses fluid flow to 'squeeze' individual cells, allowing for detailed analysis of cell properties.
The Ruhr-University Bochum researchers developed a bio-based solar cell using photosystem 1 and 2 proteins, generating an efficient electron current. The bio-based solar cell boasts an efficiency of several nanowatts per square centimeter, making it a potential blueprint for semi-artificial and natural cell systems.
Female ants and bees are more inclined to care for the queen's offspring due to their maternal behaviors preserved through evolution. This study reveals that females take on jobs suited historically, leading to the evolution of species with female-dominated caregiving roles.
A study found that Amphotericin B, a widely used anti-fungal medicine, neutralizes an important anti-viral protein IFITM3, making cells more susceptible to flu infection. This increases the risk of flu infections in patients with already compromised immune systems.