A new study assesses global land and water grabbing, revealing its impact on food security in impoverished countries and the environment. The phenomenon has intensified due to rising world food prices, with Africa and Asia accounting for most grabbed area.
Researchers used a CSIRO radio telescope to measure the temperature of an unnamed galaxy 7.2 billion light-years away, finding it was 5.08 Kelvin (-267.92 degrees Celsius). This confirms the Big Bang theory's prediction that the Universe's temperature drops smoothly as it expands.
A bacterial supplement containing lipid-producing Rhodococcus opacus increased circulating triglycerides in weanling pigs, providing an alternative source of energy. This could help strengthen the immune system and fight off infections more efficiently during a critical stage of development.
Researchers at TUM developed a cost-effective process to improve CMOS sensor performance using ultra-thin organic films. Spray-coating was found to be the most effective method, resulting in up to three times more sensitivity to light than conventional sensors.
Researchers have developed a new technique to identify abnormal tau proteins associated with repetitive head injuries, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and tracking of brain disorders. The study used PET scans to detect elevated levels of FDDNP in the brains of five retired NFL players.
New research published in Psychological Science found that public campaigns urging Americans to think and act interdependently may actually decrease motivation for action. In contrast, Asian American students' behavior was not affected by emphasis on interdependence.
Scientists unveil the biochemistry of a unique microbial community living together in a cold sulfur spring, revealing symbiotic relationships between archaea and bacteria. The study uses synchrotron infrared to identify metabolic activities and protein structures, shedding light on a previously unknown lifestyle.
UCI-led studies reveal cellular mechanism governing day-night pattern, identifying novel compounds that control energy metabolism. The findings point to potential treatments for metabolic disorders, cancer and aging.
Researchers have found a nearly eight-fold increased risk of death from cocaine abuse due to interactions between specific gene variants and cocaine exposure. The variants affect dopamine modulation in the brain, which is also targeted by medications for psychiatric disorders.
A study published in Brain and Language found that the anatomy of certain brain areas in infants can predict their language abilities at 1 year old. Infants with greater gray and white matter in the cerebellum and hippocampus showed improved language skills.
A study by the University of Arizona and USDA found that plants can adapt their water demand to changing climate conditions, but this resilience has a limit. Prolonged droughts threaten the survival of plant communities, especially in sensitive environments like arid grasslands.
A study found that men are more likely to engage in research misconduct, with senior scientists committing the most. The disparity suggests that factors beyond experience and training contribute to the problem.
Marwan Krunz, a professor at the University of Arizona, has been named a distinguished lecturer by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) for his research on optimal resource allocation and adaptive control. He will share his expertise on dynamic spectrum access models to overcome wireless spectrum shortages.
Researchers aim to show a direct link between insomnia treatment and reduced suicidal thinking, with 138 adults enrolled over four years. The study assesses patient response to treating insomnia strategically as a focus of care, using sleeping pills like zolpidem alongside antidepressants.
A 12,000-year-old fossil record suggests the Antarctic Peninsula's ice sheet was more vulnerable to collapse due to atmospheric warming than oceanic circulation. The study also found cyclic patterns in late Holocene atmospheric warming linked to El Niño-Southern Oscillation phenomenon.
Research at Yale School of Medicine shows that patients are at high risk of readmission for a broad spectrum of medical conditions within the first month after hospital discharge. The study found that readmissions were frequent and resulted from different medical conditions than the initial hospitalization.
Researchers aim to explore the mysteries of Alfvèn waves, fueling the Sun's heat and magnetic influence on planets. The study uses advanced simulations and observational data from NASA's Hinode solar observatory and Swedish Solar Telescope.
Gay black males struggle to cope with racism, homophobia, and sexism, carrying a special stigma that affects their self-image. Targeted interventions involving biological fathers or father figures can help families navigate this unexpected reality.
A recent study discovered that a lack of proteins Bax and Bak in immune cells can lead to severe autoimmune disease. The research suggests that these proteins play a crucial role in regulating cell death, and their deficiency may be linked to diseases such as type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus.
Newborns require gentle and careful skin care to prevent infection and irritation. The Mayo Clinic suggests bathing every other day, using warm water only a few inches deep, and selecting mild cleansers without dyes or fragrances.
A new study published in Psychological Science found that people tend to consume nearly 40% more food when primed with messages about tough times. When told the food was low-calorie, they consumed 25% less, highlighting a survival instinct for high-calorie foods.
A new study from Ohio State University found a strong link between latent herpes virus reactivation and heart disease, particularly in patients who have suffered a heart attack. The researchers detected elevated levels of inflammatory proteins and antibodies to the EBV-encoded viral protein dUTPase in these patients.
A new multiple gene expression profile test can predict the presence of harmful BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations in otherwise healthy women. The test showed a sensitivity of 95% and specificity of 88%, and has the potential to replace expensive sequencing tests, making it an affordable option for high-risk carriers.
A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that women with hypertensive disorders during pregnancy are at higher risk of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease. The study analyzed data from over 26,000 women in Taiwan and found an increased risk of end-stage renal disease among those with preeclamps...
Researchers discovered that interfering with Hexokinase-2 reduces medulloblastoma's aggressiveness and allows long-term survival in mice. The enzyme plays a key role in aerobic glycolysis, a process also used by rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells.
A recent study by Michael O'Brien and colleagues found that certain climate change terms entered the popular vocabulary at varying rates, with some gaining popularity in a few years and others taking decades. The study analyzed word usage in popular literature using Google's Ngram database and suggests that better science communication...
Scientists at the University of Missouri are working on a $3.4 million NIH project to create next-generation antiviral therapies by targeting the elusive HIV enzyme RNase H. The goal is to be ready for evolving resistant strains before they emerge, offering new treatment options.
The study found that the new diagnosis of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is unlikely to be much higher in prevalence than the combined diagnoses of Alcohol Abuse and Dependence. Additionally, the genetic etiology of AUD is largely consistent with that of AA and AD, suggesting that heritable influences are shared across all three conditions.
Researchers discovered that high-density bands in photoreceptor outer segments are more susceptible to breakage due to their rigidity. This finding supports the idea that mutations causing rhodopsin aggregation can destabilize the outer segment, leading to cell death and blindness.
Researchers found that plant water demand fluctuates in response to water availability, but may eventually approach a threshold that limits production. The study suggests that ecosystem resilience will decline as regions experience continued warming and drying trends.
A recent study from Brigham Young University found that 15 percent of tweets contain accurate location information, which could aid in tracking disease outbreaks. The researchers used this data to demonstrate the potential of Twitter-based monitoring systems for public health.
Daniel Callahan proposes a controversial approach to fighting obesity by stigmatizing overweight individuals in a way that minimizes the risk of discrimination. He suggests that 'stigmatization lite' could be an effective strategy, as people who are overweight consider the threat of discrimination as a danger to be avoided.
A two-year observational follow-up of the REDUCE trial found that dutasteride treatment was associated with a lower incidence of new prostate cancers. The study, published in The Journal of Urology, showed that men taking dutasteride had fewer prostate cancer diagnoses compared to those receiving a placebo.
Researchers found that bisphenol A reduces testosterone production and causes testicular hormone imbalances in human fetal testicles. The study suggests a link between BPA exposure and reproductive issues, including low sperm count and increased risk of testicular cancer.
The 2013 Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium revealed new advances in treating and prophesizing gastrointestinal cancers. The symposium presented five important studies, including a Phase III clinical trial showing that postoperative treatment with S-1 chemotherapy reduces relapses and extends survival in patients with pancreatic cancer.
A Johns Hopkins study identified a rare gene mutation in a single family with a high rate of schizophrenia, suggesting that abnormal genes play a role in the disease. The researchers found that the mutated gene led to abnormal activity and brain cell abnormalities.
Researchers found a protective association between beta carotene and type-2 diabetes risk in individuals carrying a common genetic predisposition. In contrast, gamma tocopherol was linked to an increased risk of the disease. The study suggests that protein SLC30A4 may play a crucial role in insulin regulation.
A study published in the Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care found that Mexican-origin patients with HIV often used complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) to support their health and alleviate symptoms. Healthcare providers need to learn about CAM benefits and risks and teach patients to report CAM use to develop e...
Researchers at the University of Illinois have made a groundbreaking discovery in the study of enterococcal cytolysin, a 'virulence factor' that kills human cells. The enzyme responsible for its formation was found to produce distinctly different ring structures with unusual stereochemistries.
A team of researchers found that equipping people with disabilities with broadband technology can benefit society and reduce financial burdens on taxpayers. Building public-private partnerships to promote broadband access can help close the technological gap and empower individuals with disabilities.
A new study found that a low subjective response to alcohol, or the ability to 'hold one's liquor,' may protect against short-term alcohol problems but increases the risk of long-term problems as tolerance develops. The study examined associations between early subjective response and acquired tolerance in heavy-drinking young adults.
Large-scale genomic sequencing reveals two DNA mutations driving 15% of meningiomas, a type of slow-growing brain tumor. The findings suggest targeted therapies may provide an effective treatment option for these patients.
A new drug called calmangafodipir has been developed to protect healthy cells from side effects of cancer treatments while enhancing the anti-tumor effect. The compound was derived from a contrast media used in magnetic resonance scans and shows promise in reducing white blood cell counts and preventing infections.
Researchers discover protein OTUD7B, which regulates TRAF3's destruction and controls NF-kB pathway implicated in autoimmune diseases and cancer. Cells with intact OTUD7B suppress non-canonical NF-kB signaling, leading to increased lymphoid cell growth and hyper-responsiveness to antigens.
Researchers at UT Dallas will explore alternative materials to silicon in integrated circuits and design a computer architecture for seamless communication between devices. The goal is to create faster electronics that use less power and build systems to avoid traffic accidents or lock down areas during emergencies.
A recent study found that residents in a rural Chinese village near an e-waste recycling site are 1.6 times more likely to develop lung cancer than their peers in a heavily polluted city. The study, conducted by Oregon State University researchers, highlights the risks of toxic air pollution from e-waste incineration.
Researchers at the University of Jyväskylä Nanoscience Center used computational modeling to understand how redox chemistry affects the binding of gold particles on modified calcium oxide surfaces. They found that the energy released during a redox reaction correlates with the ability of the dopant metal atom to donate an electron.
A new software tool called ParseCNV detects copy number variation (CNV) associations with higher accuracy than existing software, enabling better identification of gene variants linked to genetic diseases. The algorithm automatically corrects for variations in DNA sequences, producing high-quality results.
A team of paleontologists has discovered a way to identify the sex of an ancient avian species, revealing that early birds began reproducing before they were fully grown. The study provides evidence for an important difference in when female avian species matured compared to modern birds.
Researchers found triclosan and its derivatives in lake sediments, with higher concentrations in small lakes with wastewater input. The study's results raise concerns about the environmental impact of triclosan, a common antibacterial agent used in soaps and other products.
A new report investigates UK economic challenges and proposes initiatives to kick-start growth, focusing on education, business, and innovation. The report explores unconventional approaches to issues such as unemployment, management practices, and globalization.
A team of Max Planck researchers discovered that sunken wood can serve as a temporary habitat for rare deep-sea animals. The wood's degradation by bacteria produces hydrogen sulfide, attracting species that rely on these compounds for energy, such as cold-seep mussels.
Studies show that mild TBI can lead to chronic cognitive, behavioral, and psychological problems in service members. Research highlights associations between TBI, PTSD, depression, and pain, underscoring the need for further treatment and rehabilitation approaches.
A new study found nearly 18% of hospitalized patients returned to the emergency room or were readmitted within 30 days of discharge, with mental health and prostate issues having the highest rates. The study suggests that many more patients require acute medical care after hospitalization than previously recognized.
A study of 305 pregnant women found that valproate exposure was associated with reduced IQ and verbal memory abilities in children, with effects dependent on drug dose. Folic acid supplementation may improve IQ scores, suggesting a potential positive effect on cognitive development.
The Advanced Management and Protection of Energy Storage Devices (AMPED) program will focus on optimizing lithium-ion batteries for electric-drive vehicles through improved management and controls. The project aims to increase utilization, life, and cost-effectiveness of Li-ion batteries.
A new study found that lower minimum legal drinking age (MLDA) laws are associated with more frequent binge episodes and less moderate drinking, persisting into later adulthood. The research suggests that raising the MLDA to 21 can prevent alcohol-related harms in underage drinkers and other people under 21.
Michael Stratton and Peter Hegemann received the 2013 Louis-Jeantet Prize for their discovery of ion channels activated by light, known as optogenetics, which holds promise for treating neurological diseases. They will use the prize money to continue their research on proteins that can be activated by light.
Researchers at Saint Louis University have discovered a molecular pathway contributing to triple-negative breast cancer and identified vitamin D as a possible new therapy. They also found three biomarkers to identify patients who could benefit from treatment, which may lead to less toxic therapeutic strategies.
Researchers at Stowers Institute for Medical Research have made crucial discoveries about the development of cell polarity. They found that diffusion traps, created by sticky regions on the membrane, play a crucial role in maintaining cell polarity.