Researchers found that nitrogen fertilizer applied to crops in 1982 still lingers in soil organic matter three decades later, releasing nitrate into groundwater over several decades. This persistence poses a significant risk to aquatic ecosystems and drinking water supplies worldwide.
A study by University of Illinois researchers found that targeted deer culling in areas affected by CWD reduced the disease's prevalence to about 1% for 10 years. Meanwhile, hunter harvest increased nationwide, with only two counties experiencing a 11-20% reduction in deer populations.
The drug, ProHema, was developed based on zebrafish studies and has shown promising results in a Phase I clinical trial. The trial demonstrated that treatment with the drug before transplant improved engraftment and reduced time to rebuild a patient's blood system.
Scientists have developed a method to produce nanodiamonds using ethanol vapor at room temperature and pressure, requiring no surface growth. The discovery holds promise for various applications, including flexible electronics, implants, and drug delivery devices.
Researchers at Northwestern University have created a p-n heterojunction diode using molybdenum disulfide and carbon nanotubes, allowing for electronically tunable device characteristics. The device has also shown ultrafast photodetection capabilities with a sensitive response to light.
Researchers identify four native shrubs with potential as commercially viable nursery crops: Ceanothus americanus, Corylus cornuta, Lonicera canadensis, and Viburnum acerifolium. Successful propagation protocols are key to their success. Timing of cutting is crucial for optimal rooting, with Viburnum acerifolium showing the most promise.
A recent study using dental fossils suggests that the common ancestor of Neanderthals and modern humans diverged nearly 1 million years ago, contradicting previous molecular evidence. The researchers found no known hominin species matches the expected dental morphology of the last common ancestor.
The American College of Physicians recommends against routine screening for chronic kidney disease (CKD) in asymptomatic adults without risk factors. In contrast, patients with hypertension and stage 1-3 CKD should be treated with ACE inhibitors or ARBs to manage elevated low-density lipoprotein levels. The evidence review suggests tha...
A new report from Harvard University proposes recommendations for addressing the challenge of expanding public access to clinical trial data. The authors suggest a system that balances the need for transparency with the protection of research participants' identities, while also minimizing burdens on trial sponsors.
Bioengineers at the University of California, Berkeley, have shown that physical cues can replace certain chemicals when nudging mature cells back to a pluripotent stage. The researchers found a four-fold increase in the number of cells that reverted back to an embryonic-like state compared with cells grown on a flat surface.
Researchers have discovered small molecules that attach to and disrupt the function of a KRAS-containing protein complex, potentially inhibiting cell growth and survival in cancer cells. These findings offer a new approach to targeting the common cancer protein KRAS.
Scientists at UMass Chan Medical School discovered that knocking out a gene important for mRNA translation restores memory deficits and reduces behavioral symptoms in a mouse model of Fragile X syndrome. The study suggests that the prime cause of the disease may be a translational imbalance, and restoration of this balance may be neces...
Novartis' LEE011 has demonstrated robust antitumor activity in preclinical trials, particularly when combined with other targeted therapies. The small-molecule inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) 4/6 shows promise in treating melanoma and breast cancer resistant to BRAF and PIK3CA inhibitors.
Researchers tracked similarities in how human and rodent subjects adapted to errors in a simple time estimation task, finding that both species employed low-frequency brainwaves to synchronize neurons. This study suggests that rat models could be useful for studying psychiatric diseases.
A Phase III trial found that low-level laser therapy (LLLT) significantly reduces the incidence of severe canker sores (grades 3 and 4) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients undergoing concurrent chemoradiotherapy. LLLT also improves patient quality of life, reducing oral pain and opioid analgesic use.
Researchers at Whitehead Institute discovered that the flu virus infects host cells by killing off immune system's best-equipped cells that can neutralize the virus. This allows the virus to replicate efficiently before the immune system mounts a second wave of defense.
PF-06463922, a new investigational drug, has shown potent activity against the ALK protein kinase and its mutants, including those resistant to crizotinib. This offers a potential treatment option for patients with lung cancer harboring ALK gene abnormalities.
Scientists discovered that cellular projections are initiated by a network of message-relaying proteins inside the cell, even in random movement. The findings have implications for understanding and manipulating biological processes, including cancer metastasis.
New research reveals that groups cooperate less for climate change mitigation when rewards are in the future, especially for future generations. Despite initial investment, none of the groups achieved the target due to instant gratification.
A new study reveals that global ocean currents, rather than Earth's geometry, explain why the Northern Hemisphere receives more tropical rain. Icy waters from the poles influence seasonal rains crucial for crops in Africa and India.
Researchers have discovered a novel way to generate antibodies that target multiple flu viruses, offering new hope for developing a single vaccine against all strains. The study used the immune suppressant rapamycin to shift the immune response and favor production of broadly specific antibodies.
Researchers found that an unexpected flip in the Wnt signaling pathway causes hematopoietic stem cell aging. Blocking this protein, Wnt5a, rejuvenated aged HSCs in mice.
NTU scientists have made a breakthrough in solar technology by developing a new material that is five times cheaper to produce and generates almost as much power as current thin film solar cells. The material, called perovskite, converts up to 15% of sunlight to electricity, close to the efficiency of current solar cells.
A UCLA study has identified a biological clock embedded in the human genome that can accurately measure the age of diverse organs, tissues, and cell types. The clock found that some parts of the anatomy, like breast tissue, age faster than the rest of the body.
A study of wild mice found they prefer to sleep and eat near used nesting material and droppings, outweighing risk of disease. This contrasts with clean-living domesticated animals, which tend to avoid dirt due to plentiful food and reduced predator risks.
Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have created a method for combining different types of nanoparticles to produce large-scale composite materials. By using DNA-based assembly methods, they can control and optimize the properties of newly formed materials.
The investigational drug AZD9291, a third-generation EGFR inhibitor, has shown substantial tumor shrinkage in mice with lung tumors harboring activating and resistance mutations. It is well-tolerated and its breakdown product, AZ5104, also inhibits both forms of EGFR, providing new treatment options for patients.
Researchers at Joint Quantum Institute report direct observation of topological effects for light in two dimensions, creating ultrastable quantum 'playgrounds.' Photonic edge states exhibit persistent flow and near immunity against defects, similar to quantum Hall effect for electrons.
A study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital finds that an inherited gene variation in the GATA3 gene is tied to a nearly four-fold increased risk of developing high-risk pediatric leukemia and a greater risk of relapse, particularly among Hispanic Americans.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have discovered how fruit fly neurons integrate multiple signals to identify one unique smell. The brain uses a group of neurons called Kenyon cells, which have long protrusions that grasp projection neurons with a claw-like structure.
Researchers discovered that individual molecular muscles within cells respond differently to various forces, shedding light on how cells 'feel' their environment. A computer model predicts cell behavior in response to altered levels of these molecules, with implications for understanding cellular disorders like cancer and neurodegenera...
A study at a Hamilton subsidized housing complex found that paramedics' regular visits resulted in a 32% reduction in EMS calls. The program, which included healthy lifestyle reviews and risk assessments, was well-attended by residents, with many referrals made to community resources.
A major coal seam fire in China's Shuangyashan prefecture-level city has been detected by NASA's Terra satellite, highlighting the issue of underground coal fires that can cause severe air pollution and global warming.
The 2013 National Geoscience Student Exit survey found that majority of doctoral and master's candidates were employed within geosciences fields. Many bachelor's candidates still sought employment or planned to attend graduate school.
The new field guide delves into the geological history of the Rocky Mountains, spanning over 1.7 billion years. The book also examines the effects of unprecedented heavy rains and catastrophic flooding that hit the region in 2013, causing widespread destruction and altering the landscape.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded UT Southwestern Medical Center a $28.6 million Clinical and Translational Science Award to promote rapid translation of basic laboratory findings into patient care. The award will enable the institution to expand clinical research and disseminate new knowledge effectively.
A new study from RIKEN Brain Science Institute found that the pitch-accent in words pronounced in standard Japanese activates different brain hemispheres depending on whether the listener speaks standard Japanese or one of the regional dialects. Native speakers who acquire a second language later in life process pitch changes similarly...
BMC has been approved to receive two research awards from PCORI, focusing on socio-legal barriers in cancer care and effective treatments for chronic pain. The hospital's commitment to innovative health care delivery is highlighted through these studies.
Researchers discovered two variants of Pds5 proteins that modulate cohesins' behavior, essential for proper cell division. Understanding this regulation can improve diagnosis and treatment for cancer patients and Cornelia de Lange Syndrome sufferers.
Typhoon Francisco passed west of Guam on October 18 as NASA's TRMM satellite measured its heavy rainfall, with rain falling at over 113 mm/hour in powerful storms. The storm is forecast to become a super-typhoon, reaching maximum sustained winds of at least 130 knots/150 mph.
Researchers have discovered that specific bacteria, such as Lactobacillus, stimulate the growth of host epithelial cells through the production of reactive oxygen species. This finding has implications for treating inflammatory bowel disease and other disorders.
Typhoon Wipha's effects were felt in Alaska from October 18 to 20, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds. The system's transition into an extra-tropical storm led to increased moisture and warming of the region.
A new study found that overnight dialysis boosts kidney health and reduces the risk of heart disease by improving artery function. This treatment method allows for more frequent and longer dialysis sessions at home, leading to reduced toxin buildup in the blood.
A study found that high blood pressure during pregnancy may increase a woman's lifetime risk of stroke by as much as 40 percent. Women with pre-eclampsia, a more severe form of high blood pressure, are at even higher risk. Monitoring blood pressure after pregnancy is crucial to avoid longer-term risks.
A new iPad application is being used to examine how young children learn through their interactions with nature. The app allows researchers to track behaviors, movements, engagement, and probable science learning in natural settings such as PlayScapes.
A community-mapping project in Rwanda provides high school students with spatial-thinking skills using tablet computers and smart phones. The project aims to train 225 students in natural resource mapping and synthesize data about local agriculture, weather, water quality, and infrastructure.
Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory discovered two key genes required for oil production and accumulation in plant leaves. Overexpressing these genes resulted in a significant increase in leaf oil production, with the potential to boost energy content of biofuels and plant-based foods.
Researchers have developed a novel plasma actuator with serpentine geometry that can manipulate fluid flows in new ways. Early results suggest this technology could improve transportation efficiencies by reducing drag, noise, and fuel costs.
Punjab farmers set fire to clear fields before planting crops, clearing pests and turning crop residues into fertilizing ash, but also releasing harmful smoke that can aggravate heart and lung disease, especially for older adults and children.
Researchers found hypermutation of inactive X chromosome is a common event in cancer, especially in rapidly growing tumors. This phenomenon affects only the inactive copy of the X chromosome and contributes to carcinogenesis.
Research reveals selective glacial erosion in Norway's passive margin, links gold to pyrite in carbon-rich sediments, and analyzes seawater Sr/Ca ratios. These findings advance our understanding of Earth's geological history and plate tectonics.
A novel design uses a magnetoelastic biosensor and surface-scanning coil detector to detect Salmonella on food surfaces, enabling real-time testing of food and processing plant equipment. This handheld device can be used in agricultural fields or processing plants to quickly identify contaminated surfaces.
A new study found that oral nutritional supplements decreased the probability of 30-day hospital readmission, length of stay, and costs among hospitalized Medicare patients aged 65 and over. The use of oral nutritional supplements was associated with an 8.4% reduction in 30-day readmission rates among patients with any diagnosis.
A study led by NIH scientists found that a variant form of the p53 gene increases the risk of testicular cancer up to threefold in white men. The research suggests that this variant helps protect light-skinned individuals from UV skin damage, but allows testicular stem cells to grow in the presence of DNA damage.
A species of cold water plankton in the North Atlantic is declining as oceans warm, putting pressure on fisheries that rely on it. The study found no evidence of adaptation to warmer temperatures over 50 years, suggesting its range will continue to contract and eventually disappear.
Scientists have developed a new solar panel design that improves efficiency by up to 22% using aluminum studs, which bend and trap light inside the absorbing layer. This technology has the potential to make thin and flexible solar panels available at competitive prices, powering everything from domestic appliances to portable electronics.
Dr. Xiuren Zhang has been awarded a $1.3 million National Science Foundation CAREER grant to further his research on RNA silencing and plant stem cells. His team's discovery of bidirectional processing of microRNAs in plants could lead to more productive breeding practices.
A study found that combining high-intensity interval training with Mediterranean diet counselling significantly improves body fat mass, cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and weight loss in obese individuals. The intervention also resulted in improved aerobic fitness, reduced waist circumference, and better control of blood sugar levels.
A new study on cryptic worms reveals that their ancestors had a highly complex muscular body plan, which is lost in the adult stage. The findings suggest that the common ancestor of aplacophorans and polyplacophorans was similar in complexity, implying that the worm-like groups lost these traits over evolutionary time.
A new study by University of Pennsylvania researcher Robert Aronowitz highlights the flaws in prostate cancer screening measures, citing a 1950s study that showed invasive procedures were often performed without solid evidence. Millions of men have undergone PSA tests, which can lead to unnecessary treatments and detrimental effects.