NASA's MODIS satellite detected dozens of fires in Western Australia and the Northern Territory on April 28, 2013. The worst time for fire is late in the dry season, when vegetation has dried to tinder and blazes tend to be uncontrollable.
Individuals who experience an upper gastrointestinal bleed may be more likely to die from other causes, particularly malignant tumours and cardiovascular disease. A study published in PLOS Medicine found that the risk of death due to non-gastrointestinal causes was higher for those with an upper GI bleed.
Researchers identified a gene in the roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans that restricts the flow of cellular organelles from the cell body to the axon, potentially leading to neurodegenerative disorders. This discovery provides new insights into a previously unrecognized trafficking system that protects axons.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have developed a graphene-based transistor with bistable characteristics, which can rapidly switch between two electronic states. This technology has potential applications in medical imaging and security screening, as well as enabling the creation of new architectures for electronic components.
Cinacalcet has little to no effect on mortality in patients with end-stage kidney disease, but may prevent surgical parathyroidectomy. The treatment also comes with significant side effects, including hypocalcemia and nausea. The study suggests that routine cinacalcet therapy is not warranted.
A recent study published in The Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that children born with mild iodine deficiency during pregnancy performed worse on literacy tests as 9-year-olds. The researchers theorize that iodine deficiency may have a greater impact on auditory pathways and spelling ability.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum discovered how tiny gold particles selectively transform methanol into formaldehyde, a crucial step in producing everyday plastics. The catalyst produces only water as a byproduct, making it an environmentally friendly alternative.
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center have successfully tested a catheter-based procedure that diverts bile into the small intestine, producing significant weight loss and metabolic benefits in obese rats. The study suggests manipulation of bile acids may be sufficient to recreate the effects of bariatric surgery.
Researchers discovered a previously unrecognized organelle gatekeeper function in C. elegans, which restricts the flow of Golgi and endosomal organelles into axons. Additionally, two studies identified novel players in meiotic silencing by unpaired DNA in Neurospora, providing insights into genome integrity and transmission.
Researchers found that testing patients with three risk factors upon hospital admission can identify nearly three-fourths of asymptomatic C. difficile carriers, who are the primary source of transmission in hospitals. The study suggests a targeted screening approach to control C. difficile infection.
A zebrafish study suggests that riboflavin, a form of vitamin B2, can mitigate the toxic effects of cyanide poisoning. The research, published in The FASEB Journal, also identifies new biomarkers that may be clinically useful for diagnosing cyanide exposure and developing antidotes.
The new series aims to help achieve a Grand Challenge in Global Mental Health by redesigning health systems to integrate mental, neurological, and substance use disorders with other chronic-disease care. Integration is essential for achieving desired outcomes for priority health programs.
Women with cosmetic breast implants are at a higher risk of being diagnosed with late-stage breast cancer and having poorer survival rates than those without implants. Researchers found a 26% increased risk of delayed diagnosis and a 38% greater risk of death from breast cancer among women with implants.
NIH-supported scientists studied lab-grown human lung cells infected with the novel coronavirus (nCoV) and found that certain drugs could inhibit viral replication. The study identified a set of 207 human genes whose expression was disrupted by nCoV, which may be targets for new treatments.
A UCLA-led study found that teen girls are more likely to continue using methamphetamine during treatment, suggesting a need for new approaches. The study suggests that gender differences in addiction may begin in adolescence.
The Yale Journal of Industrial Ecology examines the impact of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) on e-waste recycling. Researchers assess the use of RFID technology, EPR adoption in developing countries, and producer take-back organizations to improve recyclability.
A recent study found that electron-beam pasteurization can significantly reduce the risk of viral food poisoning from consuming raw oysters. The research, led by Texas A&M University graduate student Chandni Praveen, used human norovirus and hepatitis A virus surrogates to test the technology's effectiveness.
Researchers at Duke Medicine found a biomarker produced by mast cells can predict severe dengue cases. Asthma drugs targeting mast cells also showed effectiveness in limiting vascular leakage associated with dengue infections.
In eastern Russia, fires are set to clear land for planting and renew pastures. Fire is used globally as a tool for managing resources, mitigating larger wildfires.
Researchers found that gastric bypass surgery increases insulin and GLP-1 levels after meals, helping patients manage type 2 diabetes. The study used catheters to mimic pre-operative digestion and compared hormonal activity post-surgery.
Linköping University researchers have successfully initialized and read nuclear spins at room temperature, a crucial step towards building a quantum computer. The breakthrough uses dynamic nuclear polarisation to control the polarisation of nuclear spins, enabling the creation of a flow of free electrons with a given spin.
Researchers from UPV/EHU applied Game Theory to calculate motorway toll charges, proposing the Nucleolus method for fairness and equity. This method reduces charges for long-distance travelers and allows for more efficient traffic management.
The Cleveland Clinic study found that an Internet-based stress management program reduced stress for a sustainable period, comparable to face-to-face programs. Participants showed a significant decrease in perceived stress and improved emotional wellbeing after completing the eight-week online relaxation practice materials and meditati...
A study found that genetic variants in the OPRM1 and COMT genes are associated with shorter lengths of hospital stay and less need for treatment in infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome. The findings may provide insight into the mechanisms underlying NAS, a disorder caused by in utero opioid exposure.
Researchers reveal how individual molecules work together during a single act of endocytosis, overcoming an energy barrier through molecular cooperation. This discovery sheds light on a process linked to human diseases and has implications for treating conditions like muscular dystrophy and Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers led by Paulo E. Arratia at the University of Pennsylvania discovered that turbulence can arise in non-Newtonian fluids, such as blood and fracking liquids, without requiring significant inertia. This finding has significant implications for understanding fluid dynamics on small scales.
A team of astronomers used the VLA to create a detailed image of the distant universe, revealing distinct galaxies with gorging black holes at their cores. The study found that 63% of background radio emission comes from galaxies with active black holes and 37% from star-forming regions.
Xuemei Chen, a professor of plant cell and molecular biology at UCR, has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences for her excellence in original scientific research. She is recognized for her groundbreaking work on plant meristem development and micro RNA molecules.
A study by Professor Ole G. Mouritsen found that dulse contains only extremely small doses of kainic acid, rendering it safe for consumption in moderation. The research also revealed low levels of heavy metals and other substances that may be harmful in large doses.
A study of 422,000 people found that the safe range of vitamin D levels lies between 20 to 36 ng/mL. Vitamin D deficiency was linked to increased risk of acute coronary morbidity or mortality, while elevated levels above 36 ng/mL were associated with a slightly higher risk.
A recent study by University of Missouri anthropologist Mary Shenk found that economic changes, such as higher education and employment, are the primary drivers of declining fertility rates. This shift is attributed to improved living standards and increased access to contraception, resulting in reduced family size and slowing populati...
A new study reveals that the Mediterranean anuran frog Rana iberica inhabits cave-like habitats, with all life stages observed. The frog's use of artificial subterranean habitats has important implications for its conservation, particularly in light of climate change.
A new study found that only 38.4% of adults with clinician-identified depression met the 12-month criteria for depression. Many participants used prescription psychiatric medication despite not meeting the criteria, highlighting the need for improved diagnosis and treatment targeting in community settings.
A new study across 24 states found two-thirds of forest inventory plots contain at least one non-native plant species. Non-native, or introduced, plants can become invasive and displace native species, degrading habitats and altering ecosystem functions.
Researchers have discovered zinc as a promising material for bioabsorbable stents, which can dissolve harmlessly after healing. Zinc's corrosion rate is exactly right, allowing it to degrade at a controlled pace.
Researchers developed a method to deliver tumor-killing enzymes using protein packages that protect the enzyme until it reaches the cell's interior. The addition of ubiquitin enhanced the enzyme's persistence and potency without hindering its delivery, also reducing toxicity to non-tumor tissues.
Detailed mapping of the Kima'Kho tuya in northern British Columbia shows that the ancient regional ice sheet through which it erupted was twice as thick as previously estimated. This discovery could provide new constraints on paleoclimate models, advancing our understanding of glaciovolcanic eruptions and their impact.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a zooming technique called ZoomBoard that allows users to enter text into small devices like smartwatches. With the ability to tap and swipe on screens, users can enter approximately 10 words per minute with high accuracy.
A study found that environmental labels can discourage conservative shoppers from purchasing energy-efficient products, instead promoting financial incentives and energy independence. The research suggests that a tailored message is needed to reach different market segments.
Research from the University of Adelaide suggests that maternal junk food consumption can lead to addiction in babies by desensitizing the reward system fueled by these foods. This increased preference for junk food may result in overeating and obesity in children.
Researchers have identified nine biomarkers associated with the buildup of toxic protein amyloid beta in the brain, which occurs years before symptoms appear. The discovery has the potential to lead to the development of an early screening test for Alzheimer's disease, giving those at risk a better chance of receiving treatment earlier.
The American Educational Research Association has issued a new report on bullying prevention, emphasizing the need for training and technical assistance to address this issue. The report highlights key findings on the causes and consequences of bullying, as well as practical strategies for reducing its impact.
Researchers from Aalto University and international partners achieved controlled chirality in carbon nanotubes, opening up new perspectives for structural control and fundamental understanding of nanotube growth. The new catalyst enabled selective growth of semiconducting SWNTs with exceptionally high population of (6,5) tubes.
A randomized controlled trial found that naturopathic lifestyle counselling and enhanced usual care reduced the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk score by 17% and 3 percentage points respectively over a year. Naturopathic doctors provided diet and lifestyle advice to patients who lost weight through caloric restr...
A study published in Neurology found that adhering to a Mediterranean diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and low in saturated fats may help preserve cognitive functioning. However, the association was not found in people with diabetes.
A Northwestern University study shows that removing one olfactory receptor from mice can have a profound effect on their behavior, highlighting the importance of individual genes in sensory perception. The research reveals that a single gene, TAAR4, is necessary for mice to avoid predators based on the scent marks of carnivores.
A pilot study by Carnegie Mellon and Northwestern University found that input from social media and crowdsourcing sites helped students identify human needs, generate ideas, and test concepts. The project showed promise for incorporating online crowds into coursework to teach innovation.
Researchers found that only 19% of dermatologists accept Medicaid-insured children, and those who do often require additional paperwork and identification. Eczema affects 20% of US children and can have severe physical and emotional consequences if left untreated.
A study by Michigan State University sociologist Aaron M. McCright found that US residents who believe in the scientific consensus on global warming are more willing to support government action to curb emissions, even among Republicans and conservatives.
Researchers at the Salk Institute discovered that burning plants create chemical messages in soil that stimulate dormant seeds to grow, explaining a fundamental ecological mystery. The findings may aid in developing plant varieties that help restore ecosystems.
The USPSTF recommends screening all adults and adolescents aged 15-65 and pregnant women for HIV to improve clinical outcomes and reduce mother-to-child transmission rates. Universal screening is associated with minimal harm and targeted screening misses a substantial number of cases.
A recent study found that fertilizers with inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus increase soil organic carbon stocks, but do not enhance soil aggregate stability. Researchers tested continuous corn plots under conventional tillage and high water inputs for 50 years, revealing a mixed picture of fertilizer benefits.
Researchers analyzed pre-eruption seismic activity before the 2009 Redoubt volcano eruption, which deviated from common patterns. Advanced analysis revealed a protracted period of slow magma ascent followed by rapidly increasing pressure, enabling improved forecasting techniques.
A commentary by UC Davis bioethicist Mark Yarborough proposes increasing transparency about the social value of individual research studies to enhance informed consent and build public trust. The commentary aims to promote more awareness about the potential benefits and drawbacks of participating in clinical trials.
A new study by University of Illinois business professor Ravi S. Gajendran suggests that leaders can use a relationship-based approach, known as leader-member exchange, to build trust and loyalty with team members in virtual teams.
Researchers discovered that VEGF-driven artery formation requires the binding of VEGFR2 and NRP1. Mice lacking a part of NRP1 molecule had poorly constructed arteries and failed to repair blood vessel blockages. This study opens new therapeutic opportunities for cardiovascular and anti-cancer therapies.
A comprehensive analysis of 83,399 women found SERMs significantly reduce ER-positive breast cancer incidence by 38%. The study also showed increased thromboembolic events with all SERMs except tamoxifen.
The team identified 21 microRNAs associated with ovarian cancer survival and 838 target genes linked to its progression. The findings suggest a network-based approach can predict cancer survival and recurrence more accurately than individual biomarkers.
Researchers have identified a new subtype of ataxia, SCA37, which has been found in multiple families across Spain. This discovery opens the door for personalized therapies and diagnostic tools, allowing patients to receive treatment before symptoms appear.
A big data analysis identified 37 RNA molecules that may predict survival in breast cancer patients with the most common form of invasive ductal carcinoma. The study found a concise RNA signature associated with patient outcome, including early-stage tumors and those with clinical and molecular subclasses.