Researchers at Harvard Forest discovered a diverse array of organisms inside carnivorous pitcher plants, including bacteria, midge larvae, and rotifers. The study found that predator-prey interactions play a key role in shaping the food web, with removing one species affecting others.
A study by Oregon State University found that drivers often don't look for pedestrians during permitted left turns, putting them at a high risk of being hit. The research suggests that more states and cities should consider prohibiting permitted left turns while pedestrians are allowed to be in the crosswalk.
A new study from UC Irvine found that daily emotional responses to stresses can predict long-term mental health outcomes. The research suggests maintaining emotional balance is crucial for avoiding severe mental health problems.
Researchers found that federal agencies are more effective at preserving archaeological sites in the Grand Canyon National Park than in the adjacent Kaibab National Forest. The study highlights the need for better protection and preservation efforts in vulnerable landscapes due to differing policies and limited resources.
A new statistical technique has been developed to analyze all possible causes of severity in a traffic accident. The researchers used data-mining techniques, including Latent Class Clustering and Bayesian Networks, to identify the variables that affect accident severity.
Researchers found that speaking tonal languages improves how the brain hears music, with Cantonese speakers showing similar performance to musicians on auditory measures. The study suggests that language experience can have bi-directional benefits for learning music.
A team of chemists from the University of Valencia has proposed a two-stage process for creating Maya Blue, a highly-resistant pigment used in ancient Mesoamerican cultures. The researchers believe that indigo and palygorskite clay can be combined through heat to form a blue pigment with variable proportions.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is often over-diagnosed and over-treated in infants, increasing the risk of unnecessary medication use. A recent study found that when physicians label common symptoms in infants as GERD, parents are more likely to request medication even if it's ineffective.
Dr. Cecilia Bitz, an associate professor at the University of Washington, will receive the Rosenstiel Award for her contributions to climate and climate change research, particularly in high-latitude regions. Her work focuses on climate modeling, sea ice predictability, and geoengineering perspectives.
A systematic review of clinical interventions for adults exposed to traumatic events found only two psychotherapeutic treatments showing promise: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Collaborative Care. These treatments showed possible benefits in reducing PTSD symptoms, but more research is needed due to the limited evidence base.
Researchers at the New York Stem Cell Foundation have developed a 3D stem cell culture technique to study Alzheimer's disease. This technique enables the creation of neuron aggregates that can be used to model and study diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Researchers at Sanford-Burnham discovered an imbalance between neutrophil elastase and its inhibitor causes inflammation, obesity, insulin resistance, and fatty liver disease. In mouse models and human studies, reversing this imbalance protected against weight gain, metabolic problems, and inflammation.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded funding to two new Autism Centers of Excellence, joining nine other centers nationwide in a five-year research effort to identify autism causes and treatments. The centers will focus on early intervention styles and genetic variants associated with autism.
A recent genetic study of tadpole shrimps reveals that these organisms are much younger than previously thought, with some species evolving in the past 25 million years. The research challenges the term 'living fossil' by showing that these ancient crustaceans have undergone periods of radiation and extinction.
A new dating method has accurately determined the age of Neanderthal remains found in the El Sidrón cave in Asturias, Spain. The results, published in Archaeometry, confirm that the remains are between 45,200 and 51,600 years old.
Researchers at UMass Chan Medical School reveal the molecular mechanism behind the roundworm's escape response, linking two separate actions coordinated by tyramine and its interaction with fast- and slow-acting receptors.
A study found a significant shortfall in organ donations at large general hospitals in Ontario compared to those treating transplant recipients. The rate was 1.4 per 100 deaths, significantly lower than the 5.0 per 100 deaths at transplant hospitals.
Researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum have discovered that vitamin P can protect motor neurons from dying off in culture. Unlike BDNF, which has limited effectiveness and potential negative consequences, vitamin P triggers a different signaling pathway to promote survival of isolated motor neurons.
A new study published in Psychological Science suggests that chronic negative emotions in response to daily stressors can take a toll on long-term mental health. The research found that participants' overall levels of negative emotions predicted psychological distress and diagnosis of emotional disorders ten years later.
Eight new grants bring health considerations into education policy, with a focus on school integration and cross-race understanding. An HIA in Kentucky will examine the potential health benefits and risks of coal plant retirement, while a project in Puerto Rico will assess the impact of sanitation infrastructure improvements.
A study published in Cell Metabolism suggests that targeting cholesterol metabolism in the eye may prevent severe age-related macular degeneration. Researchers found that macrophages play a key role in clearing cholesterol from the eye, and that with aging, these cells become less efficient at this task.
A new study from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that low nocturnal melatonin secretion levels are associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The study, which accounted for other established risk factors, suggests that melatonin plays a role in regulating glucose metabolism and risk of diabetes.
Researchers at the University of Colorado Cancer Center have developed a new technology that uses cholesterol rafts to deliver genetic payloads into cancer cells. This innovative approach overcomes the long-standing challenge of delivering nucleic acids across cell membranes.
Researchers found that most environmental reviews were completed within one to two years, contradicting the government's claim of a slow and inefficient process. The study recommends standardized assessment methods, streamlined administration, and more empirical studies to address delays during high economic activity.
A randomized trial found that tonsillectomy significantly reduced episodes of severe pharyngitis in adult patients. The procedure improved quality of life and reduced lost work or school days compared to non-surgical treatment.
A monkey study by the University of Manchester and Liverpool has found that middle-ranking macaques experience high levels of social stress due to conflicts with both lower- and higher-ranking individuals. The research suggests a possible application to human hierarchies, particularly in workplace settings.
A study found that symbiotic bacteria in squids use light and chemical signals to control circadian-like rhythms in the animals. The bacteria entrain gene expression in the squid's head, cycling proteins to synchronize daily rhythms. This discovery has implications for understanding clock genes in other animals, including humans.
Researchers discovered how nanoscale biomechanical properties of cartilage change at the earliest stages of osteoarthritis, making it more prone to damage from physical activity. GAG depletion affects cartilage stiffness and fluid flow, increasing vulnerability to high-rate activities like running and jumping.
A groundbreaking study by Mügen Terzioglu and colleagues challenges long-held ideas about the protein MTERF1's importance in mitochondrial transcription and translation. The findings, published in Cell Metabolism, demonstrate that MTERF1 is not as crucial to mitochondrial function as previously thought.
Researchers found that cobia larvae showed remarkable resistance to end-of-century acidification scenarios, but reduced growth and development at more extreme levels. The study provides an optimistic outlook for this species, but highlights the need for further research on how fish react to ocean acidification.
The journal uses analytical chemistry, imaging, and mathematical modeling to analyze culturally important objects and buildings. The first papers in the inaugural issue discuss the analysis of a lost statue, ancient amber objects, and medieval coins.
A team of UC Davis scientists found that epoxy docosapentaenoic acid (EDP) inhibits angiogenesis, cutting off oxygen and nutrients that fuel tumor growth. EDP reduces the growth and spread of tumors in mice by starving them of necessary blood vessels.
Researchers found that critical access hospitals (CAHs) had higher mortality rates for patients with heart attacks, congestive heart failure, and pneumonia compared to non-CAHs. CAH admissions were associated with 10.4 excess deaths per 1,000 admissions during the study period.
Researchers at LSU Health Sciences Center discovered that a common sexually transmitted infection-causing parasite cultivates bacteria beneficial to it, changing the thinking about which comes first–infection or bacteria. The study found two unique bacterial communities strongly associated with trichomonas infection.
A new rare species of Allium, Allium formosum, has been discovered in Kyrgyzstan, closely related to the previously undetected Allium spathulatum. The plant is characterized by its elegant habit and beautiful coloration, and its discovery highlights the need for further explorations and plant protection in the area.
A study by ASPS Member Surgeon Dr. Brian I. Labow and colleagues found that persistent breast enlargement negatively impacts adolescent males' general health, social functioning, mental health, self-esteem, and eating behaviors. Early intervention and treatment for gynecomastia may be necessary to improve negative physical and emotiona...
The study reveals the precise structure of the mosquito-transmitted chikungunya virus pathogen bound to antibodies, showing how infection is likely neutralized. Antibodies stabilize the viral surface, hindering fusion and blocking infection. The findings could lead to effective vaccines against the infection.
The Journal of Visualized Experiments (JoVE) is accepting submissions for its new Behavioral Sciences section. The new section will enable scientists to publish cutting-edge methodologies and innovations in video format.
Researchers found that age-related macular degeneration shares a common link with atherosclerosis due to impaired cholesterol efflux in macrophages. The study suggests that cholesterol-lowering eye drops or other medications could prevent vision loss caused by macular degeneration.
The review highlights the risks of sharps injuries, including high costs related to contracting serious infectious diseases, with nearly 400,000 incidents occurring annually in the US. Engineered safety devices and proper protocols can prevent many injuries, but clinician compliance remains a crucial factor in reducing their impact.
Researchers from CAMH found that people with mental illnesses are more than seven times more likely to use cannabis weekly compared to those without a mental illness. The study also shows that individuals with mental illness were 10 times more likely to have a cannabis use disorder.
A new Northwestern Medicine study found that both black and white Americans have a similar lifetime risk of heart failure, ranging from 20 to 45 percent. The study explored the long-term risk of heart failure in different race groups and found that higher blood pressure and body mass index increased the risk.
Researchers at Rice University and MD Anderson Cancer Center developed 3D scaffolds that effectively mimic the environment in which tumors develop, allowing for more accurate evaluation of anti-cancer drug responses. The technology holds promise for accelerating the development of cancer therapeutics.
Elizabeth Shenk, a BU Biomedical Engineering and Pharmacology Training Program student, received the Research Scholar Award from the Joanna M. Nicolay Melanoma Foundation. The $10,000 grant supports her research on determining which melanomas are likely to metastasize using a three-dimensional engineered platform.
A large population-based study found that stillbirth and pre-term birth are associated with a significantly increased risk of blood clots after pregnancy. The study identified several factors that increase the risk of blood clots, including obesity, caesarian section delivery, and pre-term birth.
A systematic review confirms HIV self-testing is effective in removing fear and stigma associated with testing, leading to higher acceptability rates. Self-tests are non-invasive, convenient, and can provide results within 20 minutes, paving the way for early detection and treatment.
These tiny crustaceans feed on nuisance algae that grow on seagrasses, helping to maintain healthy seagrass beds and provide nurseries for commercially important fish and shellfish. Grazers also serve as a food source for larger animals in the ecosystem.
Scientists at British American Tobacco used a multi-analyte approach to determine tobacco constituent exposure in snus users. Generally, less than a third of each constituent was extracted by consumers during use. The findings provide reference data for developing a laboratory system mimicking real-life extraction.
Researchers discovered that copepods switch to big power strokes in cold water, allowing them to overcome changing water temperature and viscosity. This adaptation helps copepods escape predators, but also makes them vulnerable to pollution-related changes in water viscosity.
Researchers found that a restrictive diet following bariatric surgery leads to rapid improvements in blood glucose levels. The study's findings suggest that controlling food intake is key to successful diabetes remission.
A study published in the journal Blood found that pregnant and postnatal women with certain medical conditions, such as varicose veins or heart disease, are at higher risk of developing blood clots. The research also identified other risk factors, including obesity, bleeding during pregnancy or labour, and a history of premature birth.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a new method to kill deadly pathogenic bacteria, including listeria, using nature-inspired nanobiotechnology. The coating kills listeria on contact, even at high concentrations, without affecting other bacteria.
A randomized phase 3 trial found that duloxetine reduced pain from chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy compared to placebo. Patients who received platinums showed greater benefits from duloxetine.
Researchers found an independent association between decreased melatonin secretion and increased risk for the development of type 2 diabetes. Lower nocturnal melatonin secretion was associated with increased insulin resistance in women, doubling their estimated diabetes incidence rate compared to those with higher melatonin secretion.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories are developing a medical device that can quickly detect a suite of biothreat agents, including anthrax, ricin, and botulinum. The device will be used in emergency rooms to respond to bioterrorism incidents.
A 18-mile-long feature with a distinct mineral signature has been discovered in the Copernicus crater on the Moon's near side. The finding suggests that pre-existing mineralogical diversity is not always blended away by large impacts, contradicting long-held assumptions.
Researchers have discovered that epileptic seizures in temporal-lobe epilepsy patients can propagate through anatomically and functionally connected brain networks. The study found reduced gray-matter concentrations in certain brain regions, which correlated with changes in functional connectivity and communication between brain areas.
The new system uses micro-robotics to provide surgeons with a better view of bladder tumors, allowing for more accurate diagnoses and easier tumor removal. The device can operate in challenging environments and has been shown to have sub-millimeter precision.
A new vaccine candidate for post-operative staph infections failed to demonstrate efficacy in reducing serious infections and was associated with increased mortality among patients who developed the infection. The study found no significant difference in efficacy between the vaccine and placebo groups, and reported a higher rate of mul...
Researchers at Berkeley Lab released a guide on planning and financing comprehensive energy upgrades for K-12 schools. The guide covers different financing approaches and contains case studies of successful projects, highlighting the benefits of energy efficiency upgrades in reducing costs and improving student learning environments.