Scientists have developed a method to accurately predict the adsorptive properties of crystalline MTV-MOF systems, enabling the optimization of function and control of spatial disorder. The approach uses solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements with molecular-level computational simulations.
A study by Professor Lesley Campbell and Dr Arthur Jenkins reveals that rare genetic defects are responsible for most of the problem with obesity and type 2 diabetes. The researchers found that many genes are involved, each contributing a unique genetic story, making it difficult to develop a single anti-obesity drug or treatment.
NASA's TRMM satellite detected powerful thunderstorms reaching 10 miles high in Hurricane Henriette, which dropped heavy rainfall. The storm's towering clouds, known as 'hot towers,' played a role in its formation and intensification.
A study by Jordan Smith found that residents in growing communities trust information from family members, churches, and local newspapers more than elected officials or national news sources. This shift can lead to conflicts over values and ideologies, complicating long-term environmental and community planning.
Researchers have developed a new method to produce artificial ball lightning in the lab, revealing its structure and behavior for the first time. The study provides crucial insights into this mysterious phenomenon, which occurs only once in every million lightning bolts.
Scientists discover a new method to convert waste cooking oil and lard into olefins, a key ingredient in making plastics. This breakthrough could reduce reliance on petroleum-based plastics and promote more sustainable alternatives.
Scientists from Norwich BioScience Institute have gathered data to assess the hazards of lower temperature cooking in sous vide, filling a knowledge gap. They propose a way forward to ensure consistent and effective safety assessments, commensurate with any risk to public health.
Tropical Storm Gil's cloud top temperatures warmed since the previous day, indicating a loss of thunderstorms' ability to form more powerful storms. As the storm weakened, it ceased to be a tropical cyclone and continued moving south of Hawaii.
A high-fat diet fed to pregnant rats for 20 days resulted in preeclampsia-like syndromes and increased expression of metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 in the rat hippocampus. This finding suggests that controlling fat intake may be crucial in preventing pregnancy-induced eclampsia.
Researchers have successfully induced differentiation of Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells into retinal progenitor cells, offering a promising new treatment option for visual impairment in retinal degenerative diseases. The study demonstrates the potential of these stem cells as seed cells for clinical treatment.
Researchers applied simple math to a long-studied biological process, finding that catabolite repression is controlled by the difference between glucose and other essential nutrients. This discovery demonstrates the power of quantitative biology in elucidating complex biological processes.
Researchers have discovered a new effect that enables easier production of spin-polarized currents necessary for magnetic chip switching. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and robust magnetic Random Access Memories (MRAMs) for information processing.
A study of retired NFL players found no evidence to support the theory that they suffer from a unique cognitive disorder. The researchers discovered that players with possible cognitive impairment had patterns of impairments similar to non-athletes with mild cognitive impairment.
Researchers discovered a 165-million-year-old fossilized skeleton of the ancient mammal Megaconus mammaliaformis in Northeast China. The animal had striking cusps on its teeth for crushing hard plant material and powerful jaws for eating tough plants.
The National Estuarine Research Reserve System faces increasing climate-related stressors, threatening coastal ecosystems and human communities. Climate sensitivity was highest in southern East Coast reserves, which provide ideal locations to assess climate change impacts.
A new study from Huntsman Cancer Institute suggests that family members of children with cancer may be at higher risk of developing childhood cancer, depending on their family medical history. The research recommends collecting three generations of family medical history for all newly diagnosed pediatric cancer patients.
Researchers developed a powerful micro-supercapacitor, just nanometres thick, that can store more energy and provide more power per unit volume than state-of-the-art supercapacitors. The device has potential applications in miniaturized technologies, including implantable medical devices and RFID tags.
Recent studies have reported discouraging results for endovascular treatment of acute stroke, but a commentary suggests it remains a viable option for certain patients. A new study also finds no evidence that obesity affects outcomes in subarachnoid hemorrhage patients.
Physicists have built a theoretical construct of twisted atom beams, which can have potential applications in quantum communication and atomic processes. These beams were created by solving the non-relativistic Schrödinger equation for atoms driven by a laser field.
The discovery of Megaconus mammaliaformis sheds light on the evolution of modern mammals, revealing a 165-million-year-old proto-mammal with hair and fur. The fossil, found in Inner Mongolia, China, provides evidence that key biological functions related to skin and integument evolved before the rise of modern mammals.
A new study found that people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest at exercise facilities have a higher chance of survival than at other indoor locations. The study looked at 849 cases in Seattle and King County, Wash., and found that traditional exercise facilities had the highest survival rates.
Researchers from RIKEN have developed a highly efficient molecular probe, Eprobe, for real-time PCR monitoring and genetic testing. The new technology enables advanced assays for DNA-based genetic testing and helps bring genome-wide sequencing studies to patients in the clinic.
Researchers at the University of Washington published a comprehensive portrait of the genome of HeLa cell line, shedding light on its unique replication properties and stability. The study also highlights the importance of haplotypes in characterizing cancer genomes and epigenomes.
Researchers have developed a new method to insert DNA into living cells with greater-than-ever control, using a combination of femtosecond lasers and optical tweezers. This technique allows for precise pokes on the surface of a single cell and gentle insertion of DNA.
Research found that five-to-six-year-old children are more likely to exhibit altruistic behavior towards peers who demonstrate helpfulness. Observing positive interactions with other children evokes positive emotions and encourages bystanders to reciprocate with kindness.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have created a novel printing process to produce micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) components from a highly flexible and non-toxic organic polymer. This innovation enables the creation of biocompatible MEMS for medical devices, such as bionic arms and smart prosthetics.
A two-year prevention programme for disruptive kindergarten children may help reduce substance use in adolescence. The study found that levels of drug and alcohol use across adolescence were lower in those who received the intervention.
The NIH has reached an agreement with the Lacks family to allow controlled access to the whole genome data of HeLa cells, a valuable reference tool for researchers. The policy respects the family's wishes while enabling scientific progress and includes public acknowledgement of their contribution.
A biodegradable plastic, dissolvable suture material has shown promise in reducing hospital stays for patients with brain infections. The material released vancomycin, a powerful antibiotic that killed many microbes, including MRSA.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed solar cells that can restore their effectiveness after degradation due to ultraviolet rays. The device uses a microfluidic regeneration system, mimicking the branching networks found in nature, to replenish photoactive molecules and maintain performance.
A NASA team outlines priorities for a future Europa lander mission to study its potential habitability. The mission would investigate the composition and chemistry of Europa's ocean and the thickness, uniformity, and dynamics of its icy shell.
Research published in PLOS ONE found that physical handicaps like being tied down make men overestimate an opponent's size and underestimate their own. This effect persists even when anxiety is ruled out, suggesting an automatic processing of physical capacities towards potential conflicts with others.
Dr Lindsay Hall's five-year research project will investigate the establishment of infant gut bacterial communities and their protection against infection. The study aims to explore new probiotic bacteria to restore the microbial community and enhance the body's ability to fight infection.
Scientists have found two strains of bacteria that work together to convert nitrogen into usable forms in the ocean. The partnership, between Thioploca and anammox, intensifies the nitrogen cycle and creates localized zones where fixed nitrogen is depleted faster than expected.
The new alliances are helping to soften the impact of funding cuts and providing industry partners with access to fundamental research. This collaboration is leading to the introduction of new college courses in areas like green chemistry, benefiting cash-strapped academic labs and preparing students for success in industry workplaces.
Research at Duke University found that practice in estimating and comparing quantities can improve math abilities, particularly for symbolic math skills. The study tested adult volunteers before and after training sessions, showing significant improvement in math test scores compared to a control group.
A team of scientists has mapped the complex neural connectivity in a fly's brain essential for vision, revealing new insights into how flies detect motion. The researchers used a high-throughput approach to chart neuronal connections involved in motion detection, identifying 379 cells and 8,637 connections between them.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that the setting of scientific peer review panels, such as using teleconferencing technology, has little effect on the outcome of the review process. The researchers reviewed over 1,600 grant applications and found that panelists engaged less discussion during teleconference reviews.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology discovered the cells responsible for processing motion in fruit flies, showing that motion information is processed independently in two separate pathways. The findings highlight the importance of understanding how neurons work together to enable complex behaviors.
Research suggests that believing in precognition can provide a psychological boost to perceived control, particularly when individuals feel a loss of control. People who experienced loss of control reported increased belief in precognition and subsequently felt more in control.
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center created DNA nanorobots that can identify and tag specific human cells based on multiple surface proteins. This allows for precise targeting of cancer cells with minimal impact on healthy cells, potentially revolutionizing cancer treatment.
A study of over 2,000 patients aged 65+ found a strong association between higher blood sugar levels and increased dementia risk. Higher glucose levels were linked to a 40% increased risk in people with diabetes.
Organic solar cells have been found to improve their performance by manipulating the 'spin' of electrons, which can block energy collapse and increase current from the cell. This breakthrough could close the gap between organic and silicon solar cells, bringing large-scale deployment closer to reality.
In July 2013, Oregon's severe drought and thunderstorms ignited dozens of difficult-to-control wildfires. The fires burned nearly 144,688 acres across the state, with smoke posing health risks to residents. Firefighters battled the blazes, including the Douglas Complex and Big Windy Complex, which collectively burned over 50,000 acres.
Researchers have discovered a synthetic, high-performance polymer that improves efficiency by reducing electrical charge loss. The material's unique quantum mechanical property, electron 'spin,' enables it to 'rescue' charges from energy-losing pathways.
Researchers have developed a new polymer membrane that improves the stability and conductivity of alkaline fuel cells while reducing the need for expensive platinum catalysts. This breakthrough could make fuel cells more affordable and accessible, offering an alternative to traditional technology.
A new analysis of cosmic microwave background radiation data has taken the furthest look back in time, revealing an excess of radiation that may indicate the presence of primordial neutrinos or dark energy. The findings challenge current theories on the universe's early expansion history.
Scientists at Penn's Annenberg School for Communication found that inaction-related words in the environment can influence self-control, triggering unconscious behavior to stop over-indulging. The study challenged traditional theories that inhibition requires conscious control.
New UEA research reveals that moderate exercise may slow the progression of tendon disease by decreasing enzymes that degrade tendon tissue. The study showed a positive effect on tendons, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach to managing this debilitating condition.
A Caltech team has engineered a miniature silicon system to produce squeezed light, a type of ultraquiet light useful for precise measurements. The system, which reduces quantum fluctuations, enables the creation of precision microsensors capable of beating standard limits set by quantum mechanics.
Researchers at UCLA invented a tool called research maps, which helps neuroscientists quickly scan existing knowledge, plan their next study, and optimize investments. The maps classify information into categories and score the weight of evidence based on criteria such as reproducibility and convergence.
Research found that every extra hour of TV beyond recommendations decreases vocabulary and math skills, classroom engagement, victimization by classmates, and physical prowess at kindergarten. Existing viewing recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics are not sufficient to prevent these negative effects.
Researchers developed a fluorescent caffeine detector that lights up like a traffic light to indicate the amount of caffeine in drinks. The sensor can help prevent caffeine overdoses and is useful for detecting pollution in natural water systems.
Researchers used a new electron microscopy method to study high-pressure samples of carbon, detecting unexpected atom types and locations within minerals. The findings explain how large amounts of carbon reside in the Earth's interior, addressing a long-standing problem.
A team of researchers has discovered that healthy brain cells segregate amyloid precursor protein (APP) and beta-secretase enzyme (BACE-1) into distinct compartments, preventing their combination and triggering Alzheimer's disease. This separation mechanism may hold the key to understanding how AD develops in some individuals.
Research shows a two-century-long historical shift towards individualistic psychological functioning in urban environments, away from rural adaptations. Word frequencies analyzed using Google Ngram Viewer reveal increasing use of 'choose', 'get', and 'feel', reflecting changing values and mental life.
A large nationwide study found that people with rheumatoid arthritis are at a higher risk of developing potentially fatal blood clots in the legs and lungs. The study revealed that patients with rheumatoid arthritis were more than twice as likely to develop these clots, with the risk being highest among younger adults.
As people age, their memory-making abilities decrease due to the loss of GluN2B subunits in NMDA receptors, but research suggests that lifestyle changes can help mitigate this decline. Studies have shown that genetic therapy can restore some subunits and improve cognitive function in laboratory mice.
The DynoTRAIN project aims to establish virtual testing as a valid route to certification for rail vehicles. Researchers used real-world track data and simulated the dynamic behavior of railway vehicles to build mathematical tools that can synthesize data into representative virtual test environments.
A UCLA analysis of over 1.5 million books shows how cultural values have changed, revealing individualism and materialistic values on the rise.