A Johns Hopkins-led research team aims to replace electric shocks with gentle light to heal ailing hearts and treat arrhythmia. The team has successfully tested this technique on a computer model of the heart, using biological data and an intricate computer model.
Researchers found a negative correlation between gravity and topography signals on Titan, attributed to large roots extending into the ocean beneath the ice shell. The study suggests that Titan's ice shell is rigid and at least 40 kilometers thick.
A Stanford study found that blocking an inflammation-producing molecular pathway reverses pulmonary hypertension in rats, suggesting a potential cure for the deadly disease. The research could also lead to better understanding of other inflammatory diseases.
A study led by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Waisman Center found that mindfulness training reduced teacher stress and burnout, while improving classroom organization and increasing self-compassion. The study used a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course adapted for elementary school teachers.
Researchers have created a model that explains the emergence of the modern genetic code, suggesting it resulted from a combination of selective forces and random chance. The study reveals how RNA signaling likely developed into the universal genetic code shared among all organisms.
A study published in Neurology found that people with lower incomes are more likely to develop migraines, but the remission rate is the same regardless of income. Migraine sufferers in low-income groups experience more severe pain and disability.
Researchers have uncovered evidence of early Holocene hunter-gatherer settlements in the Bolivian Amazon, dating back approximately 10,400 years. The discovery of 'shell middens' reveals human presence in the region, with samples showing a mix of animal bones, freshwater snail shells, and pottery.
Research published in PLOS ONE reveals that fish larvae can smell the presence of coral reefs from far offshore and use this odor to navigate home. The study found that water temperature and current directions do not influence the orientation of larvae, but rather a proximal cue allows them to settle and find their way back.
New research from Durham University reveals that the East Antarctic Ice Sheet may be more susceptible to changes in air temperatures and sea-ice than previously believed. The study found rapid and synchronised periods of advance and retreat among 175 glaciers along the coastline, coinciding with cooling and warming patterns.
The LLCD experiment aims to validate and build confidence in laser communications, allowing for 3-D High Definition video transmissions in deep space. The technology has incredible application possibilities, enabling the transmission of hundreds of millions of bits of data per second from the moon to Earth.
Researchers have identified the cells targeted by anthrax toxins, which can cause illness and death. Lethal toxin targets heart cells and muscle cells surrounding blood vessels, while edema toxin targets liver cells.
Astronomers have discovered an ancient solar twin that is 8.2 billion years old, providing insights into the Sun's life-giving properties and lithium content. The star, HIP 102152, has low levels of lithium, supporting the theory that stars destroy their lithium as they age.
A new study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found a link between drinking alcohol before first pregnancy and an increased risk of breast cancer and benign breast disease. The study, which analyzed data from over 91,000 women, suggests that breast tissue is particularly susceptible to carcinogens during this pe...
Researchers found that woodland salamander populations closely track forest stand growth and development, making them a viable indicator of ecosystem recovery. The study's findings suggest that healthy forests support a wide range of species, including rare and native wildlife, and are crucial carbon sinks.
The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) has announced the recipients of its 2013 awards, honoring exceptional contributions to menopause research, practice, and education. This year's awards recognize outstanding clinicians, researchers, educators, and media professionals who have expanded knowledge about midlife women's health.
Researchers have developed a nanobiocomposite material by combining the natural properties of Morpho butterfly wings with carbon nanotubes, showing promise for wearable electronic devices and sustainable energy applications. The new hybrid material exhibits high electrical conductivity and self-cleaning capabilities.
Research from Washington University School of Medicine links increased breast cancer risk to drinking between early adolescence and first full-term pregnancy. Drinking daily can increase risk by 13% if averaged during this period, according to the study.
Researchers at UC Davis have successfully generated oligodendrocytes with spiking properties, allowing them to produce myelin and mature into functional brain cells. The enhanced cells showed superior regenerative capacity and produced thicker, longer myelin sheaths than natural cells.
Physicists have successfully simulated the evolution of the early universe using ultracold cesium atoms. The experiment replicated patterns resembling the cosmic microwave background radiation, shedding light on the universe's origins. By studying these patterns, researchers can better understand the universe's structure and properties.
A Harvard University study projects that wildfires in the western United States will be three weeks longer, up to twice as smoky, and burn a wider area by 2050. Climate change is expected to exacerbate fire season due to warmer temperatures.
A study at Columbia University Irving Medical Center identifies RbAp48 as a significant contributor to age-related memory loss, which can be reversed. The researchers found that RbAp48 plays an active role in the process and propose it as a target for therapeutic intervention.
A study published in Botany reveals that the genetic diversity of the Branched Bartonia plant in Ontario is greater than initially thought. The research found that the Muskoka population is genetically distinct from a core population in New York State, highlighting the importance of considering genetic novelty in conservation policies.
Researchers have successfully produced hydrogen from water using high-grade charcoal and other forms of carbon, paving the way for an alternative, cost-effective method. This breakthrough could potentially replace traditional methods that rely on expensive catalysts or electric current.
Researchers at the Institute of Physical Chemistry found that molecular motors generate only 3.5•10^-28 joule per rotation, a value ten million times lower than thermal motion energy. Despite low individual power, collective rotations can achieve higher energies, making it possible for these molecules to find practical applications.
A study found that migraine can cause long-lasting changes in brain structure, including increased risk of brain lesions, white matter abnormalities, and altered brain volume. Migraine with aura is associated with a higher risk of these changes compared to those without aura.
A biomedical research team at Worcester Polytechnic Institute will use a new microthread technology to deliver adult stem cells into damaged hearts, aiming to promote muscle regeneration and improve heart function. The five-year project aims to advance cell therapies for people suffering from heart disease.
The Rim Fire has spread deeper into Yosemite National Park, destroying 111 buildings and threatening thousands of homes. The fire has a relatively flat path, making it difficult for firefighters to control, with almost all containment coming from the southwest edge.
Tropical Storm Fernand's heavy rain caused mudslides in Mexico, resulting in 13 deaths. NASA's TRMM satellite gathered data on the storm's precipitation, which was used to estimate TMPA rainfall totals and monitor damages across 19 municipalities.
New research suggests that UK children are far less likely to be diagnosed with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) compared to their US counterparts. The study found that only 1.5% of parents in the UK reported a diagnosis of ADHD in children aged between 6-8, in contrast to 6.3% in the USA.
Mental and substance use disorders were the leading cause of non-fatal illness worldwide in 2010, with depressive disorders accounting for 40% of the burden. The analysis also found that mental and substance use disorders were responsible for more deaths than HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, with opioids causing the greatest health burden.
A University of Maryland research team identified a cell signaling pathway that contributes to developmental defects in babies of women with diabetes. The study suggests that reducing ASK1 activity may prevent these defects and proposes the use of a naturally occurring antioxidant, thioredoxin, as a potential therapeutic target.
Researchers have created an oxygen sponge that can easily absorb or shed oxygen atoms at low temperatures, making it useful in devices such as rechargeable batteries and fuel cells. This discovery could lead to more efficient energy storage and sensor technologies.
Researchers have created a novel method to desalinate wastewater from oil and gas production, producing up to 90% pure water. The 'ice that burns' technique uses chunks of ice retrieved from deep below the sea to remove salt and other impurities.
A recent study published in Cerebral Cortex found that high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (ASD) children's difficulty understanding visual cues and sounds improves during adolescence. The researchers tested 222 children aged 5 to 17, including those with ASD, on their ability to integrate auditory and visual speech signals.
Research reveals that individuals with lower bacterial species in their intestines are more susceptible to developing complications related to obesity, including cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. A diverse flora appears to play a crucial role in maintaining overall health.
Researchers have identified a link between VCP gene mutations and toxic protein buildup in ALS patients, providing a new approach for developing treatments against the devastating disease. The study suggests that activating autophagy to clear stress granules could offer a new strategy for treating neurodegenerative diseases.
New research presents evidence suggesting that life may have originated on Mars and was brought to Earth via a Martian meteorite. The study tackles two paradoxes related to the origin of life on Earth, including the 'tar paradox' and the difficulty in starting life due to water coverage.
A major clinical trial has shown that specialist nurse-led clinics can manage people with rheumatoid arthritis just as effectively as traditional doctor-led services. The study found significant improvements in disease activity, pain control, and patient satisfaction, while also reducing healthcare costs.
Researchers have directly visualized magnetic charge crystallization in an artificial spin ice material for the first time. The team developed a new annealing protocol to realize the full potential of complex magnetic interactions in these materials.
Biofilms interact with sediment dynamics to form distinctive structures called microbialites. Stromatolites, with their multilayered structure, are a well-known example of microbial activity in early Earth's history. However, the formation mechanisms and differences between stromatolites and microbial induction of sedimentary structure...
Two newly described electric fish from the Amazon produce different electric signals, with one species having a monophasic EOD that is unusual in its kind. This trait may have evolved to mimic that of the electric eel, while also providing stability and communication benefits.
Research published in PLOS ONE found that fast-food marketing aimed at children emphasizes giveaways and movie tie-ins more frequently than ads targeted at adults. The study also highlights the importance of aligning advertising to children with health promotion efforts to address concerns about obesity.
A study found that forensic psychologists and psychiatrists who believed they were working for the prosecution assigned higher risk scores to sexually violent offenders than those who thought they were working for the defense. The researchers hope this finding will prompt experts to re-examine their training and practice methods.
The ASCB Kaluza Prize recognizes graduate students for their outstanding research contributions. The competition is open to ASCB members and applicants, with a focus on the quality and significance of the work rather than journal impact factors. The $5,000 prize winner will be honored at the 2013 ASCB Annual Meeting.
Researchers predict significant growth of trees and bushes in large parts of ice-free Greenland by 2100, with southern regions likely to become greener. The analysis identifies over 400,000 square kilometers suitable for forest flora, offering new opportunities for activities such as hunting and commercial exploitation.
A recent study published in Nature found that approximately 1 in 4 individuals have fewer than average intestinal bacteria, leading to reduced diversity and increased inflammation. This lack of gut bacteria is associated with a higher risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
Scientists have overturned previous notions of how the sun's writhing insides move from equator to pole and back again. The team found a double-layered circulation system with two cycles on top of each other, providing new opportunities for studying solar magnetism and cycles.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that adding a transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block to surgical care reduced hospital stays by less than one day and postoperative narcotics use. The TAP block procedure, which poses no significant risks to patients, allows for quicker recovery and lower healt...
A new study reveals that fish larvae of cardinalfish and damselfish use olfactory cues to detect the presence of coral reefs, allowing them to navigate their way back home. The researchers used an o-DISC device to track larval movement and orientation in response to odor cues.
Researchers have identified five enzymes essential to the survival of a parasitic worm infecting livestock worldwide, including two already studied as potential drug targets against other pathogens. The genome of Haemonchus contortus provides valuable insights into how treatments work and reveals new drug and vaccine targets.
A new study found that four major alcohol brands, including Patron and Hennessy, are frequently mentioned in popular music, particularly among urban audiences. Alcohol use is often portrayed positively in these songs, which may contribute to increased youth drinking behavior.
Researchers propose a rigorous evidence-based approach to identify what works and doesn't work in collaborations, aiming to improve the efficiency of drug development. Thousands of organizations have come together in over 100 multi-stakeholder collaborations to solve specific problems.
Astronomers have observed a distant quasar split into multiple images by the effects of a Milky Way gas cloud. The event provides a rare opportunity to study the properties of turbulent gas in our galaxy.
A study by University of North Carolina Health Care researchers found that problems with topoisomerases can affect brain development and potentially lead to autism spectrum disorder. The discovery has significant implications for ASD detection and prevention, as inhibiting these enzymes could have a profound effect on neurodevelopment.
Laura Bassi was a renowned physicist in the 18th century, making groundbreaking contributions to experimental physics through conversation, demonstration, experimentation, and explanation. Her work and legacy were recognized with numerous professorships and academy memberships, despite facing controversy and restrictions on her career.