Astronomers have created time-lapse movies of a jet of superheated gas emanating from a supermassive black hole at the center of galaxy M87. The research team analyzed Hubble data to study the details of this process in understanding galaxy formation and black hole physics.
A brief cultural activity can reduce implicit prejudice immediately and up to six months later by sparking interest in another culture. This effect is seen even when participants feel they have freely chosen the topic of the group activity, suggesting that intergroup interactions can have lasting benefits.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes develop method to reprogram human fibroblasts into beating heart cells using a cocktail of five genes. The transformation has the potential to regenerate damaged heart muscle and could revolutionize treatment for heart attacks.
Researchers discover manganese(III) forms up to 90% of total manganese present in marine environments with gradation of oxygen concentrations. The finding sheds light on the complex connections between biology, geology and chemistry in ocean environments.
Researchers found that mutations of maternally inherited mitochondrial DNA in mice accelerate ageing and impair development. Damage from mother's mitochondria starts at birth and accumulates over time, leading to premature ageing and increased mortality risk.
Researchers analyzed anatomical connectivity in the brains of subjects with Alzheimer's disease and healthy older individuals, finding widespread network disruptions. The study also identified asymmetry in the proportions of fibers connecting left and right cortical regions, which may worsen as the disease progresses.
A study published in Springer's journal Applied Research in Quality of Life found that effective management of free time has a far greater impact on a retiree's quality of life than the amount of time available. By planning and scheduling their free time, retirees can improve their overall well-being and happiness.
A team of researchers led by Maren Friesen from Michigan State University is searching for a unique bacterium that can fix atmospheric nitrogen in the presence of oxygen. This bacterium has exceptional properties and could be the key to creating nitrogen-fixing plants, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.
Researchers found that beetles living in cow pats can reduce methane emissions from cattle farming. This discovery has significant implications for the climate impact of dairy and beef farming. The study suggests that if beetles can keep methane emissions down, it could lead to a smaller global warming effect.
A mobile phone app was developed to collect data on happiness and environment, with 270 volunteers from 13 countries participating in a three-week study. The researchers found that male subjects tended to describe themselves as less happy when they were further from their homes, whereas females did not demonstrate a particular trend.
The project aims to perfect a non-invasive brain-machine interface technology that allows patients to control robotic legs and neuroprosthetic limbs with their thoughts. Researchers have begun initial testing at UH, with broader clinical trials planned for Methodist Hospital.
A study reveals that sex hormones cooperate with certain gut microbes to protect males against type 1 diabetes, while females are more susceptible. The findings provide an important framework for developing new treatments.
Researchers discovered that the MC1R gene mutation responsible for red hair also promotes a well-known cancer-causing pathway, increasing the risk of developing melanoma. The study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying this increased susceptibility, potentially leading to the development of targeted treatments.
Researchers used a coupled ocean-atmosphere model to predict climate shifts in the Pacific, with good agreement found between predictions and observed climate development. The study's findings suggest the potential for successful long-term climate predictions, but caution that reliability is still around 50% for regional forecasts.
Researchers at UTHealth discovered a novel signaling axis that promotes pancreatic cancer growth by activating a transcription factor CREB and an oncogenic miR-373, while suppressing tumor suppressor genes. The findings provide potential mechanistic insights into how a zinc transporter functions in cancer cells.
Researchers found that considering the larger picture helps diffuse negative emotions and provides a sense of direction for action. Participants who perceived the event as farther away in time were more confident in their understanding about why it happened.
A study published by the American Society of Nephrology found that a structured exercise and lifestyle program can improve fitness, body composition, and heart function in patients with kidney disease. The program was safe for patients with multiple health issues, including diabetes and high blood pressure.
Researchers found that people tend to reject damaged or imperfect recyclables, citing them as useless. To combat this, consumers and manufacturers can take steps to override these tendencies by changing packaging and product design.
Researchers at WashU Medicine found that corrupted proteins spread in the brain through a specific type of receptor called heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs). Blocking this receptor may aid treatment of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, potentially unifying understanding and treatment of multiple neurodegenerative conditions.
A new study suggests that anthropomorphism can be a powerful tool for promoting low-profile species in conservation projects. By understanding how people attribute value and emotions to species, conservationists can create effective programs that speak to people's cultural expectations. The research highlights the importance of conside...
The portable device, developed by UCLA researchers, can determine levels of albumin in urine and transmit results within seconds, reducing the need for frequent office visits. The device weighs around one-third of a pound and is compatible with smartphones.
Gold nanoparticles with special coatings can deliver drugs or biosensors to a cell's interior without damaging it. Researchers have figured out how the process works, including the crucial first step of fusing with lipids in the cell wall.
A study by Kansas State University researcher Sarah Asebedo found that workaholics are more likely to experience reduced physical and mental well-being. Workaholism was associated with skipped meals and lower self-reported depression scores.
Researchers linked stress gene ATF3 to the spread of breast cancer, finding that immune-system cells expressing ATF3 aid cancer's survival and movement. The study suggests ATF3 may be a master switch enabling cancer's growth and metastasis.
Researchers from the University of Southern Denmark have discovered that crushed concrete can bind up to 90% of phosphorus, a key contributor to algae growth. The technique uses crushed concrete as a filter to remove excess phosphorus from rainwater, reducing its impact on water quality and aquatic life.
A new model predicts arsenic contamination risks in China, identifying high-risk areas where millions of people live. The model could also be used to identify contaminated water sources in other arid regions worldwide.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab used molecular dynamics simulations to study the onset of calcium carbonate formation, predicting the existence of a dense liquid form. This finding supports the aggregation-based mechanism of calcium carbonate formation and has implications for understanding the planet's carbon cycle.
Researchers aim to miniaturize and automate nitrogen fixation, making it available only when needed. By placing the apparatus in plant cells, they hope to reduce energy requirements and environmental problems associated with current methods.
Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has shown remarkable cure rates for recurrent C. difficile infection, with up to 92% of patients cured and an astounding 98% secondary cure rate. FMT also treats various GI disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome.
A new study from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev found that teen drivers who listen to their preferred music while driving are more likely to commit errors and miscalculations. In contrast, listening to background music designed to increase driver safety reduced deficient driving behaviors by 20 percent.
A study found that a simple four-part program, including nicotine patches and counseling, can increase the percentage of patients who quit smoking before surgery. The intervention improved preoperative smoking cessation rates by about 10%, with patients in the group receiving the program being four times more likely to stop smoking.
A Canadian sculptor's artistic abilities remained intact despite advanced vascular dementia, according to a new study. The artist, Mary Hecht, was able to draw spur-of-the-moment and detailed sketches from memory, showcasing cognitive reserve in the brain.
A new statistical risk model has been developed to assess arsenic contamination in China's groundwater. The model predicts that almost 20 million people live in high-risk areas with arsenic concentrations above 10 µg/L, highlighting the need for targeted sampling campaigns and increased monitoring efforts.
A University of Missouri nursing researcher will investigate better ways to identify child maltreatment deaths on death certificates, using this data to estimate a more accurate number of child fatalities. The project aims to improve prevention efforts by analyzing data from 10 states' child death review programs.
Physicists from Bielefeld University have developed a new process to produce ultrathin carbon membranes, which can filter out fine materials and separate gases. The method allows for the creation of customized nanomembranes with specific properties, such as thickness, transparency, and elasticity.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a reliable method for detecting silver nanoparticles in fresh produce and other food products. The study found that smaller particles can penetrate skin and reach sensitive sites after digestion, posing a potential health risk to consumers.
The NIST ytterbium atomic clocks have achieved a new record for stability, with an error rate of less than two parts in 1 quintillion. This breakthrough has significant implications for timekeeping and sensor applications, enabling rapid measurements in real-time.
Typhoon Trami made landfall in east China's Fujian Province with maximum sustained winds near 75 knots/86 mph. The storm's infrared view showed tightly wrapped powerful thunderstorms around the center during landfall, indicating strong uplift and potential heavy rainfall.
Researchers at the University of Hawaii Cancer Center discovered that higher consumption of fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of invasive bladder cancer in women. The study found significant associations between increased intake of yellow-orange vegetables and lower bladder cancer risk among female participants.
Researchers found that institutions often penalize interdisciplinary researchers who cross disciplinary boundaries, despite its benefits in developing new knowledge. Communication problems, funding issues, and lack of credit for promotion and tenure are major obstacles to interdisciplinary research.
Researchers identified gene variants associated with an increased risk of kidney problems in lupus patients, which could lead to better treatments to protect kidney health. The study found that variants in the ABIN1 gene were linked to an increased risk of lupus nephritis, a common complication of the disease.
Researchers successfully grew vascular endothelial cells from human induced pluripotent stem cells, mimicking the flow of blood to differentiate cell types. The iPS-derived cells display critical functions carried out by mature endothelium in the body, including mounting inflammatory responses and preventing blood clots.
A University of Houston professor is studying the impact of Saharan dust on Houston's air quality, finding that the dust can vary in toxicity and affect people with asthma. The team used scientific detective work to determine the 'fingerprint' of African dust, allowing them to differentiate it from other pollutants.
Researchers have developed a new gene therapy approach to convert fibroblasts from human fetal heart cells and skin into heart muscle cells. This technique may potentially treat heart disease by regenerating a healthy heart within the damaged one.
A University of Virginia study found that brain regions responsible for threat response become active when a friend is threatened, similar to when the individual themselves is under threat. This suggests that people closely correlate people they are attached to with their own selves, forming empathy and understanding.
Researchers at Austria's Wolf Science Center found that wolves howl more when a wolf with a better relationship leaves the group and when that individual is high in social rank. The study suggests that howling is not solely a stress response but rather a flexible way to maintain contact and reunite with allies.
A recent study found that smoking is linked to a similar increased risk of stroke for men and women worldwide. Women smokers are at greater risk for a more deadly type of stroke. Quitting smoking significantly reduces the risk, suggesting hormonal differences may contribute to the higher risk in women.
Researchers at Northwestern University discovered that plant polyphenols can be used to create antibacterial coatings with useful properties. These coatings, which are non-toxic and have antioxidant properties, were found to stick to various surfaces, including Teflon.
A genetic study conducted by 23andMe has identified four genetic markers associated with the development of non-syndromic striae distensae (stretch marks), a skin condition affecting approximately 50-80% of people. The study suggests that elastin, a key component of elastic fibers in the skin, plays a crucial role in the formation of s...
Researchers developed a protocol for isolating and expanding large numbers of multipotent fetal dermal cells (MFDCs) that display several advantages over adult dermal cells, including greater cellular yield after isolation and the retention of differentiation potential. The MFDCs were proven safe and efficacious in treating pediatric b...
Researchers transplanted fetal stem cells into lab animals with radiation-induced cognitive impairments, showing improved hippocampal spatial memory and fear-conditioning performance. The study suggests fetal stem cell transplantation may provide a potential treatment for cranially irradiated patients.
NASA detects hundreds of fires in central Africa on August 21, 2013, suggesting deliberate agricultural burning to manage land and clear unwanted plants. The fires produce smoke degrading air quality and pose threats to species extinction.
A new study published in BMC Public Health reveals that volunteering is associated with improvements in mental health and increased life satisfaction. Volunteers reported lower levels of depression and enhanced well-being, although the exact mechanisms underlying these benefits are unclear.
Aromatherapy has been shown to be a promising, non-invasive treatment for postoperative nausea, with patients receiving essential oil blends experiencing lower nausea scores. Additionally, intravenous administration of a five percent solution of dextrose may reduce the need for antiemetic medications and shorten recovery time.
Scientists at DESY's FLASH facility have successfully created an X-ray laser based on a solid, enabling the analysis of sensitive samples without destruction. The method utilizes the principle of stimulated emission to overcome the Auger process, which previously hindered the creation of compact X-ray lasers.
A long-term study of 240 grandmothers caring for their grandchildren found that these caregivers experience persistent depressive symptoms and strain on their health. Researchers suggest that grandmothers may benefit from resourcefulness training to reduce depressive symptoms.
Researchers developed a noninvasive protein-based urine test that accurately monitors kidney transplant risk and detects rejection before clinical signs appear. The study found low levels of CXCL9 protein can rule out rejection as a cause of kidney injury, offering a promising diagnostic tool for managing transplant patients.
A new study by the RAND Corporation found that prison education programs significantly reduce recidivism rates, with a 43% lower chance of returning to prison. Additionally, inmates who participate in correctional education have improved job prospects and higher employment rates after release.
A Magdeburg neuroscientist has received a €1.3 million European Research Council grant to study spatial orientation changes in elderly humans. The five-year project aims to detect dementia at an early stage and develop measures to prevent or counteract it.
Researchers will investigate the neural mechanisms behind empathy, compassion, and cooperation to define their evolutionary development. The project aims to determine if these traits are unique to humans or present in nonhuman primates.