A special issue of the journal Climatic Change examines the proposed Oxford Principles for governing geoengineering research, including technical hurdles, ethics, and regulatory issues. The study highlights the need for interdisciplinary discussion on geoengineering, which has gained credibility in the scientific community.
A Taiwanese study found that high-quality diets among children are correlated with those of their elders, regardless of factors such as household income and parental education. The researchers suggest that grandparents may play a significant role in influencing food habits across generations.
The Hubble Space Telescope observed a 'light echo' phenomenon as RS Puppis variable star pulsed, measuring its distance to 6,500 light-years with high accuracy. The star's fluctuations and reflected light allowed astronomers to narrow down the distance using light echoes.
The Microbicide Trials Network, led by the University of Pittsburgh, has received a seven-year, $70 million grant to continue developing and testing HIV prevention products. The network aims to address unmet needs for new products targeting young women and men who have sex with men.
The UK's Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council has launched 13 unique collaborative networks to promote interaction between academia and industry, pooling skills to develop research projects with potential to overcome major challenges in industrial biotechnology and bioenergy. The networks will unlock innovative ways t...
A study found that bonobos have higher levels of thyroid hormone T3 until adulthood, unlike humans and chimpanzees. This might impact their social behavior and cognitive development, potentially leading to delayed maturation.
Researchers found no evidence of an association between iron levels and the risk of atherosclerosis, contradicting a long-held hypothesis. The study's findings carry important implications for patients with chronic kidney disease or anemia related to inflammatory disorders.
Researchers found that silencing synapses in the nucleus accumbens can prevent intensification of cocaine craving. They discovered a chemical receptor known as CP-AMPAR essential for maturation of silent synapses, which revert to silence when removed.
A study by researchers at the University of Auckland in New Zealand investigates whether it's better to be right or be happy. The results show that being right can cause happiness, while agreeing with what one disagrees with leads to unhappiness. The study also highlights the adverse effects of unbridled power on quality of life.
A new study suggests that H1N1 infection can trigger autoimmune destruction of brain cells producing wakefulness protein hypocretin, leading to narcolepsy. Researchers believe that molecular mimicry between the virus and human protein may play a key role in the disease's development.
A study published in Europe's leading reproductive medicine journal found that freezing semen before cancer treatment can significantly increase the chances of fatherhood. Among 334 male survivors who wanted to have children, those with frozen semen had a success rate of 62% compared to 21% without it.
Researchers at Umeå University detected measurable concentrations of illicit drugs in Swedish wastewater from 33 treatment plants. The study found 13 different narcotic substances, with oxazepam, codeine, and morphine being the most common prescription drug residues.
Scientists have discovered a previously unknown form of uranium that can become mobile under certain conditions, remobilizing from natural wetlands into surrounding water. Researchers found that a specific combination of organic matter, iron, and sulfide presence enables the mobility of uranium.
A new study found that agoutis in areas with limited food are more active at twilight and have a higher risk of being killed by ocelots. This increased predation risk affects seed dispersal by agoutis, who bury seeds as food reserves that may germinate into new trees.
Researchers developed an algorithm that subtly modifies facial features to make a face more memorable. The system uses machine learning to analyze subtle trends in facial features and applies these changes to produce a new image. In tests, the algorithm succeeded in making faces more or less memorable in around 75% of cases.
Research found smoking changes genes associated with health problems like cancer and diabetes. Epigenetic modifications are likely caused by tobacco combustion, not substances in the tobacco.
A new study published in Psychological Medicine found that childhood bullying significantly increases the likelihood of psychotic experiences in later life, affecting victims, perpetrators, and bully-victims. The research suggests early interventions against bullying in primary school could prevent long-term effects on mental health.
The new guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of hypertension, addressing healthcare disparities globally. The 25-author guidelines aim to improve clinical management and reduce the burden of cardiovascular events associated with high blood pressure.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in printing cells from the human retina using piezoelectric inkjet technology, opening up new possibilities for treating blindness. The study successfully printed two types of cells, ganglion cells and glial cells, which remained healthy and retained their ability to survive and grow in culture.
A new study has confirmed an association between a gadolinium-based MRI contrast agent and abnormal brain tissue signals. The research suggests that the toxic component of the contrast agent may remain in the body for extended periods.
A new study published in Childhood Obesity found that food and beverage ads on children's TV programs are nutritionally unhealthy for kids. The researchers assessed the nutritional content of over 84% of food and beverage products advertised during children's programming.
A new infrared spectroscopy technique called nano-FTIR has enabled researchers to map the secondary structure of proteins on the nanometer scale. The technique, which combines scanning near-field optical microscopy and FTIR spectroscopy, allows for nanoscale-resolved protein spectroscopy and identification of single protein complexes w...
Measuring changes in proteins in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) may better predict disease progression, according to scientists at Penn State College of Medicine. Biomarkers from plasma and cerebrospinal fluid identified as useful in predicting disease duration.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry reveals that hippocampal volume loss in depression is caused by a reduction in glial cells, not neurons. The research uses female nonhuman primates to clarify the cellular basis of volumetric changes in the brain.
The NIH Bridging Interventional Development Gaps (BrIDGs) program aims to advance treatments for acute radiation syndrome, brain injury from cardiac arrest, and beta thalassemia. BrIDGs supports expert contractors to perform pre-clinical services, with seven compounds licensed during or after development through the program.
Researchers found that longer duration of diabetes and advancing age are associated with increased rates of diabetes complications, hypoglycemia, cardiovascular complications, and mortality. The study highlights the need for individualized care for older patients with type 2 diabetes.
New research found that six in ten 13-year-old girls are afraid of gaining weight or getting fat, with one in three girls and one in five boys avoiding fatty foods. The study also revealed that unhealthy weight-control strategies can lead to higher odds of being overweight and obese at age 15.
A recent study found that ear acupuncture using five points may be more effective in reducing midriff bulge than single-point stimulation. The treatment led to significant reductions in BMI and waist circumference after four weeks, with the most notable effects seen in the group using the five-point approach.
A new classification system for emergency operations has been implemented in Finland, allowing for fair and efficient management of a large volume of such surgeries. The system has objectively measurable benefits, including decreased nighttime emergency operations without compromising elective surgeries.
Researchers at Mirimus Inc. developed a new technology to enhance RNA interference efficiency and accuracy, enabling functional gene annotation in normal homeostasis and disease. The new approach uses an optimized microRNA backbone to increase the success rate of RNAi screens and models.
A new study examines whether objectifying women in TV shows causes harassing conduct, finding a causal link between the two. The researchers suggest that these portrayals create a normative context conducive to gender harassment.
Researchers found that retinoblastoma protein malfunction enables TGF-β to stimulate pancreatic cancer cell proliferation. Abnormal pathways activated by TGF-β and Wnt7b can be disrupted with drugs, providing potential therapeutic targets.
A team of scientists from Washington State University has discovered a unique mechanism used by the deadly Nipah virus to infiltrate human cells. Two proteins on the surface of the virus communicate like skilled burglars, allowing it to launch full-blown disease despite being only a single, miniscule virus.
A 13-year study confirms that Neanderthals in western Europe intentionally buried their dead, revealing a relatively sophisticated cognitive capacity. The discovery reduces the behavioral distance between Neanderthals and modern humans.
A new study suggests that taxing sugar-sweetened beverages in California could lead to significant reductions in diabetes and heart disease rates. The analysis predicts that one in 20,000 Californians would avoid diabetes, with the health benefits greatest for poor and minority communities.
Researchers found pregnant women adapt to changing spatial awareness through practice and movement. Their judgments of possible doorways are comparable to non-pregnant adults.
Researchers used genetic information from fruit fly studies to develop a therapeutic strategy that stops an aggressive form of leukemia in laboratory models. They found that targeting microRNAs can significantly improve current therapies for acute myelogenous leukemia, a deadly disease with poor prognosis.
A new study by MIT researchers suggests that a segmental approach to emissions policies, focusing on separate targeting of energy choices and consumption through regulations or incentives, can play an important role in achieving emission reductions. This approach allows for targeted policy-making, addressing specific areas of concern w...
Researchers found that exposure to dog dust reduces asthma risk in children and protects against respiratory infections by targeting a specific bacterial species. The study suggests that manipulating the gut microbiome with Lactobacillus johnsonii may prevent or treat asthma and allergies.
The NIH has selected eight projects to study the long-term effects of repeated head injuries and develop more accurate concussion diagnoses. The partnership between the NIH and the NFL aims to reduce the risk of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in athletes and military personnel.
The Affordable Care Act authorizes $100 million in annual grants to help defray substantial uncompensated care costs, further the core mission of trauma centers, and provide emergency relief. Trauma systems emphasize coordination among multiple health care professionals and institutions across the continuum of care.
Two esophageal conditions, eosinophilic esophagitis and PPI-responsive esophageal eosinophilia, are so similar that even a biopsy is not enough to distinguish one from the other. Patients may need an 8-week antacid trial and repeat endoscopy for proper diagnosis.
Researchers at Luz WaveLabs have developed a Terahertz generator with a signal quality one million times greater than current technology. The device uses an 'optic seed' to synthesize high-quality THz signals, making it suitable for various applications including security systems, cancer detection, and industrial inspection.
A study published by the Institute of Food Technologists found that oregano essential oils can help preserve the positive sensory attributes and freshness quality of sunflower seeds. The addition of natural additives instead of synthetic ones has been shown to delay lipid oxidation, reducing rancid flavors.
The American Academy of Pediatrics urges consumption of only pasteurized dairy products, citing bacterial infections risks. Studies show equivalent nutrient levels in raw and pasteurized milk, but pasteurization prevents severe illnesses.
Researchers have identified a clearance system that recognizes and breaks down the oncogenic KRas protein, leading to its degradation. This discovery provides a new avenue for developing targeted therapies for cancer types with KRas mutations.
Astronomers have made precise measurements of a failed star system near the Sun, suggesting it harbors a third planetary-mass object. The system, Luhman 16AB, consists of two brown dwarfs with masses between 30 and 50 Jupiter masses.
The Inter-Sectoral Impact Model Intercomparison Project (ISI-MIP) provides comprehensive climate change projections, identifying regional hotspots of impact types that coincide and interact. The results highlight the need for effective real-world policies to mitigate the impacts of global warming.
Berkeley Lab researchers unveiled the first soluble single-layer 2D honeycomb SOFs with precise control over dimensionality, holding implications for sensing, separation, energy sciences, and biomimetics. The breakthrough uses non-covalent supramolecular interactions to maintain solubility in water.
A study by Princeton University finds that black mayoral candidates in Southern cities tend to win close elections with higher voter turnout than their opponents. This is attributed to effective voter mobilization strategies that targeted unregistered African-American voters, making it cheaper for black campaigns to get these votes out.
Researchers found that treatment with ACEIs/ARBs in patients with stable hypertension and advanced CKD was associated with a lower risk of long-term dialysis or death. The study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, included 28,497 patients and followed them for seven months.
A study found that the prevalence of atopy, a predisposition towards allergic reactions, jumped from 7% to 20% in villages in southwest Poland between 2003 and 2012. Exposure to farm animals, especially at a young age, is thought to protect against developing allergies.
A new study reveals that favorable climate conditions in the year prior to nesting and the number of returning female turtles significantly impact loggerhead sea turtle nesting activity. The research suggests that protecting older juveniles and sub-adults is crucial for population recovery, and may be more important than protecting hat...
Researchers at NYU-Poly and NYUCD developed a peptide-polymer hybrid that delivers DNA into cells five times more efficiently than existing commercial delivery methods. The study's findings could improve gene therapy by understanding gene function and introducing targeted gene editing.
A novel role for S100β has been identified as a biomarker for delirium duration in critically ill patients, which may have implications for refining treatment in intensive care units. Delirium duration is associated with increased mortality rates, and higher levels of S100β on day 1 or day 8 are linked to longer delirium duration.
Researchers at ORNL developed a method to control the diameter of silica rods during growth by manipulating temperature. This allows for precise control over segment size, enabling advances in fields like anti-reflective solar cells and computer monitors.
A Mayo Clinic review article highlights the risks associated with elective early-term deliveries, including morbidity in newborns and maternal health concerns. The study calls for increased patient awareness and public education to promote safe term pregnancies.
A new study by University of Waterloo researcher Markus Moos finds that young adults are increasingly choosing urban core areas with high-density housing and transit options. This shift is driven by factors such as rising housing costs and lower incomes, leading to a more sustainable pattern of living.
Research teams compared climate simulations to assess drought, water scarcity and river flooding impacts. The study found that frequency of drought may increase by over 20%, while 40% more people are at risk of absolute water scarcity without reduced greenhouse-gas emissions.
Palliative care consultant Claud Regnard argues that the Liverpool Care Pathway was unfairly maligned and that its demise will not improve end-of-life care. He rejects recommendations to replace it with an 'end of life care plan', citing lack of evidence for its effectiveness.