Contact with captive sea turtles poses a risk of exposure to toxic contaminants and zoonotic pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. The study highlights the importance of awareness among health-care professionals and the public to prevent and control the spreading of sea turtle-related disease.
Researchers at Penn State have successfully created single layers of the rare mineral tungstenite, forming triangular structures that exhibit photoluminescent properties. These findings hold promise for various optical technologies, including light detection and laser technology.
A new study reveals that the UK dog population produces an estimated 3.7 billion Toxocara parasite eggs per day, contaminating public environments and posing a risk to human health.
Researchers have found a decreasing trend in intense rainfall frequency in the Ebro basin since 1955. This decrease is attributed to a general decrease in rainfall erosivity, suggesting persistent long-term climate changes.
A training program to adjust motor reflexes may help individuals with incomplete spinal cord injuries walk more efficiently. The study found that participants who could suppress hyperactive reflexes experienced significant improvements in their walking speed and gait symmetry.
Three studies report on the use of wearable cameras to measure sedentary behavior, active travel, and nutrition-related behaviors. Findings suggest that wearable cameras provide a more accurate assessment than accelerometers in classifying sedentary behavior and can help identify under-reporting of calorie intake.
A new process developed by MIT engineers can produce clean water at relatively low cost, making it a crucial step towards U.S. energy independence and addressing the issue of produced water from natural gas wells. The technology has been patented and is expected to be commercially available within two years.
Scientists at Salk Institute have discovered a new way for plants to coordinate their growth by sharing chemical messages, overturning conventional views of metabolic regulation. This finding has implications for breeding better crops and treating metabolic diseases.
Researchers found that high-dose, school-based interventions increased active minutes during PE classes, after-school programs, and walking to school. Community initiatives also led to improvements in school cafeteria lunch menus offering fresh produce.
Researchers developed a small-molecule inhibitor Y16 that blocks a hard-to-target part of a protein complex linked to several types of invasive cancer. The compound, combined with Rhosin/G04, suppresses RhoA cell signaling and downstream molecular events fueling cancer growth in breast cancer cells.
Researchers identified HRG1 protein to safely transport heme-iron, a crucial component of red blood cells. This finding offers promise for new treatments for iron deficiency and parasitic worm infections.
Researchers at NREL are developing advanced electric vehicle technology, renewable energy resources for charging, and grid integration to accelerate adoption. Smart charging capabilities enable efficient use of the grid, while bi-directional charging turns vehicles into grid storage devices.
Topological insulators have surface states that are conducting and possess unique properties, including the Aharanov-Bohm effect. Hybrid structures with superconductors show promise for new physics and technological applications, such as Majorana fermions and fractional Josephson effects.
A UCSF study of over 140,000 women aged 66-89 found that biennial screening led to fewer false positives and no increased risk of late-stage breast cancer. The study suggests life expectancy and co-existing illnesses should be considered when making cancer screening recommendations for older women.
A study published in JAMA found that corticosteroid injections did not provide significant long-term improvement for patients with 'tennis elbow', and neither option was effective compared to placebo. However, physiotherapy provided some short-term benefits despite no long-term effects.
Researchers are investigating how macrophage activation affects nerve damage in HIV patients, with the goal of developing biomarkers for early detection and potential treatments.
Astronomers Robert Gendler and Jay GaBany combined archival Hubble images with their own ground-based observations to create a detailed photo illustration of the galaxy. The resulting image reveals the optical component of the galaxy's 'anomalous arms' and provides insights into the galaxy's structure and composition.
A multi-university team, led by Ronald Riggs, conducted research to analyze the impact of cargo containers on buildings during tsunamis. They found that water does not significantly increase the load when a container strikes a building, and the weight of contents also doesn't matter much.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have created a way to monitor the survival of transplanted cells using nanoscale pH sensors and MRI machines. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize cell replacement therapies for conditions like liver failure and type 1 diabetes by providing reliable means of detecting dead cells.
Research by Rose McDermott and colleagues found that people with a genetic liability to experience higher levels of social fear tend to support anti-immigration and pro-segregation policies. Education also plays a significant role in shaping out-group attitudes.
Researchers at the University of Michigan developed a new reflective color display technology that can lock in color and reduce power consumption. The technology uses nanoscale metallic grooves to funnel light into specific wavelengths, resulting in vibrant colors that remain true regardless of viewing angle.
A tiny insect that eats plants has developed a unique strategy to evade its beetle predator: using the plant's trichomes for physical protection. This clever tactic allows the pest to crawl between the plant hairs and feed on cycad sap, while the larger beetle cannot follow suit.
A small robot was driven by a male silkmoth to track down its sex pheromone, demonstrating the potential for insect-inspired odor tracking. The researchers hope to apply this technology to autonomous robots that can detect environmental spills and leaks.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new modeling approach, MBIR, which reduces radiation exposure in medical CT scanners by 78% while improving image clarity. This technology also enables the focus of images after capture in consumer electronics.
A new study reveals awareness, perceptions, and usage patterns of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) among current and former cigarette smokers in four countries. The study found that nearly 47% of respondents were aware of ENDS, with higher levels of awareness among younger populations.
Researchers discovered that steroid drugs can suppress a molecule key to rapid bone loss in rib fractures, reversing bone loss and improving lung function. The study's findings challenge the conventional understanding of steroids as causing bone loss.
Researchers are creating a multimedia system that uses multiple 3-D cameras to create avatars of humans in two different places, allowing them to interact. The system could enable physical therapists to work with patients remotely and receive real-time feedback on their exercises.
A pair of commentaries highlight a public health debate surrounding CDC treatment guidelines for exposed individuals during the 2012 fungal meningitis outbreak. The American Society for Microbiology has published two commentaries questioning and defending the CDC's recommendations.
Researchers identified miR-7 as a metastasis suppressor that suppressed cancer stem-like cells' ability to metastasize to the brain. The miR-7/KLF4 axis played a critical role in cancer stem-like cell brain metastasis, suggesting its potential as a diagnostic or therapeutic target for predicting or treating brain metastases.
Researchers have discovered a trigger that turns muscle stem cells into brown fat, a form of good fat associated with less obesity. The discovery, published in Cell Metabolism, provides hope for a potential obesity treatment using adult skeletal muscle stem cells.
Researchers at UTHealth found American Indians to be significantly more at risk of suicide after acute alcohol intoxication. The study used data from the National Violent Death Reporting System and found that heavier drinkers were more likely to attempt or complete suicide.
A study published in BMC Medicine found that newborns of obese fathers have lower DNA methylation levels of the IGF2 gene, which codes for a growth factor important during fetal development. This can lead to increased cancer risk later in life.
A recent study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found that both heavy and incompatible drinking can increase the chances of divorce. The research suggests that excessive alcohol use disrupts daily tasks and functioning, leading to spousal conflicts and a higher risk of marital dissolution.
A previously poorly investigated signalling pathway is crucial for prostate cancer cell proliferation, involving the production of cAMP at multiple locations in the cell. Inhibiting the soluble adenylyl cyclase enzyme suppresses cancer cell growth, suggesting a promising new therapeutic approach.
A study mapping the landscape of kinases in cancerous and non-cancerous tissue identified outlier kinase expression that can be targeted with existing drugs. Researchers found promising combinations, including adding a FGFR4-inhibitor to Herceptin for HER2-positive breast cancer tumors.
A clinical trial combining brain cooling and clot-busting drug therapy has received FDA approval to expand from 50 to 400 participants. Brain cooling has been shown to reduce neurological damage after stroke, with potential benefits in saving lives and preventing neurological damage after heart attack.
Scientists at Brown University and Indiana University have traced mitochondrial-nuclear incompatibility in fruit flies to individual nucleotide mutations, revealing how the genetic double whammy makes flies sick. The study highlights the importance of considering both genomes in understanding metabolic diseases.
Researchers found that mice can recover from debilitating strokes by quickly undergoing physical conditioning that rewire a different part of the brain to take over lost function. This study suggests physical and pharmacological solutions for human stroke victims and could lead to earlier and more aggressive rehab.
The UK biopharmaceutical sector is set to receive £6.5M in funding for innovative projects, including industrial-scale production of antibodies and stem cell preservation at room temperature. The funding will support the development of new tools and methods for bioprocessing, which is crucial for developing new drugs.
Geneviève Almouzni has been recognized for her pioneering work on histones and chromatin, promoting epigenetics in Europe, and mentoring female scientists. She will receive the 2013 FEBS | EMBO Women in Science Award for her exceptional achievements in molecular biology.
A new study published in Radiology found that CT scans are associated with a significantly lower risk of death than radiation-induced cancer in young adults. The study analyzed imaging records of patients 18 to 35 years old who underwent chest or abdominopelvic CT exams between 2003 and 2007.
Scientists at the University of Georgia have identified a direct connection between plant cell wall glycans and proteins, potentially revolutionizing biofuel processing. The discovery may lead to more efficient conversion of plants into ethanol, providing a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.
Researchers have identified a key step in the Alzheimer's disease pathway that can be interrupted using green tea and red wine extracts. The study, published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, offers potential new targets for developing drugs to treat the disease.
The Chinese tree shrew genome sequencing provides new insights into facilitating biomedical researches, particularly in studying hepatitis C virus and depression. The study reveals that tree shrews have a higher brain to body mass ratio than humans and share genetic features with primates.
Researchers at University of Michigan discover that nanoparticles have an Achilles heel - they can't escape the bloodstream to reach diseased tissue. However, larger microspheres can be used as drug carriers, ferrying nanospheres to vessel walls or using different shapes to evade red blood cells.
A recent study found that deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHoH) physicians spend significant personal time arranging for accommodations, highlighting the need for institutional support. The survey of 56 DHoH clinicians revealed that adapting accommodations to individual needs is key to success.
A study analyzing Medicare claims data found a decrease in hospital deaths, but increased ICU stays and healthcare transitions in the last months of life. Hospice use increased from 21.6% to 42.2%, while short hospice stays grew, suggesting that increasing hospice use may not lead to reduced resource utilization.
Patients with peripheral artery disease who received ramipril for 24 weeks experienced significant improvements in pain-free walking time and maximum walking time, as well as enhanced physical health and quality of life. Ramipril also showed promise in improving patient-perceived ability to perform daily activities.
A study by Kenneth Catania at Vanderbilt University has found that common moles rely on stereo sniffing to detect odor gradients, a skill previously thought to be limited to visual and auditory perception. This discovery opens new avenues for research into the capabilities of other mammals that heavily rely on their sense of smell.
Researchers found that vitamin D3 and omega-3 fatty acids improved the immune system's ability to clear amyloid plaques from the brain. The study identified key genes and signaling networks regulated by these substances, which may help control inflammation and improve plaque clearance.
A brief writing intervention helped couples sustain marital satisfaction by reducing distress from conflicts and improving passion and intimacy. The intervention, which involved just three seven-minute writing exercises, was effective regardless of relationship duration.
The University of Colorado Boulder's American Gut project has raised over $340,000 through crowdfunding to sequence the gut bacteria of thousands of people worldwide. The initiative aims to understand how diet and lifestyle affect human health and disease, with potential implications for autoimmune diseases and food allergies.
Researchers found that oleuropein aglycone, a compound in olive oil, significantly reduces inflammation and tissue damage caused by intestinal ischemia and reperfusion injury. The study suggests potential therapeutic benefits for patients with spinal cord injuries, arthritis, and pleurisy.
Researchers propose that charged particles trapped in the region create the ribbon as they escape as neutral atoms, producing higher fluxes of ENAs and forming the bright ribbon seen by IBEX. The model shows good association with observed data, offering insights into the nearby galactic magnetic field and its strength.
A recent study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found that American Indians are at much greater risk of suicide following acute alcohol intoxication. The study analyzed data from the National Violent Death Reporting System and showed that alcohol-related prevention strategies should focus on suicide as a conseq...
The GSA Bulletin has published 13 new papers covering topics such as Holocene record of strong earthquakes in the Lake Tahoe region and evaporite tectonics in the Cumberland basin. The studies reveal a history of major earthquakes throughout the Holocene, with some fault ruptures occurring every 2,600 years.
A new study found that mixing alcohol with diet soft drinks can result in a higher breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) compared to the same amount of alcohol consumed with a sugar-sweetened mixer. This can lead to increased risk of alcohol-impaired driving and acute alcohol intoxication problems.
Scientists have proposed a theory that explains the formation of a mysterious 'ribbon' of energy and particles at the edge of our solar system. The retention theory suggests that neutral hydrogen atoms from the solar wind become trapped by intense waves in the magnetic field, creating the ribbon.
Research at Oregon State University found that DHA supplementation reduced liver fibrosis by over 65% in laboratory animals. This study suggests that DHA may be a more effective dietary supplement than EPA for preventing nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and other liver diseases.
In 2012, the James Webb Space Telescope made significant progress with the delivery of two primary mirrors, the Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI), and the Fine Guidance Sensor and Near-Infrared Imager and Slitless Spectrograph (FGS/NIRISS). The telescope's center section backplane structure was also completed, supporting the mirrors and o...
A new report from the American Cancer Society finds that cancer death rates are narrowing for African Americans, with nearly 200,000 deaths avoided since 1990. However, racial disparities remain for certain cancers, including colorectal and female breast cancer, highlighting the need for improved access to healthcare and screening.
Researchers developed a predictive model of spatial epidemic spread in territorial animals, quantifying transmission events and propagation speed based on demography, animal wandering patterns, and contagiousness. This model has potential to inform targeted prevention strategies for zoonotic diseases with animal origins.
A new method uses static code analysis to guide test case generation, detecting common types of concurrency errors. It outperforms existing methods by integrating dynamic analysis and minimizing false positives.
NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite captured a night-time image of extra-tropical cyclone Felleng, showing clouds and precipitation pushed east and southeast due to wind shear. The storm has completed its transition and is expected to dissipate in the next couple of days.
A new study by Brown University found that Samoan babies experience rapid weight gain in early infancy, which may foreshadow a future trend of obesity in developed nations. The researchers tracked the growth and weight gain of nearly 800 American Samoan babies born between 2001 and 2008.
The NIH is sponsoring three clinical trials to test new treatments for influenza, including oseltamivir, combination antiviral drugs and plasma enriched with anti-influenza antibodies. The trials aim to improve treatment options for people with severe illness or chronic health conditions.
A US study found that local weather trends, particularly temperature fluctuations, significantly influence public opinion on global warming. The researchers suggest that headline-making weather can strongly impact climate beliefs, especially among those without strong convictions.
Yale researchers identified social attention deficits in six-month-old infants with autism spectrum disorders, suggesting an early warning sign. The study's findings may pave the way for earlier interventions and treatment strategies.
A new study from Duke University Medical Center suggests that a father's obesity may alter a genetic mechanism in the next generation, potentially raising the risk for diseases like cancer. Researchers found that paternal obesity was associated with lower DNA methylation at the IGF2 gene in offspring.
The COMPASS satellite navigation system achieves millimeter-level accuracy for GPS static points and meter-level accuracy for real-time users. However, systematic offsets exist between COMPASS and GPS precise positioning, indicating errors in measurement and dynamic models.
Researchers at Indiana University have discovered a rare genetic interaction between mitochondrial and nuclear DNA that reduces reproductive fitness and delays development in fruit flies. This finding has important implications for understanding genetically complex human diseases, such as neuromuscular and neurodegenerative disorders.
Researchers discovered that long non-coding RNA MALAT1 regulates genes involved in metastasis, leading to impaired mobility and tumor growth. By silencing MALAT1, the team found reduced metastasis formation in mice, opening a promising approach for lung cancer treatment.
The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine published the final phase of the SCIRehab Project, which investigated inpatient rehabilitation practices for acute spinal cord injury. The study found associations between interventions and patient outcomes, informing clinical decision-making and guiding clinicians in selecting interventions.
The European Science Foundation proposes a new model of integrated care support for citizens' health through linked social and health care. Key priorities include personalized care delivery, effective use of ICT applications based on user acceptability, and ensuring respect for formal and informal carers.
A study found a strong association between childhood emotional abuse and reduced serotonin neurotransmission in male alcohol-dependent individuals. The finding suggests that childhood trauma may contribute to the development of alcoholism by affecting brain chemistry.
Researchers at North Carolina State University developed a flexible classroom design that slashes administrative costs while improving engagement and accessibility for students. The design allows instructors to adjust the layout according to student needs, making it easier for students with special needs to participate.
A new study finds that obesity increases risk of death with age, contradicting earlier research on the 'obesity paradox'. The analysis of over 800,000 adults reveals that obese individuals face a higher risk of mortality as they get older.
A study published in Environmental Research found a direct relationship between pesticide exposure and type 2 diabetes prevalence. Pesticide concentrations were significantly higher in the adipose tissue of people with type 2 diabetes, suggesting that pesticides may be an underlying factor in its development.
A recent study found that while more seniors are dying with hospice care than a decade ago, they are increasingly doing so for very few days right after being in intensive care. This suggests that palliative care often happens as an afterthought, and patients may not receive the full measure of comfort and psychological support they need.
Scientists use single quantum dots to excite plasmons in metal wires, creating precise images of electric field intensity with 12-nm accuracy. This technique enables new hybrid electronics by combining photonics and electronics for efficient sensing and processing.
Researchers propose novel protocol structure model to analyze and verify service-oriented systems, incorporating dependencies for synchronous, asynchronous, and broadcast communications. The model combines features of partial orders and Petri nets to tackle complex software development challenges.
Researchers propose a new hypothesis, the retention theory, to explain the ribbon's width, suggesting solar wind particles become trapped due to intense waves and vibrations in the magnetic field. This theory agrees with available observations and provides insight into how our heliosphere interacts with the universe.
A recent study published in PLOS Medicine found a strong association between obesity and vitamin D deficiency. The research, led by Dr Elina Hypponen, used genetic markers to explore the link between body mass index (BMI) and genes associated with vitamin D synthesis and metabolism.
A study found that 1 in 4 lung cancer patients in Andalusia did not receive the radiotherapy they needed, resulting in a 3,000-day loss of life. This underuse has negative consequences for patients, highlighting the need for improved radiotherapy protocols.