Scientists from the University of Pennsylvania have created a new way to direct the assembly of liquid crystals, generating small features that spontaneously arrange in arrays based on much larger templates. By altering the geometry of molecules on a physical template, researchers can produce subtle changes in defect patterns.
A new study has developed a risk scoring system to identify hospitalized patients at high risk of gastrointestinal bleeds, allowing for targeted use of acid-suppressive medication. The study found that older adults, males, and those with liver disease or clotting disorders are most at risk, enabling clinicians to individualize treatment.
Researchers Ang Cui and Salvatore Stolfo found critical security breaches in Cisco VoIP phone technology, allowing hackers to eavesdrop on private conversations globally. They developed a new defense technology called Software Symbiotes to protect embedded systems from malicious code injection attacks.
A recent University of Pennsylvania study published in Geology has challenged the long-held assumption that mountains play a significant role in regulating the Earth's climate. The research found that mountains contribute only a small amount of sediment to the world's oceans, and instead, gently sloping land areas are major contributors.
Astronomers discovered a massive outburst in NGC 660, a spiral galaxy 44 million light-years away. The outburst was ten times brighter than the largest supernova and is likely caused by material pulled into a supermassive black hole at the center of the galaxy.
Researchers in China have discovered that corn can be used as a trap crop to control the devastating parasitic weed sunflower broomrape. The weed causes significant damage to vegetable and row crops, but using corn as a trap crop can induce suicidal germination in the weed, reducing its impact.
A 520-day space simulation revealed alterations in sleep patterns and neurobehavioral consequences for astronauts. The study highlights the need for artificial light exposure, food intake, and exercise to maintain human behavior during prolonged space missions.
Researchers have discovered a new compound that restores health to mice infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The compound targets an enzyme essential for bacterial survival and has been shown to be highly active against MRSA in mice.
NASA's Aqua satellite detected a tropical depression with reduced cloud cover due to dry air, indicating a rapidly deteriorating low-level circulation center. The storm is expected to dissipate over the next couple of days in the South China Sea due to wind shear and dry air
A study on heat-resistant corals reveals how they withstand extreme temperatures, potentially holding key to species survival for organisms worldwide. The research identified a genetic process allowing some corals to resist climate change, with 'frontloaded' genes already turned on before stress begins.
Researchers have demonstrated that obesity aggravates disorders associated with tau protein in mice, contradicting previous assumptions. The study suggests environmental factors contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease, rather than just metabolic conditions.
A new clinical trial shows that sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) can safely induce desensitization in people with peanut allergy, with significant increases in the amount of peanut powder they can consume. The treatment involves daily doses of liquid containing peanut powder, and was more effective than placebo.
A study by Harvard Medical School researchers found that physicians spend an average of 11% of their career waiting for malpractice claim resolution. Neurosurgeons face the longest delays, with open claims lasting nearly 27% of their careers.
A new study funded by NIH suggests that sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) can reduce the allergic response to peanut in adolescents and adults, increasing their tolerance to peanut. The treatment approach involves placing a small amount of allergen under the tongue under medical supervision.
Scientists have discovered six likely comets around distant stars, which could be a sign that comets are as common in other stellar systems as planets. The discovery was made using the high-resolution spectrograph of the McDonald Observatory telescope and suggests that comets may play a crucial role in planetary formation.
A recent study found that individuals with a strong family history of seizure disorders are more likely to experience migraines with aura. The research, published in Epilepsia, analyzed data from over 730 participants with epilepsy and demonstrated a significant genetic link between the two conditions.
Researchers at Whitehead Institute developed a method called sortagging, which uses the bacterial enzyme sortase A to modify antibodies to carry various payloads. This approach allows for highly targeted and potent responses from immune cells, potentially aiding in vaccine development.
A recent study found that wide binary stars in planetary systems can lead to dramatic events over time. In one hypothetical system, at least one of four giant planets was ejected in almost half of the simulations. The researchers also discovered substantial evidence that this process occurs regularly in known extrasolar planetary systems.
A study by Weill Cornell Medicine shows that EHRs can improve patient care, but only when combined with sustained high-intensity technical assistance. Small physician practices in underserved areas of New York City need more technical support to effectively use EHR technology.
Italian immigrants from Switzerland have a significantly lower mortality risk compared to native-born Swiss, largely due to the 'healthy migrant effect'. However, subsequent generations born in Switzerland show a higher risk of mortality, likely due to lifestyle differences.
A new study reveals snippets of information in dark matter that can alter the way a gene is assembled. This discovery opens doors to studying the dark matter of genes and further understanding how mutations or polymorphisms affect gene functions.
A study found that beta blocker medications reduced brain abnormalities associated with Alzheimer's disease and microinfarcts in elderly Japanese-American men. The results suggest that beta blockers may delay or prevent dementia in people with high blood pressure, particularly those taking the medication alone.
Scientists found complex games like chess and Go are hard for humans to master, leading to irrational decision-making. The research has implications for financial markets, where equilibrium theory often fails to predict market behavior accurately.
Researchers found no correlation between Parkinson's disease itself and impulse control symptoms, contradicting previous studies. The study suggests that dopamine-related medications may be the primary cause of these disorders.
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that HPV-associated cancer incidence rates have increased, highlighting the need for increased HPV vaccination coverage. Nationally, 32% of females aged 13-17 years had received three doses of the HPV vaccine in 2010.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered a complex signaling system that directs nerve cell branching and connectivity, using protein signals like Sema-1a to coordinate axon travel patterns. This study has broad implications for human disease research, particularly in understanding muscle control and nerve disorders.
A new scoring system developed by researchers identifies independent risk factors associated with gastrointestinal bleeding in non-ICU hospital patients. The system enables clinicians to selectively use acid-suppressive medications when needed, saving costs and avoiding side effects.
Researchers found that high school athletes experienced compromised focus and task-switching abilities for up to two months after brain concussions. The study's findings suggest that athletes may need longer recovery periods than current practices dictate to minimize the risk of subsequent concussions.
The 244-million-year-old Thalattoarchon saurophagis, a giant ichthyosaur, provided significant findings on the recovery of modern marine ecosystems following a severe Permian extinction. The discovery sheds light on the dynamics of evolving planet and its impact on today's environment.
A survey of lactation consultants found that 69% reported hearing of folk remedies and 65% recommended at least one. These remedies include cabbage leaves to ease pain and oatmeal to increase milk production. However, there is little empirical evidence to support their use.
A new study suggests that the current approach to addressing climate change is insufficient and requires drastic cuts in CO2 emissions. The researchers propose a more radical transformation of the global energy system, with a focus on developing new, carbon-free power sources.
A new Northwestern Medicine study found that obese mothers pass on insufficient vitamin D to their babies, leading to lower levels in newborns. The study also suggests that obese women may need increased vitamin D supplementation to provide sufficient levels for their babies during pregnancy.
A University of Florida study has identified a protein called TRIP-Br2 that helps regulate fat storage and release in cells. When absent, this protein enables mice to burn fat and resist obesity, even on high-fat diets.
A team of researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine discovered that metformin suppresses glucagon's ability to generate a signaling molecule, pointing to new drug targets. This finding could lead to improved diabetes treatments with reduced side effects.
Researchers solved the structure of α-catenin, a protein crucial for cell binding and tissue formation. The discovery reveals how α-catenin interacts with the cytoskeleton and cadherins to stabilize adhesion complexes.
Ultrastable glasses have been produced in days or hours with properties matching those of thousands-year-old materials. These advancements could lead to stronger metals and faster-acting pharmaceuticals., Computer simulations confirmed the findings, revealing a correlation between molecular structure and physical properties.
A new JQI photodetector uses an adaptive network of detectors with feedback to read quantum information with minimal uncertainty. By combining multiple stages and using phase reference waves, the system can beat the standard quantum limit for quaternary encoding.
Astrophysicists found that wide binary stars have a significant impact on planetary systems, causing violent disruptions and scattering planets. The researchers conducted computer simulations and found that planets in these systems are often ejected to interstellar space.
Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center have identified TRIP-Br2 as a major regulator of energy metabolism and fat storage. In mice fed high-fat diets, TRIP-Br2 levels were elevated in visceral fat, leading to increased fat accumulation and decreased energy expenditure.
Researchers used structured expert elicitation to assess future sea level rise from ice sheets, predicting a 29cm median estimate by 2100. The study's findings suggest a conceivable risk of a rise of greater than 1m by 2100, with uncertainties surrounding the cause of recent ice sheet mass loss.
Researchers at Newcastle University used X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) to analyze the build-up of hydrocarbons on replica kilograms, finding that a suntan could help remove contamination and bring prototype weights back to their ideal mass. The study highlights the significance of maintaining precise measurements in internatio...
A specific protein, Protein S, is crucial for maintaining a healthy retina through photoreceptor pruning. This process prevents retinal degeneration and blindness. The study also highlights the protein's role in other systems, such as the immune and reproductive systems, where its activation has been observed.
A new study estimates that up to 1.5 million EU children are born each year with mercury exposures above the safe limit, resulting in a potential lifetime earning loss of €8-9 million per person. Exposure reduction could equate to €10 billion per year in benefits.
Scientists from University College London have found that animal cells exhibit poroelastic behavior when mechanically stimulated, similar to organs within the body. The rate of cell deformation is limited by how quickly water can redistribute within the cell interior.
A research team from Université Laval has discovered a molecular pathway by which morphine can increase pain, leading to potential new strategies to improve treatment of post-operative and chronic pain. The researchers identified specialized cells called microglia as the culprit behind morphine-induced pain hypersensitivity.
Scientists at Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research propose a new method for measuring system stability, which could help predict tipping points in the Amazon rainforest and assess cancer risk. By analyzing data from diverse systems, researchers found that basin stability is a key factor in determining stability.
Researchers have identified four new regions on the human genome linked to Behcet's disease, which is characterized by inflammation of blood vessels and potential blindness. The study provides insights into genetic factors contributing to the disease and suggests new therapies for treatment.
A new study applies quantitative modeling to genomics, estimating the time and money required to use genomics to cut drug-related adverse outcomes in half. The model suggests a cost of less than $10 billion spread out over approximately 20 years.
A team of researchers at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München has identified an old acquaintance as the missing link in regulating electron transport during photosynthesis. The enzyme, PGRL1, plays a central role in the regulation of cyclic electron flow and may help improve photosynthetic performance.
A study found that radiologists' performance improves when reading images for a specific hospital, rather than multiple hospitals. This suggests that outsourcing radiology services can be beneficial, as long as the outsourcing company designs the work to maximize productivity and customer specificity.
A Western University study found that students proficient in basic single-digit arithmetic perform better on the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT), with brain activity linked to fact retrieval and fluency. This correlation suggests a critical role of arithmetic fluency in building mathematical proficiency among students.
A person's style of speech, including the pronunciation of 's' sounds and vocal resonance, affects how listeners perceive their gender. According to CU-Boulder researcher Lal Zimman, a higher pitch can still be perceived as male if the speaker pronounces 's' sounds in a lower frequency.
A study by USF and VA researchers found that traumatic brain injury leads to progressive brain deterioration, causing elevated inflammation and suppressed cell regeneration. Therapeutic intervention can still help prevent cell death in the chronic stage of TBI.
A team of UCSB researchers has identified changes in cellular metabolism as the triggering factor for Type 2 diabetes. By studying the four types of components that make up cells, they found a 'tipping point' where metabolic threshold is crossed, leading to beta cell failure and insulin regulation issues.
Researchers found that fluoxetine stimulates the production of new neurons from neural progenitor cells in the adult cortex. This process coincides with a reduction in apoptotic cell death following ischemia, highlighting the potential neuroprotective response induced by this antidepressant drug.
Researchers found that the Nopili rock-climbing goby uses the same set of muscles for both climbing and eating, filming jaw muscle movement during both activities. The study suggests that these fish have learned to use similar movements to meet two different needs, potentially coopted through evolution.
Researchers at Max-Planck-Gesellschaft create an atomic gas that exhibits a negative Kelvin temperature, where particles possess high energies despite being thermally insulated. This phenomenon challenges traditional notions of heat and cold, with potentially groundbreaking implications for thermodynamics and quantum mechanics.
Cyclone Dumile is moving southward over the open ocean, generating rough seas with wave heights of up to 32 feet. The storm's eye has become ragged, indicating it may weaken as it transitions to an extra-tropical storm.
Tropical Storm Sonamu intensified over the eastern South China Sea, moving westward with maximum sustained winds near 35 knots. The storm is expected to peak in intensity on January 5 before weakening due to increasing vertical wind shear, making landfall early next week in east central Malaysia.
A team of Penn State researchers has developed a method to improve regular battery management practices for lead-acid batteries used in electric locomotives. The new approach increases the cell capacity by 41 percent and overall battery capacity by 30 percent, rejuvenating dead cells and reducing sulfation.