Researchers have identified a genetic mutation that allows fungi to continuously produce enzymes for breaking down cellulose and xylan into sugar molecules. This discovery enables the production of cheap biofuel from lignocellulose, reducing competition with food production and making it more economically viable.
Researchers discovered that female moths use changes in plant volatile compounds to guide ovipositing to unattacked plants, avoiding predators and competing caterpillars. This allows them to minimize the risk of newly laid eggs being eaten by predators.
A recent study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases found that mosquitoes reared in cooler temperatures have weakened immune systems, making them more vulnerable to viral diseases like West Nile fever and chikungunya fever. The research suggests that temperature may play a significant role in the transmission of these diseases.
Researchers at UCLA found abnormal brain networks in Fragile X syndrome, a common cause of inherited autism and intellectual disability. The study suggests that neuronal excitability may be the basis for symptoms in children with FXS, including disrupted sleep, seizures, and learning disabilities.
Malaysia's oil palm plantations are causing threatened forest frogs to disappear, paving the way for common species to move in. The study highlights the devastating impact of habitat loss on biodiversity, with amphibians being the most threatened vertebrates globally.
Researchers found that interacting with shelter dogs increased joviality, positive affect, attentiveness, and serenity among teenagers. The study suggests that dog-interaction activities could be a beneficial addition to traditional treatments for teenagers struggling with drug abuse and related issues.
Scientists discover new antibiotic molecule KKL-35 that targets trans-translation step in bacteria, rendering them incapable of replicating. The compound is 100-fold more effective against Mycobacterium tuberculosis than current therapies.
A study reveals why Puerto Rican lizards don't rapidly extend their dewlaps like Jamaican cousins, instead using alternative strategies to enhance detection of displays. The research shows the island's species lacks physiology for rapid movement, relying on tailoring speed and duration of displays to match forest conditions.
Researchers developed a new method to measure cerebral blood flow in children on ECMO, finding that those who experienced strokes or brain bleeds had significantly higher blood flow rates than normal, two to six days prior. This technique could help physicians predict and prevent complications, with potential lead time for intervention.
Astronomers have two opportunities to detect planets around Proxima Centauri using a rare stellar alignment. The closest encounters in October 2014 and February 2016 will allow scientists to measure the mass of the red dwarf, which could indicate the presence of smaller terrestrial planets.
Current MS treatments focus on dampening the immune system, but Dr. Peter K. Stys suggests an alternative: addressing nervous system degeneration as a primary cause of the disease. Recent studies indicate that neuronal structures are also damaged in MS.
A randomized clinical trial of flaxseed supplementation in children with hypercholesterolemia found no significant effects on total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. The study concluded that flaxseed remains an unverified strategy for managing cardiovascular risk factors in youth.
A new study found that wider retinal venules are associated with lower IQ scores and cognitive deficits in older adults, even after accounting for health and lifestyle factors. The findings suggest that the processes linking vascular health and cognitive functioning begin much earlier than previously assumed.
The Canadian government has launched a new program, Genomic Applications Partnership Program (GAPP), to move genomics-based solutions from laboratories to the marketplace. The program aims to stimulate investment in projects addressing real-world challenges and opportunities in genomics, with a total investment of $90 million.
The ProMPT project distributed over 12 million mosquito nets, improving malaria prevention and treatment in Ghana. The initiative also strengthened health facilities' capacity to manage malaria, particularly during pregnancy.
Dozens of agricultural fires in central Africa were detected using NASA's MODIS satellite, highlighting the widespread use of slash-and-burn agriculture methods. These practices threaten biodiversity and air quality, producing smoke that can lead to deforestation and erosion.
Research published in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine found that highly educated pre-Alzheimer's patients exhibit increased neural reserve and compensation, leading to better coping mechanisms. This suggests that education level plays a crucial role in determining cognitive reserve against the disease.
Researchers at Wayne State University are conducting a comprehensive study on the impacts of differential speed limits for cars and trucks on Michigan's state freeways. The study aims to determine whether raising truck speed limits would improve safety or have negative effects on air quality, pavement quality, and freight operations.
New UK coins made of nickel-plated steel will increase exposure to nickel, potentially causing a four-fold rise in skin allergies. Scientists analyzed the new coins and found that handling them for one hour can deposit four times more nickel onto the skin than copper-nickel coins.
A new lung probe using advanced technology will enable doctors to detect and monitor up to 20 key indicators of disease in critically ill patients, improving diagnosis and treatment. The probe will also help premature babies by replacing regular blood tests with real-time disease readouts.
A study found no correlation between interleukin 17F levels and treatment response to interferon beta-1b therapy in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. The study concludes that using immune-based biomarker signatures may help identify response markers.
A new personality rating scale for chimpanzees has been developed to address limitations of previous scales. The scale includes 41 behavioral descriptors and was used to assess 99 chimpanzees, showing the personality ratings were associated with differences in behavior.
A recent study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that current use of fluoroquinolone antibiotics increases the risk of acute kidney injury by two-fold. The risk was highest with ciprofloxacin and moxifloxacin, and concurrent use with renin-angiotensin-system blockers further increased the risk.
Researchers at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Norris Cotton Cancer Center are testing the safety of Nivolumab, a PD-1 receptor blocking antibody, in combination with other drugs in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma. The study aims to assess safety and tolerability, as well as preliminary antitumor activity.
Physicians suggest sin taxes could reduce smoking, obesity, and excessive drinking by making unhealthy products more expensive. The potential revenue generated from these taxes could be used to subsidize healthcare for the uninsured and promote healthier lifestyles.
Researchers at Araclon Biotech have developed a blood test to measure beta amyloid peptides, which are associated with Alzheimer's disease. The test shows a high level of association between peptide levels and the disease, suggesting a potential biomarker for early diagnosis.
Researchers develop nanoparticles to block immune responses, enabling precise control of the immune system. The study's findings suggest a new approach to treating autoimmune diseases and allergies by targeting specific immune cells.
A cross-cultural study by Cornell University development psychologists found that American kids are more willing to acknowledge personal freedom from social obligations compared to Nepalese children. By age 10, American kids tend to view these obligations as choices that can be followed or disregarded based on personal desires.
The NIH is funding a new clinical research network focused on antibacterial resistance, led by Duke University. The network will design, implement and manage the clinical research agenda to strengthen existing research capacity and address pressing scientific priorities.
Researchers found participants in Florida's Family Transition Program had a 16% higher mortality rate compared to traditional welfare recipients, losing 9 months of life expectancy. The study highlights the nonmedical determinants of health affecting welfare time limits.
The USF College of Nursing is conducting a clinical trial to test a brief intervention, COPE, which aims to teach cancer patients management skills for improving symptoms they identify as the highest priority. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of COPE in alleviating moderate to high-intensity cancer symptoms causing distress.
Scientists use antigen-decorated nanoparticles to prevent immune over-reaction in mice, while also developing a potential gene therapy for Mucopolysaccharidosis Type IIIA. Meanwhile, researchers discover a new target for castration-resistant prostate cancer by blocking mutant androgen receptors.
Researchers propose a new model for the eruption of Yellowstone Park's Old Faithful geyser, based on three stages of convective boiling in the conduit. The model reproduces the geyser's bimodal eruption pattern, with long and short eruption intervals followed by similar durations.
The Powerhouse Fire in California has burned approximately 46 square miles of the Angeles National Forest, destroying at least six homes and damaging 15 more. Evacuation orders are in place for large portions of the fire area, including several communities, as 975 personnel fight to contain the rapidly spreading blaze.
Researchers at Wake Forest University found that tiger moths can detect an increase in a bat's cry rate and sound intensity, triggering the moth's defense mechanism. The study shows that the tiger moth's tymbal can jam the bat's sonar up to 93% of the time, allowing it to evade attack.
The Tres Lagunas Fire has burned over 7,476 acres in New Mexico and forced evacuations for hundreds of homes and primary residences. The fire started on May 30 due to a downed power line and is currently uncontained.
A study found that testosterone therapy prescriptions increased significantly over 10 years, with 2.29% of men in their 40s and 3.75% of men in their 60s taking some form of testosterone therapy. The trend is driven by direct-to-consumer marketing campaigns and the expansion of low-T centers.
Researchers have discovered a new oncogene, NTRK1, that drives a subset of lung cancers. A novel targeted treatment approach has been proposed, with preclinical studies showing effective silencing of mutated NTRK1 genes using specific compounds.
A multi-institutional team of researchers pinpointed the genetic traits of cells giving rise to gliomas, a common form of malignant brain cancer. They identified a core set of genes and pathways dysregulated during tumor progression, providing rich new potential targets for therapeutic intervention.
Scientists from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution provide a new model for understanding the geological source of silent earthquakes along California's San Andreas fault. Creep events originate closer to the surface, a shallower source along the fault, according to the study published in Nature Geoscience.
A UK study reveals that despite national recommendation, only 47.4% of terminally ill patients are placed on the Liverpool Care Pathway for end-of-life care. Lack of knowledge and staff support may be contributing factors to its underutilization.
The Duke Clinical Research Institute is part of a $62 million NIH-funded initiative to combat antibiotic resistance. Researchers will focus on developing new treatments for MRSA and E. coli, improving diagnostics, and stewardship practices. The goal is to reduce the reliance on antibiotics and improve patient care.
New work from Carnegie scientists reveals the details of a surprising new form of solid hydrogen under high pressure and temperature conditions. The research found that hydrogen takes a form with two different types of molecules, one interacting weakly with neighbors and the other forming planar sheets.
Tel Aviv University researchers used a method to modify the levels of the protein tomosyn in the mouse hippocampus, leading to a decline in learning and memorization abilities. The study suggests that adjusting tomosyn levels may help increase cognition and combat memory loss in Alzheimer's patients.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found that cancer drug shortages have left physicians unable to prescribe standard chemotherapies for a range of cancers. As a result, many doctors are forced to delay or substitute treatment, leading to increased costs and potential harm to patients.
A Singapore research team has identified a protein enzyme, MNK kinase, as a key player in the progression of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) to its deadly terminal stage. The researchers found that targeting this enzyme could help prevent cancer stem cells from developing drug resistance and improve patient survival.
A Mayo Clinic study suggests that dimming smartphone brightness and holding devices at least 14 inches from the face can reduce light exposure's impact on melatonin levels, leading to better sleep. The research found that only high brightness settings posed a risk to sleep, while mid or low settings were safe.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab identified the microenvironment surrounding microvasculature as a niche where dormant breast tumor cells reside. The study reveals that stable microvasculature suppresses growth and creates a dormant niche, while sprouting neovasculature sparks micrometastatic outgrowth.
The first virtual community to launch thanks to a federal grant at Brigham and Women's Hospital enables healthcare professionals to share innovative ways to deliver evidence-based care to underserved US communities. The program aims to facilitate cross-pollination of ideas and disseminate new knowledge.
The Thompson Ridge Fire, located in the Valles Caldera National Preserve, has burned approximately 1,906 acres as of May 31, 2013. The Tres Lagunas Fire, started by a downed power line, has burned over 7,400 acres and is currently uncontained.
Researchers found that climate change can have both positive and negative effects on eelgrass meadows, depending on the presence of small algae-eating crustaceans. Without these crustaceans, higher water temperatures and ocean acidification pose a greater threat to the ecosystem's survival.
A new study reveals that human ancestors began consuming tropical grasses and sedges around 3.5 million years ago, marking a significant shift in their diet. This change is believed to have set the stage for the development of modern diets featuring grains, grasses, and meat from grazing animals.
A new analysis by the USDA Forest Service emphasizes managing forests as consumers of water, reducing risk of water stress. This shift in thinking helps maintain resilience and health in a changing climate.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that early life risk factors, such as rapid infant weight gain and early introduction of solid foods, contribute to racial/ethnic disparities in childhood obesity. The prevalence of overweight and obesity among black and Hispanic children is significantly higher than among white children.
A new study reveals that Southeast Asian monitor lizard species are being harvested and traded in unsustainable volumes, threatening their survival. The trade, particularly for pet owners, has led to over-exploitation and extinction, with many species facing critical threats.
A study by Cornell University researchers found that women view sexually permissive peers more negatively than chaste women, even if they personally have liberal attitudes about casual sex. In contrast, men's perceptions are more dependent on their own promiscuity, with less promiscuous men favoring less experienced men as friends.
Researchers found that daily sunscreen use significantly slows skin aging, with a 24% decrease in photoaging compared to discretionary application. In contrast, a survey of 1,820 physicians revealed that only about 43% had basic electronic health record systems and 10% met meaningful use criteria, highlighting challenges in EHR adoptio...
A phase III non-inferiority trial found that axillary radiotherapy provides excellent regional control and reduces the risk of lymphoedema compared to axillary lymph node dissection. The study also showed no significant differences in overall or disease-free survival between the two treatment arms.
A new study estimates that employers pay an average of $5,816 annually above the cost of a person who never smoked for each employee who smokes. The highest costs are due to lost productivity and health-care expenses exceeding insurance costs for nonsmokers.
A recent study published in Tobacco Control found that employers in the US pay an average of $5,816 (£3,865) extra per year for employees who smoke compared to non-smokers. The main factors contributing to these increased costs are absenteeism, smoking breaks, and healthcare expenditures.
A study found statin use may be associated with an increased likelihood of diagnoses of musculoskeletal conditions, arthropathies, and injuries. Statin users had a higher odds ratio for these conditions compared to non-users, but the association was not significant for osteoarthritis/arthropathy.
A series of scientific papers reveals early human species like Australopithecus afarensis and Kenyanthropus platyops began eating grasses, sedges, and succulents around 3.5 million years ago. The findings show that early humans acquired a taste for C4/CAM plants after their environments seemed similar to their ancestors.
A new study by University of Alberta researcher Johanna Darrah found that babies' rolling abilities have not been impaired by the 'back to sleep' campaign. The study of 725 Canadian infants aged one week to eight months confirms that gross motor skills emerge in the same order and at the same ages as 20 years ago.
A study from University of Michigan Health System reveals black patients in segregated areas are up to 96% more likely to have surgery at low-quality hospitals, living nearly twice as close to high-quality facilities as white patients. The results suggest separate but unequal hospitalization patterns exist, with potential solutions inc...
A study of over 70,000 Seventh-day Adventists found that vegetarian diets were associated with a 12% lower risk of death. Men showed significant reductions in cardiovascular disease mortality and ischemic heart disease deaths compared to non-vegetarian diets.
The article emphasizes that improving data quality in large online databases depends on a combination of automated checks and capturing expert knowledge. The authors argue that addressing issues requires collaboration between 'aggregators' and the broader expert community.
A team from The Scripps Research Institute has developed a new technique to selectively repress unwanted immune reactions without disabling the immune system as a whole. This method exploits a natural mechanism to target B-cells responsible for Factor VIII rejection, preventing an unwanted immune response in mice for several months.
Scientists at the University of Texas at Austin found that lookdown fish can manipulate polarized light to create a more effective camouflage system, surpassing the traditional 'mirror' strategy. This discovery has implications for the development of new materials and technologies inspired by nature.
New study using VLBA reveals Local Arm is a significant branch of the Perseus Arm or an independent arm segment. The research uses parallax method to accurately measure distances and space motions.
A study of 1,500 middle-aged women found that one in five experienced constant or frequent stress, leading to 40% reporting psychosomatic symptoms like muscle aches and joint pain. Single women and smokers were particularly vulnerable to stress, highlighting the need for preventive measures from society.
A large study found that adopting four lifestyle behaviors - a Mediterranean-style diet, regular exercise, maintaining a normal weight, and not smoking - can significantly reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and mortality. The researchers found an 80% lower death rate over an eight-year period among participants who adopted all f...
The KASCADE-Grande experiment detected a bend in the energy spectrum of high-energy cosmic rays at different energies for light and heavy particles. The study reveals a flattening of the spectrum beyond the knee, indicating extragalactic acceleration, with the ankle structure appearing first in light primary particles.
A new study from the University of Colorado School of Medicine found that elderly drivers are often more open to discussing their driving status than clinicians initially thought. The research suggests that health care providers should start conversations with elderly drivers earlier, perhaps at age 65 when Medicare benefits kick in.
Researchers have discovered biomolecular archaeological evidence of grape wine and winemaking in southern France, dating back to the 6th-5th century BCE. The findings confirm that ancient Etruscan amphoras introduced wine to the region, leading to the establishment of a native Celtic or Gallic vinicultural industry.
Researchers at TUM developed a new laser technology that produces compact, efficient ultrashort pulses. The technology uses a 'rainbow' buffer to reshape continuous wave output into short intense pulses, enabling applications in biomedical imaging, material processing, and communications.
A large multi-generational family study has identified a genetic mutation that increases the risk of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). The researchers found a common variant co-inherited by all affected family members, which may affect cartilage formation and delay development.
A new study reveals two beautiful and colourful species of soft corals alongside a new genus of octocorals in the North Eastern Pacific Ocean. The discovery highlights the remarkable diversity of octocorals, with around 3400 species described worldwide.
African-American women with breast cancer are more likely to carry inherited genetic mutations that increase their risk for breast cancer. Genetic testing can help identify at-risk family members and provide personalized strategies for early detection and prevention.
Researchers have discovered the functional importance of enhancer-directed RNAs, also known as eRNAs, which boost or enhance nearby genes. The discovery could provide a new way to alter gene expression in a cell-specific manner, potentially treating diseases.
A study published in Nature found that patients with type 2 diabetes have an altered gut microbiota, which can predict the risk of developing diabetes. The researchers developed a new model to analyze the metagenome and distinguish between patients with type 2 diabetes and healthy women.
A new study by the University of Colorado Boulder suggests that some hominids added grasses or sedges to their diets around 3.5 million years ago, marking a significant change in their survival and evolution. This shift likely contributed to the emergence of human-like species.
Researchers found that 30% of people with colorectal cancer did not act on genetic screening results, missing the diagnosis of Lynch syndrome. This study assesses the impact of routine screening for Lynch syndrome and highlights the importance of individuals taking action on test results.
A team of Indiana University neuroscientists has identified GLT1, a protein clearing glutamate from the brain, as critical to cocaine craving. The researchers found ceftriaxone, an antibiotic, increases GLT1 production and decreases craving in rats withdrawing from cocaine. This combination may lead to new treatments for addiction.
A recent University of Chicago study reveals that couples who met online have higher marital satisfaction and lower break-up rates. The research found that online relationships benefit from selectivity and advance screening, providing a larger pool of prospective partners.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered a promising strategy for defeating neuroblastoma by targeting the MYCN protein. The approach involves inhibiting the MYC gene, which leads to the accumulation of fat droplets in cancer cells and ultimately causes cell death or development into harmless neurons.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have made a breakthrough in understanding how induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are created. They found that the process is not just a reversal of normal cell generation, but involves changes to skin cells during reprogramming. This discovery could lead to more efficient and cost-effectiv...
Srikanth Singamaneni aims to create novel biosensors using self-assembled metal nanoparticles with artificial antibodies, improving specificity and sensitivity. He also plans to educate high-school science teachers and develop a nanotechnology kit for students.
The university has received a five-year, $1.76 million grant from the National Institute of Nursing Research for a pre- and postdoctoral fellowship program in palliative care. The goal is to train nurse scientists to advance knowledge on effective palliation for patients with advanced diseases.
A Saint Louis University study found that obese women who lost weight between pregnancies were more likely to have normal-sized babies. This weight loss period provides a unique opportunity for behavior change and counseling from healthcare professionals.
Researchers can now study song acquisition, storage, and regurgitation in songbirds using MRI, providing parallels to human language acquisition. This technique allows for repeated, long-term developmental measurements of the brain, shedding light on learning, language, and neuroendocrinological plasticity.
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine discovered a novel mechanism that suppresses tumor growth by stabilizing heterochromatin, a form of chromosomal DNA. This finding suggests a potential new approach to inhibit cancer gene expression and may represent a new class of tumor suppressors.
A study by Ben-Gurion University found that oncologists face difficulties in communicating about end-of-life issues, despite high patient needs. Common barriers include physician factors, patient reluctance, and institutional stigmas.
Researchers have developed a faster method to identify Salmonella strains, reducing the time it takes to detect outbreaks from one to three days. The new approach, called CRISPR-MVLST, is comparable in accuracy to existing methods and has the potential to be much cheaper.
Doctors' treatment recommendations depend on medical aspects, individual patient relationships, and their own life situations. Cancer patients' desires for participation change over the course of the disease, with initial trust in doctors crucial, but later seeking more information and involvement in decision-making.
Scientists have developed a safety test for human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) that can identify unwanted cells forming tumours and assess cell stability. The breakthrough could improve the quality of iPS cells and lead to safer cell therapies.
A new RAND Corporation study suggests that states choosing not to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act will face significant financial costs, including $1 billion more in uncompensated care spending and foregone federal payments of $8.4 billion annually. This would leave an additional 3.6 million people without health insurance.
A study found that early-life risk factors, such as rapid infant weight gain and non-exclusive breastfeeding, account for the disparity in childhood obesity rates among black and Hispanic children compared to white children. The researchers suggest designing interventions during pregnancy, infancy, and early childhood could help elimin...
NASA's Swift satellite has created the most detailed ultraviolet light surveys of the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds, two closest major galaxies. The new images reveal about 1 million ultraviolet sources in the LMC and about 250,000 in the SMC.
A Swedish study of over 1,700 children found that more TV time was associated with increased consumption of sweetened beverages. Children who watched more TV were 50% more likely to drink these beverages regularly. The study suggests that TV programs and parental norms may play a role in shaping children's beverage habits.
Type 2 diabetics and people with hypertension are at high risk for obstructive sleep apnea, which can improve insulin sensitivity, blood pressure, and cholesterol. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment has been shown to have a significant impact on glucose levels and insulin sensitivity.
Scientists have discovered a new enzyme that can break down wood into simple sugars, which can then be fermented to produce liquid biofuels. The gribble cellulase is extremely resistant to aggressive chemical environments, making it ideal for industrial applications and potentially reducing costs.
A new study published by Rice University and the University of California at Davis predicts that US corn yields will decline by 7% and irrigation needs will increase by 9% due to climate change. This could sharply hinder the nation's ethanol production targets, leading to a re-evaluation of biofuel policies.
Researchers develop activated biocarbon to adsorb naphthenic acids, preventing methane gas release. The technology has the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the oilsands industry.
An interdisciplinary team will analyze soil, crop, and climate conditions at 75 Midwestern corn farms to identify factors influencing farmers' decisions about environmentally friendly practices. The study aims to reduce water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from corn farming, with results expected to inform policy approaches.
A new study by USC's Glenn Melnick and Katya Fonkych found that California's Hospital Fair Pricing Act led to a significant reduction in hospital prices for uninsured patients. Nearly all hospitals (97%) offered free care to those below the federal poverty line, going beyond the state mandate.
Researchers discovered that immune system cells and lymph capillaries regulate sodium balance and blood pressure in the skin, contrary to traditional views focusing on the kidney and brain.
A York University study found that songbirds migrating between the Amazon and North America do not adjust their departure times in response to record-breaking spring temperatures. This could lead to missed peak food supplies, impacting breeding productivity.