A team of researchers identified a lettuce gene and related enzyme that inhibits germination during hot weather, enabling seeds to germinate in warm temperatures. The discovery could lead to lettuces that can grow in high temperatures, improving crop yields.
In a study published in Current Biology, vervet monkeys demonstrate self-control and learning without guidance to solve coordination problems. By playing the 'Forbidden Circle' game, they figure out rules through trial and error, showcasing the importance of individual learning and patience.
Studies found that individuals with dementia and TBI may have distinct clinical characteristics, such as higher fluency and verbal memory scores. Additionally, elderly patients with TBI are at higher risk of premature death due to underlying health conditions or complications after injury.
A study found that low vitamin D levels at three months post-transplantation were associated with lower kidney function and increased scarring at one year. Vitamin D deficiency is common in patients with kidney failure. Maintaining normal vitamin D levels may prevent renal function deterioration after transplantation.
A recent study by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found that free bus travel has improved the independent mobility and social lives of young Londoners. The research discovered a 'code of honour' among young people, where traveling together is seen as a sign of loyalty, and traveling alone is perceived as a betrayal.
A UCLA study found that heart failure medications recommended by national guidelines are highly cost-effective in saving lives and may also provide savings to the healthcare system. The combination of these medical therapies demonstrated the greatest gains in quality-adjusted life years for heart failure patients.
A study published in Neuron found that rats achieved optimal performance in less than 300 milliseconds, indicating that taking more time doesn't necessarily lead to better decisions. The researchers suggest that, for certain types of decisions, relying on intuition may be the most effective approach.
A study of 1.2 million dialysis patients found Hispanics lived the longest, followed by Blacks, with Whites having the shortest survival time. The disparity may be due to differences in health status before kidney failure.
A new study out of St. Michael's Hospital found that nearly half of all traumatic brain injuries among Canadian children and youth participating in organized sports occurred in ice hockey, with most caused by body contact or being hit into the boards. The researchers also identified specific prevention tactics for various sports, inclu...
Caltech chemists have explained one of the remaining mysteries of photosynthesis, the chemical process by which plants convert sunlight into usable energy and generate oxygen. The discovery provides a new way of approaching the design of catalysts that drive water-splitting reactions in artificial photosynthesis.
A study published in PLoS Pathogens suggests that removing the viral infectivity factor gene from HIV allows the innate human immune system to destroy the virus. The researchers used a humanized mouse model and found that APOBEC3 proteins effectively restrict HIV growth when vif is removed.
The NOvA neutrino detector has recorded its first three-dimensional images of particles from cosmic rays, a crucial step towards discovering properties of mysterious fundamental particles called neutrinos. The detector will use this data to identify and measure the energy of neutrinos.
A new study by WCS-India reveals leopards inhabit landscapes with high human populations and no wilderness, defying conventional conservation strategies. Camera traps captured five adult large carnivores per 100 square kilometers, showcasing adaptability of humans and wildlife to each other's presence.
Researchers have discovered that Parkinson's disease protein, α-synuclein, forms insoluble aggregates that resist degradation in cells. The accumulation of these clumps impairs the macroautophagy system, a major garbage disposal system within the cell.
Research in Papua New Guinea reveals that local community-led efforts to regulate fish catches benefit both the fishermen and their neighbors. The study found that many larvae produced by managed adults return to the same fish population, highlighting the effectiveness of cooperative management.
A new study found that neuroimaging data can predict the likelihood of reoffending following prison release. Inmates with lower anterior cingulate cortex activity were twice as likely to reoffend compared to those with higher activity.
The SAGE and Urban Affairs Association have honored Dr. Kitty Kelly Epstein with the 2013 UAA-SAGE Marilyn Gittell Activist Scholar Lecture Series and Award. Her award-winning research focuses on organizing and analyzing community issues, highlighting her commitment to creating equitable cities.
A new longitudinal study found that teens who struggled to connect with their peers in early adolescence were more likely to have difficulty establishing close friendships in young adulthood. Conversely, those who established autonomy and independence from peer influences had lower risks of problems with alcohol and substance use.
A new study by Hana E. Brown finds that the language used in immigration debates can have long-term effects on policy outcomes, including welfare reform battles. The study shows how different linguistic approaches can create coalitions and shape policy decisions.
Researchers have identified a key molecule responsible for triggering chemical processes in the brain linked to memory formation. The study found that the gene CASK regulates the 'molecular memory switch', enabling it to remain active even after calcium has gone, paving the way for new therapies to reverse memory loss.
A new study found that 91% of Alberta child-care centres have provided inclusive care in the previous two years. However, many still face challenges, with 36% turning away children with special needs due to capacity issues or inadequate staff training.
A new study by McGill University and Stony Brook University researchers found that true fame is not fleeting. The study analyzed names mentioned in English-language newspapers over several decades and found that most famous individuals remain celebrated for decades, regardless of their field.
Researchers from the University of Notre Dame have created a method using environmental DNA (eDNA) and Light Transmission Spectroscopy (LTS) to detect invasive aquatic species in real-time. This innovative approach enables rapid identification of high-risk species before they cause significant damage.
Researchers found that the seven-atom ring defects at junctions in polycrystalline graphene result in reduced strength due to amplification of tension. This finding is significant for materials scientists using graphene, particularly in composite materials and stretchable electronics.
A study by University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston researchers found that combining low doses of multiple xenoestrogens can have a dramatically greater effect on hormone signaling than any one compound alone. The combination of bisphenol A, bisphenol S and nonylphenol was found to gang up on estradiol and thwart its response.
Scientists have found that hepatocytes can transform into biliary cells in response to injury, a process dependent on the activation of endogenous Notch signaling. This discovery provides direct evidence for cellular reprogramming in mammals and may lead to new treatments for diseases involving bile duct deficiency.
The study reveals a severe decline in African forest elephant populations due to poaching and habitat loss. The findings highlight the urgent need for a coordinated global effort to protect this critically endangered species.
Researchers found that audiences are drawn to violent content due to a desire to confront and understand real-life problems, rather than solely for entertainment. The study used a large binational sample to examine the motivations behind exposure to violent portrayals, suggesting a more complex and nuanced understanding of human behavior.
Researchers have discovered that broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) can handle HIV's high mutation rate, offering a promising strategy for vaccine development. The study found that mutations in framework regions strengthened the antibodies' antiviral activity while conserving key structural features.
A new study reveals that Nevada's black bear population is increasing and expanding its former range due to conservation efforts. The study analyzed historic records and found that the bears were once widespread but vanished by 1931, only to rebound in recent years.
Researchers identified frequent patient-to-patient transmission of multidrug-resistant M abscessus subspecies massiliense despite strict infection control measures. Whole genome sequencing and antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed clusters of genetically identical strains, suggesting widespread cross-infection.
Researchers at UMMS found that small amounts of junk foods can trigger significant changes in gene expression and physiology, potentially impacting human health. The study used C. elegans as a model organism and identified a genetic regulatory network facilitating rapid responses to internal and external cues.
A new study by RAND Corporation finds that expanding Medicaid in Pennsylvania would increase federal revenue by more than $2 billion annually and provide health insurance to 340,000 residents. The expansion would also sustain over 35,000 jobs and boost economic activity by $3 billion.
A Mayo Clinic survey found that 85% of physician spouses/partners are satisfied in their relationships, similar to married adults overall. Most work outside the home, with nearly 40% working full-time or more, despite their partners' high non-sleeping time spent at work.
A team of physicists has proposed a new laser system inspired by telecommunications technology to accelerate particles in particle accelerators like the Large Hadron Collider. The system aims to reduce size and cost, making it critical for future high-energy physics.
Researchers found that head-on collisions between replication and transcription machineries lead to faster mutations in genes on the lagging strand. This accelerated mutation rate may help bacteria adapt to environmental changes, but also increases structural variations in proteins.
A $40,000 grant funded by The Consortium of MS Centers will support a 1-year pilot study investigating an emotional processing training program for individuals with multiple sclerosis. The study aims to improve emotional processing abilities and overall quality of life.
The Boston Public Schools' prekindergarten program has significantly improved children's language, literacy, math, executive function, and emotional development skills. The study found that the program, which uses research-based curricula and coaching of teachers, was particularly beneficial for Latino children.
A survey by the IASLC found that 90% of physicians believe tobacco cessation is essential for lung cancer treatment, but only 39% provide assistance. The study highlights barriers to effective tobacco cessation support for cancer patients.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that common genetic variants explain 42% of individual differences in antidepressant response, providing a significant step towards personalized treatment for depression. The research identified multiple genetic markers involved in predicting response to antidepressants.
A study by Cornell University and National Employment Law Project found that poor children who move three or more times before age 5 experience more attention problems, anxiousness, depression, aggressiveness, or hyperactivity.
A study found that each seven-gram increase in total daily fiber intake was associated with a 7 percent decrease in first-time stroke risk. Increasing fiber intake can help reduce risk factors for stroke, including high blood pressure and high LDL cholesterol levels.
Researchers suggest a more flexible understanding of the immune system's interaction with microbes, considering both pathogens and beneficial bacteria. The human body hosts ten times more bacterial cells than human cells, which play crucial roles in improving body functions.
Researchers found that despite voluntary temperature setting standards, hot water temperatures remained dangerously high in 41% of homes, posing a scald hazard to young children and the elderly. The study suggests equipping faucets with anti-scald devices as a potential solution.
African Americans with HPV-positive throat cancer have better outcomes than those without HPV. The study found that HPV has a substantial impact on overall survival in this population. African Americans who are HPV-negative face poorer survival rates compared to Caucasians with or without HPV.
A study published using worms found that metformin, a widely prescribed diabetes drug, delays ageing by altering metabolism in gut bacteria. The drug was shown to extend worm lifespan by mimicking the effects of calorie restriction.
Researchers at the University of Sheffield have developed a swarm of 40 robots that can carry out simple fetching and carrying tasks, and even organize themselves by order of priority. This technology could play a significant role in future medical applications, military operations, and industrial processes.
A new study by University of New Hampshire researchers finds that wilderness and adventure therapy programs significantly reduce the risk of injury compared to everyday activities. The programs boast lower injury rates than sports like football, snowboarding, and downhill skiing.
Research from the Shamatha Project at UC Davis suggests that mindfulness training can lower cortisol levels, a hormone associated with physical and emotional stress. The study found a correlation between high scores in mindfulness and low cortisol levels before and after an intensive meditation retreat.
Laura Segatori, a Rice University engineer, has received a NSF CAREER Award to develop a toolkit for probing the workings of cellular processes that lead to diseases like Parkinson's. Her goal is to identify key proteins and learn how to regulate them using nanoparticles.
Researchers found that hybrid offspring of different house mouse populations prefer mating with individuals from their father's original population, indicating a strong paternal imprinting effect. This preference accelerates the divergence of two house mouse populations and promotes speciation.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have found that a stem cell's environment influences its differentiation into various cell types, with 'grip' playing a crucial role. The study suggests that three-dimensional matrices impact mechanotransduction, guiding stem cell fate and differentiation.
A team of Stanford University bioengineers has created a biological transistor made from genetic material that can compute inside living cells, recording exposure to external stimuli or environmental factors. The transcriptor enables amplifying genetic logic, allowing engineers to monitor environments and improve cellular therapeutics.
The researchers designed nanostructured metamaterials that can control device performance across a range of frequencies. They achieved this by introducing nanonotches in the corners of the fishnet holes to create flexibility in independently controlling permittivity and permeability.
Researchers confirm that obesity leads to a decrease in physical activity over time, with obese participants showing an 8% drop in moderate to vigorous activity. The study uses objective measurement methods and large sample size to provide insight into the relationship between inactivity and weight gain.
A new study found that marital conflict in children can harm their stress response systems, leading to slower mental and intellectual development. Children who witnessed more conflict showed less adaptive responses to stress, particularly those with lower resting stress levels.
A team of researchers successfully replicated the behavior of a moving ant colony using miniature robots, called Alices. The robots navigated mazes by following chemical pheromone trails and directional random walks, demonstrating that efficient navigation can be achieved with minimal cognitive abilities.
Caleb P. Bupp, a medical geneticist, received the 2013 ACMG Foundation/Signature Genomics Travel Award for his presentation on twenty years of neural tube defect surveillance and prevention in South Carolina. The award recognizes young researchers in the field of medical genetics and genomics.
A recent study by Beaumont doctors highlights the importance of training and emergency response planning in K-12 schools to reduce sudden cardiac arrest fatalities. The study found that bystander use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) increases survival rates threefold, emphasizing the need for standardized training and drills.
Researchers at the University of Calgary have developed a new, affordable catalyst for converting electricity into chemical energy, enabling the efficient storage and reuse of solar and wind power. The breakthrough technology has the potential to support a large-scale clean energy economy.
The newly described species, Pyropia plicata, has a distinctive growth form with pleated blades and beautiful coloration. It is highly prized by Maori in New Zealand as karengo and is also eaten worldwide for its high protein content.
A new University of Iowa study suggests that deployment of a parent puts children at an increased risk for drinking alcohol and using drugs. The study found a three-to-four-fold increase in binge drinking among children of deployed or recently returned military parents compared to non-military families.
Researchers have unveiled a life-like, autonomous robotic jellyfish, Cyro, the size of a grown man, to study aquatic life, map ocean floors, and monitor ocean currents. The robot is powered by a rechargeable battery and uses a diffused nerve net to control movement, mimicking the behavior of natural jellyfish.
Researchers at UC Davis have discovered that whole cells and cell fragments orient and move in response to electric fields, with two distinct pathways identified. These findings could lead to new ways to heal wounds and deliver stem cell therapies.
Women who undergo surgical menopause experience a two-fold increase in cognitive decline and dementia due to premature estrogen loss. Research suggests that this leads to increased sensitivity to stressors and abnormal protein production, which can contribute to Alzheimer's disease. Follow-up studies are needed to confirm the findings.
A team of scientists has identified a prion that triggers epigenetic changes in yeast, leading to the adoption of a multicellular structure for improved survival. This finding suggests that prions may play a role in beneficial traits and could have implications for understanding human diseases such as cancer.
A recent study published in The Lancet reveals evidence for transmission of Mycobacterium abscessus between Cystic Fibrosis patients through DNA sequencing, highlighting the global spread of antibiotic-resistant bacterial species. The research team developed new measures to protect Cystic Fibrosis patients from this emerging threat.
A team of scientists developed a new technique for designing vaccine immunogens that can stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies effective against multiple strains of HIV. The approach, using artificial proteins engineered to bind germline B cells, offers hope for better protection against fast-mutating viruses.
Lindsay Burrage and Shane Quinonez received the 2013-14 Genzyme/ACMG Foundation Medical Genetics Training Award in Clinical Biochemical Genetics. The award provides $75,000 per year for one year of clinical genetics subspecialty training in biochemical genetics after residency.
A Rice University team has found that using waste heat can remove more CO2 from coal-fired power plant emissions economically. The researchers hope to reduce the costs of CO2 capture by creating an integrated reaction column that uses waste heat, engineered materials and optimized components.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have discovered a way to reverse copper nanoparticle oxidation using light, potentially leading to an eco-friendly production process for propylene oxide. The discovery has significant implications for the chemical industry, which currently produces large quantities of unwanted chemicals.