A massive extinction event occurred 200 million years ago, wiping out 76% of species on Earth. Volcanic eruptions from the Central Atlantic Magmatic Province likely triggered the event through global warming and ocean acidification.
A recent study by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons found that smoking significantly increases the risk of nonunion in fractures involving long bones. The average time to fracture healing is also longer for smokers compared to nonsmokers, highlighting the negative impact of smoking on bone health.
A study led by Paula Duque discovered a gene ZIFL1 that encodes two proteins with different biological roles in plants. The researchers found that the gene's two proteins are involved in hormone transport and drought tolerance, challenging the long-held notion that each gene can only codify for one protein.
A study by Hospital for Special Surgery found that long nerve grafts comparable to modern nerve transfers restored function in patients with axillary nerve injuries. The outcomes were measured by patient recovery and electromyography tests.
A study found that infants with a higher risk of developing autism take longer to shift their gaze, indicating possible differences in brain structure and organization. The research suggests that this measurable delay could be a precursor to well-known symptoms of autism.
Researchers used acoustic monitoring to record cod grunts in the wild for the first time, finding that male cod produce low-frequency sounds during spawning season. The study provides insights into cod behavior and distribution, informing conservation efforts.
Researchers at Drexel University have identified two key molecules involved in promoting nerve cell growth and branching after injury. By manipulating the expression of these molecules, they were able to induce longer and more branched axons, which is essential for restoring nerve function.
A year-long study found that minor modifications to military cafeteria food services resulted in significant improvements in soldiers' nutritional intake, including reduced fat consumption. Customer satisfaction also increased on four criteria, with more favorable results observed over time.
Researchers studied silicone oil jets bouncing off each other, finding that high-speed flow can inhibit mixing. The study's findings have implications for fuel efficiency in space rockets.
Richard B. Alley, a renowned geoscientist, has been awarded the AAAS Public Engagement in Science Award for his outstanding contributions to popularizing climate science. His work has helped demonstrate that past regional to global climate changes occurred rapidly and significantly impacted the environment.
Pit latrines pose a risk to global health due to potential contamination of groundwater, particularly in areas with high population densities. A new study emphasizes the need for improved designs and technologies to mitigate this risk, ensuring safer drinking water for millions worldwide.
Researchers at WSU will study the effects of fatigue on attention and decision-making to improve 24-hour operations and safety. The study aims to develop an individualized fatigue prediction model and identify genetic markers that explain person-to-person differences in responding to fatigue.
Researchers discovered that certain lactobacillus bacteria can dampen the production of toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 in the vagina. This finding has implications for understanding and treating vaginal infections, emphasizing the need for improved diagnostic tools and probiotic management strategies.
A North Carolina State University study found that outdoor education programs significantly improved environmental literacy among minority students. The research showed that time spent outdoors had a positive impact on African-American and Hispanic students, leading to better ecological knowledge and cognitive skills.
A new study by Concordia University researchers found that companies with financial restatements are more likely to have poor corporate governance, including high growth rates and less independent oversight. These firms are also more likely to replace top executives and auditors in an attempt to improve their public image.
The study compares in-orbit debris removal options, considering their potential risk of creating new debris or disabling working satellites. Inflatable drag enhancement devices are found to have the lowest risk, while electromagnetic tethers pose a high risk for disabling operational satellites.
Researchers at the University of Notre Dame used genetic analysis to identify a harmless fruit fly in Washington state, preventing costly quarantine measures. The study's findings demonstrate the potential for rapid and accurate identification of insect species, which could have significant implications for agriculture and public health.
A new study found that total hip replacement (THR) is associated with reduced mortality, heart failure, depression, and diabetes rates in Medicare patients with osteoarthritis. THR also shows potential long-term benefits in terms of prolonged lifespan and reduced disease burden.
Researchers have fitted satellite transmitters to wild frigatebirds on Ascension Island, providing real-time information on their locations. The data highlight areas used by the birds and show where they may need protection to conserve this iconic species.
A team of medical researchers has identified a specific microRNA, miR-342-5p, that plays a key role in promoting inflammation in atherosclerosis. Inhibiting this microRNA has been shown to retard the progression of the disease in animal models.
A small study involving 42 patients found that mechanomyography (MMG) technology effectively measures nerve function and determines whether nerves are compressed. After decompression, 70% of nerves had normal threshold values, while 98% showed a drop in threshold greater than 1mA.
A study at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons found significant variations in spinal component costs, with pedicle screws, anterior cervical plates, and posterior interbody cages costing $400 to $7,200 per patient. Greater transparency and coordinated implant selection and purchase processes could reduce these costs by up to ...
A study published in The BMJ found that long-term use of clarithromycin, a commonly used antibiotic for lower respiratory tract infections, may be associated with an increased risk of heart problems. The research, which analyzed data from over 1,300 patients, suggests that there will be an additional cardiovascular event for every eigh...
Two genes associated with rare autism-related disorders are also jointly linked to more general forms of autism, according to a new study published in Molecular Psychiatry. The findings suggest a new genetic pathway to investigate in general autism research.
Researchers have determined the high-resolution atomic structures of two human serotonin receptor types, shedding light on why certain drugs interact with these receptors in complex and sometimes harmful ways. The study's findings offer valuable insights into designing safer and more effective medicines.
A special issue of Translational Research highlights the progress and challenges of gene therapy research, focusing on clinically meaningful studies that combine patient observations with smart experiments. The approach of gene therapy may be applicable to all genetic disorders, offering a promising path for treatment and cure.
Researchers at UT Dallas have developed a new low-light imaging method that can significantly improve the accuracy of microscopic images. By minimizing camera noise and distortion, this method enables scientists to extract precise quantities from acquired images, such as object location, size, and orientation.
The study found that many young black women with BRCA mutations do not receive genetic counseling or testing, despite meeting national guidelines. This may represent a missed clinical opportunity to reduce breast cancer incidence and mortality.
Researchers reveal that inhibitory interneuron circuits change their firing rates during map formation and flickering, playing a crucial role in learning. The study also shows that these changes are due to map-specific connections between pyramidal cells and interneurons.
Lyme disease bacteria rely on manganese to make essential enzymes, evading immune system defenses that starve pathogens of iron. This discovery opens the door to new therapies targeting manganese, potentially improving disease detection and treatment.
A study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that younger mice exhibit a more robust healing response compared to older mice. The team identified the Notch signaling pathway as critical to fracture healing, with reduced baseline activity in geriatric MSCs.
Physicists at Technical University of Munich develop a method to store information in mechanical vibrations, reducing sensitivity to electrical interference. This innovation could lead to more powerful quantum computers by utilizing carbon nanotubes as quantum bits.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine developed a new method to expand adult hematopoietic stem cells outside the human body, overcoming a major technical hurdle. This breakthrough could lead to fewer donor cells being needed for transplantation and make bone marrow banking possible.
Dr. Clyde Goulden, a pioneering ecologist, received the Order of the Polar Star for his long-term research on climate change in Mongolia. Dr. Jon Gelhaus, Academy curator of entomology, received the Khubilai Khan gold medal for his scientific contributions to Mongolia's biological science and training of young scientists.
Researchers found that a patient-preference, centralized depression care approach significantly reduced depressive symptoms and improved health outcomes for heart attack survivors. The study showed that this type of treatment was feasible, effective, and potentially cost-neutral within six months.
A new study reveals that immune cells can recognize and respond to mutated HIV, paving the way for an effective vaccine. The research suggests that a vaccine targeting key mutant forms of the virus could be effective in preventing HIV infection and AIDS.
Researchers characterized how the functionality of genetically engineered T cells administered therapeutically to patients with melanoma changed over time. A new population of T cells emerged at around one month that exhibited tumor-killing characteristics through epitope spreading, suggesting a potential cause for the transient response.
Genetic factors such as BRCA2 and HOXB13 play a crucial role in predicting high-risk prostate disease. Lifestyle factors including diet, exercise and geographic origin are also risk factors for PCa.
A study found that individuals with chronic kidney disease who adhered to a healthy lifestyle had a greater likelihood of surviving over a 13-year period. Nonsmoking was associated with the greatest survival benefits.
A European Society of Cardiology initiative aims to train bystanders in CPR to increase survival rates. Studies show that trained individuals are ten times more likely to respond than untrained ones, and training makes a big difference.
A UC Davis study found large variation in the use of metal inferior vena cava filters among California hospitals, despite little evidence of their safety and effectiveness. The researchers recommend additional research to determine if the devices improve outcomes for patients with venous thromboembolism.
Architected to tackle aquatic prey, archerfish possess exceptional resolving power in the upper part of their retina, far surpassing other freshwater fish. This impressive ability enables them to locate, identify, and accurately spit at aerial insects with remarkable precision.
According to the study, nearly 75% of commercial pre-packaged meals and savory snacks for toddlers are high in sodium. The American Heart Association recommends limiting sodium consumption to less than 1500mg per day. Parents can choose healthier options by reading nutrition labels on baby and toddler foods.
The Scottish government has implemented a program to address heart disease inequalities, providing health checks to deprived communities and promoting lifestyle changes. Health care professionals are encouraged to be proactive in seeking out marginalized patients and providing targeted services.
A study published in New England Journal of Medicine shows that physical therapy is just as effective as surgery for patients with meniscal tears and arthritis of the knee. The study found no significant differences in functional improvement between patients who underwent surgery with postoperative physical therapy and those who receiv...
A recent study found that suboptimal kidney response to the hormone FGF-23 may increase risks for kidney disease patients, particularly those with lower urinary phosphorus levels. The study suggests that resistance to FGF-23's hormonal actions in the kidney may identify novel aspects of kidney dysfunction.
New research estimates that 14% of chronic childhood asthma is caused by exposure to traffic pollution near busy roads. The findings are comparable to the burden associated with passive smoking, highlighting the importance of clean air for all.
A new study identifies predictors of complications and mortality following a hip fracture, including dialysis, cardiac disease, and diabetes. The study found that reducing time to surgical intervention appears to be the single greatest factor in influencing the risk of mortality or complications.
Researchers examined 230 patients with chronic tennis elbow, finding that PRP therapy improved pain scores by 55% at 12 weeks and 71% at 24 weeks compared to the control group.
Research found that park amenities in lower-income neighborhoods are often lacking, with more basketball courts and fewer trails. Higher-income areas tend to have more aesthetic features like water features or decorative landscaping, while middle-class areas have a mix of both.
A six-year University of Illinois study found that continuous corn systems experience a yield reduction compared to corn rotated with soybean, known as the continuous corn yield penalty. The study identified N availability, corn stover accumulation, and unfavorable weather as primary causes of the penalty.
Current quality measures for outpatient settings neglect critical areas of high-quality care, including safety and effectiveness. Dr. Tara Bishop suggests revisiting quality measurement to include these neglected areas, which could improve patient care and safety.
The UK government's decision to promote abstinence for drug users is being challenged by experts who claim it prioritizes cost savings over scientific evidence. The 'recovery model' encourages patients to reduce and stop all addictive drugs, despite overwhelming evidence showing that maintenance therapy is more effective.
A new study published in Brain Connectivity found evidence of aberrant neural communication in toddlers with autism, indicating a disorder of connectivity. The researchers observed reduced brain connectivity and diminished capacity for neural communication in autistic children's brains.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute developed a cutting-edge technology to screen human blood for disease markers. The 'antigen surrogate' method accurately identified biomarkers for neuromyelitis optica, a rare autoimmune disorder, in a recent study published in Chemistry & Biology.
Astronomers at CU-Boulder used the Hubble Space Telescope to study a quasar's impact on early universe conditions. The team found that 'sideline quasars' likely teamed up with the bright quasar to heat helium gas, preventing small galaxy formation.
A recent study by GW researcher Mudit Tyagi explores the impact of cocaine on HIV replication and transmission in brain cells. Cocaine use has been linked to a more severe onset of NeuroAIDS, and researchers believe that gene expression of integrated HIV proviruses are influenced by this type of stimulation.
The Landsat Data Continuity Mission (LDCM) has released its first images of Earth, revealing stunning natural-color scenes and thermal infrared bands. The new data will aid in water management by detecting temperature differences across the land surface.
Researchers are calling on the federal government to ban food and beverage ads that target children, citing a rising obesity epidemic. The proposed ban would restrict marketing to approved public health campaigns promoting healthy eating.
Scientists at King's College London found that the middle ear cavity is formed by two different tissue types, one of which is less efficient at clearing debris and more susceptible to infection. This 'evolutionary glitch' may be the reason why some children are more prone to developing chronic ear problems like glue ear.