Research in Costa Rica found that pesticide use in banana plantations is contaminating protected conservation areas, affecting spectacled caiman species. The study highlights the need for improved regulatory infrastructure to mitigate pesticide damage to aquatic ecosystems.
A nationwide study found that older adults who maintained a stable weight were more likely to survive than those who gained weight. The results suggest that small amounts of extra weight may be protective against mortality in older age, possibly due to reduced nutritional deficiencies and chronic disease.
Researchers cataloged interactions between breast cancer cells and normal cells in their environment, finding that most signals promoted cancer. Blocking multiple signals simultaneously inhibited tumor growth more effectively than blocking individual signals.
A new magnesium production process developed at PNNL is expected to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions by 50% compared to the current method. The process uses a titanium-based catalyst to extract magnesium from seawater, making it a promising solution for expanding the American magnesium market.
A study published in Experimental Physiology found that paracetamol can improve exercise endurance in the heat by reducing body temperature. This improvement allows individuals to exercise for longer periods without overheating. The researchers hope to investigate the specific mechanisms by which paracetamol achieves this effect.
A new study published in Bioresource Technology found that algae biofuel reduces life cycle CO2 emissions by 50-70% compared to petroleum fuels. The study also reveals that algae-based fuels have a similar Energy Return on Investment (EROI) as conventional petroleum, making them a promising long-term source of sustainable energy.
Researchers have developed an advanced method to identify proteins modified with ADP-ribosylation, shedding light on PARP inhibitor treatment for breast and ovarian cancers. The new analysis method enables optimized treatment with fewer side effects, offering improved cancer treatment options.
Geologists have confirmed that a high-pressure failure mechanism is the trigger for deep earthquakes occurring at depths below 400 kilometers. The research team simulated deep earthquakes in a laboratory and found that fractures nucleate at the onset of olivine to spinel transition.
A new study by Moffitt Cancer Center aims to investigate alternative screening methods and chemoprevention interventions for African-American and black men with prostate cancer. Researchers are also exploring the safety and effectiveness of isoflavones, a botanical agent, in reducing prostate cancer risk in this high-risk population.
Even in the best-case scenario, just 15 countries are expected to meet post-2015 targets for reducing child mortality rates by 2035. The study analyzed data from 69 low- and middle-income countries and found that efforts to improve maternal and child health must intensify to achieve further substantial reductions in child deaths.
The National Institutes of Health is providing funding for innovative approaches to address workforce challenges in the biomedical research sector. The program aims to broaden trainees' exposure to multiple career options, enabling them to make meaningful contributions outside traditional academic research.
Extreme weather events, such as Hurricanes Irene and Sandy, have been shown to increase support for environmental policies and a belief in human-caused climate change. Researchers found that individuals who were particularly affected by the storms showed a stronger preference for politicians promoting green policies.
Researchers discovered that beta-amyloid destroys synapses by binding to a receptor called PirB, leading to a cascade of biochemical activities. The study suggests that Alzheimer's disease starts to manifest long before plaque formation becomes evident, offering new hope for earlier treatments.
A study by St. Michael's Hospital researchers found that cheque-cashing outlets cluster in neighbourhoods with high violent crime rates. These establishments disproportionately serve single parent mothers, the elderly and young males, who are also more likely to be victims of violent crime.
A new study reveals that earthworms can survive for up to three weeks without water by entering a state of estivation, where they reduce their surface area exposure and seal themselves in a mucus-lined chamber. After rewetting, the earthworms were able to recover and regain their weight.
A magnitude 8.3 earthquake struck deep beneath the Sea of Okhotsk, with seismic waves detected by thousands of stations worldwide. The event released three times as much energy as the next largest recorded earthquake and involved rapid shear faulting.
The University of Oklahoma Center for Spatial Analysis developed a web-based tracking analysis application, TRACKS, to monitor and analyze Oklahoma offenders. The tool uses GPS location data to detect movement patterns and alert officers to potential behavior problems.
The University of Houston has received a $4 million grant from the Welch Foundation to establish a Center of Excellence in Polymer Chemistry. This will support fundamental chemistry research and collaboration with petrochemical companies to develop new polymer products and technologies.
Two eight-year-old twin brothers were injured when a bolt of lightning struck a transformer near their tent, causing penetrating blast injuries. The case study highlights the rare possibility of electrical shock from lightning strikes and emphasizes the importance of seeking shelter during thunderstorms.
The Hydrogen Tools app offers a range of resources and web-based content to help users design, approve, or use hydrogen fuel cell systems and facilities. Key findings include guidance on ventilation, storage, and safety procedures for hydrogen, as well as best practices for handling the gas.
A new Dartmouth study reveals toxic metals from an open-pit mine in Maine's Goose Pond estuary are spreading into nearby sediment, water, and fish, affecting the regional marine food web. Elevated levels of copper, zinc, cadmium, and lead were found, posing a potential health risk to humans who consume seafood from these areas.
Researchers found that early diagnosis of HIV increases lifetime costs but improves length and quality of life. Activated B cells are identified as an early sign of AIDS-related lymphoma, while new circumcision devices need further development to increase circumcision rates in Africa.
A new study by UCSF researchers found that higher-calorie diets result in twice the rate of weight gain compared to lower-calorie diets for adolescents hospitalized with anorexia nervosa. This approach also shortens hospital stays without increasing the risk of refeeding syndrome.
Georgia State University's School of Public Health has been awarded a $19 million grant over five years to establish one of 14 Tobacco Centers of Regulatory Science. The center will conduct research on human decision-making around tobacco use, consumer reaction to marketing, and individual perception of risk.
A multi-center study found that wearing back braces significantly reduced the risk of curve progression and the need for surgery in children with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Patients who wore a brace more than 13 hours per day achieved success rates of 90-93%.
System 95L has a high chance of becoming a tropical depression as it moves west-northwestward at 5 to 10 mph. NASA's Global Hawk gathers data on this low-pressure area, which is expected to spread heavy rain over eastern and southern Mexico.
Researchers at CU-Boulder have developed a new way to produce magnesium using concentrated solar power, reducing carbon emissions and increasing efficiency. The process produces both magnesium and synthesis gas, which can be converted into synthetic gasoline.
NASA's Global Hawk aircraft is investigating a low-pressure system in the Gulf of Mexico that has high chances of becoming a tropical depression. Another area near Bermuda is also showing signs of development.
Researchers discovered a potential target for melanoma therapy in the S6K protein and found that a triple combination of drug inhibitors halted the growth of resistant tumors. Early studies also showed no evident signs of toxicity, making this approach a promising new strategy to combat drug-resistant melanoma.
Researchers developed a test that can clearly distinguish early liver cancer cells from normal liver cells by giving them a distinctive red-brown hue. The test uses a probe to detect and stain a microRNA called mir-21, which is found in liver cancer but not healthy liver cells.
Typhoon Usagi intensified by 65 knots in 24 hours, reaching Category 4 strength with sustained winds of 138 mph. The storm is expected to continue intensifying and pass near Hong Kong on Sept. 22.
Researchers uncover a surprisingly long-lasting opioid mechanism for chronic pain control, which also leads to physical and physiological dependence. The study suggests that stress may be a key factor in relapse in chronic pain patients and raises questions about the long-term consequences of this mechanism.
Cancer biologists use a new approach to study human tumors by transplanting them into mice with crippled immune systems. The results show high genomic fidelity between the original tumors and transplanted cancer cells in mice, providing insights into drug resistance. This approach may lead to more precise treatment choices and faster d...
A new study by Boston College researchers highlights the impact of image discrepancies on professionals' job satisfaction and pay. The study found that four high-demand professions - architects, nurse practitioners, litigation attorneys, and certified public accountants - face significant challenges when clients fail to grasp their roles.
Scientists at WashU Medicine have created human breast tumor models in mice, which maintain genetic errors and can help identify drivers of tumor growth. The models allow researchers to study specific patient tumors with detailed information on treatment regimens and consent.
The University of California, San Francisco will conduct multidisciplinary research to inform the FDA's regulation of tobacco products. The UCSF center will focus on seven areas, including risk perceptions and cardiovascular effects, to develop evidence-based policies to curb the global tobacco epidemic.
The journal provides a series of research articles detailing challenges and solutions for integrating genomic data into EHR. Studies discuss the need for patient involvement in decisions about their genomic information, as well as the potential of Genomic Decision Support to improve care.
A large genetic analysis of MERS-CoV genomes suggests the virus has transmitted from animals to humans on multiple occasions. The study found that the virus evolved quickly and spread between locations, making it unlikely that a single transmission occurred. Further animal studies are needed to establish the source of the virus.
A new study reveals triclosan is fueling the development of resistant bacteria in streams and rivers, disrupting native bacterial communities and potentially diminishing the usefulness of important antibiotics. Urban sites are most impacted by high levels of triclosan pollution from combined sewer overflows.
A new study by Cleveland Clinic found that bariatric surgery significantly improves and reverses Type 2 diabetes in obese patients. Long-term weight loss and gastric bypass surgery are key predictors of sustained remission, with nearly one-third of patients achieving normal blood glucose levels off medication.
A 15-year study in the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest found that trees in a calcium-treated watershed produced 21% more wood and 11% more leaves than their counterparts. The addition of calcium helped reverse decades-long decline caused by acid rain, with sugar maple trees responding most strongly.
The new procedure, known as the CIT07 protocol, resulted in significantly improved islet cell function and enabled patients to discontinue daily insulin injections. The approach reduced inflammation and allowed for more efficient use of fewer islet cells.
Researchers found that a class of proteins affecting visual system development also appears to affect vulnerability to Alzheimer's disease in the aging brain. The proteins, such as LilrB2 and PirB, physically partner with beta-amyloid, triggering a harmful chain reaction in brain cells.
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that proteins delivering leucine to prostate cancer cells are therapeutic targets. Inhibition of these proteins inhibits nutrient signaling pathways and over 100 metastasis-related genes, leading to cell cycle inhibition and reduced tumor growth.
Researchers at The Wistar Institute have discovered a protein motif, TFLY, crucial to telomerase function, which can be disrupted to block enzyme activity. This finding offers new insights into developing drugs to inhibit telomerase and its potential role in cancer therapy.
A study published in Cell Host & Microbe reveals that H7N9 avian flu viruses evolved from distinct H9N2 viruses through a two-step process. The viruses originated in wild birds and then continued to evolve in domestic birds, resulting in genetically diverse strains that could potentially spread among humans.
Researchers have found that immune cells known as macrophages may help make the breast more susceptible to cancer at certain stages of the menstrual cycle. Hormonal fluctuations around menstruation may impact immune defenses in breast tissue, increasing risk of breast cancer.
The Society for Neuroscience has created a Latin American Neuroscience Training Program to serve hundreds of promising young scientists. The five-year initiative will provide in-person and remote learning opportunities, covering topics such as manuscript publishing, animal research ethics, and Brain Awareness Week activities.
A new optical device can identify the contents of intravenous (IV) fluid lines in real-time, offering a promising solution to prevent medication errors. The device uses Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) technology to detect molecular signatures of drugs and confirm their presence.
A team of Drexel University researchers has created a molecule called DAVEI that can trick HIV into destroying itself by hijacking the virus's fusion machinery. The microbicide was designed to mimic the forces it feels when attached to a healthy cell, causing the virus to release its genetic payload harmlessly and die.
A Saint Louis University researcher found that a specific eye muscle in pond turtles adapts to compensate for obstructed vision when their head is retracted into their shell. The study revealed unique characteristics of the turtle's eye movements, which differ from other animals with lateral eyes.
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston has received funding to establish a Tobacco Center of Regulatory Science on Youth and Young Adults, which will focus on the marketing of tobacco products and their impact on young people. The center aims to generate research that informs FDA regulations and ultimately reduces the...
A decline in shark populations leads to a decrease in herbivorous fishes, promoting algae growth on coral reefs. This study highlights the critical role sharks play in maintaining reef health and underscores the need for conservation efforts to protect these apex predators.
Seven researchers, including two Nobel laureates, are recognized for their unconventional yet impactful studies. Their work has led to life-saving medicines, innovative social insights, and significant technological advancements.
A new study reveals a 'cascade of events' triggered an early sea level rise, driving animal diversity and innovation during the Cambrian period. The explosion led to the origin of modern ecosystems, skeletons, and specialized modes of life.
The five-year grant will support student tuition stipends and recruitment efforts for SF State's Careers in Early Childhood Special Education (CIRCLE) program. The program aims to train teachers to provide culturally relevant services to young children with disabilities and their families.
Researchers analyzed the riboproteome to gain a better understanding of translation and its impact on cancer. The study uncovered dynamic components of the ribosome that can be altered in cancer, highlighting potential therapeutic targets.
Genome sequencing of MERS-CoV identified multiple chains of infection, indicating human-to-human transmission is more complicated than expected. The study suggests additional sources of the virus, such as undetected carriers, are involved in its spread.
The FDA and NIH have created the first-of-kind Tobacco Centers of Regulatory Science (TCORS) program, which aims to generate research to inform tobacco product regulation and protect public health. The program will support research in seven core areas, including diversity of tobacco products, reducing addiction, and communications.
Researchers analyzed the genetic makeup of coelacanth offspring and found high overlap between mothers and their offspring, suggesting a single father. The study suggests that coelacanth females are monogamous, likely due to mating with a single male for successful fertilization.
A study led by Dr. Luca Scorrano and Dr. José Antonio Enríquez found that the OPA1 gene can regulate cellular metabolism, potentially leading to new treatments for mitochondrial diseases. The researchers discovered that increasing OPA1 activity enhances energy production and cell growth.
The circadian clock enables cells to use stored fuel efficiently when we fast, with NAD+ and Sirtuin 3 playing a critical role. Disrupting the clock leads to metabolic disorders, but providing NAD+ supplements can restore mitochondrial function.
Researchers from the University of Washington have discovered differences in dried filters from filter-feeding rays that allow them to be identified as either giant mantas or devil rays. The study provides valuable insights into the conservation of these gentle-natured rays, which are often hunted for their supposed health benefits. Th...
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen discovered that mir-79, a tiny molecule, plays a crucial role in regulating neural development in roundworms. By controlling the addition of specific sugars to signaling molecules, mir-79 guides nerve cell migration and ensures proper nervous system function. This finding has important implic...
The CYGNSS hurricane satellite mission has passed NASA's Systems Requirements Review and Key Decision Point-B, moving into the next phase of development. The constellation of eight microsatellites will use GPS signals to measure ocean surface properties and determine how hurricanes form and strengthen.
The University of North Carolina will house two Tobacco Centers of Regulatory Science, focused on tobacco communication and lung health. Research from these centers will inform potential tobacco regulatory activities.
Researchers at the DZNE and Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin have discovered a gradient of inhibition within the entorhinal cortex, which may play a crucial role in creating synchronous rhythms and oscillations. This finding has implications for understanding Alzheimer's disease, where the entorhinal cortex is affected early on.
TRMM satellite observed heavy rainfall around the storm's center and in a band of thunderstorms north of the center. Hot towers over 9.9 miles high were detected, indicating intense rainfall potential.
Researchers have identified ASCL1 as a biomarker for aggressive adenocarcinomas in smokers' lungs. The protein is associated with increased expression of the RET oncogene, a key driver of cancer progression. Blocking ASCL1 may slow tumor growth and offer a promising target for potential drugs.
The Air Force Research Laboratory partnered with national laboratories to develop a novel capability for nondestructively mapping material substructure and grain level stresses. This capability has been applied to nickel and titanium alloys, providing insight into deformation and forming the basis for modeling tools.
Researchers found that Audubon's warblers share mitochondrial DNA with myrtle warblers, a different species that migrates annually. The study suggests that the songbird may have co-opted the myrtle's mitochondria to better power its travels.
Researchers developed algorithm to improve tumor segmentation in medical images, reducing errors and devastating consequences.
A study found that a single nucleotide polymorphism in the BDNF gene leads to shrinkage of neurons from the hippocampus, reducing connectivity between brain cells. The discovery offers mechanistic insight into why some depression and anxiety runs in families.
The study provides an invaluable resource for big cat conservation by sequencing the genomes of tigers, lions, leopards, and domestic cats. Key findings include genetic similarities between big cats and humans, as well as unique adaptations to high-altitude environments.
Researchers have discovered large arms of hot gas in the Coma galaxy cluster, which are estimated to be around 300 million years old. The smooth shape of these arms suggests a calm setting for the hot gas in Coma, contrary to theoretical models that expect strong turbulence.
At the nanoscale, water flows more like ketchup due to container material properties. Researchers found that hydrophilic materials increase water's effective viscosity, making it harder for molecules to move. This study could redefine fluid dynamics and impact designs of tiny mechanical systems.
A systematic review suggests that small rewards increase the odds of maintaining an active lifestyle in patients with heart disease. The study found that receiving coupons and vouchers can help patients stick to new fitness regimes and continue exercising after a cardiac program.
Researchers found a small group of youths with high and stable psychopathic traits had the most difficult relationships with their parents and reported higher levels of delinquency. Despite this, developmental tracks are not cast in stone and effective therapeutic intervention can change the course of development.
A new NIH study found that bracing significantly reduces the risk of curve progression and the need for surgery in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. Wearing a brace for more than 13 hours per day is associated with success rates of 90-93 percent.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have discovered that a chemical commonly used as a dog food preservative, ethoxyquin, may prevent the painful nerve damage found in cancer patients taking chemotherapy drug Taxol. The study shows that adding ethoxyquin to mice prevented two-thirds of nerve degeneration caused by Taxol.