Researchers have explored using terahertz radiation to detect early signs of melanoma, which starts in pigment-producing cells beneath the skin. T-rays can penetrate a few millimeters through cloth and skin, allowing for biochemical signatures of cancer to be detected, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and treatment.
A new study published in PLOS ONE reveals that copper and copper alloys rapidly destroy norovirus, a highly-infectious sickness bug responsible for over 267 million cases worldwide. Copper surfaces can effectively shut down one avenue of infection, reducing the risk of outbreaks.
The CU-Boulder student-built DANDE satellite will investigate atmospheric density variations in the thermosphere, affecting satellite orbits and drag forces. Launched on Sept. 15, it will gather data for about one and a half years to improve models of the atmosphere.
A new Johns Hopkins research study reveals that nearly 80% of trauma centers treating predominantly minority patients have higher-than-expected death rates. Meanwhile, trauma patients of all races are 40% less likely to die if treated at hospitals with lower-than-expected mortality rates, which mostly serve white patients.
Researchers found that patients with Auto-Activation Deficit could dream when awakened from REM sleep, even if they seemed mentally blank during the day. The dreams were simple and lacked complexity, but still demonstrated brainstem stimulation's role in generating dream imagery.
A recent study found that people who are obese are more likely to experience occasional migraines, with obese individuals being 81% more likely to have episodic migraine. The research suggests that promoting healthy lifestyle choices for diet and exercise may be beneficial in managing episodic migraine.
Exposure to ionizing radiation during puberty increases the risk of developing aggressive ER negative breast cancers later in life. Researchers discovered that self-renewal of stem cells is the primary mechanism behind this increased risk.
Researchers developed a new program to simulate protein movements by exploiting similarities with robot arms, enabling faster and cheaper analysis. The project combines mechanical engineering and biosciences, aiming to understand protein movement and its potential applications in diseases.
A new gene-expression-based biomarker, the Breast Cancer Index (BCI), accurately identifies patients at continued risk of breast cancer recurrence after five years of treatment. The BCI distinguishes between high and low-risk patients, enabling prolonged treatment for those who remain at risk and avoiding unnecessary side effects.
Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine have found that transplanting fat into mice with maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) significantly lowers amino acid levels, a breakthrough for treating this rare inherited disorder. The procedure may also be effective for other metabolic diseases.
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center have developed an antibody that prevents Candida albicans from binding to heparin, stopping biofilm formation in a rat model. The study suggests that standard anticoagulants may facilitate biofilm formation by microbes, highlighting the need for new prevention strategies.
Wild male orangutans demonstrate remarkable planning skills by facing their intended travel direction and emitting specific vocalizations before embarking on journeys. Females within earshot often follow these planned paths, while subordinate males tend to avoid similar routes.
Wind shear significantly altered the rainfall pattern of Tropical Storm Gabrielle, with intense storms southeast of Bermuda receiving heavy rain. The storm is expected to weaken due to continued wind shear, which disrupts the heat engine and tilts the circulation center.
A new system enables cloud customers to quickly verify the proper execution of their software, protecting against malicious code and ensuring data privacy. The system uses a practical, succinct zero-knowledge proof that can fit in a single data packet.
The PsA-TT vaccine has been shown to dramatically reduce the incidence of all cases of meningitis by 94% and eliminate serogroup A meningococcal meningitis in vaccinated regions. Carriage of the disease-causing bacteria was also significantly reduced.
A computer system called MACH helps users practice social interactions, including eye contact, tone of voice, and filler words. Students who practiced with MACH demonstrated an improvement in interviews compared to the control group, suggesting its potential for addressing behavioral health issues.
A public opinion poll reveals a significant disparity between medical experts and the general public regarding the need to cut Medicare spending. While many experts believe future spending reductions are necessary, only 31% of the public agrees, with most believing Medicare recipients already pay or have prepaid their healthcare costs.
Researchers discovered that levels of certain fats in cerebral spinal fluid can predict cognitive decline in HIV patients. The findings suggest that these fat markers reflect changes in brain metabolism, disrupting the 'garbage disposals' and leading to cognitive declines.
Researchers found that high levels of miR-200 expression boost survival rates for patients with lung, ovarian, renal, and triple-negative breast cancers. MicroRNAs regulate gene activation and expression, and targeting IL-8 and CXCL1 can inhibit angiogenesis and cancer progression.
Chemists at Scripps Research Institute have found a way to apply the SN2 reaction to a stubborn class of chemicals, enabling the synthesis of promising antimalarial and anticancer compounds that were previously off limits. The new method uses a special acid catalyst and nitrogen-containing molecule to complete stereoinversion reactions.
Researchers used a new technique to analyze proteins in an animal model of the rare birth defect, finding hundreds of changes and shedding light on cell death mechanisms. The study provides insights into factors causing SLOS and could be applied to other diseases.
Cloud forest trees are highly sensitive to climate change due to their narrow temperature range, making them vulnerable to migration and population loss. Conservation strategies may need to be revised to protect these ecosystems from massive population decline.
Defective stem cell regulation throughout the body may contribute to learning and physical disabilities in people with Down syndrome. Reducing the expression of the Usp16 gene on chromosome 21 alleviates these defects and raises the possibility of an eventual therapy.
Wildfires in Cordoba province, Argentina, cause evacuation of 480 people due to strong winds and heat. Firefighters struggle with flames, one man seriously injured after being struck by a tree.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers finds that insufficient estrogen is partly responsible for some age-related symptoms in men. Testosterone levels regulate lean body mass, muscle size and strength, while estrogen regulates fat accumulation.
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, have identified a biochemical mechanism that makes cholera toxin so deadly. By weakening cell junctions and increasing sodium ion flow, the toxin causes severe diarrhea. The study's findings could guide the development of new therapies against cholera and other intestinal disorders.
Researchers developed terahertz time-domain spectroscopy to analyze kerogen maturity stages. By applying this non-destructive method, they found relationships between kerogen optical constants and maturity stages, enabling the detection of oil-generating stages.
A new technology from the University of Calgary destroys hazardous chemical compounds in soil using UV light, promising a safer and cheaper way to clean up PCBs. The mobile cleanup unit is ready for field-testing on PCB-contaminated soil and estimates to cost $350 to $500 per tonne.
Researchers discovered three major river systems that likely existed in North Africa 130,000-100,000 years ago, creating fertile habitats for animals and vegetation. The Irharhar river may have been a viable route for human migration across the region.
Researchers found Pacific humpback whales increasing annually, doubling to 137 whales in 2011, with high survival rates among adults. The study highlights the importance of conservation efforts due to increased vulnerability during critical refueling stages.
New research shows hydroxyurea treatment can lower medical costs for children with sickle cell disease by preventing complications and reducing hospitalizations. The study found that children treated with hydroxyurea incurred $3,000 less in medical costs per year compared to those who received standard therapy plus placebo.
Researchers developed a new system to test how viruses interact with cells in the body, revealing insights that will improve viral therapy. The technology allows for the use of real viruses in real environments, enabling scientists to study host targets for antiviral drugs.
Scientists have found a unique DNA repair mechanism that leads to increased genetic mutations, potentially contributing to tumor formation and cancer. This 'desperation replication' triggers bursts of genetic instability and can occur in non-dividing cells, making it a potential route for cancer formation.
A study by UC Davis researchers has found that wild Asian elephants retreat from both leopard and tiger growls, which could help Indian farmers protect their crops from elephant raids. The work aims to prevent conflicts between human farmers and elephant herds, resulting in the loss of human and animal lives.
The Rim Fire remains active in multiple drainages and is expected to spread into Yosemite Wilderness areas. The fire is 80% contained over 255,000 acres affected, making it California's largest fire of the season.
Researchers found that messenger RNA expression affects bitter taste sensitivity in individuals with the same genetic makeup. The study discovered a direct relationship between mRNA expression and bitterness ratings of broccoli juice.
Researchers from CNIO successfully produce embryonic stem cells directly from living adult mice, exhibiting primitive totipotent characteristics and broader differentiation capacity than in vitro-derived cells.
Researchers found that oxytocin plays a unique role in one-on-one bonding, which likely evolved from an existing affinity for group living. The discovery has implications for neurological disorders like autism and suggests possible new treatments for neuropsychiatric conditions.
A new study finds that climate change affects poor fishing communities differently based on social and environmental characteristics, requiring tailored management approaches. Communities with diverse livelihoods and strong social networks are more resilient to climate-related pressures.
A study presents findings that obesity and cigarette smoke exposure can have a triple health threat, impacting key mechanisms of metabolism in the lung and liver. The combination may alter the body's ability to metabolize prescription drugs, increasing the risk of developing lung cancer.
Research suggests that external changes can impact the strength and timing of El Niño events. Over 4,300 years, the ENSO cycle has changed due to natural influences on the Earth's climate, such as variations in its orbit around the sun.
A new study calculates the environmental cost of a ton of mountaintop coal, finding that it pollutes 2,300km of Appalachian streams and loses 193g of carbon sequestration potential. This translates to a staggering 5,000 years for reclaimed mine land to capture equivalent CO2.
A new study by QUT researcher Associate Professor Anna Hawkes found that regular telephone support improved physical activity, weight management and diet among bowel cancer survivors. The CanChange program showed significant positive effects on health behaviors after a 12-month trial.
Research suggests that as few as 20 Asian carp could establish a population in the Great Lakes, posing significant threats to native fish species and the ecosystem. The invasive fish's rapid growth rate and size advantage over native species make it a formidable competitor for food and space.
Researchers observed orangutans planning their travel direction up to a day in advance and communicating these plans through loud calls. The males used specific long calls to announce changes in travel direction and even predicted the direction better than random until the next day.
Researchers at NASA and the University of Florida create single fixation protocol to study plant growth in space, allowing analysis of both molecular and morphological features. The new method uses RNA later and low-temperature scanning electron microscopy to preserve tissues without damage.
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that brachytherapy was associated with better cause-specific survival and overall survival in women with cervical cancer. The treatment's decline in the US may be related to increased adoption of alternative techniques.
The SHIVA trial is the first randomised trial to look at patient outcomes after treatments were chosen according to individual molecular profiles. Preliminary results show that this approach works, paving the way for personalized treatment and a potential major change in cancer drug development.
A recent Duke University-led study found that climate change is causing trees to speed up their life cycles, rather than migrating to cooler climates. Most species are staying in their current geographic locations, but growing more rapidly due to warmer temperatures and longer growing seasons.
A recent study near Hanoi confirms that massive pumping of groundwater is slowly contaminating clean aquifers with naturally occurring arsenic. The research suggests that human activity can widen the problem, and similar processes may be underway in other areas around the world.
Researchers at the University of Warwick have discovered a crucial link between elevated uterine NK cells and deficient steroid production. Elevated NK cells indicate reduced formation of essential fats and vitamins necessary for pregnancy nutrition.
Two NASA satellites, Aqua and TRMM, analyzed Hurricane Humberto's environment on Sept. 10, gathering data on cloud-top temperatures and rainfall rates. The heaviest rainfall was found west of the storm's center, with rates reaching up to 2 inches per hour.
Using an airbrush, researchers can grow vertically aligned carbon nanofibers on several metal substrates, opening the door for incorporating these nanofibers into gene delivery devices, sensors, batteries and other technologies. The technique enables large-scale manufacturing processes, making it suitable for various applications.
The Entomological Society of America recognized Elina Lastro Niño, Kumaran Nagalingam, Lisa Overall, and Paul Michael Bardunias with various awards for their research and contributions to the field of entomology. The winners were announced at the 2013 ESA meeting.
Researchers found that positive selection often act on residues adjacent to critical active sites, allowing for the acquisition of new functions without disrupting native folding structure. This mechanism may be a general pathway for functional diversification of enzyme families.
The City College of New York has received a $1.5 million grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse to train researchers in addiction studies. The TRACC program aims to increase diversity among scientists and provide intensive training in interdisciplinary research skills.
A comprehensive study reveals that the longevity of placement is key to achieving positive outcomes for children in care, regardless of the type of placement. The research also highlights challenges faced by adoptive parents and birth families in discussing past history and family relationships.
A study by Oregon State University researchers found that autistic toddlers and preschoolers with better motor skills were more adept at socializing and communicating. Motor skills development is crucial for social skills, and the study highlights the importance of addressing this deficit in early interventions.
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University have developed an HIV/AIDS vaccine candidate that appears to completely clear the AIDS-causing virus from the body. The vaccine uses a modified form of cytomegalovirus to generate T-cells capable of targeting and eliminating infected cells.
Research published in PLOS ONE found that higher aerobic fitness levels in 9-10-year-olds are linked to better recall of learned information. The study suggests that reducing physical education may not be the best way to ensure educational success among young people.