A team of researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is exploring a novel two-stage approach to harnessing petabyte data, combining cloud computing with precise computational systems. They aim to develop algorithms and methods for extracting knowledge from massive amounts of data.
A recent study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that birth defects and poor fetal growth are the most common risk factors for cerebral palsy and infant death. The research suggests that these risk factors, rather than asphyxial birth events, may contribute to the development of cerebral palsy and infant mortality.
Researchers at the University of California, Davis, are studying complex networked systems, from nanomachines to nation-states, to find ways to intervene in networks to better control them or prevent catastrophic cascading breakdowns.
Biologists have discovered that a part of the Southern Hemisphere humpback whale population spends its entire winter in Antarctic waters. The whales use ice-free areas to survive the harsh winter months.
A study found that sleep apnea severity can independently predict melanoma aggressiveness, with more severe cases showing faster tumor growth and deeper invasion. Researchers hope this link may lead to new therapeutic possibilities for people with both conditions.
Scientists have developed a high-speed imaging technique with single-neuron resolution that can record the activity of 70% of nerve cells in a worm's head. This breakthrough allows for detailed maps of how neurons are wired up in the brain and information on how networks interact in real time.
A study found UK commercial baby foods lack essential nutrients, being predominantly sweet and similar in energy content to breast milk. They are often introduced too early, conflicting with government recommendations for exclusive breastfeeding until six months.
Researchers at University of Texas at Dallas discovered a correlation between frequent discussions of antisocial behaviors and engagement in such behaviors among adolescents. The study found that even brief exchanges about rule-breaking, illicit substance use, or physical aggression can predict deviant behavior.
Young people have difficulty learning from bad news, but are more likely to adapt to good news; campaigns targeting them should focus on positive benefits instead of risks
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a new computational tool for the eButton health monitor, which can now extract food from images and estimate portion sizes with an average error of only 3.69%. The device uses a geometric-shape library to remove background images and measure volume by projecting and fitting sel...
Prostratin and bryostatin show promise as effective treatments for HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer's disease, and resistant cancer. Prostratin flushes out HIV from its cellular sanctuaries, while analogs of bryostatin are up to 1,000-fold more potent in doing so.
The World Heart Federation calls on countries worldwide to set a target year to reduce population smoking levels to 5% or below and implement measures in the international tobacco control treaty. Finland, New Zealand, and Scotland have announced target years of 2030, 2025, and 2034 respectively.
Researchers have identified fibroblast growth factor 18 (FGF18) as a predictive marker for poor overall survival in ovarian cancer patients. The study found that overexpression of the FGF18 gene is associated with enhanced tumor blood vessel formation and expression of cancer-promoting cytokines.
Researchers developed a mathematical program to analyze spoken words and enhance sounds that help listeners understand speech in loud situations. The manipulated speech was found to be easier to understand than natural speech, with improvements equivalent to lowering noise by five decibels.
The American Chemical Society is hosting a symposium on the health benefits of polyphenols in plant-based foods, including dark chocolate, coffee, and nuts. Researchers will present their findings on the antioxidant properties of polyphenols and their potential role in reducing cardiovascular disease and certain forms of cancer.
A large international study has found that the drug tiotropium can be delivered safely and effectively to people with COPD using either a mist or traditional dry powder inhaler. The study showed no significant difference in the incidence of major cardiovascular events or risk of death between the two groups.
The American Chemical Society has inducted scientists from DuPont, Merck & Co., Inc., Pfizer, and Vertex into its Heroes of Chemistry program. These innovators have developed groundbreaking products that protect the global food supply, treat HIV-1 infection, and provide personalized medicine for lung cancer and cystic fibrosis patients.
A USCB study reveals that diet experience can alter taste preferences in fruit flies, with changes occurring through a mechanism involving the degradation of TRPL protein and reduction in synaptic connections. Long-term camphor exposure causes a decline in TRPL levels and subsequent increase in taste acceptance.
Scientists developed a solar steam technology that sterilizes medical and dental instruments, disinfects human waste, and purifies dirty water. The device uses sunlight to generate steam, eliminating the need for electricity or fuel.
Advances in agricultural technology have led to the removal of 1.5 billion pounds of unhealthy saturated and trans fats from North American diets since 2006. Scientists are working to meet the increasing demand for protein-rich foods while addressing challenges such as climate change, soil erosion, and evolving pests and diseases.
Experts warn of spreading herbicide-resistant weed species, including Palmer amaranth pigweed, threatening farmers' crop yields. New herbicides with alternative modes of action and residual activity are being developed to help manage resistant weeds.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in developing better tests for liver toxicity, which could lead to safer medicines and more drugs reaching patients. The new tests can detect liver damage without causing permanent harm, allowing patients to continue taking medications.
A new study suggests that virtually observed treatment (VOT) method can effectively monitor TB medication adherence, allowing for remote completion of treatment without direct observation. The VOT technique requires patients to send short videos of themselves taking their medication to healthcare providers using a mobile phone.
A team of researchers has discovered a genetic mutation specific to risk of childhood leukemia, providing a potential window into inherited causes. The PAX5 gene mutation was found in several family members with childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), increasing the risk of developing the disease.
The use of continuous processing in the pharmaceutical industry is gaining momentum, reducing costs and increasing efficiency. By adopting this approach, companies like Eli Lilly and Company are experiencing faster production times and greater flexibility to meet demand.
Researchers at the University of Glasgow found that low chloride levels are associated with a higher risk of death and cardiovascular disease in people with hypertension. The study, published in Hypertension, reveals an independent link between chloride and mortality risk, contradicting previous associations with sodium.
A study by the University of Cincinnati found that hookah tobacco and smoke contain lower levels of four toxic metals: arsenic, lead, cadmium, and chromium. However, differences in smoking habits and shisha preparation make it difficult to compare hookah and cigarette smoking.
New rapid diagnostic tests have been shown to diagnose drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) in a quarter of the time taken by current methods. The three new tests - pyrosequencing, HAIN line probe test, and microscopic observation drug susceptibility (MODS) test - produced similar results to standard testing with 95-98% accuracy.
A global study led by McMaster University researchers found large differences in lung function between healthy people from different socioeconomic and geographical regions. South Asians had the lowest lung function, by 30% compared to North Americans and Europeans. The findings have important public health implications.
A small study has found evidence of a risk associated with the use of argan powder during the industrial production of cosmetics. Four out of nine workers displayed asthma or rhinitis symptoms when handling argan powder.
New research reveals that warmer waters impact plankton's ability to remove CO2 from the atmosphere, leading to a vicious cycle of climate change. Phytoplankton play a crucial role in marine ecosystems, producing oxygen and serving as the base of the food chain.
The Procter & Gamble's Children's Safe Drinking Water program has provided over 6 billion quarts of clean drinking water to families in developing countries, saving an estimated 32,000 lives. The small water-purification sachets, the size of a fast-food ketchup packet, have been distributed in 71 countries.
A new study found that exposure to fumes from military small arms can lead to a decline in lung function, with effects comparable to other occupational risk factors. The research, conducted on Norwegian Armed Forces members, revealed a mean average decline of 5% in lung function after shooting and 7% at 24 hours post-exposure.
Several Nobel laureates will present research on organic synthesis, including Ei-ichi Negishi's work on palladium-catalyzed cross couplings and Richard Schrock's development of the metathesis method. George A. Olah's research on carbocations and Roald Hoffmann's theories on chemical reactivity will also be presented.
Researchers identified two pathways that recombine DNA repeats to rearrange chromosomes, which can be targeted to prevent cancer and inherited disorders. The study used mouse embryonic stem cells and found large, complicated rearrangements on multiple chromosomes.
A new test uses a plastic bottle with an 'artificial nose' to detect eight common disease-causing bacteria, producing results in 24 hours. This faster method reduces the toll of sepsis in developing countries and medically underserved areas.
Researchers have discovered a new generation of natural food colorings derived from purple sweet potatoes, which offer superior properties to traditional synthetic colors. These antioxidants-rich substances may also have health benefits, making them an attractive alternative for the food and beverage industry.
A new approach uses carbohydrates to detect flu viruses and determine specific strains, potentially leading to faster and more effective treatment. This technology could provide a much-needed home test for diagnosing influenza quickly before antiviral drugs are lost.
A Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine study found that a fish oil compound protected brain cells from inflammation and cell death in rats exposed to high levels of alcohol. This finding could support the use of fish oil as a potential preventive measure for alcohol-related dementia.
A combination of two licensed antiviral drugs reduces MERS-CoV replication and improves clinical outcomes in rhesus macaques. The treatment group showed no breathing difficulties, minimal pneumonia, lower virus amounts, and less severe tissue damage.
Researchers aim to turn CO2 from fossil fuels back into a renewable energy source by capturing and processing the gas with catalysts. A symposium at the American Chemical Society meeting features studies on the activation of CO2 for catalytic transformation.
Researchers have discovered a protein called KLF15 that regulates the heart's electrical activity and is linked to circadian rhythms. Lower levels of KLF15 are associated with an increased risk of sudden cardiac death in the morning hours.
A team of scientists has developed a synthetic mRNA that induces self-repair and regeneration of the infarcted heart in mice. The study shows that this approach can lead to long-term therapeutic effects, including improved survival following myocardial infarction.
A recent trial found that e-cigarettes were comparable to nicotine patches in helping smokers quit for at least six months. The study also showed that e-cigarette users had reduced cigarette consumption by half after six months compared to those using patches or placebo devices.
A trial comparing e-cigarettes with nicotine patches found they were comparable in helping smokers quit, with e-cigarettes showing higher reduction in cigarette consumption after six months. The study suggests e-cigarettes have potential as effective smoking cessation aids despite regulatory uncertainty and inconsistency.
A new study found that living close to a major road is associated with a higher risk of death in people with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. The study showed a significant decrease in mortality risk as distance from the road increased.
Tropical Depression 8 has formed in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico with maximum sustained winds near 35 mph and a minimum central pressure of 1009 millibars. The depression is expected to become a remnant low-pressure area over the weekend due to its short-lived nature as it moves over land.
Researchers are studying rare genetic variants associated with common diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease, in African-Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans. The goal is to better understand how genetic factors influence disease susceptibility and develop more personalized prevention, diagnoses, and treatment.
Researchers from Southwest Research Institute discovered frozen water can melt to form debris flows on Alaskan sand dunes, mirroring Martian 'dark dune spot' seepage flows. These findings provide valuable analogies for understanding Martian processes and their potential impact on future Mars missions.
Researchers have taken detailed images and measurements of a brain protein thought to play a role in Parkinson's disease. The protein morphs from its globular shape into 'protofibril' strands that assemble into pore-like rings.
A study published in Neurosurgery found that bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) increases the risk of benign tumors, particularly those affecting the nervous system. In contrast, BMP has no association with an increased risk of malignant cancers.
Researchers at MIT have developed an inflatable antenna that can significantly amplify radio signals, allowing CubeSats to transmit data higher rates and farther. The design uses a sublimating powder to inflate the antenna in space, increasing its communication range seven times compared to existing CubeSats.
A team of scientists has announced a new juvenile fossil cranium of the ancient ape species Lufengpithecus from Shuitangba, China. The discovery provides significant insights into the evolution and extinction of apes during the Miocene epoch.
The Rim Fire has consumed over 246,000 acres of Yosemite Forest land, prompting concerns about intensifying fire activity and potential resumption of gusty winds. Personnel have been working tirelessly to bring the blaze under control, with six persons injured during the operation.
Researchers at Stanford University developed a method to assemble transistors from graphene using DNA as a template, addressing the need for smaller, faster, and cheaper chips. The process involves using DNA strands to create ribbons of carbon atoms, which are then used to form semiconductor circuits.
Scientists have developed a new method to measure the height of Northern Lights using digital SLR cameras, with results published in Annales Geophysicae. The technique uses parallax to calculate the distance to the aurora and has been successfully tested in Alaska.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new connection between stacked solar cells that can handle high-intensity solar energies without losing voltage. This breakthrough could improve the overall efficiency of solar energy devices and reduce production costs.
Tropical Storm Lorena is expected to bring heavy rainfall along Mexico's west coast, with the heaviest rain falling at a rate of 2 inches per hour near Culiacan. The storm's powerful thunderstorms are also producing life-threatening flash floods and mudslides.
A team of researchers has designed a high-tech microplasma source that can efficiently analyze carbon isotopes in organic samples. This breakthrough device may transform field archaeology by providing new information during excavation decision-making processes.
A study by University College London found that education is a key factor in reducing the negative impact of urban living on women's health. Women with no formal education working in sedentary occupations were twice as likely to be 'centrally obese' compared to those with some degree of formal education.