Physicist Lisa Manning and her team created a model to study tissue organization during embryonic development. They found that embryonic tissue behaves like a viscoelastic liquid, with cells packed tightly together like a cage of neighbors.
Researchers developed a novel robotic camera mount and software to study plant movements across wide panoramas. The technique captures interactions between environment and plants in a single sequence, enabling the visualization of changes over time.
A new method has produced beautiful 3D models that more accurately show the complex shape and folding of chromosomes. These images reveal a truer picture of their structure, which is rarely like the X-shape, and have direct consequences for health, ageing and disease.
Australian researchers have developed a breakthrough 3D mapping system, Zebedee, which enables the creation of detailed maps of complex sites like the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The technology has been used to produce the first comprehensive 3D map of the tower's interior, capturing small details in the stairs and stonework.
A University of Calgary-led research team has discovered a gene regulatory network that controls seed 'de-greening' in canola, a major cash crop in Alberta. The breakthrough offers a solution to a long-standing problem causing millions of dollars in annual losses.
A new study published in Neurology suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may not have a protective effect on cognitive decline in older women. Despite initial hopes, the research did not find a difference between high and low levels of omega-3s in thinking skills.
Typhoon Pabuk's eye shrunk to 25 nautical miles in diameter after high clouds covered the center, reducing visibility on NASA satellite imagery. The storm is expected to remain at sea and transition into an extra-tropical storm by Sept. 27.
Researchers mapped C.diff cases in Oxfordshire and found most cases weren't hospital-borne, but rather acquired elsewhere. Restricting antibiotic use may be more effective in reducing C.diff infections than infection control measures.
Scientists found that BMAA inserts itself into neuroproteins by seizing transfer RNA, causing misfolding and aggregation. Adding extra L-Serine can prevent this process, offering a potential prevention method for ALS.
A 14-year study in the Parc National des Écrins reveals human occupation and activity from Mesolithic to Post-Medieval periods, with complex Bronze Age structures and evidence of pastoralism. The research highlights the role of climate and human activity in shaping Alpine landscapes.
A new process called 'Smart Rounds' optimizes the safety and efficacy of radiation therapy by formalizing multidisciplinary reviews at the beginning of treatment planning. This leads to safer, more individualized radiation treatment plans and better utilization of medical resources.
A new study by Duke University researchers finds that China's planned synthetic gas plants would produce massive greenhouse gas emissions, using up to 100 times the water as shale gas production. The plants' carbon dioxide emissions would be seven times higher than traditional natural gas plants and lock in high emissions for decades.
The project will provide state-of-the-art training in modern, high-quality image-guided radiotherapy, increasing productive research and improving cancer patient care. Researchers from various disciplines will benefit from the six-day workshop, lecture and exercise-based course.
A University of Illinois study found that 34% of abused women delayed leaving their homes because they were concerned about their pets. The study recommends that shelters provide resources and support for pet owners, including counseling and temporary pet care.
Researchers at the University of Illinois developed nano-antennas that can detect molecules resonating in the infrared spectrum. The antennas concentrate long-wavelength light into ultra-subwavelength volumes, enhancing detection of small materials with standard IR spectrometers.
Researchers found evidence of low atmospheric oxygen concentrations in 3.8 billion-year-old soils from South Africa, challenging previous estimates that oxygen began accumulating in the atmosphere around 2.3 billion years ago. The discovery supports a longer antiquity for oxygen-producing photosynthesis and aerobic life.
Researchers have developed a process to transform non-biodegradable plastic grocery bags into carbon nanotube membranes, offering potential solutions for environmental pollution and producing high-added value products. The innovative method uses waste plastic as a carbon source, eliminating the need for complex processes and equipment.
The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera (LROC) has updated the coordinates of historic robotic spacecraft on the Moon, providing valuable information for planning future lunar missions. These updates will aid in the creation of an accurate lunar cartographic network, essential for human and robotic exploration.
Michigan's Medicaid expansion provides a unique blend of public and private sector approaches to health coverage, blending compassion with economic realities. The Healthy Michigan plan includes market-oriented reforms and provisions that limit the state budget impact if certain benchmarks aren't hit.
The enigmatic spider species Progradungula otwayensis has a unique web-weaving behavior, using fine fibers to catch prey. Its habitat specificity is crucial for conservation efforts, as it relies on the microclimate of old myrtle beech trees.
Limited health literacy affects patients' ability to take prescribed medications and makes it difficult for them to engage in self-care activities. Pharmacy schools are adopting health literacy as a framework for training pharmacists to be effective communicators.
The torrent frog's superior attachment abilities enable it to securely attach to extremely wet, steep, and rough surfaces. Researchers discovered that the frog uses its toes, belly, and thighs to adhere to the surface, with increased use of these areas on steeper slopes.
A technique using patient's own fat cells is an effective treatment for hard, contracted scars resulting from burns or other causes. Fat grafting led to significant improvement both from an aesthetic and functional point of view, reducing pain and increasing scar elasticity.
A new study found that elite power athletes are more likely to have the AGT 'CC' genotype, which may predispose them to improved power and strength capacity. However, the functional significance of this genetic variant remains unclear.
Scientists have developed a portable imaging system that harnesses smartphones to detect individual viruses and determine viral load. This breakthrough enables remote diagnosis and treatment monitoring in resource-limited locations.
A study published by UC San Francisco researchers found that levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in pregnant women's blood have declined by two-thirds since the chemicals were banned in California. This decline suggests that regulations can impact people's everyday lives.
A new study at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that drivers who test positive for drugs are three times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash. The study also showed that the combination of alcohol and drugs increases the risk by 23 times, making drugged driving a critical safety issue.
Research in Missouri ponds suggests that chytrid fungus may also infect invertebrates like insects, providing a new clue to its ecology and transmission. The study found that ponds with chytrid were more similar in certain measures, indicating alternative hosts or reservoirs for the fungus.
Researchers found that a less reactive form of titanium dioxide, rutile, is easier to wash off and causes less skin damage than the more common anatase form. This discovery aims to produce safer cosmetic and pharmaceutical products.
A new drug, CMX001, has been shown to prevent a common and sometimes severe viral disease in patients receiving stem-cell transplants. The study found that patients taking the drug were 90% less likely to develop cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection than those taking a placebo.
Researchers studied brain activity in volunteers while they expected and received rewards, finding that the auditory cortex was activated during both scenarios. The findings suggest a broader role for the auditory cortex in processing expectations beyond just sound.
Highly materialistic individuals exhibit higher levels of post-traumatic stress symptoms and impulsive buying when faced with mortal threats, according to an international study. Materialism also fuels anxiety about mortality, leading to compulsive spending as a coping mechanism.
Astronomers discovered a neutron star that can transform from a radio pulsar into an X-ray pulsar and back again, with its behavior fueled by a nearby companion star. The unusual behavior provides new insights into the birth of millisecond pulsars.
A new Indiana University study found that preterm birth is strongly linked to infant and young adult mortality, autism, and ADHD. However, it also suggests that other associated issues, such as severe mental illness and economic woes, may be related to shared family factors rather than preterm birth itself.
Researchers found new areas with high functional diversity in temperate waters, revealing a more nuanced map of global biodiversity. The study used data from volunteer divers to analyze species traits and distribution, painting a different picture than traditional species counts.
Melatonin consumption helps regulate body weight control by stimulating the appearance of 'beige fat', a type of fat cell that burns calories. Chronic melatonin administration also heightens thermogenic effect of exercise and exposure to cold.
Researchers have pinpointed the binding site that can cause increased spreading of breast cancer cells, leading to metastases. The study reveals a new biomarker for breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, with potential for customized medicine.
Cancer researchers at UC San Diego isolated and characterized early-stage prostate cancer cells, which may drive recurrent disease. The study suggests that these cells could be targeted for new treatments, potentially reducing cancer progression.
A University of Michigan researcher challenges the widely held notion that biofuels like ethanol are carbon neutral, arguing that plants used to make fuel do not remove additional CO2 from the atmosphere. He suggests reforestation and protecting forests as more effective ways to address climate change.
A recent study found a modest connection between low testosterone and an increased risk of developing or dying from heart disease. However, treating low testosterone with hormone replacement therapy did not have any beneficial effect on cardiovascular health.
A new study found that cross-ethnic friendships in urban middle schools help youths feel less vulnerable and safer. This research suggests that diverse classrooms with opportunities for students from different ethnic groups to interact can lead to reduced loneliness and victimization.
A new study found that only 12 out of 92 eligible patients received an implantable cardiac defibrillator after being medically evaluated. The majority who qualified did not receive the treatment, highlighting a need for further analysis to determine why this occurs.
Researchers develop a technique using smartphones to capture high-quality fundus images, aiding in the diagnosis of eye diseases. The method uses inexpensive apps and readily available instruments, making it accessible for smaller practices and third-world countries.
A new genus of electric fish, the Akawaio penak, has been identified in the upper Mazaruni River in northern Guyana. The discovery represents a significant finding for biodiversity research, as the region is a hotspot for unique and isolated species.
Typhoon Usagi maintained its inner-core structure with a ~50 km eye wall before landfall on Sept. 22, 2013. Radar data showed updrafts fell short of forming lightning in the inner core.
Researchers found that targeting a specific fungal component could render Candida albicans harmless, providing a potential new approach for treating deadly infections. By inhibiting the acidification of the fungal vacuole, the fungus can no longer form deadly filaments, allowing it to coexist peacefully with humans.
Researchers found that CVID patients with a single altered TACI allele maintain some residual B cell responsiveness, promoting autoantibody development. In contrast, individuals with two mutated copies of TACI have complete impairment of B cell responses, likely preventing autoimmunity.
A study from Linköping University found that Greek students reported poorer health and higher stress hormone cortisol levels than Swedish counterparts, despite lower perceived stress. The research suggests the social crisis in Greece is having biological effects on its residents.
Duojia Pan received the Paul Marks Prize for Cancer Research for his groundbreaking work on cell signaling pathways and organ growth. His research has led to a deeper understanding of the Hippo pathway, which regulates tissue growth in animals.
Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered that high levels of microRNA-31 in primary tumor cells predict lymph node metastasis and poor survival in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Low expression levels were associated with excellent survival.
A study of 1038 patients with type 1 diabetes reveals that social deprivation and poor blood sugar control are independent risk factors for mortality. Those with higher HbA1c levels and lower socioeconomic status were more likely to die from complications related to the disease.
A new study found that smoking boosts the risk of infection, pneumonia, and death after elective colorectal procedures. Smokers are more likely to experience complications and have longer hospital stays compared to non-smokers.
A recent study found a significant increase in young adults with oropharyngeal cancer, attributed to the human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly among Caucasians. In contrast, African Americans face poorer survival rates despite lower incidence rates. The study's findings highlight the need for increased awareness and screening for HP...
A new study found that between 11% and 22% of French horn players showed some form of hearing loss typical of NIHL. The study highlights the need for effective strategies to prevent noise-induced hearing loss among professional orchestral musicians.
A study by University of California, Riverside researchers found that older adults' experience and knowledge compensate for declining fluid intelligence. They performed better than younger participants in temporal discounting, financial literacy, and debt literacy.
A new Dartmouth-Finnish study found that high-latitude moth populations are less susceptible to temperature changes, suggesting they may be partly buffered from the effects of rapid climate warming. The findings are important because moths are a key food source for birds and other predators.
A Mayo-led study has found that sulfasalazine, a commonly prescribed medication for inflammatory bowel disease, fails to reduce diarrhea in patients receiving radiation therapy. The study suggests that the medication may actually increase the risk of diarrhea when used during pelvic radiation therapy.
Psychology researcher Nilanjana Dasgupta aims to identify solutions to the 'leaky pipeline' issue, where women and minorities lose interest in STEM subjects. The study explores classroom dynamics and peer relationships to enhance STEM teaching practices and attract more girls and students of color.
A study published in Clinical Endocrinology found a strong association between the FTO gene and hip fracture risk in women. Women with the high-risk genotype had an increased risk of hip fracture of up to 16%, whereas those with low-risk genotypes had a lower risk of about 10%.
The study finds that high levels of wind and solar power reduce fossil fuel costs by $7 billion per year, while incurring cycling costs of $35 million to $157 million. Cycling increases operations and maintenance costs by $0.47 to $1.28 per megawatt-hour of generation.