Researchers at Karolinska Institutet found that age-dependent reduction of mitochondrial function in beta cells leads to reduced insulin release. Impaired calcium ion dynamics is the molecular mechanism underlying this process.
New research from the Copenhagen Centre for Social Evolution and Yale University found a strong link between birth weight and risk of developing mental health disorders such as autism and schizophrenia in adolescence. The study, which analyzed medical records of 1.75 million Danish births, found that smaller babies were at higher risk ...
Researchers developed tiny hollow shells to contain Li-S compounds, achieving high-energy storage capacity of 630 mAh/g. The new battery technology could potentially offer up to five times the energy of existing lithium-ion batteries.
Researchers have discovered new complex oxides that exhibit both magnetic and ferroelectric properties, combining characteristics of logic circuits and spintronics. The findings, published in Scientific Reports, bring scientists closer to creating ultra-efficient memory devices with massive storage capacities.
Researchers studied how average people with high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and other common conditions performed during simulated flight. They found that nearly everyone tolerated the stresses of commercial spaceflight without problems.
Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have discovered 23 new regions of the genome linked to prostate cancer risk, with testing potentially identifying men with a six times higher risk. This brings the total number of genetic variants linked to prostate cancer to 100.
The Great Barrier Reef is an effective wave absorber, driving currents that transport nutrients and larvae. Wave reduction also has implications for shoreline stability. The reef's porosity varies by location, influencing wave height reduction.
Researchers have found a supermassive black hole at the center of an ultra-compact galaxy, M60-UCD1, with a mass of 21 million suns. This discovery suggests that these massive black holes are more common in less-massive galaxies than previously thought.
Astronomers used Hubble and ground observations to find the M60-UCD1 dwarf galaxy containing a massive black hole. The discovery suggests compact galaxies may be remnants of larger galaxies torn apart during collisions.
Regular physical activity and avoiding sedentary lifestyle crucial for brain health in older age. Older adults who engage in moderate-to-vigorous exercise tend to have less white-matter lesions, a key indicator of cognitive decline.
A major new study shows that some prostate cancer treatments can stop working over time and even drive tumour growth. Researchers identified a 'treatment paradigm' using repeated blood samples to monitor signs of therapy becoming counter-productive.
A UT Arlington engineering professor and his doctoral student have designed a device based on a shorebird's beak that can accumulate water collected from fog and dew. The device could provide water in drought-stricken areas of the world or deserts around the globe, offering an alternative to current methods.
Researchers found that toddlers' abilities to accurately guess word meanings increase with age, while social cues become less effective. Children can retain around three new words per day, highlighting the importance of rich word-learning environments.
The European Menopause and Andropause Society (EMAS) has published a position statement on breast cancer screening, recommending individualized screening based on familial risk and first screening mammogram results. This approach aims to reduce overdiagnosis and unnecessary treatments for slowly growing tumors.
A new survey by the Media Insight Project finds that African Americans and Hispanics are using digital technology at similar rates as the US population, but face a lack of diverse content in their communities. Despite this, many believe their communities are under-represented in the media.
Researchers studied astronauts' movements in low gravity and found that they could maintain higher speeds while walking on the moon. The team used NASA's DC-9 aircraft to simulate lunar gravity and tested the speed at which walkers transitioned from a walk to a run, discovering an average speed of 1.4m/s, exceeding previous estimates.
The project will support a series of events exploring human self-definition and the concept of humanism in the face of scientific advancements. The initiative aims to build bridges between arts, humanities, and sciences at Penn State.
Researchers identify how bacteria prioritize instructions and create a 'shredder' enzyme that destroys old messages. By targeting this enzyme with antibiotics, deadly bacterial infections may be killed, providing new hope for treating human illnesses.
Researchers found that combining targeted radiation therapy (SBRT) with the drug cetuximab improved treatment outcomes for patients with recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. The study showed a significant reduction in severe toxicity, allowing patients to complete treatments faster.
A new research study will analyze how changes in diet and lifestyle affect long-term wellness and contribute to healthy aging. The Stanford Prevention Research Center will lead the study, which aims to identify lifestyle and environmental factors that help people maintain their health and wellness as they age.
Researchers found that chokeberry extract killed off cancer cells and boosted the effectiveness of chemotherapy drug gemcitabine in treating pancreatic cancer. The extract's anti-cancer properties were tested on human pancreatic cancer cells, with results suggesting a potential synergy between the two.
Researchers are studying nature's secrets to develop efficient light-based technologies. From seashells to spider wings, scientists are discovering inspiration in the natural world to create innovative solutions for energy, healthcare, and communications.
Despite Congress's adjournment, the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) Repeal and Medicare Provider Payment Modernization Act of 2014 remains a crucial issue in healthcare finance. Experts, including Dr. Eli Adashi, advocate for bipartisan efforts to address the SGR law and promote reforms to move Medicare towards quality-based compensation.
Michigan State University scientists have discovered the first detailed examination of mutations similar to those present in the human cancer gene. The study reveals that boosting levels of even standard protein can alter fruit flies' eyes and wings, while mutated protein causes consistent and dramatic deformations.
Marine species use reflectors on scales to reduce contrast with background, but tiny mantis shrimp larvae hide compound eyes behind brilliant eye reflections that match surrounding water spectrum. Lab tests show little contrast between eye reflections and environment, revealing potential role for larval eyeshine in camouflage
The study found that statins promote bone growth in mice with achondroplasia symptoms by rescuing degraded cartilage and increasing chondrocyte proliferation. Statin treatment also accelerated the degradation of the FGFR3 protein, a key factor in skeletal dysplasia.
The team's innovative approach allows for the separation between electric vehicle purchase and battery pack costs, potentially lowering prices by $10,000. Swappable modules also enable users to recharge batteries at home, expanding access to electric vehicles in cities without wall outlets.
Researchers found that modern-day Europeans have ancestry from three previously unrecognized groups: hunter-gatherers, early farmers, and a newly identified group of ancient north Eurasians. This discovery shifts scientists' ideas on human migration and interaction across the globe thousands of years ago.
A Harvard team has created a novel protein engineering system called BIND to engineer bacteria into living foundries for the production of biomaterials with specific functions. The researchers have demonstrated the ability to fuse multiple proteins to create multifunctional biofilms that can be programmed to perform various tasks.
A surge in anonymous 'dark money' is pouring into US midterm election TV ads, with conservative groups leading the pack. According to a WSU researcher, $68 million has been spent on TV ads by special interest groups, including Americans for Prosperity and Crossroads GPS.
Scientists at VCU Massey Cancer Center have developed a new molecular imaging approach that can image bone metastases from prostate cancer with greater accuracy than existing methods. The new method detects the gene AEG-1, which is expressed in most cancers but not in healthy cells.
Global homicide rates have been declining since the mid-1990s, with an average drop of 40% in 15 years. Effective policing strategies, rehabilitation methods, and societal attitude shifts are key to reducing violence. Experts agree that global rates of violence can be halved by 2040 if the right policies are implemented.
Despite visible signs of recovery, Cape Cod's saltmarshes are not fully restoring their ecosystem functions. A new study found that recovering marshes provide only partial benefits in terms of wave exposure and sediment height, while always-healthy marshes continue to offer superior coastal protection.
Curtin University research monitors Nile River water volume to help 200 million North-East Africans plan for sustainable use of resources. The study uses GRACE satellite data to isolate total water storage, providing independent insights for countries to inform decision-making and reduce reliance on the river's precious water supply.
Malaysia's 'smart villages' offer a global model for poverty relief, tripling monthly income to US $475 per family. The country is also implementing low-carbon cities with solar-generated power and biomass energy.
A new study by UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business finds that entrepreneurs are motivated by the fear of losing their job and security, rather than a love of risk. This loss aversion is directly linked to the amount of effort they put into starting a business.
Researchers at Aarhus University developed a nanosensor to measure the effect of astringency in wine, allowing for better control over taste. The sensor uses salivary proteins to mimic mouth sensations, expanding understanding of astringency and its impact on wine quality.
A new study by Harvard Medical School and University of Tübingen reveals that present-day Europeans descend from three ancestral groups: Ancient North Eurasians, Basal Eurasians, and Near Eastern farmers. Genetic analysis found that Northern Europeans have more hunter-gatherer ancestry while Southern Europeans have more farmer ancestry.
Research found clownfish larvae disperse across 400km ocean to find new homes, adapting to environmental changes. The study tracked fish migrations between two Omani coral reef populations, revealing their connectivity.
The Fauna Europaea project has published a collection of data papers covering 56 taxonomic groups, involving over 400 contributors. The publication marks a significant milestone in the dissemination of biodiversity data and highlights the importance of expert involvement in scientific research.
Researchers have identified 5 genes differentially expressed in normal accompanying cells of colorectal tumors. These genes can be used to classify tumors and predict patient outcomes, enabling clinicians to make informed decisions about chemotherapy treatment.
Patients with vitiligo experienced faster and better repigmentation after combining afamelanotide with narrowband UV-B phototherapy. The study found significant improvements in facial and upper extremity repigmentation rates compared to phototherapy alone.
A new system, RoadRunner, uses GPS-style turn-by-turn directions to route drivers around congested roadways, yielding an 8 percent increase in average car speed. The system assigns each region a maximum number of cars and uses wireless technology to efficiently manage traffic flow.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Pathology suggests that adding a wild berry extract to chemotherapy cycles may improve treatment outcomes for pancreatic cancer. The researchers found that the extract induced cell death and boosted the effectiveness of the conventional drug gemcitabine.
NASA's Aqua satellite detected powerful thunderstorms around Tropical Storm Polo's center, indicating strengthening conditions. Rainfall totals of 5-10 inches expected over coastal areas in Michoacan, Colima, and Jalisco states, with life-threatening flash-floods and mudslides possible.
New research suggests that chimpanzee violence is driven by adaptive fitness benefits rather than human impacts. A majority of violent attackers and victims are male chimpanzees.
Tropical Storm Odile is generating strong thunderstorms with heavy rainfall over northern Mexico and the southwestern US. Rainfall rates from TRMM satellite measurements reached almost 130 mm per hour northeast of the storm's center.
NASA's Terra satellite captured images of Tropical Storm Kalmaegi weakening over Vietnam after making landfall on September 17. The storm caused significant damage to homes, crops, and trees in the northern Vietnamese province of Quang Ninh.
A new study of intergroup aggression in chimpanzees and bonobos finds that lethal aggression is an adaptive strategy, not a result of human impacts. Analysis of 152 lethal attacks reveals that killing other group members is part of the natural behavioral repertoire of chimpanzees.
A new survey of over 70 people with bipolar disorder suggests that yoga can have a substantial impact on reducing anxiety, promoting calm, and improving emotional well-being. However, some respondents also reported potential risks, such as physical injury or pain, and the need for caution in certain practice styles.
Researchers found no significant difference in take-off performance between peacocks with and without their iconic trains. Despite initial expectations, the elaborate plumage does not seem to be a costly sacrifice for male birds. However, it may still affect flight stability and running ability.
Research shows that baby clownfish can travel hundreds of kilometers across the open ocean to connect distant populations, with six percent of sampled fish migrating over 400 km. The study uses DNA fingerprinting and oceanographic modeling to understand the migration patterns and their relevance for managing coral reef ecosystems.
Researchers found that coral growth rates in Australia's Great Barrier Reef have declined by 40% since the mid-1970s. Ocean acidification is suspected to be a major contributor to this decline, as increased CO2 levels in the atmosphere damage coral reefs.
The King Fire has spread rapidly through the Pollock Pines community, fueled by hot, dry conditions and strong winds. Over 1,600 homes are currently threatened as the fire continues to grow, with mandatory evacuation orders in place for residents.
Aalto University researchers have developed a pilot plant that converts CO2 and steel slag into PCC, a highly valuable resource. This innovative process reduces greenhouse gas emissions and minimizes waste, offering significant economic and environmental benefits for industries.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that CT scans are no more accurate than ultrasound exams in diagnosing painful kidney stones. The study suggests that ultrasound should be used as the first step in diagnosis, avoiding unnecessary radiation exposure.
The ASU Institute of Human Origins will conduct a multifaceted research project to increase understanding of human evolution, with a focus on cognition, culture, and cooperation. The $4.9M grant will support 11 linked projects, including studies on tool use and large-scale cooperation.
A global team of scientists has found 23 new genetic variants associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer. The study, which analyzed data from over 87,000 men, suggests that these variants may be important in regulating genes rather than making proteins.
A study by Technical University of Munich found that trees have accelerated their growth rate by up to 70% since the 1960s. The growth is attributed to rising temperatures, increased CO2, and nitrogen levels, which also led to a temporary slowing effect of acid rain on tree growth.
Scientists at Scripps Research Institute have devised a new vancomycin analog that is powerfully effective against vancomycin-resistant strains of MRSA and other disease-causing bacteria. The new compound has two distinct mechanisms of action, making it difficult for bacteria to develop resistance.