The University of Guam Entomology Lab has received a $50,000 USDA Forestry grant to implement control procedures for the invasive little fire ant (Wasmannia auropunctata) on Guam. The team aims to demonstrate that these ants can be controlled through ongoing funding.
A growing 'dead zone' in the Arabian Sea allows green Noctiluca scintillans to dominate the base of the food chain, potentially devastating fish populations that support 120 million people. The shift is linked to massive sewage flows and nutrient-rich waters.
New research finds that South African patients with HIV have chances of remaining alive beyond 2 years on ART comparable to those of North American patients. After correcting for under-ascertainment of mortality, researchers found higher mortality rates in South Africa compared to Europe and North America.
A new study suggests that sharks' ability to sense the smell of food may be impaired by rising atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. Adult sharks avoided squid odor after swimming in a pool of water treated with carbon dioxide concentrations consistent with climate forecasts for midcentury and 2100.
Storms have caused massive fires in Northern California's Happy Camp Complex, affecting over 99,200 acres. The fire is at 30% containment, with multiple spot fires occurring across the region.
A new study found that people with asthma have a similar immune response to respiratory viruses as those without asthma, suggesting another aspect of the immune system is at play. The researchers compared the key immune response to viruses in the lungs and breathing passages, finding no significant differences.
A new study by Stanford researchers found that re-analysis of clinical trial data can change conclusions, particularly when data is not shared. The study identified 37 published re-analyses, with 13 concluding that different patient populations or treatment protocols could benefit from the tested medication.
Researchers found that African American men with mid-section fat are at higher risk of heart disease, while Korean men with higher BMIs have increased fat around the heart. These findings suggest that race and ethnicity should be considered when designing obesity prevention programs to effectively reduce heart disease risk.
Researchers found that teenage girls who skipped school or failed tests were more likely to engage in vaginal sex and less likely to use condoms. The study also showed a link between academic events and emotional experiences in romantic relationships.
The latest issue of Public Policy & Aging Report lays down a policy prescription for a sustainable system of long-term services and supports. The report provides groundwork for policymakers to build upon, with recommendations on financing, delivery, and workforce issues.
Scientists from the University of Sheffield found that British winters have become increasingly unstable, with contrasting conditions between mild and stormy to cold and snowy. The research suggests a significant rise in variation in weather patterns over the last century, particularly during December.
Researchers developed AI software that predicts player goals in video games with 62.3% accuracy, outperforming previous technology. The software uses deep learning to analyze large collections of game data and improve its accuracy over time.
Researchers found that most young tropical trees grow spatially independent from their parent trees, giving generalist species an edge. This pattern supports the neutral theory, which suggests that random processes shape tree behavior in species-rich forests.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory has released an updated compendium of experimental cetane numbers, which provides vital information for the development of new, low-carbon fuels and compatible engines. The update includes additional measurements on a larger number of compounds, along with data quality assessments.
Researchers found that a positive outlook and support from family and friends help people deal with the emotional, psychological and social challenges of living with diabetes. The study also highlighted the importance of sharing experiences and needs with loved ones to relieve stress and improve health outcomes.
Researchers at UC San Diego built the first 500 GHz photon switch, enabling ultrafast optical control and opening a new class of sensitive receivers. The team developed a measurement technique to resolve sub-nanometer fluctuations in the fiber core, critical for fast switching and processing.
A study by the American Psychological Association found that people living in more liberal countries are generally happier, with liberals reporting lower well-being. Conservatives, on the other hand, are happier than their liberal counterparts, regardless of where they live or the government's political leanings. The researchers analyz...
The National Science Foundation has awarded new grants totaling $11.4 million to research the impact of ocean acidification on marine environments and organisms. Ocean acidification affects marine ecosystems, organisms' life histories, ocean food webs, and biogeochemical cycling.
A comprehensive proactive workplace ergonomics program can prevent musculoskeletal discomfort and injury, resulting in higher job satisfaction and happiness among employees. The program includes ergonomic workstations, group training, and one-on-one consultations.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that male shoppers had a 20% chance of being unable to purchase emergency contraception, with nearly three-quarters of pharmacies creating barriers for them. The pharmacies required the presence of a female or her identification card in 73% of cases.
Researchers at Rice University discover that phosphorus exhibits stable semiconducting properties in its 2-D form, even with defects. This property makes it a promising candidate for solar cells and electronics applications.
The myPath Melanoma test differentiates malignant melanoma from benign skin lesions with over 90% accuracy, reducing indeterminate diagnoses by 76%. This improved diagnostic tool also changed treatment recommendations in 35% of cases, supporting its integration into clinical practice.
Researchers have identified a genetic region controlling red blood cell invasion in the chimpanzee malaria parasite, which differs from the human malaria parasite. This finding provides potential pathways for developing vaccines against human malaria.
The new epitaxial system produces up to 500 wafers per hour, reducing wafer cost to 13 cents per watt and potentially making solar energy more competitive with fossil fuels. The technology has the potential to create American jobs and stem the flow of solar cell manufacturing overseas.
A study by the NIH found that obese individuals have greater dopamine activity in the habit-forming region of the brain, making them more drawn to overeat in response to food triggers. This differences could contribute to the development of effective weight-loss programs.
A new study found that poverty, not biased reporting, is the primary cause of racial and ethnic disparities in child abuse and neglect. States with more minority children living in poverty show greater differences in abuse and neglect rates.
Researchers from Universite catholique de Louvain and Stanford University have synthesized a molecule with exceptional electronic properties, allowing for miniaturized devices. The discovery could lead to new miniaturization opportunities for future computers and green devices.
Researchers discover how stem cells combat lung disease by targeting macrophages, reducing inflammation and improving bacterial clearance. This breakthrough brings hope for new treatments for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients.
A new system called DENDROID facilitates malware identification in smartphones by analyzing app structures and family relationships. This tool enables security analysts to classify unknown malware samples and track potential ancestors, enhancing their ability to detect and analyze complex threats.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati developed a large-scale mapping technique to track demographic data, including gender, race, and economic diversity. The map reveals patterns of racial diversity across the US, with areas reflecting population density and urbanization.
Researchers discovered bacteria can develop antibiotic resistance through hidden genetic changes, using complex environmental gradients to promote rapid evolution. The findings reveal a diverse arsenal of genetic 'weapons' bacteria can employ to fight antibiotics, making them more versatile and difficult to defeat.
The National Academy of Sciences, India and Elsevier announced the winners of the 2014 NASI-Scopus Young Scientist Awards. The awards recognized outstanding young researchers across various disciplines in India for their innovative research. The program aims to promote academic research and provide recognition to young scientists.
Physicists successfully transmit a flash of light in a sensitive quantum state through the atmosphere, enabling secure quantum communication. The technology has potential advantages over current methods, including ability to transmit in sunlight and higher transmission rates.
Experts recommend prioritizing pregnant women for long-lasting insecticide treated nets through antenatal care clinics. This distribution strategy can help improve maternal, neonatal, and infant health by preventing malaria, which has adverse effects on mothers and infants.
Researchers have re-examined the British fossil record over 550 million years and found that only the area of preserved rock drives biodiversity, casting doubt on previous methods used to correct for bias in the fossil record.
A new citizen science model proposes empowering sailors worldwide to gather basic ocean data, significantly improving the accuracy of climate models and weather forecasts. Bacterioplankton sampling and ocean physics measurements can be deployed by sailors with simple instruments and basic training.
Researchers found that statin use decreased the risk of diabetic neuropathy, retinopathy, and gangrene in individuals with diabetes. However, statin use did not affect the risk of kidney disease.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have identified over 30 previously undiscovered genetic mutations in microRNAs that may influence cancer susceptibility and severity. These mutations were found to be associated with increased risk of certain types of cancer, including breast, ovarian, and prostate cancer, in African popula...
A recent study found that emergency room visits for high blood pressure increased by 25% between 2006-11, while admission percentages fell. Additionally, the percentage of patients who died in the hospital decreased by 36%. The researchers attributed this decline to improved treatment skills among ER and hospital physicians.
A study by Imperial College London found that xenon gas limits brain damage and improves neurological outcomes in mice, both short-term and long-term. The findings suggest that xenon could be a potential treatment for head injuries in humans.
Research suggests that ErbB4 receptor activation in breast milk protects against intestinal damage and promotes epithelial cell survival. NRG4, an ErbB4-specific ligand, is believed to play a key role in this protection, potentially offering new therapeutic avenues for intestinal diseases.
Researchers at Helmholtz Munich have created a novel fluorescent marker that excites in the far-red spectrum and emits in the infrared range, enabling better-quality images with advanced bio-imaging. This technology allows for the delineation of tumor and metastasis, tracking drug responses within whole-body imaging.
Scientists used computer modeling to trace water channels in cell surface receptors (GPCRs), discovering their role in signal transduction. The study suggests that targeting these internal water pathways could lead to the development of more efficient drugs.
The $21-million SOCCOM program will provide unprecedented year-round coverage of biogeochemistry in the Southern Ocean, enabling top scientists to work together on research that was not possible before. The initiative aims to improve our understanding of the Southern Ocean's importance to the Earth's carbon and climate systems.
A new study on the Indian Ocean reveals that Sri Lanka and surrounding regions are susceptible to large tsunamis with varying time periods between events. Researchers analyzed sediment cores, finding a 1000-year period without a tsunami, nearly twice as long as the lull period prior to the 2004 earthquake.
Research finds people can become addicted to eating for pleasure, but not to specific food substances. The focus should shift from foods to individual relationships with eating, according to scientists. More research is needed to redefine eating addiction as a formal diagnosis.
Researchers developed new methods to reduce imaging time in myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) by up to 50%, making scans easier for patients. The methods also correct errors caused by patient movement, resulting in error-free MPI images.
African green revolution could boost land use and carbon emissions, contrary to previous successful initiatives in Asia and Latin America. Researchers warn of potential environmental consequences despite potential long-term benefits like cheaper food and reduced poverty.
Researchers at Yale School of Medicine discovered that the volume of the parietal cortex in the brain can predict where people fall on the risk-taking spectrum. The study found that individuals with larger volume in this part of the brain were willing to take more risks.
A long-term study found that statin therapy initiated in childhood showed benefits on atherosclerosis progression and reduced carotid intima-media thickness. However, low-density lipoprotein levels remained high, suggesting stronger or earlier treatment may be needed.
The study provides a comprehensive understanding of the liver fluke's molecular pathways, which may lead to the development of powerful diagnostic tools and effective treatments for parasite-specific diseases. The findings offer new insights into the life cycle of the parasitic fluke in the human bile duct.
Researchers have discovered a novel virus in ball pythons that could be the source of severe respiratory disease, with implications for public health and animal care. The virus, named ball python nidovirus, has been sequenced and found to be similar to toroviruses, which infect mammals and fish.
A recent study found that sickle cell patients who experience discrimination are 53% more likely to not adhere to their doctors' orders. The researchers analyzed the experiences of 291 patients with sickle cell disease and found a significant association between perceived discrimination and non-adherence.
A new study from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health finds that weekly text messages can greatly improve understanding of nutrition labels and encourage healthier food choices. Participants who received the reminders were twice as likely to correctly identify the 2,000-calorie value after four weeks.
A conservation biologist's study provides crucial guidance for rescuing the critically endangered pupfish by establishing a captive breeding program. The research found that transferring pupfish eggs to a facility in the fall and limiting adult migrations are critical for reducing impact on the wild population.
A UNSW Australia-led team pioneers citizen oceanography by having recreational sailors collect and test data from remote waters on their yachts. This cost-effective approach demonstrated that scientists can gather large quantities of information as they sail around the world, advancing the field of oceanography.
A new evidence-based guideline for managing sickle cell disease recommends the use of hydroxyurea and transfusion therapy for many individuals with SCD. The guideline aims to facilitate improved and more accessible care for affected individuals, despite limited high-quality evidence.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University developed a programmable headlight system that prevents glare from hitting oncoming drivers, improving visibility in snowy or rainy conditions. The system can adjust the light beam to highlight traffic lanes and even project directional signals.
Scientists have identified a weak spot in the life cycle of malaria parasites, where female parasites store fat differently to males. This discovery could lead to new drugs targeting the fat molecule gABCG2, potentially preventing the spread of the disease.
Ovarian cancer cells use mesothelial cells to spread through the body via fibronectin secretion. The study suggests that mesothelium is an active participant in the spread of ovarian cancer.