A large international group of scientists has published the results of a first-ever look at the genome of dozens of common birds, revealing how modern birds evolved after the mass extinction that wiped out dinosaurs. The research also provides insight into how songbirds learn to sing and brain connection with human speech.
Research from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital identifies a high-risk group of young patients who may experience intellectual decline after bone marrow transplantation. The study found that those aged 3 or younger at the time of transplantation with total body irradiation were at higher risk, leading to lower IQ scores and potenti...
A new study published in the Maternal and Child Health Journal found that households with obese mothers and stunted children often rely on high-energy, low-nutrient foods like chocolate and biscuits. In contrast, diets rich in fruits and vegetables are associated with lower rates of double-burden households.
Scientists are exploring how bitter compounds cause airway constriction and searching for potential new treatments using a slime mould model. The study aims to identify cellular mechanisms that could reverse or prevent asthma attacks.
Researchers from Ohio State University reviewed 19 studies on the effectiveness of mindfulness-based programs for weight loss. While some studies showed weight loss among participants who practiced mindfulness, others found no relationship between the two. The review highlights the need for further research to understand how mindfulnes...
Dr. Jane Holland's study identified the main driver of basal breast cancer's aggressiveness and targeted treatments to combat it. Her work aims to test inhibitors in human breast cancer tissue, potentially leading to new and effective treatments.
A study published in Science highlights the importance of nutritional immunity in fighting infectious diseases. The research reveals that humans have developed a defense mechanism to starve bacteria by hiding circulating iron, but pathogens have adapted to steal this resource.
Westgate Medical Practice introduced a novel appointment system where patients can attend at designated times, reducing wait times and increasing patient satisfaction. The practice saw an improvement in work patterns for nursing staff and a significant increase in patients seeing their preferred doctor.
Researchers analyzed Darwin Award winners and found that 88.7% were male, supporting the idea that men are more prone to 'idiotic risk taking behaviour'. The study suggests males may engage in such risky actions as a rite of passage or for social esteem
A research team from TUM discovered that birds use their oval-shaped heads to transform sound waves, allowing them to identify sounds from different elevation angles. This unique ability combines information from hearing and vision to improve orientation and evading predators.
A new study using DNA barcoding confirms that most Ginkgo biloba supplements contain the expected species, while others may be adulterated or contain incorrect materials. The research provides a validated method for supplement manufacturers to ensure quality control and may help consumers avoid toxic or ineffective products.
NTU scientists have identified two major ways malaria parasites become resistant to Artemisinin, a key front-line drug. The breakthrough findings will help doctors design new treatment cocktails and monitor drug resistance more effectively.
A study suggests that early signs of cognitive decline are present in some individuals during midlife and are associated with cumulative exposure to modifiable risk factors. Elevated blood pressure and low physical activity over a 25-year period were found to be predictors of worse cognitive performance, even within the normal range.
A species of small fish uses its diet to hide from predators by emitting an odor that makes it invisible to the noses of predators. The researchers tested cod and found that they stayed away when filefish were fed their home coral. This study provides evidence of chemical camouflage from diet in vertebrates.
A new study finds that higher human exposure to cadmium can lead to significantly shorter telomeres, associated with cardiovascular disease and other diseases of old age. Cadmium exposure has been linked to premature aging of cells, kidney disease, and other health problems.
Researchers created a detailed map of human genome's looping structure, revealing that DNA loops play an essential role in nearly every cell process. The study also identified thousands of hidden genetic switches and rules governing loop formation.
Researchers analyzed over 180 million geocoded tweets to understand how people in 95 cities worldwide reacted to the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. Citizens expressed emotions based on geography, social connections, and cultural ties to Boston.
Researchers found that adding thymine to normal cells stimulates gene production and causes them to multiply. This could lead to a treatment supplement to boost healthy cell production during chemotherapy, while minimizing side effects.
A research team has found that tooth loss in birds occurred convergently with turtles and multiple mammalian lineages about 116 million years ago. The study used degraded remnants of tooth genes to determine when birds lost their teeth, suggesting a single loss of mineralized teeth in the common ancestor of all modern birds.
A major study has charted the burst of evolution that took place after the mass extinction of dinosaurs, giving rise to nearly all modern bird species. The research found that birdsong evolved independently at least twice, with parrots and songbirds gaining the ability to learn and mimic vocal activity.
The study reveals that modern birds diversified in the wake of the mass extinction that marked the end of the age of dinosaurs. The new analysis helps clarify the evolutionary relationships of major groups of birds, showing which groups share more recent ancestors and which are more distantly related to each other.
High-resolution 3D maps of the human genome reveal thousands of hidden switches that regulate genes, including those associated with cancer and diseases. The study provides a new understanding of genetic regulation and its role in cellular differentiation.
Rates of intracerebral haemorrhage in Australia have declined by an average of 1.6% per year over eight years, according to a large retrospective study. The study found that better recognition and management of blood pressure, as well as improved stroke care, contributed to the decline in fatality rates.
A new study from Albert Einstein College of Medicine found that children with short sleep duration and sleep-related breathing problems have a higher risk of becoming obese by age 15. The research aimed to track the combined effect of these two risk factors in children over time, filling a gap in previous studies. Children with severe ...
Researchers reconstructed a partial genome of the common ancestor of crocodiles, birds, and dinosaurs, showing an exceptionally slow rate of genome evolution in crocodilians. The team found that population sizes declined sharply during the last ice age, with alligator populations experiencing a continuous decline.
A new study suggests that measuring glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in the blood can predict the presence of intracranial lesions following mild traumatic brain injury. The study found GFAP to be a more reliable biomarker than S100β, which was not as effective in distinguishing between intracranial and extracranial lesions.
Researchers at IRCM have discovered a mechanism that regulates dopamine levels in the brain, which could lead to new treatments for Parkinson's disease. The Rgs6 gene plays a crucial role in preventing excessive dopaminergic signalling and cellular stress.
Researchers at Brunel University London found proteins that disguise nanoparticles, allowing them to target cancer cells without causing inflammation. This discovery has potential for treating inflammatory diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, and glioblastoma brain tumors.
A new method called statistical binning has been developed to help researchers construct more accurate species trees detailing the lineage of genes and relationships between species. By combining gene data using statistical optimization techniques, scientists can use all available data without having to throw away any.
A new study shows that hospitals adopting robotic surgery between 2001-2004 performed partial nephrectomies more frequently, preserving organs for kidney cancer patients. This increase in partial nephrectomy rates is attributed to greater institutional experience with robotic surgery.
The study suggests that music can have a calming effect on surgeons and theatre staff, improving communication and efficiency. The authors recommend specific songs, such as Stayin' Alive by the Bee Gees, to play in the operating theatre.
A 4-year-old boy experienced a stroke after riding roller coasters, likely caused by a tear in his carotid artery. The incident highlights the risk of carotid artery dissection in children due to sudden movements. Previous reports have mostly focused on adult riders, making this case one of the youngest reported.
A genetic study of 48 bird species reveals most modern birds diversified after dinosaurs became extinct, with some lineages emerging around 100 million years ago and others in a window of less than 10 million years afterwards.
A team of scientists has developed a detailed map of the bird genome, shedding light on their evolution and diversification. The study reveals that birds have lost hundreds of genes compared to humans, leading to unique traits such as lighter skeletons and respiratory systems.
Researchers at North Carolina State University discovered that stacking 2D materials can create semiconductor junctions with efficient charge transfer, even when the crystalline structures don't match. This discovery could make the manufacture of semiconductor devices an order of magnitude less expensive.
Researchers found a link between gut microbiota and Parkinson's disease, with patients having lower levels of Prevotellaceae bacteria and higher levels of Enterobacteriaceae family in their intestines. The study suggests that intestinal dysfunction may be part of the pathology and potentially related to the progression of the disease.
A five-year study will assess the plan's impact on healthcare utilization, health outcomes, and enrollment patterns. U-M researchers will analyze encrypted data files to protect participant privacy while gathering valuable insights.
Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has developed a portable solar observatory called SSIPP for use on commercial suborbital spacecraft. The observatory aims to enable cost-effective space-based observation similar to ground-based observatories.
A Danish research team has gained a new understanding of the diarrhea-causing bacteria, ETEC, and is exploring its potential for developing an entirely new class of vaccines. The research aims to create a vaccine that can activate the immune system to recognize the agent as foreign and destroy it.
In a paper published in Human Organization, UC Santa Barbara anthropologist Jeffrey Hoelle examines the rise of cattle ranching in the Brazilian state of Acre. He argues that cattle culture emerged as a result of local economic relationships, which developed cultural beliefs based on interdependence with animals.
Researchers found that herpes simplex virus 1 rearranges telomeres to improve viral replication, suggesting a molecular mechanism for viral efficiency. The study also highlights the role of telomere proteins in protecting against viral infection.
Scientists at King's College London have identified the TRPA1 gene as a crucial player in the body's response to cold, triggering a vascular response that can help prevent frostbite and hypothermia. The study suggests that targeting this gene could lead to new treatments for conditions associated with cold exposure.
Researchers found that GLP-1, a diabetes medication, reduces drinking behavior and increases water intake in rats. This study raises awareness for diabetics who are already at risk for dehydration.
Researchers found associations between extraversion and pro-inflammatory genes, as well as conscientiousness and reduced pro-inflammatory gene expression. These findings support the idea that personality traits influence health and longevity.
A recent study by the University of Kent found that chickens and turkeys have undergone fewer gross genomic changes compared to their ancient avian ancestor, a feathered dinosaur. The research reveals that birds arrived at their incredible biodiversity through a complex process involving tiny microchromosomes.
A recent study sequencing the complete genomes of 45 avian species reveals that avian genomes have slower rates of evolutionary change compared to mammals. This finding suggests a larger-scale pattern of evolutionary stasis in avian genomes, with fewer opportunities for gene duplication and functional innovation.
A new study reveals that US workers are prioritizing paid work time over sleep, with short sleepers working longer hours and traveling more. Flexible work start times could be a solution to address this issue and promote better sleep habits.
A new study suggests that smart agricultural practices and trade networks enabled the Romans to thrive despite a water-limited environment. However, this stable food supply promoted population growth and urbanization, pushing the Empire closer to its food resources limits.
Research from the University of British Columbia's Sauder School of Business shows that CEO optimism leads to positive stock price reactions. The study analyzed transcripts of earnings calls and found that managers' natural communication style, particularly their use of positive language, influences market activity.
A study of Ontario adults found that nearly 17% reported a history of traumatic brain injury (TBI), with those who had TBI more likely to engage in harmful behaviors such as opioid use and smoking. The study suggests a link between TBI and substance abuse, highlighting the need for preventive action against TBI.
Virginia Tech's Giti Khodaparast has received a three-year, $1.2 million grant from the US Air Force to study electro-optic and magneto-electric materials, which could lead to faster optical computing devices. The research aims to develop multifunctional devices with giant optical nonlinear conversion capabilities.
Researchers at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine identified a way to assess UTI risk in women after pelvic-floor surgery. The study found that certain urinary bacteria and antimicrobial peptides can identify women at increased risk, suggesting a potential method for improved prevention and treatment strategies.
Researchers explore applying additive manufacturing techniques to aero engine market, reducing environmental costs and fuel consumption. The project aims to demonstrate the potential of metal components laser-based additive manufacturing to contribute to the reduction of air transport environmental impact.
UTHealth School of Biomedical Informatics has received $7.3 million in grants to develop health information technology solutions. Researchers are working on projects to mine medical data, make electronic health records user-friendly, and improve patient safety.
A new study by Georgia State University and CDC finds that US taxpayers spend $45 billion on Medicare, $39.9 billion on Medicaid, and $23.8 billion on other government-sponsored insurance programs each year due to smoking-related diseases. Smoking accounts for 8.7% of annual healthcare spending in the US.
Scientists at IRB Barcelona have identified two derivatives of borrelidin that completely remove the parasite load from mice and confer immunological memory to fight future infections. These compounds act on the protein production machinery of the parasite, making them efficient in all phases of infection.
NOAA and partners have released detailed sonar maps and images of the historic SS City of Rio de Janeiro, a San Francisco shipwreck that sank in 1901, killing 128 people. The wreck was located using cutting-edge technology in the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary.
A 13-year decline in vegetation in the eastern and southeastern Amazon has been linked to a decade-long rainfall decline in the region. The study used new satellite instruments to measure greenness and found a 0.8% decline in the Amazon, affecting over half the continental United States' area.
Scientists have developed a stretchable electronic skin that can detect pressure, location, intensity, and direction. This innovation could be used in prosthetic limbs, robotic skins, and rehabilitation devices.
Researchers found that trastuzumab benefits HER2-positive breast cancer patients do not depend on the number of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (S-TILs) in their tumors. The study, which measured S-TILs at diagnosis in over 1,000 patients, showed improved recurrence-free survival when chemotherapy alone was used.