Researchers have identified an unusual midsize black hole called M82 X-1, measuring around 400 solar masses. The study analyzed six years of RXTE data to detect specific changes in brightness that helped determine the object's mass.
Lupus and other rheumatologic diseases can initially present as neurological disorders such as headaches and seizures, leading to delayed diagnoses. Treatments for these conditions can also cause adverse neurological effects.
Researchers at GW University developed a new model to study the impact of faculty development programs on institutional behaviors. The study found that graduates exhibited enhanced confidence and new behaviors, influencing their colleagues' practices and work units.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE has found that older Caribbean coral species exhibit fewer diseases and better immunity than newer species. Researchers examined 140 samples of 14 species, including the ancient Porites astreoides coral, which has been around for over 200 million years.
Researcher Susan Goldin-Meadow found that hand gestures play a crucial role in language learning for both hearing and deaf children. Gestures help children develop language skills and can even become a primary means of communication in the absence of a spoken or sign language.
A UK study found that smoking during pregnancy affects grandkids' growth, with paternal grandmother's smoke increasing daughters' height and both sexes' bone mass. Maternal grandmother's smoke, however, linked to sons' increased weight and muscle mass during adolescence.
A new study by Baylor University found that over 40% of older adults experienced a decrease in financial strain between 2006 and 2010. The research suggests that the perception of others' struggles reduced stress felt by individuals, with only one-quarter experiencing an increase in financial strain during this period.
Women experience less predictable and varied orgasms compared to men, with an average of 63% of sexual activity resulting in orgasm. Lesbian women have a significantly higher probability of orgasm than heterosexual or bisexual women.
A new INFORMS study suggests that US consumers are better off choosing electric vehicles with a range below 100 miles due to the high cost of batteries. The study found that the majority of consumers will benefit from short-range BEVs once battery costs drop below $100 per kilowatt hour.
Scientists at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered a new way internal body clocks are regulated by long non-coding RNA qrf. The discovery sheds light on how circadian clocks work and has implications for understanding human diseases such as sleep disorders and depression.
Researchers found that older Mexican-American men are less likely to experience problem drinking when living in neighborhoods predominantly inhabited by other Mexican-Americans. This is attributed to factors such as inter-household family networks, residential stability, and shared norms regarding alcohol abuse. The study also discover...
Physical neglect during childhood is a stronger predictor of male adolescent violence than physical abuse, according to Penn State researchers. The study suggests that understanding neglect's role in influencing violent behavior can lead to better education and care for at-risk youths.
A study suggests that practicing hatha yoga for eight weeks can improve cognitive tasks in older adults, including information recall, mental flexibility, and task-switching. The findings indicate that yoga may boost brain function by reducing stress and anxiety.
Researchers estimate that shale oil and gas production provides a $302 billion yearly dividend to the US economy. Implementing an emission-reducing plan would reduce this dividend by half, but still leave significant gains. A carbon tax is considered the most efficient way to balance emissions reduction with economic benefits.
A study by King's College London found that children's drawings at age 4 are moderately associated with their intelligence at ages 4 and 14. The researchers also measured the heritability of figure drawing, finding a strong genetic link between drawing ability and cognitive development.
A study published in BSSA found induced earthquakes generate lower shaking intensities, except within 10 km of the epicenter. The damage from injection-induced earthquakes is more concentrated near the event epicenters.
A comprehensive study in patients with type 2 diabetes found no evidence that blood pressure medication increases the risk of falling and breaking bones. In fact, results showed possible trends towards fewer fractures in intensive treatment groups.
NASA satellite data shows Tropical Storm Karina's consistent strength and thunderstorm development since weakening from hurricane status. The storm's cloud pattern has remained relatively unchanged, with strong thunderstorms circling the center, especially on the northern edge.
A team of researchers has developed a technology that allows materials to automatically read their environment and adapt to mimic their surroundings. The optoelectronic camouflage system was inspired by the skins of cephalopods, which can change coloration quickly for camouflage and warning purposes.
Scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory discovered nanoscale asymmetries and charge preferences in ferroelectrics, explaining operational limits. These findings open new pathways for ferroelectric technology, despite material fatigue and intrinsic charge preferences.
A study published in Geophysical Research Letters found that ocean warming causes atmospheric circulation changes, leading to increased heavy rain bands and extreme precipitation events at mid- and high-latitudes. This shift could result in more common, but intense storms in previously rare regions.
Researchers developed XRay, a first step in understanding online personal data transparency. The tool analyzes data inputs and outputs to detect abusive practices, revealing sensitive topics and obscure targeting behaviors.
Johns Hopkins scientists develop a new material that binds slippery molecules, potentially delivering long-lasting lubrication and easing painful joints. The material, inspired by natural functions lost in synthetic materials, has shown promise in animal tests.
A University of Kansas professor is leading a grant project investigating the effects of nitric oxide synthase on muscle growth. The study aims to understand how this compound can be used to promote muscle growth in various populations, including athletes and the elderly.
Researchers successfully transplanted genetically engineered pig hearts into baboons, achieving prolonged survival of over 200 days. The use of target-specific immunosuppression and human genes in the pigs enabled the hearts to remain viable without complications.
Researchers discovered that naked mole rats maintain youthful heart function until age 90, offering insights into preventing debilitating cardiovascular disease. The rodents' natural habitat and stress resistance may hold the key to understanding these protective mechanisms.
Compromise solutions are needed when building roads through sensitive tropical and subtropical areas, say experts. The authors propose four measures to mitigate tensions between roads and protected areas, including early involvement of infrastructure engineers and natural resource managers.
A national online survey of 802 parents found that parents who viewed informational material highlighting direct benefits to their own child were the most likely to indicate that they would have their baby vaccinated for MMR. Combining details about societal benefits had a similar impact on vaccine intentions, with mentioning direct po...
A recent study published by the American Psychological Association found that white, straight women are more likely to seek fertility help than racial or sexual minority women. Lack of insurance is a significant factor in lower rates of fertility assistance for lesbian and bisexual women, especially in recent years.
A new study published in Diabetologia found that fenofibrate is as effective in treating type 2 diabetes in women as it is in men. The research showed that fenofibrate reduced levels of adverse blood fats and cardiovascular events by 30% in women, compared to 13% in men.
Researchers at University of California, Berkeley and University of Denver discovered that we rely on a specialized visual process known as 'ensemble coding' to perceive where a crowd is looking. This enables us to tell where a group of people is looking even after just a fraction of a second.
Researchers analyzed African dust transported to South America, finding large seasonal peaks in winter and spring. Dust concentrations exceeded World Health Organization guidelines, posing respiratory health risks.
Research shows that warmer temperatures have led to narrower diets among butterflies moving north in response to climate change, potentially compromising their ability to adapt. In contrast, butterflies with more diverse diets may struggle to evolve new eating habits to cope with changing conditions.
Researchers design a network-like cell system that reproduces dynamic behavior of protein synthesis, allowing for control over genetic content and protein production. The system enables the study of gene network design and emerging protein dynamics, potentially paving the way for controlling protein synthesis for various applications.
Scientists at USC have discovered that bacterial nanowires are not pili, but rather membrane extensions equipped with electron-transfer proteins called cytochromes. This finding challenges the previous understanding of these 'electric bacteria' and opens up new avenues for research on their potential applications in bioelectronic devices.
Rettsyndrome.org has awarded $1.5 million to support translational research and launch of the neuro-habilitation therapeutic program, focusing on cognitive therapies, physical therapies, and speech therapies to aid in skill development in Rett syndrome. The grants also fund clinical research to identify effective pharmacologic treatments.
A study found that 40% of patients with pacemakers and defibrillators have limited health literacy, posing serious risks. Patients may misunderstand device instructions or fail to manage co-existing conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.
A new study by psychologists from Aberdeen, York, and Sydney found that Australian passport office staff have a 15% error rate in matching people to their photos, equivalent to several thousand fake passports. The researchers suggest that security measures would be enhanced if passports carried multiple images of a person.
A new study reveals that cultural expectations of parenting and social pressures on new parents, particularly fathers, can contribute to mental health issues such as anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. The research highlights the need for improved screening and social policies to address these challenges.
Researchers at the University of Montana have improved computer models for estimating temperature across mountainous landscapes by creating a new climate dataset. This dataset uses weather station data, atmospheric weather model data, and satellite-based observations to estimate daily temperatures from 1948 to 2012.
A new mouse model closely resembles human non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and demonstrates that interfering with key inflammatory proteins inhibits disease development and cancer progression. The study uses a genetically modified mouse strain to show the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory compounds in preventing NASH.
A system proposed by MIT researchers recycles materials from discarded car batteries to produce long-lasting solar panels, providing emissions-free power. The production process uses a compound called perovskite, which has achieved power-conversion efficiency of over 19 percent.
The research reveals the viral capsid structure, showing similarities to other viruses, and identifies potential binding sites for modification. The findings may lead to new information on host-virus interactions and the development of custom-made viruses to target parasitic or pathogenic worms.
Researchers found that the pygmy phenotype in Africa and Southeast Asia is a result of multi-gene adaptation, making individuals better suited for their challenging environments. The study suggests that this adaptation may have occurred independently in different regions.
Emergency physicians face a growing concern of acetyl fentanyl overdoses due to its potency and potential for adulteration in street drugs marketed as heroin. The lack of regulation around acetyl fentanyl creates an environment where it can be easily distributed through networks, posing a significant risk to users.
A new study suggests that exceptional icebergs and weather conditions outside human control contributed to the sinking of the Titanic in 1912. The paper notes an increase in iceberg discharge from glaciers since the 1980s, which is linked to global warming.
A new study has identified the 'bonus effect' for certain multiracial daters, where they are viewed as more desirable than individuals from all other racial groups. Three multiracial groups - Asian-white women, Asian-white and Hispanic-white men, and black-white daters - were found to be on the receiving end of this preference.
A deck of cards created by UAlberta researcher Geoff Ball helps parents engage in discussions about their child's weight management. The CONversation Cards, recognized with a GEM award, aim to improve health outcomes and patient-centered care.
Researchers have reconstructed solar activity at the end of the last ice age, showing a persistent link between solar activity and Greenland climate. The study suggests that reduced solar activity could lead to colder winters in Northern Europe, while warmer winters are seen in Greenland with greater snowfall.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that passport officers struggled with face matching tasks, making errors comparable to those of untrained university students. The researchers suggest that selecting staff based on their aptitude for visual tasks could significantly improve security checks.
Researchers found that a free fatty acid compound is equally effective as antibiotics in treating certain catheter-related bloodstream infections. The study suggests that these compounds could provide an alternative treatment option for preventing and treating intravenous catheter infections.
Researchers at JBEI have developed bionic liquids from lignin and hemicellulose, which can efficiently dissolve biomass and represent a renewable platform for biomass pretreatment. The new liquids outperform current imidazolium-based ionic liquids in terms of sugar yields, making them a significant step towards cost-competitive biofuels.
A recent study found that TAG-1 induces apoptosis-related gene expression in U251 glioma cells, but surprisingly, this pathway does not trigger apoptosis. Instead, it enhances cell proliferation. The study provides novel insights into the mechanisms of glial tumorigenesis.
A CU Denver study found that government regulations are causing an inequitable distribution of marijuana dispensaries in disadvantaged areas. The majority of allowable land for marijuana businesses is located in the city's poorest and most ethnically and racially diverse neighborhoods.
Researchers have identified a specific genetic mutation causing lupus in a young patient through DNA sequencing. The discovery opens the door to personalized treatments targeting individual patients' unique genetic causes.
The University of Waterloo has released a high-resolution Antarctic map created using RADARSAT-2 satellite imagery. This mosaic provides unprecedented accuracy and confidence in mapping ice cover changes, offering valuable information on the effects of climate change.
Stanford researchers found that targeted brain stimulation using optogenetics significantly improved motor ability and weight regain in mice affected by strokes. The study's findings have potential implications for developing new clinical therapies for stroke recovery, including the placement of electrical brain-stimulating devices.
Researchers found that adequate sanitation and access to education lead to lower child mortality rates. Countries with higher levels of social militarization and female education have significantly lower child mortality rates.
A new electronic monitoring system is being implemented in England and Wales, combining GPS tracking and radio frequency technology. This system aims to improve the reliability and credibility of offender management, with a focus on reducing recidivism rates.
Researchers found that antibiotics can alter the gut's bacterial ecosystem, increasing susceptibility to diseases like hypersensitivity pneumonitis. The study suggests that probiotics could be used to boost helpful bacteria and prevent disease.