A team of researchers from the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center has identified genes and enzymes that produce a promising compound, the 19 carbon furan-containing fatty acid. This compound has various potential uses as a biological alternative to compounds derived from fossil fuels. The discovery was published in Proceedings of th...
Scientists analyzed horse tendons to understand aging mechanisms, revealing protein differences between young and old horses. They found that certain proteins alter with age, slowing healing processes. This research could lead to better treatment strategies for human tendon injuries.
Researchers found that mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) resulted in significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. MBSR was more effective than progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) in reducing blood pressure levels, suggesting it could be a valuable adjunct to traditional treatment plans for hypertension.
Researchers at Yale School of Medicine have discovered a new drug compound, TC-2153, that inhibits the negative effects of STEP protein, which is key to regulating learning and memory in Alzheimer's disease. Decreasing STEP levels reversed cognitive deficits in mice, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for treating the condition.
The report presents regional findings from ten regions, highlighting major impacts of climate change on ecosystems, including shifts in biodiversity and location of species. The assessment provides guidelines for how to respond and adapt to climate change, emphasizing the importance of protecting biodiversity and natural resources.
Thunderstorms re-developed around Tropical Depression Genevieve's center on August 5, suggesting the storm may strengthen. Genevieve is forecast to gradually intensify over the next couple of days and cross the International Date Line in a few days.
Researchers have discovered that interfering with a basic metabolic pathway in insect brains can increase aggression in fruit flies and honey bees. The team found that suppressing key genes involved in energy generation leads to increased aggression, but this effect is lost in chronically stressed individuals.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that treating young children with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) decreases their risk of contracting malaria. The study showed a protective efficacy of 58% against malaria episodes, making DP a promising alternative to current treatments.
The US Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer recommends genetic testing of tumors for all newly diagnosed colorectal cancer patients with a familial risk of the disease. Genetic testing can confirm the diagnosis of Lynch syndrome and direct management for affected individuals, as well as family members.
Scientists have created a new mouse strain that restores the ability of wild-derived mice to exhibit normal aggression and maternal instinct towards pups. This breakthrough allows researchers to explore the biological roots of aggressive behavior in females, including their reaction to pheromone signals.
A study found that only 34% of men and 42% of women were told to take daily low-dose aspirin for heart attack prevention. The disconnect may be due to time constraints and uncertainty about therapy's benefits versus potential harms. Expanded primary care teams could help improve guideline adherence.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that women with high levels of perchlorate during pregnancy may have children with below-average IQs. Perchlorate, a common chemical contaminant, can affect thyroid function and lead to hypothyroidism, which is associated with cognitive impairment.
TRMM satellite data revealed extreme rainfall rates of almost 182 mm per hour in Hurricane Iselle's eye wall, making it a category four hurricane at the time. The storm is expected to weaken as it heads westward into the Central Pacific Ocean and may make landfall over the Big Island as a tropical storm.
Researchers found that music can transform a person's psychological state and boost their sense of power. The study identified the key factor as high-bass levels, which may trigger a 'contagion hypothesis' where people mimic the feelings internally.
The National Science Foundation has awarded a $20 million grant to fund a five-year project studying climate variability and its potential impacts in Missouri. The project will model and predict changes in climate and determine their effects on plant ecosystems and communities that rely on them.
A hybrid form of perovskite has been used to make high-brightness LEDs with a simple and scalable process, potentially replacing conventional methods. The results could provide a lot of value to the flat-panel display industry.
A special journal section assesses regional interactions between climate change, fire, and forests in the US, providing insights into projected changes and ecosystem services. The goal is to inform forest management choices and policy responses to mitigate these impacts.
A study found that high-protein enteral nutrition enriched with immune-modulating nutrients does not reduce new infections or improve outcomes in critically ill patients. In fact, it may be harmful, increasing the risk of death at 6 months.
A team of UC Riverside engineers will characterize, analyze, and synthesize van der Waals materials for novel electronic devices, optical detectors, and energy conversion systems. The research aims to produce new material synthesis techniques and enable practical applications in ultra-thin film materials.
Researchers propose combining axon regeneration with relay strategies to restore spinal cord injury function. Introducing a new host or graft-derived neuron is necessary to reestablish neuronal pathways and relay supraspinal signal transmission to target neurons.
A recent study published in Critical Care Medicine found that heavier patients are more likely to survive sepsis, a life-threatening infection. This obesity paradox challenges conventional wisdom and may improve care for all patients with sepsis and other critical illnesses.
Researchers used mathematical models and genetic analysis to discover that cooperative bacteria are better equipped to adapt to environments, increasing their ability to infect multiple species. This knowledge could help predict and manage health threats from animal-borne diseases.
A recent study tested two brief counseling interventions for unhealthy drug use among primary care patients, but found no significant reduction in drug use. The authors suggest that brief counseling may be inadequate to address the complexities of prescription drug misuse and illicit drug use.
Researchers found that consuming two servings of pistachios per day lowered vascular constriction during stress and improved neural control of the heart in adults with well-controlled Type 2 diabetes. The pistachio diet also showed improvements in sleep blood pressure, vascular response to stress, and vagal control of the heart.
A new study suggests that consuming whey protein before meals can reduce blood sugar spikes and improve the body's insulin response in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Glucagon-like peptide-1 production is increased, stimulating insulin secretion and reducing glucose rise after meals.
Scientists from the Salk Institute discovered a protein that promotes nerve regeneration by disrupting a pair of proteins that inhibit growth. The finding could lead to therapies for thousands of Americans with severe spinal cord injuries and paralysis.
Researchers studying grizzly bears have discovered a natural state of diabetes that serves a biological purpose and is reversible. Grizzlies become diabetic only weeks after hibernation, but then recover when they wake up in the spring. The study reveals how natural biology can teach us about animal coping mechanisms with diseases.
Researchers at University of Chicago developed a new technique to map microscopic environments using molecular vibrations, combining microscopy with two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy. This technique offers data on vibrational dynamics that traditional microscopy lacks, while adding spatial information.
A large cohort study of 10,149 patients found no apparent causal link between obstructive sleep apnea and cancer development. However, researchers discovered that low oxygen levels were linked to an increased risk of smoking-related cancers.
Researchers developed a technique to semi-automatically align 3-D models with photo geometry, estimating environmental illumination and appearance. This system enables realistic edits by fitting models into the photo's geometry and applying colors, textures, and lighting consistent with the image.
A year-round preventive drug treatment substantially reduces young children's risk of contracting malaria, with no serious adverse events reported. The study found that a monthly dose of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine was the most effective at reducing malaria risk in children from 6 months to 24 months of age.
Dr. Kattawar's work on polarization and radiative transfer theory has advanced knowledge of the ocean's nature and consequences of light. He has received numerous teaching awards, mentored over 40 students, and served on academic advisory committees.
Typhoon Halong appears lopsided due to inhibited thunderstorm development in the northern quadrant. The storm's cloud top temperatures indicate potential for heavy rainfall.
A new hospital screening tool, Pediatric Nutrition Screening Tool (PNST), has been found to be effective in identifying children at nutritional risk. The PNST identified 37.6% of patients as being at nutritional risk, compared to 34.2% with the existing pediatric Subjective Global Nutrition Assessment (SGNA).
Researchers from Monash University discovered that graphene oxide sheets can change structure to become liquid crystal droplets spontaneously. This opens up possibilities for its use in drug delivery and disease detection, potentially paving the way for new methods of detecting toxins.
The Y dwarf WISE J0304-2705 is an extremely cool object, currently at 200-300°F (100-150°C), which may have spent its youth as hot as a star. Its unusual features suggest it could be an ancient object with a diverse history.
The study found that skull-base heating can result in hazardous temperature elevations when sonications are performed close to the skull-base. Three new methods to counteract this phenomenon were developed. Additionally, the formation of standing-waves is greatly reduced with specifically designed large-area ultrasound transducers.
Researchers found that short-term environmental enrichment exposure can induce proliferation, activation, and maturation of doublecortin-positive cells in the prefrontal cortex of adult guinea pigs. This process may be involved in learning and memory associated with the prefrontal cortex.
A study analyzing 8,000+ scientists found that middle-status researchers are more prone to adopting commercial kits and imitating their collaborators' use. This is due to mid-level scientists being sensitive to opportunities and threats to their status.
A recent study has shown that a lung cancer diagnosis tool can be used safely in elderly patients, allowing doctors to make more accurate diagnoses and choose appropriate treatments. The tool, known as EBUS-TBNA, is effective for assessing whether a patient's tumour has spread to the lymph nodes.
The Gulf of Mexico dead zone measures 5,052 square miles this summer, slightly smaller than last year's record high. Nutrient runoff from agricultural activities continues to affect the nation's coastal resources and habitats in the Gulf.
University of York scientists have discovered a novel metabolic pathway in Neisseria meningitidis that explains why this age group is particularly at risk of infection. The bacteria can supplement its growth via metabolism of propionic acid, generated by anaerobic bacteria becoming more prevalent in adolescents.
A new technique called Convex Lens-Induced Confinement (CLIC) enables researchers to rapidly map large genomes while clearly identifying specific gene sequences from single cells. This breakthrough could lead to faster diagnosis of diseases like cancer and pre-natal conditions.
Archaeologists at WSU document a bloody period of violence (1140-1180) in central Mesa Verde, Colorado, in contrast to nearby northern Rio Grande region. The study highlights factors like specialization and social structures that may have contributed to the differences in levels of violence.
Researchers successfully disconnected isolated temporal-parietal-occipital nerve tissue while maintaining its activity, providing neuroprotective measures for epilepsy patients. The procedure resulted in complete seizure control for two patients with intractable epilepsy.
A new study suggests that consuming resistant starch alongside red meat can lower the risk of colorectal cancer. The study found that butyrated resistant starch reduced levels of certain genetic molecules associated with cell proliferation and increased risk of cancer.
Children of immigrants from all racial and ethnic backgrounds have lower levels of physical activity than U.S.-born white children. Asian immigrant children are nearly three times as likely to have low levels of physical activity, while Hispanic and unspecified ethnicity children are nearly two times as likely.
Researchers uncover the evolutionary roots of animals' ability to quickly absorb critical life lessons, a phenomenon known as the Garcia Effect. The study found that statistical reliability across generations determines what animals can learn and what they can't, with different environments favoring specific associations.
A nationwide study published in Health Affairs reveals that for-profit home health agencies are significantly more expensive for Medicare than nonprofit agencies, with operating costs accounting for $752 of the difference. Despite their higher costs, for-profits delivered lower-quality care, with patients experiencing more repeat hospi...
Researchers from Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science used diffusion tensor imaging to analyze the optic radiation in 13 healthy volunteers. The study found that the optic radiation fiber tract volume was approximately 0.16% and fractional anisotropy value was about 0.53, enabling accurate detection of probability pathways.
Researchers developed flyPAD technology to monitor fruit flies' feeding behavior, finding that they eat by rhythmically extending their proboscis in a stereotyped fashion. The study also shows that the way flies adapt to starvation is similar to how mammals do it.
The prostate cancer risk calculator has been updated to provide a more nuanced result, helping men understand their risk of low-grade and high-grade prostate cancer. The new calculator incorporates current risk factors and an advanced statistical model to distinguish between the prediction of low-grade and high-grade disease.
Researchers at the University of Sheffield discover 'sweet spot' in 3D printing by manipulating ink density and strength. By printing in greyscale, they can maximize strength while reducing weight, opening up applications in aerospace, automotive, and sports footwear industries.
University of Washington engineers have designed a new communication system that uses radio frequency signals as a power source and reuses existing Wi-Fi infrastructure to provide Internet connectivity. This technology, called Wi-Fi backscatter, enables battery-free devices to connect to the internet, overcoming a major hurdle in the w...
High-field nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (≥ 7.0T) detected abnormalities in the hippocampus of Alzheimer's disease rats, including reduced N-acetylaspartate wave crest, elevated creatine and choline wave crest, and neuronal shrinkage.
A recent study found that 32% of newer drugs received a black box warning or were withdrawn for safety reasons, compared to 21.2% of older drugs. The study suggests that the FDA's expedited approval process may have led to the release of unsafe drugs.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center have discovered that protein ZEB1 helps breast cancer cells repair DNA damage caused by radiation therapy, making them more resistant to treatment. This finding has significant implications for the development of new treatments targeting ZEB1 and other proteins involved in radioresistance.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association found that crowdsourced ratings of food pictures by app users are comparable to those given by trained experts. This suggests that crowdsourcing may be a viable way to improve adherence to dietary self-monitoring and support weight loss.
A blanket of heavy smoke covers dozens of wildfires in remote eastern Russia areas caused by lightning strikes. The fires spread rapidly, covering the landscape with no apparent stopping point.
The American College of Physicians recommends a full-night sleep study for patients with unexplained daytime sleepiness to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea. Obesity is the best documented risk factor for OSA, and symptoms include snoring, daytime sleepiness, and fatigue.