The discovery of Eocasea martini reveals how carnivores gave rise to terrestrial herbivores for the first time on land. This 300-million-year-old fossil shows that herbivory arose independently at least five times, including twice in reptiles, and led to a significant shift in early ecosystems.
Physicists Luca Giomi and Antonio DeSimone simulated the spontaneous emergence of cell motility and division in artificial cells using a simplified model. They found that by controlling one physical parameter, they could reproduce similar effects observed in experimental observations.
Scientists have discovered a way to combat malaria drug resistance by administering chloroquine twice daily. Researchers found that the parasite protein causing resistance has an Achilles' heel, rendering it vulnerable to repeated doses of the medication.
Scientists at the University of Cologne have discovered a new method to produce hydrogen from water and formaldehyde. The approach can be used to break down contaminants in industrial waste water while generating hydrogen, reclaiming an important raw material.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that people with apathy symptoms have smaller brain volumes than those without apathy. Apathy is a lack of interest or emotion, and the findings suggest it may be an indicator of accelerated brain aging.
Researchers at Tufts University have discovered a mechanism linked to the development of severe schistosomiasis, a disease caused by parasitic worms. The innate cell receptor CD209a controls the magnitude of disease, with mice expressing high levels of CD209a developing severe inflammation.
Researchers used x-ray pulses to trigger superconductivity and reveal the rapid disappearance of 'charge stripes' that hindered it. The findings provide new insights into room-temperature superconductivity and its potential applications in electronics and computation.
Researchers found that chimpanzees select tree branches with specific physical properties, such as stiffness and leaf surface area, to build comfortable and safe nests. Ugandan Ironwood was the preferred choice due to its firmness and resilience.
Scientists have identified a single protein, Juno, that pairs with Izumo on the surface of the egg to initiate fertilization. The discovery may lead to improved fertility treatments and new contraceptives by understanding the essential interaction between sperm and egg, which is crucial for mammalian life.
Researchers found that holding babies on their mother's abdomen or chest immediately after birth does not compromise delayed cord clamping. This could lead to improved uptake and reduced risk of infant iron deficiency. The study suggests a more comfortable and bonding-friendly approach for hospitals.
A 325-million-year-old shark fossil has provided new insights into the evolution of jaws in vertebrates, including humans. The study suggests that living sharks are more advanced than previously thought, with internal structures similar to those found in ancient bony fishes.
Researchers found that synapse components grow in a coordinated way to maintain stability, essential for long-term memories. This understanding sheds light on how synapses can remain stable despite the need for regular molecular replacement.
Two new species of yellow-shouldered bats, Sturnira bakeri and Sturnira burtonlimi, have been identified in western Ecuador and Costa Rica. The discovery expands the genus Sturnira to 22 described species, highlighting the high species richness in the Neotropical bat family Phyllostomidae.
The study found that HPV disrupts host-cell genes and chromosomes at sites of viral insertion, leading to overexpression or disruption of cancer-causing genes. This damage promotes the development of cancer by increasing the expression of viral E6 and E7 proteins.
Scientists have developed a new type of inexpensive barcode that can be added to documents or currency to foil attempts at making forgeries. The barcodes are made from lanthanide-doped upconversion materials and are invisible to the naked eye.
Researchers have discovered microbial etchings in impact glass from the Ries Impact Structure, Germany, which are remarkably similar to bioalteration textures observed in volcanic glasses. The authors suggest that microbes etched their way through impact glass as they excreted organic acids, creating a potential habitat for life on Mars.
Researchers at Indiana University have developed a new technique that can detect microscopic changes in the retina caused by diabetes, which may indicate potential sight-threatening complications. The instrument uses adaptive optics to provide highly magnified retinal images and identify subtle changes in blood vessels.
Researchers have developed a method to extract suberin from cork oak trees and re-make it into a waterproof, antibacterial plastic-like material. The material's biocompatibility makes it suitable for clinical usage, including potential applications in medical devices.
Freiburg researchers identify LRP1 as a key molecule that regulates the intake of toxic bacteria like Clostridium perfringens. This finding opens up new avenues for developing agents against clostridia and may lead to breakthroughs in treating diseases caused by these pathogens.
The American Society of Plant Biologists announced its 2014 award recipients, recognizing outstanding contributions to plant biology research, education, and service. The Charles Albert Shull Award went to Libo Shan for her work on plant-microbe interactions, while the Charles Reid Barnes Life Membership Award was awarded to James N. S...
Researchers mapped the hippocampus in children aged 8-14 to understand its development and expansion with age. They found that three subregions grew with age, particularly the CA3/dentate gyrus, which was linked to better memory performance.
Eliminating chocolate milk from elementary schools resulted in a 10% decrease in total milk sales, as students substituted with white milk, leading to a 29% increase in waste. The ban also had nutritional consequences, including lower sugar and calorie intake but decreased protein and calcium consumption.
Researchers analyzed 40 Martian meteorites to understand the evolution of Mars' atmosphere, shedding light on whether life existed or could have existed on the red planet. The study found that the atmospheres of Mars and Earth diverged early in the solar system's history, with sulfur playing a key role in shaping the Martian environment.
A new study by Harvard University scientists shows how severe droughts can trigger cascades of ecosystem change that last for centuries. The research analyzed tree rings spanning over 300,000 square miles and 400 years of history in the eastern US.
A European-wide strategy is needed to manage invasive species, threatening native biodiversity, and costing an estimated €12 billion each year. The EU must commit long-term investment to address the issue, including raising awareness of biosecurity and implementing European-wide legislation.
Astrocytes are support cells for neurons that provide nutrients and signaling molecules. A new mouse study reveals that astrocytes listen in on neuronal activity only during large bursts of activation, triggering a response with increased calcium levels.
A new European project, MatHero, aims to develop high-efficiency and reliable organic solar cells using novel materials and eco-friendly processes. The goal is to make organic photovoltaics competitive with inorganic counterparts by enhancing efficiency, reducing production costs, and increasing lifespan.
A recent study reveals that persons captured in medieval raids into present-day Finland, Russian Karelia, and the Baltic Countries were sold on remote trade routes extending to Central Asia. The demand for blonde girls and boys as exotic luxury items drove this trade, with only a few hundred of thousands reaching southern markets.
A study from the University of Liverpool found that showing toddlers similar but distinct actions helped them understand what a verb refers to. This new insight sheds light on how children progress throughout preschool and school years.
Researchers discovered that smell is connected to memories through an associative process where neural networks are linked via synchronised brain waves of 20-40 Hz. This coherence evolved in parallel with learning and was observed in the entorhinal cortex and hippocampus, demonstrating long-distance communication mediated by waves.
Research finds that fertility treatments increase the risk of multiple births and prematurity, leading to health complications and significant healthcare costs. Experts propose six policy changes to mitigate these risks, including expanding insurance coverage for IVF and improving doctor-patient communication.
Researchers have discovered new relationships between deep-sea temperature and ice-volume changes to provide insight into the climatic relationships that caused major ice-age cycles. The study found that cooling events and continental ice-volume cycles occurred at different times, contradicting previous theories.
Scientists at Yale have confirmed a long-held theoretical prediction in physics, improving the energy storage time of a quantum switch. The breakthrough opens new frontiers for quantum information processing and measurement systems.
A study by New York University researchers found that increased local homicides in Mexico lead to more elementary school students failing grades. Exposure to environmental violence is linked to heightened fear and anxiety, negative effects on learning and concentration.
Researchers at the University of Iowa have identified the mutated protein responsible for a common eye mobility disorder. In a study published in Neuron, they found that a unique swelling in one of the nerves to the eye muscle causes the defect, and that breeding mice with this mutation can enhance the effect.
Children conceived during a severe epidemic show increased resistance to later diseases, a phenomenon known as functional trans-generational effect. This discovery suggests that parents can prepare their children for future diseases, and the underlying mechanism may be linked to an optimized immune response in high-pathogen environments.
Researchers found that internal stress on microtubules guides cell-wall component deposition and influences cell shape. The unusual shape of pavement cells represents a balance between maintaining structural integrity and responding to mechanical stress.
A recent study investigates Google Glass's potential use in pediatric surgical settings, finding it useful for hands-free photo/video documentation, making calls, and looking up medical terms. However, concerns over patient privacy remain due to the device's internet connectivity.
Researchers develop a new ISH method, called RNAscope ISH, for rapid and sensitive localization of mRNA molecules in plant tissues. This approach is faster and highly sensitive than traditional methods, allowing for precise quantification of gene expression.
Two Bristol engineers, Prof Andrew Nix and Prof Mark Beach, will represent the University of Bristol at the Brooklyn 5G Summit in New York. They will explore challenges introduced by 5G+ network designs and discuss developing efficient 5G networks by 2020.
Researchers from Stanford and KAUST develop a novel method to study crystallization, allowing for unprecedented control over crystal structures. This breakthrough has far-reaching implications for flexible electronics, circuits, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
A new study from the Women's Health Initiative found no link between low vitamin D levels and menopause symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, and sleep disturbances. The study analyzed data from 530 women participating in the calcium and vitamin D WHI trial.
The proportion of shade grown coffee in global production has decreased by nearly 20% since 1996, with traditional methods being replaced by more intensive styles. This shift is linked to lower land and labor costs, but also poses risks to the environment, communities, and individual farmers.
A new proposal converts stored information from magnetism to light efficiently, enabling the development of inexpensive and flexible plastic computers. This breakthrough could lead to high-capacity storage technologies in miniaturized devices.
Adam Arkin, director of Berkeley Lab's Physical Biosciences Division, has made significant contributions to systems and synthetic biology. He received the 2013 Ernest Orlando Lawrence Award for his work on cellular networks and populations.
A team of scientists has developed a model that uses open data and network science to evaluate the logistics of disaster relief. The proposed tool can quantify the reachability of critical loci within a geographic area and assess the effects of infrastructure destruction scenarios.
A new study questions the Environmental Protection Agency's emergency water treatment guidelines, suggesting they may be too harsh and impractical to carry out. The researchers found that using more chlorine bleach than necessary can kill disease-causing pathogens, but is often not feasible due to lack of proper equipment and supplies.
A University of California, Riverside researcher has won a $500,000 grant to study a process that transforms carbon dioxide into valuable fuels and chemicals using a unique catalyst. The technology has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by one million tons per year or more.
Research found that fish exposed to antidepressants like Fluoxetine displayed altered mating behaviors, repetitive behavior, and aggression towards female fish. The effects were reversible once the concentration level was reduced.
Researchers developed a novel antiviral drug to combat measles by reducing virus levels in animals. The drug also prevented animals from dying of the disease and boosted their immunity against the virus. While promising, additional research is needed before its use in humans.
Researchers have discovered that intestinal cells use adhesion molecules to build the nutrient-absorbing brush border, a critical structure for absorbing nutrients and defending against pathogens. The findings provide new insights into intestinal pathologies associated with inherited and infectious diseases.
A clinical trial found that HIV-positive women build antibodies against HPV and experience no unusual safety issues after vaccination. The study's results counter doubts about the vaccine's effectiveness in this population, suggesting it is safe and beneficial for those with weakened immune systems.
A pioneering clinical trial will test multiple drugs simultaneously in patients with advanced lung cancer based on their genetic profile. The 'National Lung Matrix' trial aims to provide more personalized treatment options for cancer patients.
Researchers at LMU München develop a mathematical model that shows how Bacillus subtilis populations benefit from balancing growth and migration. By doing so, they adapt to changing environments more effectively than specialized bacteria.
Researchers have determined the structure of a protein produced by Candida albicans, a common fungal pathogen that causes yeast infections and other diseases. The discovery could lead to the development of targeted compounds to treat widespread fungal infections.
A large study has found that a larger waist circumference is associated with an increased risk of postmenopausal breast cancer. However, when adjusting for body mass index (BMI), the association disappeared. The research suggests that maintaining a healthy weight, regardless of body shape, may be key to reducing breast cancer risk.
Research found that a particular strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa survived in contact lens cleaning solution for over four hours, posing a risk to eye health. The study suggests that standard disinfectant solutions may not be robust enough to kill all bacteria associated with microbial keratitis.
Researchers have successfully observed the quantum phase transition of a superconductor-to-metal type in a graphene-based hybrid system. The system, consisting of tin nanodisks on a graphene substrate, exhibits a sharp drop in temperature at which the spatial phase coherence is destroyed solely by quantum fluctuations.
A research team discovered an interferon-induced GTPase protein family that destroys bacterial camouflage, allowing cells to recognize and eliminate Salmonella. This finding sheds light on the immune system's strategies against bacterial pathogens.
The fossil, Eocasea martini, provides evidence that large caseid herbivores evolved from small carnivorous ancestors. This finding contributes to our understanding of the early evolution of herbivory in terrestrial vertebrates.