Researchers have discovered that the bicolored shrew acts as a 'pathogen reservoir' for the Borna virus, transmitting it to horses. The virus is not directly contagious and requires an intermediate host to spread, highlighting the importance of keeping shrews away from stables to prevent transmission.
A new study by McGill University professor Shaun Lovejoy uses statistical analysis to determine the probability that global warming since 1880 is due to natural variability. The study concludes that the natural-warming hypothesis can be ruled out with confidence levels greater than 99%, and most likely greater than 99.9%.
The Lancet Oncology publishes a major new Commission examining the challenges to effective cancer control in China, India, and Russia. The report highlights disparities in access to cancer care, poor quality of data collection, and barriers to improving cancer care related to social, economic, and environmental factors.
A new study from the University of Vermont aims to provide timely access to effective treatment for Vermont's waited-listed opioid-dependent individuals. The treatment 'package' involves five key components, including buprenorphine maintenance therapy and innovative technology for safe medication administration.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have identified a key enzyme responsible for lactate production in cancer cells, which they inhibit to halt tumor growth and even cause regression. The study's findings offer promising results for new treatments targeting cancer metabolism.
A neurofinance study confirms that financial decisions are influenced by emotions and previous experiences, leading to increased risk-taking behavior after losses. The study used operational magnetic resonance imaging to analyze brain activity during risk-taking choices, revealing a link between emotional reactions and risk acceptance.
The American College of Physicians recommends nine strategies to address societal barriers to reducing firearms-related violence. ACP advocates for approach firearm safety as a public health issue and supports universal criminal background checks to keep guns out of the hands of felons and others at risk.
A NASA simulation shows that stratospheric ozone intrusions have a significant impact on ground-level ozone concentrations in the US West, with effects two to three times greater than previously estimated. High-resolution models can now comprehensively examine these events for the first time.
Researchers found the plateau's southeast margin was 600 miles longer in the Eocene epoch, upending a popular model for its formation. This discovery suggests that river capture and drainage reorganization must have been the result of a slip on major faults bounding the plateau margin.
A team of researchers created a 3D model of cervical cancer cells using 3D printing, mimicking the complex environment of a tumor. The model showed higher proliferation rates and resistance to anti-cancer drugs compared to traditional 2D models.
A team at The Scripps Research Institute has identified a long-sought protein called SWELL1 that regulates cell volume to prevent excessive swelling. The discovery solves a decades-old mystery of cell biology and may lead to new insights into diseases such as immune deficiency, stroke, and diabetes.
Research found that nestin+ neurons project to the olfactory bulb and show compensatory function in the medial septum-diagonal band of Broca. Nestin+ cholinergic neurons may have stronger tolerance to injury than non-cholinergic neurons.
Two studies confirmed NAFLD as an independent cardiovascular risk factor, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis and carotid plaques. Improvement in liver health through treatment is associated with a reduced risk of developing diabetes.
A newly discovered 305-million-year-old fossil fills in the evolutionary tree for primitive harvestmen, providing evidence that they once had two pairs of eyes. This rare find allows scientists to study the anatomy of ancient arachnids in unprecedented detail.
Researchers have discovered a potential new therapy for influenza by targeting the prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) molecule. This molecule is found to play a crucial role in antiviral immunity and is inhibited by a compound that increases survival rates in mice infected with the H1N1 flu virus.
Researchers have discovered a 305-million-year-old harvestman fossil with two sets of eyes, challenging previous assumptions about the evolutionary history of arachnids. The fossil's exceptional preservation allows scientists to study its anatomy in unprecedented detail.
A Yale-led research team developed a new approach to species conservation that prioritizes genetic and geographic rarity. The method was applied to all 9,993 known bird species, revealing areas where maximum conservation of bird diversity can be achieved with minimal investment.
A new study reveals that the brain achieves focused attention on faces or other objects by synchronizing activity in the inferior frontal junction (IFJ) with specific brain regions. The IFJ coordinates with the fusiform face area (FFA) and parahippocampal place area (PPA), suggesting a parallel process involving different areas.
A new study finds that several iconic Adirondack birds are in trouble, with declines driven by the size of their wetland habitats, connectivity, and proximity to human infrastructure. The analysis suggests that these species face challenges in this environment, particularly due to climate change and habitat alteration.
A novel outcome prediction model has been developed using sequentially-assessed measures to generate an individualised mortality risk prediction without liver transplantation. The model uses age, encephalopathy, and cardiovascular failure severity on admission, as well as dynamic variables, to predict non-transplanted 15-day survival.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed a tabletop system called MisTable, which combines interactive personal screens with a fog-based interface. The system allows users to switch between interacting with individual screens and collaborating on tasks, promoting new forms of collaboration and interaction.
The percentage of Australian adolescents who don't drink alcohol has surged from 33% in 2001 to over 50% in 2010. This trend is linked to deep cultural beliefs and increasing public concerns about adolescent drinking.
A recent study by researchers at Penn Medicine has discovered the essential role of tumor suppressor gene FLCN in regulating lung function in patients with Birt-Hogg-Dube (BHD) syndrome. The absence or mutation of FLCN leads to deteriorated lung integrity and impaired lung function, as reported in their findings in Cell Reports.
Two new studies published in Biological Psychiatry suggest that obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) may be characterized by a tendency to form compulsive habits, rather than irrational beliefs. Researchers found that individuals with OCD displayed impairments in goal-directed decision making and avoidance habits.
Scientists at The University of Texas at Austin have discovered that the influenza A virus uses a protein called NS1 to outwit the body's natural defense mechanism DDX21, which blocks viral replication. By targeting NS1, researchers may be able to develop new antiviral drugs to combat the flu.
Two new species of weakly electric fishes, Petrocephalus boboto and Petrocephalus arnegardi, have been discovered in the Congo River basin. The species were named after words meaning peace and fellowship in Lingala language, reflecting the authors' hope for peace in troubled Central Africa.
A recent study found that increased time on Facebook can lead to more negative feelings and comparisons to friends' bodies among college-aged women. The researchers also discovered that more time spent on Facebook was associated with a greater attention to physical appearance, including one's own body and clothing.
Researchers from Stockholm University found that poor mimics need only mimic one key aspect to avoid predation, while ignoring other characteristics. By studying blue tits and artificial prey, the team discovered that predators focus on distinctive traits when learning about prey.
A team of scientists ranked nearly 10,000 bird species by their evolutionary distinctness, identifying over 100 areas requiring additional protection to safeguard avian biodiversity. The study, published in Current Biology, reveals that Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand are leading countries in preserving irreplaceable species.
A recent study by Caltech researchers found that fruit flies use their antennae to quickly sense changes in wind speed, helping them maintain a steady groundspeed. The findings suggest the antennae are responsible for initial deceleration in headwinds and provide critical information to help the fly regain its original speed.
A new paper highlights the disproportionate impact of HIV on communities of color and poor neighborhoods, emphasizing the need for geographically targeted prevention and treatment efforts. The authors call for increased investment in vulnerable communities to combat the epidemic.
A systematic review found that iron supplementation boosts maximal capacity and exercise efficiency in women, even at submaximal exertion. Women who received iron had lower heart rates and higher efficiencies, especially those with initial iron deficiencies.
Young adult cancer survivors are at higher risk of mortality due to lifestyle factors such as exercise, alcohol consumption, and physical activity. Additionally, poor self-reported health status, worries about future health and insurance, and frequent medical visits can also impact life expectancy.
A new iPhone app called Entrain offers custom schedules of light and darkness to help travelers adjust to new time zones. By following these schedules, users can reduce their jet lag recovery time by up to three days.
The Cochrane review found no evidence of reduced hospitalizations or serious influenza complications with Tamiflu. However, the medication increased the risk of nausea and vomiting in adults and children, as well as psychiatric events when used for prevention.
Brown University scientists found that the fundamental neural wiring map between the nose and brain becomes established in early development and remains unchanged throughout life. The study's findings provide insight into neurodevelopmental disorders and may have implications for regenerative medicine.
A study published in Cell identifies a biological process that triggers a particular form of Parkinson's disease, leading to degeneration of dopamine-producing nerve cells. The research, led by Johns Hopkins Medicine, has shed light on the origins of Parkinson's disease and may lead to new treatments.
Researchers captured high-speed footage of fruit flies responding to a looming predator with swift banked turns, outpacing human blink rate by 50 times. The flies alter course in under 1/100th of a second using their fast visual system and wing motion.
Researchers at UMass Chan Medical School found that fruit flies can emit light when treated with a synthetic luciferin analog. This discovery expands the scope of bioluminescence imaging and opens new avenues for non-invasive studying of biological processes.
Researchers developed new mathematical tools to understand virus symmetry, revealing insights into viral genome and protein capsid interaction. This work also applies to carbon onions, providing a basis for nanotechnology applications.
A team of researchers identified four transcription factors that distinguish glioblastoma stem cells from more differentiated tumor cells. These factors were found to be active in 2-7% of human glioblastoma cells and could be targeted by new therapeutic approaches.
Researchers programmed a robot to use eye gaze as a nonverbal cue, making handovers more fluid. People reached out to take an object sooner in scenarios where the robot used head movements or made eye contact.
Researchers found that camels release less methane in absolute terms than cows and sheep of comparable body size. However, when adjusted for feed conversion, methane production is similar between the two groups. This suggests that camels' lower metabolism could explain their ability to thrive in food-scarce environments.
Researchers found that high expression of tumor-suppressor ZMYND11 is associated with longer survival for patients with triple-negative breast cancer. ZMYND11 inhibits gene activation by connecting to a methylated histone variant, thereby fine-tuning gene expression in cancer cells.
A new study confirms three species of alligator snapping turtles, including two recently discovered, are threatened by conservation efforts. The turtles' restricted range and habitats make them vulnerable to catastrophic events such as chemical spills or river pollution.
The OSIRIS-REx mission aims to find answers about the early solar system and organic materials that made life possible. The spacecraft will collect at least 2 ounces of asteroid samples and return them to Earth for scientists to study.
A recent study by Princeton University and Northwestern University found that affluent individuals and business corporations have significantly more influence on federal government policy than average citizens. Organized interest groups also play a substantial role in shaping policy outcomes, while the preferences of ordinary citizens ...
A study by Lynn Butler and colleagues found that cytomegalovirus infection inhibits erythropoietin production, leading to lower red blood cell counts. The researchers suggest targeting CMV as a potential treatment for anemia in patients with kidney disease.
A recent study has identified five essential mutations allowing the H5N1 bird flu virus to spread through the air between ferrets. These findings could provide crucial insights for future surveillance and early warning systems, potentially preventing future pandemics.
Researchers from the University of Sheffield have challenged long-held assumptions about the Titanic's fate, revealing that the risk of icebergs is actually higher now. The study used data on iceberg locations dating back to 1913 and found that while 1912 was a significant ice year, it was not extreme in the long term.
Atrasentan has been shown to lower albuminuria by 36% without major side effects in patients with type 2 diabetes and kidney disease. The drug also lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels, suggesting a potential benefit for patients at high risk of serious medical problems.
A new study suggests that global poverty figures could be underestimated by up to a third due to the use of an arbitrary 'dollar a day' poverty line. The research, conducted in Vanuatu, found that a more comprehensive picture of poverty takes into account basic human needs such as shelter, sanitation, and nutrition.
New research sheds light on how environmental stressors affect the cells of the developing brain, leading to conditions like schizophrenia and post-traumatic stress disorder. Yale scientists discovered a single molecular trigger, HSF1, that activates in brain cells exposed to toxins, making them susceptible to neuropsychiatric disorders.
A new strategy to help young people find jobs with fair wages and high-quality training has been developed by Professor Robin Simmons. The Youth Resolution concept tackles entrenched social problems, driving local growth and giving young people better career opportunities.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded Mount Sinai a $26 million contract to support pandemic preparedness and advance the understanding of flu biology. Researchers will conduct animal surveillance studies, analyze virus-host interactions, and develop new vaccines.
Researchers at the University of Basel have developed a method to grow cartilage in the lab, enabling successful nose reconstruction surgery. The technique, known as tissue engineering, uses patients' own cells to create engineered cartilage that is implanted into the defect, resulting in improved functionality and cosmetic appearance.
A team of scientists identified a key regulator called FoxA that drives pharynx regeneration in planarian worms. The study reveals how stem cells sense loss of a structure and rebuild it, shedding light on the mechanisms behind regeneration in these animals.
A new study by Brigham Young University researchers has linked lingering brain injury from head trauma to social difficulties in children. The study found that the thickness of a specific brain region was associated with a child's social life and thinking skills.
A new study reveals that rapid development of new towns in Asia, Africa, and Latin America exposes low-income workers to natural disasters, diseases, and health risks. The research highlights the need for urban planners to consider the needs of poor communities when designing these cities.
Researchers calculate optimal schedules for thousands of situations, condensing findings into four general principles for rapid circadian shifting. An app called Entrain is available for free via the Apple store, providing a simple and mathematically optimal way to adjust across time zones.