New data show that US scientific research has a substantial impact on the economy, with most funded workers not being university faculty members. The study found that universities spend federal funding on goods and services from companies both large and small, with 70% of expenditure spent outside their home states.
Researchers use Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope data to identify excess gamma-ray emission at high energies, consistent with dark matter annihilation. The signal is difficult to reconcile with other explanations and provides a strong case for the existence of dark matter.
A study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that women who took clomiphene citrate or gonadotropins for fertility treatment did not have an increased risk of breast cancer over 30 years. However, a small number of women had a higher risk after multiple cycles of these medications.
A study published in Current Biology found that lactase persistence variants were at medium frequencies among the Khoe people, but very low or absent among San hunter-gatherers. The research suggests that pastoralist practices were brought to southern Africa by a small group of migrants from eastern Africa.
Engineers at the University of Illinois and Northwestern University have developed thin, soft stick-on patches that incorporate commercial chip-based electronics for sophisticated wireless health monitoring. The patches are wirelessly powered and can send high-quality data about human body to a computer in real-time.
Researchers have developed degradable polymer composite materials suitable for electronic components and a degradable antenna capable of data transmission. The technology, called transient electronics, allows for devices to self-destruct or degrade over time, eliminating the need for permanent storage or disposal.
Researchers at Michigan State University have engineered poplar trees to break down more easily, improving their viability as a sustainable source of biofuel. The innovative approach reduces energy usage and cost in the production of biofuels.
New gravity data reveals an ocean of liquid water beneath 30-40 km of ice at Enceladus' surface, potentially creating conditions for complex chemical reactions. The sub-surface ocean may extend towards the equator in every direction, similar to Europa's ocean.
Fencing can disrupt predator-prey dynamics and limit access for migratory herbivores. The Zoological Society of London argues that fencing should be reconsidered as a conservation tool, prioritizing connected environments over physical barriers.
The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft has established 16 new Priority Programmes, investigating fundamental scientific questions in emerging areas of research. The programmes cover various disciplines and have a total budget of €89 million for the first three-year period.
The Academy of Natural Sciences will oversee monitoring and fieldwork for the William Penn Foundation's $35M grant-funded programs in eight designated geographic areas in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Delaware. The project aims to improve water quality and citizen awareness among 15 million residents.
Scientists have found that temperature variations deep within the Earth's mantle influence mid-ocean ridge elevation and volcanic hotspots, resolving a long-standing controversy. The study analyzed seismic wave data and rock chemistry to determine that higher mantle temperatures are associated with thicker crust and volcanic activity.
Researchers developed a nanoscale matrix biomaterial assembly that maintains liver cell morphology and function in microfluidic devices. The technology enables the creation of stable liver microtissues for use in organ-on-a-chip devices to mimic healthy liver physiology and test drug toxicity.
Researchers found that bank vole PrP is a universal acceptor for prions, making it an intrinsic property of the protein. This discovery has broader implications for understanding prion disease transmission and developing strategies to prevent its spread.
Tropical Depression 05W is a newly formed storm in the northwest Pacific Ocean with good circulation and strong convection around its center. The depression is expected to strengthen into a typhoon by April 7 as it moves through southern Micronesia towards the Philippines.
A study by World Agroforestry Centre found that Jathropha, promoted for its energy potential, failed in Kenya due to lack of market access and proper cultivation practices. The researchers emphasize the importance of analyzing the crop's impact before promotion.
Researchers at Harvard University have discovered a link between ALS mutations and motor neuron hyperactivity, suggesting a new therapeutic target. The approved medication for epilepsy may be effective in reducing this hyperexcitability, paving the way for clinical trials.
A computer vision system can distinguish between real and faked expressions of pain more accurately than humans, with an 85% accuracy rate. This ability has potential uses in uncovering pain malingering and detecting deceptive actions in various fields.
The article explores the connection between mass shooters' dress and behavior, highlighting potential risk factors for law enforcement and behavioral investigation teams. Researchers argue that identifying these characteristics could help prevent future acts of violence by allowing authorities to intervene earlier.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a method to produce solar energy materials directly from sunlight, reducing production costs and time. This process uses a continuous flow microreactor to synthesize nanoparticle inks that make solar cells by printing.
Researchers found that providing patient education along with same-day placement service increases both knowledge and use of IUDs three months and a year after women seek emergency contraception. This change in clinic policy dropped the number of women using no form of contraception from 17 percent to 3 percent.
A new study of Brazil's indigenous societies finds most experience catastrophic decline after first contact, but some populations recover and even grow. Population viability analysis suggests contacted and uncontacted societies could recover from as few as 100 individuals.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has launched NIST-F2, an atomic clock that is three times more accurate than its predecessor, NIST-F1. The new clock will help improve technology innovations in fields like cellular telephones, GPS satellite receivers, and the electric power grid.
A new family tree of hummingbirds reveals a rapid diversification rate, with over 140 new species emerging in the Andes and more than 338 recognized species worldwide. The study shows that hummingbirds continue to evolve and generate new species today, driven by coevolution with plants.
Researchers at DRI found that certain bacteria can consume and convert left-handed amino acids into right-handed forms, which would otherwise be toxic to plants and animals. This discovery suggests that these bacteria play a crucial role in detoxifying the environment by consuming D-amino acids produced through geochemical transformation.
The oldest European zoological journal, Zoosystematics and Evolution, has combined tradition with innovation by joining Pensoft Publishers. The new platform offers a novel, semantically enriched format while maintaining traditional PDF and print versions.
Researchers are investigating HIV vaccines that failed to demonstrate efficacy and may have increased susceptibility to HIV infection. A new perspectives article highlights the need for risk-benefit analysis when developing new HIV vaccine candidates.
Women are less inclined to apply for jobs with advertisements featuring masculine traits such as assertiveness, independence, and analysis. In contrast, leadership skills are perceived as equally capable by both men and women, but women rate themselves and others lower in this area. Leaders who show gratitude and empathy, on the other ...
Research discovers that tumor cells' reliance on glucose for energy is driven by a defective gene that fails to degrade glucose receptors, making them 'addicted' to sugar. The study offers new insights into the Warburg effect and potential treatment strategies.
A new strategy in the fight against HIV and AIDS emerges from a study that found immunosuppressant therapy can reduce inflammation and control viral persistence. Researchers discovered that patients taking certain immunosuppressive drugs, such as sirolimus, had fewer infected cells over time.
Researchers at Caltech discovered that surface plasmons exhibit quantum interference, similar to photons. This finding has potential implications for quantum computing and the development of new materials. The study validated theoretical predictions and demonstrated the coherence of plasmon waves.
A team at MIT has figured out a way to measure the fundamental charge transfer rate in porous battery electrodes, revealing significant surprises. The study found that the Butler-Volmer equation is inaccurate, especially at higher voltage levels, and that electron transfer between two solids determines the rate.
Dr. Carmit Katz's study found that drawing during questioning significantly improves the accuracy and detail of child abuse testimonies. Children empowered to draw reported regaining control and feeling hopeful, with richer descriptions provided compared to those not offered this opportunity.
A new study published in PeerJ found that publicly discussed papers were retracted or corrected 7-fold more than those for which allegations were never publicized. This suggests that editors may be more inclined to act on a paper if they see the sum-total of a particular lab group's problems.
A study by University of Leeds academics found that coaches who focus less on others' opinions and more on their own high standards are better at regulating their emotions. They showed more ability to reappraise negative feelings and see situations in a more constructive manner.
A recent study published in Stem Cell Reports has found no evidence of complete heart regeneration in newborn mice after apex resection. The researchers, led by Ditte Andersen, were unable to replicate the findings of a previous 2011 study that suggested complete regeneration was possible.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have developed a new method of computer-guided spine surgery, which uses high-speed CT imaging to navigate the spinal column from different angles. This technique improves precision and accuracy in placing reconstruction screws, reducing complications and post-operative pain.
Post-wildfire stabilization treatment has not helped restore habitat for the greater sage grouse, a critically endangered species in the US Great Basin. The study highlights the challenges of managing non-native plants and climate change in the region, suggesting that recovery time may be longer than previously thought.
The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) is establishing five new Research Units to explore innovative research directions in various fields. The new groups will focus on composite structures, personnel decisions, and metastatic cancer progression, with the goal of improving our understanding of these complex topics.
Researchers found an osteoporosis screening campaign using FRAX as a pre-screening tool to be cost-effective if there is optimum follow-up and adherence to medication. The study used microsimulation modeling to estimate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of the strategy versus no intervention.
A study by UNC Chapel Hill sociologists found that women in mixed-sex startup teams are less likely to hold leadership roles, even when they adopt organizational templates like formal operating agreements. The researchers suggest that cultural expectations and the presence of children at home amplify these inequalities.
Researchers found that 46% of deforming volcanoes erupted, while 94% of non-deforming ones did not. The study uses satellite radar to identify unrest on a regional or global scale, targeting ground-based monitoring.
Research on prime-time US TV dramas between 1955 and 2010 found a decline in tobacco product depiction and smoking scenes, associated with reduced cigarette consumption. The study suggests that TV portrayal of tobacco use may hindered an even faster decline in smoking rates.
A study found that poor quality of life in African Americans with chronic kidney disease is associated with increased risks of disease progression and heart problems. The research suggests that improving quality of life may help protect patients' health, highlighting the need for better management of kidney disease-related health issues.
Researchers have identified a precise biochemical key that activates immune cells called MAITs, which defend against bacterial and fungal invaders. The breakthrough has potential applications in treating inflammatory bowel disease, peptic ulcers, and tuberculosis.
A study published in Neural Regeneration Research found that experimental low back pain altered the functional connections between the insula and default mode network, affecting regions involved in cognition and emotion. The findings suggest a crucial role of these brain regions in pain processing.
A new study finds that shingles significantly increases the risk of stroke in the first six months after symptoms appear. However, patients treated with oral antiviral medication for their shingles may experience lower stroke risks compared to those not treated.
Scientists have confirmed that Enceladus has a large subsurface ocean near its south pole using gravity measurements collected by Cassini. The data suggest that the ocean is about 50 kilometers below the surface, and its density could compensate for the absence of material at the surface.
Sanford-Burnham will present various cancer research findings at the AACR annual meeting, including novel methods of drug delivery and novel targets for breast, melanoma, and prostate cancers. Researchers will also discuss epigenetic mechanisms and cancer metastasis.
A study found that ER doctors often overlook or misdiagnose early signs of stroke in women, minorities, and younger patients, leading to potential harm. The research estimates that tens of thousands of Americans may be affected each year, with prompt treatment crucial for preventing long-term health issues.
Ginsenoside Rb1 attenuates damage to cerebral cortex neurons by downregulating nitric oxide, superoxide, and tumor necrosis factor-α expression in hypoxia-activated microglia. The study suggests that ginsenoside Rb1 is a promising candidate for clinical use in preventing neuronal degeneration following cerebral ischemia.
Researchers have identified a genetic association with facial asymmetry in an ancient cavefish, which may help solve mysteries surrounding cleft palate and hemifacial microsomia. The study used high-tech imaging techniques to compare the craniofacial features of cavefish with those of surface-dwelling fish.
Jean-Marc Kaufman receives prestigious award for his groundbreaking work on osteoporosis and ageing in men. He has advanced our understanding of sex steroids' regulation and action in health and disease.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison discovered that calcium waves can transmit information in plant cells, allowing them to respond quickly to environmental stressors. The team found that these waves are involved in processing information and sending rapid signals to help plants adapt to changing conditions.
As baby boomers reach retirement age, states face high workforce turnover and potential disruption to government operations. Research suggests that restructuring deferred retirement incentives can encourage employees to remain on the job longer.
Researchers at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center found that blocking prolactin signaling can induce autophagy in cancer cells, leading to their death. In preclinical research, treatment with a prolactin-mimicking peptide reduced tumor weight by 50% and led to increased expression of autophagy genes.
A research team developed a force sensing skin that can identify potential bruising locations on a child surrogate to differentiate between accidental trauma and child abuse. The system provides a roadmap documenting a child's exposure to impact, critical for forensic analysis.
A University of Wisconsin-Madison researcher has pinpointed an error in protein formation that could be the root of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Motor neurons that control foot muscles are affected due to a shortage of one of three proteins in neurofilaments, leading to tangles and nerve fiber malfunction.
Researchers discovered that Homo's teeth decreased in size as its brain size increased over 2.5 million years, defying evolutionary expectations. The study attributes this phenomenon to a shift towards a higher animal-based diet, which provided essential nutrients for brain development and social advancements.
SRPK1 acts as a tumor suppressor when abundant and promotes cancer when scarce, according to researchers at UC San Diego. This unexpected dual role is crucial for understanding tumorigenesis in humans.