A team of researchers found that ancient domesticated African cattle originated in the Fertile Crescent region nearly 10,000 years ago. The genetic history of 134 cattle breeds worldwide reveals mixing and admixture between native and imported breeds.
A study by the University of Warwick found that sleep quality is a key driver of daytime physical activity in chronic pain patients. Engaging in physical activity can be a crucial treatment process for managing chronic pain. By improving sleep quality, sufferers may overcome their motivation to stay inactive due to pain.
Researchers discovered that male big brown bats use uniquely distinctive calls to signal they want a meal, while females primarily forage near family members. These social calls were previously unknown and have been found in over 96% of recorded instances.
A new system can monitor lubricating oils, hydraulic oils and other fluids in industrial installations without interruption, predicting the best time for an oil change. The compact sensor system uses optical methods to measure the oil's chemical makeup and particle loading, reducing environmental impact and unnecessary costs.
Researchers at Queen's University Belfast have discovered a link between high levels of oestrogen and DNA damage in breasts and ovaries, driving cancer in women with the BRCA1 mutation. This breakthrough could lead to alternative treatments to surgery, such as drugs that chemically reduce oestrogen production.
Researchers analyzed data from a center for professionalism and peer support at Boston's Brigham and Women's Hospital and found that employees continued to turn to the center for help, citing concerns about physician/scientist behavior. The interventions used were successful in creating substantive changes in behavior.
Male big brown bats emit a unique 'back off' call, dubbed FMB, which warns other bats to keep away from claimed prey, increasing the caller's success in snagging insects. The call is only emitted by males and helps establish dominance or claim territory.
Researchers at Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft have developed systems to process large amounts of industrial data, increasing plant availability and reducing energy consumption. By analyzing data in real-time, operators can quickly identify and eliminate disruptions, optimizing production processes.
A team of researchers has developed a new generation of therapeutics against West Nile virus using tobacco plants. The monoclonal antibodies were shown to be effective in protecting mice from lethal doses even up to 4 days after infection.
Research found that public smoking bans led to a 10% decrease in preterm births and hospital admissions for childhood asthma. The study analyzed data from over 2.5 million births and 250,000 asthma-related hospital visits, demonstrating the positive impact of smoke-free legislation on child health.
A pooled analysis of studies found that adherence to the Mediterranean diet reduced diabetes risk by 21%, with an even greater reduction in those at high cardiovascular risk. The diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, may also help prevent obesity-related complications.
Researchers have developed a simple blood test that can predict if a child will become obese based on epigenetic switches in the PGC1a gene. The study found that a rise in DNA methylation levels at age 5 was associated with up to 12% more body fat at age 14, regardless of physical activity or puberty timing.
A team identified p38 as a dual role in colon cancer, both protecting the epithelial barrier and promoting tumour growth. Treatment with a p38 inhibitor reduced tumour size in mice.
Researchers at the University of Notre Dame have developed the largest data set on developmental proteomics for any organism, analyzing nearly 4,000 proteins in African clawed frog embryos. The study reveals unexpected discordance between messenger RNA and protein levels, shedding light on key events during early development.
The FANTOM project has published an exhaustive map of specificities in gene expression, revealing the first nucleotides of messenger RNA to identify where genes start synthesizing proteins. This study provides insights into how genes are regulated in different tissues, with implications for understanding diseases such as Parkinson's
A receptor called B7-1 is expressed by kidney cells during the progression of diabetic nephropathy, and targeting this receptor with abatacept helps to maintain kidney function in mice. The study suggests that clinical trials should be designed to test abatacept in diabetic patients.
A study of 45 recreational male runners found that marathon training reduced bad cholesterol by 5%, triglycerides by 15% and improved heart health markers, including a 4% increase in peak oxygen consumption. The training program led to significant changes in key cardiovascular risk factors.
The Hub's interdisciplinary group will investigate the health implications of states of rest and noise, tumult and stillness, with a focus on transforming how we understand rest in modern life. The £1 million project aims to create new possibilities for people from all backgrounds to find rest in busy cities.
Research from Tel Aviv University reveals that current downsizing policies are reducing managerial diversity and increasing racial and gender inequalities. The study found that companies using tenure or position as core criteria for downsizing minimized the share of white women in management positions by 25 percent.
Scientists have developed a method to freeze testicular tissue in boys undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments for cancer, allowing them to preserve fertility. The study found that cancer cells were eliminated during the process of reproducing sperm-producing stem cells, making this option safe for future use.
Researchers have gathered data on Arctic tundra ecosystems, revealing temperature's decisive role in shaping food chains and ecosystem function. The study also highlights the importance of predation in regulating energy flows and ecosystem dynamics.
A new method for studying the relationship between skin cells and good bacteria was developed, revealing certain bacterial communities alter HIV's ability to infect. The discovery has potential applications in understanding how vaginal products interact with good and bad bacteria.
Researchers have developed a novel method to distinguish between different types of bowel disease using stool samples, with an overall accuracy of 76%. The technique uses volatile organic compounds emitted from the samples to provide a unique profile for each condition, offering a cheaper and quicker alternative to current methods.
New research shows methane emissions from microorganisms in lake sediment and freshwater wetlands will increase several times as temperatures rise, outpacing CO2 emissions. The study provides a measurement scientists can use to model methane's contribution to climate change.
Insects' sense of smell crucial for survival; recent study shows odorant receptors emerged long after terrestrial adaptation. The first insects were not yet able to smell well, with their complex olfactory systems evolving after the development of flying ability.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies on antidepressants in pregnancy found a strong association between their use and increased preterm birth rates. The study suggests that antidepressant medications may be contributing to the rising trend of preterm births, which can lead to significant health problems and costs.
The National Cancer Institute has awarded a three-year grant of $2.2 million to Professor Yijun Ruan for his research on noncoding RNAs in cancer and other diseases. The grant aims to identify novel ncRNAs and their interactions with DNA, which could lead to diagnostic biomarkers and new genomic therapeutic targets.
A new study finds that air pollution from traffic dramatically increases the odds of hospital readmission for asthma among white children. In contrast, black children were not found to have increased risk despite having higher rates of asthma readmission overall.
A study in the Gabayan watershed, Philippines, found that agroforestry reduces sediment yield by 20% and increases income for farmers. Agroforestry also helps communities adapt to climate change by improving water management and ecosystem services.
A recent study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine found no correlation between painkillers, including opiates, and patient satisfaction scores in emergency departments. Instead, factors such as increasing age and male gender were linked to higher satisfaction scores.
Narine Sarvazyan invents a new organ, the 'mini heart', made of cardiac muscle cells, to help return venous blood flow. The cuff can be created from patient's own adult stem cells, eliminating rejection risk and treating chronic diseases like venous insufficiency.
A team of researchers has discovered a cellular factor called Rif1 that regulates the timing of DNA replication, ensuring proper cell division and preventing tumor formation. The study suggests that Rif1 prevents 'DNA replication stress', a process causing genome instability.
Researchers at NYU Langone Health have synthesized a fully functioning chromosome in yeast using computer-aided design, overcoming the biggest hurdle in synthetic biology. The seven-year effort built a chromosome with over 270,000 base pairs, enabling new capabilities and traits in yeast cells.
A new study reveals a significant disparity in heart attack mortality rates between regions of the US, with the South experiencing the highest death rates. The research suggests that socioeconomic and lifestyle factors, including lower median household income and unhealthy habits, may contribute to this disparity.
A new collaboration enables immediate access to taxonomic research and underlying data, reducing 'shelf life' from 21 years to weeks. The system facilitates data sharing and preservation, addressing 80% of scientific data loss within 10 years.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have discovered that gastric bypass surgery leads to excessive post-meal insulin response in a subset of patients, characterized by altered islet cell function and reduced insulin clearance. This study sheds light on mechanisms of glucose metabolism alterations following gastric bypass surgery.
Researchers found that Kaixin Jieyu Fang reduces cerebral white matter damage by increasing Bcl-2 protein and mRNA expression, while decreasing Bax protein and mRNA expression. This compound may provide a potential therapeutic approach for treating vascular depression through its protective effects on the brain.
The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation has awarded $4 million in NARSAD Grants to 40 mid-career scientists from around the world. The grants will fund basic research, new technologies, and next-generation therapies for schizophrenia, major affective disorders, and other serious mental illnesses.
The CYGNSS mission will determine how a tropical cyclone forms and strengthen, improving hurricane forecasting and tracking. NASA has given a preliminary go-ahead to proceed with instrument development and launch of the hurricane-studying mission's eight microsatellites.
A recent study found that sugary drinks significantly contribute to obesity among teenagers in British Columbia schools. Students consuming these drinks regularly were more likely to be obese, highlighting the importance of school food environments promoting healthy eating habits.
Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have made the first 3D observations of how a lithium-ion battery anode evolves at the nanoscale. The study reveals severe microstructural changes that reduce capacity and cycle life, but shows promise for increasing battery lifespan
Research by Queen's University Belfast predicts that invasive waterweeds will become more widespread over the next 70 years due to climate change. Four species are expected to establish in areas 38% larger than previously thought, posing a threat to global biodiversity and economy.
Scientists have developed a liver organ construct that responds to toxins like real human livers, paving the way for more accurate drug screening. The project aims to create interconnected human organ constructs using a miniaturized platform, potentially reducing costs and increasing efficiency in toxicology testing.
A new study has found that six massive glaciers in West Antarctica are losing ice at an unprecedented rate, causing global sea levels to rise. The amount of ice draining from these glaciers increased by 77 percent between 1973 and 2013, with Pine Island Glacier accelerating by 75 percent over the same period.
The study of natural history provides essential knowledge for various fields, including human health, food security, and conservation. However, support for this field has declined in developed countries, resulting in costly mistakes such as the collapse of fisheries and forest fire suppression.
Male stag beetles have enlarged heads and muscles to compensate for their oversized mandibles, allowing them to generate powerful bites. Their male bites are six times stronger than females', with a recorded strength of 7N.
Researchers from UK institutions released a treasure trove of data on the developing retina, pushing the boundaries of neuroscience publishing. The dataset includes 366 recordings from 12 studies and is made available in a standardized and interoperable manner, allowing for reproducibility and further analysis.
A study found that decreased exposure to air pollution after a coal power plant closed led to increased BDNF levels and improved developmental scores in children. Lower PAH-DNA adducts were detected in cord blood, indicating reduced exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Virginia Tech researchers uncover complexities of the chemical spill, determining the odor threshold concentration of the trans-isomer to be 350 parts per trillion by volume in the air. This finding highlights the need for independent measurement of cis and trans isomers to understand their properties.
Immunotherapy has shown huge potential in treating lung cancer by preventing tumour cells from escaping the immune system. New data on immunocheckpoint regulators such as PD-1 and PD-L1 have resulted in impressive global overall response rates of 20% to 25%.
A study published by Helmholtz Munich researchers found that patients with good diabetes self-management have a significantly lower mortality risk than those with poor self-management. The study, which analyzed data from 340 participants, showed that active participation in treatment and lifestyle modifications can lead to better healt...
A study from Rice University found that consumers who shop for leisure travel during business hours tend to select higher quality hotels but are less satisfied with their stay. Consumers who book earlier and pay in advance also tend to be more satisfied.
Support for natural history study appears to be in decline in developed countries, despite its importance for human health, food security, and conservation. Experts are now calling for a revival of the practice to reclaim its role in understanding organisms and their interactions with the environment.
Researchers discovered that alligators use air-filled channels in their ear canal to amplify pressure differences, allowing them to pinpoint the source of sounds. This mechanism is similar to birds' interaural canals and may be an evolutionary adaptation from dinosaur ancestors.
The absence of coronin 1 protein causes significant learning deficits, aggressive behavior, and impaired neuronal activation. The protein plays a crucial role in linking extracellular stimuli to neuronal response, enabling efficient learning and memory.
Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have identified a type of bacterial resistance that enables more efficient production of advanced biofuels. The discovery involves introducing a genetic module into E. coli bacteria, allowing them to grow in the presence of toxic concentrations of ionic liquids.
A study by Penn State researchers found that when cereal flakes are reduced in size, participants pour a smaller volume but still consume more calories. The researchers tested the influence of food volume on calorie intake and found that subjects underestimated their calorie consumption despite consuming larger volumes.
Scientists found that controlling oxygen and carbon dioxide levels can reduce injury in 'Honeycrisp' apples. Diphenylamine treatment effectively suppressed brown lesions, improving storage conditions.
Researchers at Washington State University have found that peach extracts can inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells and their ability to spread. The study suggests that these compounds could be a novel addition to therapies reducing metastasis risk in various cancers, potentially available as an extract or dietary supplement.
Researchers monitored Cuvier's beaked whales' record-breaking dives to depths of nearly two miles below the ocean surface and some dives lasted for over two hours. The dives captured by this study exceed previous records, including the mammalian dive record previously set by southern elephant seals.