Scientists discovered three fossil specimens of a new stick insect species that mimicked plants for defense, predating twig and bark mimicry. The ancient insects' wings and coloration suggested a plant-mimicking strategy, providing insight into early evolutionary adaptations.
Researchers have developed a new technology that uses 'nano-flares' to detect metastatic breast cancer cells in blood samples, which could lead to earlier diagnosis and improved treatment options. The technology has shown promising results in animal tests and is currently being experimented with human samples.
New radar measurements suggest Ligeia Mare on Titan is eerily still, with surface waves smaller than one millimeter. The solid terrain surrounding the sea may be composed of solid organic materials instead of frozen water, similar to Earth's early evolution.
A study found that premature babies supported by high-frequency oscillation had superior lung function in adolescence, with improved breathing abilities and enhanced cognitive skills. The findings suggest a potential shift in ventilation practices in UK neonatal units.
Researchers discovered that geologic cycles, including mountain formation and chemical weathering, play a crucial role in balancing atmospheric CO2 levels. This balance helps prevent the planet from becoming too hot or too cold, allowing life to thrive.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine found three types of potentially harmful gut microbes in preterm babies who developed late-onset sepsis: E. coli, group B strep, and S. marcescens. These findings suggest new strategies to detect and prevent severe bloodstream infections in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
Parkinson's patients without dementia show impaired ability to learn new information, but not recall or recognition of previously learned material. This study suggests that improving new learning is crucial for cognitive rehabilitation interventions.
A Cornell University study found that neotropical orchid bees' habitats could be reduced by 30-50% due to future dry climate changes. However, male orchid bees' mobility allows them to maintain connectivity and healthy bee populations.
Researchers found a social feedback loop between parents and children is essential for speech development, but this loop occurs less frequently and is weaker in autistic interactions. The study used audio recordings to analyze interactions and found that higher maternal education was associated with faster speech development.
The discovery of Anzu wyliei provides the first comprehensive look at the Caenagnathidae group, a mysterious theropod dinosaur family. The nearly complete skeleton reveals a bird-like creature with characteristics such as a toothless beak and feathered forelimbs.
Lauren Strober, a neuropsychologist at Kessler Foundation, has been awarded a $75,000 Patterson Trust Award to investigate factors influencing employment in individuals with multiple sclerosis. Her research aims to address the high rate of unemployment among MS patients and explore long-term outcomes associated with leaving the workforce.
Genetic analysis of fossilized feces on Tiburón Island in Mexico suggests the island was once home to a native bighorn sheep population. The discovery raises questions about the species' extinction and potential rewilding efforts.
Students at both universities will learn to break into and protect hardware, software, and data through hands-on experiments. The program aims to educate future users, developers, and controllers of computer systems on how to defend against cyber attacks.
Researchers have discovered a feedback loop between IL-6 and microRNA-34a that promotes tumor cell mobility and metastasis. The loop involves the activation of STAT3, which represses miR-34a production and leads to increased tumor-promoting proteins.
A study published in Surveys in Geophysics found that the hydrological model WaterGAP underestimates seasonal continental water storage fluctuations and fails to retain rainwater for a long time. The researchers used GPS observations and GRACE satellite data to identify shortcomings in the model.
A new stool-based screening test, Cologuard, detected 92% of colorectal cancer and 42% of advanced pre-cancerous lesions, outperforming a commercial occult blood fecal immunochemical test. The non-invasive test allows patients to collect samples at home, increasing the potential for higher cancer screening rates.
Research from Queen Mary University of London found that youth, wealth, and education are associated with an increased risk of sympathies for terrorist acts. Those under 20, in full-time education, or high earners were more likely to show sympathy for violent protest and terrorism.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a novel method to objectively measure a person's desire to eat, which could lead to more effective anti-obesity treatments. The method uses brain activity tracking and hand-grip intensity to assess motivation for food rewards, providing a more accurate reflection of true hunger.
Tropical Storm Mike formed in the Southern Pacific Ocean on March 19, according to NOAA's GOES-West satellite. The storm has generated warnings for the Southern Cook Islands and is expected to move quickly to the south-southeast before potentially becoming extra-tropical.
African wildlife faces devastating effects from pesticide use, with a new study uncovering widespread killing of species. The research calls for regional centers to identify hotspots and promote chemical testing, education, and public engagement to combat poisoning.
Patients who joined a social group and developed a stronger connection with its members experienced reduced symptoms of depression. The study suggests that the 'group' aspect of social interaction is critical in alleviating depression.
Researchers found fractal nature in football dynamics, with ball and player positions exhibiting self-similarity. The study suggests the superiority of one team persists for only 30 seconds before changing hands.
A study by University of Eastern Finland found that frequent alcohol consumption increases stroke mortality risk, particularly among middle-aged men. The study showed a threefold higher risk for those who consume alcohol more than twice a week compared to non-consumers.
The remnants of Tropical Cyclone Gillian have moved into the Indian Ocean and triggered warnings for parts of Indonesia. NASA's Aqua satellite captured a visible image of the re-organizing tropical low pressure area, showing it to be well-defined and consolidated.
Clemson University scientist Lesly Temesvari receives a $147,157 NIH grant to study the stress response in Entamoeba histolytica and potentially develop new therapeutic targets. The research aims to interrupt the parasite's survival mechanisms, which could lead to the discovery of new treatments for the disease.
Researchers led by Maria Belen Cassera aim to identify new drug targets for preventing malaria transmission by studying the metabolism of the malaria-causing parasite Plasmodium falciparum. The project focuses on understanding the role of isoprenoids in early stages of gametocytogenesis.
The International Journal of Alcohol and Drug Research releases a special issue on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), highlighting its negative effects and need for recognition. Studies from various countries explore prevention, treatment, and care for individuals with FASD.
Scientists at NRL detected water vapor in the atmosphere of tau Boo b, a hot Jupiter outside our solar system. The team measured the motion of the planet to establish its presence and determined it's six times more massive than Jupiter.
QUT Professor Colleen Nelson leads an international team of researchers in developing new drugs and treatments for aggressive prostate cancer. The team aims to understand the impact of current treatments on metabolic dysfunction and patient wellbeing, with the goal of improving treatment outcomes.
The new guidelines are expected to result in 12.8 million more U.S. adults taking statins, with the majority being people over 60 years old. The expanded criteria for statin use are based on a risk-assessment score and may lead to higher statin prescriptions among older men and healthy women.
A new class of BTK inhibiting drugs has shown significant improvements in patients with terminal forms of leukemia and lymphoma. The treatment has virtually no side effects and improves a patient's life expectancy and quality of life.
A recent study published in the journal Fire and Materials found that titanium alloy golf clubs can ignite fires when striking rocks in the rough. The researchers discovered that sparks from these clubs can reach temperatures of over 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit, posing a significant risk to dry foliage.
Breast cancer is a significant global health issue, with over 1.6 million new cases diagnosed annually. The disease disproportionately affects low-income countries, where late-stage diagnosis and limited treatment options contribute to high mortality rates.
Research in mice suggests that autism is characterized by reduced inhibitory neuron activity and increased excitatory neuron activity, but low doses of certain anxiety medications can restore balance. This finding provides a potential new treatment strategy for managing core autistic deficits.
Scientists have discovered fossils of elapid snakes, including cobras and sea snakes, in Africa dating back to 25 million years ago. The findings suggest that seasonal habitats may have given rise to active hunters earlier than previously reported.
Researchers have created the first maps of neural activity in behaving zebrafish, recording activity from single cells to entire brains. The study reveals stereotyped patterns of activity between individuals, enabling a functional atlas of the brain to be built.
A new study from the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine found that long-term survivors of esophagectomy with gastric pull-up can enjoy a satisfying meal and good quality of life. The study concluded that pessimism about the long-term quality of life after esophagectomy is unwarranted.
A Concordia University study found that snowplows are the main culprit in erasing roadway markings, which can lead to traffic accidents. To address this issue, researchers suggest using more expensive and durable epoxy paint, which could save lives in the long run.
Researchers at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute found a new cellular pathway that helps keep blood sugar levels low in obese or pre-diabetic people, which may prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes. The discovery could lead to new targets for improving beta cell functionality and treating type 2 diabetes.
A team of MIT chemists has designed a way to manufacture peptides in mere hours, which could have a major impact on peptide drug development. The new system can assemble an entire peptide in under an hour, allowing for rapid testing and design of new peptides.
A new study reveals that UK gardens with diverse global plant species support a range of pollinating insects, including threatened bumblebees. The research found that long-tongued bees prefer plants from the UK and Europe, while other species visit plants in proportion to flower availability.
Researchers at TGen identified the ALK-EML4 gene fusion as the genetic driver of an aggressive type of thyroid cancer. The study's findings suggest that this fusion can be targeted with existing drug crizotinib, offering a new treatment option for patients with radioiodine-resistant aggressive papillary thyroid cancer.
A new study reveals that teaching people to flavor food with spices and herbs is more effective at reducing salt intake than self-reduction. Participants who received a behavioral intervention consumed an average of 966 mg/day less sodium than those who reduced their sodium intake on their own.
A new multi-target stool DNA test detects 92.3% of colon cancers, outperforming the current standard fecal immunochemical test. The test identified advanced precancerous polyps nearly 70% of the time compared to 45% for the existing method.
A field study and computer simulations show that forest corridors increase seed dispersal and alter wind dynamics. The research found that corridors accelerate the wind and provide conditions for long-distance seed dispersal.
High school students with autism can learn under CCSS, requiring tailored instruction to meet their diverse needs. Effective strategies include exposing them to assignments before class and delivering explicit instruction.
New research finds that radiotherapy after mastectomy reduces recurrence and death rates for women with early breast cancer in 1-3 positive lymph nodes. The study, which analyzed data from 3786 women, shows a significant benefit of radiotherapy regardless of chemotherapy or hormonal therapy use.
Researchers found that children of authoritarian parents had a higher chance of being obese, with kids aged 2-5 having a 30% higher risk and those aged 6-11 having a 37% higher risk. A balanced parenting style, characterized by affection and limits, was associated with lower obesity rates.
A new analysis found that industry-funded inventions yielded patents and licenses more frequently than federally sponsored ones, with increased forward citations. Despite concerns about exclusive licensing, the study showed that corporate-sponsored inventions were not more likely to be tied up in restrictive agreements.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine used a powerful data-crunching technique to understand how the protein Dom34 keeps defective genetic material from disrupting cellular functions. The study found that Dom34 'rescues' protein-making factories called ribosomes when they get stuck obeying defective genetic instructions.
Researchers found that Texans prefer Texas-made vodkas with higher dissolved salts, which affect taste buds. The study, published at the American Chemical Society meeting, also highlights the growing interest in Texas spirits and wineries.
A new study reveals that REST, a gene regulator active during fetal brain development, switches back on later in life to protect aging neurons from various stresses. The researchers also showed that REST is lost in critical brain regions of people with Alzheimer's and mild cognitive impairment.
The Miriam Hospital will continue to conduct HIV/AIDS research and provide treatments under the NIH grant, which has supported studies since 2000. The grant renewal allows for further investigation into novel therapeutic interventions and reduced pill burden for treatment-experienced patients.
The newly discovered Anzu wyliei was an omnivore that roamed the Dakotas with T. rex 66 million years ago and stood over 10 feet tall. The dinosaur's fossil discovery sheds light on a previously limited category of oviraptorosaur theropod dinosaurs.
Researchers found that people with inner-ear disturbances exhibit distinct eye movements when exposed to MRI magnets, potentially allowing for diagnosis and treatment. Zebrafish also showed dramatic reactions to strong magnetic fields, offering a model for studying genetic factors behind balance disorders.
A study found that more than half of US women identified sudden weakness as a stroke warning sign, but fewer recognized other symptoms like difficulty speaking or vision loss. Hispanic women were less likely to know most stroke signs.
A new zebra-striped structure of highly energized electrons has been discovered in Earth's inner radiation belt by an NJIT physicist. This structure, formed by the slow rotation of Earth, could pose a threat to humans in space and damage navigation and communication satellites.
A new type of single-dose vaccine that doesn't require refrigeration is being developed to combat emerging and re-emerging diseases in remote areas. The 'nanovaccine' can be stored at room temperature for up to six months and works by triggering both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses.
A new study estimates that future heat waves could double crop yield losses, particularly for maize, and offset positive CO2 fertilisation effects on wheat and soybean yields. Climate mitigation policies can help reduce risks of negative impacts on global food supply.
Researchers have uncovered new seismic data for the Slate Range in California, revealing a change in faulting style around four million years ago. In another study, scientists linked zircon ages to oxygen isotopic correlations between two tephra deposits in the southwestern United States.