A study published in PLOS Computational Biology found that birds exhibit individual lateralization biases when choosing flight paths, enabling flocks to split and avoid crowding. This allows them to navigate complex environments, such as dense bush and forests, with remarkable speed and accuracy.
Astronomers using ALMA telescope discover compact region of carbon monoxide gas swirling around young star Beta Pictoris, suggesting total destruction of comet every five minutes. The detection implies a massive swarm of icy bodies, possibly two Mars-size planets colliding within the past million years.
Researchers found that smallholder farmers' investment in microdosing led to improved productivity, with a 30-35% increase in adoption rates after training. Microdosing uses fertilizer more efficiently and has unlocked the power of chemical fertilizers in low-rainfall areas.
Researchers have found that rapid neuronal damage occurs 10-20 years before symptoms of inherited Alzheimer's disease appear, providing a crucial window for intervention. A clinical trial is underway to test the safety and efficacy of experimental drugs in this population.
A new study found that patients with advanced cardiac insufficiency who remain active and have low levels of depression can significantly increase their chances of surviving the waiting period for a donor heart. The researchers recommend psychological counseling to help patients stay physically active and reduce symptoms of depression.
A global inventory of flu strains in birds has identified over 116 avian flu strains in wild birds, twice the number found in domestic birds. The study also reveals patterns of flu diversity in different bird hosts, with some strains specific to certain species.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide are investigating epigenetics as a tool for understanding oral health. They aim to develop personalized treatments by analyzing an individual's epigenetic profile and environment.
A study found that patients with post-surgical complications are at high risk of readmission, with rates exceeding 70%. The research suggests that a simple online tool can help identify patients at risk and inform care decisions.
A new Cooperative Research Centre will use lasers to track and remove space debris in low orbits around the Earth. The initiative aims to reduce collision risks for satellites, space stations, and spacecraft.
The Journal of the Energy Institute is now available online, covering topics like combustion engineering, biofuels, and clean coal technology. The partnership aims to make high-quality research accessible to industry professionals and researchers worldwide.
Researchers at Northwestern University discovered that infants can use known verbs to learn new nouns by paying attention to how words are used in sentences. This suggests that word learning occurs naturally and can be facilitated by everyday conversations.
A study published in PLOS Pathogens found that rosiglitazone, a known diabetes drug, can prevent brain damage in mice with cerebral malaria and increase brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) levels in humans. The findings suggest that this approved drug may have protective mechanisms against long-term cognitive impairments.
A four-year study of over 3,000 opinions on Spanish web pages found that communication strategies aimed at creating risk perceptions about generic drugs may influence their low usage. Generic drugs have the same composition, quality, and safety as brand-name counterparts, yet their market share in Spain is lower than in Europe.
A team of researchers has created a detailed analysis of protein activity in human cancer cells, revealing the dynamic patterns of gene expression during the cell cycle. The study provides new insights into how genes work over time in cancer cells and could lead to the development of safer new drugs.
Researchers developed a set of 64 parameters to evaluate stem cell-derived cardiac myocytes, providing a standardized method to test cell function. This approach addresses critical quality control issues in the industry, enabling more reliable and reproducible tests for cell function.
Researchers found that a common mutation activates the Akt pathway, rendering cells resistant to chemotherapy and increasing growth. Inhibition of this pathway restored leukemic cell responses to front-line therapy.
A study of 37 obese adolescents found that even after controlling for physical activity, low levels of sleep remained a significant predictor of cardiometabolic risk. Objective sleep assessment may be a useful screening tool to identify at-risk adolescents.
Scientists at the University of Surrey have developed a new test to detect prostate and bladder cancers, showing twice the effectiveness of the existing PSA blood test. The EN2 biomarker test is being commercialized by Randox Laboratories and could lead to faster detection and cost savings.
Saarland University researchers have created a software system called Ubic to enhance the security of cash machine transactions using Google Glass. The system encrypts and protects users' PIN numbers, making it difficult for unauthorized individuals to spy on the transaction process.
A study identifies a key role for RBP4 in insulin resistance and inflammation of fat tissue, leading to an increased risk of diabetes. Researchers found that elevated RBP4 levels activate immune cells, triggering chronic inflammation and metabolic dysfunction.
New research by HHMI scientists shows that as temperatures rise in tropical regions, malaria can spread to populations at higher elevations previously unaffected. Without increased control measures, climate change will increase the burden of malaria, particularly in densely populated areas at higher elevations.
Researchers at MIT and ETH Zurich develop technique to measure river network change, finding some rivers shifting due to imbalance in drainage divides. The study suggests that regions like the southeastern US are experiencing river network movement due to tectonic activity.
Research reveals patients who see the same doctor over time are more likely to raise a range of health problems and issues during consultations. This is because the doctor has better knowledge of their medical history and can address more topics within available time frames.
Researchers developed a new component, Source-Gated-Transistor (SGT), to create ultra-lightweight and flexible gadgets. SGTs improve energy efficiency and reduce costs, making them ideal for next-generation electronic devices.
A new study predicts that most of Europe will experience higher warming than the global average if surface temperatures rise to 2 °C above pre-industrial levels. This could lead to increased evaporation and drought in regions like Spain, Portugal, and France, as well as more frequent extreme precipitation events and flood risks.
Group A streptococcus (GAS) infection can be life-threatening in pregnant women, with associated mortality rates of 30-50%. Dr. Brenna Anderson provides recommendations for rapid diagnosis and treatment of GAS infections in pregnant and postpartum women.
Scientists have identified issues with standard toxicity testing data used to inform dispersant decisions, highlighting the need for more accurate and comparable data. The current practices do not adequately replicate field conditions, such as sea state and weather, or consider exposure durations and concentrations.
A University of Colorado Boulder study has found that physicians' unconscious biases do not affect high blood pressure treatment for their minority patients. Despite earlier research showing a link between biases and lower patient ratings, the new study found no similar effect on treatment outcomes.
Researchers identify cannabinoid receptors in the central nucleus of the amygdala, a key emotional hub involved in regulating anxiety and stress responses. The discovery may help explain why marijuana users take the drug to reduce anxiety.
Researchers found that Asian immigrant parents pressure their children into conservative professions to avoid discrimination, stifling individual choices. Decoupling race and ethnicity from achievement could improve self-esteem among Asian Americans and others.
A new study reveals that a pool of dense particles in the magnetosphere can extend out to meet and block incoming solar material, adding an extra layer of protection for spacecraft. This process helps curb magnetic reconnection, allowing energy and solar material to cross the boundary into the magnetosphere.
Preschoolers outperformed college students in figuring out cause-and-effect relationships using an unconventional game, thanks to their flexible thinking and ability to consider unlikely possibilities. The study suggests that young children's exploratory learning skills can be leveraged to improve machine learning.
A randomized controlled trial by the University of Oxford found that higher levels of omega-3 DHA in the diet are associated with better sleep in healthy children. The study, which involved 362 children aged 7-9, showed that supplements improved sleep duration and reduced waking episodes.
A new report finds energy drink consumption among teenagers may be linked with poor mental health and substance use, with nearly two thirds reporting use in the past year. Younger high school students were more likely to consume energy drinks than older ones, highlighting a trend of concern.
A recent NIH study found that contact lenses are safer and just as effective as permanent lenses for infants under seven months old after cataract surgery. The study showed more post-surgical complications and repeat surgeries in the IOL group compared to the contact lens group.
A new study found that iron deficiency is associated with lower IQ scores and poorer higher-order thinking skills in children adopted from institutions. Children with more severe iron deficiency were more likely to have impaired cognitive functioning, regardless of their general cognitive ability.
Researchers found GPs, practice nurses, and managers uncertain about responding to domestic violence cases involving children, highlighting a need for clear guidance and training on the interface between domestic violence and child safeguarding.
Researchers propose a coordinated response plan to study the impacts of biomass burning and haze on Southeast Asian marine ecosystems. The study aims to gather baseline information to inform effective management of threatened marine ecosystems in the region.
A new noninvasive urine test can distinguish among different causes of acute kidney dysfunction in transplant recipients. The test measures messenger RNAs related to disease processes and may allow patients to avoid invasive kidney biopsies.
University of Missouri researchers have found that access to social workers can address veteran's needs and prevent entry into the criminal justice system. Social workers play a key role in treating veterans with multifaceted treatment plans tailored to their individual needs, reducing substance abuse and mental health issues.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute is leading a $7.4 million Army project to develop more durable and cost-effective alloys for military vehicles. The research will focus on designing lightweight alloys that can meet specific military needs, including strength, toughness, and fuel economy.
Researchers at UC San Diego have found that the health risks to pregnant women with a history of Kawasaki disease (KD) are low with proper management and care. The study, published in British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, also notes that the long-term risk for adults with KD is not known.
Margaret Cheung, a UH physicist, has been awarded the American Physical Society fellowship for her work on biophysics and its applications to cancer and Alzheimer's research. Her research focuses on understanding protein behavior in cells to develop novel therapeutic strategies.
Breast cancer patients with high vitamin D levels are twice as likely to survive the disease. Vitamin D receptors prevent tumor growth and expansion, leading to better survival rates in patients with high serum levels.
A recent study published in Developmental Science found that preschoolers (4-6 years old) can do basic algebra naturally, leveraging their Approximate Number System. The study used magic cups filled with objects to test children's ability to solve for a hidden variable.
The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) has selected six papers for the 2013 Cozzarelli Prize, honoring originality and excellence in scientific disciplines. The award recipients include studies on planetary formation, task-related 'cortical' bursting, and honey bee pathogen replication.
A new study published in Circulation reveals how changes in the organized cell membrane network of heart muscle leads to heart failure. Colchicine, a drug used for gout treatment, protects normal heart function by reducing microtubule density, while taxol accelerates damage during heart failure.
A novel approach integrating psychiatrists, psychologists, and telemedicine into primary care clinics significantly reduced psychiatric and general medical symptoms. The model has been shown to improve treatment outcomes and increase access to care for rural communities with limited mental health resources.
A recent perspective paper cautions about uncertainties in scientific evidence linking red and processed meat to increased cancer risk. The review discusses differences between animal studies and human data, suggesting that other foods may protect the gut from potential adverse effects of meat.
Researchers developed an algorithm to identify functional modules and relationships between metabolites, reactions, and enzymes in biochemical pathways. The tool enables life scientists to target their research efforts on critical groups most likely to improve our ability to understand and control important biological processes.
A new approach converts weak microwave signals into visible light for clean detection and reduces noise by a thousand times. This all-optical detection method is the first to achieve this at room temperature.
A new UC San Francisco study found that e-cigarettes are likely to be gateway devices for nicotine addiction among youth, opening up a new market for tobacco. The study of nearly 40,000 US teens discovered that e-cigarette use among middle and high school students doubled between 2011 and 2012.
Researchers found that a simple questionnaire predicting lung involvement improves patient outcomes in chronic graft-vs.-host disease. A score of 3 indicates shortness of breath at rest or requiring oxygen, associated with higher mortality. Early detection enables timely treatment to reduce symptoms and improve survival.
Sickle cell trait affects 3 million US citizens, with few aware of their status. Researchers call for improved communication of SCT results to primary care clinicians and genetic counseling on reproductive options
A team of computer scientists from Saarland University has developed a software system called Privada, which enables website owners to collect user data while protecting individual privacy. The system uses multi-party computation and perturbation to ensure that only trends in the aggregated statistic are preserved.
Researchers at Fraunhofer Institute for Secure Information Technology SIT showcase security tools to protect manufacturing data from unauthorized access. The software application encrypts data as it emerges, ensuring only licensed actions are executed.
Bacterial community composition at two beaches shows distinct differences but also similarities, suggesting regional human impact variations. Higher bacterial diversity at one site indicates better ecological health and resiliency to sewage contamination.
A study by Florida State University researchers found that frequent Facebook use is associated with higher levels of disordered eating in college women. Women who received more comments and likes on their status updates reported the highest levels of disordered eating.
Researchers have applied innovative approaches to art analysis, including infrared imaging, thermography, and spectroscopy, to uncover the origins of paintings and detect forgeries. These non-destructive techniques have proven valuable in conserving priceless works of art.
Researchers at UCLA have made major improvements in computer processing using multiferroic magnetic materials, reducing wasted heat and increasing power efficiency by up to 1,000 times. This breakthrough could make future devices more energy-efficient than current technologies.