Research reveals that annual plant growth in drylands is severely affected by droughts, but the ability to recover varies depending on the type of ecosystem and grazing regime. The study found that perennial plants dominate areas with higher drought resistance and lower recovery potential.
A new study published by the American Chemical Society finds that switching to cleaner heating oils could prevent up to 290 premature deaths and 550 emergency room visits in New York City annually. The study estimates that emissions reductions would benefit high-poverty neighborhoods the most.
A study by University of Northern British Columbia researchers found that drivers just older than the legal drinking age had a significant increase in motor vehicle crashes compared to those immediately under the restriction. Raising the drinking age to 19 years could prevent up to 583 police-reported collisions per year.
A new model suggests that intensive agriculture is the primary reason for increased seasonal oscillations in carbon dioxide, with average annual increase of 0.3 percent. The 'Green Revolution' farming practices are boosting atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, leading to a stronger seasonal cycle.
A new study by researchers at Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute found no increased risk of breast cancer in women taking calcium channel blocker medications. The study, which analyzed over 3,700 women with long-term use of the medication, showed a minimal increase in risk and a 50% reduced risk in some cases.
Researchers found that mastectomies increased by 3.5% among women with early-stage breast cancer, with younger women more likely to undergo the procedure. The study also showed a significant rise in bilateral mastectomies and breast reconstruction procedures.
Scientists have found a biological indicator that can predict which women without BRCA1/2 mutations will respond well to the PARP inhibitor rucaparib. The biomarker is related to genomic loss of heterozygosity, and its presence indicates that patients with ovarian cancers may benefit from treatment.
Research found that Pseudomonas aeruginosa uses a sense of touch to detect hosts, allowing it to initiate infection without relying on chemical signals. The bacteria's ability to infect is linked to the PilY1 protein, which can be targeted for treatment.
Researchers at San Francisco State University have discovered that Hox genes are employed in the development of a range of vertebrate features beyond fins and limbs. The study reveals that this ancient genetic program is utilized in patterns such as barbels, vents, and claspers, expanding our view of its role in morphological diversity.
A new study reveals that crop productivity has increased by as much as 25% over the past five decades, contributing to a 50% rise in CO2 seasonality. The research highlights the impact of human activities on the Earth's atmosphere, particularly through intensive agricultural management.
Researchers have successfully treated cervical cancer patients with a combination of cidofovir and chemoradiation without increased toxic side effects. The treatment resulted in tumour shrinkage and complete response in 80% of patients, making it a promising new approach for HPV-related cancers.
A study by Brown University researchers found that older adults exhibit plasticity in their white matter, a different part of the brain than younger learners. This contradicts the long-held assumption that learning becomes more difficult with age.
A month-long residential program with strong linkage to community-based follow-up care enabled almost 30% of opioid-dependent participants to remain abstinent a year later. This study suggests that abstinence-focused, 12-step residential treatment may be a viable alternative to outpatient approaches for young adults.
Scientists have identified three proteins - GapA, CrmA and Mgc2 - essential for the gliding mechanism of Mycoplasma gallisepticum. This discovery could lead to developing a vaccine by targeting non-motile, non-pathogenic bacteria.
A small study found that home exercise can significantly reduce feelings of hopelessness in patients with coronary heart disease. Patients who walked or biked at home for at least three days a week experienced a 12% reduction in state hopelessness scores, even when considering other factors such as depression.
Researchers established induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells from Werner syndrome fibroblasts, which can be used for drug discovery and gene therapy. The iPS cells have recovered telomeric abnormalities and similar expression levels of aging-related genes as normal iPS cells.
Researchers developed a comprehensive model to describe photoexcited thin-film lattice dynamics, clarifying the physical and chemical properties of materials. The study used ultrafast X-ray diffraction to analyze the atomic movements in a crystal structure.
In 1966, Roger Penrose won the prestigious Adams Prize for his essay on space-time structure, while Steven Hawking received an auxiliary prize for his essay on singularities and spacetime geometry. These early awards laid the foundation for their later work on cosmology and black holes.
Researchers have developed a computational model to design fusion proteins that target cancer cells while minimizing harm to healthy cells. The model predicts the behavior of these proteins and can help identify promising candidates for drug testing.
A randomized clinical trial found that perineal self-acupressure helped participants break up hard stools, relax muscles, and stimulate nerves responsible for bowel movements. 72% of patients reported improvement in their constipation symptoms after performing the technique for four weeks.
Researchers discovered that cocaine users experience abnormal blood flow in the smallest blood vessels, putting them at risk for heart complications. This microvascular dysfunction may not be detected by regular testing, highlighting the need for more research on this understudied population.
Grigorchuk's influential paper introduced a new class of groups with counterintuitive results, expanding the field of geometric group theory. His discovery has had significant impacts on various areas, including fractals, dynamical systems, spectral theory, and finite automata.
The new regulations, while improving some aspects of school meals, may not address the root issue of processed carbohydrates and added sugars. Researchers recommend expanding requirements to limit added sugars and processed foods to ensure carbohydrate quality.
A new study examines the concept of 'femtorisks,' which refers to seemingly small-scale events that can trigger major crises due to interconnections in complex systems. The researchers suggest a model drawing on biological systems to adapt to unpredictable threats, and emphasize the importance of flexible governance.
A Penn-led team discovered that a specific set of cells in the brain are responsible for memory problems after sleep loss. By increasing levels of a signaling molecule, they prevented mice from having memory deficits.
Case Western Reserve researchers develop a procedure that restores breathing function in paralyzed muscles even after a year of injury. The treatment approach combines enzyme injection and intermittent hypoxia therapy to boost serotonin levels, reactivating the diaphragm and restoring normal breathing.
Researchers found that Losartan, an angiotensin receptor blocker, is as effective as beta blockers in slowing the growth of the aorta in patients with Marfan syndrome. The study included 608 patients and showed similar rates of tears in the aorta and no difference in deaths between the two groups.
A study by Indiana University researchers found nearly 60% of Latino adolescents experienced depression, with those having moderate acculturative stress being 10 times more likely to have depression. A yearlong program boosting self-mastery and resiliency is being developed to address this issue.
A study by Indiana University researcher Uzay Kirbiyik found that younger and male drivers in larger vehicles are more likely to survive head-on collisions. The study also revealed that vehicle inequities, such as weight and rigidity, contribute significantly to driver fatalities.
A new study found a strong link between environmental exposure to peanut protein during infancy and an allergic response to peanuts in children who have eczema early in life. Exposure to peanut in dust doubled the risk of peanut allergy, particularly in children with a history of eczema.
Researchers at PTB compared caesium and ytterbium atomic clocks, finding no detectable change in the mass ratio of protons to electrons up to a relative uncertainty of one part in ten million per year. This suggests fundamental constants remain stable over long periods.
Antonio Luque will receive the Karl W. Börner Solar Energy Medal of Merit at a ceremony on March 13, 2015. Luque is being recognized for his work in developing high-efficiency solar cells and stimulating the adoption of renewable energy in Spain.
A phase I trial of AG-120, an oral inhibitor of mutant IDH1, has shown clinical activity in patients with advanced acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and the IDH1 mutation. The drug reduced 2-HG levels to normal, allowing cells to mature into normal functioning cells.
A new study suggests that adding mitral valve repair to coronary artery bypass grafting does not significantly improve patient outcomes. The trial found no differences in mortality, readmissions, or quality of life between the two groups at one year.
A study of American women aged 45-55 found that soy helps alleviate hot flashes in those whose bodies can produce equol, a soy metabolite. Women with the most soy in their diet experienced 76% fewer hot flashes compared to those with less soy intake.
Researchers used big data to identify crizotinib as a possible new coating for drug-eluting stents, which could reduce in-stent stenosis without affecting the endothelium. The study found that crizotinib reduced plaque buildup in blood vessels and prevented the narrowing of arteries after stenting.
A study led by NYU Langone Medical Center found that a mother's soothing presence can alter gene activity in an infant's brain, reducing pain and promoting emotional development. This research offers new insights into the short-term effects of maternal caregiving on a developing brain.
A study found that youths with a family history of substance use disorders have impaired forebrain function, which may contribute to their increased risk of developing substance-use disorders. Forebrain regions responsible for decision-making and impulse control showed less efficient activity in those with a family history.
Dartmouth researchers have created an AI software that uses images to locate documents on the internet with greater accuracy than ever before. The system, tested on over 600 search queries, shows a 30% improvement in precision over traditional text-based search engines.
A new study reveals that computer-based cognitive training can improve memory, speed, and visuospatial skills in older adults. However, self-directed brain training at home has no therapeutic effect on cognition. Training frequency is also crucial, with one to three sessions per week being most effective.
A new study analyzes individual results and population-level data to clear the paradox of faster heart attack treatment times. The findings show that treating more complex patients with emergency angioplasty and stents appears to be why mortality hasn't decreased with reduced door-to-balloon time.
Researchers suggest using shallow detectors on Earth's surface or in areas with low energy loss to detect dark matter signals. This approach aims to reduce background noise from cosmic radiation and increase the chances of detecting dark matter particles.
Researchers found better health outcomes in Nigerian city of Ibadan compared to Baltimore and Johannesburg, where teens reported high rates of mental health problems, substance use, and violence. In contrast, New Delhi teens reported little depression and cigarette smoking.
A systematic review found that computerized cognitive training (CCT) has a small overall effect on performance of cognitive tests, particularly for nonverbal and verbal skills. Training completed under supervision showed positive outcomes, while training alone was ineffective.
The new software analyzes the life-cycle of products and their carbon and water footprint, allowing producers to improve management and reduce environmental impact. The tool provides a web platform for companies to calculate 15 environmental indicators and link their results with improvement guidelines.
Researchers have discovered ferroptosis, a regulated form of necrosis that occurs in various pathological conditions. Ferroptosis inhibitors, such as Liproxstatin-1, offer novel therapeutic opportunities to mitigate diseases previously thought to be untreatable.
A new study by University of Oregon geologist Edward B. Davis and colleagues found that fossil records of five ancient mammalian species point to weaknesses in ecological niche models and hindcasting methods used to predict future animal and plant habitats.
Victor Kac will be awarded the 2015 AMS Steele Prize for his groundbreaking contributions to Lie Theory, a powerful means for extracting simple structures from complicated mathematical objects. His work has had a significant impact in nearly every area of mathematics and physics, particularly in the development of Kac-Moody algebras.
Debora Rodrigues, assistant professor at the University of Houston, has received the Emerging Investigator award from the Sustainable Nanotechnology Organization for her pioneering contributions to sustainable nanotechnology. She was recognized for her outstanding research in water purification and treatment using nanomaterials.
A global surge in ADHD diagnoses is attributed to marketing trends and the increasing use of biological psychiatry, rather than medical needs. The study found that countries with more lax pharmaceutical laws and adoption of American-based diagnostic standards are seeing a rise in ADHD diagnoses.
A new treatment for Marfan syndrome, losartan, has shown comparable effectiveness to the commonly prescribed medication atenolol in managing heart issues. The study found no evidence that losartan is superior to atenolol but offers a reasonable alternative for patients who can't take beta blockers.
Patients with advanced papillary kidney cancer respond well to a combination of bevacizumab and erlotinib, with excellent response rates and long-lasting results. The treatment shows promise for patients with hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer (HLRCC) who have poor prognosis.
Researchers at SUNY Downstate Health Science University found that Neanderthal nasal complexes were not adaptively inferior to those of modern humans. The study suggests competition with Homo sapiens led to their extinction, rather than poor adaptation to cold climate.
Researchers at Imperial College London have discovered the mechanisms behind 'Mexican waves' in the brain, which play a key role in cognitive function. The study sheds light on how inhibitory neurons use different communication processes to excitatory neurons.
Researchers have developed a new method to sequence Ebola virus genomes, reducing contaminating human RNA from 80% to less than 0.5%. The approach has been proven effective in the rapid sequencing of nearly 100 patient blood samples with a turnaround time of 10 days.
Tropical Cyclone Adjali developed a distinctive 'tail' of thunderstorms extending south of its center, captured by NASA's MODIS instrument on November 18. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center noted weakening bands of storms spiraling into the low-level center.
Research suggests that spices and herbs, such as cinnamon and garlic, can lower triglyceride levels in the blood, which can lead to a reduced risk of heart disease. The use of high-antioxidant spice blends may be a potential way to reduce calorie intake without sacrificing flavor.
Researchers found reduced white matter tracts in abstinent alcoholics compared to healthy light drinkers. Chronic drinking may particularly damage frontal white matter tracts, interfering with cognitive and inhibitory control.
Researchers from Drexel University presented various public health topics at the American Public Health Association meeting in 2014. Amy Carroll-Scott's session focused on understanding and building resilience for healthier communities, while Nicole Vaughn's work explored supporting community leaders in high-crime neighborhoods.
A significant increase in life-threatening heart infections has been identified, alongside a notable decrease in antibiotic prescriptions for dental patients. The study, published in The Lancet, reveals 35 extra cases per month in the UK and an 89% fall in prescribed antibiotics.