Researchers at MIT and Maynooth University developed a mathematical framework to calculate the minimum-security guarantees for any given encryption scheme. This allows information managers to make more informed decisions about how to protect data. The framework also applies to data privacy, enabling the modification or structuring of a...
Scientists have developed a new method to isolate plant nuclear DNA from organellar DNA using the human methyl-binding domain. This approach enables rapid and simple separation of genome sequences, reducing wasted data and increasing efficiency in genomic studies.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill have developed a genetic strain of mice that accurately reflect human Ebola symptoms. The new mouse model enables rapid development of potential vaccines and treatments, addressing the global public health crisis caused by Ebola.
A study of 517 mothers found that nearly 15% had taken recreational drugs during pregnancy, and mothers of babies with brain birth defects were more likely to have used drugs. The study suggests a link between brain birth defects and recreational drug use in expectant mothers.
Synthetic lethality harnesses genetic differences between tumor cells and normal cells to minimize side effects on normal cells, while maximizing drug effects on cancer cells. This approach has shown promising results in treating breast cancer patients with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations.
Scientists found that oxygen levels during the Proterozoic period were only 0.1% of today's conditions, making it difficult for animal life to emerge. This new study suggests that low oxygen levels may have delayed the rise of animals on Earth.
Michigan AHEC will use the funds to develop its infrastructure, promote health career preparation initiatives, and provide clinical experiences for underrepresented minorities. The goal is to address primary care shortages in underserved communities across Michigan.
Dr. Schoggins has received a $2.385 million NIH New Innovator Award to pursue research on why bats can harbor numerous viruses without getting sick. The award supports his lab's work in understanding the science behind this phenomenon.
A study published in Molecular Neurodegeneration finds that tau, not amyloid-beta plaque, causes neuronal death in Alzheimer's disease. The researchers suggest that remaining Abeta inside the neuron destroys cells, while malfunctioning tau prevents cells from clearing toxic proteins.
Researchers have discovered fungal genes associated with the devastating witches' broom disease of the chocolate tree. The study identified 1,967 unique genes and 8,617 fungal genes active in infected green brooms, providing a new basis for developing targeted treatments.
Cancer cells use genetic circuits as a three-way switch to form both cancer stem cells and circulating tumor cells, leading to metastasis. Researchers found significant correspondence between the operation of these two switches, suggesting a mechanism that would confer 'stemness' on hybrid cancer cells.
Researchers have successfully triggered the self-destruct process in lung cancer cells, paving the way for a new treatment approach that leaves healthy cells unharmed. The breakthrough was achieved using a combination of two drugs, TRAIL and a CDK9 inhibitor, which altered the molecular switches in the cell suicide process.
A new study suggests that fleet diversity is crucial for successful fishery management, particularly in fisheries targeting multiple species. By promoting balanced catches across species, diverse fishing fleets can increase overall profits while reducing overfishing of slow-growing species.
The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) will cease science operations in April 2015, ending 17 years of rainfall and storm monitoring. The satellite's instruments, including the Precipitation Radar, have provided critical insights into precipitation patterns and their impact on climate, weather, and natural disasters.
The HMS Center for Biomedical Informatics has received two major government grants totaling nearly $28 million. Researchers will create a platform merging electronic health records with genomic data to gain deeper insights into neuropsychiatric illness diagnosis and treatment.
A new study published in PLOS ONE shows that the bladderwrack's defense system against bacterial foulers works even at high temperatures and long periods of darkness. The seaweed's production of defensive compounds decreases under changed light or temperature conditions, but the overall defense remains effective.
Tuolumne Meadows was formed due to preferential glacial erosion of fractured bedrock, resulting in a unique landscape. The study found that tabular fracture clusters played a crucial role in shaping the meadow's topography.
Tropical Cyclone Nilofar weakened and was pushed northeast by strong southwesterly wind shear, resulting in the demise of the storm. The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer aboard NASA's Aqua satellite captured an image on October 31 showing the remnants of the cyclone's clouds and showers being pushed away from its center.
A University of Iowa study found that planting trees in urban areas does not guarantee an increase in insect populations, despite attracting species. The researchers surveyed tree species and insect abundance, concluding that built environments can limit diversity by impeding insects' ability to interact with other trees.
Researchers found a correlation between depression and certain acoustic properties in patients' speech, including breathier tone and increased jitter and shimmer. A phone app could use this information to analyze patients' speech and provide feedback and support.
A new lab device developed by Johns Hopkins engineers provides a clear view of how tumor cells spread through the body, causing over 90% of cancer-related deaths. By studying the movement of individual cancer cells, researchers aim to uncover new ways to keep cancer in check and develop effective treatment strategies.
A team of researchers from Texas is studying the impact of urban noises on captive rhinoceros reproduction. They found that infrasonic sounds, often unnoticed by humans, could be distressing for the animals, negatively impacting their health. To mitigate this effect, zoos can implement simple strategies such as sound-absorbing barriers...
The MAX IV facility in Lund, Sweden is developing a storage-ring synchrotron system that will enable new experiments requiring high source brightness and transverse coherence. The system's design challenges include compact magnets and low-vacuum chambers, which require innovative solutions to overcome technical issues.
The Prevention Research Center for Healthy Neighborhoods at Case Western Reserve University has won a $4.35 million grant renewal to support its efforts in designing and disseminating interventions that prevent chronic disease in urban neighborhoods. The center's collaboration with the Health Improvement Partnership-Cuyahoga County and...
Researchers analyzed Twitter conversations and found that the platform's structure favors influential users with many followers. Ordinary users can gain retweets by increasing their activity, but it's inefficient. The study confirms that network position, not effort, is key to influence on Twitter.
Researchers discovered a previously unknown dense rock structure in the Earth's crust beneath Chile, influencing the size of a massive earthquake. The structure played a key role in slowing down the rupture, generating stronger shaking at the surface.
Avivagen has discovered a natural compound, OxC-Beta, that can support immune function and prevent disease in livestock. The product is formed by the full oxidation of beta-carotene and has been shown to be effective against bacterial infections.
Researchers have identified unique molecular fingerprints for 11 types of children's tumours, which could be used to develop blood tests to diagnose these cancers. This may eventually lead to a quicker and more accurate way to diagnose tumours.
Researchers reconstituted cytokinesis, the final stage of cell division, using a cell-free system. The system mimics how the cleavage furrow is assembled, with signals directing molecular traffic. This breakthrough expands the scope of study and enables spatial manipulation of components.
The study found that 33% of high school seniors support full legalization, while 28.5% believe it should be treated as a minor violation. High school seniors who identify as female, black or Hispanic, and reside in urban areas are more likely to favor liberal marijuana policies.
Researchers found that ravens with established alliances target those trying to form new ones, using a sophisticated 'divide and rule' strategy. This behavior was observed in approximately 300 wild ravens in the Northern Austrian Alps, demonstrating a high level of social complexity.
Researchers found that macrophages, thought to be HIV's long-term hideout, are actually short-lived in primate model. The study suggests that therapeutic strategies targeting infected macrophages could facilitate viral elimination.
NASA's Suomi NPP satellite captured a ghostly-white image of Tropical Depression Nuri on October 31. The storm has high thunderstorms with cold cloud top temperatures and is expected to curve northwest before turning northeast over the next couple of days.
Researchers developed a method to process ultrasound data in small, handheld instruments that can provide fast and convenient medical information. This technology could enable people with muscular dystrophy to monitor the effectiveness of their medication on a smartphone.
Tropical Storm Vance strengthened overnight and was named on Oct. 30, with its center exhibiting strong thunderstorms in a false-colored infrared image that resembles a pumpkin, NASA's Terra satellite captured the unusual sight. The storm is expected to strengthen gradually and potentially become a hurricane in 2 to 3 days.
The November issue of Frontiers in Ecology and Environment presents research on connectivity cost calculations for conservation corridors, agricultural companions that improve yields, and the consequences of growing jellyfish populations for human well-being.
A team from the Broad Institute, UC Berkeley, and UC Santa Cruz was awarded a NCI Cancer Genomics Cloud Pilot contract to build a system enabling large-scale analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets. The project aims to democratize access to computational tools and facilitate collaboration across the cancer genomics community.
A new, inexpensive tidal simulator allows researchers to study the effects of added nutrients and salt on salt marsh plant growth in a controlled setting. The device enables the investigation of tidal marsh plant growth with minimal space and cost, opening new doors for wetland research.
The largest sunspot of the solar cycle, AR 12192, was tracked by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory. The active region produced six X-class flares and four strong M-class flares, with the largest flare reaching X3.1 intensity. Despite the intense activity, no coronal mass ejections were observed.
Researchers are using ant behavior to develop a new method for verifying complex electronic designs. By applying swarm intelligence, these methods can efficiently search large spaces and reduce the computational cost of traditional approaches.
A University of Adelaide-led project has developed a new test that can identify vaccinated birds with live H5N1 virus, preventing the spread of emerging strains. This breakthrough could help track and control the highly contagious avian influenza virus.
A new report from The Gerontological Society of America highlights the importance of advance directives in securing appropriate advanced illness care. It presents new models and tools that family members and providers can use to provide person- and family-centered care, which may be cost-effective.
Researchers at Harvard University have developed a method to efficiently deliver genome-editing proteins into cells, bypassing the need for DNA delivery. The new system uses commercially-available cationic lipids to introduce proteins into cells, offering hope for treating genetic diseases, including deafness.
Cyprus faced a €17 billion bailout after a 100% GDP increase and bank bail. Overconfidence led to poor choices in public finances, delays in EU assistance, and unsustainable policies.
A new analysis suggests a massive tectonic shift may have led to the sudden appearance of almost all modern animal groups, contradicting Charles Darwin's hypothesis of gradual evolution. Fossil records from the Cambrian explosion document rapid evolution of life on Earth.
Researchers detected Giardia duodenalis in mussels near coastal areas where California Sea Lions lounge, suggesting a potential public health risk. The study highlights the importance of testing filter-feeding shellfish to detect waterborne pathogens.
A new study suggests that insomnia is a major contributor to deaths caused by motor vehicle crashes and other unintentional fatal injuries. People with three insomnia symptoms were 2.8 times more likely to die from a fatal injury, highlighting the importance of healthy sleep for personal health and public safety.
Researchers found that proton therapy costs comparable to traditional radiation therapies, challenging the assumption that it's more expensive. The study suggests that insurance coverage should be considered, enabling patients to participate in clinical research.
Researchers define sexual deviation by identifying common and rare fantasies in a general population survey. The study found that men have more and more vivid fantasies than women, while women distinguish between fantasy and desire more clearly.
Researchers are developing new tests to track changes in cognitive functioning of people with intellectual disabilities, including those with Fragile X and Down syndromes. The tests will assess processing speed, memory, attention, and language skills.
Researchers found that different bat species form separate social groups in adjacent woodland areas, with mixed-sex and male-female groups differing in structure. This study has significant implications for bat conservation as it shows bats may not be able to move to another area if a section of woodland is felled.
Researchers found that vibratory stimulation applied to the soles of the feet using piezoelectric technology significantly improves balance by reducing postural sway and gait variability. The study participants showed a persistent improvement in performance on timed tests, indicating potential benefits for fall prevention.
Newborn rats showed increased uptake of vitamin A in tissues beyond the liver after supplementation, providing insight into neonatal nutritional needs. This research could inform evidence-based dietary recommendations to reduce infant mortality in developing countries.
The 21st Eastern Pacific tropical depression, TD 21E, formed far south of Acapulco, Mexico. Maximum sustained winds near 35 mph are expected to slowly strengthen over the next 48 hours.
Scientists successfully reconstructed a patterned piece of spinal cord in 3-D culture using mouse embryonic stem cells. The study demonstrates the potential for in vitro growth of spinal cord structures and shows correct spatial organization of motor neurons, interneurons, and dorsal interneurons along the dorsal/ventral axis.
A study analyzing Medicare claims found that biopsies accounted for 43.1% of $38.3 million in diagnostic costs for patients with ultimately negative lung cancer diagnoses. Lung biopsies were also the most expensive test, with a median cost of $3,784 and an average cost including complications of $37,745.
A deadly fungus, Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans, is threatening wild populations of fire salamanders in Europe and may reach the US through international trade. Scientists are warning that the fungus could have devastating effects on North America's salamander biodiversity.
Scientists at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution discover evidence of water on Earth dating back to the planet's formation. The findings suggest that Earth formed as a wet planet with water on its surface.
Seizures and migraines have long been considered separate events, but a new study reveals a surprising connection between the two. By applying fundamental physics principles to an older theory of brain electricity, researchers found that seizures and spreading depression are part of a spectrum of nerve cell behavior.
The 2014 Semantic Web Challenge was won by three teams: Mining the Web of Linked Data with RapidMiner, Enabling Live Exploration on The Graph of Things, and DIVE into the Event-Based Browsing of Linked Historical Media. The Big Data Track was won by Extending Tables with Data from over a million websites.