A new study reveals that only five percent of the world's pre-agricultural primary forest cover is found in protected areas, with most forests under threat from industrial logging, mining, and agriculture. Experts call for international policies to reduce pressure on primary forests, preserving their biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Scientists at Washington State University have discovered a critical step in the DNA repair process that could lead to new therapies for hereditary diseases. They found that a specific protein must be 'unbuckled' to allow easy access for the DNA repair crew, and this discovery may lead to targeted gene therapy.
Researchers discovered that innate lymphoid cells become activated during inflammation, inducing specific T and B cell responses. These findings open up new avenues for treating infection and chronic inflammation.
Researchers discovered a subset of microRNAs that regulate sex differences in fruit flies, with implications for understanding human developmental defects and disease. The study found that these small RNA molecules orchestrate complex genetic programs that shape the structures distinguishing males and females.
Scientists at the Max Planck Institute re-activated an ancient gene, FOXN4, which led to the development of a fish-like thymus in mice. This finding suggests that the immune system's core organs may have evolved from a common ancestor with jawed fish.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine found that aspirin prompts the production of 15-HETE, which converts to lipoxin to reverse inflammation. This discovery may lead to new anti-inflammatory therapies by developing drugs based on lipoxin analogues.
Two American missionaries who contracted Ebola virus in West Africa deserve special treatment for their selfless act of caring for infected patients. The author argues that limiting experimental treatment to these two patients is necessary due to the ethical concerns of exploiting vulnerable individuals during a public health outbreak.
A study by Ervin Matthew found significant income gaps between racial groups, with blacks earning $5,700 less than whites, Hispanics $3,200 less, and Asians $3,200 more. Despite controlling for socioeconomic status and education, these gaps persisted, highlighting ongoing inequality.
Researchers found microbes actively contribute to dripstone formation, with layers mirroring seasonal changes. The discovery sheds light on the role of biological life in shaping Earth's geology and has implications for understanding microbial life beyond Earth.
Researchers at MIPT and RAS made a significant step towards creating medical nanorobots by enabling nanoparticles to produce logical calculations. The discovery paves the way for biomedical technologies, including selective binding to target cells and analyzing biological materials.
A sociology professor presented research on how ex-inmates cope with life after prison, finding that those who successfully transition address internalized anger and use it as motivation to redeem themselves. The study highlights the importance of considering unique stigma faced by this population in reentry efforts.
Research suggests that happiness is an attainable goal for some schizophrenia patients, associated with positive psychological and social attributes like resilience and optimism. A study found that 37% of patients reported being happy all or most of the time, regardless of severity, duration, or socioeconomic factors.
Researchers at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine discovered that dasatinib causes cancer cells to clump together, preventing metastasis. The drug targets a protein called BCR-ABL found in various malignancies, including breast and skin cancers.
A University of Oregon team, with NSF support, is building a computational model to probe the influence of forest governance and climate on deadly insect infestations. The research aims to improve existing knowledge on mountain pine beetle infestation by identifying large-scale patterns of forest change under various scenarios.
Researchers found that plastic handle needles are less prone to buckling than copper coil handle needles, reducing the need for stainless steel wires. Replacing copper coil handles with plastic ones could save up to 100 tonnes of copper wires and 20 million meters of medical grade stainless steel every year.
Fenofibrate cuts cardiovascular disease risks by 30 per cent in women with type-2 diabetes, a five-year study reveals. The drug also reduces the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease or having a stroke by 30 per cent in women and 13 per cent in men.
A new UCLA-led research study has found that racial and ethnic minorities who receive implantable devices to treat heart failure derive the same substantial survival benefit as white patients. The study, involving over 15,000 patients, monitored two years of data from a registry to improve heart failure therapies in outpatient settings.
A study by University of Kansas researcher Argun Saatcioglu found that states with higher African-American populations and larger class sizes tend to teach more skills in early years, but reduce them later. This shift may be linked to a drop in state assessment scores and perpetuating inequality within disadvantaged communities.
A University of Utah-led study identifies a genetic variation in Tibetans that contributes to their adaptation to high altitudes. The EGLN1 gene change protects Tibetans from complications caused by low oxygen levels, allowing them to thrive in thin air.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have identified the immune cells responsible for destroying hair follicles in people with alopecia areata. A small number of patients showed complete hair regrowth after treatment with an FDA-approved drug, JAK inhibitors, which eliminated attacking T cells and restored hair growth.
A recent study has found that a rare genetic mutation in the DISC1 gene can corrupt neural connections, leading to disruptions in brain circuitry. The research, published in Nature, used induced pluripotent stem cells to model the effects of the mutation on human neurons.
A new study from Stanford Medicine explains how children's brains reorganize themselves as they learn math facts. The research found that the hippocampus plays a crucial role in building a schema for mathematical knowledge and provides a scaffold for learning and consolidating facts into long-term memory.
Researchers found that an inside-out vein graft filled with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) improved sciatic nerve function in rats compared to traditional autografting. The study showed increased myelination, axon diameter, and myelin sheath formation in PRP-filled vein grafts.
An Indiana University study found that temporary worker visas do not guarantee better jobs or wages for Mexican immigrants. In fact, these legal workers often earn less than undocumented immigrants, who can improve their situation by changing jobs or negotiating for better pay.
Researchers have discovered a definitive link between ancient worm-like creature Hallucigenia and modern velvet worms. A new study reveals that claws play a crucial role in the connection between these two groups, shedding light on the evolutionary tree of life.
People with schizophrenia struggle to convert desires into actions due to brain deficits affecting the caudate region. This impairment prevents them from making choices and behaving accordingly. The study's findings suggest that schizophrenics are 'stuck in neutral', wanting a normal life but unable to take necessary steps.
The OncoFinder algorithm reduces errors in transcriptome analysis by mapping gene expression onto signalling pathways, allowing for more effective evaluation and analysis. The method enables scientists to characterise functional states of transcriptomes more accurately, improving research and clinical applications.
A study by Susan R. Fisk found that women's anxiety in risky situations leads to worse task performance and lower grades than men, even when they have the same ability in non-risky settings.
A federal law aimed at reducing the use of 'club drugs' has failed, and instead put users at greater risk due to reduced access to safety measures like medical help and free water. The RAVE Act, enacted in 2003, targeted club owners but hindered their ability to provide necessary services.
Researchers have discovered strong evidence that epigenetic changes play a role in Alzheimer's disease, with specific DNA modifications linked to neuropathology. The study provides potential hope for understanding the mechanisms involved in dementia and highlights the importance of epigenetics research.
Researchers have shed new light on the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process in cancer cells, using a microengineered device that acts as an obstacle course for cells. The study reveals that EMT upgrades cancer cells from an economy model to a fast sports car, allowing them to migrate aggressively to distant locations.
A team of scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory developed a new algorithm to analyze genome sequences and pinpoint insertion and deletion mutations involved in diseases. They successfully identified indels associated with autism and obsessive-compulsive disorder, shedding light on the genetic causes of these disorders.
A new approach measures the combined impact of climate and land use on biodiversity risk, highlighting areas vulnerable to losses in ecosystem function. The study suggests that regions like the Great Plains and Northeast US will face increased risks due to the combined effects of climate and land use change.
Researchers used ultrasound to monitor chitosan nerve conduits in rats, revealing unsatisfactory complications and degradation modes. This non-invasive technique enhances the assessment of nerve conduit outcomes, advancing peripheral nerve tissue engineering.
Scientists have successfully used a protection effect to enhance the stability of a promising quantum system, allowing for longer storage times. This breakthrough opens up new applications for hybrid quantum systems and could lead to ultrafast quantum computers.
Astronomers have accurately measured a rare black hole about 400 times the mass of our sun in a galaxy 12 million light years from Earth. The finding confirms the existence of intermediate-mass black holes, which were previously disputed due to lack of data.
A team of scientists analyzed a gorge on the Da'an Chi river in Taiwan over almost ten years, revealing a new mechanism that drives this process. Downstream sweep erosion is caused by a wide braided channel upstream, which gradually washes away bedrock surrounding the gorge.
A study by University of Washington sociologist Sarah Diefendorf found that young evangelical Christian men who pledged abstinence before marriage struggled with sexual temptation and confusion once married. The men reported feeling pressured to maintain control over sex and struggling to discuss it with their wives.
A recent study using stem cells found that a rare genetic variation, known as DISC1, reduces synapse growth in young brain cells, contributing to schizophrenia and depression. The researchers also discovered that the variation regulates the activity of over 100 genes related to synapses.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital discovered that early changes in brain DNA methylation are involved in Alzheimer's disease. The study found correlations between methylation levels and Alzheimer's disease in specific genes, suggesting a potential role for epigenomic modifications in disease susceptibility.
A recent study by Indiana University researcher Samuel Kye found that suburban neighborhoods with a growing number of middle-class minority residents experience high levels of white flight and segregation. Despite their affluent status, these 'ethnoburbs' have lost a steady flow of white residents over the past 20 years.
A study by Indiana University found that people's attitudes towards same-sex and straight couples differ based on the notion of love, affecting what rights they think each couple deserves. The study suggests that portraying gay couples as loving can gain them more support in the gay rights movement.
Researchers found that while blue-collar workers in male-dominated occupations are more likely to be laid off, frontline healthcare jobs offer better pay and stability. Men without a college degree may benefit from entering these high-growth, technically-advanced positions.
A study by University of Iowa researchers found that working parents in jobs perceived as weak or impersonal are more stressed than those in occupations seen as caring and strong like parenting. The discrepancy between the occupation's cultural meaning and parental identity contributes to psychological well-being.
A Purdue University study found that peer associations, access points to drugs, and motivations to have a good time with friends are linked to increased prescription drug misuse. The research, conducted among 404 young adults aged 18-29, suggests that prevention efforts should focus on these subtle components rather than peer pressure.
A recent study by the British Geological Survey has analyzed the bone and tooth chemistry of King Richard III, revealing a change in diet and location in his early childhood and later life. The research suggests that Richard had a high status diet with expensive food and drink when he became king.
A study by University of Michigan researchers found that social and demographic factors, such as college graduates and diverse populations, contribute to the growth of gourmet food trucks. The study also reveals that cities with more craft breweries and farmer's markets tend to have more food trucks.
Researchers at UC Berkeley identified a 'getting-by girls' subculture that skims the academic line, relying on minimal effort to maintain B-average report cards. This high school culture clashes with upper-middle-class values of striving and individual advancement.
Research found that cholecystokinin octapeptide-8 (CCK-8) protects human retinal pigment epithelial cells by suppressing apoptosis triggered by peroxynitrite. The study suggests a potential therapeutic role for CCK-8 in treating age-related macular degeneration.
A new study by UC Irvine finds that parental incarceration is associated with increased risk of attention deficit disorder, behavioral problems, learning disabilities, and developmental delays in children. Children with incarcerated parents are more likely to experience health disadvantages than those with divorced or deceased parents.
A study of middle-aged married women found that most (67%) were seeking affairs due to a desire for more romantic passion, including sex. However, none of the women wanted to leave their husbands, instead expressing love and commitment to them.
Researchers found that HSP72 protects retinal ganglion cells and lateral geniculate body in a rat model of chronic ocular hypertension from injury by blocking the activation of the stress-activated kinase/c-Jun N-terminal kinase apoptotic pathway. Zinc sulfate inhibited HSP72 expression, while quercetin induced its expression.
Researchers discovered graphene devices have different electronic properties at edges and centers. Edge conduction was found to be p-type, while the center exhibited n-type electron conduction. These findings offer insights into developing graphene nanoribbon devices and studying edge photocurrents.
Scientists at Monash University developed an x-ray imaging system that allows researchers to monitor the effectiveness of treatments for cystic fibrosis. This breakthrough enables non-invasive assessment of treatment efficacy on airway surfaces, accelerating development of new treatments.
A study found that preterm infants' ability to follow another's gaze emerges earlier than expected, implying the influence of early visual exposure. This challenges previous assumptions about cognitive development and suggests a potential link between visual experience and social cognition.
Researchers argue that 'transport taboos' such as frequent travel and lobby influence are driving contradictory policies. Politicians ignore evidence on effective solutions to cut emissions, instead relying on optimistic headlines about technological innovation.
A study analyzed all trials to date, finding that bivalirudin-based regimens increase the risk of heart attacks and stent thrombosis, while heparin-based regimens decrease bleeding risk. The magnitude of benefit was attenuated when glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor use was similar in both arms.
The National Science Foundation and the National Endowment for the Humanities have awarded over $4 million to support the documentation of nearly 40 endangered languages. These awards will build research infrastructure and encourage long-term collaboration with host countries, as well as involve significant community engagement.
A Baylor University study found that people living in countries with larger governments tend to be more content, regardless of wealth or socioeconomic status. The study analyzed data from 21 advanced industrialized countries and ranked them by satisfaction levels, with Denmark and Switzerland topping the list.
Tropical Storm Julio's strong thunderstorms have weakened, with cloud tops warming and dropping lower in the atmosphere. The storm is expected to continue weakening and lose its tropical characteristics due to cooler sea surface temperatures.