Tropical Cyclone Bakung is moving west-southwest over the Southern Indian Ocean, with maximum sustained winds near 40 knots (46 mph). NASA's Aqua satellite captured an image of the storm on December 12, showing deeper convection around its low-level center.
A new trout species, Salmo kottelati, has been described from the Alakır Stream in Antalya, Turkey. The species is distinguished by its smaller parr marks, larger mouth gape, and maxilla, which set it apart from other genera of salmonids.
A team from Imperial College London and University of Barcelona used astronomical surveys to measure the baryon acoustic oscillation scale, a standard distance central to the universe's expansion. The study suggests current methods for measuring distance are more complicated than needed, offering a data-driven approach to cosmology.
Researchers aim to quantify global warming's influence on extreme climate and weather events, focusing on unprecedented events. Advanced statistical techniques and long-term climate observations are used to analyze the relationship between human influence and extreme event probabilities.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have developed a new method to suppress inflammation in kidney dialysis patients. By administering a small molecule version of compstatin, they were able to completely suppress the complement immune response and reduce inflammatory biomarkers.
A new study reveals that oil-dwelling bacteria have exchanged genes for eons, challenging the 'burial and isolation' scenario. The research found extensive gene flow across environments, suggesting the bacteria have long migrated to and colonized oil reservoirs.
New research from Wake Forest University confirms the conversion of nitrite to nitric oxide by deoxygenated hemoglobin reduces platelet activation, affecting blood flow and clotting. The findings have implications for treating sickle cell disease and stroke.
A Stanford scientist is developing a flexible model to manage stormwater runoff in big cities, with the goal of determining its ecosystem and financial benefits. The research aims to study the value of stormwater retention services for large cities in developing countries and compare their benefits to other services.
Researchers have identified Bridgmanite, a high-density magnesium iron silicate mineral, as the most abundant mineral in Earth. The discovery was made possible by non-destructive micro-focused X-rays and novel fast-readout area-detector techniques, which allowed for the characterization of natural Bridgmanite for the first time.
Researchers have developed a new theory that aims to bring flexibility to computer communication by allowing devices to tolerate some degree of imprecision. By gauging the minimum amount of information needed to convey a point, designed communication schemes can achieve reliable transmission, even in uncertain environments.
A recent study published in JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute found no association between migraine and breast cancer. The researchers analyzed data from 115,378 women and concluded that migraine was not associated with breast cancer risk or differences in endogenous sex hormone levels.
A patient who suffered a traumatic brain injury unexpectedly recovered full consciousness after receiving midazolam, a mild depressant drug. The administration of this medication resulted in the first reported case of an 'awakening' from a minimally-conscious state using this therapy.
A new theory suggests that eukaryotic cells arose from external bacterial infections, where blebs trapped mitochondria-like bacteria, leading to the formation of complex cell structures. This alternative view challenges the current theory and offers a radical rethinking of how complex life came to be.
A study analyzing violent behaviors towards pregnant women found that 22.7% endure some form of violence, including emotional and physical abuse. The prevalence is higher in Spain than nearby countries, highlighting the need for routine detection and action protocols in pregnancy management.
Research by UPV/EHU and Basque Institute of Forensic Medicine finds cocaine use linked to higher risk of sudden cardiovascular death. The study, published in Addiction journal, analyzed 437 cases of sudden death and found a significant association between recent cocaine consumption and increased risk of heart attack.
The study reveals the presence of a weak iridescence in Tinamou eggs, creating superficial colors and color changes depending on angle and light. The researchers' investigation uncovers an ultra-smooth coating as the key to the eggshell's glossy appearance.
Researchers at UCSF discovered that immune cells in brain respond to fat in diet by causing mice to consume more food. The study found that a population explosion of microglia, a type of immune cell, in the hypothalamus region drives increased food intake.
A powerful storm system, known as the Pineapple Express, brought intense precipitation to the western US, causing flash flooding, landslides, and damage. The satellite imagery captured by NOAA's GOES-West satellite showed a stream of clouds associated with the moisture from Hawaii, leading to violent rain storms in California.
The inaugural survey of American attitudes about the environment reveals a complex picture of public opinion. While most Americans believe the US should take a leading role in combating global warming, they tend to prioritize other environmental concerns. The poll also found that Americans are adopting environmentally friendly lifestyl...
A new study found that protein Maf1 controls fat levels in C. elegans worms, suggesting a similar function in humans. Increasing or decreasing Maf1 levels resulted in significant changes in stored lipids.
A lack of safe water, sanitation, and hygiene in birth settings is killing mothers and newborns in the developing world, a new publication reports. The World Health Organization and other organizations are calling on governments to take action to save lives and enable skilled health workers to do their jobs.
The EORTC10085/TBCRC/BIG/NABCG International Male Breast Cancer Program found significant improvements in survival for men with breast cancer, but not as high as for women. The study revealed distinct biological characteristics of male breast cancer, including lower rates of hormonal therapy and breast-conserving surgery.
The National Expert Panel recommends annual vision health screening between age 36 months and before 72 months, with specific tests and training guidelines. The screenings aim to detect refractive errors, amblyopia, and strabismus, ensuring prompt diagnosis and referral to eye care professionals.
Researchers recreated isotopes formed when stars explode, shedding light on heavy element creation essential for life. This study helps map the pathway for creating life-supporting elements in the universe.
Lumina Decision Systems' Analytica software helped stakeholders reach near consensus on a 'rigs to reefs' policy option, reducing costs and preserving marine ecosystems. The tool was successful in distilling rhetoric to meaningful discussion of tradeoffs and values.
Tropical Cyclone Bakung is moving west-southwest over the Southern Indian Ocean, with maximum sustained winds near 40 knots (46 mph). The cyclone is expected to slowly intensify over the next couple of days, nearing hurricane-force by Dec. 16.
Scientists discovered that bacterial biofilms are associated with colon cancer, particularly in the ascending colon. A novel imaging technique revealed diverse microbial communities in these biofilms, suggesting a possible link between bacteria and tumor development.
Computer analysis of genetic data and supercomputing capabilities have enabled researchers to recreate the bird tree of life, revealing a burst of evolutionary growth after 15 million years. The study also uncovered new findings on birdsongs, feathers, biodiversity, and bird evolution.
Forest carbon projects offer benefits beyond carbon storage, including cooling effects and biophysical feedbacks. Deciduous broadleaf trees provide stronger cooling benefits than evergreen needleleaf trees in temperate ecosystems.
A study published in Diabetes Care found that hypoglycaemia significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular events and mortality in insulin-treated patients with diabetes. The research, led by University of Leicester, showed a ~60% higher risk of cardiovascular events following hypoglycaemia.
Scientists sequenced the genomes of 48 bird species to reveal a new family tree for birds and understand their rapid evolution after the mass extinction. The study resolves fundamental questions about bird diversity and adaptations.
A Pitt study published in the American Journal of Political Science found that women are more 'election averse' than men, volunteering to lead groups but less likely to compete in elections. Women's lower willingness to run for office is attributed to factors such as election costs and the potential for negative campaigns.
According to Robert Jackson, minimizing water and air impacts of fracking requires best practices, with surface spills, wastewater disposal, and drinking-water contamination posing primary threats. Natural gas power plants emit less CO2 than coal-fired plants but methane leakage is a significant problem in the US natural gas industry.
A three-year study found that injecting Siberian slippery jack spores into the soil around whitebark pine seedlings increased their survival rate. The native fungus helps trees take in more nutrients and water from the soil, and produces sugars to feed the fungi.
TGen researchers developed a new test that leverages the unique genetic difference between men and women to track down neurological disorders in young girls. By analyzing DNA sequences, they were able to identify a previously unrecognized disorder in a pre-teen girl and provide more accurate diagnosis for families.
The Perioperative Surgical Home model significantly improves patient outcomes and reduces healthcare costs through coordinated care. Studies found PSH models reduced cancellations, complications, readmissions, and hospital stays.
A team of scientists at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz uncovered a new signal pathway in the brain that plays a crucial role in learning and sensory input processing. Glial cells release a specific protein fragment that influences neuronal cross-talk, leading to changes in neural networks.
Eight seed grants support promising new research in clean technology and energy efficiency, focusing on photovoltaics, nanoscale heat transmission, power electronics, and sustainable energy systems. The projects aim to improve energy efficiency and reduce waste heat.
A landmark study found that training older adults in social media improves mental health and well-being by enhancing cognitive capacity, increasing self-competence, and combating isolation. The study showed that participants became more positive about computers, engaged in social activity, and had a stronger sense of personal identity.
Researchers from Scripps Florida are investigating microRNAs as a potential key to treating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by erasing traumatic memories without altering other, more benign ones. The study aims to understand how the brain stores toxic memories and develop new targets to selectively target harmful memories.
Researchers found sections of the Tohoku fault were relieving seismic stress at an accelerating rate for years before the 9.0 magnitude quake, potentially shortening its occurrence time. The study used GPS measurements from a dense Japanese network to analyze decoupling and stress transfer along the fault line.