Holiday lights in major US cities increase by 20-50% during Christmas and New Year's, while in some Middle Eastern cities they shine up to 100% brighter during Ramadan. Satellite data from NASA's Suomi NPP satellite reveals patterns of urban energy use and cultural variation.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered a single protein responsible for triggering allergic reactions to various medications, including cancer drugs and antibiotics. A new drug targeting this protein could improve treatment outcomes for patients with conditions such as prostate cancer and diabetes.
Scientists developed an extended Monte Carlo computational scheme to improve ionization rates and electron stripping, enabling the study of ionization dynamics on ultrafast timescales. This breakthrough enables ultrafast imaging of complex systems in 3D at near atomic resolution using XFEL pulses.
Scientists have discovered a novel mechanism regulating maternal miRNAs in early embryos, with the enzyme Wispy playing a key role in miRNA adenylation and reducing its abundance. This finding provides new insights into the regulation of gene expression during embryonic development.
A new study from San Francisco State University reveals that consumers' loyalty to automobile brands is primarily driven by aesthetics rather than functionality. The research found that social and emotional values, such as design sophistication and pride of ownership, have a more significant impact on brand affection. In contrast, func...
A health promotion program combining gym membership with trained health coaches significantly improves fitness and weight loss in people with serious mental illness. The In SHAPE program, a 12-month program, showed more than half of participants achieving clinically significant reductions in cardiovascular risk.
The UT Arlington Public Works Institute is training city and county workers on working in traffic safety zones with a $486,234 Texas Department of Transportation contract. The institute will also provide courses on workplace safety.
Researchers at NYU Langone Medical Center discovered that the gene AUTS2, linked to autism spectrum disorders, stimulates other genes in early brain development. The study suggests that AUTS2 may play a key role in controlling a transcriptional program during early brain development.
Researchers at the University of Guelph have developed a simple procedure to transport wet farm waste and produce energy from it. Pressure cooking yields compact, easily transportable material that can be used in energy-producing plants, producing similar amounts of energy as coal.
According to new research, people with high fitness levels are less likely to develop hypertension. The study found that those who reached 12 METs or more during the stress test had a 20 percent lower risk of developing hypertension compared to those reaching less than six METs.
Researchers investigated how Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria swarm in groups containing millions of cells. They found that appendages called 'pili' link together to alter group motion and give swarming groups braking power, helping them avoid toxins.
A recent study reveals that many metatherian mammals, including marsupials like opossums, nearly went extinct alongside the dinosaurs. This allowed advanced placental mammals to rise to dominance and become ubiquitous across the globe today.
The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation will receive funding to improve early infant diagnosis of HIV, enabling a ten-fold increase in HIV treatment and universal access. The project aims to reach rural communities with limited access to testing and treatment services.
A new catalytic process converts lignin from plant cell walls into valuable chemical commodities, including fragrance and flavoring ingredients. The process also produces high-octane fuel suitable for use in jets and racecars.
Researchers at Yale University have developed synthetic antibody mimics (SyAMs) that target disease cells and stimulate immune responses, offering potential for treating prostate cancer and other diseases.
A mid-level solar flare occurred on Dec. 16, 2014, as observed by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, emitting powerful bursts of radiation. The flare's intensity was classified as M8.7-class, causing disturbance in the atmosphere layer where GPS and communications signals travel.
A randomized clinical trial found intra-arterial treatment improved functional outcome by 71% over medical management with tPA alone. The study showed benefits for all ages, including the elderly, and demonstrated effectiveness up to 6 hours after stroke onset.
A recent article in BioScience assesses contrasting views on kin selection, a theory explaining animal altruism through genetic influence. The authors argue that vagueness about explanation, measurements, and modeling underlies many differences between critics and proponents.
Researchers found that Dutch barnacle geese invest less energy in their immune systems, particularly resistance to general disease, compared to those breeding in the Netherlands. This allows for more energy available for reproduction and plumage changes.
A recent engineered pulse of water to the lower Colorado River Delta resulted in significant improvements, including a 23% increase in riparian zone vegetation's greenness. The event also led to germinated new willows and cottonwoods, which can grow quickly enough to keep up with receding water tables.
A new study by Ohio State University reveals that low wind speeds are a key factor in amplifying Lake Erie algal blooms. The research found that consistent wind speed contributed more to HABs than sunshine or precipitation, with seasons of low winds leading to larger blooms.
Despite global improvements in life expectancy, death rates for certain causes such as drug use disorders, liver cancer, and chronic kidney disease have increased since 1990. Global life expectancy has risen by 5.8 years in men and 6.6 years in women between 1990 and 2013, according to the Global Burden of Disease Study 2013.
Sandia National Laboratories is developing technology to improve the endurance of legged robots, enabling them to operate for long periods in disaster response scenarios. The new robots, STEPPR and WANDERER, will demonstrate energy-efficient actuators and biped walking capabilities.
A new study published in Neurology found that people with migraines are twice as likely to develop Bell's palsy, a condition that causes facial paralysis. The study suggests that these two conditions may share a common underlying link.
A new study by Clemson University researchers found that almost half of patients who participated in a trial withheld clinically sensitive information from their healthcare providers. Patients were given control over how and to whom their medical data was shared, but some still chose to hide certain information.
Researchers analyzed 6,629 runway reviews to identify a network of influence among major designers, tracing style trends through the industry. The technology may help consumers create wardrobes within budget and predict future fashion trends.
A team of scientists has mapped the location of ancient, hydrogen-rich waters found trapped kilometres beneath Earth's surface in rock fractures in Canada, South Africa and Scandinavia. These findings have significant implications for the search for deep microbial life, with potential applications in astrobiology.
Researchers studied the 2013 Rim Fire in Yosemite National Park and found that extreme weather conditions, such as pyro-convective plumes, significantly influenced burn severity. Forests that experienced recent fires burned at low severity, while those with greater shrub cover burned at higher severity.
A recent study on personal care products found that most contain skin allergens despite being marketed as hypoallergenic. The FDA has not set standards for the label, and companies are self-regulating, but this doesn't guarantee a safer product.
Researchers developed a low-cost focus stacking setup that produces better results than high-end solutions, ideal for mass digitization programs. The system uses consumer-grade products and is easy to control, allowing for high-quality macro photography at a fraction of the cost.
Researchers found that stars in large middle-aged clusters are of similar age, suggesting a complex formation process. The discovery challenges current understanding of stellar evolution and may require re-evaluation of models.
Researchers at the Technical University of Munich have discovered that broccoli's sulforaphane can reduce progerin accumulation and DNA damage in HGPS cells. The study suggests that this natural compound could be a potential therapeutic approach for treating the disease.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine developed a sugar-based molecular microcapsule that eliminates the toxicity of an anticancer agent, stopping tumor progression in mice while protecting healthy tissues. The encapsulated drug is now a promising candidate for clinical trials for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
Katherine High, Amit Nathwani, Arthur Nienhuis, and Andrew Davidoff honored for their groundbreaking research on gene therapy for hemophilia B. They developed successful clinical applications using adeno-associated virus vectors and demonstrated stable therapeutic expression of the clotting factor.
A clinical trial has shown that a combination of well-known approved drugs is potentially safe for treating Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 1A disease, a rare genetic condition affecting 1 in 5,000. The drug combination, PXT3003, showed promising preliminary results for efficacy in improving symptoms and nerve function.
A team of neuroscientists has found that our brains use elapsed time as a proxy for task difficulty to calculate how confident we should be when faced with making choices but lacking sufficient evidence. This association helps untangle the different factors that contribute to the decision-making process.
University of Washington experts are using the physics behind rain-on-snow flooding to better predict risks. They found that warm, humid air surrounding raindrops is most to blame for melting snow, and that tree cover can reduce flood risk by slowing storm winds.
Poisoning from prescription drugs and emerging substances like 'bath salts' and laundry detergent pods led to millions of human poison exposures in the US. In 2012, poison centers reported 2.2 million exposures, with children and teenagers being disproportionately affected.
A network of nine reference sites off Australia's coast provides multi-decadal data on the country's coastal waters. The network, known as IMOS National Reference Stations, allows scientists to track changes in oceanography and ecosystems.
A team of researchers has discovered a previously unknown form of multidrug resistance in cancer cells, known as inducible drug glucuronidation. By understanding this chemical pathway, scientists may be able to develop new treatments that can overcome this resistance and improve patient outcomes.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that mutations can converge on similar physical changes in bacteria, leading to resistance to multiple antibiotics. The researchers found a common set of features responsible for the development of resistance, which could help combat this growing problem.
Researchers found that electronic word-of-mouth plays a crucial role in crowdfunding campaign success, with Facebook being more effective than Twitter. The study also identified key factors for creators to optimize their campaigns, including participation in social networks and encouraging early backers to share the project.
A new species of short-necked marine reptile, Eohupehsuchus brevicollis, has been discovered in Hubei Province, China. The specimen features a short neck with six cervical vertebrae and broken digits, suggesting the break occurred prior to death.
A three-year restoration project in Pittsburgh's Frick Park has improved the health of Nine Mile Run, a stream affected by urbanization. The project, led by University of Pittsburgh hydrologist Dan Bain, involved rerouting the creek and creating habitats for fish and other species.
A review article examines the growth of ISIS, its membership, and the organization's use of violence as a 'brand'. The authors, former FBI Agents, discuss tactics such as recruitment of young men and women, propaganda, and counter-strategies.
A National Institutes of Health-funded study found that benzodiazepine prescribing increases steadily with age, especially among older women. The study suggests that prescriptions for benzodiazepines exceed what research suggests is appropriate and safe, particularly in this age group.
Scientists have observed a significant increase in solar radiation absorbed in the Arctic since 2000, driven by the decline of sea ice. This trend is linked to climate change, with the region experiencing more dramatic warming than anywhere else on Earth.
Researchers identified 53 existing drugs that can hinder Ebola virus entry into human cells, including cancer drugs and antibiotics. This study may lead to rapid development of treatments against Ebola infection.
Researchers used synchrotron phase contrast microtomography and transmission x-ray microscopy to map out oxygen distribution in fireflies' lanterns. The study found that oxygen is diverted from cellular functions to the reaction breaking down luciferin, slowing energy production and optimizing light emission.
Researchers used targeted NGS to identify genetic alterations in genes involved in DNA repair, cell survival, and proliferation pathways. The study found that accumulated mutations correlate with tumor progression and decreased survival rates in patients with advanced malignant lung cancer. The results highlight the potential of NGS to...
A study published in PLOS ONE found that frequent weigh-ins are essential for weight loss, with participants who weighed themselves once a week losing more weight than those who didn't. The researchers suggest weighing oneself every day can help stay on track and find the optimal time to weigh, such as Wednesday, for an accurate reading.
A study of over 4,000 non-diabetic Mexican-Americans reveals shared and distinct genetic contributions to insulin signaling and glucose response. The findings identify potential novel genetic risk factors for type 2 diabetes, highlighting the complexity of the disease.
The global life expectancy has increased due to lower rates of cardiovascular disease deaths in high-income countries and child deaths in low-income countries. However, disparities remain across age groups and countries, with some regions experiencing gains while others face unique health challenges.
The Life Sciences Discovery Fund has awarded $1.2 million in Proof of Concept grants to five Washington-based organizations, focusing on new therapies for cancer, diabetic macular edema, hepatitis B, and severe epilepsy. Additionally, the fund has announced two commercialization-focused awards totaling $600,000.
Chemists at Scripps Research Institute invent powerful method for joining complex organic molecules, allowing venture into previously inaccessible territory. The new technique enables the creation of new chemical entities with potential applications in pharmaceuticals, materials and agricultural chemistry.
Scientists have discovered that Metformin can boost the efficacy of TB medication and stop Mtb replication without promoting drug resistance. This discovery could lead to a new and affordable treatment strategy for tuberculosis, potentially shortening clinical trials.
Scientists successfully reversed magnetization direction in a multiferroic device using an electric field, overcoming thermodynamic barriers. The two-step switching process relies on ferroelectric polarization and oxygen octahedral rotation.
Researchers uncover that C9orf72 gene mutation generates toxic PR protein causing brain damage in ALS, leading to motor neuron death. This discovery may lead to new treatments by preventing or breaking down PR aggregates.
Global CO2 emissions hit a new all-time record of 35.3 billion tonnes in 2013, with China's emissions increasing at a slower rate than usual due to energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy growth. The US saw a slight increase in emissions, while the EU continued to decrease emissions.
Breast cancer cells can spread throughout the body when they overexpress the gene SNAIL, which helps them break free from the primary tumor and become more mobile. This unique blend of microarray analysis and characterization of physical changes in breast cancer cells could aid the search for ways to block or slow metastasis.
Researchers from UCLA have created a device that can accurately detect cancer and cell abnormalities like pathology lab microscopes. The lens-free microscope uses holograms to create 3D images, making it easier to spot any issues.
Researchers identified nerve cells that produce serotonin, leading to gregarious behavior in locusts. Serotonin also plays a role in regulating mood and behavior in humans, with links to mental disorders like depression and anxiety.
Researchers found that two orphan receptor proteins, ERRbeta short and long forms, exert anti-cancer effects on glioblastoma cells when activated by DY131. The short form stops DNA replication, while the long form prevents cell division if DNA is already replicated.
Researchers aim to enable scientists to ask a computer a question and receive an answer in an easy-to-understand picture. The project, funded by the National Science Foundation, seeks to develop an interactive computer system that can produce meaningful visualizations based on natural language requests.
Researchers explain how certain antidepressants, like SSRIs, can initially worsen symptoms by suppressing the release of neurotransmitter glutamate. This delay in effectiveness may be linked to the dual signal of serotonin and glutamate in brain neurons.
A Kansas State University study found that employees who openly discuss their religious beliefs at work experience higher job satisfaction and perceived well-being. Employers may benefit by creating a welcoming climate for diverse religions and cultures.
A new study from Duke University finds that a combination of federal regulations and local community-based conservation measures are urgently needed to protect spinner dolphins in Hawaii. The research suggests that managing the bays where dolphins rest should be tailored to each bay's unique use, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-...
A unique genetic disorder responsible for ovarian insufficiency has been discovered by Tel Aviv University researchers. The SYCE1 gene mutation was found to be the underlying cause of primary ovarian insufficiency in two sisters, and its effects were also detected in three brothers and parents.
Scientists develop novel class of molecules that could revolutionize immunotherapy for cancer and other diseases. The synthetic antibody mimics, or SyAMs, are smaller than current biologics and may avoid their risks.
New research from Carnegie Mellon University suggests that greater social support and more frequent hugs can protect people from getting sick, with the physical act of hugging playing a key role in reducing susceptibility to infection. This study found that hugs were responsible for one-third of the protective effect of social support.
Scientists found high variability in mid-depth Atlantic Ocean currents around 2,000 years before the last Ice Age ended. The team analyzed neodymium isotopes in coral fossils to gain insight into ocean circulation during the Ice Age.
Pilots flying at 30,000 feet receive the same amount of UV-A radiation as a 20-minute tanning bed session, increasing melanoma risk. Authors recommend sunscreen use and periodic skin checks for pilots and cabin crew.
A nationwide survey of 2200 French adults reveals significant knowledge gaps about lung cancer, including misconceptions about screening, treatment options, and prognosis. The study emphasizes the need for public education to address these gaps and improve outcomes.
A new study reveals that warm vinyl crib mattress covers release higher levels of phthalates, which can increase infant exposure four-fold. The preliminary findings suggest the need for further investigation into the potential risks posed by alternative phthalates.
Researchers at ORNL used atomic force microscopy to fabricate nanoscale patterns in polymerized ionic liquids, exhibiting unique properties and potential applications in lithium batteries, transistors, and solar cells. The study showcases the technique's promise for alternative nanofabrication methods.
Researchers designed networks that mimic natural forms to create efficient and durable optoelectronic devices, including solar cells and display screens. The designs improved electro-optical properties, showed high mechanical strength, and minimized light shading.
Researchers have identified a compound in Korean mistletoe that can help treat nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Viscothionin, the key ingredient, has been shown to reduce body and liver weights in obese mice, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine found that faulty stem cells surrounding muscle fibers are responsible for the progression of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. A drug called losartan has been shown to inhibit fibrosis and partially restore muscle function in laboratory mice, offering new hope for potential treatments.
Researchers at Ohio State University propose that the Earth's mantle contains entire oceans of water, which are continuously cycled to the surface via plate tectonics. This process could have supplied water to the oceans for billions of years, making Earth habitable.