The CSIRO Australia-led research reveals the oldest minerals ever analyzed by NASA's Mars Opportunity Rover show evidence of liquid water on Mars around 4 billion years ago. The discovery suggests that past water activity may have created livable mud, increasing the chances of life on Mars.
Developing heart valves in zebrafish embryos may be vulnerable to environmental endocrine disruptors, which can mimic estrogen and lead to abnormalities. The study uses genetically modified zebrafish to detect and identify the mechanisms of action of these chemicals.
A study by Cornell researchers found that those who admitted guilt were more likely to request brand-name, comfort-food items, whereas those who denied guilt declined meals altogether. Guilty individuals also requested 34% more calories of food.
Researchers at the University of Georgia have discovered that small satellite thymuses, or cervical thymi, have two distinct origins and may play a role in the development of T-cells. These cells can produce either helpful or harmful T-cells, highlighting the need for further research into their potential impact on human health.
Researchers from Warsaw Institute of Physical Chemistry create unique nanomaterials with unprecedented properties through reaction with carbon dioxide. The novel materials show high porosity and luminescence quantum yield, making them suitable for applications in OLEDs, energy storage, and sensing devices.
A team of scientists, led by Wilfred Elders, has successfully created the world's first magma-enhanced geothermal system in Iceland. The system utilizes superheated steam from a well drilled into molten magma at a temperature of 900-1000 C.
Researchers have identified a previously unknown circuit that suppresses the monosynaptic circuit, allowing for longer time-linked memories to be formed. This discovery sheds light on how the brain balances fear and caution in response to sequential events.
Two proteins, phospholipase Cγ1 and growth factor receptor bound protein 2 (Grb2), compete for binding to FGFR2 with distinct effects on cancer cell behavior. High levels of Plcγ1 lead to increased metastasis, while high Grb2 levels inhibit this process.
Marine scientists in Palau found corals living in acidic waters to be diverse and healthy, contradicting previous observations. The unique environment in Palau's Rock Islands is believed to provide a 'perfect storm' of conditions that allow corals to thrive.
A study published in Cell reveals that obesity in mothers can predispose their children to lifelong obesity and metabolic disorders due to abnormal neuronal circuits in the hypothalamus. Mothers who consume a large amount of fat during the third trimester may be putting their children at risk for these conditions.
Researchers found that fur coats and down feathers derive their insulating power from an optical mechanism involving the scattering of infrared light. This discovery could lead to improved building insulation and the development of new types of ultrathin insulation.
Rhabdomyosarcoma is a pediatric soft-tissue cancer characterized by two distinct genotypes. The disease was found to have a relatively low number of somatic mutations compared to birth DNA alterations. Key genes, such as NRAS and KRAS, were identified with frequent mutations.
Researchers found that low atmospheric CO2 concentrations acted as a 'carbon starvation' brake, slowing down weathering rates and reducing forests' ability to remove CO2 from the atmosphere. This mechanism helped maintain stable CO2 levels and climate over millions of years.
Scientists have discovered a simple single-celled amoeba that can help understand the function of human proteins in causing Alzheimer's disease. This discovery allows for animal-free testing, paving the way for potential improved treatments for the degenerative disease.
Astrobiology Journal suggests Alpha Centauri B's unique tidal heating could create environments favorable to life. This finding presents a promising target for extrasolar exploration and expands our search for extraterrestrial life.
Researchers have developed a new artificial metamaterial that increases the light intensity and blink speed of a fluorescent dye molecule, speeding up underwater optical communications by 76 times. The material could eventually replace acoustic communications systems for short distance applications.
The University of South Florida and FORCE have received a PCORI award to expand a health data network for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer research. The ABOUT Network will collect comprehensive clinical data, engage patients, and advance patient-centered studies.
The evaluation found measurable progress in reducing some targeted HAIs, prioritizing HAI preventing practices and coordinating national data sources. However, a steady flow of resources remains a challenge, slowing progress in identifying effective approaches to preventing HAIs.
Researchers found that bats detect water ripples created by male túngara frogs' calls, which aids in hunting. The discovery sheds light on an evolutionary arms race between frogs and bats.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University found that rapid improvements in depression symptoms during PTSD treatments are associated with better outcomes. Negative social support from family or friends was also linked to worsening depression symptoms, while transient spikes did not negatively impact treatment progress.
A new study suggests that early multicellular organisms grew larger to access nutrient-rich currents in the deep seas. The research, published in Current Biology, reveals that these enigmatic life-forms, known as Ediacara biota, reached heights of up to a meter to compete for resources.
A study published in Infection and Immunity reveals that Salmonella infection can reduce asthma inflammation by regulating immune cells. Researchers hope to develop treatments based on probiotics or therapeutic applications of myeloid cells.
Researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison have discovered a hormone and receptor that control cell expansion in plants. This finding reveals the molecular mechanisms behind plant growth, which is crucial for developing new technologies to manipulate crops for food, fuel, fiber, and medicines.
Experts argue that stethoscopes may become obsolete due to the rapid advancement of point-of-care ultrasound technology, which has improved image quality, reduced cost, and increased portability. The shift towards ultrasound is driven by its ability to diagnose heart and lung problems with greater accuracy than traditional stethoscopes.
A team of scientists found that a protein called focal adhesion kinase (FAK) enables tumor cells to spread into the bloodstream by weakening the blood vessel barrier. Selective inhibition of FAK within endothelial cells prevents spontaneous tumor metastasis without altering tumor size.
A new analysis of 40 randomized controlled trials suggests that vitamin D supplementation does not prevent heart attacks, strokes, or bone fractures. The study concludes that vitamin D supplements probably provide little to no health benefit, contradicting previous observational studies that linked deficiency to poor health.
Researchers will analyze genomes of three breeds to identify genes responsible for OCD-like behaviors. The study aims to provide insights for earlier diagnoses and innovative therapeutics, potentially benefiting children with autism.
Researchers found individuals are more satisfied with truth-telling rewards than deceitful ones. The studies explored two types of deception and discovered a liar's brain responds differently when gaining rewards through truth or lies.
A team led by Yixian Zheng identified a protein that regulates interactions between kinetochores and microtubules, improving our understanding of chromosome alignment. The study suggests expanding the scope of research to include other cellular components for a deeper understanding of mitosis.
Researchers at Helmholtz Munich have made a breakthrough in creating insulin-producing beta cells from stem cells. By understanding the molecular regulation of stem cell differentiation, they can generate functional specialized cells for regenerative therapy approaches to chronic diseases like diabetes. This discovery has significant i...
Researchers discovered a new brain circuit that shapes memory formation by endowing neurons with the ability to connect two events separated in time into a single experience. Island cells, found in the entorhinal cortex, project to the hippocampus and suppress the formation of temporal associations.
A study found significant gaps in perceptions of anti-social behavior between age groups. Adults were more likely than young people to interpret behaviors like swearing and cycling on the street as ASB. Young people, particularly teenagers, were seen as perpetrators of ASB, but also as victims when an elderly man shouted insults at them.
A systematic review of data from over 40 studies found that colleges can reduce freshman drinking by implementing personalized feedback reports, which significantly helped students to reduce their drinking frequency, quantity, and alcohol-related problems. Interventions combining multiple techniques proved most effective in reducing fi...
A recent study published in Liver Transplantation found that obese liver transplant recipients with diabetes experienced higher morbidity rates due to post-transplant complications, particularly diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Despite this, obesity did not negatively affect survival rates.
Scientists have discovered a crucial step in how the body regulates 'free' calcium ions, which play a vital role in maintaining cellular functions. This finding has significant implications for developing new treatments for various neurological disorders, including Parkinson's disease.
Scientists have discovered molecules that may block the accumulation of a toxic eye protein leading to early onset glaucoma. The researchers identified two compounds with potential for future drug development to treat this condition, which affects several million people from childhood to age 35.
Researchers identified a critical regulator of BACE1, an enzyme involved in Alzheimer's disease pathology. The study found that levels of this regulating protein, Rheb, are decreased in the brains of Alzheimer's patients and may be a significant factor in disease progression.
The Next Generation Power Electronics Innovation Institute aims to create new jobs and boost the nation's manufacturing industry. ASU researchers will focus on developing gallium nitride-based power electronic devices for energy-efficient power conversion and Silicon Carbide-based materials for medium voltage high power converters.
A study suggests that moderate doses of radiation therapy to the unaffected breast can kill premalignant cells and reduce the risk of second breast cancers. The treatment could prevent tens of thousands of cases, according to researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center.
Researchers at the University of Leicester used intracranial electrodes to record single neurons in epilepsy patients and found a specific brain response marking the timing of these neuron firings. This response, present for consciously recognized pictures, is thought to be a gateway for processing stimuli to form memories.
A new approach combines evolutionary and engineering analyses to identify biom Mechanical functions favored by natural selection in diverse species, including New World leaf-nosed bats. The study reveals three optimal snout shapes favored by natural selection, with mechanical advantage being more important than structural strength.
Researchers tracked six dogs and their owner during group walks to determine social rankings and personality traits. Consistently leading the pack was linked to trainability, controllability, aggression, and dominance.
Researchers at IU School of Medicine will use advanced neuroimaging techniques to study high school athletes and understand the impact of concussions on brain blood flow. The study aims to improve understanding of concussion symptoms, cognitive functioning, and detection methods.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse has released new resources to help parents, healthcare providers, and treatment specialists address teen substance abuse. The guides cover treatment approaches, screening tools, and evidence-based practices, highlighting the unique challenges faced by adolescents in addressing drug use.
Chronic pain affects an estimated 20-25% of the population worldwide and is caused by various factors such as nerve injuries and osteoarthritis. Researchers found that serotonin release from the brain stem into the spinal cord activates TRPV1, making it hyperactive in injured V2 and uninjured V3 branches.
A new technique developed by Stanford scientists uses weak ocean vibrations to predict the ground movement and shaking hazard from real quakes. The approach was used to confirm a prediction that Los Angeles will experience stronger-than-expected ground movement if a major quake occurs south of the city.
Researchers exploited the Kondo effect in molecules to change conductance between electrodes. The phenomenon allows for an increase in electrical resistance at low temperatures but can be reversed at small size scales.
The UTSA Institute for Health Disparities Research and the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio will provide comprehensive services to young minority adults through the Oh Snap! program. The program aims to reduce substance abuse and HIV/AIDS transmission among 18-24 year olds in the greater San Antonio region.
Research by Eyal Pe'er and colleagues found that people who partially confessed their wrongdoing experienced more negative emotions like fear, shame, and guilt compared to those who fully confessed or made no confession. Partially confessing also led to increased feelings of regret.
Researchers used laboratory experiments to test a model of microtubule steering, finding that kinesin motors can redirect microtubule ends into branches using crowd-sourced guidance from protein EB1. The study suggests this mechanism is a general strategy for organizing and maintaining proper microtubule polarity in cells.
Scientists have found that people carrying mutations in BRCA2 and PALB2 may be more susceptible to DNA damage caused by acetaldehyde, a byproduct of alcohol metabolism. This could accelerate cancer growth and increase disease risk.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge developed a new system that greatly improves the accuracy and range of radio frequency identification (RFID) systems. The system achieves near 100% accurate passive RFID tag detection and increases reliable detection range from two to three meters to approximately 20 meters.
The lung microbiome is a new frontier in pulmonary medicine, with research exploring the role of microorganisms in health and disease. The emerging field is leading to new ways of thinking about the lung and its diseases.
A 60-metre long building from 1100 B.C. reveals pottery resembling Greek and Cyprus items, and cylindrical loom weights similar to those found in central and south-east Europe. The Philistines, of European descent, settled in the city, indicating a Mediterranean culture beyond Jordan's borders.
Researchers have discovered that dust infiltration into the South Pacific Ocean was 2-3 times higher during ice ages than in warm phases. This increased dust supply stimulated biological production and increased the ocean's capacity to bind carbon, leading to a cooling effect on Earth.
Researchers have successfully used the Cherenkov effect to capture and visualize radiation beams entering or exiting the human body. This breakthrough technology enables doctors to see the dose of radiation to the skin and detect errors in dosage, potentially reducing side effects like skin reactions during breast cancer treatment.
Early ultrasound training can enhance diagnostic skills and detect life-threatening conditions like cardiac tamponade. Medical students performed better in detecting valvular disease, left ventricular hypertrophy, and cardiac dysfunction using ultrasounds compared to trained cardiologists.
Researchers fabricated microstructures including straight filaments, layer-by-layer scaffolds, and freeform helical spirals using a solvent-cast 3D printing technique. The technique demonstrates powerful fabrication capabilities, enabling the creation of three microsystems with diverse functionalities.
Researchers discovered a 72-percent lactase persistence rate among medieval Dalheim population, exceeding modern Central European levels around 1000 years ago. This contradicts previous research on Hungarian human remains, suggesting genetic lactase persistence was common in Central Europe earlier than Eastern Europe.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that DHA supplementation partially prevented metabolic damage associated with the Western diet. This led to observable changes in carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism.