Researchers at Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics propose that silicon-capped hydrocarbons like SiC3H, SiC4H and SiC5H may be responsible for the diffuse interstellar bands. The team analyzed laboratory spectra and theoretical calculations to support their hypothesis.
A study found that individuals low in satiety responsiveness are more likely to experience poor appetite control and overeat, particularly those with a preference for high-fat foods. Increasing almond consumption may help improve satiety responsiveness and increase control over food intake.
A NASA-funded X-ray instrument has confirmed that a region of million-degree interstellar plasma known as the local hot bubble is the main source of a foggy glow observed over the entire sky. The study also establishes upper limits on soft X-rays produced within our planetary system by solar wind.
Researchers created a model showing how Mercury's core dynamics contribute to its unusual magnetic field, which is three times stronger in the north than south. This finding indicates that planets have multiple ways of generating a magnetic field.
Researchers at UC Berkeley are developing a vision-correcting display that uses computation to compensate for individual visual impairments. The technology has the potential to transform lives of people with high-order aberrations and presbyopia, enabling them to use smartphones, tablets, and computers without corrective lenses.
A new study found that two beneficial variants of a gene controlling red blood cell development have spread from Africa to nearly all human populations globally. These variants promote fetal haemoglobin production in adulthood, leading to milder symptoms of inherited blood disorders like sickle cell anaemia and thalassaemia.
A new study confirms that achalasia is an autoimmune disease, with a specific genetic variant linked to the condition. The researchers identified 33 genetic variants associated with achalasia, all located in the MHC region of chromosome 6.
Studies show that multiple limb salvage procedures have a good success rate and no increase in complications compared to single-flap techniques. The study analyzed limb salvage procedures in military personnel injured in Iraq and Afghanistan, with a focus on maintaining residual limb length and joint function.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine have identified three surface proteins on the Anaplasma phagocytophilum bacterium that cause tick-transmitted disease. Targeting these proteins could lead to effective prevention and treatment, enabling the development of a vaccine.
Corinna E. Löckenhoff, PhD, of Cornell University, has been recognized by the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) with the 2014 Baltes Foundation Award in Behavioral and Social Gerontology. Her groundbreaking research focuses on age differences in socioemotional functioning and their implications for health-related decision making.
Congenital heart disease specialists have developed a nonsurgical technique to repair patent ductus arteriosus, a common cardiac birth defect. The minimally invasive procedure employs fluoroscopy and echocardiography to guide closure without exposing fragile infants to open-heart surgery.
Researchers successfully separated a neutron's magnetic moment from its particle, observing the first experimental evidence of the 'Cheshire Cat' paradox. This technique can be applied to any property of any quantum object, improving high precision measurements.
The WIFIRE project is developing a cyberinfrastructure system that integrates dynamic wildfire models, sensor data, and computational techniques to monitor and predict wildfire behavior. This will enable situational awareness, responses, and decision support for local, state, national, and international levels.
Researchers developed a new technique to manufacture microstructured surfaces with specific textures, exhibiting controllable mechanical stiffness and strength. The process involves self-assembly of carbon nanotubes and can be used to create large expanses of structures simultaneously.
Tropical Storm Hernan's weakening lifted its cloud tops, with infrared data revealing warming temperatures in the system. The storm dissipated into a remnant low-pressure area, with forecasters predicting its remaining systems to dissipate over the next few days.
A new UC San Francisco study shows that maintaining healthy behaviors can reduce telomere shortening, a marker of cellular aging. The researchers found that post-menopausal women who exercised, slept well and ate well had less telomere shortening than those with poor lifestyles.
A study at City College of New York found that analyzing the brainwaves of a few individuals can accurately predict preferences of large TV audiences. The researchers used electroencephalography (EEG) to capture brain activity while participants watched scenes from 'The Walking Dead' and Super Bowl commercials.
A groundbreaking study from FPG found that African-American students in segregated schools experience smaller gains in reading skills during first grade. However, student backgrounds are unlikely to be the cause of these differences, according to researchers.
Researchers found that even small-scale increases in urbanicity levels were associated with higher prevalence of unhealthy behaviors among rural residents. Lifestyle risk factors such as physical inactivity, low fruit and vegetable consumption, and high body mass index increased in more urbanized villages.
Researchers found 101 non-antibiotic drugs with potential to prevent growth of certain bacterial pathogens, including those causing Legionnaires' disease and brucellosis. These drugs interfere with host cell functions to stall intracellular bacterial infections.
The number of green turtles nesting at Ascension Island has increased by over 500% since the 1970s, with an estimated 24,000 nests laid every year. The Island's main beaches have been protected through new legislation, which also creates seven new nature reserves and wildlife sanctuaries.
Aarhus University researchers have created an easier method to tag proteins with DNA, enhancing diagnostic techniques, nanotechnology, and disease treatment. The new method allows for controlled conjugation of macromolecules, making it possible to attach chemotherapeutics to antibodies while preserving their recognition element.
New research by academics at the University of Bristol's Nutrition and Behaviour Unit found that people factor in liquid calories when estimating a meal's satiating effect. The study, led by Professor Jeff Brunstrom, compared meals with calorific drinks to those served with water or snacks.
Researchers have found evidence of prehistoric dairy farming in Finland dating back to 2500 BC, despite harsh winter conditions. The discovery suggests that Stone Age people were able to domesticate and care for animals over four months of snow, paving the way for modern-day Finland's high milk consumption.
The deep sea provides essential services to humans, including nutrient-rich fish stocks, waste management, and reserves of oil, gas, precious metals, and rare minerals. Its unique ecosystems also host life forms with potential for new antibiotics and anti-cancer chemicals.
A malaria vaccine has been shown to provide continued protection against clinical malaria in young infants and children, with the effect of vaccination diminishing over time. The vaccine efficacy was highest in the first 6 months after vaccination, with estimates suggesting it could have a major public health impact.
Jigisha Patel argues that peer review should be recognized as a professional skill and that trained reviewers can improve the quality of randomized controlled trials. By implementing a 'quality assurance' symbol, trials could be identified as having undergone rigorous peer review.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have discovered that microscopic flagella synchronize their movements through direct hydrodynamic interactions in a fluid. The findings, published in eLife, demonstrate that the motion of the fluid created by two beating flagella is sufficient to cause them to row in sync.
Tropical Storm Halong is intensifying with a strong eye forming and closely tracked by NASA's Aqua satellite. The storm is expected to move west-northwest through the Marianas Islands while intensifying.
Children with autism have a relatively inflexible brain at switching from rest to task performance, leading to increased restrictive and repetitive behaviors. The study found that autistic brains showed reduced connectivity in key networks compared to typically developing peers.
Ocean acidification is driving changes in vital Alaskan waters, threatening commercial fisheries and subsistence way of life. Communities in southeast and southwest Alaska face the highest risk, with lower incomes and fewer employment opportunities making them more vulnerable.
A Cornell study analyzing 217 menus and over 300 diner selections reveals that menu layout, descriptions, and names can influence food ordering. Two tactics - catching attention and priming imagination - can guide diners to order lighter entrées.
Boys with fragile X syndrome exhibit a relative strength in socialization skills compared to communication and daily living skills, which decline over time. The study's findings suggest that continued attention to adaptive behavior is crucial for individuals with fragile X syndrome.
Researchers aim to improve stroke therapies by studying brain networks linked to movement, particularly hand and arm control. They will use techniques like fMRI and transcranial magnetic stimulation to map brain activity and stimulate specific regions.
Researchers have measured massive waves of up to 5 meters high in the Arctic Ocean, attributed to high winds and increased open water. This phenomenon could disrupt shipping operations and exacerbate coastal erosion as the region continues to warm.
A review in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery warns of the dangers of unsubstantiated claims surrounding cosmetic stem cell procedures. The authors cite potential risks to patients and highlight the need for rigorous scientific evaluation before these treatments are advertised.
A new study finds that consolidating recommendations and clear language are key to converting pediatric preventive care guidelines into computerized prompts. The guidelines currently lack organization to easily translate into electronic prompts, leading to missed or delayed visits.
Researchers at University of Bristol found that liquid calories from soft drinks are taken into account when planning meals. Meals served with a calorific drink were expected to be more satiating than those served with water or snacks.
A systematic review of randomized clinical trials found that adding tree nuts to a diet resulted in modest decreases in blood fats and sugars. The biggest reductions were seen when tree nuts replaced refined carbohydrates rather than saturated fats.
Researchers found that catheter ablation significantly improves cardiovascular survival among adults with atrial fibrillation, even in older patients and those with comorbidities. The study, published in Heart Rhythm, shows a 60% reduction in mortality rates among participants.
A study of over 830,000 participants found that consuming at least five daily servings of fruit and vegetables was associated with a lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease. Higher consumption above five portions did not show further reduced risk of death.
A new study finds that exposure to brand-specific alcohol ads on TV is linked to increased consumption among underage drinkers. Researchers surveyed over 1,000 youth aged 13-20 and found a strong association between ad exposure and brand choice.
Researchers have identified a combination of pills that cures 9 out of 10 hepatitis C patients, achieving a 93% cure rate in 12 weeks. The treatment was well-tolerated by patients and offers a higher cure rate than previous standard care.
Researchers at UC Davis have sequenced the genome of Solanum pennellii, a wild relative of the domestic tomato. The new data reveals genes related to drought resistance, fruit development, and flavor compounds.
Researchers at Oregon State University found two alternative strategies to counteract the negative impact of obesity on birth control pills. These include a slight increase in pill dose or continuous use without a 'period week', potentially improving pregnancy prevention for obese women.
A recent UCL study discovered that the human habenula, a tiny part of the brain, tracks expectations about negative events like painful electric shocks. This tiny region suppresses dopamine, driving motivation, and its activation can signal how bad outcomes are expected.
Researchers at the University of York found that physical features in everyday face images can accurately predict social judgements and first impressions. The study developed a model that combined 65 features to explain over half of the variation in human raters' judgements.
A recent study led by University of Miami scientist Massimiliano Galeazzi has identified the 'local hot bubble' as the dominant source of the diffuse X-ray background in space. The team measured the soft X-ray emission at low energy, confirming that it comes from a hot bubble of gas within our galaxy.
A new test developed at CU School of Pharmacy helps monitor the effectiveness of HIV prevention drug Truvada, taken once daily to prevent HIV infection. The test measures tenofovir levels in red blood cells, showing a continuous gradient of increasing efficacy with consistent dosing.
Research by IIASA found that gender differences in cognitive abilities are associated with age, country of origin, and educational opportunities. Women outperform men in episodic memory and reading literacy, while men excel in mathematical abilities, but category fluency is equivalent for both sexes.
Researchers have devised a simple blood test that can diagnose cancer with high accuracy, saving time and preventing costly procedures. The Lymphocyte Genome Sensitivity (LGS) test measures DNA damage caused by ultraviolet light, distinguishing between cancerous and healthy cells.
Industrial air pollution from smelting and mining activities arrived at the South Pole in the late 19th century, decades before Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen's historic visit in 1911. The study, published in Scientific Reports, shows that lead concentrations peaked in 1900 and remained high until the 1920s.
A new study found that preschoolers with special needs are more influenced by their peers' language skills, particularly those with weak skills. Children with disabilities show stronger effects when surrounded by highly-skilled peers, improving their language skills over the course of the school year.
A dedicated website for the MMR vaccine is proposed as a simple yet effective way to boost vaccination rates. The study found that providing parents with online information reduces concerns and is more cost-effective than traditional methods like leaflets or face-to-face consultations.
A two-step decision tree analysis was used to evaluate and distill existing quality standards, guidelines, and recommendations in radiation therapy. The study identified duplicate standards and gaps, achieving substantial agreement among evaluators.
A St. Jude Children's Research Hospital study found that 73% of adult childhood cancer survivors doubled their risk of metabolic syndrome by failing to follow a heart-healthy lifestyle, which also increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other health problems.
Research suggests both high physical activity and less sitting in leisure time are needed to substantially reduce the risk of obesity. Individuals with high physical activity and low leisure time sitting have nearly 4-fold lower odds of becoming obese, according to a new study.
A team of researchers will evaluate whether providing patients with COPD who experience rapid symptom deterioration with a care bundle improves hospital care and reduces readmission. The study aims to shape future health services to deliver better care for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) nationwide.
Researchers developed a method to identify search topics before stock market falls, finding increases in business and politics searches preceded market drops. The study used Google Trends and Wikipedia data to create a predictive model, highlighting the potential for search engine data to anticipate real-world events.
A groundbreaking study in Tanzania successfully infects volunteers with malaria in a controlled laboratory setting, paving the way for accelerated development of new treatments. The innovative PfSPZ Challenge method eliminates the need for live mosquitoes, reducing costs and increasing accessibility to malaria research and treatment.