Researchers found that some bird species have evolved recognizable egg patterns, such as blotches and markings, to detect cuckoo eggs. These signature patterns provide a powerful defense against cuckoo trickery, increasing the likelihood of host birds rejecting foreign eggs.
Researchers found that people with a specific gene variation have lower blood lipids and a reduced risk of arteriosclerosis. The study, based on two large population studies, suggests that inhibiting apolipoprotein C3 could be an effective target for new drugs to prevent cardiovascular disease.
Researchers found opposing climate change patterns in middle latitude areas of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Stalagmites and flowstones showed growth during interglacial eras when it was warm and moist, contrasting with stagnation during glacial eras.
Researchers propose a public-private partnership to fund diverse drug-discovery projects simultaneously, increasing the chances of therapeutic breakthroughs. The model estimates a double-digit return on public investment over the long run.
Researchers reconstituted VcINDY into liposomes to analyze its properties as a transporter, providing insights into the cellular level functionality of SLC13 transporters. This study paves the way for targeting these transporters to combat metabolic disease and obesity.
The NIH 3D Print Exchange provides freely available files for custom laboratory equipment, bacterial models, and human anatomy prints, enabling medical research and innovation. The platform also features video tutorials and a discussion forum to promote collaboration and advance science.
SwRI-led CuSPP mission aims to measure Solar Particles and shock waves causing severe electromagnetic storms. The mission will provide critical measurements on hazardous charged particle populations accelerated at the Sun and interplanetary space.
Researchers have identified a key enzyme in the placenta that translates maternal stress into a reprogramming signal for the brain before birth. This enzyme, OGT, is linked to brain mitochondrial dysfunction, which may contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.
According to a study by the Conference of Social Councils, only 16% of Ph.D.s in Spain work in the private sector, significantly lower than the OECD average of 32%. The report highlights the need for greater cooperation between public and private institutions to increase research investment and competitiveness.
Researchers dispel the idea of evolutionary trade-offs between plumage and song in a large study of tanagers, a family of songbirds from Central and South America. The study found that some species can exhibit both flashy colors and complex songs without sacrificing one for the other.
Researchers tested the effects of commercial drinks containing nanoparticles on human intestinal cells, finding that they can interfere with digestion and potentially lead to poor digestion or diarrhea. The study suggests that nanomaterials from these products may be making their way into surface water, where they could harm aquatic life.
Research reveals eight spider families preying on fish worldwide, with diverse species adapting to aquatic environments to catch fish even larger than themselves. Semi-aquatic spiders possess powerful neurotoxins and enzymes to kill and digest their prey.
A new study found that job loss is associated with depressive symptoms in both the USA and Europe, but its impact varies by region. In America, job loss due to plant closure has a stronger effect on depression than in Europe, especially among those with low wealth.
Researchers discovered that trap-jaw ant species are expanding their territory in the southeastern United States. The study identified two new species, O. haematodus and O. ruginodis, which have spread across the Gulf Coast region, including Florida and Alabama.
A Swedish study using national patient registers found no link between ADHD drug treatment and increased risk of suicide attempts or suicide. Instead, researchers suggest that ADHD medications may have a protective effect against suicidal behaviors.
Researchers resurrected an ancient ancestor of a human protein and created millions of alternative histories to test the role of chance events in evolution. They found that two extremely unlikely mutations were necessary for the protein's modern-day function to evolve.
Xinyan Cui is leading a team to develop a biological coating for microelectrode arrays in brain implants, aiming to strengthen the connection between brain and machine. The coating could potentially extend the viability of neural recording by six months and improve the functionality of brain-computer interface technology.
A self-repairing mechanism known as neurogenesis partially counteracts neuronal loss in neurodegenerative diseases. Newborn neurons generated in the dentate gyrus integrate into brain circuitry, maintaining some functions at early stages of disease progression.
ASTRO Gold Medal winners Mary K. Gospodarowicz, Leonard L. Gunderson, and Nancy J. Tarbell will receive the award for their outstanding work in research, clinical care, teaching, and service. They have made significant contributions to advancing radiation oncology, improving patient outcomes, and promoting global health.
A new report provides a primer for doctors to effectively use clinical genome and exome sequencing in diagnosing rare childhood diseases. The technology has already identified the genetic cause of disease in about 25% of patients, including Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and mental retardation.
A four-year survey collected 150 leaf litter samples across 6 natural reserves in China, revealing a significant latitudinal gradient in species diversity of Chinese litter-dwelling thrips. Thrips constitute up to 3% of total macroinvertebrate individuals in tropical and subtropical zones, but only 0.3% in temperate regions.
Researchers discovered a novel conceptual framework that explains how neurons establish spatial polarity and direction using netrin and Wnt signaling pathways. The study found that these pathways work redundantly in guiding cell migrations along different axes.
Researchers identified racial disparities in the use of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) among black and white women with early-stage breast cancer. Black women were 12% less likely to undergo SLNB, contributing to higher risk for lymphedema compared to white patients.
Researchers developed a smart glass micro-iris that controls light entry with minimal power consumption, overcoming traditional mechanical blade limitations in camera-integrated devices. The device demonstrates improved depth of focus and optical contrast, paving the way for next-generation smartphone cameras.
Scientists identified a gene regulatory switch in cattle embryos that led to the reduction of toes and transformation into cloven hooves. The discovery provides insights into the molecular history of evolution in even-toed ungulates, shedding light on their unique adaptations.
Researchers found that providing in-hospital counseling and post-care support can lead to significant health system savings while increasing the number of quitters. The Ottawa Model for Smoking Cessation (OMSC) was shown to be a cost-effective intervention, generating benefits in terms of reduced hospital readmissions and deaths.
African-American barbers will be enlisted in the fight against hypertension through a new grant, which aims to train barbers to conduct blood pressure checks and steer patients to lifesaving medical care. The study aims to test the effectiveness of barbershop hypertension programs and their cost-effectiveness.
The demand for adult endocrinologist services is expected to surpass the available supply for at least the next decade. A growing shortage of endocrinologists is likely to worsen due to aging demographics and increased diagnoses of diabetes and hormone-related conditions, forcing patients to wait longer for appointments.
A study by Virginia Tech researchers maps cultural ecosystem services to guide landscape-level natural resource management. Key findings include environmental quality, accessibility, and fish abundance as primary factors influencing angler enjoyment, with social capacity low in coastal plain areas.
Research at Umeå University reveals that low cortisol levels increase the risk of depression in people with bipolar disorder. The study found that both high and low cortisol levels impaired mental health, with those having low cortisol levels experiencing a chronic state of the disorder.
A new noninvasive blood test detects increasing amounts of donor DNA in the recipient's blood, identifying heart-transplant rejection weeks or months earlier than biopsy. The test outperforms existing methods, including AlloMap, with higher accuracy and potential to revolutionize patient care.
A study found that young adult men who watched more violent TV showed less mature brain development and poorer executive functioning. The researchers measured mental abilities and brain structure using psychological testing and MRI scans, revealing a link between violent TV viewing and irregular brain development.
Research reveals a large diversity of spiders engaging in fish predation globally, with semi-aquatic species catching small freshwater fish. Spiders use powerful neurotoxins and enzymes to kill and digest fish, providing an occasional nutrient-rich prey item.
Researchers discovered four rare APOC3 gene mutations that lower blood triglyceride levels and reduce the risk of coronary artery disease by 40%. The study suggests a powerful strategy for developing new drugs against heart disease.
A new study from MIT reveals that the Tsimane' children's understanding of numbers develops through universal stages, with exposure to numbers playing a critical role in their learning process. The findings suggest that number learning follows a fundamental pathway, but the timing depends on the child's environment.
A new study found a surprisingly wide span of three months in leaf-out times among 1,597 woody plant species at eight botanical gardens globally. The observations suggest that species differences in leaf-out times could impact the length of the growing season and animal activities.
Despite vast genomic data, researchers from the University of Southern Denmark found that DNA sequencing alone cannot distinguish between pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria. The team suggests that proteins provide more valuable knowledge than DNA in understanding bacterial behavior and disease-causing properties. This raises questi...
A new survey of North Carolina doctors reveals concerns over the increasing number of requests to assess patients' competency for concealed weapons permits. Many physicians feel uncertain about their ability to make such assessments, leading to worries about the doctor-patient relationship and potential ethical consequences.
Researchers have made the first structural observations of liquid water at temperatures as low as minus 51 degrees Fahrenheit, revealing new insights into its molecular structure and behavior. This study opens a new window for exploring liquid water in extreme conditions, which is relevant to global ocean currents, climate, and biology.
Researchers develop device that spots lung cancer in exhaled breath, combining novel technologies for early detection and diagnosis. The breathalyzer test uses a nanotech chip to detect unique chemical signatures of lung cancer tumors, accurately distinguishing between benign and malignant lesions.
Researchers on the International Space Station made significant discoveries about the effects of microgravity on the human body, including protein crystal growth and wound healing. Their work has the potential to improve pharmaceutical treatments and advance our understanding of diseases.
Research reveals that Spanish slugs (Arion lusitanicus) are not native to Spain but originated in Central Europe, contradicting long-held assumptions. The findings highlight the need for reevaluation of EU regulations on invasive species and encourage a more nuanced approach to labeling non-native species.
Researchers at U of MD will implement genomic screening in various healthcare settings to detect monogenic diabetes, tailor treatments, and identify at-risk family members. The goal is to enhance diagnosis and treatment for individuals with genetic forms of diabetes.
Researchers analyzed data from over 112 women diagnosed with endometrial cancer, finding no association between soy food or isoflavone intake and the risk of endometrial cancer. The study's findings contradict previous research suggesting potential protective properties of soy foods against endometrial cancer.
UT Arlington researchers used a portable brain-mapping device to show limited prefrontal cortex activity among student veterans with PTSD during simple memorization tasks. The study found significant improvement in brain function after treatment, enabling mental healthcare providers to tailor treatment plans.
A new study by the University of Colorado Boulder found that children who spend more time in less structured activities are better able to meet their own goals and exhibit self-directed executive function. In contrast, those with more structured schedules have poorer self-directed executive function skills.
This special issue of Technology and Innovation explores the benefits of tech transfer to universities and its impact on rural regions. Key findings include the use of information technology in rural health care organizations and precision agriculture in the Northern Great Plains, which improves crop management and reduces waste.
A new study by Dr. Andrew Hudson and colleagues provides clues about the brain's processes used to navigate from unconsciousness back to consciousness after anesthesia. The researchers found that the brain activity occurred in discrete clumps, or clusters, and that certain patterns consistently occurred in anesthetized rodents.
Researchers developed a vaccine that triggered the growth of immune cell nodules within pancreatic tumors, reprogramming these intractable cancers. The vaccine, GVAX, consists of irradiated tumor cells modified to recruit immune cells, and boosted activity of molecular mechanisms that inhibit cancer-fighting immune cells.
Researchers honored for advancements in vaccine development, understanding spaceflight effects on human performance, and STEM education programs. The International Space Station provides a unique platform for scientific discovery and innovation.
A pioneering study aims to quantify eye movements and brain responses in adults with convergence insufficiency (CI) to understand the underlying mechanisms of vision therapy. The research hopes to lead to new therapies improving daily activities, such as reading comfortably for longer periods.
A new study has identified a defining characteristic of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) in CT imaging of hospitalized patients confirmed as having the disease. The most common CT finding is suggestive of an organizing pneumonia pattern, which can aid in early diagnosis.
Women aged 55 and under are twice as likely to suffer a heart attack, die, or require artery-opening procedures if they're moderately or severely depressed. The study found that each 1-point increase in depression symptoms is associated with a 7% increase in the presence of heart disease in women 55 and younger.
Clinical genome and exome sequencing is increasingly used to diagnose rare genetic disorders, but its limitations must be understood. Physicians should explore family history, conduct literature searches, and consider informed consent before ordering the test.
A new study reveals that childhood maltreatment is associated with cerebral grey matter abnormalities, leading to lasting changes in brain structure. The research found significant deficits in late-developing brain regions, indicating a potential link between adverse childhood experiences and long-term cognitive and emotional deficits.
Researchers at Scripps Florida have discovered how a specific genetic mutation damages the developing brain, leading to intellectual disability. The study suggests new possibilities for therapeutic intervention and highlights potential biomarkers for cognitive failure.
Surgical residents who received anonymous peer feedback through a social networking site improved their robotic surgery skills more than those without feedback. The study found that residents in the intervention arm completed procedures faster and earned better scores.
Research by the American Psychological Association found that early elementary school start times were associated with lower standardized test scores and poor attendance in schools serving more economically advantaged children. In contrast, later start times showed no significant impact on academic performance in disadvantaged schools.
Suicides among mental health patients treated at home by crisis resolution home treatment teams have more than doubled in recent years, with an average of 163 deaths in 2010-2011. In contrast, suicides on psychiatric wards fell by over half during the same period.
A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that hyperthyroidism patients are more likely to take extended sick leave, particularly in the first year after diagnosis. People with eye complications from Graves' disease were the most likely to require extended sick leave.