The Autism Speaks Weatherstone program supports nine fellows in autism research, including investigating histone methylation patterns and DNA methylation in genetic disorders. The fellows will work with top mentors to advance understanding of the brain biology of autism and develop new treatments.
Scientists have developed 'chemosynthetic livers' that can mimic human metabolism, allowing researchers to test drug safety and interactions without animal testing. The technology has already demonstrated accurate results with over 50 pharmaceutical compounds.
Researchers at the University of Missouri developed a computer-generated tool called the Material Point Method (MPM) to predict blast scenarios and analyze building materials response. The MPM has been applied to create animation sequences for Disney's 'Frozen', as well as be used in other animated movies
A study found that critically ill patients with mechanical ventilation had a higher prevalence of prior psychiatric diagnoses and an increased risk of new psychiatric diagnoses and medication use after hospital discharge. The risk was particularly high among those with no previous psychiatric history.
The BRONCH Express simulator is a virtual reality solution for EBUS-TBNA training, offering a realistic anatomical environment. This affordable hands-on tool aims to promote competence-based training and improve patient safety among pulmonologists and thoracic surgeons.
Researchers at Fraunhofer LBF have created a new vibration control table that combines sensors and actuators in an integrated platform. This design allows for better protection against vibrations, particularly at lower frequencies, while maintaining performance and cost-effectiveness.
Researchers found that certain bacteria in the stomach break down dark chocolate's polyphenolic compounds into anti-inflammatory compounds. Combining dark chocolate with prebiotics and solid fruits may enhance health benefits. The study suggests a new approach to improving cardiovascular health through gut microbiome modulation.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed new statistical models to increase the accuracy of ocean forecasting. The models improved predictability of sea surface temperature extremes, wind fields, and plankton distribution, ultimately benefiting fisheries and ecosystems.
A national randomized clinical trial led by University of Pittsburgh experts found that a structured approach to diagnose and treat sepsis did not change survival rates. The study provides strong evidence that may change the way sepsis is diagnosed and treated, with prompt recognition and treatment being key to effective care.
Researchers found elevated body temperature linked to worse fatigue in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, supporting previous studies on cooling garments and antipyretics. The study suggests a complex relationship among fatigue, body temperature, and inflammatory processes.
Researchers found that grain farmers in India face regulatory barriers and lack of incentives to invest in on-farm storage, hindering market integration. Small innovations can encourage independent traders to enter the market, benefiting farmers with access to better prices.
The American Journal of Botany celebrates its centennial anniversary, tracing the journal's founding to socio-politics, personalities, and institutions. The journal has remained at the forefront of botanical research, with F.C. Newcombe playing a crucial role in its establishment.
Research suggests that factors such as bullying culture and a history of trauma contribute to the higher rate of sexual assault in the military compared to the general population. The military's response to these issues is also being examined.
Children who are lied to by an adult are more likely to cheat and lie themselves. The study tested 186 children ages 3 to 7 and found that those who were lied to peeked at a temptation toy nearly as much as those who weren't lied to, and were more likely to lie about it later.
A new study from the University of Southampton has found that chromosome errors in women's eggs occur due to a faulty gatekeeper mechanism. The researchers discovered that this 'gatekeeper' allows cells to divide with incorrect chromosomes, leading to conditions like Down Syndrome and early pregnancy loss.
A study of male military personnel found that those with a medical history of resolved childhood glomerular disease were more likely to develop hypertension as adults. The researchers suggest that glomerular disease during childhood may initiate kidney injury that manifests in adulthood.
Researchers at MIT discovered that tiny pores in the inner ear membrane filter sound frequencies, allowing humans to differentiate between competing sounds. The optimal pore size determines hearing sensitivity, with smaller or larger pores impairing hearing.
A Rice University and Duke University study found that modifying homework procedures improved exam scores without changing the course curriculum. The study used cognitive science principles, including repeated retrieval practice, spacing, and immediate feedback, to develop inexpensive yet effective educational changes.
Long-term study highlights the need for early intervention to improve academic outcomes and reduce negative behaviors in children exposed to methamphetamine before birth. Researchers found that these children were 2.8 times more likely to have cognitive problem scores than their unexposed peers.
Bumblebees demonstrate remarkable learning feats, including solving increasingly complex problems and sharing knowledge through social learning. Experienced bees can solve new problems, while inexperienced ones give up, showcasing scaffold learning.
A genetic variant in SCN10A modifies cardiac expression of SCN5A, essential for conduction. An inflammatory feedback loop activates STAT3, repressing miR-34a and promoting EMT in colorectal cancer cells. Insulin resistance in bone disrupts glucose homeostasis through decreased active osteocalcin.
Researchers found that male and female owl monkeys were genetically monogamous, with no cases of extra-pair paternity. The team discovered a strong connection between a species' faithfulness and significant involvement of males in caring for their young.
Researchers found a decline in absolute mortality from severe sepsis, decreasing from 35.0% to 18.4%, resulting in a relative risk reduction of 47.5%. The annual decrease in mortality was consistent across various diagnoses and hospital settings.
The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft is supporting 12 projects to digitize research-relevant objects in various fields, including natural history, music, and art. The goal is to develop scientifically adequate standards for indexing and online presentation, making these collections accessible worldwide.
Researchers found that 7,000 years ago, fighting conchs had 66% more meat than their descendants, leading to evolutionary change due to human harvesting. The study suggests that long-term size-selective evolution can damage vital traits like reproduction and offspring quality.
The Alberta Diabetes Institute has launched a new $600,000 partnership to advance early-stage technologies for Type I and II diabetes. The three-year fund will support novel discovery research with high commercialization potential.
A study by Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research found that global food trade can alleviate water scarcity in parts of India, Morocco, and Egypt through imports of agricultural goods. However, exports from countries like Turkey, Spain, Portugal, Afghanistan, and the US exacerbate local water stress.
Researchers are using a unique approach to climate change vulnerability, involving community stakeholders and scenario-building techniques. The study focuses on two geographic case studies, Big Hole Valley in Montana and Grand County in Colorado, exploring how communities can prepare for future ecological hazards.
The study found that hRAMP1-over-expressing MSCs inhibit neointimal proliferation and improve infarcted heart function in rabbit models. This approach may be useful for treating damaged vessels and the infracted heart.
Researchers isolated implicit from explicit learning processes, revealing separate cognitive systems. The findings have implications for child development, cognitive aging, and educational training.
A 39-year study reveals that more than two-thirds of alpine flowers have changed their blooming patterns in response to climate change. The blooming season has lengthened by a month, with different species responding in unexpected ways. This change is expected to have strong effects on pollinating insects and migratory birds.
A large meta-analysis involving over 29,000 patients from 38 countries found that antiviral drugs like Tamiflu reduced the risk of death from H1N1 influenza by 25% in adults hospitalized. Treatment within 48 hours of symptom onset was associated with a halved risk of death compared to later treatment or no treatment.
Researchers used an age-adjusted D-dimer threshold to safely exclude pulmonary embolism in elderly patients. This approach significantly reduced false positives, especially in older adults.
Researchers have developed innovative sorbents using metal organic frameworks (MOFs) that can store large amounts of water vapor, offering an energy-efficient cooling method. MOFs are also being used in thermally driven heat pumps and zeolite thermal storage systems to capture waste heat and store it for later use.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that plant food supplements are widely used in Europe, with Italy and Spain showing the highest diversity of products. In the UK, evening primrose oil was the most commonly used botanical ingredient.
A recent study by Renato Gianella found that lottery numbers can be analyzed using a colored template based on Pascal's rule, allowing players to identify combinations with the highest probabilities of winning. The method was tested across multiple countries and demonstrated its effectiveness in predicting lottery results.
A recent clinical trial has found that statins can slow the progression of advanced multiple sclerosis, a disease that gradually causes patients to become more disabled. The study showed that patients taking simvastatin achieved better scores on movement tests and questionnaires compared to those on a placebo.
New research suggests that diplomatic pressure and sanctions by the international community can actually support regimes in power, rather than changing their behavior. Countries like Cuba have successfully used stigma and shaming to maintain their sovereignty and resist Western influence. The findings highlight the need for a deeper un...
The Naval Research Laboratory's (NRL) Deepwater Horizon oil spill model accurately predicted shoreline oil impact, utilizing Coupled Ocean-Atmosphere Mesoscale Prediction System (COAMPS). By combining satellite images with ocean circulation models, NRL developed BioCast to forecast water clarity and contaminant distribution.
Duke University engineers developed a modified lens for shock wave machines, improving lithotripsy efficiency by 89% while reducing tissue damage. The new design uses a groove near the lens's perimeter to optimize pressure distribution and cavitation bubble formation.
The PredictND project will test novel approaches for earlier diagnosis of memory disorders and detect individuals at high risk. The project aims to improve the accuracy and efficiency of clinical practice.
Using big data analytics, researchers can predict the type of breast, lung, or oropharyngeal cancers with high accuracy. This technology may enable doctors to use MRI scans to diagnose more aggressive cancers earlier, leading to faster treatment options and improved patient outcomes.
Research suggests that obese children are more likely to have lower levels of physical activity, which may contribute to further weight gain. The study used genetic data to analyze the relationship between childhood adiposity and physical activity, finding a causal association between the two.
A new study from Harvard School of Public Health found that regular consumption of fried foods increases the risk of obesity in people with a genetic predisposition to obesity. The study analyzed data from three US cohort studies and found that high intakes of fried food exacerbated the deleterious effects of genetic variants associate...
A new study found that children treated with ADHD stimulants experienced slower BMI growth in early childhood, followed by a rapid BMI rebound in late adolescence. Researchers suggest that stimulant use, rather than ADHD diagnosis alone, is associated with higher BMI and obesity.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that 56% of bloodstream infections were healthcare-associated, but symptoms began prior to hospital admission. The most common pathogens were S. aureus and E. coli, with multidrug-resistant pathogens occurring in 23% of patients.
Researchers identified 450 variants of neurexin proteins, offering new evidence on their role in forming synapses. The study suggests that these protein variants contribute to the diversity of synaptic connections, paving the way for further research into neurological disorders.
Researchers use years of data to understand how glaciers changed over time as climate has changed, providing insights into future glacier melting. The study's findings have significant implications for understanding global environmental change and planning protection efforts.
A new study published in The Journal of Neuroscience found that extended wakefulness can result in neuronal injury and loss of brain cells, particularly in the locus coeruleus (LC) neurons. Chronic sleep loss may be more serious than previously thought and may even lead to irreversible physical damage.
Researchers have developed a new testing method that can detect performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) 1,000 times more sensitively than current methods. The approach, called paired ion electrospray ionization (PIESI), uses mass spectrometry to gather and detect small drug bits in body fluids.
Research from The Netherlands found that high-potency cannabis users still take in more THC than lower potency smokers. Despite attempting to compensate by inhaling less smoke, titration efforts were only partially successful, resulting in roughly half of the THC strength being absorbed.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have successfully generated entangled photons using a combination of light-emitting diodes and superconductors. This breakthrough could lead to significant advancements in quantum computing, communication, and other fields.
A study of over 37,000 men and women found that eating fried foods four times a week had twice the impact on body mass index (BMI) for those with the highest genetic risk scores. Genetic variants associated with BMI and obesity also interacted with fried food consumption to influence adiposity.
Researchers found that rats' brains registered odor exposure while under anesthesia, despite no behavioral response. The study's findings suggest a need to re-evaluate how anesthesia depth is measured clinically.
Researchers at Umeå University have developed a method to engineer carbon nanotube networks into complex architectures, significantly improving charge transport and reducing material costs. This breakthrough is expected to accelerate the development of flexible carbon-based solar cells.
Agroforestry is key to increasing food production in Africa by replenishing soils, improving biodiversity, and conserving natural resources. By adopting sustainable agricultural intensification techniques, farmers can meet the growing population's needs without degrading the environment.
A Baylor University study found that 40% of low-income pregnant women discharged after a false labor diagnosis did not want to leave the hospital. The main reasons were pain and distance from their homes. Receiving written instructions about comfort measures at home improved their satisfaction with care. Comfort is a major aspect of sa...
A study analyzing ancient DNA from over 250 radiocarbon-dated moa samples reveals that the iconic New Zealand bird was thriving when humans arrived, contradicting previous theories of population collapse before human arrival. The research suggests human activities contributed to the moa's extinction.
Dr. Ed Cackett has received a $550,000 NSF CAREER Award to study neutron stars and accretion in binary systems. He will also develop a program to bring solar telescopes to local schools, enhancing hands-on science education.
A recent study by the University of Manchester found that only 2.1% of adults with significant hearing problems use a hearing aid. The study revealed that approximately one in 10 middle-aged adults have substantial hearing difficulties, particularly those from working-class or ethnic minority backgrounds.
A new study suggests that lung ultrasound can accurately detect pulmonary edema in pregnant women with preeclampsia, allowing for timely intervention and reducing the risk of respiratory failure. This non-invasive test has the potential to improve patient outcomes and reduce mortality rates associated with preeclampsia.
A large-scale randomized trial found that sepsis patients receive effective care regardless of treatment protocol, resolving a long-standing debate. The ProCESS trial showed no significant differences in survival rates among three groups: Early Goal-Directed Therapy, Protocolized Standard Care, and Standard Care.
A mobile gaming app based on attention-bias modification training (ABMT) has been shown to reduce anxiety and stress in stressed individuals. Playing the game for 25 minutes can have potent effects on anxiety, suggesting a potential 'cognitive vaccine' against anxiety and stress.
A surveillance study found that pregnancy is associated with a greater risk of Haemophilus influenzae infection, which can cause serious complications such as premature birth, stillbirth, and fetal loss. The study also suggests that pregnant women are at higher risk of developing unencapsulated H influenzae disease.
A new study found that genetic factors explain about 40 percent of individual differences in math anxiety, while environmental factors account for the rest. The research suggests that genetic predispositions can both exacerbate and reduce the risk of poor math performance.
Complex NHS sight tests are leading to unnecessary referrals and resource waste due to clinically insignificant abnormalities. Opticians refer patients to medical practitioners if abnormalities are found, but many of these referrals result in false positives and anxiety for patients.
Dr. Gavin Svenson has discovered 19 new species of bark mantises in Central and South America, revealing a previously unknown diversity of these insects. The newly described species exhibit remarkable camouflage abilities, including mimicry of bark, moss, and lichen to avoid detection.
A large US study found that cardiac arrest during childbirth is more common than thought, with causes including excessive bleeding, heart failure, and amniotic fluid embolism. The survival rate improved from 52% to 60% between 1998 and 2011.
Researchers analyzed 50 years of hit songs to identify key themes for advertisers, finding emotional content resonates with mass audiences. The study identified 12 key themes, including loss, desire, and aspiration, which can be used to craft successful advertisements.
A proof-of-concept study led by TGen used genomic analysis of canine tumors to identify potential new therapies for human cancers. The study successfully analyzed dog tumor samples in under 5 days, fitting within a clinical window for human medical advancements.
Lung cancer cells use high levels of TGF-β to suppress NK cell activity, leading to reduced DAP12 expression and impaired cytotoxic pathways. The researchers identified a critical role for miR-183 in this process, providing new insight into the exploitation of immune evasion mechanisms by cancer cells.
Researchers reveal that a combination of solar eruptions led to the formation of a powerful storm. The STEREO mission helped detect key features, providing new insights into the causes of extreme space weather events.
A new three-dimensional model of supernova collapse reveals the role of turbulent mixing in expanding, contracting and ejecting elements before explosion. This breakthrough insight into the death throes of stars sheds light on the formation of elements necessary for life on Earth.
Scientists from ETH Zurich have synthesized uniform antimony nanocrystals, which can store both lithium and sodium ions, making them prime candidates for anode materials in both lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries. The researchers found that the optimal size-performance relationship of these nanocrystals is between 20-100 nanometres.
NASA has released an interactive mosaic of the lunar north pole, created from 10,581 high-resolution images taken by NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. The mosaic provides detailed textures and subtle shading of the lunar terrain, making it a valuable resource for scientists and the public.
A new bioinsecticide has been developed using a baculovirus to control a pest of banana plantations. The treatment is more effective than traditional methods and poses fewer environmental hazards.
Researchers discovered a pattern of damage in the hippocampus — the brain's memory center — similar to humans with temporal lobe epilepsy. Sea lions exposed to domoic acid developed seizures and extensive brain damage due to toxin accumulation in anchovies and other small fish fed on by sea lions.
A phase 2 study found that simvastatin slowed brain atrophy by 43% over two years compared to placebo. The medication was well-tolerated and showed small but significant improvements in disability scales.
Researchers at the University of Houston are developing a low-cost GPS-based system to provide real-time alerts to pipeline owners and excavator operators when digging near pipelines. The system, supported by a $700,000 grant, aims to reduce accidents caused by excavation damage.
A study by Dr. Russell Callaghan found that raising the minimum legal drinking age to 19 in Alberta and Québec would prevent significant deaths among 18-year-old men. The research suggests increasing the drinking age to 21 nationwide could save up to 32 male youth lives annually.
NASA's TRMM satellite spotted towering thunderstorms and heavy rainfall in the remnants of Tropical Cyclone Gillian, indicating some power still present. The storm is expected to move west across the Timor Sea away from Northern Territory.
A recent study using brain imaging found that dogs have a stronger response to the scents of familiar humans than other humans or even familiar dogs. The research suggests that dogs' brains have mental representations of their human companions that persist even when they're not present.
A recent study published in Genome Research reveals that sea anemones have a genomic landscape similar to human genomes but also display regulatory mechanisms similar to plants. The team discovered 87 microRNAs in sea anemones, which exhibit hallmarks of both animal and plant microRNAs.
A recent systematic review of clinical trials found that vitamin D supplementation had little to no effect on depression. However, additional analyses suggested that vitamin D supplements may help patients with clinically significant depression when combined with traditional antidepressant medication.
Research suggests that shortening the time from symptoms to diagnosis has no bearing on survival or disease stage for most children with unilateral retinoblastoma. However, a longer lag-time between symptom onset and diagnosis is associated with a more advanced stage and worse survival in bilateral cases.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School and University of Sydney develop elastic hydrogel-based cardiac tissue that beats in synchrony with natural heart muscle. The breakthrough could lead to repairing damaged hearts without organ transplants, revolutionizing the treatment for millions worldwide.
A University at Buffalo study found that IBS patients' health perceptions are more closely tied to non-biomedical factors such as social relationships and fatigue than the severity of their gastrointestinal symptoms. The study, which included 234 IBS patients, suggests that addressing these underlying issues could lead to improved clin...
Researchers say they've collected the first direct evidence for cosmic inflation, a cataclysmic event that marked the universe's birth. The team observed strong B-mode polarization signals in the cosmic microwave background, a signature of gravitational waves, confirming a deep connection between quantum mechanics and general relativity.
Researchers found that planting cotton in May reduced boll damage by up to 36% compared to June planting dates. Early planting avoids peak stink bug pressure during the bloom cycle, reducing the need for insecticides.
A rapid succession of coronal mass ejections sent a pulse of magnetized plasma towards Earth, potentially causing widespread disruptions to the electrical grid and disabling satellites. Fortunately, the event occurred just nine days too late, narrowly missing the planet.
Crop residue burning is a common practice in Indochina for pest control and field preparation, but it also causes significant air pollution and health concerns. The ongoing agricultural fires in the region release vast amounts of smoke into the atmosphere, affecting respiratory health and environmental conditions.
New laboratory experiments reveal that turbidity currents can enter cohesive muddy seabeds without losing their shape. A major earthquake at Lake Vättern, Switzerland, occurred around 11,500 years ago, and high-grade gold mineralization is linked to fault-valve processes in Papua New Guinea. Additionally, discoveries include the Ediaca...
Researchers found a significant decrease in snuff smoke exposure among non-smokers in Spain after the implementation of tobacco control laws. The perception of being exposed to snuff smoke decreased by 36.5% at home and 25% overall, indicating smokers are restricting indoor smoking.
NC State researchers have created a new, stretchable antenna that can be used in wearable health monitoring systems. The antenna can be stretched, rolled, or twisted and still transmit signals effectively.
A new GPS system on commercial aircraft captures detailed meteorological readings to improve weather models and hurricane forecasts. This technology has the potential to save lives and provide more accurate predictions.
Researchers create mathematical modeling tool to analyze image data and understand cell clustering mechanisms. This breakthrough could aid in growing human tissues like liver in laboratory settings.
Researchers have successfully identified two chemical compounds that can maintain functional human leukemic stem cells alive for at least seven days in vitro. This major breakthrough paves the way for the development of new cancer drugs to fight acute myeloid leukemia, a form of blood cancer.
A UBC study shows corporate leaders rush into new innovations without scrutiny, leading to inferior products and tragic consequences like the DC-10 airline disasters. The authors warn that history may repeat itself as Boeing's 787 Dreamliner faces competition from Airbus.
Scientists from Indiana University have described the transcriptome of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster in unprecedented detail, revealing a far more complex genome than previously suspected. The study identifies thousands of new genes, transcripts, and proteins, shedding light on human biology and disease.
Quail and chickens are likely sources of infection for the H7N9 influenza virus, according to a study published in the Journal of Virology. The research found that quail efficiently transmitted the virus, while other poultry species were resistant or did not become infected.
Studies suggest that eye structure and function may reveal features of early-stage Alzheimer's disease, including changes in retinal pigment epithelial layer and choroidal layer thickness. Researchers hope to develop new diagnostic methods using the eye as a window to brain activity.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have made a groundbreaking discovery using human muscle-derived stem cells to repair damaged nerves. The study found that these stem cells could differentiate into neurons and glial support cells, leading to full regeneration of the sciatic nerve in animal models.