Researchers have discovered that many hot white dwarfs' atmospheres are contaminated by rocky material from planetary systems, suggesting a similar proportion of stars build terrestrial planets. This breakthrough has implications for the ultimate fate of the Earth billions of years in the future.
New Caledonian crows demonstrate an understanding of water displacement similar to that of 5-7 year-old children, completing 4 out of 6 water displacement tasks. They were able to displace water to receive a reward and showed preferences for certain objects over others.
Researchers have identified a conserved pathway responsible for seizures in both Drosophila flies and humans. Flies with prickle gene mutations exhibit myoclonic seizures, similar to those in human patients, and respond to the anti-convulsive drug valproic acid.
Researchers discovered that breast cancer tumors can hijack patients' repressive gene regulatory machinery, permanently blocking cancer-killing genes. This allows the cancer to continue growing despite treatment with aromatase inhibitors, which block estrogen synthesis.
Repeat sternotomy is a low-risk surgical option for octogenarian patients who have had previous coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The study found similar results in terms of operative morbidity and mortality between repeat sternotomy and primary sternotomy and surgical aortic valve replacement.
Researchers have identified genetic variants associated with two forms of rheumatoid arthritis, sero-positive and sero-negative. This breakthrough could lead to better diagnosis and targeted treatment for patients.
The updated guidelines for treating paracetamol overdoses are costing the NHS millions of pounds a year, with over 31,000 extra patients needing treatment. The changes have led to an increase in hospital admissions, with more than 49,000 patients receiving treatment annually.
Researchers developed a novel approach to trace ammunition used in crimes, detecting a wider range of particles than existing methods. This new technique could rapidly identify the type of ammunition used, allowing crime scene investigators to reconstruct crime scenes more accurately.
Cancer kills flies in a dose-dependent manner, similar to bacterial and viral infections. Researchers have established a system to disentangle the resistance and tolerance mechanisms to cancer in the Drosophila model.
A data-driven approach has been developed to maximize the effectiveness of limited enforcement resources in protecting Africa's threatened wildlife. The method uses spatial planning software to identify weaknesses in current efforts and redirect patrols to increase deterrence, with a potential cost reduction of up to 63%.
Kif15, a new molecular motor, uses its acrobatic flexibility to navigate the mitotic spindle during cell division. This unique ability could pave the way for targeted cancer therapies by allowing it to circumvent roadblocks and move along microtubules more quickly than other motors.
A phase 1 trial found ceritinib to be highly effective against both crizotinib-sensitive and resistant tumors with manageable side effects. The study enrolled 130 participants and showed dramatic shrinkage in tumor size and number in around 60% of patients.
The journal Gynecologic Oncology highlights the impact of obesity on gynecologic cancer prevention, treatment, and survivorship in obese women. Research shows that 72% of US women have a BMI of ≥ 25 kg/m2, making it challenging to convince patients of behavioral change.
A distant dwarf planet, 2012 VP113, has been found to orbit beyond the known edge of the Solar System, challenging our understanding of its boundaries. The discovery suggests an enormous, unseen planet could be influencing the orbits of inner Oort cloud objects.
Researchers at UCL found that pericytes, which control blood flow in capillaries, die around strokes causing lasting brain cell damage. New treatments targeting these cells may help restore normal blood flow and prevent ongoing slow damage after a stroke.
Researchers found that humpback whale skin bacterial communities consist mainly of Tenacibaculum and Psychrobacter spp., but differ by geographic location and metabolic state. The study suggests that these bacteria may act as an indicator of whales' health and the environment.
Researchers develop transgenic flies expressing anti-amyloid antibodies, which reduce neuronal loss and improve eye morphology. A second treatment involving secreted Heat shock protein 70 also shows protective effects, suggesting a new approach to targeting amyloids.
The asteroid Chariklo is found to have a ring system consisting of two sharply confined rings, separated by a clear gap. The team reconstructed the shape and size of the object itself as well as the properties of the newly discovered rings using observations from multiple sites.
A study found that autism is caused by disruptions in early brain development, specifically in the formation of cortical layers. The researchers analyzed 25 genes in post-mortem brain tissue and discovered focal patches of disrupted development in most children with autism. These findings suggest that the brain can sometimes rewire con...
A new blood test helps solve the dilemma of confounded clinical trials for septic shock by identifying low-risk and high-risk patients. The tool combines five protein biomarkers to accurately estimate mortality risk and determine which patients should receive experimental therapeutic intervention.
Researchers at Montefiore Headache Center and Albert Einstein College of Medicine found that relaxation following heightened stress triggers more migraine attacks. The study suggests that stress management and healthy lifestyle habits are crucial for people with migraines.
A new study finds that teenagers can be persuaded to cut back on sugary soft drinks, especially with peer support. The 'Sodabriety' challenge, led by Ohio State University researchers, reduced sugar-sweetened drink use and increased water consumption among high school students.
Infectious disease specialists at Johns Hopkins Children's Center identified a protein called NOD2 that regulates the body's immune response to CMV. The findings offer a new explanation for severe CMV infections in patients with Crohn's disease and may lead to vaccine development.
A nationwide study found that overweight and obese teenagers in Israel had no significant improvement in survival rate over four decades, compared to normal-weight peers. Mortality rates among these teens were higher than those observed in the 1960s and 1970s.
Researchers identified cysteine deficiency as a cause of brain degeneration in Huntington's disease. A cysteine-rich diet slowed disease progression in mice, but its effectiveness in humans is unclear.
A large study of child growth patterns in 36 developing countries found that economic growth is at best associated with small declines in stunting, underweight, and wasting. Targeted nutrition-related interventions are crucial to tackle child undernutrition worldwide.
Researchers at Fraunhofer Institute have developed a method to simulate product design, manufacturing, and testing on computers, allowing for simultaneous planning and building of products and production plants. This enables small and medium-sized companies to reduce development time and costs, while improving design quality.
A large study of child growth patterns in 36 developing countries found that economic growth was associated with small or no declines in stunting, underweight, and wasting. Improvements in public services such as vaccinations and clean water may also lag behind growth in incomes.
Tropical Cyclone Gillian reached Category 5 hurricane status with winds of over 140 knots when NASA's TRMM satellite passed overhead on March 23. Data analysis revealed intense storms and heavy rainfall, but the storm weakened to a tropical storm by March 26.
A study found that preoperative PET imaging reduced unnecessary surgeries for non-small cell lung cancer patients by 50%, eliminating approximately half of them. The use of PET increased during the study period, suggesting its potential to change policy and recommendations regarding tumor staging.
A study published in the Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science found that fertilizer N applied during the reproductive stage is a significant N source for inflorescence development in Phalaenopsis. Research also showed that providing ample nitrogen fertilization at all growth stages is essential for optimal flowering.
A new study by Mayo Clinic reveals that CT scans are effective in detecting uric acid crystals around joints, particularly in patients with multiple gout-like flares. Accurate diagnosis is crucial as gout patients require different medication than those with other forms of inflammatory arthritis.
Researchers Beatriz Vicoso and Doris Bachtrog found that genes on the 'dot chromosome' of fruit flies are X-linked in three other species, suggesting a history as a sex chromosome. They identified nine independently evolved sex chromosomes with balanced gene expression between males and females.
Researchers propose that dark energy is a dynamic quantum vacuum energy, not quintessence or phantom fields, explaining accelerated cosmic expansion. This explanation resolves the cosmological constant discrepancy and simplifies the problem compared to quintessence and phantom fields.
Researchers found that using beer as a marinade can significantly reduce the formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in grilled meats. The study showed that black beer had the strongest effect, reducing PAH levels by more than half compared to unmarinated meat.
Researchers at Einstein College of Medicine made notable advances in understanding and treating cancer, including new discoveries about nerve cells, cancer-causing genes and epigenetics. They will present their work at the AACR Annual Meeting.
A new $1.5 million grant will expand a research initiative to improve diagnosis and care for pregnant women with pre-eclampsia, aiming to reduce maternal and newborn deaths worldwide. The project, led by Dr. Peter von Dadelszen, has already shown promising results with its clinical diagnostic predictive model, miniPIERS.
Researchers discover MGA controls expression of Bone Morphogenetic Proteins, a crucial step in bone development, and may contribute to tumor formation in adults. The study suggests that MGA's dysfunction could lead to chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
A new study reveals that veterans with liver disease who live over 100 miles from a VA liver transplant center are only half as likely to be placed on the transplant waitlist, increasing their risk of death. The further away they live, the less likely they are to receive a transplant and ultimately die.
UCSF physicians advocate for stricter regulation of modified medical devices, citing risks to patient health and deaths due to untested modifications. The FDA should collect post-marketing clinical data on device modifications to identify potential benefits and risks.
Researchers found goats can learn complicated tasks in under 12 trials and retain memories for at least 10 months, revealing excellent long-term memory. The study challenges common misconceptions about goat intelligence, suggesting they can adapt to harsh environments through complex cognition.
A Harvard study suggests that pessimistic early global policy architects stunted developing nations' economies by rejecting innovation and entrepreneurialism. The study recommends prioritizing innovation, building technical capacity, and emphasizing entrepreneurs and risk-taking in emerging countries to drive growth.
Researchers use atmospheric pressure plasma jets to induce biological tissue damage and study DNA damage. The findings suggest that adding gases like oxygen can increase radical species and potentially destroy cancerous tumour cells.
Researchers found that woolly mammoths had a high incidence of abnormal neck vertebrae, including cervical ribs, which are often associated with inbreeding and environmental stress. This suggests that reproductive issues may have contributed to the mammoths' decline and eventual extinction.
A USF study found that compromised blood-brain barrier integrity in cerebral areas distant from initial ischemic insult can lead to chronic post-stroke deficits. Restoring endothelial and/or astrocytic integrity towards BBB repair is proposed as a potential therapeutic strategy.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new way to image a reporter gene that turns on or off to signal events in the body using MRI. This approach allows scientists to determine when and where the gene is turned on, providing insights into brain function and memory formation.
Researchers at Purdue University developed a nanotube coating that significantly reduces the voltage required for mass spectrometers, allowing for miniaturization and increased portability. The technique simplifies analysis by nearly eliminating background noise, making it gentler on fragile molecules.
The study discovered impaired neuronal activity in the brain associated with anticipatory functioning among occasional 18- to 24-year-old stimulant users. This finding suggests a potential biomarker for identifying at-risk youth long before they exhibit obvious addictive behaviors.
A new team approach has improved safety and reduced rates of major complications by two thirds for complex spinal reconstructive surgery. The standardized protocol before, during, and after the surgery involves two spine surgeons, a live preoperative screening conference, and monitoring bleeding during the operation.
NASA's TRMM satellite gathered data on rainfall rates in the South China Sea as Tropical Depression TD04W weakened. The storm's remnants dissipated near Vietnam, marking the end of a potential regeneration threat.
Researchers have developed a blood test that can predict obesity levels in children based on epigenetic switches in the PGC1a gene. The test, conducted on 40 children aged 5, showed a 10% rise in DNA methylation levels was associated with up to 12% more body fat at 14 years.
A new study by Virginia Institute of Marine Science demonstrates the ability to predict a hurricane's storm tide at neighborhood and street levels. The team's high-resolution computer model was able to simulate water levels within 6-8 inches of those observed in New York City during Hurricane Sandy's approach and landfall.
Roy Curtiss, a pioneer in recombinant DNA era gene cloning and novel bacterial pathogenesis research, has made significant contributions to developing attenuated Salmonella-based vaccines. His work has improved human health through combating infectious diseases, particularly pneumonia, tuberculosis, and influenza.
The Telecoupling paper, published in Ecology and Society, presents a new framework for studying interconnected human and natural systems across scales and distances. This approach holds promise for understanding complex challenges like water sustainability, climate change, and food security.
A study found that radiofrequency ablation significantly reduced the risk of progression to high-grade dysplasia and cancer in patients with Barrett esophagus and low-grade dysplasia. Treatment resulted in a 25% lower absolute risk of progression.
A 'stop mechanism' was found to regulate drinking behavior by detecting thirst levels and preventing overdrinking. The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, identified brain regions that determine the signals to stop drinking, potentially preventing complications from excessive water intake.
A team of biologists has catalogued all 31 species of the Plectostoma snail genus from West-Malaysia, Sumatra, and Thailand, including ten new species. The study highlights the plight of these tiny creatures, whose habitats are being destroyed due to mining and development, leading to their extinction.
A team of scientists has identified a key factor that contributes to neurodegeneration in ataxia-telangiectasia, a rare genetic disorder. The study found that DNA damage repair systems are essential for cellular integrity and stability, and that defects in these systems can lead to conditions like A-T.
The EORTC trial 62012 found that adding ifosfamide to doxorubicin improved median progression-free survival, but not overall survival or tumor shrinkage, in advanced soft tissue sarcoma patients. Combination chemotherapy also resulted in more overall responses compared to doxorubicin alone.
Researchers at NREL are examining the best ways to create hydrogen via electrolysis using wind and solar power, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The lab is also exploring strategies to lower the cost of fuel cells by decreasing platinum usage, which could make hydrogen fuel cell vehicles more viable for widespread adoption.