Anusha Mujumdar, a 3rd year PhD student at Exeter University, has won the Zonta International Amelia Earhart Fellowship to support her pioneering research on spacecraft control for the Mars Sample Return mission. Her work will help develop 'rendezvous and capture' technology for retrieving samples from Mars.
Anil Kulkarni, UTHealth professor, awarded Fulbright Fellowship to teach immunonutrition in India. He aims to establish a center promoting immunonutrition education globally.
A new NASA satellite animation reveals Hurricane Amanda's rapid weakening from May 28 to May 30. The post-tropical cyclone's circulation center became harder to identify, indicating its demise.
Researchers have discovered a single-ovary reproductive system in the basal bird Jeholornis and derived enantiornithine birds from China, indicating that this adaptation occurred gradually during the evolution of dinosaurs and basal birds. This finding supports the hypothesis that birds lost one ovary due to energetic pressures of flight.
A new study of women with BRCA mutations who underwent risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy found high rates of sexual dysfunction, menopausal symptoms, and poor sleep. Hormone replacement therapy provided relief for some patients, highlighting the need for better strategies to manage long-term effects.
A Curtin University researcher has discovered that volcanic eruptions in Australia 510 million years ago led to the first known mass extinction of complex life. The study found a correlation between large volcanic province eruptions and climate shifts, resulting in mass extinctions over the last 550 million years.
Researchers found that reducing the frequency of bisphosphonate treatment from monthly to every three months after one year was non-inferior to continuing monthly treatment in terms of efficacy. The study also showed a reduced risk of serious side effects, including kidney-related adverse events.
A behavior-altering enzyme commonly used in depression medications has been linked to prostate cancer growth. Suppressing this enzyme may reduce or eliminate prostate tumor growth and metastasis, offering a potential new treatment for men with metastatic prostate cancer.
An analysis by Fox Chase Cancer Center has revealed a dramatic increase in the use of chemotherapy before surgery to remove ovarian cancer, with 26.72% of patients receiving it in 2011 compared to 8.94% in 1998.
Researchers have developed a novel technique to detect cell toxicity in real-time during drug screening, using DNA-binding fluorescent dyes. Four dyes were identified as safe and impermeable to cells, enabling the detection of cell death during high-throughput screening.
Researchers at the University of Surrey found that narcissists can experience empathy when instructed to consider another person's perspective. This could lead to a decrease in violent and anti-social behaviors, as well as improved relationships and overall wellbeing.
The American Society for Clinical Oncology has released new clinical guidelines for cancer-related fatigue, developed in collaboration with Moffitt Cancer Center. The guidelines recommend regular screening and treatment of fatigue in cancer patients after treatment, as well as addressing other contributing factors such as depression, p...
Conservative fuel treatments reduced fire severity equally as intensive treatments in protecting homes during the 2011 Wallow Fire. The study suggests multiple paths to fuel treatment design around the WUI, with varying distances to reduction in fire severity depending on treatment intensity.
A study from the University of Cambridge found that individuals with disorders of compulsivity share similar patterns of decision-making and brain structure. The researchers discovered lower grey matter volumes in brain regions involved in goal-tracking and rewards, leading to automatic habitual choices.
Researchers found that collegiate swimmers recovered faster and swam significantly faster when consuming chocolate milk compared to traditional sports drinks. Chocolate milk's unique carb-to-protein ratio provides essential nutrients for muscle refueling, supporting improved swim performance.
Researchers at KU Leuven have discovered a causal link between brain activity in the ventral tegmental area and choice behavior in primates. By stimulating this area with electrical pulses, macaques were able to change their preference for images, highlighting the importance of dopamine in regulating learning and reinforcement.
New research from the Monell Chemical Senses Center reveals that pleasant odors enhance women's facial attractiveness, while odor pleasantness has a mixed effect on age perception. The study found that visual age cues influence judgments of facial age, and unpleasant odors weaken this effect.
Researchers have discovered a new coronavirus inhibitor that exhibits potent antiviral activity by blocking the hijacking of host membranes. This compound, called K22, prevents coronaviruses from usurping and re-shaping human host cell membranes to produce new virus particles.
Researchers identified a gene expression profile associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular death in patients with coronary artery disease. The profile, based on a simple blood test, may help identify patients who could benefit from personalized treatment and counseling.
Researchers model future land-use change in the US and propose incentive structures for landowners to provide ecosystem services. The work aims to strike a balance between human needs and natural systems, with tradeoffs identified for every policy.
Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that the unexpected death of a loved one can trigger a range of psychiatric disorders in people with no history of mental illness. The study, which analyzed data from over 27,000 participants, showed that losing a loved one suddenly raised the risk of major depr...
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine have identified two gene mutations that cause uveal melanoma, a type of eye cancer. They also found that an existing FDA-approved drug can slow tumor growth in experiments with mice.
A new study reveals that minority small-business owners face more questions, get less help than white counterparts when seeking loans. The research found that loan officers treated minority applicants differently, offering them less information on loan terms and application assistance.
The University of Pittsburgh has received a five-year, $1.5 million grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) to develop new lab-based biology courses aimed at retaining science students. The effort will build upon existing initiatives and aim to engage more students in research experiences from their freshman year.
Researchers found that low vitamin D levels combined with increased parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels are associated with pre-diabetes and diabetes. The study suggests that assessing the entire PTH/25-OH-D axis is necessary when studying the impact of vitamin D on glucose metabolism.
A study examined online ratings of otolaryngologists and found that most reviews were positive. However, physicians with negative comments had lower average scores on patient review platforms Healthgrades and Vitals. The study highlights the importance of considering online ratings in choosing a healthcare professional.
Berkeley Lab researchers found that hydroxyl groups from water bind to the surface of colloidal lead sulfide nanoparticles, explaining how they achieve balance of positive and negative ions. This discovery sheds light on the surface chemistry of nanocrystals and has implications for nanoparticle synthesis.
Researchers analyzed King Richard III's remains to determine the extent of his scoliosis, a condition characterized by a curved spine. The study found that Richard's condition would have had a small impact on his appearance and likely didn't affect his ability to exercise.
Researchers from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health analyzed air quality in seven Baltimore waterpipe bars and found elevated levels of carbon monoxide and air nicotine. The study's results suggest that waterpipe smoking creates higher indoor air pollution than cigarette smoking, posing increased health risks to patron...
A rare type of melanoma that affects darker skins is almost twice as likely to recur as other similar types of skin cancer. The study found that acral lentiginous melanoma has a high recurrence rate, especially in small tumors.
A 20-year study found that early childhood development programs in Jamaica improved cognitive and emotional development, leading to higher earnings and better economic status for adults. The intervention, which included weekly home visits and educational games, compensated for developmental delays faced by disadvantaged children.
A new study has discovered how ibrutinib resistance develops in CLL patients, identifying key gene mutations that weaken the drug's ability to bind with Bruton's tyrosine kinase. This understanding is crucial for developing effective alternative treatments for patients who develop resistance.
The UK Energy Research Centre will continue to drive innovation and research into sustainable future energy systems, with a focus on addressing climate change and increasing energy security. The funding is part of the RCUK Energy Programme, which aims to position the UK for a low-carbon future.
A new study reveals that human activity is driving extinction rates 1,000 times higher than the natural rate, emphasizing the need for better conservation strategies. New technologies are helping scientists collect and share information on species distribution, habitat destruction, and land-use change.
Researchers investigate gene expression during Drosophila development, finding thousands of mRNAs translated differently and a protein kinase complex regulating translational changes. The study provides insights into the oocyte-to-embryo transition and its role in embryogenesis.
The new Centre for Doctoral Training in Photonic Integration for Advanced Data Storage will address the shortage of skilled professionals in this field by educating 50 future scientists and engineers. Students will collaborate with industry partners, including Seagate Technology, to generate new ideas and research opportunities.
Researchers have uncovered evidence of ancient protocontinental crust in four-billion-year-old rocks from the Acasta Gneiss Complex. The study suggests that processes similar to those occurring in present-day Iceland may have formed the Earth's first continents.
Research suggests circumcision may reduce prostate cancer risk in certain populations, including Black men with a 60% lower risk. The study found no significant association between circumcision and prostate cancer risk for other ancestral groups.
A new laser sensing technology developed by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, can remotely sense objects across distances up to 30 feet, 10 times farther than current systems. This breakthrough technology has potential applications in self-driving cars, smartphones and interactive video games.
Researchers from Virginia Tech developed an efficient placement method for acoustic bat detectors to improve species detection and monitoring of endangered bat species impacted by white-nose syndrome. The technique allowed for non-invasive tracking without transferring fungal spores, enabling conservation efforts.
The University of Houston is redesigning introductory STEM courses with hands-on projects and mentoring programs to encourage students to persist in STEM fields. The $1.5M grant aims to improve how science is taught and provide early research opportunities for all students.
A new UCLA-led study found that depression is linked to a far greater chance for early death among adults 65 and older with diabetes, compared to those without depression. The researchers suggest that depressed individuals are less likely to adhere to their prescribed medications and lifestyle changes.
Researchers found that dialysis facilities in the Southeast have lower rates of kidney transplantation due to factors such as higher poverty levels and fewer staff. In contrast, Northeastern facilities had higher rates of transplantation, suggesting regional variations in access to care.
A new study suggests that how one compares weight-wise with others in their community impacts life satisfaction. In areas with high obesity rates, being 'normal weight' has little benefit, while the difference between obese and non-obese individuals' life satisfaction is smaller.
A grape-enriched diet resulted in a protective effect on retinal structure and function, with three-fold higher rod and cone photoreceptor responses compared to control diets. The study also found lower levels of inflammatory proteins and higher amounts of protective proteins in the retinas.
A new technology uses microparticles of heparin to bind and deliver the potent protein BMP-2, reducing unwanted bone formation and increasing efficiency. The study found that the microparticles maintained high bioactivity and released growth factor slowly over time.
A new study shows that fertility decisions are influenced by social network, particularly among female high school friends. Having a friend who gives birth increases the likelihood of a woman having a child, with effects reaching peak around two years later.
Researchers report that Hawaiian crickets have lost their songs due to a natural defense mechanism against parasitoid flies. The silent crickets avoid the deadly flies and still mate by positioning themselves near singing males, showcasing convergent evolution in action.
A team led by Scripps Research Institute scientists has received a $13 million grant to study antibodies to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in pursuit of an effective vaccine. The goal is to elicit broadly neutralizing antibodies that can neutralize most circulating HIV strains.
A new study suggests that individuals with obstructive sleep apnea who have supportive family relationships may be more likely to adhere to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. The research found that married or partnered patients had better CPAP adherence after three months compared to singles.
Two new EPSRC Centres for Doctoral Training have been established to address key challenges in data management and carbon emissions. The Queen's University Belfast Centre will focus on photonic integration for advanced data storage, while the University of Bath Centre will concentrate on decarbonization of built environments.
A retrospective study of over 1.2 million adults found that reduced glomerular filtration rate is an independent risk factor for renal and urothelial cancer, but not other types of cancer. Lower GFR levels were associated with increased rates of incident renal cancer and urothelial cancer.
Molecular methods have improved identification of war wound infections, revealing new insights into microbial species associated with successful and unsuccessful healing. The study found that certain bacteria are linked to poor wound healing, while others are associated with successful recovery.
Indiana University researchers found that athletes can improve their performance even after being tricked, highlighting the brain's role in regulating exercise intensity. The study involved 14 trained cyclists who rode stationary bikes while being shown fake data, resulting in a 2.1% average improvement over baseline.
Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital confirmed for the first time that stimulation of the ventral tegmental area can change behavior in primates. The study found that activation of the brain's reward system, mediated by dopamine, can induce changes in visual preference and motivation.
A new study found that solar panels made in China have a higher overall carbon footprint and require more energy during manufacturing compared to those made in Europe. The difference is largely due to China's lower environmental and efficiency standards, as well as its reliance on coal-based electricity.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a neural transplant that significantly reduces absence epilepsy seizures in mice. The treatment targets specific areas of the brain affected by the disease, offering hope for developing new therapies for humans suffering from various forms of epilepsies.
Individuals with poor kidney function have a higher risk of developing kidney and urothelial cancers, according to a recent study. The study found that those with lower estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) had a significant increase in cancer risk, particularly for renal cell carcinoma.
The study found that improved blood pressure management has led to a significant reduction in major cardiovascular events. Between 1994 and 2011, hypertension treatment rates doubled and control rates tripled in England.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that stress degrades sperm quality in men, leading to lower concentrations and impaired motility. The researchers studied 193 men and found associations between subjective and objective measures of stress and semen concentration.