A study found that methyl oleate in biodiesel emissions reacts with ozone to reduce surfactant properties, slowing down water droplet growth and cloud formation. The reaction could impact the water cycle by altering cloud formations and rainfall patterns.
Researchers predict global malnutrition will decline significantly if agricultural productivity grows, despite income growth. Improved food security will lift many people out of hunger-stricken regions through increased caloric consumption and higher protein diets.
Researchers found that female mice deprived of dietary zinc before conception experienced fertility problems and had smaller, less-developed fetuses. Zinc deficiency caused a high incidence of pregnancy loss and delayed or aberrant embryo development.
Researchers propose that domestic dogs assisted early humans in killing mammoths, explaining the sudden appearance of massive mammoth kill sites. The hypothesis suggests that dogs' hunting skills and ability to guard carcasses increased human success rates.
The University of California, Riverside has received a five-year, $2.4 million grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute to support STEM education and increase retention rates among underrepresented groups. The grant will provide lower division science students with early research immersion and career exploration opportunities.
A new tool helps identify patients at risk of an aneurysm rupture by analyzing collagen type I, which is younger than previously thought. The study may lead to improved screening and treatment strategies for aneurysm patients.
A University of Nebraska-Lincoln team has developed a promising new approach for HIV vaccine development using an attenuated and genetically modified virus. The approach involves manipulating the virus' codons to rely on an unnatural amino acid, preventing the virus from replicating in the human body.
The Solar Ultraviolet Imager and Extreme Ultraviolet and X-ray Irradiance Sensors have completed integration with the GOES-R spacecraft, enabling it to observe sun and space weather. This development enhances the prediction capabilities of NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center, aiding in understanding and mitigating space weather impa...
The grant will support innovative practices in key introductory STEM classes, including collaborative group research and hands-on connections among sciences and math. The program aims to increase student participation and retention in STEM concentrations, particularly for underrepresented minorities.
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine found that environmental influences, not gene mutations, contribute to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in some cases. The study, published in PLOS Genetics, suggests that older mothers face a similar risk to older fathers and may be linked to epigenetic alterations in cheek cells.
The 2014 Kavli Prize winners made significant contributions to our understanding of cosmic inflation, nano-optics, and brain networks. Their discoveries have revolutionized fields like astrophysics, nanoscience, and neuroscience.
A Penn study reveals how cells remove misfolded proteins, a crucial process for understanding brain diseases caused by toxic protein clumps. The research identified a two-stage recycling system involving proteins PML and RNF4 that tags misfolded proteins for degradation.
Tropical Storm Amanda was bisected by NASA's CloudSat satellite on May 25, 2014, showing a deep area of moderate to heavy-moderate precipitation below the freezing level. The storm had become the strongest May hurricane on record for the Eastern Pacific basin before quickly weakening due to dry air and wind shear.
The Affordable Care Act empowers nurse anesthetists to expand access to anesthesia services, but state laws restrict their scope of practice. The article explores how the ACA affects CRNA practice and highlights roadblocks to full utilization of their skills.
The University of Houston is participating in a $7.5 million NIH clinical trial to slow the progression of nearsightedness in children using commercially available soft bifocal contact lenses. The study aims to determine whether these lenses can slow eye growth and subsequent myopia.
Four species, including a bacterium and wasp, share the same odor signal to exploit their prey, demonstrating complex communication networks in nature. The study highlights the role of volatile organic compounds in facilitating predator-prey relationships between different species.
Researchers have developed a new, non-destructive method to detect white-nose syndrome in bats by using ultraviolet light. The technique, which involves shining long-wave UV light at bat wings, produces a distinctive orange-yellow fluorescence that corresponds with microscopic skin lesions characteristic of the disease.
Scientists discovered that the selection process of immature eggs is connected to segments of DNA known as transposable elements. A drug called AZT may enhance the quality and number of eggs by altering jumping gene activity in immature eggs.
Researchers discovered spirochete-like bacteria in 15-20 million-year-old Dominican Republic amber, which causes Lyme disease. The findings indicate that Lyme disease-causing bacteria have been around for at least 15 million years.
Chronic kidney disease is associated with a higher risk of developing renal and urothelial cancers. A recent study found that patients with reduced glomerular filtration rates were more likely to develop these types of cancer, particularly those with severe chronic kidney disease.
A new study from the University of British Columbia's Sauder School of Business found that feeling excluded at work is significantly more likely to lead job dissatisfaction and health problems. People who experienced ostracism were also more likely to quit their jobs and reported a degraded sense of workplace belonging.
A new species of cavefish, Amblyopsis hoosieri, has been discovered in southern Indiana and is the first new species described from the US in 40 years. It lacks eyes and vision but maintains a functional rhodopsin gene to navigate dark waters.
Research found pregnant women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) exhibit low-grade inflammation, worsening during pregnancy. This abnormal inflammation may contribute to increased risk of pregnancy complications like pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes.
A massive tooth fossil of the prehistoric marine predator Dakosaurus maximus has been discovered in Dorset, UK. The tooth, measuring approximately 5.5 cm long, is believed to have belonged to a creature that swam alongside killer whales and ate large fish whole.
A new tool called pVAAST combines linkage analysis with case control association to identify disease-causing mutations in families, increasing the power to find gene variations that cause disease. By sequencing family genomes, researchers can pinpoint the gene responsible for a particular illness.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have obtained an unprecedented view of a type of brain-cell receptor implicated in neurological illnesses. The team's atomic-level picture of the intact NMDA receptor should serve as a template and guide for the design of therapeutic compounds.
A new algorithm harnesses data from an event-based sensor to enable autonomous robots to process information faster, allowing for more nimble maneuvers. This could improve the performance of self-driving cars and mini-helicopters.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University and Johns Hopkins University have identified specific genes that are responsible for breast cancer development. The study found that these genes are regulated differently in normal breast tissue compared to cancerous cells, providing new targets for therapy.
Researchers developed an algorithm that can transfer distinctive visual styles from acclaimed photographers to cellphone photos, improving close-up portraits. The technique uses a local transfer approach and multiscale matching to enhance image characteristics while minimizing errors.
NASA is expanding its research on hurricanes and tropical storms with the HS3 mission, using unmanned aircraft and space-based instruments to investigate processes underlying hurricane formation and intensity. The mission aims to determine the effect of the Saharan Air Layer on storm formation and intensification.
A new study led by Duke University finds that emerging technologies can efficiently identify species at greatest risk and take steps to protect them. Online databases, smartphone apps, and crowd-sourcing are making it easier to collect data on species.
A study published in Human Reproduction found that mothers of daughters with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have a significantly increased risk of death, especially when combined with type 2 diabetes. The research compared mortality rates between mothers and fathers of PCOS daughters with the general Dutch population.
Researchers found that whole-body vibration exercise can reduce pain symptoms and improve aspects of quality of life for individuals with fibromyalgia. The study suggests that this type of exercise may be a promising therapeutic mode of treatment.
A new report outlines key research areas to study synthetic biology's potential ecological impacts, including species comparative research and genome stability. The report highlights the need for long-term support and interdisciplinary collaboration to address complex questions about synthetic biology's effects on the environment.
Researchers found that bicyclists tend to be in the best mood, followed by car passengers and drivers, while bus and train riders experience negative emotions. The study suggests improving transit riders' emotional experience may be as important as traditional service features.
A new study published in Science examines the conflict between invasive species removal and endangered species recovery. Researchers at UC Davis recommend slowing down invasive species eradication to allow restoration or natural recovery of habitats.
Researchers have created a 3D representation of Richard III's spine, revealing a severe scoliosis with a 'spiral' shape and a pronounced right-sided curve. The model shows how the condition would have affected his appearance, with a short torso and higher right shoulder.
Raised systolic blood pressures increase risk of intracerebral haemorrhage, subarachnoid haemorrhage, and stable angina, while diastolic pressure is linked to abdominal aortic aneurysm. Modern therapy still struggles to manage hypertension's substantial lifetime burden.
Researchers at JCAP devise a method to protect common semiconductors like silicon and gallium arsenide from corrosion in solar-fuel generators. They use a process called atomic layer deposition to form a protective layer of titanium dioxide, allowing the materials to absorb light efficiently while preventing corrosion.
By analyzing data from two NASA missions, scientists were able to measure the moon's lopsided shape and its deformation under Earth's sway, providing new insights into the moon's interior. The results confirm previous findings and offer a more comprehensive understanding of the lunar body tide.
A global survey of 350 cities reveals that 75% tackle climate-change issues as part of their planning, with 73% attempting both mitigation and adaptation. However, only 21% report tangible connections between climate change response and achieving other local development goals.
A study has identified 152 unique genes that may be responsible for keloid scarring, a condition characterized by raised, firm skin areas. The researchers found that certain genetic pathways play a crucial role in the development of keloids and could lead to new treatment options.
Researchers found that marathon running times are U-shaped, peaking in the mid-20s to early 30s before decreasing. The study analyzed over 45,000 runners' data, revealing a sharp decline after age 55.
A new study found that delaying anti-clotting medication after a coronary artery stent can increase the risk of heart attack and death. Filling prescriptions promptly within days of hospital discharge may help prevent these complications.
Researchers from India, US, Germany, and Sweden study songbirds in the Himalayas, finding significant genetic differences between closely related species. The team concludes that the region's saturated habitats hindered new species evolution.
A study by NUS researchers found that the Chiromantis hansenae treefrog exhibits unusual parental care behavior to increase offspring survival. This behavior is crucial for preventing egg desiccation and buffering environmental pressures.
A study of over 1 million trauma patients found that younger white patients had better outcomes than younger black patients, while older black patients fared better than similarly injured older white patients. This paradoxical finding may lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms causing disparities in trauma outcomes.
A new study suggests that testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) when testing for HIV can improve HIV prevention efforts in South Africa and the broader region. The study found that patients with HIV were more likely to contract STIs before starting treatment, highlighting the importance of simultaneous STI detection and tr...
Researchers from ETH Zurich have identified a new class of zeolite catalysts that can withstand the formation of hydrocarbon deposits, which clog pores and block active sites. The key to their improved performance lies in the internal structure of the catalysts, with well-connected nano-sized channels and numerous openings.
Recent studies have shown that memory is composed of two distinct forms: episodic memory, dependent on the hippocampus, and semantic memory, reliant on the neocortex. The 'multiple trace/transformation theory' proposes that memories are re-encoded with each retrieval, leading to a transformation from context-rich to general memory.
Researchers have confirmed that Chlamydomonas acidophila microalgae can grow in agri-food waste effluent and assimilate ammonium, preventing air pollution. The resulting biomass can be used as animal feed, compost or fertilizer, and is a rich source of lutein, a powerful antioxidant.
University of California - Santa Cruz chemist Rebecca Braslau has developed a new approach to create safe and affordable alternatives to widely used phthalates. Her research aims to replace phthalates in consumer products, which have been linked to reproductive and developmental abnormalities.
A study of North European and twin populations found sagging eyelids to be more common among older adults and those with certain physical characteristics. The study also suggests a possible link between current smoking and sagging eyelids.
The study reveals a staggering 28% increase in adult obesity rates and a 47% rise in childhood obesity globally. The findings highlight the need for urgent action to reverse this trend, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
Researchers have tested a nasally administered antiparalytic drug, neostigmine, on mice injected with high doses of Indian cobra venom and found that 10 out of 15 mice survived treatment within 10 minutes. The study's results support the idea that fast and accessible treatment can increase survival rates in snakebite victims.
The new Birdsnap app, developed by Columbia Engineering researchers, can identify 500 common North American bird species using computer vision and machine learning techniques. It offers users various ways to organize species and even annotates images with distinctive parts for easy identification.
A large clinical study found that MRI detected invasive breast tumours in female survivors of childhood Hodgkin lymphoma at very early stages. The study highlights the need for breast MRI screening from age 25 or eight years after chest radiation, as recommended by established guidelines.
Researchers found that fish with a diverse diet had less bacterial diversity in their guts than those with a specialized diet. This discovery could impact the use of probiotics and diet in treating diseases associated with gut bacteria.
Researchers from TUM have created an almost complete inventory of the human proteome by cataloging over 18,000 proteins. The study reveals unique protein profiles for every organ, which are essential for its function, and identifies hundreds of new protein fragments with novel biological properties.
Dr. Ingrid Johnsrude's research reveals that brain regions beyond primary auditory cortex play a crucial role in understanding speech, especially in noisy environments. The study also highlights the critical role of attention and prior knowledge in facilitating comprehension.