Researchers developed a methodology to directly measure the duration and temporal intensity distribution of ultra-short X-ray flashes. They characterized these pulses using streaking spectroscopy, revealing pulse durations of up to four and a half femtoseconds.
A Tel Aviv University study reveals that idiosyncratic acts are key to the survival of traditional rituals and practices. By adding a personal touch to culture, individuals can ensure simplicity, flexibility, and creative license in these long-practiced customs.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science has selected five University of Tennessee faculty members for their distinguished contributions to science. The new fellows were recognized for their outstanding achievements in fields such as archaeology, biochemistry, and materials science.
Research shows that starting HIV therapy soon after infection significantly reduces the risk of developing AIDS and improves immune function, particularly when treatment is initiated within 12 months of seroconversion. A normal CD4+ T-cell count above 800 cells per cubic millimeter is crucial for reconstituting immune-fighting cells.
A recent study found that individuals who experienced intense verbal aggression as children are more resilient to conflict as adults. The researchers measured cortisol levels in saliva samples from 50 romantically involved couples and found a weakened physiological stress response for those with higher childhood exposure.
A study published in Nature Neuroscience found that the hippocampus, a region involved in spatial learning and memory, reacts differently to virtual reality than it does to real-world environments. In the virtual world, hippocampal neurons fire randomly, whereas in the real world, they process activity with precision.
Scientists at HZDR have discovered a seemingly paradoxical phenomenon in graphene when exposed to a magnetic field and laser light pulses. The electrons' energy levels behave unexpectedly due to collisions, causing an unusual rearrangement of the material's state.
Scientists develop model to predict which populations will go extinct due to climate change by analyzing how different species adapt. The study finds that small changes in climate can lead to sudden extinction, even for species with strong adaptation strategies.
The American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association guidelines now recommend statin therapy for individuals with an elevated estimated risk of a heart attack or stroke in the next 10 years. A study found that 97% of adults aged 66-75 qualify for statin therapy, with 100% of men in this age group being eligible.
Research identifies specific glycans on cell surfaces as key targets for bacterial toxins, offering new avenues for blocking toxin action and developing novel treatments. The discovery has major implications for the treatment of diseases caused by bacterial pathogens such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and group A streptococci.
James M. Crowley, SIAM's Executive Director, has been named a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) for his outstanding record as a scientific administrator in the US Air Force and his two decades of leadership at SIAM. Crowley holds a PhD in Applied Mathematics from Brown University.
A study published in BMC found that children born during and after the 1997-98 El Niño event had lower height-for-age and lean mass, indicating chronic malnutrition. The researchers warn that climate change may increase the frequency of El Niño episodes, posing a significant risk to future generations.
A new study using CT scans reveals that ocean acidification enhances reef breakdown, putting coral reefs at risk. The research found that pH levels were the strongest predictor of accretion-erosion balance, with reefs shifting towards higher erosion rates in more acidic water.
A study of over 2,700 teens found that those prescribed anti-anxiety or sleep medications were 10-12 times more likely to abuse them than those who never received a prescription. The risk was higher for white, female, and long-term prescribers.
The US Preventive Services Task Force concludes that current evidence is insufficient to assess the benefits and harms of routine screening for vitamin D deficiency. Researchers found no direct evidence on the effects of screening versus no screening, but treating patients with low serum levels may help prevent adverse outcomes.
Researchers at Tufts University have developed a resorbable electronic implant that eliminates bacterial infection by delivering heat to infected tissue via wireless signals. The devices were found to be safe and effective in mice, dissolving completely after 15 days without causing harm.
Two studies published in JAMA Pediatrics examine the impact of school breakfast programs on children's eating habits and academic performance. One study found that schools offering Breakfast in the Classroom (BIC) had higher participation in the national school breakfast program and attendance, but no differences in math or reading ach...
The President awarded the nation's highest science and technology honors to 10 individuals who received NSF funding at some point in their careers. Many recipients have made lasting impacts on US competitiveness and quality of life.
A UT professor and her team will investigate the long-term consequences of the oil spill on coastal ecosystems in the Gulf. Their research aims to understand how oil impacts marsh erosion and microbial cycling, guiding cleanup efforts.
A recent study found that obese children with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are at a substantial risk for high blood pressure, which can lead to premature cardiovascular disease. The study recommends that blood pressure evaluation and control should be included in the clinical management of children with NAFLD.
A new study published in Psychological Science found that the sound of a person's voice can convey their level of power, with speakers assigned to high-power roles having higher-pitched, more monotone voices. Listeners were able to accurately categorize these vocal cues and associate them with high-power behaviors.
Researchers discovered a subset of cartilage-making cells that replicate themselves and drive bone growth, offering new hope for children with facial deformities. The findings could lead to the development of new treatments for corrective facial surgery in children.
UC San Diego professors Steven Cande, Trey Ideker, and Mark D. Ohman have been recognized as AAAS Fellows for their outstanding work in marine geology, bioinformatics, and marine plankton research. Their contributions have improved our understanding of plate tectonic processes, cancer genetics, and climate variability in ocean ecosystems.
Phytoplankton in the open ocean are responsible for half of global oxygen production, but how they assimilate limited nutrients was unclear. A new framework describes how microbial biodiversity affects phytoplankton's ability to take up phosphorus, a key nutrient.
A new study found that a provider-focused intervention improved Human Papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination rates by 10 times for boys and nearly twice as much for girls. The multi-component Performance Improvement Continuing Medical Education (PI CME) intervention was linked to sustained improvements in HPV vaccination rates.
A team of scientists has reconstructed a detailed 'tree of life' for turtles, revealing their closest relatives across the animal kingdom. The study uses next-generation sequencing technologies to refute long-held debates about turtle evolution and places turtles in a new group called 'Archelosauria'.
A recent study by an international team of researchers highlights the need for stricter regulations on invasive weed species in pastures. The findings suggest that these species can cause significant environmental harm and economic losses, with the US spending over $34 billion annually on management.
Researchers at Washington State University identified summer fallow management practices that can help farmers conserve soil, prevent sky-darkening dust storms, and improve air quality. Undercutter-tillage or no-till fallow systems were found to be the most effective options for reducing wind erosion in the Horse Heaven Hills region.
Researchers estimate that universal preconception care for pregnant women with diabetes can avert an estimated $5.5 billion in health expenditures and lost employment productivity over their children's lifetimes. Effective care could also help mitigate significant complications such as preterm deliveries, birth defects, and perinatal d...
The Snowmastodon Project Science Volume provides a new benchmark for understanding climate change in the American West, revealing dramatic ecosystems changes in response to climate shifts. The nearly continuous 85,000-year time span of the site offers the best-known record of life and climate at high elevation anywhere in North America.
Biologists believe the increased return rate of naturally spawned sockeye is high enough for the species to eventually sustain itself in the wild. Naturally spawned fish are returning at rates up to three times higher than those released from hatcheries.
Researchers from Aarhus University have discovered how a parasite in sleeping sickness disease recognizes human haemoglobin, a crucial step towards developing targeted treatments. This knowledge can lead to the development of new medicines that effectively combat the disease.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) within 12 months of estimated dates of seroconversion (EDS) improves the likelihood of restoring CD4+ T-cell counts. Patients who initiated ART after 12 months had lower CD4 normalization rates and increased risk of AIDS.
A study published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that loneliness has declined among high school and college students in the US. High school students reported a decline in subjective isolation, but an increase in social network isolation, suggesting they perceive less loneliness but poorer social networks.
Scientists have discovered that animals, including ticks and mites, have stolen bacterial toxin genes to defend against microbial infections. The transfer of these genes has been found in various animal species, including the deer tick, which can transmit Lyme disease.
The iPlant Collaborative will manage Jetstream, a new all-science cyber-computing platform, providing a scalable and flexible interface for researchers in various disciplines. The platform enables easy use of cloud resources for large-scale and integrated data processing in science and engineering research.
Kelvin Droegemeier, OU VP for Research, named 2014 AAAS Fellow for his contributions to developing partnerships in atmospheric sciences. He serves on several national and international boards, including the National Science Board.
A Phase 2 clinical trial demonstrates that AF-219, a selective and non-narcotic agent, significantly reduces daytime cough frequency by 75% compared to placebo. The study also shows improvements in secondary endpoints such as severity and urge to cough.
Two University of Houston scientists, Dan Graur and Mary Ann Ottinger, were elected as AAAS Fellows for their distinguished contributions to the fields of biology and biochemistry. They join a select group of researchers recognized by their peers as among the best in their fields.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have developed a method to convert human skin cells into sensory neurons, allowing for the study of pain and itch in a laboratory setting. This breakthrough enables the examination of neurodegenerative diseases such as Friedreich's ataxia and the testing of potential therapies.
Italian natural history museums are facing a critical situation due to progressive loss of scientific relevance and decreasing economic investments. The proposed solution is for institutions to join forces and form a 'meta-museum', sharing resources and personnel.
Australian average incomes have been declining over the past decade, with a recent study revealing a per capita drop of $250 over ten quarters. The economy's growth is largely driven by population expansion, but investment earnings are flowing out to overseas investors, exacerbating the issue.
Researchers found eliminating orexin slowed brain plaque growth and increased sleep time in mice, indicating its potential as an Alzheimer's prevention target. The study also highlights the importance of addressing sleep abnormalities to reduce Alzheimer's risk.
Sickle cell disease carriers in sub-Saharan Africa require aggressive public health education to raise awareness of the risks of having children with the disease. The disorder causes significant physical and emotional challenges, as well as potential life-threatening complications.
The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) is developing online cybersecurity training for communities, addressing the lack of strategies to respond to cyber attacks. The training will include case studies, best practices, and templates to help municipal officials develop a cybersecurity strategy.
Researchers at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis found that bomb-sniffing dogs trained on pseudo-explosives could not reliably detect real explosives and vice versa. The study suggests that the exceptional sensitivity of a dog's nose and its temperament cannot be replicated with pseudo-explosive training.
A study published in CANCER found that adult survivors of retinoblastoma have few cognitive or social problems decades after diagnosis and treatment. The research suggests the brain may adapt to early insults, with some survivors performing better on verbal memory tasks.
Six faculty members at Albert Einstein College of Medicine have been named 2014 AAAS Fellows, recognized for their contributions to various fields including virology, cell biology, and cancer research. The awardees include Aviv Bergman, Margaret Kielian, Richard Kitsis, U. Thomas Meier, Robert Singer, and Jan Vijg.
Researchers found that teens prescribed anxiety or sleep medications during their lifetime were 12 times more likely to misuse those drugs than those who had never been prescribed. The study also highlighted the risk of overdose when these medications are mixed with narcotics or alcohol.
The investigational drug AG-120 has demonstrated 'extremely promising' early phase 1 clinical trial results for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) harboring IDH1 mutations. This finding builds on previous phase 1 results of a related drug, AG-221, and offers hope for the treatment of this high-risk population.
People with moderate to severe sleep apnea have a reduced aerobic fitness, even compared to those of similar body mass indices. The study found that sleep apnea patients had a lower peak oxygen uptake during aerobic activity than controls.
Researchers are developing a new type of cell therapy to treat liver cirrhosis, which claims 4000 lives in the UK each year. The therapy aims to reduce scarring and rebuild the damaged organ from within using macrophages.
A high intake of yogurt has been found to be associated with a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The researchers found that high consumption of yogurt was associated with a reduced risk, while other dairy foods did not show this association.
New research from Arizona State University reveals that lonsdaleite is not a separate type of diamond but rather a structurally disordered form of ordinary diamond. The study found defects in the crystal structure caused by shock metamorphism, plastic deformation, or unequilibrated crystal growth.
A new study by Michigan State University scholar Aaron M. McCright found that only 35% of US citizens attribute extreme winter temperatures to global warming, contrary to expectations that such events would change minds.
Researchers at Harvard University successfully converted mouse and human skin cells into pain sensing neurons that respond to various stimuli, including acute and inflammatory pain. The 'disease in a dish' model may lead to improved drug development for chronic pain treatment.
Researchers cool membrane vibrations to less than 1 degree above absolute zero, opening up possibilities for novel studies of quantum physics and precision measurement devices. The technique harnesses the unique features of ultracold atomic gases, enabling fundamental quantum physics experiments with macroscopic mechanical systems.
Researchers developed computer models that match experimental results, explaining the dynamic processes behind essential cell components. Microtubule stability is crucial for cell survival, and the study provides new insights into how cells maintain or dismantle these structures.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding brain cell communication and developed a fruit fly model to study neurodegeneration. By partially inhibiting the breakdown of 'defective' proteins, they were able to completely suppress neurodegeneration in fruit flies.
A National Science Foundation-funded research team has successfully tested an autonomous underwater vehicle, AUV, that can produce high-resolution three-dimensional maps of Antarctic sea ice. The results provide a powerful tool to study changes in sea-ice extent.