The Integrated Science Instrument Module (ISIM) of NASA's James Webb Space Telescope withstood 116 days of extremely cold temperatures, simulating conditions found in space. The successful test ensures the telescope will function correctly at its final destination one million miles away from Earth.
Research finds that individuals with a history of depression and hostile marital relationships experience reduced calorie burn and higher insulin levels after consuming high-fat meals, leading to potential weight gain and metabolic syndrome. The study highlights the importance of treating mood disorders in preventing obesity.
Hurricane Gonzalo stirred up ocean sediment off Bermuda's coast, as captured by NASA's Aqua and Terra satellites. The satellite imagery revealed sediment streaming east and south of the island.
A new RAND Corporation study finds that eliminating ACA subsidies would increase premium costs by 43% and cause enrollment to drop by 68%. The study suggests that without subsidies, prices would jump sharply and many people could not afford coverage.
A new adaptive management approach could improve outcomes in disease outbreaks by allowing for quick updates to interventions based on real-time information. This flexible approach has been proposed as a way to contain outbreaks more efficiently and effectively, saving lives and millions of dollars.
A new study has identified high levels of drinking among low-income older adults, with spikes in consumption around social security check dates. The study used a novel approach involving bogus recycling bins to assess alcohol consumption and found that medical conditions like diabetes may reduce drinking rates.
A large-scale study has found that combining anti-inflammatory medications with antidepressants can have a positive impact on treating depression. The analysis confirms a correlation between inflammation and depression, suggesting that personalized treatment options may be possible.
Researchers designed microwave circuits that can transmit high-frequency signals with sufficient power, paving the way for faster wireless data transmission. They aim to demonstrate 100 Gigabit per second wireless data transfer within a few years.
Researchers from St. Petersburg State University developed a theoretical model for quantum memory in light, adapting classical hologram concepts to a quantum system. They demonstrated the possibility of retrieving specific portions of stored quantized light signals with precise control over space and time.
The nation's first tsunami evacuation refuge is being built in Washington state to shelter over 1,000 people within a 20-minute walking distance. The vertical structure will be the roof of an elementary school gym, designed to withstand massive earthquakes and storm surges.
Scientists have identified two promising candidates for blood-borne biomarkers that could lead to a simple screening test. Abnormal DNA methylation patterns and microRNAs show promise in detecting colorectal cancer.
A University of Kansas doctoral student proposes using social networks as a source for photo-vouchered biodiversity records, particularly for insects and other organisms in developing nations. The proposed system leverages metadata associated with photos, requiring users to tag posts with terms indicating biodiversity elements.
A new study reveals how flu vaccines prevent heart attacks by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies that protect the heart. The research identifies a protein called BKB2R as the key mechanism behind this protective effect, and suggests it could be harnessed to develop a vaccine against heart disease.
New research finds that less-numerate investors are more susceptible to style and presentation effects of social responsibility reports, potentially leading to unintended judgments. Companies can design CSR reports with a uniform approach to project strategy, aligning text and graphics to convey information effectively.
A team of researchers led by NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries discovered two significant vessels from World War II's Battle of the Atlantic, the German U-boat 576 and the freighter Bluefields, approximately 30 miles off the coast of North Carolina. The discovery provides a rare window into a historic military battle and the...
The grant will establish home health services for clients with intellectual and developmental disabilities, providing primary care, mental health, and specialty services. The project aims to extend care coordination and compassionate service integration across institutions.
Researchers found Madison's urban heat island effect peaks in summer, with downtown averaging 7 degrees warmer at night and 3 degrees warmer during the day compared to rural areas. The study also highlights the impact of snow cover and vegetation on temperature differences between urban and rural areas.
Paleontologists uncover fatal stab wound in allosaur's pubis bone, suggesting stegosaurs wielded their tails as deadly weapons. The discovery challenges conventional views of stegosaurs as lumbering plant-eaters, highlighting their impressive dexterity and fighting skills.
The study shows solar energy prices dropping by 12-19% nationwide in 2013, with a projected further decline of 3-12% in 2014. This trend is expected to continue over the next couple of years, helping the nation meet its 2020 targets.
A new paper by University of New Hampshire scientists warns that cosmic rays pose a significant threat to future manned deep-space exploration. The study finds that extremely low densities and magnetic field strengths in the solar wind create hazardous radiation levels that limit allowable days for astronauts behind spacecraft shielding.
A new study published in Cell reveals that our biological clocks work in tandem with the populations of bacteria residing in our intestines. The findings show that mice and humans with disrupted daily wake-sleep patterns exhibit changes in gut bacteria composition and function, increasing their risk for obesity and glucose intolerance.
A new study examines changes in alcohol use among women with unwanted pregnancies and finds that most quit or reduce consumption upon discovery. However, some may substitute alcohol for drugs. The study's results highlight the need for interventions to help these women reduce their drinking while pregnant.
Tropical Storm Ana is still affecting parts of Hawaii on October 20, according to NASA's Aqua satellite imagery. The storm's eastern quadrant covered the islands of Kauai and Niihau, with strong southwesterly wind shear pushing clouds and showers north and east of the center of circulation.
A new study found that both short and long sleep durations are associated with an increased risk of developing ulcerative colitis. The study, published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, followed over 90% of nurses for biennial questionnaires to examine the association between sleep duration and incident disease.
A new collaborative model in cancer care at Duke University Hospital has shown a significant reduction in hospital readmissions and improvements in patient outcomes. The 'co-rounding' format integrates palliative care into daily inpatient care, resulting in decreased intensive care unit transfers and earlier discharges.
A new study shows that adding extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) during CPR significantly improves survival rates and neurological recovery in cardiac arrest patients. In a study of 100 ECMO procedures, 53% of patients were discharged with full neurological recovery.
A study by Stanford researchers found that medical practices in less competitive health-care markets charge more for services. The study analyzed U.S. health-care data from 2010 and found that areas with lower competition had higher prices for office visits, translating to tens of billions of dollars in extra spending.
Ilina Krishen developed a screening tool to detect early lung damage in smokers, while her sister Medha created another for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in student athletes. Both tools use electronic stethoscopes to analyze frequency peaks of breath and heart sounds.
Most medical research findings are false due to biases and perverse incentives, notes John Ioannidis in PLOS Medicine. He suggests redesigning research careers and structures to encourage better work, with a focus on testing interventions for improvement.
Research from Durham University found that Alpine Chamois have decreased in body size over the past 30 years, with young animals now weighing 25% less than those of the same age in the 1980s. The study suggests that climate change is affecting how chamois behave, leading to reduced body size.
A group of scientists from the US used atomic-resolution Z-contrast imaging and X-ray spectroscopy to analyze two types of dislocations in CdTe, a binary II-VI semiconductor. The study could lead to improved conversion efficiency in CdTe solar cells and advance understanding of crystal structure defects.
Researchers have created a novel hydrogen-deuterium mixture, exhibiting disordered Phase IV-material with different molecular behaviors. This discovery could lead to optimized thermoelectric and electronic properties in superconducting materials.
A new study by Yale School of Medicine researchers has found that about 20% of younger siblings of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) will develop the condition by age 3. The study identified specific social-communicative behaviors at 18 months that distinguish infants with ASD from their peers.
Researchers at NYU Langone Health have made breakthroughs in treating T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia by blocking the action of an enzyme called JMJD3. The treatment, GSKJ4, has shown promising results in mice and human lab cells, with cancer cells dying when treated with the experimental drug.
A study by Shiang-Kwei Wang found that middle school science teachers and their students use technology in different ways inside and outside the classroom. While students have rich outside-of-school tech experience, they lack tech savvy in class, relying on teachers to solve daily problems.
The study reveals that blue light sets off a tug-of-war between melanopsin and S-cones to make the pupil smaller or bigger. This understanding has implications for seasonal depression and light sensitivity, and opens up new avenues for research into clinical conditions such as pain from bright light.
A new study by researchers at Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute suggests that lifestyle choices, not just genetics, may contribute to the risk of heart attack. The study found that severe coronary artery disease can be inherited, but the presence of heart attacks in people with less severe disease was not clustered in families.
A new high-speed transatlantic network will enable faster data exchange between the US and Europe, supporting particle physics research and collaborations. The upgraded network will benefit tens of thousands of researchers, providing enhanced access to data at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and other European-based experiments.
A new study from the University at Buffalo reveals that males with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) report feeling cold and detached in their relationships, while females report more difficulties. The findings highlight the need for gender-based research to better understand how each gender experiences the disease.
The FASEB MARC Program has awarded $5,550 to students and postdoctoral researchers from underrepresented groups at the AMP 2014 Annual Meeting. The program aims to increase diversity in biomedical research through travel awards and mentorship opportunities.
A study found associations between dopamine receptor agonist drugs and serious impulse control disorders, including pathological gambling and hypersexuality. The medications were prescribed for Parkinson disease and restless leg syndrome, but the reports showed mostly male patients, median age of 55, primarily in the US.
A new Review article explores the potential to target IL-27-activated mechanisms in diseases such as multiple sclerosis and Crohn's disease. The cytokine's dual anti-inflammatory and proinflammatory activities suggest it could be a significant determinant of inflammatory responses.
Researchers from the University of Southern Denmark discover information strings with peculiar properties that can replicate quickly and efficiently, leading to a self-organizing autocatalytic network. This mechanism has potential value for developing technology based on living processes, such as self-healing devices.
The Department of Energy's ESnet is deploying four new high-speed transatlantic links, delivering a total capacity of 340 Gbps to support dozens of scientific collaborations. The new infrastructure will enable ultra-fast access to scientific data from the Large Hadron Collider and other research sites in Europe.
Researchers find genetically similar bioluminescent organs in two squid species, suggesting predictable evolution of complex traits. The study's novel bioinformatic approaches indicate that convergent phenotypes are associated with the convergent expression of thousands of genes.
A genetic variant common in Latina women has been found to protect against breast cancer, with a significant reduction in risk. The variant, originating from indigenous Americans, is believed to interfere with the action of estrogen receptors and is more prevalent in Latina populations than previously thought.
Researchers created a reversible laser tractor beam that can repel and attract particles, moving them up to 20 centimeters with a single laser beam. The technique uses energy heating and polarization control to manipulate particles, offering new possibilities for atmospheric pollution control and tiny particle retrieval.
A pilot study testing a new type of drug for patients with chronic diarrhoea found that the drug obeticholic acid showed promising effects on reducing symptoms. The treatment was generally well tolerated and improved symptoms in primary BAD patients and some secondary BAD patients, but not those with other causes of chronic diarrhoea.
Researchers found that plants compartmentalize repair processes in specialized photosynthetic membranes, allowing for efficient energy conversion and protein repair. This insight could lead to the development of crops with improved repair mechanisms for hot and bright climates.
The MAVEN spacecraft successfully navigated a close pass by comet C/2013 A1 Siding Spring, providing valuable insights into the Red Planet's upper atmosphere and interaction with the solar wind. The mission will continue to study Mars' atmosphere and its effects on the planet's geology.
Researchers found that antibiotics can exacerbate Salmonella infection in mice, turning non-superspreaders into superspreaders. The study highlights concerns about the routine use of sub-therapeutic doses of antibiotics in livestock.
A team of engineers has created invisible implantable medical sensor arrays that can continuously capture and associate fleeting brain signals with visible brain activity. The transparent sensors have applications in neuroscience, cardiac care, and contact lenses.
Fires in the Egyptian River Delta are a recurring phenomenon, typically occurring every year in October and November. The annual fire season is attributed to farmers burning leftover straw from the rice harvest, resulting in widespread air pollution and health risks.
A mouse model study suggests that elevated VEGF and sFLT1 levels during pregnancy can lead to preeclampsia-like symptoms and pregnancy loss. The findings highlight the potential consequences of therapies targeting these proteins for treating preeclampsia.
Researchers at Arizona State University found traces of 5 antibiotics in shrimp, salmon, and other seafood samples from 11 countries. The study highlights the need for regulation on antibiotic use in aquaculture to prevent resistance development.
Researchers used mathematical models to explain how moths locate mates over hundreds of meters, integrating pheromone signals and adapting to turbulent airflow. The study has implications for agriculture, robotics, and understanding animal navigation.
A team of scientists is studying the social and ecological factors driving woodland invasion on the Great Plains, with a focus on understanding landowner perceptions and decision-making processes. The project aims to enhance the scientific basis for maintaining economically valuable grasslands.
Ines Ehrnstorfer's research reveals the structural basis of DMT1's selective iron and manganese binding. The study shows that mutations weaken ion binding and transport in human DMT1, providing a basis for developing inhibitors to treat iron storage diseases.
A new study finds that autocratic leaders who sign human-rights treaties do so for domestic political maneuvering rather than economic gains. The researchers analyzed four core treaties and found no evidence of tangible material rewards for ratification.
Scientists developed new geochemical tracers to detect hydraulic fracturing flowback fluids in the environment. The tracers can track the presence of frac fluids and distinguish them from wastewater coming from other sources.