Scientists have compiled a treasure trove of 146 ancient and modern human full mitochondrial genomes to improve the accuracy of molecular clocks in human evolution. The new data reveals that a molecular clock calibrated with ancient sequences is far more accurate than traditional ones based on archaeological evidence.
New research suggests that Chicxulub's impact was not the sole cause of the end-Cretaceous mass extinction. Volcanism, climate changes, and other factors also played significant roles in four out of five major mass extinctions in Earth history.
New research found large chain restaurants introduced lower-calorie options, averaging 12% fewer calories than traditional menu items. This voluntary action may help reduce caloric intake and impact the nation's obesity epidemic.
Dr. Lauren Strober will update the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) to improve its use in clinical settings for individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The updated test will more accurately assess processing speed changes over time, enabling better prediction of disease progression and outcomes.
Researchers at the University of Waterloo developed nanoparticle eye drops that can treat dry eye syndrome with just one weekly application. The drops deliver a precise amount of medication over five days, reducing irritation and excessive use of traditional eye drops.
A study by Oregon State University found that rivers can return to a condition close to their natural state after dam removal, with the biological recovery process often surpassing physical recovery. The continued presence of a dam is more significant than the sediment pulse caused by dam removal, according to researchers.
A new study at UC Berkeley found that mice fed a high-fat diet gained 18 percent less weight when drinking clarified grapefruit juice compared to water. The juice also improved glucose, insulin and triacylglycerol levels in mice.
NASA's Aqua satellite captured infrared data on the thunderstorms expected to bring flash flooding to parts of Arizona and other desert regions in the US Southwest. The National Weather Service warned of up to an inch of rainfall possible across Arizona, leading to potential flash flooding.
An international team of astronomers observed a nova explosion using radio telescopes combining data from hundreds to thousands of kilometers apart. They discovered how the gamma-ray emissions are produced, a phenomenon that mystified scientists when first observed in 2012.
A Rutgers study found that positive family relationships and open communication lead to an increase in safe sex practices among gay and bisexual youth. The study also highlights the importance of parental acceptance and support in reducing high-risk sexual behaviors.
Researchers at MU School of Medicine identified epigenetic protein changes caused by binge drinking, which can amplify liver damage and lead to chronic liver failure. The study suggests that excessive alcohol consumption with a binge drinking pattern is a major public health concern globally.
ASU researchers are developing artificial genetic polymers composed of threose nucleic acid (TNA) to address emerging health and defense threats. The team plans to search large combinatorial pools for TNA molecules with desired functional properties.
A study analyzing violin shapes from 400 years of history reveals that imitative designs cluster together, with specific features reflecting familial origins. The analysis highlights the role of genetic lineages and human relation in shaping violin architecture.
Researchers investigate degradation of essential vitamins over time in spaceflight foods, aiming to develop strategies to minimize loss. They'll use similar foods consumed by astronauts at the International Space Station to determine the impact of preparation and storage conditions on vitamin potency.
A study published in Neurology found that women with a healthy diet and lifestyle had a 54-percent lower risk of stroke compared to those with none of the five healthy factors. The study looked at factors such as diet, physical activity, and body mass index.
A study published in Journal of Clinical Investigation found that skin exposure to peanut proteins can lead to sensitization and severe allergic reactions in mice. Researchers believe this mechanism may explain why peanut allergies are a common cause of food allergy in children.
A team of researchers found nearly double the number of genomic loci that might be coding for transfer RNAs (tRNAs) in humans, with most resembling mitochondrial tRNAs. The discovery suggests unexpected new links between the human nuclear and mitochondrial genomes.
Researchers identified a neuronal pathway blocked by cancer drug doxorubicin in snails and rats, which may be responsible for 'chemo brain'. The study suggests that another agent can counteract the effects, paving the way for new treatments to alleviate cognitive deficits in cancer patients.
Scientists at NH Agricultural Experiment Station will apply DNA-based tools to create new rosaceous crop varieties, including strawberries, with improved product quality and disease resistance. The five-year grant aims to develop commercial scion and rootstock cultivars for local growers and organic production.
David Cella, chair of medical social sciences at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, received a prestigious international award for his contributions to patient-reported outcome measures. He is the leader in developing and promoting these measures to put patients' voices in health care.
A new study finds that insomnia symptoms in older adults may stem from poor sleep quality rather than long sleep hours. Discrepancies between self-reported insomnia and objective assessments using wrist actigraphy revealed that most older adults get sufficient sleep, but struggle with feeling rested.
Astronomers using NASA's NuSTAR telescope have discovered a pulsar in the Cigar Galaxy, emitting energy about 100 times brighter than predicted. This finding challenges long-held assumptions about ultraluminous X-ray sources and may lead to re-evaluation of other objects previously thought to be black holes.
A new EU project, Enterprise+, supports young entrepreneurs by providing feedback discussions and potential analysis tools. Experienced executives from participating countries share their knowledge with young professionals to help them develop entrepreneurial strengths.
A recent study found that viruses normally infecting Asian elephants, not those from African elephants, cause severe cases of a mysterious illness. The research also identifies 12 new herpesviruses and sheds light on the evolution of these viruses.
A study of wild East African chimpanzees found that females with high levels of male competition experience lower C-peptide levels, indicating energy deficit and potential weight loss. This can negatively affect their reproductive ability and fertility rates.
Five UCSF researchers received NIH awards to pursue groundbreaking research on autoimmune diseases, cancer, diabetes, and neurological disorders. Their projects focus on developing novel diagnostic tools and therapeutic approaches.
A new study found that prehabilitation physical therapy before joint replacement surgery can significantly reduce the need for postoperative care. The research revealed a 29% reduction in postoperative care use among patients who received preoperative physical therapy, resulting in an adjusted cost savings of $1,215 per patient.
Researchers mapped red fox ancestry across 1,000 individuals worldwide, revealing the species evolved into a new distinct species in North America after 400,000 years. The study suggests climate change and environmental shifts impacted global distribution.
Researchers found a significant protective effect of probiotics against mercury and arsenic in pregnant women, while children showed benefits but lacked statistical significance. The study suggests basic foodstuffs like yogurt could provide preventative protection for pregnant women worldwide.
A new study from UMass Medical School and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health found that even highly motivated individuals struggle to change their diet if they need to travel far to access healthy food. The study suggests that community health programs should prioritize creating supportive neighborhood environments to facili...
Researchers have observed a significant increase in Antarctic sea ice extent, reaching a new record high. This upward trend is an exception to the overall decline of sea ice globally.
A new chemotherapy drug regimen has been shown to effectively control life-threatening immune responses in bone marrow transplant recipients. The short course of cyclophosphamide, combined with two other chemotherapy drugs, eliminates the need for six months of immunosuppressive treatment.
Typhoon Vongfong strengthened into a Super typhoon on October 7, with cloud top temperatures indicating high rainfall capabilities. The storm is moving westward, creating massive ocean swells, and forecasters predict it will turn north by October 12.
Researchers created a computer model that captures the exosomal exchange between cancer cells, dendritic cells, and other immune system cells. This new approach aims to find a better balance between cancer and the immune system, potentially leading to reduced side effects and improved treatment outcomes.
The new NIST probe uses quantum properties of atoms to measure electric field strength with improved sensitivity and precision. It can calibrate itself and has been demonstrated for imaging applications, with potential applications in electronics and medical devices.
A new study led by the University of Colorado Boulder found that acknowledging physical beauty can reduce bias against attractive women applying for masculine jobs. The study identified two types of sexism: hostile and benevolent, which are mitigated when applicants acknowledge their appearance or sex.
A new vaccine has been developed to treat a non-inherited autoimmune form of muscle weakness, with the researchers finding it effective in reversing the disease in rats. The vaccine targets immune cells that recognize and target a self protein, marking them for death.
A study found that approximately 50% of hospitalized patients were receiving antimicrobial drugs, with half of those receiving 2 or more. The most commonly used drugs were vancomycin, piperacillin-tazobactam, and ceftriaxone, primarily for treating infections.
The American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition recommends withholding or withdrawing gastrostomy tubes in patients with advanced dementia. Current scientific evidence suggests that tube feeding does not improve outcomes in this population, instead leading to high mortality rates.
Researchers found that a combination of specialist behavioral support and medication significantly increases the odds of smoking cessation success, with a 23% quit rate among study participants. The approach outperformed unaided quitting and nicotine replacement therapy alone.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that oral chelation therapy with dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) reduced the amount of lead in blood of young children in Zamfara State, Nigeria. The treatment was associated with a significant reduction in venous blood lead levels, and no clinically severe adverse effects were reported.
A new Series on mental health interventions in schools published in The Lancet Psychiatry highlights the importance of childhood intervention and routine screening in identifying and treating mental health issues. The series aims to bridge the gap between research and practice, with a focus on child-centered approaches.
Sepsis affects more hospital patients than any other diagnosis, with half of all in-hospital deaths involving the condition. Researchers say a national system is needed to hold hospitals accountable for sepsis diagnosis and care, building on lessons from heart attack treatment.
Researchers found that small gasoline spills at gas stations can cumulatively harm soil and groundwater in residential areas, potentially impacting the health of those who use wells as a water source. The study suggests that these spills may be a larger issue than previously thought due to their frequency and cumulative effect.
Scientists develop new avalanche monitoring method using infrasound detectors to detect and track deadly snow slides. A community-driven framework for climate reconstructions aims to study the past 2000 years' paleoclimate.
The Templeton World Charity Foundation has partnered with the CMEDT Smart Villages Initiative to address energy poverty in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The project aims to provide sustainable energy solutions for development in rural communities, driven by technological advancements and innovative business models.
Scientists at the University of Kansas have developed a miniaturized biomedical testing device for exosomes, promising earlier detection and improved survival rates for patients. The lab-on-a-chip technology uses magnetic beads to isolate exosomes from plasma samples, enabling minimally invasive and cost-effective cancer diagnosis.
Research finds that a vaccine protecting against an old avian flu strain primes the immune system for a rapid response when a new vaccine is given a year later. Combining this with an adjuvant, a lower dose of the new vaccine works better in triggering an immune response than a stronger dose without it.
Typhoon Phanfone brought heavy rainfall to Japan, with the most intense rain occurring west of Tokyo and over the Pacific Ocean southeast of Japan. The TRMM satellite provided near-real-time data on rainfall totals, revealing areas with rainfalls exceeding 275 mm (10.8 inches) in central Japan.
Researchers examined new vaccination strategies to combat avian flu, finding that MF59 adjuvant improves immunogenicity and enhances efficacy. The studies also showed that prior exposure to a related antigen can lead to increased antibody responses to subsequent vaccinations.
A new study reports the discovery of a universally conserved drug target for Ebola, which can be used to develop effective anti-Ebola agents against all known species. The researchers have produced a peptide mimic that displays a functionally critical region of the virus, making it suitable for use in high-throughput drug screens.
A new study shows that stroke patients remain at high risk for repeat strokes and other serious events even after the initial 90-day danger period. After five years, their risk is double that of individuals without a previous stroke or TIA, highlighting the need for longer follow-up and preventive interventions.
Researchers from the University of Bristol and the Natural History Museum found that sauropod skulls were sophisticated cropping tools, allowing different species to coexist by partitioning their diets. The study used biomechanical techniques and CT scans to investigate the feeding mechanisms of these giant herbivores.
A large clinical trial found that an H7N9 flu vaccine mixed with an adjuvant provided a protective immune response in 59% of participants. The addition of the adjuvant enhanced the effectiveness of the vaccine, even at lower dosages.
A new study published in Endocrinology found that testosterone treatment increased the incidence of prostate carcinomas in rats. The research suggests that testosterone alone is a weak carcinogen in male rats and creates a hospitable environment for tumors to develop when combined with cancer-causing chemicals.
The Society for Disaster Medicine and Public Health is launching a special issue on Ebola, providing timely expert information to address the virus. The journal aims to translate science into practice, integrating medical and public health perspectives to effectively deal with major events.
A new experimental vaccine against H7N9 avian influenza prompted immune responses in 59% of volunteers who received two injections with an adjuvant booster. Without the adjuvant, immune responses were minimal regardless of vaccine dosage.
Dr. Leana Wen calls for standardized medical training curriculum to address inadequate care for patients with disabilities. She emphasizes the importance of provider awareness and advocacy to counter prevalent stigma.
Researchers found that nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) enables cancer cells to evade the immune system by suppressing genes that inhibit the immune response. Inhibiting NF-kB may make tumor cells more vulnerable to elimination by the immune system.
The University of Pittsburgh will lead a multidisciplinary consortium to explore strategies for whole-eye transplantation, with the goal of restoring vision in patients with traumatic or degenerative eye damage. The project aims to overcome challenges related to immune rejection and optic nerve regeneration.