New research from Carnegie Institution solves a 20-year puzzle in quasar research by demonstrating that the Eddington ratio is the driving force behind the main sequence of quasars. The study also reveals the importance of an astronomer's line-of-sight orientation in observing fast-moving gas innermost to the black hole.
A new study found that high sodium intake in smokers doubles the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. The study suggests an additive interaction between sodium and smoking as a risk factor for RA.
A study found that daily sunshine hours before a suicide event were associated with reduced rates of suicide among women, while men showed an opposite correlation. The researchers also noted that long-term exposure to sunshine was linked to lower suicide rates in Austria between 1970 and 2010.
The US National Science Foundation, NIH, and USDA have awarded over $12 million in new research grants to study the ecological and biological mechanisms behind human-induced environmental changes and infectious diseases. Researchers will investigate topics such as landscape structure on disease dynamics and host vaccinations' impact on...
Experts are calling for increased research into brain injury in sportspeople, including children, due to concerns over Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) and second impact syndrome. The University of Birmingham is running a study to develop better concussion testing and return-to-play guidelines.
Research from Oregon State University found that both everyday hassles and significant life events are harmful to men's health. Men who experience several stressful life events do not necessarily have high levels of stress from everyday hassles, suggesting a person's reaction to stress is key.
Researchers have developed an X-ray stroboscope to study the movement of lipid molecules, revealing their dynamic properties and behavior. The technique allows for high-resolution imaging of molecular structure and dynamics, shedding light on the biology of cell membranes.
A series of studies published in Biogeochemistry found that US cityscapes exhibit consistent patterns of urban evolution, shaped by human activities and ecosystem changes. These patterns can result in rapid losses or gains of ecosystem functions, depending on how cities are managed.
The discovery of three new extinct squirrel-like species confirms that mammals originated at least 208 million years ago in the late Triassic period. The findings support earlier research suggesting a common ancestor for mammals existed during this time, and provide new insights into ancient mammalian evolution.
A collaborative registry and community support approach could improve diabetes care in China, where 12% of adults have diabetes and half are at risk of prediabetes. The disease is linked to cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and cancer unless effective national intervention prevents it.
A new grant-funded program seeks to expand a 5-year-old autism early detection model, which assesses toddlers for ASD around their first birthday. The program's goal is to reduce the mean age of ASD diagnosis in multiple cities across the U.S., with potential benefits for children's brain development.
A powerful solar flare was detected by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory on Sept. 10, 2014, peaking at X1.6 intensity. The flare disturbed the atmosphere in the layer where GPS and communications signals travel.
The Champalimaud Award recognizes the development of Anti-Angiogenic Therapy for Retinal Disease, which has improved vision in patients with devastating blindness diseases. The treatment targets age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, conditions affecting millions worldwide.
NASA's Aqua satellite detected Tropical Depression 15-E on September 10, which strengthened into Tropical Storm Odile shortly after. The storm is expected to create swells and rough surf along Mexico's southwestern coast over the next day or two.
A collaborative study estimated long-term costs and health outcomes of depression-related absence compared to working employees with depression. Researchers found that continuing to work while experiencing a depressive illness may offer certain health benefits.
A new study found that parents' separation significantly increases children's behavior problems in higher-income families, particularly if the separation occurs before age 6. In contrast, moving into a stepparent family improves children's behavior only when it happens after age 6 in high-income families.
Researchers from the University of Surrey and Ben-Gurion University in Israel have developed a new method to detect the elusive Majorana particle, potentially leading to the creation of topological Q-Bits. This breakthrough could significantly enhance the power of quantum computers, breaking the barriers on scaling up computation.
Researchers found that men and women have similar pain tolerance levels, with resilience being the main determining factor. Patients who accept their chronic pain experience less anxiety, depression, and improved quality of life.
A Monash University study found that endometriosis often takes a long time to be diagnosed and impacts various areas of a woman's life. Common symptoms include painful menstruation, heavy menstrual bleeding, and infertility.
Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center has received a five-year, $11.25 million P30 Cancer Center Support Grant to continue its laboratory science, clinical research and population-based programs. The NCI designation reaffirms the high quality work of dedicated cancer researchers at Georgetown.
A new study found that watching violent images causes different brain activity in people with and without aggressive traits. Participants with aggressive tendencies had less brain activity in the orbitofrontal cortex while watching violent movies, but increased blood pressure.
The Entomological Society of America has awarded ten graduate students with AFRI travel grants to attend Entomology 2014 in Portland, Oregon. The winners include Heather Connelly, Adam Dale, Carrie Deans, and Michael Garvey, who will receive funding for research opportunities, presentations, and networking.
Researchers at Oregon Research Institute found that watching junk food ads can activate reward regions in the brain of adolescents, leading to increased risk of weight gain. This study suggests that individual differences in neural vulnerability may identify youth at risk for excess weight gain.
A new study reveals that tropical bird speciation is driven by movements of birds across physical barriers, contradicting the long-held view that it's linked to geological and climate changes. The research found most speciation occurred in the Pleistocene era, long after the origin of mountain ranges.
A study found that healthcare workers' adherence to hand hygiene is improved when other workers are present, with a 7% higher rate of hand hygiene compliance. The results suggest the importance of social environment in healthcare settings and have implications for understanding disease spread within hospitals.
Researchers developed parameters to distinguish Venus-like planets from Earth-like ones based on distance from stars. The study identified 43 potential Venus-like planets with characteristics like size and orbit, but atmospheric conditions remain unknown.
The study found that the non-dominant hand played a vital role in shaping modern human hand morphology, particularly in stone tool production. The researchers discovered that the thumb on the non-dominant hand was stronger and more robust than the fingers, enabling early humans to securely manipulate stone cores.
In a breakthrough study published in Nature Communications, Cedars-Sinai researchers successfully targeted stem cells to injured heart muscle using antibody-studded iron nanoparticles. This innovative approach enables precise localization of the body's own stem cells to the site of injury, promoting regeneration and repair.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that sharks thrive in healthy coral reefs with no fishing zones. The research revealed a significant increase in shark abundance in non-fished areas of the Great Barrier Reef, emphasizing the importance of preserving coral health for shark conservation.
Researchers at University of Pennsylvania showed how brain distinguishes between errors of different magnitudes, critical for fine-tuning motor control. They found that longer air puffs corresponded to more climbing fibers sending signals to Purkinje cells, allowing the brain to learn and adapt.
A research team at AIMR has developed a new bottom-up fabrication method that produces defect-free graphene nanoribbons with periodic zigzag-edge regions. The method controls GNR growth direction and length distribution, enabling the potential for self-assembling single graphene devices at desired locations.
The FASEB MARC Program has announced the winners of its 10 travel awards, totaling $18,500, to promote diversity in biomedical research. The recipients include students and postdoctorates from underrepresented groups, recognized for their participation at the SACNAS National Conference.
A study of 2,944 UK adults found that those who experienced weight discrimination gained more weight than those who did not, on average gaining 0.95kg while those without discrimination lost 0.71kg over four years. This contradicts the common perception that fat shaming might encourage weight loss.
Dr. Petrus Martens is developing a system to predict solar cycles, aiming to forecast events such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections up to a decade in advance. This could help protect the power grid and inform satellite replacement decisions.
A Mexican plant-based fixative alternative to expensive ambergris could significantly reduce the environmental impact of perfumery. Researchers found that producing this new fixative could generate $20 million in local profits and create hundreds of jobs, while minimizing its environmental cost through renewable energy use.
Researchers have discovered a six-fold higher risk of developing heart failure among people with diabetes who appear healthy. A highly sensitive test found elevated troponin levels indicating microscopic heart muscle damage, unrelated to high cholesterol.
The gibbon genome sequence provides a new understanding of the genetic mechanism behind rapid chromosomal rearrangements, shedding light on chromosome structure and function. The study's findings have significant implications for cancer research and the origin of human diseases.
Research finds 70% of potential unnecessary therapies represented by three specific drug combinations used to treat anaerobic infections. This overuse can contribute to antimicrobial resistance and increase healthcare costs. The study highlights the need for hospitals to improve their antimicrobial usage efforts.
The Transition to Practice program assists in bridging the gap between laboratory and practical cybersecurity technologies. The program uses testing and evaluation methods, such as dynamic testing of executable files, red-teaming, and implementation cost analysis, to help move research discoveries into practical use.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab set a new record for X-ray microscopy, achieving resolutions of five nanometers using soft X-rays and ptychography. This breakthrough enables the visualization of chemical phase transformations and mechanical consequences at the nanoscale.
Researchers from MIT and Turkey analyzed 20 years of GPS data to predict a major earthquake near Istanbul. The analysis suggests that the next large earthquake will occur along a seismic gap beneath the Sea of Marmara, west of Istanbul.
Recent EORTC Imaging Group review highlights MRI and PET's potential for early detection of bone metastases and monitoring treatment response. The study emphasizes the need to overcome current limitations, such as those related to imaging techniques' sensitivity and specificity.
A team of researchers from Arizona State University and other institutions will develop computer models of stars to simulate the process of element creation. The project aims to understand the formation of heavier elements in the early universe, shedding light on the universe's evolution and diversity.
Scientists have named an extinct swamp-dwelling creature after Mick Jagger due to its oversized lips. The Jaggermeryx naida fossils, found in Egypt's desert, belonged to a family of ancient hoofed animals called anthracotheres.
The Entomological Society of America has announced the winners of the 2014 Monsanto Research Grant Awards and Student Travel Awards. Flor Edith Acevedo, Carrie Deans, and Zachary DeVries are among the recipients, recognized for their research projects on insect-plant interactions.
A study of 282 patients with chronic graft-vs-host disease found a link between female donors and the development of vitiligo and alopecia areata. The study identified risk factors, including sex mismatch and certain antibodies, which may lead to better understanding of autoimmune manifestations in this condition.
Researchers developed a novel approach to study the 3D structure of plant cell walls using cryo-immobilized samples, revealing previously unseen details. This technique improves our knowledge of plant cell wall composition and can lead to more efficient production of biofuels.
The pilot project aims to inspire other scientists to collect oceanographic data globally using private yachts as floating microbial observatories. The data collected will be hosted and analyzed at the University of Technology Sydney, providing a valuable resource for researchers worldwide.
A recent study by American Heart Association found that small weight gain of five to 11 pounds can increase blood pressure, particularly abdominal visceral fat. This discovery suggests that even healthy individuals who experience a slight weight gain may be at risk for higher blood pressure.
Researchers at Arizona State University found that smartphone applications like 'Lose It' enhance dietary self-monitoring, leading to improved consistency and reduced missed entries. However, they did not significantly impact diet quality.
Researchers developed a new test to assess vestibular ocular system, which is predictive of longer outcomes from sports-related concussions. The Vestibular/Ocular Motor Screening (VOMS) was shown to be 90% accurate in identifying patients with concussion, providing a more comprehensive assessment.
A new study found that living liver donor candidates often experience ambivalence regarding donation, which is linked to physical, psychosocial, and financial concerns. Providing social support can help mitigate these concerns and reduce ambivalence among living liver donors.
A new study using motion capture technology recommends alternative sexual positions for men with low back pain, finding 'quadruped' and 'missionary' positions to be less straining than previously thought. The study aims to provide a scientific basis for individualized recommendations on sexual activity for men with back pain.
A new study from the University of Bristol and partners found that movies featuring dogs can increase breed popularity by up to 10 years, with the strongest influence in the early twentieth century. The research analyzed data from the American Kennel Club and found a correlation between movie viewership and breed registration trends.
A new study by Henry Ford Hospital found that over 95% of patients treated in an Emergency Department incorrectly assume their emergency contact is their designated medical decision maker for end-of-life care. This misunderstanding can lead to invasive treatments and unnecessary suffering. The study emphasizes the importance of educati...
The gibbon genome study provides new insights into the biology and evolutionary history of this family of apes. Factors contributing to gibbon diversity and adaptability are reported, highlighting the dynamic evolution of mobile elements in primate genomes.
Researchers found similarities between field and laboratory studies on Gulf killifish responses to Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Changes in genome expression were detected, with high concentrations causing developmental defects and DNA damage.
Consumption of two or more servings of fish per week was associated with a 20% lower risk of hearing loss in women. Higher intake of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) also showed an inverse association with the risk.
New research reveals that many North American bird species use looped migration routes, following the flush of green vegetation in spring and avoiding harsher winter conditions. By analyzing large datasets from eBird and satellite imagery, scientists have uncovered a general pattern common to many species.
A recent study found that smartphone apps can help users track their dietary data more consistently and accurately than traditional methods. The research used a commercially available app, recording dietary intake using the memo function of smartphones, and paper and pencil for comparison.
Researchers discovered excitonic dark states in single-layer tungsten disulfide monolayers, revealing intense many-electron effects in 2D semiconductors. This finding holds promise for exploiting unusual light-matter interactions and enabling better designs of heterostructures.
The 2014 ESA awards honored Dr. John C. Palumbo for his translational research and outreach program, providing innovative insect management solutions in desert vegetable crops. Dr. Peter C. Ellsworth received the Award for Excellence in Integrated Pest Management for his work on IPM science-based solutions and cotton agroecosystem rese...
Researchers found that water temperatures in the Florida Keys have increased by nearly 2 degrees Fahrenheit over the past few decades, stressing corals and causing more frequent bleaching events. The study indicates that August is the peak month for ocean temperatures, which can lead to coral mortality if prolonged.
Post-tropical storm Norbert generated drenching thunderstorms over Arizona, with TRMM satellite data showing rainfall rates of over 2 inches per hour. The moisture from Norbert caused flooding over inland areas of southern California and led to a state of emergency in Arizona.
A new study found that mothers with positive childhood experiences and those who have come to terms with negative ones are more infant-oriented when seeing videos of crying babies. Mothers who responded negatively to crying were more likely to focus on themselves, indicating a need for stress management support.
A new study has discovered that progestogen hormones can significantly reduce the risk of preterm birth for a specific group of high-risk twin pregnancies. Women with short cervices who are pregnant with twins saw a 50% decrease in preterm birth, highlighting a potential game-changer in obstetric care.
Researchers have developed an electronic skin device that can detect and image small lumps in the breast, allowing for earlier identification of breast cancer. The device has been tested on a silicone breast model and shown to be highly accurate, with a potential survival rate increase of over 94%.
A high-risk leukemia subtype known as Philadelphia chromosome-like ALL (Ph-like ALL) is becoming increasingly common in young adults, particularly with age. This subtype is associated with poor survival rates compared to other forms of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
A recent study published in School Psychology Quarterly found that cyberbullying increases with age, especially during transitions from elementary to middle school. The research highlights the importance of targeted interventions to address gender- and culturally sensitive bullying prevention strategies.
A 16-week randomized clinical trial found that reducing calorie intake by 800 calories per day improved obstructive sleep apnea and lowered blood pressure in obese adults. The study suggests that moderate energy restriction can reduce both body fat and the severity of sleep apnea, leading to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
The gibbon genome sequencing project provides new insights into chromosomal rearrangements, evolutionary history, and genetic factors in human health. The study sheds light on the complex evolution of gibbons and their role in understanding human diseases.
A new study by Clemson University researchers explores self-presentation strategies of sports broadcasters Erin Andrews and Kirk Herbstreit on Twitter. The study reveals clear differences in their approaches, with Andrews focusing on personal items and entertainment, while Herbstreit provides sports-related commentary and analysis.
Researchers discovered that adding fluorine to graphene increases friction on a nanoscale, despite making surfaces water-repellent. The team found that electronic roughness caused by fluorine atoms introduces energy peaks and valleys, leading to increased friction.
Researchers have discovered a new semiconducting material that allows solid oxide fuel cells to operate at two-thirds lower temperatures than current technology. This breakthrough enables more efficient fuel cells with wider applications, including quieter, pollution-free power generation in vehicles and neighborhoods.
A new study found that professional networking can lead to feelings of moral impurity and physical dirtiness, particularly among those with less power. This can hold people back from networking more, reducing career opportunities and lowering job performance.
Research from Rush University Medical Center found that African American women and their female children have the highest obesity prevalence and tend to underestimate their body weight. The study showed a large chasm between biomedical and cultural definitions of body size, with many overweight women not considering themselves 'too fat'.
MIT researchers developed an algorithm to gauge space debris rotation using visual information, achieving high accuracy in most measures. The algorithm's probabilistic approach and Gaussian distribution modeling enable efficient collection of space trash, including thousands of broken satellites.
Researchers at UC San Diego developed a new version of CodeSpells, a video game that teaches children to code in Java. After playing the game, kids aged 8-12 can write code by hand in Java.
The FASEB MARC Program has announced travel award recipients for the Society of Leukocyte Biology Joint Meeting. This year, 1 student and postdoctoral researcher received a total of $1,850 to encourage participation from underrepresented groups in biomedical research.
Researchers create low-cost, disposable platform for detecting bath salts with high accuracy, suitable for handheld sensor development. The technique uses environmentally friendly electrodes and validates its results against established methods.
A new study links groundwater availability to human evolution, proposing that springs fed by freshwater could have sustained life during extremely dry periods. The research suggests that access to groundwater may have been crucial for hominin survival and dispersal.
The team determined the high-resolution structure of Dbr1 enzyme, which breaks loops of ribonucleic acids and could be a new target for treating most cases of ALS. By inhibiting this enzyme's activity, researchers hope to prevent TDP-43 aggregates from forming in motor neurons.
A study published in Telemedicine and e-Health found that telemedicine can lead to fewer and shorter hospital stays, as well as fewer emergency room visits and even fewer deaths. The integration of telemedicine into healthcare adds great value in managing chronic disease.
New research by Penn State scientists suggests that hydraulic fracturing water is not a significant risk to groundwater, as it is sequestered in the rock formation. The study found that capillary and osmotic forces prevent upward migration of residual treatment water into overlying groundwater.
A $2 million NIH grant will support a five-year study on the effects of malpractice risk and financial incentives on cardiac testing. The researcher aims to explore three motivations for testing: patient benefit, financial incentives, and malpractice liability.
A recent study found that individuals with blood type AB are 82% more likely to develop cognitive impairment and dementia than those with other blood types. High levels of factor VIII, a protein related to clotting, were also linked to increased risk of memory problems.
A new study published in Annals of Surgery shows that providing pricing information upfront can influence patient choice of surgical procedures and potentially lead to cost savings. When parents were aware of the cost difference between open surgery and laparoscopy for their children's appendicitis, they were almost twice as likely to ...
Rice University computer scientists have developed cloud-computing tools to help analyze evolutionary patterns. The new open-source algorithms will enable researchers to track the evolution of genes and genomes across species more efficiently, making it possible to trace genes at scales that were not practical before.
Scientists at PPPL identified how magnetic reconnection transforms magnetic energy into particle energy, with 50% conversion rate. The process involves electron energization and creation of electrically charged field that powers ions.
Researchers at the Niels Bohr Institute found that nerve impulses can collide and continue unaffected, similar to how sound waves work. This supports the theory that nerves function as sound pulses, with the electrical signal being caused by a mechanical force rather than an electric current.
Pennsylvania is experiencing a higher rise in thyroid cancer incidence compared to the rest of the US, with significant increases seen in white women and black women. The study suggests that actual disease increase contributes to the rising rates, not just increased detection.
Biochemists at City College of New York find a way to detect common class of odors using water's ability to undergo chemical reactions with aldehydes. Researchers propose that some odorant receptors recognize aldehydes by their reactivity, rather than structure, enabling the nose to distinguish them from similar chemicals.
The FASEB MARC Program has selected recipients for the 2014 APS Intersociety Meeting. The program aims to increase underrepresented groups in biomedical research. A total of $1,850 was awarded to 1 participant.
The ESA Certification Corporation has recognized two professionals, Bob and Kathy, with the ACE Professional Award and Distinguished Service Award to the Certification Program. These individuals were honored for their contributions to the field of entomology and pest management.
The Augsburg Master Builders' ledgers have been awarded a digital edition through an EUR 400,000 German Research Foundation grant. The medieval books will be transcribed and transferred to modern data entry formats for analysis, making them more accessible to historians and researchers.
Researchers at UCLA School of Nursing have found that people with sleep apnea have weaker brain blood flow, which may be damaging the brain. The study used a non-invasive MRI procedure to measure global blood volume and oxygen-dependent signal in the brain, revealing changes in oxygenated blood across the whole brain.
A new study from the University of Waterloo has discovered exactly why certain sex positions trigger back pain, revealing recommendations for couples to manage their pain during intimacy. The findings suggest that men with flexion-intolerant back pain should replace spooning with doggy-style sex and use a hip-hinging motion.
Ferrara's discovery of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) led to the development of ranibizumab, a monoclonal antibody drug treating wet macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease. This achievement has significantly improved vision for patients affected by these conditions.
Researchers discovered using plants to produce an enzyme may improve treatment for life-threatening lung high blood pressure. The study found that replenishing ACE2 protein helped decrease pulmonary blood pressure and increase pulmonary blood flow in rats.
Two new projects, ELEVATE and Ultra Efficient Engines and Fuels, will develop better materials for energy storage devices and improve internal combustion engine efficiency. The £6 million funding will support academics from eight UK universities in their research to produce low-carbon vehicles on a mass scale.
The 790 Fire in Oregon affects over 3,000 acres with a 54% containment rate, posing risks to natural resources like the Northern Spotted Owl habitat. The Happy Camp Fire Complex in California spans 105,000 acres, with an estimated cost of $60.7 million to fight.
Researchers found that people with multiple sclerosis (MS) lose myelin in their gray matter, a characteristic of the disease that affects brain function. The study's findings suggest that gray matter demyelination is strongly related to MS disability and have important implications for treatment monitoring and clinical trials.
A team of researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago has identified a single receptor, TLR5, that triggers inflammation and bone degradation in rheumatoid arthritis. Blocking this receptor may provide a new therapeutic target to interrupt the disease's vicious cycle.
Research on over 4,000 participants found that binge drinking during pregnancy can lead to increased hyperactivity and inattention in children, affecting their academic performance. The study suggests that exposure to alcohol in the womb may be a risk factor for long-term mental health issues.
Scientists at UT Arlington have discovered a way to cool electrons to extremely low temperatures using nanotechnology, potentially reducing energy consumption of electronic devices by over 10 times. This breakthrough could lead to the development of energy-efficient transistors and improve military electronics.
Astronomers have pinpointed the 'Venus Zone' as a critical area around stars where planets are likely to exhibit unlivable conditions. This definition will help Kepler researchers distinguish between habitable and uninhabitable planets, enabling better understanding of Earth's atmospheric evolution.
Researchers from the University of Buffalo have discovered new details of how autoantibodies destroy healthy cells in skin, providing insights into autoimmune mechanisms that could help develop and screen treatments for patients suffering from all autoimmune diseases. The study uses atomic force microscopy to analyze cell junctions and...
A new study found that hearing diverse languages in infancy can make babies more open-minded in their social learning. Infants from diverse neighborhoods were more likely to imitate actions from a non-English speaker than those from less diverse areas.
The Phase I Clinical Trial of nintedanib combined with paclitaxel showed a 50% complete response rate in early HER-2-negative breast cancer patients. The study's results have validated the safety and efficacy of the drug combination, paving the way for a large-scale Phase II Clinical Trial.