A combination of factors makes it difficult to pinpoint the extent of organ trafficking worldwide. Researchers identify five key reasons for this lack of clarity, including a reluctance by organ donors to speak out and inconsistent laws across countries.
Researchers from UT Dallas have created a new technology that can extend the power life of wearable computers and smartphones. The technology uses a single electron to control energy consumption inside transistors, reducing operating voltage and increasing signal strength.
Astronomers at Cornell University have detected an unusual carbon-based molecule, isopropyl cyanide, with a branched structure in a giant gas cloud 27,000 light years away. The discovery suggests that complex molecules needed for life may originate in interstellar space.
A survey of 595 young oncologists found that 71% are at risk of developing burnout, a syndrome characterized by emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. The study highlights the need for action to address burnout across all levels, from universities to professional societies.
Paleontologists discover a tooth embedded in a rauisuchid's bone, showing phytosaurs targeted both aquatic and terrestrial prey. The find provides evidence for the interaction between these two top predators on land and sea, forcing a reevaluation of ancient ecosystems.
The National Science Foundation has awarded $1 million in two grants to the University of Missouri to install a supercomputer enabling data-intensive research and education at MU. The new cyberinfrastructure (CI) engineer will collaborate with researchers to develop new tools and provide expertise for efficient data analysis.
Researchers present a bioregional guide that combines place-based city planning and ecosystem management to address wide-ranging human health challenges along the US-Mexico border. The approach aims to promote healthy placemaking, taking into account environmental exposures, stress, diet, urban design, and behavior.
A new poison dart frog species, Andinobates geminisae, has been discovered in Donoso, Panama. Genetic sequencing confirms it is a distinct species from another known poison dart frog, Oophaga pumilio.
A new spectrometer using reflection zone plate optics resolves the spectral range of lighter elements, such as lithium and oxygen, which cannot be detected by traditional energy dispersive spectrometers. This technology has significant implications for research on energy-related materials and life sciences.
A study by University of South Carolina researchers found that natural processes can cause dramatic year-to-year drops in fish populations. The team used tree rings to extrapolate back in time nearly 600 years and found that low winter upwelling, which favors fish growth, has increased recently, sparking concerns about climate change.
A new study reveals that the Tree Bumblebee prefers built-up areas and is associated with human habitation. The research found that these areas form a large part of their habitat use, setting them apart from other common British bumblebee species.
Researchers have published a detailed appraisal of Friction Stir Welding (FSW), a complex welding technique that can join difficult-to-weld materials. The study concludes that FSW has the potential to be increasingly valuable in modern industry, but scientific understanding is still at an early stage.
Researchers developed a novel strategy to restrict tyrosine kinase inhibitors' activity to malignant tumour cells, minimizing damage to healthy tissue. The approach uses cobalt(III) compounds that are activated selectively in tumours under low-oxygen conditions.
Severe periodontitis is the sixth most prevalent health condition in the world, affecting over 743 million people worldwide. The global age-standardized prevalence of severe periodontitis remained static at 11.2% between 1990 and 2010.
A leading expert on respiratory medicine warns of the growing concern of antibacterial resistance in treating cystic fibrosis patients. The expert recommends further research and investigation into developing new compounds that can work against bacteria to make current antibiotics more effective.
A team of University of Pennsylvania researchers developed a technique to measure the electrical properties of nanoscale structures by passing them through tiny pores. By analyzing changes in ionic current, they found new ways to apply nanopore translocation to analyze objects at the smallest scale.
Researchers at the University of Manchester argue that environmental scientists should provide more practical solutions to climate change, but recognize the need for a broader skill-set. They suggest integrating social science and humanities to enrich public debates about responding to environmental change.
A new study by University at Buffalo confirms that COPD patients breathe easier and report improved health status when using the Lung Flute, a hand-held respiratory device. The six-month study shows significant improvements in symptoms and quality of life.
Researchers at The Geisel School of Medicine discover that changes in metabolism, mediated by the HIF1α pathway, are critical for trained immunity. This finding has potential implications for preventing and treating inflammatory diseases and enhancing vaccine efficacy.
Researchers at Imperial College London have created a 'global map' of proteins modified by the disease-causing enzyme N-myristoyltransferase (NMT), identifying over 100 previously unknown substrates. The study holds promise for new cancer treatments, with a potent drug-like molecule already identified to block NMT's activity.
The World Heart Federation's Global Cardiovascular Disease Taskforce urges the United Nations to support efforts to curb non-communicable diseases like heart disease and stroke. The task force estimates that cardiovascular disease will account for $7 trillion of the economic burden from 2011-2025.
A new OSU study found that children with autism are more sedentary than their typically-developing peers, averaging 50 minutes less a day of moderate physical activity and 70 minutes more each day sitting. Despite this, they perform similarly on fitness assessments such as body mass index, aerobic fitness levels, and flexibility.
A recent study at the University of Eastern Finland developed a tool called Jeliot ConAn that uses conflictive animations to teach computer programming. The tool's intentional errors engage students in activities to find and signal errors, improving their critical thinking skills.
A new study published in PLOS Pathogens shows that an irradiation plus transplantation combination approach can treat or even possibly cure HIV/AIDS in nonhuman primates. The treatment eliminated most of the animals' CD4-T cells, allowing their own virus-free hematopoietic stem cells to regenerate blood and immune cells.
The new underwater robot is designed to inspect ships for false hulls and propeller shafts that smugglers use to hide contraband. With its unique propulsion mechanism and ability to perform ultrasound scans without surface contact, the robot could revolutionize port security.
A long-term laboratory experiment showed that young sea stars grow more slowly and eat less in acidic conditions, even after a prolonged acclimation period. The study suggests that young sea stars may not adapt to the effects of ocean acidification, potentially affecting entire ecosystems.
The TRMM satellite identified a strong band of thunderstorms with heavy rainfall northwest of Tropical Storm Kammuri's center, while NASA's Aqua satellite captured infrared data on the entire storm. Cloud top temperatures exceeded -63F/-53C, indicating potential for heavy rainfall.
Researchers found that the hormone melatonin governs the nightly migration of a plankton species and may have evolved early in animal history. The study suggests that melatonin's role in controlling daily rhythms could be linked to the evolution of human sleep patterns.
Agricultural fires in Borneo clear land for palm oil plantations, releasing huge amounts of smoke and contributing to climate change. The fires can also cause severe respiratory problems due to the presence of particulate matter and toxic chemicals.
Researchers discovered that skin pigment eumelanin converts harmful UV radiation into heat through a rapid chemical reaction. This process has almost 100% efficiency and prevents UV energy from causing harm, making the body more resistant to sun damage.
A UT Arlington computer scientist is leading a research project to improve database queries and decision-making. The project, worth $1.2 million, aims to reveal how queries affect the robustness and objectivity of decisions.
Tropical Storm Rachel is strengthening with colder cloud tops and increased thunderstorm heights, indicating reduced wind shear, NASA's Aqua satellite reveals. The storm is expected to go through a short period of strengthening before weakening again, primarily driven by changes in wind patterns.
Virginia Tech researcher Devi Parikh aims to build intelligent machines that can understand the visual world from images and videos. She proposes teaching computers through visual abstractions, such as cartoons, which she believes are easier to illustrate than complex concepts.
A survey of 3,000 US researchers found that NIH policies have increased data sharing, with genetics researchers ranking it highest. However, issues such as incomplete material transfer agreements and inadequate formal sanctions remain.
Researchers explored connection between empathy, neurohormones and aggression. Empathy can motivate aggression on behalf of vulnerable others, even without provocation. Neurohormone gene variants, such as vasopressin and oxytocin, interact to predict aggression in these situations.
Researchers are developing a fingerprint-based recognition method to track vaccination schedules for infants and toddlers, increasing immunization coverage in developing countries. Fingerprints can accurately record immunizations, overcoming issues with lost or destroyed paper documents.
A study using morphed images of celebrities found that individual neurons react to subjective perception rather than visual stimuli. This suggests that neurons play a key role in the formation of memory by encoding our thoughts and images.
A substantial proportion of potential subjects are reflexively excluded from lung cancer clinical trials due to prior cancer. The exclusion criterion was applied in more than two-thirds of trials in which survival was not the primary endpoint, resulting in up to 18% exclusion rate.
Researchers discovered that disrupting a tumor suppressor gene disrupts the formation of the protective insulating sheath on peripheral nerves, leading to muscle wasting and neuropathy. The study suggests that normal molecular function of Lkb1 is essential for proper myelination.
Researchers found significant variations in approval times for cancer drugs between the US, Canada, and Europe, with patients in some regions waiting years longer than others. The study emphasizes the need for coordinated action to reduce disparities in drug access and improve patient outcomes.
A new standardized assessment tool, SARMS, evaluates surgeons' skills in robotic microsurgery, showing improvement with practice sessions. The study found that surgical trainees exhibit a steep initial learning curve but demonstrate steady progress in performing robot-assisted microvascular anastomoses.
Textile scientist Rachel McQueen's research found that antimicrobial fabrics were less effective at preventing bacteria and odours when tested on humans compared to lab experiments. The silver-chloride titanium dioxide compound, marketed for its ability to prevent odour, failed to eliminate bacteria in human testing.
Women facing breast cancer diagnosis can use decision analysis to evaluate alternatives for breast reconstruction, incorporating patient preferences and values. The process creates a 'decision tree' with options, outcomes, and values assigned to each outcome.
Researchers will merge biophysical and statistical approaches to create detailed computational models of neuronal activity. This could reveal insights into how proteins regulate computations in neurons, potentially shedding light on complex brain diseases.
The King Fire in California has burned over 96,000 acres since its start on September 13, 2014. A recent rain system brought minimal fire activity, but a new low-pressure system may impact the fire's spread.
A study in Diversity and Distributions documents the discovery of 27 new vertebrate species in Tanzania's Eastern Arc Mountains, including 23 amphibians and reptiles. The region's exceptional biodiversity is attributed to factors such as forest extent, elevational range, and rainfall.
A new study finds that primary-grade retention has lasting effects on educational attainments, reducing high school completion odds by about 60%, and operates mainly at high school completion. Grade retention leaves lasting scars on students' educational careers.
Researchers track Criegee intermediate through reaction to produce hydroxyl radicals, providing insights into atmospheric chemistry and climate modeling. The study's findings shed light on the dominant source of hydroxyl radicals at night, playing a significant role in the atmosphere during winter.
Guillardia theta's unique phycobiliproteins have distinct biosynthesis and assembly processes compared to cyanobacteria and red algae. Researchers gained insight into the complex transport mechanism of these pigments using docking enzyme GtCPES.