Marine species use reflectors on scales to reduce contrast with background, but tiny mantis shrimp larvae hide compound eyes behind brilliant eye reflections that match surrounding water spectrum. Lab tests show little contrast between eye reflections and environment, revealing potential role for larval eyeshine in camouflage
The study found that statins promote bone growth in mice with achondroplasia symptoms by rescuing degraded cartilage and increasing chondrocyte proliferation. Statin treatment also accelerated the degradation of the FGFR3 protein, a key factor in skeletal dysplasia.
The team's innovative approach allows for the separation between electric vehicle purchase and battery pack costs, potentially lowering prices by $10,000. Swappable modules also enable users to recharge batteries at home, expanding access to electric vehicles in cities without wall outlets.
Researchers found that modern-day Europeans have ancestry from three previously unrecognized groups: hunter-gatherers, early farmers, and a newly identified group of ancient north Eurasians. This discovery shifts scientists' ideas on human migration and interaction across the globe thousands of years ago.
A Harvard team has created a novel protein engineering system called BIND to engineer bacteria into living foundries for the production of biomaterials with specific functions. The researchers have demonstrated the ability to fuse multiple proteins to create multifunctional biofilms that can be programmed to perform various tasks.
A surge in anonymous 'dark money' is pouring into US midterm election TV ads, with conservative groups leading the pack. According to a WSU researcher, $68 million has been spent on TV ads by special interest groups, including Americans for Prosperity and Crossroads GPS.
Scientists at VCU Massey Cancer Center have developed a new molecular imaging approach that can image bone metastases from prostate cancer with greater accuracy than existing methods. The new method detects the gene AEG-1, which is expressed in most cancers but not in healthy cells.
Global homicide rates have been declining since the mid-1990s, with an average drop of 40% in 15 years. Effective policing strategies, rehabilitation methods, and societal attitude shifts are key to reducing violence. Experts agree that global rates of violence can be halved by 2040 if the right policies are implemented.
Despite visible signs of recovery, Cape Cod's saltmarshes are not fully restoring their ecosystem functions. A new study found that recovering marshes provide only partial benefits in terms of wave exposure and sediment height, while always-healthy marshes continue to offer superior coastal protection.
Curtin University research monitors Nile River water volume to help 200 million North-East Africans plan for sustainable use of resources. The study uses GRACE satellite data to isolate total water storage, providing independent insights for countries to inform decision-making and reduce reliance on the river's precious water supply.
Malaysia's 'smart villages' offer a global model for poverty relief, tripling monthly income to US $475 per family. The country is also implementing low-carbon cities with solar-generated power and biomass energy.
A new study by UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business finds that entrepreneurs are motivated by the fear of losing their job and security, rather than a love of risk. This loss aversion is directly linked to the amount of effort they put into starting a business.
Researchers at Aarhus University developed a nanosensor to measure the effect of astringency in wine, allowing for better control over taste. The sensor uses salivary proteins to mimic mouth sensations, expanding understanding of astringency and its impact on wine quality.
A new study by Harvard Medical School and University of Tübingen reveals that present-day Europeans descend from three ancestral groups: Ancient North Eurasians, Basal Eurasians, and Near Eastern farmers. Genetic analysis found that Northern Europeans have more hunter-gatherer ancestry while Southern Europeans have more farmer ancestry.
Research found clownfish larvae disperse across 400km ocean to find new homes, adapting to environmental changes. The study tracked fish migrations between two Omani coral reef populations, revealing their connectivity.
The Fauna Europaea project has published a collection of data papers covering 56 taxonomic groups, involving over 400 contributors. The publication marks a significant milestone in the dissemination of biodiversity data and highlights the importance of expert involvement in scientific research.
Researchers have identified 5 genes differentially expressed in normal accompanying cells of colorectal tumors. These genes can be used to classify tumors and predict patient outcomes, enabling clinicians to make informed decisions about chemotherapy treatment.
Patients with vitiligo experienced faster and better repigmentation after combining afamelanotide with narrowband UV-B phototherapy. The study found significant improvements in facial and upper extremity repigmentation rates compared to phototherapy alone.
A new system, RoadRunner, uses GPS-style turn-by-turn directions to route drivers around congested roadways, yielding an 8 percent increase in average car speed. The system assigns each region a maximum number of cars and uses wireless technology to efficiently manage traffic flow.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Pathology suggests that adding a wild berry extract to chemotherapy cycles may improve treatment outcomes for pancreatic cancer. The researchers found that the extract induced cell death and boosted the effectiveness of the conventional drug gemcitabine.
NASA's Aqua satellite detected powerful thunderstorms around Tropical Storm Polo's center, indicating strengthening conditions. Rainfall totals of 5-10 inches expected over coastal areas in Michoacan, Colima, and Jalisco states, with life-threatening flash-floods and mudslides possible.
New research suggests that chimpanzee violence is driven by adaptive fitness benefits rather than human impacts. A majority of violent attackers and victims are male chimpanzees.
Tropical Storm Odile is generating strong thunderstorms with heavy rainfall over northern Mexico and the southwestern US. Rainfall rates from TRMM satellite measurements reached almost 130 mm per hour northeast of the storm's center.
NASA's Terra satellite captured images of Tropical Storm Kalmaegi weakening over Vietnam after making landfall on September 17. The storm caused significant damage to homes, crops, and trees in the northern Vietnamese province of Quang Ninh.
A new study of intergroup aggression in chimpanzees and bonobos finds that lethal aggression is an adaptive strategy, not a result of human impacts. Analysis of 152 lethal attacks reveals that killing other group members is part of the natural behavioral repertoire of chimpanzees.
A new survey of over 70 people with bipolar disorder suggests that yoga can have a substantial impact on reducing anxiety, promoting calm, and improving emotional well-being. However, some respondents also reported potential risks, such as physical injury or pain, and the need for caution in certain practice styles.
Researchers found no significant difference in take-off performance between peacocks with and without their iconic trains. Despite initial expectations, the elaborate plumage does not seem to be a costly sacrifice for male birds. However, it may still affect flight stability and running ability.
Research shows that baby clownfish can travel hundreds of kilometers across the open ocean to connect distant populations, with six percent of sampled fish migrating over 400 km. The study uses DNA fingerprinting and oceanographic modeling to understand the migration patterns and their relevance for managing coral reef ecosystems.
Researchers found that coral growth rates in Australia's Great Barrier Reef have declined by 40% since the mid-1970s. Ocean acidification is suspected to be a major contributor to this decline, as increased CO2 levels in the atmosphere damage coral reefs.
The King Fire has spread rapidly through the Pollock Pines community, fueled by hot, dry conditions and strong winds. Over 1,600 homes are currently threatened as the fire continues to grow, with mandatory evacuation orders in place for residents.
Aalto University researchers have developed a pilot plant that converts CO2 and steel slag into PCC, a highly valuable resource. This innovative process reduces greenhouse gas emissions and minimizes waste, offering significant economic and environmental benefits for industries.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that CT scans are no more accurate than ultrasound exams in diagnosing painful kidney stones. The study suggests that ultrasound should be used as the first step in diagnosis, avoiding unnecessary radiation exposure.
The ASU Institute of Human Origins will conduct a multifaceted research project to increase understanding of human evolution, with a focus on cognition, culture, and cooperation. The $4.9M grant will support 11 linked projects, including studies on tool use and large-scale cooperation.
A global team of scientists has found 23 new genetic variants associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer. The study, which analyzed data from over 87,000 men, suggests that these variants may be important in regulating genes rather than making proteins.
A study by Technical University of Munich found that trees have accelerated their growth rate by up to 70% since the 1960s. The growth is attributed to rising temperatures, increased CO2, and nitrogen levels, which also led to a temporary slowing effect of acid rain on tree growth.
Scientists at Scripps Research Institute have devised a new vancomycin analog that is powerfully effective against vancomycin-resistant strains of MRSA and other disease-causing bacteria. The new compound has two distinct mechanisms of action, making it difficult for bacteria to develop resistance.
Research finds HE4 hormone plays key role in modulating ovarian cancer response to hormones and therapies. The study identified a mechanism by which hormonal therapies like Tamoxifen and Fulvestrant restore sensitivity to chemotherapy in HE4-overexpressing tumors.
A study of chimpanzee aggression over five decades found that killings are not a result of human activities, but rather an adaptive tactic to eliminate rivals. The research provides strong support for the view that killing is an evolved behavior, increasing access to resources and improving survival rates.
A new study published in The Lancet Haematology found that PET-CT is more accurate than conventional CT scanning in measuring response to treatment and predicting survival in patients with follicular lymphoma. The findings suggest that PET-CT should be used routinely in clinical practice to improve patient outcomes.
A novel, efficient fog collector inspired by shorebirds' beaks has been developed, promising a sustainable solution for communities in arid regions. The device collects water from fog using a simple, rectangular design that mimics the shorebird's feeding mechanism.
A new study by Joslin Diabetes Center shows that Asian Americans who followed a traditional high-fiber, low-fat diet for 16 weeks lowered their insulin resistance and improved their LDL cholesterol levels. In contrast, those on a typical western diet experienced greater increases in insulin resistance.
A new study from the University of Leeds has uncovered a genetic risk factor for melanoma, with longer telomeres associated with a higher risk. The research found that individuals with shorter telomeres are at a 30% increased risk of developing melanoma.
A longitudinal study by NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development found that exposure to parental verbal and physical aggression hurts children's emotional adjustment. Higher household chaos and poverty also take a toll on young children.
A recent study found that symptoms of autism were unusually common in people with Jacobsen syndrome, a rare genetic disorder affecting approximately 1 in 100,000 people. The study suggests that knowing this connection can help families investigate early intervention treatments to support their children.
A new study on monk parakeets reveals a sophisticated social structure with layers of relationships and complex interactions. The research found that parrots form strong pair bonds and have a dominance hierarchy, requiring significant cognitive skills to manage the process.
The International Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Alliance awarded a $30 million grant to researchers worldwide to tackle the devastating form of MS. Kessler Foundation's pilot study in rehabilitation addresses cognitive dysfunction, aiming to improve quality of life for individuals with progressive MS.
Researchers found that obese adults and their children often underestimate sizes, while mothers of overweight children have a particularly poor showing. This misperception can contribute to adolescent and adult obesity if not addressed in a timely way.
Researchers present long-term results of RTOG 0236, confirming good primary tumor control and positive 5-year survival rates for patients with inoperable lung cancer. The study found a 40% 5-year survival rate, with seven percent estimated five-year primary tumor failure rate.
A team of researchers has developed a novel capability to simulate extreme turbine engine conditions, allowing scientists to study the microstructure and internal strain in coated test blades during real operating conditions. This breakthrough could lead to improved material lifespan estimates and coatings for energy-efficient turbines.
Tropical Storm Polo is intensifying with strong thunderstorms and high cloud top temperatures near -63F/-53C, potentially generating heavy rain. The storm's center was located near latitude 12.8 north and longitude 99.4 west, with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph (65 kph) and a predicted strengthening into a hurricane by Thursday.
Rice University scientists have developed a transparent coating for glass that can keep surfaces free of ice and fog while maintaining radio frequency transparency. The graphene nanoribbon film, refined for consistency, retains its heat-conductive properties when applied to glass or plastic surfaces.
A new experimental PET tracer effectively diagnoses chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) while patients are still alive. The technology differentiates CTE from other forms of dementia, enabling estimates of prevalence and risk. This breakthrough improves diagnosis and treatment for athletes and others exposed to repeated head trauma.
A rare genetic variant in the APOC3 gene has been identified as a significant contributor to reduced triglyceride levels, associated with lower risk of cardiovascular disease. The study analyzed data from 4,000 healthy individuals and found that approximately 0.2% of the population carries this variant.
A new software emotion detector uses a three-phase approach to analyze facial features and associate them with emotional states, achieving a 94% success rate. The technology has the potential to enhance human-computer interactions and improve security checks at airports.
A study found that combining chemotherapy and stereotactic ablative radiation (SABR) may be an effective treatment option for patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer. After undergoing this treatment, nearly 90% of patients were able to undergo surgery, resulting in a high success rate.
A new study by University of New Hampshire sociologists found that coastal residents' views on environmental issues are deeply divided along party lines, with Democrats expressing greater concern about environmental problems than Republicans.
The RIBS IV trial reported that everolimus-eluting stents (EES) provide superior late angiographic results and better late clinical outcomes compared to drug-eluting balloons (DEB). EES demonstrated a larger in-segment minimal lumen diameter at nine months and higher rates of freedom from target lesion revascularization.
Harvard researchers have engineered a material to perform comparably with the best silicon switches, achieving an on/off ratio of greater than 10^5. The discovery uses solid-state chemical doping and exploits chemistry rather than temperature to achieve dramatic results.
Scientists at the University of Miami re-evaluate the global carbon cycle by analyzing marine sediment cores, suggesting that post-depositional changes can mimic ancient trends. This new perspective highlights the importance of understanding geological context in interpreting carbon isotope records.
A nationwide study of over 18,000 patients with type 1 diabetes found that insulin pump treatment reduces all-cause mortality by 29% and fatal cardiovascular disease risk by 43%. Pump use was also associated with an 18% risk reduction for coronary heart disease.