Researchers discovered that the retina employs a separate light-sensitive pigment called neuropsin to regulate its internal rhythms. Neuropsin is distinct from melanopsin, which controls the body's circadian rhythms and synchronizes with the suprachiasmatic nuclei.
A new study from York University found that Arctic sea ice in the Northwest Passage remains too thick to support regular commercial shipping. The research measured ice thickness using an airplane equipped with a sounder and surveyed the ice in April and May of 2011 and again in 2015.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found that infancy's gut development can have lifelong implications on intestinal health. The study discovered that epigenetic changes and the gut microbiome play a crucial role in shaping intestinal stem cells, which control gut physiology throughout life.
A new study reveals that nearly 1 in 10 healthcare company board positions are held by top academics from renowned medical institutions. These directors receive significant compensation, including annual payments of $193,000 and stock options, posing major individual and institutional conflict of interests.
Researchers discover nematodes produce plant hormone cytokinin to stimulate root cell growth and create a nurse cell system, essential for the parasite's survival. This discovery opens new avenues in plant breeding to develop resistance against cyst nematode pests.
A primary care-based program has been shown to lower patients' substance dependence and encourage treatment engagement. The program's success was attributed to medication-assisted treatment, such as buprenorphine, and addressing underlying depression.
Dartmouth Thayer Engineering researchers Eric Fossum and Jiaju Ma have made a breakthrough in light sensing technology, developing pixels that can significantly enhance low-light sensitivity. The new Quanta Image Sensor (QIS) has the potential to improve applications such as security cameras, astronomy, and life science imaging.
By 2025, cardiovascular disease is projected to claim 7.8 million premature lives annually if current trends continue. The US and some other countries will see declines in mortality rates, while many others will not meet the UN goal of a 25% reduction.
A recent study in Primorye, Russia, suggests that logging companies can be essential for endangered Blakiston's fish owls. In fact, lands leased to logging companies account for 43% of suitable habitat, while protected areas only cover 19%. This collaboration enables the protection of nearly half of all potential fish owl home ranges.
Concordia researchers investigate how social media gamers cheat in games like FarmVille, with some defining cheating as breaking social norms. The study found that most respondents admitted to cheating, including purchasing currency or creating multiple accounts.
A new study using competing mice reveals genetic mutations can impair reproduction and territory control, contrary to previous assumptions of redundant gene functions. The mouse barn test provides a sensitive tool for assessing fitness consequences of gene changes in natural environments.
A study published in HortScience has identified optimal conditions for managing conservation nurseries in Guam, focusing on three endangered tree species. Moderate shade maximizes seedling emergence percentage and velocity for Elaeocarpus joga and Tabernaemontana rotensis, while deep shade enhances growth for Serianthes nelsonii.
Researchers at Children's Mercy Kansas City have achieved a 26-hour turnaround time for rapid whole-genome sequencing and genetic diagnosis in critically-ill infants, known as STAT-Seq. This technology can identify mutations associated with approximately 5,300 known genetic diseases.
Tropical Storm Joaquin formed in the western Atlantic on September 28, fueled by rain rates of up to 60 mm/hr. The storm is expected to strengthen over the next two days as it moves northward ahead of an upper-level trough.
Researchers have found five genetic regions that play major roles in cystic fibrosis disease severity, which could lead to new therapies. The study analyzed over 6,000 patients and identified genetic variations associated with lung disease.
A new study provides the first direct window into the maturation of vision-related areas in the infant brain, showing that major motion processing areas are operational by 7 weeks. The study found similarities between infants and adults in terms of brain activity patterns, but also notable differences, particularly in the development o...
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a new zebrafish model to study Cryptococcal meningitis, allowing for real-time observation of the infection's spread. This model will enable scientists to test drug compounds and identify potential therapeutic targets, offering hope for disrupting this deadly brain infection.
A new study by Indiana University researchers finds that discrimination is directly linked to poor health outcomes among transgender adults. The study reveals that those who face more frequent and severe discrimination are at a higher risk of attempting suicide, abusing substances, and smoking cigarettes.
A team of engineers at the University of California, Riverside has developed a new type of lithium-ion battery anode made from portabella mushrooms. The mushroom-based material is highly porous and allows for increased electrolyte-active material over time, making it a potential replacement for traditional graphite anodes.
Researchers discovered that players' performances in video games significantly impact their attitudes towards brands. Players who performed well in games exhibited better recall and more favorable attitudes toward the brand compared to those who experienced difficulties or crashes.
The Collaboration for Alzheimer's Prevention (CAP) brings together researchers from six clinical trials to share information, resources, and expertise. CAP aims to accelerate the evaluation of preclinical Alzheimer disease treatments through data harmonization and standardization.
A Pitt analysis reveals that nearly 1 in 10 U.S. for-profit health care company board positions are held by individuals with an academic affiliation. These board members receive significant compensation and often hold substantial company stock, potentially leading to conflicts of interest with their academic duties.
A Baylor University study found that cellphone use can create conflict and lower relationship satisfaction among romantic partners, leading to increased levels of depression. The study also identified a 'Partner Phubbing Scale' to measure the extent of smartphone distractions in relationships.
Researchers discovered that valence change memory (VCM) cells use both negatively charged oxygen ions and positively charged metal ions for switching characteristics. This finding opens up new options for designing ReRAMs and could lead to improved performance, energy efficiency, and longevity.
A study by UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business found that frequent discounting is the most optimal strategy for retailers to maximize revenues. This approach balances the trade-off between dynamic and static pricing, allowing retailers to charge high prices when demand is high while maintaining flexibility. By doing so, retailers can...
A recent study published in Nature found that broadleaf tree species in Central Europe have shown a significant decline in their sensitivity to climate change. Leaf unfolding phenology, which is the timing of when leaves unfurl in spring, has advanced earlier by four days per degree Celsius increase in temperature between 1980 and 1994...
Researchers have developed an informatics platform to crowdsource data on pediatric asthma triggers, combining air quality and environmental exposure data with clinical information. The system aims to help doctors tailor recommendations for patients based on real-time pollutant exposure.
A new gene therapy approach delivers the ITGA7 gene to mice with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, reducing symptoms and extending life span by over 10 weeks. The method overcomes previous immunological issues, making it a promising novel treatment for DMD.
Researchers at USC and Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center have developed a brain prosthesis that mimics how memories are translated from short-term to long-term storage. The device has shown high accuracy in predicting neural signals with about 90% accuracy in hundreds of trials conducted with nine patients.
Researchers found no correlation between breast cancer's different structures and chromosomal abnormalities, challenging the idea that genetic mutations drive tumor heterogeneity. Instead, they discovered specific genes contributing to each structure's formation, suggesting alternative mechanisms driving morphological diversity.
Researchers identified genetic variants associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which may inform positive lifestyle and treatment choices. The study also found links between PCOS and increased risk of type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and fertility problems.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania found that Twitter behavior can predict users' income level, with lower-income users using the platform more for personal communication and higher-income users using it to disseminate news. The research analyzed over 5,000 tweets and identified strong correlations between online expressio...
UCSB computer scientists create natural models of user behavior using anonymized clickstream data from popular apps and social media sites. They aim to identify abnormal behaviors that could indicate security risks.
Tropical Depression 11 strengthened into Tropical Storm Joaquin despite experiencing vertical wind shear, according to NASA's Aqua satellite data. The storm's elongated shape is attributed to the strong winds, but research suggests that high-level storms can generate heavy rain and strengthen.
A new study by Doctor Cecilie Schou Andreassen reveals that shopping addiction is more prevalent among women, typically beginning in late adolescence. The Bergen Shopping Addiction Scale identifies seven warning signs, including an excessive preoccupation with shopping and impaired well-being.
A study by St. Michael's Hospital found that stable housing does not lead to significant weight loss in homeless individuals, despite the potential for healthier eating habits.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a new method for analyzing carbon nanotubes in solution using variance spectroscopy. This technique allows for the rapid analysis of small regions in dilute nanotube solutions, providing insights into the types, numbers, and properties of nanoparticles in the solution. By zooming in on thes...
A new test called ViroCap can detect viruses at low levels and identify variant strains, making it especially useful in situations where diagnosis remains elusive. The test increases sensitivity by 52% compared to standard testing, providing detailed genetic information about viral subtypes.
The article explores eight big questions in cancer research, including the role of genetic mutations, tumor microenvironments, and epigenetics. Researchers discuss the importance of targeted treatments, prevention, and screening, as well as the potential for precision medicine to improve cancer outcomes.
A Mayo Clinic study found that nearly three-quarters of patients with autoimmune cerebellar ataxia were women. The median duration from symptom onset to last follow-up was 25 months, with 51 patients experiencing physician-reported neurologic improvement with immunotherapy and cancer therapy.
A study of over 3,500 Finnish participants found that a one-year difference in education resulted in a significant increase in self-rated health. The research suggests that academic attainment predicts positive health transitions from childhood to adulthood.
Research led by Michigan State University scholar Amy K. Nuttall found that mothers who took on too much caregiving role as children tend to be less sensitive to their own children's needs, understanding child development and parenting in a similar harmful manner.
A team of researchers from Harvard University explored evaporative patterning transitions and discovered a simple mechanism behind drying-induced residue formations. By controlling the dynamics of evaporation, they can obtain specific types of residues while avoiding others.
A team of researchers at the University of Texas at Austin has invented a method for producing inexpensive and high-performing wearable patches that can continuously monitor vital signs. The breakthrough reduces manufacturing time from days to just 20 minutes, enabling mass production of epidermal electronics.
New research analyzed data from the US Nationwide Inpatient Sample to identify prostate cancer risk factors. The study found that age, race, and family history are significant risk factors for prostate cancer, while obesity, alcohol abuse, and smoking show a protective effect.
Researchers have created a new technique to produce 3D 'micro-printed' arrays of needles capable of drug delivery, offering treatments for melanoma cancers. The arrays are fabricated using microstereolithography and can withstand stresses and strains when inserted into the body.
Researchers found that the brain processes motion from both visual and tactile inputs using similar computations, integrating information from individual neurons with a small perspective of the object. This common representation of motion can be seen in experiments using plaid stimuli presented visually or tactilely.
Scientists at UC Riverside have sequenced the genomes of five nematodes to understand parasite biology and evolution. The study identified gene families involved in parasitism and found instructions for turning genes on and off, shedding light on biological mysteries.
Researchers have discovered an iron-gallium alloy called Galfenol that can generate significant amounts of power when subjected to strong impacts. The material converts mechanical energy into magnetic energy with high efficiency and can be used to create wireless impact detectors.
Researchers at McGill University have developed a suite of computer programs to speed up the process of drug discovery for diseases like diabetes and Alzheimer's. The Fibrilizer program analyzes billions of possible genetic mutations to find weak spots in toxic protein strands, potentially leading to new treatments.
A new study found that grandmothers who smoked during pregnancy significantly increase the risk of asthma in their grandchildren. The research used data from the Swedish Registry and included over 44,000 grandmothers from 1982 to 1986. Asthma risk was increased by 10-22%.
Research shows that people carrying specific genetic variants of vitamin D metabolism can benefit from a high-protein weight loss diet, leading to improved insulin resistance and blood sugar control. The study found significant interactions between the DHCR7 variant and dietary protein, but not with other genetic variants or dietary fat.
Two studies published in The BMJ conclude that increasing calcium intake through supplements or dietary sources has no significant impact on bone health or fracture prevention. Experts argue that mass medication with high doses of calcium and vitamin D is not justified due to the risk of adverse events.
The new center aims to develop and translate new cancer care applications based on nanotechnology, focusing on melanoma and malignant brain cancers. Researchers will use Cornell dots, silica-organic hybrid nanoparticles, to improve cancer diagnostics, surgery, and targeted drug delivery.
Researchers at Lund University have developed a new type of brain implant that uses nanowires to stimulate or capture signals from different areas of the brain. This breakthrough could lead to improved treatments for Parkinson's disease, depression, autism, and paralysis.
A recent study found that cities fared better during the 2008-09 recession in regions with stronger emotional stability and entrepreneurial personality profiles. Cities like San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, Calif., and Jackson, Tenn., exhibited higher scores for entrepreneurial personality and emotional stability, while others struggled.
A recent study by Georgia State University and other institutions reveals that chimpanzees' brain structures are associated with various personality traits. The research found correlations between gray-matter volumes in specific brain regions and personality traits such as openness, extraversion, and dominance.
The study found that sympathy predicted prosocial behaviors, but also engaging in earlier prosocial behaviors positively predicted later sympathy. The researchers aim to understand what makes individuals altruistic and develop interventions to promote positive behaviors in adolescents.
A new NIH study found significant racial and ethnic disparities in fetal growth, with minority fetuses scoring below the 5th percentile due to hereditary and environmental factors. This could lead to unnecessary tests and procedures for healthy pregnant women of color.
Researchers use Raman spectroscopy to measure strain at each pixel on graphene's surface, enabling quick and accurate monitoring of defects. This breakthrough could help prevent defects caused by strain in high-quality graphene production.