Researchers have identified a link between negative symptoms of schizophrenia and adverse clinical outcomes, including increased hospital admission rates and longer hospital stays. Patients with two or more negative symptoms were 24% more likely to be admitted to hospital, with an average extra 21-day stay duration.
A recent study has found that microRNAs, previously thought to be digested and absorbed by the body, are actually broken down in the small intestine, rendering them ineffective for modifying physiological functions.
Physicists at the University of Basel have demonstrated that electron exchange limits the stability of quantum information in qubits. By controlling this exchange process, they can extend coherence times and improve quantum computing performance.
A recent study published in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society found that trained volunteers can identify jets shooting from massive black holes and match them to their host galaxies with high accuracy. The project, Radio Galaxy Zoo, uses online tutorials to teach volunteers how to spot black holes and other objects emit...
A gene signature associated with 'healthy ageing' has been identified, allowing for early prediction of age-related diseases like Alzheimer's. The discovery provides a reliable molecular profile for distinguishing people at risk and could transform medical decision-making.
A new study published in Cell Death Discovery journal found that local anaesthetics can affect tooth cell growth and potentially impact on tooth development. The research team used pig teeth and human young permanent tooth pulp cells to identify the harmful effects of common dental anaesthetics.
A recent study of over 150,000 smokers found that varenicline does not increase the risk of heart attack or depression. The research suggests that doctors can prescribe varenicline more widely to help people quit smoking, supporting its effectiveness and safety.
A study published in The BMJ found that patients admitted to NHS hospitals on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays have a higher risk of death compared to those admitted during the week. This "weekend effect" is attributed to reduced support services and increased severity of illness.
The University of Texas at Arlington's Planetarium will debut the first active stereo 3-D show about NASA's SOFIA mission, exploring the study of Mars atmospheres and comets. The 3.5-minute film aims to inspire young scientists and engineers.
A study by Professor Elizabeth Kay found that supervised tooth brushing and fluoride varnish schemes are cost-effective options for preventing tooth decay in high-risk children. The schemes can save the NHS hundreds of pounds per child compared to surgical treatments, making them an economically viable solution.
Climate change is causing significant habitat loss for Pacific Northwest amphibians, including the Cascades frog, which may become extinct by 2080. The study forecasts that more than half of intermediate wetlands will convert to fast-drying ephemeral wetlands, threatening these unique species.
Researchers create a one-step process to make seamless carbon-based nanomaterials that possess superior thermal, electrical and mechanical properties in three dimensions. The material enables high efficiency batteries, supercapacitors, and solar cells, and has potential for applications such as energy storage, sensors, and wearable ele...
Researchers discovered how Sulfolobus, a superbug that thrives in 80°C environments, transfers its genetic material to new cells during cell division. This finding sheds light on the origins of life and may lead to breakthroughs in understanding life beyond Earth.
Researchers will investigate greenhouse gas exchanges, permafrost thawing, and wildlife habitat changes in the Arctic Boreal Vulnerability Experiment (ABoVE). The study aims to better understand the ecological impacts of climate change on forests, wildlife, and communities in Alaska and northern Canada.
The discovery of the VRN-D4 gene and its three counterpart genes is crucial for understanding vernalization and developing wheat varieties adapted to different regions or changing environments. The study also shows how ancient wheat from Pakistan and India influenced the spring growth habit in some wheat varieties.
A new multi-scale process adapts simulation to the structure of light transport in granular media on various scales. This enables efficient computation of photorealistic representation in images and animations, accelerating computation by a factor of ten compared to conventional path tracing.
A team of researchers has identified a protein family that helps plants grow on salt, revealing a mechanism for improving plant growth under salt stress conditions. The study found that these proteins support the cellulose synthase machinery during cellulose synthesis, helping plants maintain biomass production under salt.
A retrospective case series found specific epidural steroid injections to be effective in treating short-term pain from lumbar spinal stenosis. The study contradicts a previous NEJM study and suggests future trials using interlaminar injection with long-acting steroids.
A team of scientists, including a GVSU professor and alumni, discovered a 1-million-year-old monkey fossil in the Dominican Republic. The species, Antillothrix bernensis, was found to be morphologically consistent with previously collected material but dated to 1.3 million years ago.
A team of international scientists has dated a species of extinct monkey found in the Dominican Republic to over 1 million years old. The discovery sheds light on primate evolution in the region and provides evidence for the long-term survival of endemic native monkey species.
A study by American Society for Microbiology found that decontamination protocols effectively eliminated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and antibiotic-resistant Enterobacteriaceae bacteria from a pig farm. The protocol involved high-pressure cleaning, disinfection, and treatment with complex solutions.
The Society for Neuroscience has announced the winners of its fifth annual Brain Awareness Video Contest, featuring nine winning videos that explain complex neuroscience concepts in an engaging way. The contest winners, including Matthew Sugrim and Guillaume Riesen, have received awards and recognition for their innovative videos.
Researchers demonstrate how community ecology can provide new analytical tools for understanding diseases and their impacts on multiple hosts and vectors. The approach highlights the need for a broad contextual understanding of diseases and identifies strategies such as managing symbiotic microbial communities and preserving biodiversity.
Researchers from UC Davis developed a novel sensor coating material using nanoporous gold to detect nucleic acids in complex biological samples. The method enables sensitive detection of DNA without requiring purification, enabling faster and more efficient process for field applications.
Scientists at SISSA and Northwestern University propose a new model for creating multiferroic materials that combine magnetism and ferroelectricity in the same substance. Theoretical study shows promise for controlling ferroelectricity with magnetism, paving the way for new technologies.
Researchers at Imperial College London have developed a new seasickness treatment using a mild electrical current applied to the scalp. The treatment reduces responses in an area of the brain responsible for processing motion signals, helping prevent symptoms of motion sickness. Short-term use is expected to be safe and effective.
Typhoon Kilo's maximum sustained winds reached near 86.3 mph on September 4, 2015, with the storm centered near 23.4 North latitude and 175.7 East longitude. NASA's MODIS instrument aboard Aqua satellite provided a close-up of Typhoon Kilo's eye on September 3, revealing high clouds covering most of it.
Researchers from the University of Washington will observe and measure dusty plasmas in Earth's outer atmosphere using a rocket launch. The CAREII mission aims to improve models and understand how dusty plasmas disrupt radio-based communications and tracking systems.
Researchers found that coronary spasm at sites of atherosclerotic coronary artery narrowing significantly increases the risk of future heart attacks. Patients with these spasms are more likely to experience acute coronary syndrome, emphasizing the importance of monitoring and preventative therapy.
A Phase 3 clinical trial has been launched to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel RNAi investigational agent for treating patients with transthyretin-mediated familial amyloidotic cardiomyopathy (FAC). The first US patient, Leon Silas, 76, was enrolled in the study after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure in 2011.
The Genetics Society of America (GSA) is supporting workshops organized by students and postdocs to broaden interest in genetics. These trainee-organized symposia aim to advance knowledge, encourage exchange, and further the GSA mission.
A KIT study with over 450 test persons found that social competition and time pressure drive up prices in online auctions. Physiological measurements show human contenders influence behavior on electronic markets.
Researchers found that the antidepressant sertraline increased the volume of one brain region in depressed subjects, while decreasing two brain areas in non-depressed subjects. The study used middle-aged female monkeys to replicate human depression and tested the effects of sertraline on brain volumes.
New calculations indicate that polar bears can survive on land-based food sources, such as caribou and snow goose eggs, to avoid starvation due to ice melt. The research found that these alternative food sources provide enough calories for bears to sustain themselves during extended stays on land.
A team of Caltech researchers detects a galaxy called EGS8p7, which is more than 13.2 billion years old, making it the farthest galaxy ever found. The detection challenges our understanding of the universe's evolution, particularly reionization.
The University of Rochester team aims to reduce the cost of electricity from solar power by replacing expensive panels with plastic solar concentrators. Their planar light guide using micro-optics can concentrate direct sunlight onto a single photovoltaic cell, reducing the need for expensive PV cells.
Tropical Storm Ignacio is weakening as it moves over colder Pacific waters, with the Global Precipitation Measurement mission analyzing its precipitation patterns. The storm has decreased in intensity from a category four hurricane to a strong tropical storm, with maximum sustained winds near 75 mph.
A study at St. Michael's Hospital found that using an inexpensive drug, tranexamic acid, can reduce the number of red blood cell transfusions during hip and knee replacement surgeries by over 40%. The use of this drug did not increase adverse events or hospital stays.
Researchers found that the vestibular organ can adapt its sensitivity to movement signals, allowing for smooth balance and posture control. This is achieved through a process where the spinal cord sends efferent signals to the hair cells in the inner ear, reducing their sensitivity.
A new study exploring the relationship between facial hair and health will survey sources from 1700 to 1918, including medical texts and personal diaries. The project aims to understand how beard grooming evolved over time and its connection to masculinity and hygiene.
The Georgetown-Howard Universities Center for Clinical and Translational Science has received a $27 million grant to facilitate clinical trials in the Washington D.C. area, benefiting over four million residents. The award supports clinical researchers, training programs, and community engagement initiatives.
Tropical Depression Fred is weakening due to strong upper-level winds, while a new low-pressure area called System 91L is moving westward across the tropical Atlantic. Forecasters expect System 91L to have a 40% chance of development in the next two days and 60% in five days.
A new diagnostic device called DOTS qPCR may significantly reduce the time needed to diagnose tissue infections. It uses a novel approach to molecular diagnostics that is faster, more efficient, and less expensive than current alternatives.
Hurricane Jimena is expected to continue weakening due to dry air being drawn into the system and restrictions in its outflow. Cloud top temperatures indicate strong storms with potential for heavy rainfall.
Tropical Storm Kevin's center is located near the southern tip of Baja California, Mexico, with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph. The storm is expected to weaken due to decreasing sea surface temperatures and increasing vertical wind shear, leading to a depression by September 6.
Researchers have developed a system that captures energy from 'hot electrons' to split water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen, offering a promising means of harnessing renewable energy. The process uses light-activated gold nanoparticles and efficiently increases solar-to-electric power-conversion efficiencies.
A new study published in the Lancet found that metabolic or bariatric surgery was more effective than standard medical treatment for the long-term control of type 2 diabetes in obese patients. Surgery resulted in better glycemic control, lower levels of blood glucose, and reduced need for anti-diabetic medication.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine identified a new pathway that causes resistance to treatments, and developed a therapeutic drug that targets this pathway. The drug, KG5, inhibits the pathway and increases survival rates among patients with aggressive cancers.
Researchers analyzed 400 fashion models' Instagram accounts to predict popularity, finding high likes and comments were associated with runway success. Height and representation by top agencies also played a significant role in predicting success.
A recent report by SATHI reveals that many Indian doctors are under pressure to perform expensive but unnecessary tests and surgeries to meet financial targets, putting patient safety at risk. The BMJ argues that a radical change is needed in the structure and functioning of the Medical Council of India.
A meta-analysis of 1155 patients with schizophrenia and 911 healthy controls found progressive cortical gray matter loss relative to healthy controls, related to cumulative antipsychotic intake. Second-generation antipsychotics showed a neuroprotective effect, reducing progressive loss.
Biologists at the University of York have found a key plant enzyme that reacts with TNT, generating toxic compounds. The discovery raises hope for a new, sustainable method to remediate explosives-contaminated land and water.
Researchers created the smallest quark-gluon plasma in proton-lead collisions, contradicting previous expectations. This discovery sheds new light on high-energy physics and helps define the conditions needed for quark-gluon plasma existence.
The 2015 Alaska fire season has surpassed 5 million acres burned, ranking No. 3 on record, and currently 768 fires are active across the state. The annual seasonal rain pattern is expected to help diminish fire activity.
The NSF Engineering Research Center for Biorenewable Chemicals at Iowa State University has received a major boost with the addition of three years and $8.48 million in grant funding. The center, known as CBiRC, will now receive a total of 10 years and $35.26 million in support.
A new study from the University of Texas at Dallas reveals that US investors prefer coal over renewable energy, reflecting a different environmental perspective. In contrast, European investors prioritize renewable energy stocks, driven by environmentally conscious attitudes.
A study published in the Journal of Archaeological Science found evidence of mass breeding of raptors in ancient Egypt, including a mummified kestrel that died from force-feeding. The findings suggest that birds were kept and bred for religious purposes, with implications for falconry practices.
Researchers at the Centre for Genomic Regulation have discovered a unique genetic switch that guides stem cells into developing specialized heart muscle. The discovery of the Mel18 protein is expected to reveal underlying causes of heart defects and potentially lead to new methods for controlling stem cells in the laboratory.
Typhoon Kilo, the westernmost tropical cyclone in a four-storm cluster, is moving southwest and has maintained an eye with thick thunderstorms. NASA's Aqua satellite captured an image showing Kilo's symmetry and indicating it will re-intensify over the next few days.
Researchers at Princeton University have detected the long-sought chiral anomaly in a metallic compound of sodium and bismuth. The finding increases conductivity and may lead to more energy-efficient electronic devices, as impurities scatter current-carrying electrons, causing energy loss.