A major re-analysis of a flagship study on deworming children has questioned the finding that it increases school attendance. The original trial reported improved attendance among untreated schools near treatment sites, but the new analysis found no evidence to support this claim.
A new study has provided never-before-seen details of the human body's cellular switchboard that regulates sensory and hormonal responses. The research, led by Eric Xu at the Van Andel Research Institute, used SLAC's X-ray laser to complete the first 3-D atomic-scale map of a key signaling protein called arrestin.
A new study by University of California, San Diego researchers has identified a pivotal player in diabetic kidney disease and a potential biomarker for diagnosing and monitoring chronic kidney disease. The study uses metabolomics analysis to clarify a central mechanism of action involving the NADPH oxidase proteins NOX1 and NOX4.
Scientists have developed a new material that can capture and convert waste heat from engines into electrical energy, potentially improving fuel efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This innovative technology could also have applications in aerospace and manufacturing sectors.
A new theory suggests dark matter behaves similarly to pions, which hold atomic nuclei together. This finding resolves outstanding discrepancies in predicted mass distributions within galaxies and clusters of galaxies.
Researchers used a powerful X-ray laser to create a three-dimensional map of a key protein complex, revealing its structure and interactions. This breakthrough provides insights into developing more targeted therapies for diseases like cancer and heart disease.
A new study discovered that bottlenose dolphins can reverse prediabetes by switching between diabetic and non-diabetic states, with the key driver being a saturated fat called heptadecanoic acid. Dolphins fed fish high in this fatty acid showed significant improvements in metabolic syndrome indicators within six months.
Researchers have successfully directed adult stem cells to turn specifically into muscle using a new method that mimics the body's natural approach. This breakthrough could potentially help treat patients with muscular dystrophy, as well as address spinal cord injuries and other conditions.
A team of scientists in Germany and Switzerland have identified the fungus Exidiopsis effusa as the cause of hair ice. The researchers found that the fungus enables the ice to form thin hairs, which are stabilized by a recrystallisation inhibitor provided by the fungus.
Research reveals that schools with more black and minority students tend to prioritize punishment over medical or psychological interventions, leading to higher rates of expulsions, suspensions, and referrals to law enforcement. This trend is linked to centralized governance and zero-tolerance policies in disadvantaged districts.
A longitudinal study of high school biology instructors reveals that biology dominates STEM education and the workforce increased 50% between 1987 and 2007. However, the same trend also shows that teachers outside their discipline are often assigned to teach outside their capabilities.
Patrick Hines, a Wayne State University School of Medicine professor, was selected for the Aspen Institute's inaugural class of Health Innovators Fellows. He founded Functional Fluidics, which provides diagnostic platforms to predict bleeding and clotting disorders.
Researchers have developed a dynamic 'smart' drug that targets inflammation in a site-specific manner, reducing side effects. The new anti-inflammatory molecule reduces local inflammation while avoiding normal inflammatory processes, potentially improving treatment outcomes for immunosuppressed patients and those undergoing chemotherapy.
The Energetic Heavy Ion Sensor (EHIS) has been given a clean bill of health after being tested using a proton accelerator at Massachusetts General Hospital. This sensor will measure heavy charged particles in Earth's magnetosphere and aid in space weather alerts.
Researchers have discovered a method to lower worrying levels of arsenic in rice, a major crop grown under flooded conditions. By using a shop-bought coffee percolator, up to 85% of the carcinogen inorganic arsenic can be removed from all types of rice.
A recent study published in Nature Communications found that genetic variation in the gene FOPNL is associated with poorer survival rates in multiple myeloma patients. The study, which included over 1,600 patients from North America and Europe, identified a significant link between the FOPNL variant and reduced survival.
Neurons have developed ways to regulate their electrical activity, preventing overexcitability and non-functional neurons. A new study reveals that unique synapses along the axon initial segment (AIS) modulate neuronal output by acting directly on the AIS.
Researchers found that teeth can provide a chronological record of exposure to chemicals, including iron, from fetal development. This technology can help track the impact of pollution on health globally and potentially link early life exposures to neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham have created a fully synthetic substrate to grow billions of human pluripotent stem cells. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of 'stem cell factories' for clinical use in treating heart, liver and brain conditions.
A new Stanford study found cellular damage detectable in patients after CT scanning, suggesting potential long-term health effects. The research calls for safer imaging practices and increased research into the impact of low-dose radiation on human cells.
Researchers found that hospital staff perception of door-to-needle time did not match actual performance. Middle and low-performing hospitals often overestimated their ability to quickly administer anti-clotting medication.
Coral reefs are under pressure from climate change, which may reduce their ability to protect tropical islands against wave attack and erosion. The study suggests that coasts fronted by relatively narrow reefs with steep faces and deeper reef flats will experience the highest wave runup and greatest potential for island flooding.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have identified epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) that enhance stem cell engraftment in zebrafish and mice. These compounds could improve bone marrow transplants by allowing the use of more umbilical cord blood units, increasing patient chances of finding a matched donor.
Typhoon Halola's strongest typhoon-force winds were located on the northern half of the storm, stretching from northwest to northeast. The storm intensified and peaked at 95 knots on July 24, with Joint Typhoon Warning Center forecasts predicting weakening after that.
A two-year study found that reducing nicotine content did not increase quitting rates among smokers. The test group's nicotine levels returned to normal after returning to their usual brand of cigarettes, with low quitting rates observed.
Scientists found that additional genes can compensate for knocked-out genes and mitigate consequences. In a study on zebrafish, researchers identified emilin 3B as a rescuing gene for the egfl7 gene, which regulates blood vessel growth.
Researchers developed new diagnostic criteria to differentiate between malignant and benign mediastinal masses in children. The criteria use symptoms, laboratory tests, and CT scans to identify a better way to refine diagnoses, potentially leading to earlier detection of cancers like lymphomas and neuroblastomas.
In bacterial communities, resolving social conflict is key to survival. The discovery reveals that biofilms develop an 'emergent phenomenon' where individuals balance opposing needs through metabolic codependence. This strategy allows bacteria to coordinate activities, resolve internal conflicts and ensure the survival of the community.
A new survey of over 850 US women found that relaxing beach vacations are perfect for sexual experimentation with a steady partner, while group tours and sightseeing trips are ideal for casual sex with acquaintances or strangers. Women tend to underestimate risks in non-penetrative activities and overestimate condom protection.
Researchers study children's aggressive behavior from ages 3-5, exploring factors such as empathy, emotional regulation and social information processing. The three-year study aims to provide new insights into what drives children towards aggressive behaviors.
A University of Michigan study shows that primary care appointment availability increased for people with Medicaid after the state's Medicaid expansion took effect. Despite predictions that appointments would be hard to get due to a surge in newly insured individuals, clinics offered more appointments before and after the expansion.
Researchers at the Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics found that cold crystallization in liquid crystals occurs through two mechanisms: classical thermodynamics and diffusion. The study reveals a wide range of temperatures where cold crystallization can occur, contrary to previous expectations.
The kiwi bird's genomic changes help explain its unique characteristics, such as eliminated color vision and a highly developed sense of smell. Research identified evolutionary changes in the genome that underpin the bird's adaptations to nocturnality, with potential implications for conservation efforts.
Researchers found that two neighboring chimpanzee groups used distinct tool lengths despite identical army ant species availability, indicating cultural knowledge generated small-scale diversification. This study provides insights into what drives cultural differences in chimpanzees and sheds light on human cultural evolution.
Scientists are calling for cooperation between conservationists and space agencies to monitor biodiversity loss, which has halved in just 40 years. Satellite images can reveal changes in vegetation productivity and provide information on ground-level biodiversity levels.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that introducing rapid diagnostic tests in registered drug shops in Uganda reduced overdiagnosis of malaria by 73%, improving the use of valuable malaria drugs. The introduction of these tests improved treatment with artemisinin-based combination therapies, increasing appropriate treatment by 36%.
A new diagnostic test has been developed to quickly detect enterovirus D68, a respiratory virus that caused unusually severe illness in children last year. The test is more effective than previous methods and can be completed in just a few hours, reducing the time needed to detect the virus.
Researchers from NYU Langone Medical Center presented new findings on Alzheimer's disease treatment at the 2015 Alzheimer's Association Conference. The studies focused on the development of monoclonal antibodies that can recognize oligomeric tau and Aβ, as well as pathological structures in Parkinson's disease human brains. Additionall...
Researchers found that mowing down cattails and phragmites in stormwater basins leads to a boom in mosquito populations and an increased risk of West Nile virus transmission. Mowing also disperses bird species, which are natural reservoir hosts for the virus, contrary to initial expectations.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed smart window materials that can control light and energy efficiency, allowing for precise indoor climate control. The new materials enable 90% NIR and 80% visible light blocking, reducing energy costs for cooling buildings and homes.
Researchers found that strip-till farming increased soil organic matter content by 8.6% after five years compared to no-till methods. This resulted in reduced bulk density and penetration resistance, creating a more favorable environment for crop growth.
Researchers discovered that cancer cells incorporate chemically modified nucleosides into their DNA, which is toxic to them. The study found that modifying these nucleosides could be used as a specific anti-cancer agent, exploiting epigenetic changes in cancer cells.
A study led by the Zoological Society of London found that harbour porpoises in European waters are struggling with reproductive failures, with almost 20% of females experiencing stillbirth or foetal death. PCB concentrations in UK porpoises were moderate despite being banned over 30 years ago.
A study by Stanford University School of Medicine researchers found a strong association between high diversity among natural killer cells and increased likelihood of subsequent HIV infection. The findings could lead to the development of blood tests flagging individuals' susceptibility to viral infection.
A new study reveals that young people with autism are struggling to find and keep jobs, with only 47% securing employment after receiving vocational services. Experts emphasize the importance of vocational counseling, guidance, and coordination between high schools and rehabilitation systems to support this growing population.
A study analyzing special education data found that autism diagnoses increased, but so did reclassifications of intellectual disability cases. Researchers believe this shift may be attributed to the variability of autism and its overlap with other related disorders.
A recent study found that galvanized steel pipes can release high levels of lead into drinking water, with concentrations reaching up to 172 µg/L. Copper piping installed upstream can worsen lead release from the zinc coating, posing a significant risk to public health.
Researchers found that Massachusetts school food regulations led to significant improvements in competitive foods and beverages, with middle school compliance rising from 13% to 69% and high school compliance increasing from 28% to 80%. The study suggests that states can successfully implement similar standards nationwide.
Scientists at the University of Southampton will analyze research investments into infectious disease research, particularly pneumonia and maternal and neonatal infections. The study aims to provide policymakers with a comprehensive picture of where there's been a lack of funding relative to the impact of the disease.
Researchers from MIT and WHOI have developed a simple way to predict a river delta's shape, influenced by its river's sediment flux and ocean waves' strength. The new metric can help engineers determine how engineered structures like dams and levees may affect the coastline of a river delta.
Researchers at Mass Eye and Ear discovered that the alternative complement pathway exacerbates photoreceptor cell death after injury, but blocking it can protect photoreceptors. Inhibition of this pathway offers a new therapeutic target to prevent initial photoreceptor loss.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have developed a new gene-editing technique involving low-dose irradiation, which is 10 times more effective than existing methods. This breakthrough could enable scientists to model human diseases more accurately and accelerate the discovery process.
Canada has eliminated mother-to-child HIV transmission by ensuring all pregnant women are screened for HIV and receive treatment. Regular combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) is nearly 100% effective in preventing transmission when given during pregnancy.
Researchers have identified two new species of parasitoid wasps with remarkable morphology, including the Pteromalus briani wasp's protruding hind legs and the P. janstai wasp's flattened middle section. These discoveries highlight the potential for new species to be discovered in thoroughly explored regions.
The Mobile Bridge Version 4.0's viability was tested on a real river, showcasing its practical use with minimal personnel and no foundation work required. The bridge's scissor-like structure allows for efficient expansion and contraction while maintaining strength.
A genetic mutation in the PLVAP gene has been identified as a cause of severe protein losing enteropathy in infants, leading to abdominal swelling, malnutrition and early death. The study's findings offer hope for targeted correction through gene therapy.
The kiwi genome sequencing reveals several genes involved in colour vision are inactivated, while the diversity of odorant receptors is higher than in other birds, indicating a reliance on their sense of smell for foraging. Genetic changes occurred about 35 million years ago, reflecting the kiwi's adaptation to its nocturnal lifestyle.
Researchers found that e-cig liquids contain primarily free-base nicotine, the most addictive form, and often do not match label concentrations. This suggests that e-cigarettes can be just as hazardous to health as traditional tobacco products.
A recent study published in The Journal of Experimental Biology found that boa constrictors rapidly shut down the circulation of their victims. The snakes cut off the blood supply to vital organs, causing cardiac arrest and death within seconds. This discovery sheds new light on the mechanisms of snake constriction.
A team of astronomers using ALMA has detected the faint glow of ionised carbon in a galaxy just over 800 million years after the Big Bang. This finding reveals new details about the assembly of galaxies in the early universe and provides valuable information on the interstellar medium and star formation processes.