Researchers at UC Santa Barbara have clarified the mechanism of iridescence in squid skin, revealing that specific sequences of reflectins correlate with color output. The study identifies three major types of reflectins and their roles in static and tunable iridocytes.
Losing feathers at the wrong time can significantly impact a bird's ability to fly long distances due to increased drag and reduced wing area. The study suggests that migratory birds may need more energy and make additional stopovers if they depart prematurely before fully moulted.
Researchers at Penn have identified a specific gene, TEX11, responsible for some cases of male infertility. The study found that mutations in this gene are present in approximately 1% of men with azoospermia, a condition where males produce no sperm.
Research at Rockefeller University discovered that the recycling of a specific type of histone, H3.3, is essential for forming connections among neurons and facilitating learning throughout life. The study found that increased turnover of H3.3 is linked to neural activity and gene expression changes necessary for synapse formation.
A study published in Neuropsychopharmacology found that cortisol enhances the consolidation of emotional memories, particularly in individuals with anxiety and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Cortisol levels can strengthen memories of traumatic experiences during both initial formation and reconsolidation after memory retrieval.
EPFL scientists have developed a simple and inexpensive method to fabricate high-quality, efficient solar panels for direct solar hydrogen production. The innovative technique uses the boundary between two non-mixing liquids to produce an even dispersion of 2-D flakes, resulting in superior efficiency compared to other methods.
Researchers found that subcutaneous administration of multispecific antibodies improves tumor treatment by better tolerability and undiminished effectiveness. The study suggests that this method could lead to broader availability of tumor treatment for patients, potentially eliminating hospitalization.
Chronic lung disease guidelines are over-diagnosing COPD in older men and under-diagnosing it in young women, according to experts. The current guidelines may lead to adverse effects of inappropriate medication or incorrect treatment, resulting in poorer outcomes.
A new study from Northwestern University finds that virtual training for veterans with PTSD and individuals with severe mental illness significantly increases their chances of getting a job offer. The program teaches them how to ace job interviews by building rapport with the interviewer.
A newly discovered, 48-million-year-old fossil of the 'Jesus lizard,' Babibasiliscus alxi, has been found in Wyoming. The ancient reptile may have thrived in a once-tropical habitat and provides valuable insight into how climate change affects tropical species.
A study found that a small group of authors, including those employed by pharmaceutical companies, dominated diabetes research with an over-reliance on commercially sponsored studies. This raises concerns about the balance of power and conflict of interest in the field.
New research on Smilodon fatalis reveals that the saber-toothed cat's permanent upper canines didn't fully develop until about three years of age. The growth rate was double that of an African lion's teeth, at 6 millimeters per month.
Regular extracurricular sports activities help kids develop discipline and self-regulation skills, which are linked to better classroom engagement. The study suggests that structured sports programs can be implemented in schools to improve students' behavior and academic performance.
Saber-toothed cat canines took years to grow and fully emerged later in life compared to living relatives. Researchers used a novel technique to calculate the eruption rates of their teeth.
Scientists at University of Michigan and University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center discovered microscopic nanotubes facilitating cell-to-cell communication in stem cells. The findings suggest that these structures may play a crucial role in retaining stem cell identities during division.
Researchers found that neutrophils divert to nearby precancerous skin cells, causing rapid cell division and potentially leading to melanoma. The study suggests a physical link between wound-associated inflammation and skin cancer progression.
Biochar, a product of cooking chicken manure into charcoal, can retain nitrogen in soil longer than traditional fertilizers, capturing carbon in the process. This approach has been shown to improve nutrient retention in agricultural fields, offering a potential solution to the Chesapeake Bay's pollution problems.
A study by Sasha Kravchenko reveals that long-term differences in soil use impact pore sizes and microbial communities, providing plants with essential nutrients. The research compared two agricultural systems, finding complex pore structures and unique bacterial colonies within individual aggregates.
A small study found that premature babies who avoid eye contact in early infancy are less likely to display symptoms of autism at age 2 compared to those who maintain eye contact. The researchers suggest that preemies may avert their gazes as a coping mechanism, signaling an inability to handle stressors.
Scientists discovered a single-celled plankton's 'eye' contains layers of mitochondria and plastids that resemble the lens, cornea, iris, and retina of multicellular eyes. The researchers found clues suggesting the structure may aid in detecting prey and communicating with other parts of the cell.
A pooled analysis of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) treated with bevacizumab found that those with the lowest body mass index (BMI) had significantly shorter overall survival compared to other BMI categories. Progression-free survival was similar across all subgroups.
Fireflies produce light through a chemical reaction involving luciferin and ATP, but intermediate steps were unclear. Researchers explored enzyme luciferase, finding that a single electron transfer occurs during the final step, suggesting a unifying feature of bioluminescence.
NASA's Terra satellite and RapidScat instrument detected Tropical Storm Raquel affecting the Solomon Islands on June 30 and July 1, with sustained winds of up to 55.9 mph/90 kph near its western and southern quadrants.
Scientists reveal that neurons change their firing properties to encode new associations, forming new memories in a matter of seconds. The study demonstrates the neural processes underlying real-life memory formation, showing that a single exposure is enough to create lasting memories.
A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that vitamin B12 supplements offer no benefits for neurological or cognitive function in older people with moderate vitamin B12 deficiency. Researchers tested 201 participants aged over 75 years who received either a vitamin B12 supplement or a placebo, and found...
The article highlights lessons learned from monitoring complex HIV clinical trials in Africa over 15 years, including the use of on-site and central monitoring, local monitor teams, and standardized processes. The authors encourage global trial teams to publish their practical observations to improve best practices.
Researchers have identified specific genetic mutations in patients with aplastic anemia that can help doctors optimize treatment. The study, which analyzed over 400 patient genomes, found that certain mutations are associated with poorer long-term outcomes and increased risk of blood cancers.
Research suggests that non-drug interventions in schools can improve outcomes for children with ADHD, such as performance in standardized tests and reduction of hyperactive behavior. However, the study found it difficult to identify what works best due to variations in strategies and measurement methods.
Researchers develop microrobots that can navigate in the bloodstream and clear blockages, offering a new treatment option for chronic total occlusion. The technology has the potential to be up to 90% successful and shorten recovery time.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have found that combining fostamatinib with paclitaxel can reduce tumor size in ovarian cancer cells by up to 87 percent. The combination therapy may provide a new treatment option for patients with recurrent advanced ovarian cancer who have developed resistance to standard treatments.
Researchers developed mobile applications to aid in everyday care for patients with epilepsy. These apps include seizure diaries, medication trackers, and alarm systems that detect epileptic seizures. Continuous EEG monitoring could also be made possible through special sensors integrated into smartphones.
A study of populations worldwide suggests that genetic diversity is linked to increased height and better cognitive skills, as well as higher levels of education. However, this diversity has no effect on factors like high blood pressure or cholesterol levels.
Researchers identified nicotine use and substance abuse as top risk factors for long-term opioid use. Patients with these histories should proceed with caution when offered opioid prescriptions, says lead author W. Michael Hooten.
Low-income and minority populations face increased exposure to traffic-related air pollutants due to proximity to high-traffic roadways. Studies suggest that HEPA filtration, land-use buffers, and better urban design can reduce TRAP exposure.
Researchers recorded individual neuron activity in patients to understand episodic memory creation. They found that neurons signal new contextual associations between people and places with dramatic changes after a single trial.
The American Society of Human Genetics has honored Dr. R. Rodney Howell with the first-ever Advocacy Award for his dedication to leveraging biomedical advances to improve public health. He received the award at ASHG's 65th Annual Meeting in Baltimore.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a method to predict when Yellowstone volcano might erupt again. By analyzing the chemical composition of magma crystals, they found that eruptions can occur within 10 months or 10 years after new magma enters the base of the volcano.
A $1.35 million grant will fund research on predicting deadly avian flu outbreaks by understanding the influenza virus's transmission from birds to humans. The team, led by Lukas Tamm of the University of Virginia School of Medicine, aims to develop a new tool for predicting outbreak risk based on viral envelope changes.
Researchers identified individual neurons in the medial temporal lobe that changed their firing to encode new associations at the exact moment of the experience. This finding may lead to a better understanding of memory loss and new methods to fight it in Alzheimer's and other neurological diseases.
A recent study found that antipsychotic medication use declined in children under 12 years old between 2006 and 2010, while increasing in adolescents and young adults. Boys are more likely than girls to receive antipsychotic prescriptions for conditions like ADHD.
A University of Maryland study has found that extreme heat and precipitation events are associated with increased risk of Salmonella infections, particularly in coastal areas. The research team identified a disproportionate impact on coastal communities, highlighting the need for public health preparedness and response to climate change.
The likelihood of food shortages looms due to rising fossil-fuel energy costs and transportation infrastructure breakdowns. Researchers warn that new sustainable technologies are needed to preserve, store, and transport food products effectively, as the capacity of microorganisms grows exponentially with temperature increases.
A new treatment for children with neuroblastoma has shown promise in a phase I study, with minimal side effects and long-term survival of three patients. The drug DFMO targets an important cancer stem cell pathway to 'turn cells off,' potentially preventing relapse.
Researchers study insect leg shapes to improve thin-walled tube safety in aircraft and hospital equipment. They find that non-circular cross sections can be designed without compromising mechanical strength, inspired by nature.
A study of nearly 1,000 teens found that sexually active obese adolescents were significantly less likely to use contraception than normal weight peers. Obese adolescents who did use contraception were also less likely to use it consistently, according to the University of Michigan Health System study.
The study found that antipsychotic medication use increased among adolescents and young adults, with males being more likely to use it than females. However, most office visits by children and adolescents with antipsychotic treatment did not include a clinical diagnosis of bipolar mania, schizophrenia, or autism.
A study by University of Illinois professor Ruopeng An found that eating at restaurants consumes more calories, fat, and sodium than eating at home. African-Americans who dine out take in more total fat, saturated fat, sodium, and sugar.
A new Pew Research analysis finds that public attitudes on climate change and energy policy are strongly intertwined with political party affiliation and ideology. However, politics play a more modest role on views about biomedical science, food safety, and space.
A new study using high-resolution simulations suggests that there are far fewer faint galaxies than previously thought. The Renaissance Simulations, conducted on the Blue Waters supercomputer, show hundreds of well-resolved galaxies and provide novel predictions for the James Webb Space Telescope.
Fred Ogden's discovery answers a long-standing question about water movement in the vadose zone, crucial for agriculture, hydrology, and climate science. The new equation improves the accuracy and computing power of hundreds of important water models.
A new study found that different plant species in standing water influence mosquito larvae growth, survival and egg-laying habits. Native blackberry leaves seemed to attract mosquitoes but hindered larval development, while non-native plants like Amur honeysuckle increased adult mosquito populations.
A recent weight loss study showed significant improvements with liraglutide treatment, resulting in an average weight loss of 8.4 kg. The Temple doctors emphasized that modest weight loss can be considerable and improve medical issues, but more research is needed for longer-term results.
A new genetic 'switch' device can detect damaging contaminants like TNT, offering a cheaper and easier method for cleaning up post-war explosive chemicals. The system is cell-free, specific, and requires minimal expertise, but further research is needed to refine its sensitivity.
Researchers discovered a new epigenetic mechanism in brain cells that enables genetic adaptation to the environment through histone turnover. Histone replacement, or turnover, allows genes to be switched on and off in response to external stimuli.
A study of 200 adult men found that those with borderline testosterone levels had a 56% rate of depression and depressive symptoms, highlighting the importance of screening for mental health in this population. The researchers also identified high rates of obesity and low physical activity as contributing factors.
The Rosetta spacecraft has captured unprecedented imagery of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gersimenko, revealing large, circular sinkholes formed by surface collapse. The study suggests that these pits are a result of ices beneath the surface sublimating, causing the ceiling to collapse and exposing younger, relatively young ice chunks.
Researchers estimate that mandatory salt reduction targets could prevent up to 4,500 cardiac deaths by 2025, with the greatest benefits in deprived areas. Voluntary schemes may only avoid around 1,500 deaths.
The OpenDreamKit project will develop software for mathematical tools and virtual computing environments, making research data exploration and collaboration more efficient. The four-year project brings together 15 partners from across Europe to create open source software that can be used by researchers worldwide.
A study of 61 obese participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus found that bariatric surgery resulted in more disease remission than lifestyle intervention alone. At 3 years, 40% of those who underwent RYGB achieved complete remission, compared to 15% of those who received LAGB and no intensive lifestyle weight loss intervention.
Scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory report a neural circuit in the mouse olfactory bulb that helps adjust gain on powerful odors. This mechanism allows for better smell recognition and reduces the risk of being overwhelmed by strong smells.