Tropical Storm Andres is weakening due to strong west-southwesterly shear and cool waters, with the National Hurricane Center expecting it to become post-tropical by June 4. The storm's strongest winds were measured at 25 meters per second in a small area northwest of the center.
Researchers at Bar-Ilan University develop novel experimental model that successfully mimics the re-activation of the varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox and shingles. The model allows scientists to test drugs and develop therapies to prevent shingles and potentially impact other viruses targeting the human nervous system.
Researchers developed a new technology called VirScan to identify all viruses an individual has been exposed to over their life. The study found that people are exposed to around 10 viral species on average, but some individuals encountered up to 84 different viral species.
NASA's Aqua satellite captured images of Hurricane Blanca on June 3 and 4, showing a decrease in organization and cloud top temperatures as cold as -81.6F. The storm's bands of thunderstorms became fragmented, and its pinhole eye disappeared from the image.
A new Cornell study reveals that pesticides harm wild bees and indirectly threaten native pollinators, particularly in orchards with limited natural areas. The research highlights the importance of protecting these vital pollinators for food production, as they contribute to 35% of global food production.
Researchers discovered that double-strand breaks occur at replication fork stalling sites due to collision. The study found that non-homologous end-joining is the primary repair method used in this context, despite its potential for errors.
A new study found that patients with knee osteoarthritis who have poor sleep habits display greater central sensitization, an amplification of clinical pain. Catastrophizing thoughts about pain also contribute to increased central sensitization and greater clinical pain in OA patients.
Researchers analyzed updated temperature data and found no decrease in warming rate between 20th and 21st centuries. The study suggests the 'hiatus' was an illusion created by earlier data biases.
A special issue of Cell Stem Cell highlights the biology of aging and sex differences in stem cell behavior. Research suggests that estrogen may play a role in increasing lifespan in females, while testosterone may have different effects on males. Scientists are also exploring ways to model late-onset conditions using stem cells.
A new study found that refraining from late-night calories helps prevent some of the decline in neurobehavioral performance during sleep restriction. Subjects who fasted performed better on reaction time and attention lapses than those who had eaten during late-night hours.
A study of over 30,000 patients found that not resuming blood pressure medication within two days of surgery significantly increases the risk of infections, pneumonia, heart failure, and kidney failure. Resuming ARBs sooner reduces these risks.
Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a new microscope that can observe magnetic sensitivity in photochemical reactions within sub-cellular structures. The microscope, called TOAD imaging, allows for the detection of radical pairs formed from flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) and their response to weak magnetic fields.
A new study found that catch-and-release practices in recreational fishing may influence the evolutionary path of species, favoring fish with lower metabolisms. Researchers compared largemouth bass populations from fished and unfished lakes, showing a significant difference in metabolic rates.
Quantitative brain imaging techniques can detect early cognitive decline and prevent it by identifying key brain structures and lifestyle factors. Studies suggest that a 10% reduction in preventable lifestyle risks can prevent up to 3 million cases of Alzheimer's dementia worldwide.
Scientists and policymakers are reevaluating policies regarding contact with emerging isolated tribes in South America. The spread of diseases via outsiders is a major concern, while anthropologists warn that governments may not be prepared to protect these groups.
A study on social amoebae reveals that genes for cooperation and cheating have reached a stalemate, with increased genetic diversity near the social genes suggesting a prolonged stalemate. The findings suggest that cheating can be successful only when it is rare, and fail when it becomes so numerous it pushes out cooperators.
A new study at Cornell University identifies a gene duplication causing cucumbers to produce only female flowers, leading to increased yields in greenhouse production. The research builds on previous work and shows that the genetic variation affects over 1,600 genes in the cucumber genome.
A new study published in PLOS Pathogens reveals that malaria parasites growing in different host cells can develop resistance to antimalarial drugs. Researchers found that the metabolic state of red blood cells provides a unique environment for Plasmodium parasites, allowing them to scavenge essential resources and evade drug targeting.
Researchers have developed VirScan, a method that can analyze a single drop of blood to identify past and present viral infections. The technology shows promise in uncovering unexpected factors affecting individual patients' health and expanding opportunities for large-scale analysis.
A new study published in Anesthesiology found that resuming angiotensin receptor blockers within two days after surgery decreases death rates in the first month following surgery. Resuming these medications also reduced rates of infection, pneumonia, heart failure and kidney failure.
A new study at Georgia State University links delay of gratification in chimpanzees to white matter connectivity between the caudate and dorsal prefrontal cortex. The researchers found that higher connectivity was associated with better delay of gratification performance, a crucial ability for mental health.
A consortium led by Massachusetts General Hospital has launched a $5.2 million project to develop an RNA-based vaccine against Q fever, a disease affecting US troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. The VaxCelerate process aims to rapidly develop vaccines for emerging infectious diseases.
Defect-free palladium nanowires, a thousand times thinner than human hair, were stretched under controlled conditions to reveal the point where failures first appear. The study found that thermal uncertainty plays a significant role in the material's failure, with defects forming on the surface of the wire.
Researchers at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute have discovered a protein called polyglutamine-binding protein 1 (PQBP1) that recognizes HIV and initiates an immune response. The study suggests that designing a drug mimicking the PQBP1-HIV interface could create an effective vaccine environment, potentially preventing infection.
Etienne Benson's research explores the impact of birds on the power grid in 1920s California, revealing how avian waste caused short circuits. The study highlights the importance of considering non-human actors in infrastructure systems and the need for 'insulation' and 'interconnection' strategies to mitigate nature's effects.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania found that specific types of physical activity are associated with better sleep habits. These include aerobics/calisthenics, biking, gardening, golfing, running, weight-lifting, and yoga/Pilates. In contrast, household and childcare work were linked to insufficient sleep.
A 333-million-year-old fossil discovery is rewriting the history of vertebrate evolution. The ancient salamander-like animal spent significant time on land, challenging previous theories about its origin.
A new manifesto calls for a shift in power from internet giants to ordinary consumers, citing the need for more control over online data and content. Dr Paul Bernal argues that the internet is messy and dynamic, and that few people want to be forgotten but most want influence on how they are remembered.
Researchers found that city bats are less likely to cross tree lines in brightly lit areas, especially larger gaps. This barrier effect varies with gap width, with narrower gaps more tolerable than wider ones.
Researchers used social network analysis to identify cancer biomarkers in patient genomic microarray data, dramatically decreasing the number of features to analyze. The approach has been successfully demonstrated for three types of cancer: lymphoma, colon cancer, and leukemia.
A recent study from the University of Exeter has discovered Gabon's coastline to host the largest breeding colony of olive ridley turtles in the Atlantic. The research reveals an estimated 9,800 turtle nests per year, highlighting the importance of continued conservation efforts for this vulnerable species.
A new study from the University of East Anglia suggests that critically endangered species should be left to breed in the wild, rather than in captivity. The research challenges the assumption that captive breeding is always a good idea when a species is close to extinction in the wild.
Researchers at Tufts University developed an algorithm that used evolutionary computation to predict the results of published laboratory experiments on planarian regeneration. The approach identified a comprehensive regulatory network that correctly predicted all 16 key experiments, shedding light on the mechanisms behind head-tail pat...
Researchers at UGA have successfully edited the genome of a tree species using CRISPR/Cas technology, reducing lignin and condensed tannin concentrations by 20% and 50%, respectively. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for rapid and reliable gene editing in plants.
A high school student won a $10,000 scholarship from the Office of Naval Research for his concussion research project, which aimed to reduce whiplash motion correlated with concussions. The project's potential applications extend beyond sports, as brain injuries are a leading cause of TBI for military personnel in war zones.
A $2.4 million investment from the Canadian government will scale up menstrual hygiene management and free health education in Africa, focusing on rural and urban low-income women and girls. ZanaAfrica Group will increase access to safe, affordable sanitary pads and related health education through a tiered distribution model.
The new VirScan test detects evidence of past viral infections in a person's blood, revealing the vast array of viruses that can infect humans. This method has implications for understanding immunity and potentially identifying correlations between viral exposure and disease risk.
A study published in Scientific Reports reveals that birds like magpies utilize a tiny vortex formed at the alula feathers tip to improve flight maneuverability. The researchers observed this phenomenon through wind tunnel experiments, demonstrating how the vortex helps air flow attach to the wing surface.
Researchers at the Institute of Food Research discovered how Salmonella bacteria synchronize gene expression for invasion. They found that RpoS, DksA and ppGpp work together to coordinate the deployment of SPI1 and SPI2.
The CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield grant will support the Teen Alliance for Prepared Parenting Program (TAPP) at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. The program aims to provide reproductive health care services, including prenatal care and parenting services, to pregnant teens in Ward 8.
The Merlin Bird Photo ID system can identify 400 bird species in the US and Canada with accuracy of 90% and is designed to improve with user input. The system combines AI techniques with millions of data points from humans to present the most likely species, including photos and sounds.
Scientists from HIPS and HZI discover cyclohexylgriselimycin, a variant of griselimycin, effective against Mycobacterium tuberculosis with low risk of resistance development. The new agent targets DNA clamp, preventing bacterial proliferation and offering potential therapeutic approach to drug-resistant tuberculosis.
Astronomers confirm three supernovae existed in the dark emptiness of intergalactic space, far from their home galaxies. This discovery provides crucial insight into the formation and evolution of galaxy clusters.
A recent study published in Science finds that warmer ocean temperatures will increase marine animals' demand for oxygen, while reducing its availability. As a result, habitats will shift away from the equator, displacing up to 26% of current ranges.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory found that the mammalian brain uses cortical feedback to distinguish between nearly identical odors. The team tracked neural signals and found specific responses to distinct scents, suggesting a 'sparse' response and amplification of certain odors.
Researchers introduce a two-pronged system to combat antibiotic resistance by eliminating genes that cause resistance and conferring protection against lethal phages. The system, based on bacterial viruses called phages, has the potential to turn the tide on untreatable infections.
Researchers at Uppsala University mapped the genetic structure and evolution of the W chromosome in birds, finding that it does not contain genes leading to female development. The W chromosome instead serves as a buffer for females with one copy of the X chromosome, allowing certain genes to work.
A recent study by the University of Michigan found that African-American women are equally likely to experience infertility as their white counterparts, yet they often cope with it alone due to social stigma. The study reveals that these women face discrimination in medical settings and feel a negative impact on their self-esteem.
Researchers developed an algorithm to predict planarian regeneration outcomes and identified a simple regulatory network. This breakthrough applies artificial intelligence to understand complex biological processes.
Researcher Taylor Johnson aims to predict and control emergent behavior in cyber-physical systems, which can lead to unexpected performance or safety issues. He will develop formal specifications and verification methods to identify and mitigate potential problems.
A new study found that patients with mutated IDH genes living with anaplastic astrocytoma had a significantly longer average lifespan compared to those without the mutation. The study also suggested that radiation therapy plus temozolomide may be more effective for patients with mutated IDH.
Tropical Storm Andres has weakened significantly, transitioning from a hurricane to a tropical storm as it moves over cooler waters. Swells generated by the storm are affecting western coast of Mexico, causing life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.
A study of 1169 Medicare beneficiaries found that those with impaired smell identification were at higher mortality risk. Participants with the worst smelling ability had a 45% mortality rate after 4 years, significantly higher than those with the best scores.
Intravenous nutrition source Intralipid reduces chemotherapy side effects by increasing drug bioavailability and targeting cancer treatment, allowing more drugs to reach tumor sites and reducing toxicity.
Researchers have compared two novel ways of inhibiting atherosclerotic plaque-induced platelet activation, finding that one strategy is more effective at higher flow rates. The study suggests a new GPVI inhibitor may be used specifically to block thrombus formation at high-risk plaques.
The discovery of microfossils in rocks dating back 1.5 billion years has confirmed the existence of eukaryotes, shedding light on their evolution and origins. The analysis of steroid molecules revealed no signs of contamination, contradicting previous findings.
Researchers at Michigan State University have found that Varroa mites can mimic the scent of honeybees to infiltrate hives. The study revealed that the parasites are able to adapt quickly, changing their surface chemicals within days to evade detection by bees.
Researchers found that pregnant pipefish males supply relatively low oxygen levels to their embryos, averaging 51% in well-oxygenated water and as low as 32% in poorly oxygenated conditions. Despite this, the fathers' care allows the young to survive and thrive, with a focus on nutrient supplementation and waste removal.
Physicists from Lomonosov Moscow State University develop theory for creating artificial turbulence in microchannels using superhydrophobic surfaces. The approach enables efficient mixing and separation of liquids, promising applications in chemistry and biomedical research.
A study published in Functional Ecology found that late-rising songbirds are more susceptible to being cuckolded, meaning they raise offspring fathered by other males. This suggests a potential role for sexual selection in shaping circadian traits in wild vertebrates.