A new study by the University of Colorado Boulder and the University of Milan proposes a novel scenario for the non-biological origins of nucleic acids. The research demonstrates that the spontaneous self-assembly of short DNA fragments can drive the formation of longer polymers, potentially providing a pre-RNA route to the RNA world.
Yeonhwa Park's significant contributions to bioactive lipids have led to discoveries of CLA's role in reducing body fat and improving bone mass. Her research also explores the interaction between CLA and muscle, revealing improved exercise outcomes.
New research reveals quasi-annual variations in solar activity that can amplify or weaken solar storms, affecting Earth's atmosphere. Understanding these variations could lead to improved predictions of space weather events and mitigation strategies.
Heat flow between materials separated by less than a nanometer occurs not via radiation or conduction, but through phonon tunneling. Researchers developed a unified framework to calculate heat transport at finite gaps, explaining how phonons can
Expert consensus statement provides new guidance to match right device with right patient, expanding treatment options for acutely and chronically ill cardiac patients. Percutaneous mechanical circulatory support devices offer superior circulatory support compared to medical therapy in certain cases.
A new study published in JPEN found that using peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICCs) for one additional infusion day per week significantly reduced the time before a first bloodstream infection. In contrast, managing tunneled vascular access devices by home care nurses increased the mean incidence of such infections.
A WSU study found that young adults learn more about the dangers of smoking when warnings are presented in images and text, leading to increased worry and discouragement from smoking. The labels used in the study emphasized negative consequences associated with lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke.
Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the complex relationship between bacteria and the deadly frog disease chytrid fungus. The study found that only a small proportion of bacteria inhibited all forms of the disease, highlighting the need for diverse probiotic treatments to combat its shifting targets.
Researchers found that specific BRCA mutations are linked to higher breast cancer risk and lower ovarian cancer risk, potentially leading to more personalized risk assessment and prevention strategies. The study analyzed data from over 31,000 women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations.
Researchers at TGen are using zebrafish to accelerate investigations of pancreatic cancer, with the goal of finding therapeutics that can slow down and reverse tumor growth. The study is funded by the Seena Magowitz Foundation and aims to understand how pancreatic cancer invades local tissue and spreads to other organs.
Researchers have discovered two ancient human fossils in Laos that show early modern humans were physically quite diverse, with one jawbone exhibiting both archaic and modern human traits. The discovery adds to the evidence that early modern humans migrated through Southeast Asia earlier than previously thought.
Uninsured cancer patients pay 2-43 times more than Medicare and private insurers for chemotherapy drugs, according to a new study. The study found significant price differences for expensive and inexpensive drugs alike.
The US saw net job growth in electricity generation between 2008 and 2012, with natural gas, solar and wind-energy jobs rising by nearly 200,000. However, coal jobs declined significantly, particularly in regions hardest hit by the industry's decline.
A new tool uncovers some surprises in diagnosing Ebola by identifying six key symptoms: contact with an infected person, diarrhea, loss of appetite, muscle pain, difficulty swallowing and absence of abdominal pain. This score can help clinicians risk-stratify patients during outbreaks.
A study of veterans in Connecticut found that nearly 7% of patients have a next of kin who is not a nuclear family member, often a friend or intimate partner. States should consider adopting uniform default consent statutes to reflect evolving social ties.
A newly discovered ancient arthropod, Yawunik kootenayi, was found in the Burgess Shale Formation with a unique frontal appendage adorned with teeth and sensory flagella. The find sheds light on early arthropod evolution and highlights an advanced predatory function.
Researchers at NYU Tandon School of Engineering have developed a robotic predator that can spook zebrafish just as well as a real one, revealing new insights into fear and anxiety in animal populations. The robot's effectiveness was comparable to that of live red tiger oscar, but with more consistent avoidance responses.
The TOAST classification system is widely employed in stroke studies worldwide, categorizing ischemic strokes into five broad causes. While useful for real-world research, it has limitations when determining treatment for individual patients.
The Rady Family Foundation has made a historic $100 million commitment to the Rady School, enabling faculty recruitment, student retention, and strategic initiatives. The school has achieved significant success in innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration.
Researchers found an inhibitory connection between the prefrontal cortex and thalamus, crucial for cognitive functions like attention and decision-making. This discovery may help explain schizophrenia's underlying mechanisms and indicate a path to new treatments.
A large study found that most women, regardless of their background, experience urinary urgency and stress incontinence during menopause. The strongest associations with seeking care were worsening and persistence of symptoms, highlighting the importance of discussing treatment options with a healthcare provider.
A new study published in the Journal of Gerontology: Psychological Sciences found that mortality and blood pressure are directly linked to relationship quality. The research revealed that wives' stress has significant implications for husbands' blood pressure, particularly in negative relationships.
Researchers at McMaster University have developed a new way to print paper biosensors that can quickly diagnose bacterial and respiratory infections. The technology uses conventional office ink-jet printers to produce paper sensors with high molecular weight, enabling the detection of specific disease biomarkers.
Dual enrollment in both systems is expected to increase due to the Affordable Care Act. A new study found that dually enrolled individuals do not experience a decline in quality of care, but there is also no evidence suggesting an improvement.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have established a model that identifies aging as a key factor in the development of dysphagia. Healthy aging mice exhibit symptoms of swallowing impairment similar to those seen in older adults, with slowed swallowing function and impaired tongue movement.
A single metabolic protein called estrogen-related receptor gamma (ERRγ) controls the flow of blood and nutrients throughout the body. It turns on fat-burning pathways in muscles and sugar-burning pathways in the brain.
Researchers have deciphered gibbons' subtle 'hoo' calls in response to specific events like foraging and predator encounters, revealing context-specific vocal communication. The study's findings suggest that gibbon vocalisations may hold clues about the evolution of human speech.
ORCID is receiving a $3 million grant from The Helmsley Charitable Trust to build its international engagement capacity. The organization aims to solve the name ambiguity problem in scholarly communications and provide researchers with unique, persistent identifiers.
A study analyzing individual virus sequences from 287 published studies found that most HIV-1 transmitted drug resistance strains arose independently in sub-Saharan Africa and south/southeast Asia. The study suggests screening for specific high-prevalence mutations could identify patients with TDR before therapy initiation.
A new study by palaeontologists from Portugal and the UK provides conclusive evidence that Brontosaurus is distinct from Apatosaurus, overturning over a century of research. The team applied statistical approaches to calculate differences between species and genera, revealing Brontosaurus as a unique genus.
Females with eating disorders in late adolescence tend to have lower educational attainment and personal income in early adulthood. They are also less likely to own a home, with males experiencing different life trajectories.
Researchers at TSRI have identified a molecule, lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), that triggers schizophrenia-like symptoms in animal models, including hyperactivity, anxiety, and altered brain structure. The study provides new tools for preventing or treating psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and autism.
Researchers at Durham University and the University of São Paulo discovered a correlation between single-walled carbon nanotube concentration and computational capability in composite materials. The emerging field of 'evolution-in-materio' uses natural evolution principles to train materials to mimic electronic circuits.
Scientists at the University of Granada have confirmed Bergmann's rule for ectotherms, revealing that long-tailed lizards are larger and retain heat longer in high-altitude habitats. This study resolves decades-long debates on the mechanism behind the Bergmann clines, showing that larger animals indeed have slower cooling rates.
A recent study published in PAIN found that combining morphine and nortriptyline provides better pain relief than using either drug alone, with 87% of patients experiencing significant pain reduction. The combination treatment also showed no worsening of common side effects such as constipation and dry mouth.
The new technology enables drones to detect safe landing spots and execute proper landing operations even without GPS signal. The system uses computer-vision software to analyze images and identify landmarks, allowing the drone to regain stable flight and fulfill its mission autonomously.
The increasing use of asbestos in Asia poses a significant threat to public health, with the potential for widespread mesothelioma and lung cancer cases. Government and non-government groups must work together to improve recognition and diagnosis of asbestos-related lung diseases.
Researchers at Ruhr-Universität Bochum used CT imaging to examine the buoyancy of ammonite shells. Their analysis suggests that ammonites could have swum freely in water after hatching, contradicting previous theories.
Researchers found that bumblebees can distinguish between two visually clearly different feeder types when arranged horizontally but failed to do so when they were distributed vertically. The bees' decision-making is influenced by their natural foraging environment, where rewarding and unrewarding flowers often grow side-by-side.
Scientists deciphered bacterial communication mechanisms, revealing new ways bacteria regulate gene expression. Quorum sensing controls a variety of biologically relevant processes, and the study expands our understanding of regulation in Bacillus subtilis.
PTSD survivors often experience sexual dysfunction due to biological and cognitive processes related to traumatic stress. The condition disrupts trust, safety, and emotional connection, associating arousal with threat.
Research by University of Missouri professor Chris Robert found that people tend to overestimate the likelihood of new technologies' success, influencing important decisions. This phenomenon, known as the 'technology effect,' is driven by constant exposure to technology and associations with successful outcomes.
Current dietary guidelines for sodium and potassium are unfeasible, with only 0.3% of Americans meeting the World Health Organization's targets. The main issue is that sodium and potassium are found in many of the same foods, making it impossible to recommend a reduction in sodium intake while increasing potassium intake.
A Northwestern University team has re-engineered a common drug to deliver nitric oxide, preventing cellular overgrowth and scarring in blood vessels during and after surgery. This modified protamine sulfate can slowly release nitric oxide, minimizing its negative effects while maintaining its function as an antidote for heparin.
A team of researchers has found a way to strip out metallic carbon nanotubes from arrays using a simple, scalable procedure, leaving behind semiconducting nanotubes suitable for electronic devices. This breakthrough could lead to the development of smaller, faster, and cheaper electronic devices.
Residents in both cities value bird enjoyment more than most, spending over average on bird food and supporting activities. This has a positive impact on local economies as residents invest in bird-friendly structures.
A new biomarker, PAS, has been identified to predict cetuximab response in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with wild-type K-ras. This finding could help physicians make better treatment decisions, improving patient outcomes.
A new study from Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center suggests that breastfeeding may not be a reliable method for preventing childhood obesity. The research highlights the complex relationship between breastfeeding and obesity, citing factors such as maternal obesity and alterations in digestive system processing.
A recent study by the University of the Basque Country explores the relationship between the quality of designation of origin cheeses, such as Idiazabal, and consumer preferences. The research suggests that sensory evaluation methods need to be standardized to ensure good practices are followed in cheese production.
Researchers investigated the influence of low-frequency magnetic fields on neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The study found that exposure to these fields did not accelerate disease development or affect learning behavior in relevant mouse models.
Dr. Owen Witte, a pioneer in human leukemias and immune disorders, received the AACR G.H.A. Clowes Memorial Award for his groundbreaking work on tyrosine kinases as drug targets. His discoveries have led to multiple approved targeted therapies, transforming patient outcomes.
Researchers found asthma rates to be similarly high in urban Detroit and rural Georgia, contrary to the widely held theory that city life poses a risk factor. Poverty was identified as a common underlying cause of both conditions.
A recent study by UC San Diego researchers found a correlation between CD33rSIGLEC gene copy number and maximum lifespan across 14 mammalian species. Mice lacking this gene also showed signs of accelerated aging and higher levels of reactive oxygen species.
Scientists are studying Chlamydomonas reinhardtii to understand the behavior of living fluids, which could lead to new treatments for lung diseases like cystic fibrosis. The research team discovered that the algae changes its swim pattern dramatically in elastic fluids, which possess both liquid and solid-like properties.
A new study from The University of Manchester found that Viagra and similar drugs do not completely cure impotence in older men, with many still expressing concern over their sex lives. Despite positive effects on sexual activity, users reported higher levels of dissatisfaction with relationships and overall sexual function.
Physicians at UT Southwestern have successfully treated a rare and often deadly complication of kidney cancer using stereotactic body radiation therapy, with similar survival rates to surgery. The innovative approach shows promise as an alternative treatment option for patients resistant to traditional therapies.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have found a defect in pancreatic cells that can lead to high blood sugar levels and impaired glucose balance. An experimental drug called Rycal has been shown to stop the leaky channels and normalize glucose levels in mouse models.
Research suggests that targeting the gut immune system with a commonly used anti-inflammatory drug may be an effective way to treat insulin resistance and lower blood sugar levels in humans. The study found that mice fed a high-fat diet had larger amounts of pro-inflammatory immune cells in their bowels, leading to insulin resistance.
Concentrations of anesthetics desflurane, isoflurane, and sevoflurane have been rising globally, making a small contribution to climate change. The gases are potent greenhouse-gas effects, with one kilogram of desflurane equivalent to 2,500 kilograms of carbon dioxide.
A Concordia University study found that shoppers use online prices as reference points when making purchases offline. Offline retailers should focus on prices associated with highly rated online retailers to increase their impact on in-store price evaluations.