A team of Brown University engineers found that the unique internal structure of sea sponge spicules contributes to their remarkable anchoring ability. The pattern of decreasing layer thickness from center to edge enhances the spicule's strength and stability, potentially inspiring new engineering designs.
Many nursing home residents experience high mortality rates and functional decline after lower extremity revascularization. The study found that ambulatory function may not be the primary objective of treatment for these patients.
Researchers at the University of Iowa identified a mechanism in which a protein 'hitchhiker' attaches to the centrosome to regulate gene expression during cell division. This process could have implications for understanding human development and disease, including cancer treatment.
A study by UMass Amherst researchers found that teams with a critical mass of women allow them to participate more actively, feel confident, and aspire toward engineering careers. In contrast, teams with equal numbers of men and women or mostly male groups reduced women's worries and anxieties but didn't encourage speaking up.
Scientists outline a six-point plan to restore the Great Barrier Reef through better policies on science, protection, and conservation. The plan includes measures to reduce stressors such as fishing, pollution, and coastal development, as well as transitioning away from fossil fuels and limiting coal port development.
A University of Houston study finds that excessive Facebook use and social comparison are associated with depressive symptoms. The research suggests that individuals who spend more time on Facebook and engage in social comparisons may experience heightened levels of depression.
NTU scientists have discovered a new treatment for dementia using deep brain stimulation, which can form new brain cells and improve memory retention. The research found that stimulating the front part of the brain led to increased brain cell growth, reducing anxiety and depression, and promoting improved learning.
Researchers at Oregon State University found that chemicals emitted by plant roots break bonds between carbon and minerals in the soil, releasing stored carbon into the atmosphere. This process could accelerate climate warming by up to 1% per year, as current models may be underestimating carbon loss from soil.
A new ultra-sensitive test can detect mutant huntingtin protein in the cerebrospinal fluid of HD patients, predicting disease severity. The test has the potential to guide clinical decisions and monitor treatment efficacy.
A new study published in BMC Systems Biology uses computational method corsoFBA to model cellular metabolism and discover how organisms adapt to changing environments. The researchers, led by Amina Qutub, aim to develop new treatments for diseases such as stroke and cancer.
Rice University engineers create a highly accurate, touch-free system that analyzes subtle changes in skin color to monitor patients' vital signs. The technique overcomes challenges of low-light conditions, dark skin tones and movement by averaging skin-color change signals from different face regions.
Cyclone Ikola formed quickly and strengthened to hurricane-force in the Southern Indian Ocean. NASA's MODIS instrument captured an image showing an eye with thunderstorms wrapping into the center, indicating high, strong storms with potential for heavy rainfall.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital identified a protein called TREML4 that amplifies the cellular response to TLR7 receptor activation, leading to lupus symptoms. Suppressing this pathway may offer new hope for treating autoimmune disorders.
Pediatric cholesterol guidelines recommend statin treatment for individuals with elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. Using these guidelines for teenagers aged 17-21 would lead to an additional 400,000 young people being prescribed statins compared to adult guidelines.
A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that antipsychotic medications may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes in children by nearly 50% when initiating treatment. The study analyzed national Medicaid data and recommended that clinicians consider thoughtful risk-benefit consideration when prescribing these powerful medications ...
Scientists have discovered three new species of dragon-like woodlizards in the Andes of Peru and Ecuador, increasing the total number of species to 15. The new species differ from their closest relatives in scale features, coloration, and DNA.
A team of scientists plans to take core samples from the Chicxulub impact crater, 65.5 million years old and associated with the mass extinction event that wiped out dinosaurs. The expedition will aim to uncover details about the impact and shed light on the mechanisms of large impacts on Earth and other rocky planets.
A new study suggests that psychopathy is not as monolithic as believed, and many individuals with psychopathic traits are not immune to emotional distress. Researchers found that cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy can be effective in managing emotions and reducing aggressive behaviors.
A study published in the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness found that restricting the number of innings young MLB pitchers throw does not prevent injuries. Gradually increasing the total number of innings pitched per season also has no effect on young pitchers' risk of future injury.
The University of Michigan's 1000+ OBGYN Project has developed four new collections of high-quality educational materials to support obstetrician-gynecologist training in low-resource countries. These materials, made publicly available for free, cover topics such as abnormal uterine bleeding and postpartum care, and are intended to imp...
Researchers at UC Berkeley have identified a new target for cancer drugs in messenger RNA molecules, which carry unique tags that can be targeted to regulate translation. These tagged mRNAs play a key role in controlling cell growth and differentiation, making them potential targets for new anticancer therapies.
Northern coastal marshes are more susceptible to overgrazing by herbivores from nutrient-rich runoff, leading to destabilization and reduced function. This study integrates field experiments and finds that latitude plays a key role in mediating the impact of nutrient loading on plant-herbivore interactions.
A new study led by UC San Francisco documents the increasing amount of care provided in emergency departments for complex, chronic conditions. The research shows a rise in non-injury diagnoses, including gastrointestinal and nervous system disorders, among vulnerable populations.
A new study by University of California - Berkeley Haas School of Business researchers found that offering purchase subsidies to retailers can increase the availability and affordability of malaria drugs. This approach is particularly effective for long-shelf life products, such as ACTs, which are considered the best anti-malarial drugs.
A study by CU researchers found that brain activity affects the development of insulating sheaths on axons, promoting neural connections. The findings have implications for understanding psychiatric disease and tie into current conversations about the adolescent and teenage brain.
A large Australian study of 204,542 people found that vigorous physical activity can reduce the risk of early death by 9 to 13 per cent compared to moderate activity. The benefits apply to both men and women of all ages and are independent of total time spent being active.
A new study suggests that using plain language, graphics, and stories can simplify the health insurance enrollment process for people who have never had insurance before. The research found that these methods helped participants make informed choices about their coverage options and increased their confidence in their decisions.
A previously known gene has been found to act as a tumour suppressor by regulating accurate chromosome segregation. Reduced expression of the glucocorticoid receptor is associated with certain cancer cell types and malignant progression.
Rice University scientists have developed a technique called meniscus-mask lithography to create sub-10 nanometer wide wires from various materials. The method uses the curvy surface of water as a mask, enabling the production of ultra-nano structures that are crucial for miniaturizing electronic devices.
NASA's Aqua satellite captured a visible image of Tropical Storm Haishen over the Fananu and Federated States of Micronesia. The storm weakened to a tropical depression with maximum sustained winds near 25 knots, moving northwest at 7 knots.
A study by MIT economists found that increasing female candidates on electoral lists improves a party's chances of winning votes. Voter turnout did not diminish in response to more female candidates, suggesting internal party dynamics may be the main barrier to women's representation.
A team of Virginia Tech researchers has discovered a way to produce hydrogen fuel using a biological method that reduces the time and money required for its production. The new method uses abundant corn stover to create hydrogen with extremely low carbon emissions.
Researchers found metallic lead nanospheres in 3.4 billion-year-old zircons from Antarctica, which could alter ages determined using high-resolution ion probe techniques. The inhomogeneous distribution of lead in zircon might falsify ages, highlighting the need for reevaluation of geological age determination methods.
Physicist Ramon Lopez will use a combination of computer simulation models and real observations to understand the role of solar wind fluctuations in space weather. The research aims to enhance our understanding of the near-Earth space environment and provide critical information for managing satellite and communications technology.
Researchers found that liquid corn and fish fertilizers are good options for organic blackberry production, meeting plant nutrient needs except for calcium and boron. The fertilizers were effective in delivering nutrients through the drip system, but regular flushing was recommended to prevent emitter clogging.
According to a Northwestern University study, nearly 400,000 childhood cancer survivors in the US experience chronic health issues, including mental impairment, anxiety, and physical limitations. The majority face these problems five or more years after diagnosis, highlighting the need for comprehensive care.
A Yale University study found that higher breast cancer treatment costs are associated with better survival rates. Over a decade, Medicare costs increased from $18,100 to $32,600, while five-year survival improved from 38.5% to 51.9%. The cost increase was largely due to chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
A new study reveals that fishing likely contributes to population collapses in forage fish, including herring, anchovies, and sardines. The research suggests that suspension of fishing when populations fall below half their average can prevent 64% of collapses with minimal impact on fisheries.
A review of thousands of studies found that only a few dozen programs meet the scientific gold standard for reliability. Jenny Craig and Weight Watchers showed promise with participants losing more weight than non-participants in trials lasting 12 months or longer.
Research on giant tortoises in the Galapagos Islands reveals that they prefer non-native plants over native ones, with introduced species making up roughly half of their diet. The tortoises' nutritional status shows no negative effects from eating invasive plants, suggesting a potential positive impact on their health.
Researchers found that women were excluded from rtPA treatment for reasons unrelated to their sex, including advanced age and large strokes. High blood pressure was a common reason for exclusion in women, highlighting the importance of treating this condition to improve stroke treatment outcomes.
Two independent studies reveal that tumor-secreted molecule ImpL2 causes wasting syndrome, also known as cachexia, in fly cancer models. Researchers found that depletion of ImpL2 levels significantly reduced wasting in flies, suggesting new candidates for mediators of cachexia and novel therapeutic approaches.
Researchers analyzed cytotoxicity and non-specific cellular uptake of upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) in human skin cells. UCNPs convert near-infrared radiation to visible light, allowing for detection and monitoring of cancerous cells.
Tropical Cyclone 05W formed in the Northwestern Pacific Ocean on April 3, with NASA's GPM satellite analyzing rainfall rates and creating a 3-D image of high thunderstorms. The storm was moving west-northwest through Micronesia at 11 knots per hour.
Researchers have identified a new pathway guiding the development of the enteric nervous system, which is separate from the central nervous system. This pathway interacts with specific genes and proteins to cause Hirschsprung's disease, a rare condition that can be fatal if left untreated.
A US Forest Service-led study found that 195 out of 201 bird and mammal species in northwest Alaska could face habitat loss or gain due to climate change. The research projects up to 52% of species may experience habitat expansion, while 45% will see contractions.
A new diagnostic tool for Ebola virus disease was developed by Dr. Adam C. Levine at Rhode Island Hospital, which can help determine the likelihood of a patient having EVD based on six specific symptoms. The tool aims to facilitate timely and effective treatment for patients suspected to have the virus.
Researchers have developed a CRISPR-Cas system to edit the genome of Candida albicans, a pathogen resistant to antifungal drugs. This system enables efficient targeting of essential genes, offering new hope for developing therapies against deadly fungal infections.
A new nanophotonic coherent imager (NCI) developed at Caltech uses an inexpensive silicon chip to provide the highest depth-measurement accuracy of any such device. The NCI produces high-resolution 3D images with micron-level resolution, enabling applications in 3D scanning and printing, driverless cars, and human machine interfaces.
A new study found that gender differences in moral decisions are caused by stronger emotional responses among women, not rational thinking. Women were more likely to reject harmful actions, even if they would ultimately save lives, while men showed less emotional aversion.
A study led by researchers from Mount Sinai Hospital shows that a nanotherapeutic medicine can halt the growth of artery plaque cells and suppress inflammation, leading to reduced heart attack risk. The therapy uses high-density lipoprotein (HDL) to target inflamed immune cells in arterial plaques.
Scientists discovered that elemental carbon became a key construction material for certain marine organisms, such as agglutinated foraminifers and worm tubes, after the devastating Permian-Triassic extinction event. The high influx of carbon into the ocean environment was linked to volcanic activity and coal combustion.
Typhoon Maysak is weakening due to vertical wind shear as it approaches landfall in Luzon on April 4. The storm had peak intensity of over 130 knots but has weakened to about 115 knots, with heavy rain detected in its northwestern side.
Researchers observed the Hall Effect in frustrated magnets at extremely low temperatures, challenging previous theories. The discovery may pave the way for new electronics and innovations in computing.
The scientific community is facing a 'pollution problem' due to plagiarism, fraud, and predatory publishing, threatening the trustworthiness and reliability of research. Dr. Arthur Caplan proposes a national meeting to address this issue and promote sustainable publishing practices.
Researchers at UCLA find that HIV infection accelerates age-related epigenetic changes, leading to accelerated onset of diseases like cancer and osteoporosis. The study suggests that HIV itself may accelerate these aging-related changes by more than 14 years.
Researchers at the University of Oklahoma have successfully created a new molecule with an unprecedented electric dipole moment, opening up potential pathways for the development of scalable quantum computers. The molecule's unique property allows it to react with electric fields like a bar magnet reacts with magnetic fields.
A new test developed by University of Central Florida scientist Qun Huo uses gold nanoparticles to detect cancer biomarkers, providing more accurate and earlier detection of prostate cancer. The test is cost-effective and has shown promising results in pilot studies, outperforming the current PSA screen.
Research from San Francisco State University reveals that fertility treatment patients are more likely to experience major depressive disorder (MDD) than the general population. A key factor in predicting a patient's risk is whether they have a previous diagnosis of MDD, which is often overlooked by healthcare providers.
Researchers have developed a safe and effective therapeutic strategy for Parkinson's disease using mitomycin-treated embryonic stem cells. The treatment showed significant improvements in motor function and survival rate in mice, with no tumor formation detected.