Researchers have discovered that climate-induced glaciation during ice ages can wear down mountains at a rate comparable to plate tectonics' ability to build them. Over a million-year period, erosion accelerated sharply due to global climate cooling, outpacing mountain building by 50-80 percent.
Researchers have created a novel method to efficiently culture clusters of circulating tumour cells (CTCs) from blood samples in just 14 days. This breakthrough can help clinicians assess the best therapy options for patients and monitor their treatment progress, potentially replacing traditional biopsies.
A Baylor University study found that changing labor laws could lessen political participation by teachers and other public employees, traditionally a key group in Democratic Party conventions. The shift could affect the distribution of political power across society, including in the 2016 elections.
Tropical Cyclone Tuni lost its tropical characteristics and became extra-tropical as it moved southeast in the Southern Pacific Ocean. The storm's maximum sustained winds decreased from 60.4 mph to 40 mph, with heavy rain falling at a rate of over 1.4 inches per hour.
Alaska permafrost is projected to decline by 16-24% by 2100 under widely accepted climate scenarios, with more losses expected in central Alaska than northern Alaska. Climate change degrades permafrost, affecting ground and surface water pathways, transportation, and releasing stored carbon.
Researchers at Virginia Tech are developing computational models to teach chemistry in an interactive environment that encourages scientific discussion and argumentation. The project aims to integrate science, engineering, art, and design to transform K-12 education.
Researchers at the John Innes Centre successfully edited genes in two UK crops using CRISPR technology. The edits were preserved in subsequent generations, allowing for the development of disease-resistant crops. Additionally, the study found that off-target edits occurred occasionally but could be minimized by using specific guide RNAs.
Researchers at Hiroshima University have developed a new ultra-thin layered membrane that separates salt from seawater to produce fresh water through reverse osmosis. The membrane is heat-resistant and resistant to chlorine, making it suitable for desalination plants.
Tropical Storm Sandra is decoupling from its lower layer due to strong upper-level winds, resulting in a tight swirl of low clouds devoid of deep convection. This weakening trend is expected to produce 2-4 inches of rainfall across western Mexico, leading to life-threatening flash floods and mudslides.
A recent study found that humans and birds employ the exact same myoelastic-aerodynamic theory (MEAD) mechanism to produce sound. This discovery sheds light on the sophisticated vocal talents of songbirds and offers insights into the neural mechanisms underlying vocal learning in both humans and birds.
Researchers used walk-in field cages to study mating compatibility in fruit fly species complexes, revealing the potential of pheromone emission for species discrimination. This approach provides a semi-natural setting to assess mating behavior and attractiveness, crucial for developing targeted pest control methods.
European climate projections suggest enhanced probability of heatwaves in the coming decades, comparable to the worst heatwave since 1950 in Russia. The analysis shows that previous records were broken in 2010, with a similar heatwave expected at least once in 30 years under certain climate scenarios.
Researchers use CT scans and 3D models to study a 90-million-year-old skull, revealing that snakes evolved to live in burrows and lost their limbs as a result. The discovery confirms Dinilysia patagonica as the largest burrowing snake ever known.
Researchers developed a tool to measure consumers' 'brand embarrassment tendency', which determines how likely they are to feel shame or embarrassment when wearing certain brands. The study found that brands like Ed Hardy and Lonsdale trigger more brand embarrassment than others, affecting consumer buying intentions.
Researchers have developed a new hybrid structure that interacts strongly with electromagnetic radiation, enabling control over optical switches. The graphene-based material has the effect of focusing radiation into a smaller area than its wavelength.
A study at the University of Helsinki found that approximately half of elderly patients with acute subdural hematomas who undergo surgery can recover to an independent life. The researchers emphasize that the decision to operate should not be based solely on age, but rather on individual patient factors.
A study finds that CO2 pricing can improve public welfare by investing in infrastructure. The research shows that finance ministers can benefit from this approach, as it yields a positive economic effect. The authors suggest that price targets can be an effective tool for climate policy, particularly for countries like Canada and Chile.
Researchers found that the region was a frost-covered grassy landscape with erosion rates up to 2.5 higher than today's, suggesting colder temperatures and faster erosion during the last ice age. The study provides new insights into how non-glaciated terrain across North America was formed.
Researchers at UNSW Australia have identified a new molecular mechanism that contributes to synapse loss in Alzheimer's disease, which occurs early on and precedes nerve cell death. This discovery could lead to earlier diagnosis and new treatments.
A recent study by the University of the Basque Country found that altering lettuce growing conditions can enhance its nutritional quality. By subjecting plants to short-duration stresses, researchers were able to boost antioxidant compounds and increase biomass production without compromising productivity.
Democracy faces challenges from polarization and increasing inequalities, argues Charles Taylor. Michael J. Sandel warns of the corrosive effect of neoliberal ideology, which disengages citizens from public affairs. Rebuilding a shared civic life is also crucial, according to both thinkers.
Researchers have discovered a new strain of Candidatus Neoehrlichia in an Austrian red fox, sparking concerns about potential zoonotic transmission. The bacterium is genetically intermediate between two previously recognized forms and has been linked to flu-like symptoms in humans and pets.
At COP21, researchers from six European universities discuss the importance of political conditions and economic structures in shaping people's decisions to stay or migrate due to climate change. The main message emphasizes that drastic emission cuts can prevent projected climate migration.
Hurricane Sandra, the latest major hurricane on record in the Eastern Pacific, is forecast to make landfall in Western Mexico. It is expected to produce total rainfall accumulations of 1-3 inches over Baja California Sur, with isolated amounts reaching up to 10 inches.
A study published in Biology Letters found that the eye views of ponies and other mammals are surprisingly similar to those of humans. Researchers used touchscreens to test visual perception in three ponies, comparing their results with studies on dolphins and chimps.
A systematic review of 440 participants found that nail varnish affects oxygen saturation measurements by up to 2%, but this is within error margins and not significant in clinical practice. Modern devices with high-performance LED technology can accurately measure oxygen saturation despite nail varnish.
Researchers have developed a transistor that functions solely on a single molecule, eliminating the need for three electrodes. The switch's state can be altered using a single electron, offering new opportunities for ultra-small switches and increased integration densities.
A recent study has revealed that Earth's first large and complex organisms formed more intricate ecosystems than previously thought. The research focused on an extinct organism called Tribrachidium, which lived during the Ediacaran period, characterized by suspension feeding, a feeding mode not documented in ancient species.
A new special volume compiles research on tephritid fruit flies, a major agricultural pest worldwide. The study resolves species boundaries using multiple lines of evidence, improving the application of biologically-based pest control methods for international horticultural trade.
A nationally representative survey of over 7,000 people in India reveals that more than one in four older individuals on low and middling incomes have an unhealthy midriff bulge. Women are particularly prone to central adiposity, with a significant portion carrying an unhealthy spare tyre.
A team of Israeli and French scientists has discovered a gene that controls the production of male flowers in cucurbit plants, allowing for the creation of female-only flowers. This finding has significant implications for agricultural productivity, as female flowers are associated with higher yields.
A new study found that obese children and those with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) are not meeting the UK's vitamin and mineral guidelines. They are also significantly off meeting the recommended physical activity levels, with excess weight unlikely to be the only factor in NAFLD development.
Researchers found that infants exposed to farm dust at a young age have a lower risk of developing asthma later on. The study's findings suggest that the positive influence of farm environment can effectively neutralize the genetic variant associated with childhood asthma.
An international team of astrophysicists led by Johns Hopkins University scientist Sjoert van Velzen witnessed a star being destroyed by a supermassive black hole, ejecting a jet of plasma at nearly the speed of light. The team observed this event over several months using multi-wavelength telescopes and satellites.
Researchers have discovered that silicon nanocones can intensify luminescence by up to 200 times compared to nanocolumns. This is due to the amplification of electromagnetic waves through whisper gallery modes, which facilitate increased electron excitation and release of light.
The study uses satellite images to show how glaciers flow and change over a longer time period, revealing complex behavior such as advancing or surging at speeds up to 100 times faster than normal. The animations provide a new look at glacier dynamics and can be used as educational tools to help the public understand glacier movement.
A new video inventory developed at McGill University may aid in diagnosing disorders that make it hard for individuals to recognize non-literal speech like sarcasm and teasing. This is particularly challenging for men and people with conditions like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, or Autism spectrum disorders.
A study found that coccolithophore abundance has increased by an order of magnitude since the 1960s in the North Atlantic, contrary to predictions. This unexpected finding highlights the complex response of marine ecosystems to climate change.
A new study from the University of Exeter found that people can learn to make effective tools through reasoning and reverse engineering, not just through teaching. This discovery challenges established views on how human tools and technologies improve over time, pointing to humans' unique ability to adapt and innovate.
A study led by Johns Hopkins University scientist suggests that rapid growth in tiny plankton's population is a sign of swift environmental change due to increased carbon dioxide in the ocean. The research highlights the possibility of rapid ecosystem change, potentially exceeding previously predicted models.
A new study suggests that mobile phone metrics can be used to infer a person's socioeconomic status, particularly in resource-constrained regions like Rwanda. The researchers developed a model that maps poverty and wealth at high resolution, accurately predicting wealth throughout the country.
The top 10 research priorities for tackling mild to moderate hearing loss include addressing aspects of hearing aid provision, with the majority concerned with improving treatment outcomes. The list aims to re-focus future studies on areas with the greatest potential impact in furthering understanding and developing successful treatments.
The use of different methods to measure energy sources is a significant issue, affecting global efforts to combat climate change. The disparity in measuring energy statistics can lead to inaccurate targets and progress tracking.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new thermoelectric material that converts waste heat to electricity more efficiently than previous materials. By doping tin selenide with sodium, they increased the material's performance, enabling it to produce significantly more electricity from the same amount of heat input.
A team of scientists reconstructed wildlife populations across Africa to better understand how they shaped the world. They focused on large mammal herbivores and found that dry areas had fewer animals, while wetter savannas were dominated by elephants and fire.
Researchers have identified the KLF4 protein as a crucial regulator in the development of Cerebral Cavernous Malformation (CCM), a disease characterized by vascular lesions that can lead to cerebral hemorrhage. The study suggests that blocking the development and progression of CCM could prevent mortality due to brain hemorrhage.
The University of Warwick has been awarded funding for 15 PhD studentships in quantitative cellular dynamics, molecular microbiology, and anti-microbial resistance. The partnership with the Medical Research Council will provide a strong interdisciplinary training programme to produce future leaders in biomedical research.
Recent Western blood pressure guidelines may be too high for Asian populations, especially those at high risk of cardiovascular disease. The guidelines recommend a target blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg, but this threshold could boost stroke risk in elderly Asians.
A new technique has enabled the rapid expansion of functional human liver cells in the lab, opening up new avenues for studying drug toxicity, liver disease, and more. The method, known as the 'upcyte' process, allows for the generation of liver cells from multiple donors with similar characteristics to primary human hepatocytes.
A new approach calculates an objective probability of treatment effectiveness, potentially revealing up to 20% of older treatments were mistakenly labelled as ineffective. Researchers may be dismissing treatments with small degrees of effectiveness due to flawed evaluation methods.
A study published in Science shows that Paris emissions reduction pledges have the potential to limit global warming to 2 degrees Celsius if implemented and followed by measures of equal or greater ambition. Implementing these pledges through 2030 and increasing efforts beyond can greatly reduce the chance of extreme warming.
Researchers compared therapies for Neuromyelitis optica, a rare autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. Plasma exchange therapy proved more effective than steroids in treating the condition's relapsing symptoms.
A new study has shown that human embryonic stem cells are fit for use in patients, paving the way for clinical trials of cell therapies. The research also establishes a cost-effective approach for monitoring the quality of stem cell-based products and emerging cell therapies.
A recent study published in Scientific Reports reveals that sperm utilize proteins from the visual system, known as opsins, to detect temperature differences in the fallopian tube. This allows them to navigate and orient towards the warmer egg location, ensuring successful fertilization.
Researchers have developed a mechanism to extract single photons from a stream, enabling practical applications in quantum communication. The discovery relies on a physical effect called single-photon Raman interaction, which allows for the selective capture of individual photons.
A team of scientists has developed a new method to assess the structure of natural forests using principles from stochastic geometry. The approach enables quick and accurate assessment of biomass estimates, revealing surprising low packing densities in tropical forests.
A recent study led by Enno Klußmann and Veronika Anita Deák discovered that the GSKIP protein plays a crucial role in embryonic development, with implications for understanding Goldenhar syndrome. The research found a high degree of correlation between mouse and human genes responsible for the condition.
Researchers used a rare genetic childhood disease to reveal how cancer cells hijack a metabolic cycle to benefit themselves. The study found that silencing the ASS1 gene, which is lacking in some patients, can be beneficial for cancer growth and could lead to new treatments.
Scientists have developed a new method to model heat wave magnitude, indicating that extreme heat events will increase in severity and number over the next two decades. The Heat Wave Magnitude Index daily (HWMId) takes into account both duration and intensity of heat waves.
The study reveals how malaria parasites infect liver cells, a critical step in their lifecycle. The discovery provides new insights into the molecular details of malaria infection and has significant implications for developing new drugs and vaccines.