A new study reveals that faculty careers are largely determined by their alma mater, with only a small percentage of professors receiving training outside elite institutions. The research found a systematic bias against women with elite doctorates, who face significant career advancement barriers.
Researchers found that receiving cells respond to pressure on their membranes by stiffening their skeletons to prevent movement away from the attacking cell. This process allows for close proximity of cell membranes, enabling fusion to occur.
Researchers have discovered a novel mechanism of neuronal death involved in neurodegenerative protein-misfolding diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The study found that the loss of NAD+ is the primary cause of neuronal demise, and restoring it can rescue neurons.
Researchers discovered that the immune system can turn off cellular enzymes needed by the Influenza A virus, which could lead to new treatments for flu. The study found that PAI-1 protein plays a key role in this process, and its inhibitors may be used to combat viral infections.
Users of popular dating services OKCupid and Tinder rely on Reddit to learn tips and strategies for online dating, including how to cheat the system and avoid common pitfalls such as trolling and catfishing. The study highlights the importance of social norms and effective matchmaking techniques in online dating.
Researchers studied remoras' ability to attach to surfaces securely yet release easily, finding a complex mechanism involving lamellar spinules and uniquely-structured blood vessels. This discovery could inspire designs for tags or bandages that don't harm hosts.
Innovative sequencing technologies are allowing scientists to study ocean microbes, revealing their critical role in the global carbon cycle and ecosystem health. The findings highlight the diversity of marine protists and their impact on ocean ecosystems.
A study published in the British Journal of Health Psychology found that an instructional DVD reduced MRI scan patients' anxiety, leading to more successful scans with higher image quality. The DVD provided relaxation techniques to help patients prepare for and complete the scan.
Researchers discovered that brain's grid cells are anchored to one wall and rotated by a specific angle (7.5 degrees) to minimize symmetry and errors in navigation. The rotation is necessary to ensure accurate mapping of environments, even when landmarks are far apart.
A new study from Sam Houston State University reveals that approximately 2% of US youth are gang members, with involvement highest at age 14. Gangs have high turnover rates, recruiting new members constantly to replace those who leave.
A new study reveals that genetics curricula are improving, but still lag behind, with minimal instruction in years three and four of medical school. Medical schools are adopting innovative teaching strategies to incorporate genomics into training.
A University of Texas at Arlington computer scientist is designing a reservation/reminder software system to help veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The system will be accessible through an android cell phone app or kiosk and can send text reminders about upcoming appointments.
Patients with chronic kidney disease who consume high acid diets are 3-times more likely to develop kidney failure than those on low acid diets. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help protect kidneys.
Researchers observed atoms forming a weak bond on the path to molecule creation, with only a small fraction converting to stable products. The study paves the way for more efficient reactions in industries such as energy generation and crop fertilization.
Scientists discuss alternative chemistries of life, exploring possibilities beyond Earth, at the AAAS 2015 Panel. Researchers aim to unravel complex interplay of planetary and biological evolutionary networks.
Scientists have created a new model organism for studying aging in the naturally short-lived African turquoise killifish. The researchers developed a genome-editing toolkit, allowing them to rapidly manipulate genes and study aging-related diseases.
The proposed SDGs lack clear, measurable targets, posing challenges to achieving policy objectives. The report highlights the need for better integration and interlinking of goals to avoid trade-offs and unintended consequences.
A recent NIH study found that Ebola virus can remain infectious in a body for at least seven days after death, with viral RNA detectable for up to 10 weeks. The research highlights the importance of safe handling practices and suggests oral swabbing as a reliable alternative for obtaining diagnostic samples.
Researchers found that certain HPV+ oropharyngeal cancer patients can survive for over two years without further disease after intensive treatment. The study identified key factors contributing to the survival advantage, including cancer sensitivity to radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Researchers discovered a common signaling mechanism that produces interferon, a key protein in the immune system. This finding could lead to developing medications to treat human diseases such as lupus, which affects over 1.5 million Americans.
Researchers at A*STAR's Genome Institute of Singapore have developed an expert system called OncoIMPACT that combines cancer omics data with machine learning models to predict treatment targets. The system has been applied to over a thousand cancers, including melanomas and ovarian cancers, and shows promise for personalized medicine.
The iSpot platform has successfully gathered biodiversity data with an impressive 94% accuracy rate, thanks to its unique social network structure. The platform's reputation system motivates users to verify species, improving identification accuracy in 57% of cases.
Researchers discovered that Yersinia pestis bacteria traffic to lymph nodes on their own, not relying on human phagocytic cells. Most microbes get trapped in a bottleneck in the skin or node, and only a few break free to cause disease.
Researchers estimate that around 8 million tons of plastic waste entered the world's oceans in 2010, with coastal countries generating close to 275 million tons. To prevent this number from increasing by a full order of magnitude over the next decade, nations need to improve their waste management practices and adopt better strategies.
A team of researchers has refined the timeline of meteorite impacts on the moon by analyzing argon isotopes in Apollo 17 samples using laser microprobe technology. The study provides new insights into the lunar impact record and its implications for understanding Earth's early bombardment history.
A comprehensive study reveals that plants respond uniquely to different insects, activating specific genes to defend against attacks. The research shows that plants can distinguish between closely related insect species, leading to targeted defense responses.
Researchers at the La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology report that Nuclear Factor of Activated T cells (NFAT) plays a key role in CD8 T cell exhaustion, leading to impaired immune responses. The study identifies NFAT as a molecular hub that orchestrates T cell activation and exhaustion.
The Strategic Pharma-Academic Research Consortium (SPARC) has awarded over $1.9 million to advance research on autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, and Crohn's disease. The funded projects will focus on understanding the root causes of these conditions and developing new treatments.
A new study by Cornell University warns that the existing system of space-based rainfall observation satellites requires a serious overhaul due to aging technology and lack of international coordination. Replacing just two of the four outdated satellites could help close gaps in data coverage, but broader collaboration is still needed.
A novel superconducting transistor can be switched reversibly between ON and OFF by light-irradiation, opening a way to new high-speed devices. The device uses a photo-active electric double layer and can be controlled by both gate-voltage and light-irradiation.
Researchers found common biomarkers of sleep debt in humans and rats, indicating a link to metabolic disorders such as weight gain, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The study also identified potential biomarkers, oxalic acid and diacylglycerol 36:3, which could serve as indicators of sleep quality and quantity.
Researchers at KU Leuven's Laboratory for Clinical and Epidemiological Virology have identified a recombinant form of HIV that targets the anchor point CXCR4 early after infection, shortening the healthy phase and triggering rapid progression to AIDS. The study found abnormally high doses of the virus and defensive molecule RANTES in i...
Researchers discovered beaver teeth have a harder, more resistant form of enamel built with iron that surpasses fluoride-treated enamel in acid resistance. This finding could lead to better understanding of human tooth decay and improvement on current treatments.
Mindfulness training reduces stress by increasing prefrontal activity, regulating the biological stress response. This can help prevent diseases like depression, HIV, and heart disease. The study provides an evidence-based biological account of mindfulness training's effects on health.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide have discovered that at least 14% of cerebral palsy cases are caused by genetic mutations. This groundbreaking finding has significant implications for the diagnosis, management, and treatment of the condition.
A six-year clinical trial found that patients with low blood flow to the back of the brain are at a higher risk of recurrent stroke. The study used specialized software to visualize and quantify blood flow, identifying a quarter of patients with low posterior blood flow.
A Rutgers-led team has solved a long-standing puzzle in physics by explaining the 'hidden order' of an exotic material. This breakthrough could lead to advancements in electronic technology and superconducting materials for applications such as medical imaging and high-speed trains.
Patients who preferred physician-controlled decisions had lower reported quality of care compared to those with shared decision-making. Patients' reports about the quality of their care are increasingly important health care performance measures.
A study published in JAMA Oncology found that at least one clinically relevant genomic alteration was present in most samples tested, suggesting a potential for personalized therapy. The research analyzed 200 cancer of unknown primary site (CUP) samples and identified 169 specimens with potentially targetable genomic alterations.
A high-seas moratorium would improve fisheries income distribution among maritime nations, with European and developed nations benefiting the most. Coastal catches could increase by up to 18% in a catch-neutral scenario, while others may face significant losses.
Research presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2015 found that stroke survivors have a higher annual rate of age-adjusted cancer incidence compared to the general population. Additionally, stroke survivors who develop cancer are more than three times likely to die compared to those without cancer.
Researchers found no significant differences in Achilles tendon thickness changes between running grades, indicating no increased risk of injury when transitioning to downhill running. Gradual adaptation is key to minimizing risks.
Two tiny bits of non-coding genetic material, miR-382 and miR-516b, have been found critical to stalling melanoma's spread in early-stage tumors. These microRNAs may help identify patients most likely to spread and benefit from more aggressive therapy.
The Eastern tiger swallowtail's genome has been sequenced, revealing mutations in proteins responsible for its unique circadian rhythm and stinky substance used to scare off predators. This breakthrough opens the door for more insect genome sequencing projects at an affordable price.
Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine have discovered new Alzheimer's disease targets through proteomics, which may lead to a better understanding of the disease mechanism. They identified tangle-like structures that sequester proteins critical for RNA splicing in early stages of the disease.
Research suggests that motorized cycling can prime the brain for relearning everyday tasks and improve motor function in stroke patients. In a small study, 17 stroke survivors showed a 34% improvement in motor skills after exercising on a motorized stationary bike compared to voluntary cycling or no aerobic exercise training.
The FANTOM5 project has discovered that the activation of enhancers triggers coordinated changes in gene expression, leading to dramatic cellular phenotypic changes. This understanding is crucial for understanding cell differentiation and human biology.
A recent study led by Simon Fraser University biologist Isabelle Côté suggests that closing the high seas to fishing would have little impact on global fish catches. Most fish stocks are already shared between the high seas and exclusive economic zones, reducing the financial implications of such a closure.
A new study of cancer patient-clinician encounters found that only a small percentage of patients requested clinically inappropriate tests or treatments. Most requests were for imaging studies, laboratory tests, or palliative care interventions, with few requesting chemotherapy or proton beam therapy.
A new study found that healthcare workers are 4.5 times more likely to suffer from irritant contact dermatitis after increased hand washing efforts, highlighting a potential counter-productive effect on infection reduction campaigns.
A recent study published in Science estimates that between 4.8 and 12.7 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean every year, mainly from coastal regions. The researchers used a grand model to estimate the amount of plastic waste entering the ocean and found that it is significantly higher than previously estimated.
Researchers at the University of Washington found that female teachers can inspire high school girls to be interested in computer science. The study also recommends broadening the image of who computer scientists are to counteract negative stereotypes. By shifting these stereotypes, more girls can feel included and encouraged to pursue...
University of Utah scientists develop computational model to predict catalyst performance, allowing for the design of more efficient and selective catalysts. The model uses big data analysis to identify structural features that correlate with reaction selectivity.
Researchers have developed a new fluorescent protein called CaMPARI, which permanently marks neurons that are active at a particular time. This allows scientists to visualize neural activity beyond the limited field of view of a microscope and capture snapshots of neural activity during complex behaviors.
A recent study suggests that both regions will experience severe droughts in the future, worse than any in the last millennium. The projections are based on computer model simulations and comparison with past climate reconstructions, indicating a future with extremely parched Southwest and Central Plains.
A study from San Francisco State University found that native bees can provide sufficient pollination for tomatoes in urban gardens, with floral resource density being the key factor. This research challenges conventional wisdom and offers good news for farmers in space-starved cities.
A new study by Regenstrief Institute and Indiana University finds that obese black and white women have distinct attitudes towards weight, with black women being more accepting of obesity. Despite differing views, neither group expressed a desire to lose weight or increase physical activity.
A new study found that sleep-deprived individuals consume more fat and less carbohydrates, while displaying increased connectivity in the salience network, which is linked to emotional responses and bodily sensations. This unique approach examines changes in brain activity's impact on eating behavior following sleep deprivation.
A longitudinal study found that mental health improved among Latino adolescents over three years, but discrimination-related stress had a more detrimental effect on native-born immigrants. The study highlights the importance of considering discrimination in therapy sessions to help Latino youth flourish.
A study by Smithsonian scientists found that oyster disease is more prevalent in areas with low oxygen levels at night, which can cripple the oysters' defense against the parasite. However, surprisingly, oysters' filtration powers flag during periods of low oxygen but recover afterwards.