A heat wave in 2011 Houston resulted in significantly more emergency department visits than expected, with elderly individuals experiencing an 8.9% increase in admissions. The study suggests that heat warning systems could help prevent future emergencies.
Researchers at The Scripps Research Institute have identified a new cellular pathway affected in cystinosis, which could lead to new drug treatments for reducing or preventing renal failure. The study found that concentrations of LAMP2A, a lysosomal surface protein, were down by 50-80% in cystinotic cells.
Research shows that 13-month-old babies can comprehend complex social interactions by using their understanding of others' perspectives and social evaluation skills. They exhibit reactions to different scenarios, including friendly and hit-witnessed characters, indicating the beginnings of assigning meaning to social situations.
A new study by the University of Zurich found that nearly one in five suicides globally is associated with unemployment. The research analyzed data from 63 countries between 2000 and 2011, revealing a strong correlation between job loss and increased suicide rates across four regions.
A novel liquid-infused polymer technology has been developed to prevent bacterial biofilm formation on medical surfaces, reducing the risk of infections. The technology uses a combination of silicone oil and polymer to create a slippery surface that repels bacteria, making it suitable for use in medical devices.
Researchers discover molybdenum disulfide thin-film transistors functional at high temperatures, demonstrating potential for extreme-temperature electronics. The material's stable operation after two months suggests new applications in harsh environments.
Some science museums are removing their dinosaur exhibits due to conservation issues. A new database aims to improve estimates of oceanic methane and nitrous oxide emissions. Amateur radio operators' data has potential for validating space weather models and understanding ionospheric behavior.
Global sea ice has been decreasing at an average annual rate of 13,500 square miles since 1979, with the Arctic losing more than it gains in Antarctica. The Arctic ice decrease has accelerated over time, leading to increased absorption of solar radiation and further heating.
The NELSON trial found that individuals with better health profiles and younger age were less likely to participate, but the study's findings remain relevant due to modest differences. The trial showed a higher mortality rate among eligible non-participants compared to participants.
The rate of Latino physicians per 100,000 Latinos in the US has declined by 22% since 1980, according to a new study. The shortage of culturally familiar doctors negatively affects healthcare for U.S. Latinos, who face barriers to quality care due to language and cultural barriers.
Researchers have identified a new genus and species of fur seal, Eotaria crypta, from a 15-17 million-year-old rock formation in Southern California. The discovery provides a missing link in the evolutionary history of fur seals and sea lions, resolving a 5-million-year gap in their fossil record.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati found that SapC-DOPS can selectively target and kill lung cancer cells while sparing normal cells. The nanovesicle delivery system has shown promising results in animal models and human cell cultures, offering hope for a targeted treatment option for this deadly disease.
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine have developed a novel yeast-based high-throughput assay to identify inhibitors of the Plasmodium falciparum transporter, which could lead to the development of new antimalarial drugs. The technique was used to screen over 64,000 compounds and identified 171 potential antimalarial drugs.
A study by Purdue University researchers found that Listeria monocytogenes bacteria are widespread in retail delis, with 6.8% of samples tested positive before operation and 9.5% during operation over six months. The bacteria can persist in growth niches, posing a risk to vulnerable immune systems. To mitigate this risk, experts recomm...
Uwe Thumm, a theoretical physicist at Kansas State University, has been awarded the prestigious Humboldt Research Award for his lifetime contributions to atomic, molecular and optical physics. The award recognizes his fundamental discoveries and new theories that significantly influenced his field.
Researchers discovered how coral-dwelling microalgae harness nutrients from seawater and transport them to corals through a complex process. The findings provide new insights into the impact of coral bleaching on reef ecosystems, highlighting the importance of this symbiotic relationship.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota Academic Health Center have developed a new reporter system to study bone regeneration potential in human embryonic stem cells. The system allows for better monitoring of cell properties and may lead to the creation of new therapies for diseases such as leukemia or genetic blood disorders.
Researchers have found a way to reverse damage caused by obesity in females that leads to fertility problems and alters fetal growth. By using compounds known to alleviate stress in cells, they were able to stop the damage from being passed on to offspring.
Researchers have developed a thin film that maintains electric and magnetic properties even when highly curved, paving the way for wearable devices. The new material improves upon existing materials by reducing leakage current and increasing flexibility.
Research concludes that historical dietary guidelines on fat consumption in the US and UK were not supported by solid trial evidence. The analysis of six relevant trials found no difference in deaths from coronary heart disease between treatment and comparison groups.
Researchers are developing an artificial pancreas (AP) to manage pediatric diabetes, aiming to alleviate parents' stress and anxiety. The device will be tailored to consider children's unpredictable eating habits and physical activity, and its safety, efficacy, reliability, and ease of use will be prioritized.
A recent retrospective study found that Lung-RADS guidelines generated fewer false-positives than the National Lung Screening Trial, reducing unnecessary follow-up testing. The guidelines provide structured reporting tools for practices to benchmark performance and improve lung cancer screening's cost-effectiveness.
Researchers at Rice University have discovered that treated carbon-60 molecules can remove metals from water and other liquids, with the ability to reserve them for future use. The process also shows promise for separating specific metals from complex fluids, potentially addressing contaminated water issues.
Scientists at Mainz University have discovered a new sub-population of regulatory T cells linked to allergic asthma. The Treg cell type plays a decisive role in developing and manifesting the disease, making it a promising early diagnostic indicator.
Research published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases found that smoking impairs the response to biological drugs used to treat inflammatory back arthritis. Current smokers responded significantly less well to treatment and achieved smaller reductions in disease activity scores compared to non-smokers.
Researchers found that umbilical cord cells activate the Akt signaling pathway, leading to increased expression of antioxidant genes like Prdx5, which reduces inflammation and promotes neural cell survival. This study suggests that umbilical cord cell therapy could be a promising treatment for stroke and other brain injuries.
IBS researchers develop Digenome-seq to confirm CRISPR-Cas9's accuracy in human cells. The technique identifies on-target and off-target sequences, eliminating concerns about cancer-causing mutations.
A new UC Berkeley study shows that combining biomass electricity production with carbon capture and sequestration can store more carbon than emitted, making the western US a critical contributor to an overall zero-carbon future. The technology could reduce emissions by up to 80% by 2050 and even become carbon-negative.
Scientists from Harvard University have developed a system that harnesses solar energy and converts it into a liquid fuel using bacteria. The 'bionic leaf' uses an artificial catalyst to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, which is then converted by a bacterium into the liquid fuel isopropanol.
Researchers have developed implantable devices that can record muscle activity and provide more natural prosthesis control. The technologies aim to improve the reliability of prosthetic limbs and enable users to experience sensations in their residual limbs, enhancing overall prosthetic performance.
Researchers have discovered a distinct inner-inner core with different iron crystal alignment and behavior compared to the outer layer. This finding could reveal information about the planet's formation and evolution
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a bone-shaped plastic tab that changes color under stretching, serving as an inexpensive and mechanical sensor. The sensor was created using custom molecules and 3D printing technology, offering potential applications in recording force or strain on structures.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have discovered that naturally occurring plant-friendly fungi can prevent crop-ravishing diseases from spreading and aid plant survival in testing environmental conditions. These 'symbiotic' relationships between barley and the fungi increase plant survival by up to six times.
Researchers found that givers tend to choose more specific, less versatile gift cards when shopping for romantic partners, but recipients prefer more versatile gift cards. This preference can lead to a lower redemption rate of gift cards, as recipients take longer to redeem more specific ones.
A new study published in Environment International found that people living near the coast in England have higher vitamin D levels than those inland. The research linked sunlight data to vitamin D levels, revealing a strong correlation between coastal living and improved vitamin D levels.
Chronic inflammatory conditions are directly associated with several types of cancer, but the cellular mechanisms behind this link were unclear. An international team of scientists has identified a multistep process showing how these cancers develop, providing potential therapeutic targets for halting tumor cell formation.
Researchers at Griffith University have discovered that mitochondria can transfer genetic material between healthy and cancerous cells, leading to rapid proliferation of tumour cells. This finding has implications for our understanding of human biology and may shed light on other diseases with defective mitochondrial DNA.
University of Groningen scientists have successfully grown graphene on copper oxide, preserving its electronic properties. This achievement could pave the way for large-scale production of graphene devices using lithographic techniques.
A new study finds that individuals with attachment anxiety use Facebook frequently to seek feedback and reassurance, while extraverted users engage on the platform for different reasons. The research highlights the importance of personality in shaping social media engagement.
Researchers found that collagen cross-links play a crucial role in regulating stromal stiffness and determining tumor cell metastatic fate. The study identified two types of collagen cross-links, HLCC and LCC, which are associated with different levels of tumor growth and spread.
A study by Ohio State University found that both liberals and conservatives exhibit biases against scientific facts that contradict their political beliefs. Liberals showed lower trust in science related to fracking and nuclear power, while conservatives reacted more strongly to climate change and evolution.
A team of Indiana University researchers has been awarded a major grant to develop and use chemical tagging methods to understand how bacterial cells build their cell walls, a key target for new antibiotics. The team plans to create new probes to track peptidoglycan synthesis in bacteria such as E. coli, B. subtilis, and S. pneumoniae.
Researchers have successfully tested nanoparticles that can quickly quench damaging superoxides, potentially protecting against further brain damage in traumatic injuries. The particles, known as PEG-HCCs, have shown an enormous capacity to neutralize thousands of reactive oxygen species molecules, restoring normal oxygen levels.
A Michigan State University study found that Facebook users who like, share, or comment on alcohol-related posts are more likely to think about drinking. The research suggests that social media platforms can inadvertently promote underage drinking by making alcohol content highly engaging.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital identified genetic variations associated with rapid hearing loss in young cancer patients treated with cisplatin, a widely used anti-cancer drug. Variations in the ACYP2 gene increased the risk of hearing damage by four times.
Researchers found that endothelial cells, which line blood vessels, increase the ability of pluripotent stem cells to form blood cell lineages. This improves their potential for transplantation, offering a new hope for treatment of certain blood disorders.
Using Lung Imaging Reporting and Data System (Lung-RADS) criteria may reduce false positives in low-dose CT lung screenings by raising the nodule size cutoff. However, this comes at the cost of reduced sensitivity.
Tropical Storm Fundi weakened due to strong vertical wind shear and cool waters. The NASA-JAXA GPM satellite captured Fundi's waning rainfall on Feb 8, just hours before its final warning was issued.
A $3 million grant will restore 14.4 miles of streams in Pennsylvania, reducing flooding and improving water quality. The project will also create a riparian forest buffer to support a breeding population of native brook trout and other coldwater fish species.
A study published by UC Davis and Public Health Institute found that children exposed to tobacco smoke in utero are two to three times more likely to develop diabetes as adults. Birth weight did not affect the risk of developing diabetes.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota developed a financial feasibility metric to determine when solar-heated biomass gasification systems can be profitable. The study found that these systems could break even at natural gas prices between $4.04 and $10.90 per gigajoule.
Researchers have standardized historical sunspot data, revealing that solar activity has been consistent throughout history, including during the Enlightenment. The study also shows that there were intense periods of solar activity in the past, such as the Maunder minimum.
A new study confirms dark matter's presence in the inner part of the Milky Way, including at our own cosmic neighborhood. Scientists created a comprehensive compilation of published measurements to observe rotation speeds and found that dark matter is needed to explain observed speeds.
Christophe Lavelle's research combines biophysics with genome compaction and gene expression to improve cooking techniques. The study of molecular gastronomy reveals the physical and chemical processes involved in food preparation and consumption, leading to healthier eating habits and more delicious meals.
Researchers found major changes in algae consistent with water warming, indicating physical structure changes in tropical high-mountain lakes. The findings have far-reaching consequences for Andean water resources as the lakes provide 60% of drinking water for Cuenca, Ecuador.
Researchers are finalizing contract negotiations for a $4.4 million grant to speed development of a mobile system amputees can use anywhere, enabling them to touch and feel things out in the community. The team aims to have a product people can take home and use daily within five years.
New research shows that climate change mitigation efforts in Brazil's steel industry have failed to reduce greenhouse gas pollution. Instead, programs under the Kyoto Protocol led to a doubling of carbon dioxide emissions, from 91 million to 182 million metric tons of CO2 between 2000 and 2007.
Researchers at the University of Chicago Medical Center have created a new screening tool for ovarian cancer that can rapidly test compounds to block metastasis. The three-dimensional cell-culture system mimics human tissue and has identified small molecules that inhibit adhesion and invasion.
Researchers from Marcus Autism Center found intensive behavioral intervention to be effective in eliminating pica in children with autism spectrum disorder. The treatment involved blocking inappropriate eating, redirecting behavior, and rewarding disposal of non-edible objects, resulting in a 96% reduction in pica in most cases.
A randomized trial assessing resident duty hour schedules in the ICU found that shorter hours may be less safe for patients and not associated with reduced fatigue. Longer shifts were linked to more severe symptoms of fatigue among residents. The study suggests trade-offs between residents' well-being and patient safety.