A new study suggests that a child's early environment, including maternal factors during pregnancy and breastfeeding duration, can predict their chance of becoming obese later in life. The research found that children with four or five identified risk factors were 3.99 times more likely to be overweight or obese at age four.
Research finds that mothers with low birth weight or preeclampsia are more likely to have offspring with similar conditions. This study of over 2,300 mother-daughter pairs suggests careful surveillance may help detect complications early.
A study of 4,446 pregnancies found a high rate of chromosomal abnormalities in patients where non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) fails to provide results. Nearly half of these tests will fail on subsequent attempts, highlighting the importance of clear understanding and follow-up for patients with failed NIPT.
A study of 100 women with gestational diabetes found that a probiotic capsule intervention had no effect on glucose control, but did reduce total and LDL cholesterol levels. This suggests a potential role for probiotics in improving the metabolic profile of pregnant women at risk of future cardiovascular disease.
A large randomized trial in the US found that adding STAN to conventional intrapartum fetal heart rate monitoring did not improve perinatal outcomes or decrease operative deliveries. The study's results highlight the need for caution when extrapolating results from studies outside the US.
Researchers found that maternal glycemia is associated with some childhood anthropometric measures of obesity, such as skinfolds and subscapular/triceps ratio, but not body mass index or insulin resistance. Maternal obesity and Hispanic ethnicity were strongly linked to childhood obesity and metabolic dysfunction.
A new study found that humans carry fewer endogenous retroviruses in their genomes compared to other mammals. This decrease may be attributed to a less bloody evolutionary history, with reduced exposure to blood-borne viruses as humans transitioned from biting during conflicts and hunting.
Scientists have identified a fast-growing cyanobacterial strain, Synechococcus elongatus UTEX 2973, which grows at over 50% per hour. The strain's genome is remarkably similar to another widely studied cyanobacterium, and its genetic determinants of rapid growth may hold the key to unlocking new biotech applications.
Researchers report that real-time audiovisual feedback during second stage labor substantially shortens labor time, increasing the chances of a spontaneous vaginal delivery. The study also found improved maternal pushing efficacy and decreased neonatal intensive care admissions.
Researchers observe orangutans walking on newly constructed logging roads in East Kalimantan's Wehea Forest, suggesting a potential adaptive strategy for survival. The finding highlights the rapid loss of Borneo's forest habitats and underscores the need to protect remaining forests.
Researchers will evaluate recent excavation sites and previous finds from 79 archaeological sites, providing a comprehensive understanding of the Nok Culture. The study aims to shed light on the societal development, economy, and role of iron metallurgy in this ancient culture.
A team of scientists has discovered a 55,000-year-old human skull at Manot Cave in Israel with distinctive modern human brain features. The findings support the hypothesis that early humans evolved in Africa or the Middle East rather than Europe.
Researchers at UT Arlington are developing a distributed sensor system to monitor coal-fired boilers, enabling real-time health assessment of structural components. The new technology promises to improve boiler efficiency and safety, with potential industrial applications.
A dozen scientific papers report naturally occurring arsenic in private wells, posing continuing risks due to inadequate regulation and mitigation. The studies also shed new light on the geologic mechanisms behind contamination, which may reduce IQ in children and increase risk of heart disease and cancer.
Researchers identified a biological clock that measures individuals' lifespans by analyzing DNA changes. A faster-running biological clock is linked to earlier death, even after accounting for other factors.
Researchers discovered that gene NR2F1 induces dormancy in tumor cells when activated, preventing rapid growth and division. Combining azacytidine and retinoic acid significantly increased NR2F1 activity, leading to improved therapeutic outcomes.
A study by Dr. Timothy R. Smith and colleagues found that over three-fourths of US neurosurgeons practice defensive medicine, ordering extra tests and procedures to mitigate malpractice risks. Rates were highest in states with high-risk liability environments, where neurosurgeons reported stopping procedures due to fear of lawsuits.
A new satellite imaging concept could significantly reduce search areas for missing boats and planes, potentially reducing search and rescue time. The system uses existing satellites to take images of the seas, enabling more accurate tracking of vessel movements.
Two new fluorescent dyes, CLR1501 and CLR1502, attracted to cancer cells, were evaluated for their ability to differentiate brain tumors from normal brain tissue in mice. The results confirmed that both agents provided excellent fluorescence discrimination of tumor from adjacent normal brain.
A new study suggests that a meteorite found in the Moroccan desert may be representative of the 'bulk background' of rocks on Mars. The meteorite's chemical makeup matches that of rocks analyzed by Mars rovers, indicating that it is a piece of Martian crust.
Research from the University of Minnesota found a significant connection between Craigslist's personals section and a 16 percent increase in reported HIV cases. The study suggests that online platforms can facilitate new social routes of HIV transmission, emphasizing the need for targeted efforts to reduce disease spread.
Researchers found that latent HIV likely resides in long-lived memory cells that help the immune system remember pathogens. The study suggests these cells are the source of the virus's hidden reserves, which could lead to a possible cure for HIV.
Researchers at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute found that low levels of tristetraprolin (TTP) protein are associated with more aggressive tumors and poorer prognosis in breast and lung cancer patients. A network of 50 genes linked to TTP is present in various tumor types, suggesting potential therapeutic strategies.
The study, following 300 young people from age five since 2000, aims to test whether patterns of pancreatic function detected in childhood persist into adulthood. It will also explore the childhood origins of a range of new health problems, including dental and psychological health issues.
A new way of implementing priority queues allows for performance improvement even with the addition of new cores. The algorithm uses a skip list data structure to make moving through the hierarchy more efficient, reducing collisions and achieving better scalability.
Pablo Tarazaga, a Virginia Tech engineer, has developed a novel approach to manipulate wave propagation in solid materials, enabling the creation of smart structures with diverse capabilities. His work holds promise for improving aircraft aerodynamics performance and creating controlled fluid-structure interactions.
A new study reveals three regional mysteries about blue mussels in the Northeast coast, including generation gaps and predator activity. The research suggests that mussels can be a good sentinel species for rocky shores but requires more knowledge about their behavior in different estuarine settings.
Researchers argue that reliable information is hard to identify among growing medical care advertisements online, potentially influencing patients' decisions. They recommend clearly labeling hospital websites as advertisements and allocating resources to create balanced online informational tools.
Researchers found that interacting with a nurse, watching a DVD, or using stress balls reduced anxiety by 25-30% and pain by 16-22%. Simple distraction techniques can significantly improve patient experience and may be used for other operations without general anesthesia.
The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation has awarded over $3.76 million in fellowships and Breakthrough Scientist awards to 15 new recipients, providing them with independent funding to pursue innovative projects. The fellows will focus on novel ideas and approaches to combat cancer.
Scientists from RIKEN have found that chronic hepatitis infection and inflammation can lead to similar genetic mutations in liver tumors, potentially paving the way for targeted therapies. The study identified changes in mutations associated with aggressive biliary-type liver cancers and discovered new targets for future treatments.
Researchers developed a new sensor to detect ambient mercury levels in the atmosphere, providing a more accurate method for measuring global human exposure. The sequential two-photon laser-induced fluorescence (2P-LIF) instrument detects mercury at parts-per-quadrillion sensitivity, outperforming existing methods.
A new study by Rice University and international collaborators adds to the growing evidence for a theory that explains high-temperature superconductivity and heavy fermion physics through quantum fluctuations. The research observed a sharp Fermi surface reconstruction, consistent with theoretical predictions of unconventional quantum c...
Seismic investigations reveal extreme mantle perturbation and crust-mantle interaction in Eastern China's Qinling-Dabie-Sulu orogenic belt. The region was affected by compressional deformation due to collision between North and South China blocks.
Researchers have developed DNA nanoswitches that can detect and report molecular interactions, enabling biological measurements to be made by almost anyone. The new tool dramatically lowers barriers to making traditionally complex measurements at a significantly lower cost than conventional equipment.
High-performance solar cells with a combination of materials like perovskite and spiro-MeOTAD are plagued by tiny pinholes, allowing water and gases to degrade the material. Researchers at OIST Graduate University believe these minuscule openings could be key to understanding the degradation of perovskite, leading to potential solutions.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki identified an alternative cell pathway promoting blood vessel growth that may explain why certain cancer therapies are failing to improve patient survival. This discovery could help clarify confusing trial results and potentially lead to new treatments for ovarian cancer and other cancers.
Tropical Cyclone Eunice reached Category 5 status, with the Global Precipitation Measurement satellite capturing intense rainfall and thunderstorms. NASA's RapidScat instrument gathered wind speed data, revealing the strongest winds were on the storm's southwestern quadrant.
Researchers at LSU Health New Orleans have discovered Neuroprotectin D1, a molecule that protects cells from damage and promotes recovery from stroke. This breakthrough could lead to therapeutic solutions for age-related macular degeneration and ischemic stroke.
Researchers Weissman and Massagué win prestigious prize for their groundbreaking work on cancer stem cells and metastatic spread. Their research aims to develop targeted treatments by understanding the connection between cancer stem cells and immune system control.
Researchers have determined that seahorses are more permanent residents of the western mid-Atlantic Ocean than previously thought. The study used genomic data to infer three genetically divergent subpopulations, strongly supporting Virginia Province inhabitants as a historically persistent ancestral gene pool.
Research suggests that interactive media can be useful for teaching vocabulary and reading comprehension in preschool-age children, but its impact on younger children is unclear. Heavy device use during early childhood may interfere with the development of empathy, social and problem-solving skills.
The FibreLux is a small portable unit measuring average fiber diameter, comparable to the $75,000 OFDA2000 in accuracy with an 87% rating. Preliminary studies indicate the tool is user-friendly enough for growers to use on ranches.
A study found that publicly tweeting about sexism can increase women's wellbeing by allowing them to express themselves and feel like they're making a difference. The study, published in the British Journal of Social Psychology, involved 93 female undergraduate students who tweeted about sexism for three days.
Researchers studied sediment rocks in Italian Dolomites and found high acidity levels, similar to vinegar or lemon juice, indicating repeated acid rain events. These acidic conditions led to a decline in plant life, causing a collapse in the food chain and contributing to the mass extinction of end-Permian life on land.
A new software pipeline called Churchill can analyze human genomes in as little as 90 minutes, compared to weeks or years with existing technologies. This breakthrough enables rapid diagnosis of genetic diseases and scalable genomic analysis for population studies.
Researchers mapped 184 genetic duplications to aid in the interpretation of copy number variations (CNVs) found in individuals referred for genetic testing. The study found that most CNVs were inherited from a parent and often disrupted nearby genes, making it difficult to pinpoint particular genes responsible for medical conditions.
A UTSW study reveals a strong correlation between low levels of beclin 1 and both triple-negative breast cancer incidence and poor prognosis. Patients with low beclin 1 activity had a 67% increased risk of dying from breast cancer compared to those with higher levels.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a novel method to control the electronic band gap in complex oxide materials without altering their composition. This can lead to better performance in electro-optical devices and new energy-generation materials.
Researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health discovered a link between food intake during early infection stages and disease outcome. Reducing leptin levels or using pharmacologic inhibitors protected against cerebral malaria in mouse models.
Researchers studying same-sex couples' stress levels and overall health have developed a new framework to understand the effects of minority stress. The study highlights how shared stress can affect relationships and quality of life for these couples.
A study analyzing 308 bird species found that many birds switch between federal land managers throughout the year, highlighting the need for cooperation in conservation. The research used crowdsourced checklists and mapping to identify key habitats and inform land management priorities.
Neuroscientists studied animats with complex neural networks that evolved to master video games of varying difficulty. The research found that in more complex environments, the animats developed intricate neural connections and increased their ability to integrate information, supporting the theory of Integrated Information Theory (IIT).
A landmark study led by Kristina Olson aims to provide insight for parents and families of transgender children. The initial results found that participants' responses were indistinguishable from those of control groups, suggesting a deeply held gender identity among young trans kids.
AP39 replenishes hydrogen sulfide levels, lowering heart rate and blood pressure, with potential for new cardiovascular therapies.
Researchers from the University of Leicester used electrophysiology to capture electrical signals from dopamine neurons in the forebrain, revealing that these cells are active when fish swim. The study suggests that dopamine plays a key role in regulating excitability of spinal networks and may contribute to motor side effects of dopam...
Research found that infant brain activity changes during sleep, forming categories and transferring learned names to similar objects. Infants who slept showed better categorization skills than those who stayed awake, suggesting a significant impact of sleep on memory consolidation.
Tropical Cyclone Eunice is still churning in the South Indian Ocean, tracking south-southeastward at 10 knots. Its intensity has increased to 115 knots with a microwave eye 5 nautical miles across.
A new study led by the University of Michigan found that mercury concentrations in Hawaiian yellowfin tuna increased at a rate of 3.8% per year from 1998 to 2008, likely due to rising atmospheric mercury levels. This increase is consistent with global trends and highlights the need for stricter policies to reduce mercury emissions.
Researchers suggest inhibition of Sirtuin1 protein as a future treatment option for metastatic Ewing sarcoma. The study found overexpression of sirtuin 1 significantly correlated with metastasis in patient samples, opening the door to treatment of aggressive tumors.