A new study found that urban areas are experiencing a significant increase in heat waves, with extreme temperatures rising by over 50% per year. The trend is more pronounced at night due to the heat island effect, which traps heat in buildings and infrastructure.
A study by Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona analyzed the use of information and communication technologies among secondary school students, revealing links between school failure and an elevated use of computers at home. The study also found correlations between intensive ICTS use and substance consumption.
A San Diego team has won a $1.7 million grant to develop quality control methods for stem cells, enabling researchers to detect abnormal cells and ensure the safety and efficacy of potential therapies.
Harvard-Smithsonian astronomers created a new 3-D map of the interior of Cas A using a CAT scan equivalent. They found six massive cavities, or bubbles, that likely formed from radioactive nickel generated during the supernova explosion.
Researchers observed a crucial protective role for farnesoid-X receptor in cholestatic liver injury, with oral FXR-agonist INT-747 normalizing dysfunctional intestinal FXR-signaling and changing in intestinal permeability, inflammation, and bacterial translocation. The study suggests potential new therapeutic avenues for liver disease.
Fox Chase researchers discovered that pancreatic cancer cells sidestep chemotherapy by hijacking the vitamin D receptor, a key mechanism driving chemotherapeutic effectiveness against pancreatic cancer. The findings raise hopes for developing new treatments that can selectively kill cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed.
Researchers demonstrate a system that produces both biofuel and animal feed from one crop, eliminating land-use competition for food resources. The process, known as solid-state fermentation, yields high ethanol content while producing quality animal feed with zero waste.
Research finds significant increases in urban heat waves and extreme hot days over the past four decades, with four of the five years having the largest number being recent on record. Most urban areas also experienced declines in cold waves and windy days.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have discovered a new quality control mechanism where RNAs proofread themselves, ensuring proteins are made correctly. The CCA-adding enzyme uses a screw-like motion to add CCA groups to tRNAs, and the RNA itself determines whether to allow further additions.
Researchers grew large, pure perovskite crystals and studied how electrons move through the material as light is converted to electricity. The study identifies the bar for ultimate solar energy-harvesting potential of perovskites and shows that progress is slated to continue without slowing down.
Researchers found that sildenafil, commonly known as Viagra, induced the liver to produce greater amounts of cyclic GMP, reducing TNF signaling and preventing liver damage. Experiments with human liver cells also showed the protective effects of the drug.
The Affordable Care Act's health insurance cooperatives have had a tangible impact on the marketplace, offering more products and lower-priced plans than traditional insurers
Researchers at Cornell University engineered a probiotic to secrete GLP-1, reducing high blood glucose by up to 30% in diabetic rats. The treatment mimics the function of pancreatic beta cells, shifting glucose control from the pancreas to the upper intestine.
Researchers found that blood tests can produce similar results for patients with Chikungunya virus and those with rheumatoid arthritis, highlighting the need for diagnostic tools. Detailed travel histories are crucial to distinguish between the two conditions.
A study found that people with recurrent kidney stones have more calcification in their arteries, increasing their risk for heart disease. Additionally, kidney stone formers tend to have less dense bones, elevating their risk for osteoporosis.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Texas at Austin found that individuals with low self-regulation are more likely to binge-watch TV as a coping mechanism for negative emotions. The study also revealed that those who lack self-control are unable to stop clicking 'Next' even when aware of other tasks.
A new study found that non-migratory monarchs in the southern US are five times more likely to be infected with parasites than migratory ones. Planting native milkweeds instead of tropical milkweed can help reduce disease problems in winter-breeding populations.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine used new deep-brain imaging techniques to link individual neuron activity patterns to specific behaviors in mice. The study found that nearly identical neurons had separate functions, with some activated during searching for food and others during consumption.
A cluster of neurons in the spinal cord, known as RORα neurons, integrates sensory information from light touch sensors to control muscle movements. This 'mini-brain' helps regulate balance and prevents falls by making subtle adjustments to foot position.
Recent studies suggest that added sugars, particularly fructose, are a principal driver of type 2 diabetes. Clinical experts recommend drastic reductions in added sugar and especially fructose consumption to combat the growing epidemic.
A new algorithm, TopicMapping, has been developed to improve the accuracy and reproducibility of big data text analysis. By using a network approach, the algorithm separates unstructured text into topics with high accuracy and reproducibility. The results show that existing algorithms, such as LDA, are not reliable for complex datasets.
A new study has discovered genetic variations in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that disrupt dopamine signaling, leading to behavioral changes. The findings provide a potential target for developing more effective treatments for ASD.
Researchers tracked female black-tailed deer's movements and found their home ranges were very small, averaging 0.74 square kilometers, with core areas of just 0.08 km². This site familiarity helps them survive by knowing the best foraging spots and avoiding risky territories.
A new study found that middle-aged heavy drinkers (more than two drinks daily) had a 34% higher risk of stroke compared to light drinkers. Heavy drinking also increased stroke risk in mid-life, regardless of genetic and early-life factors.
A study identified thousands of genes expressed in the uterus during the evolution of pregnancy in mammals, with many recruited from other tissue types by transposons. These genes played a crucial role in establishing maternal-fetal communication and suppressing the maternal immune system, protecting the developing fetus.
A large-scale analysis of the gut microbiome has identified significant variations in gene copy numbers across different strains of the same microbe species. These strain-level variations can affect the microbes' capabilities, lifestyle, and impact on human health, including obesity and inflammatory bowel disease.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that Tamiflu significantly shortens the duration of flu symptoms by about one day and reduces respiratory infections by 44%., Researchers analyzed data from over 4,300 patients and found the drug also decreased hospital admissions by 63%.
Researchers at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center used the world's largest single-celled organism, Caulerpa taxifolia, to investigate the nature of structure and form in plants. They found that different parts of the cell show distinctly different RNA patterns, which are also shared with land plants.
Researchers develop a novel, bacteria-repelling coating material that attracts healthy cells to medical implants, reducing the likelihood of rejection. The breakthrough could significantly improve the success rate of medical implants, particularly for hip replacements where failure rates remain high.
Scientists have mapped the physical structure of the nuclear landscape to understand changes in genomic interactions during cell senescence and ageing. They reconciled two models of ageing, finding that SAHF domains show a dramatic loss of local interconnectivity and internal structure in senescent chromatin.
A study found that most teens and young adults with type 1 diabetes are interested in a peer mentoring program to improve diabetes control, despite social barriers. The researchers also found that those with supportive friends and family members were more likely to be interested.
A new FSU study finds that 6-10 million gallons of oil are buried in the sediment on the Gulf floor, contaminating the food web and affecting marine life. The researchers used carbon 14 as an inverse tracer to determine the oil's distribution, revealing a significant amount still lingering on the seafloor.
A new study found that women with high levels of endocrine-disrupting chemicals experience menopause two to four years earlier than those with lower levels. The research analyzed data from 31,575 people and identified 15 chemicals significantly associated with earlier ages of menopause.
Researchers found that geo-stationary satellites can greatly improve air-quality forecasting by providing aerosol optical depth every hour in high resolution. Combining this data with low Earth-orbiting satellite data produces more detailed maps for improved forecasts.
Researchers at Southern Methodist University identified four types of Bitcoin scams that stole at least $11 million from 13,000 victims over four years. The scams used authentic-looking web-based investment and banking outlets to lure customers and heist deposits.
Professor Juewen Liu's lab developed highly sensitive and specific DNA probes for lanthanide ion detection. The new DNAzymes have catalytic activity and may have different properties than existing examples, enabling mechanistic studies into DNA/metal interactions.
Researchers have discovered holes in the valence bands of nanodiamonds when they are dispersed in water, but not on a solid-state substrate. This discovery suggests that electrons at the surface of nanodiamonds can donate to surrounding water molecules, potentially influencing their chemical and catalytic properties.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a new process to create "hedgehog particles" that can easily disperse in water and dissolve in oil. This innovation has the potential to reduce volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from paints and coatings, resulting in fewer respiratory and climate change issues.
A large study shows that frequent play with puzzles, blocks, and board games is linked to better spatial reasoning skills in children. Children from lower-income households and girls tend to have lower scores.
Research found that both adult children and aging parents identify stubbornness in the other, with individual and relationship-based factors linked to perceptions. The study suggests a need for intervention to increase understanding and provides insights for practitioners on how to address stubborn behaviors.
Researchers have developed a new design framework for powered lower-extremity exoskeletons, enabling highly customized designs with optimized performance and stability control. The custom-tailored exoskeletons aim to improve user comfort and safety while reducing development time and cost.
The Global Precipitation Measurement mission's Core Observatory captured satellite images of the nor'easter storm system, revealing intense bands of snowfall and heavy rainfall rates. The storm brought blizzard conditions to parts of New England, with up to 30 inches of snow falling in some areas.
Astronomers found that tidal forces and atmospheric escape can transform mini-Neptune-like worlds into gas-free, potentially habitable planets. This process could provide a pathway to the formation of habitable worlds around M dwarf stars.
New discoveries are being made on high-altitude balloons, which offer a space-like environment for various disciplines. The longest flight to date was SuperTIGER's 55-day journey to 39.6 km altitude, paving the way for longer flights and novel instrumentation.
A clinical trial at Temple University Hospital is investigating the effectiveness of a vibrating capsule in alleviating symptoms of chronic constipation. The non-drug therapy involves a tiny motorized capsule that vibrates to stimulate intestinal contractions and help move stool through the digestive tract efficiently.
The GW Cancer Institute will launch a yearlong study to gather key information about barriers encountered by patients with cancer, create evaluation tools for patient navigation at the community level, and translate research findings for practice-based audiences.
A study found that former NFL players who played tackle football before age 12 performed significantly worse on cognitive tests compared to those who started playing at age 12 or later. The researchers suggested a critical window of brain development where repeated head impacts can lead to thinking and memory difficulties later in life.
A green tea compound may trigger a process in the mitochondria that leads to cell death, reducing cancer cell defenses. Researchers found EGCG selectively targets sirtuin 3 in cancer cells, causing oxidative stress and programmed cell death.
Researchers found that corn co-products have lower energy concentration than corn, but can still be used in growing pig diets. Amino acid digestibility was also reduced in the co-products, requiring additional protein sources.
The JOBS Act has led to a 25% surge in initial public offerings (IPOs), with three-quarters coming from the biotechnology/pharmaceutical industry. The study found that companies heavily invested in product research and development benefit most from the act's provisions.
UC Davis researchers found that half of primary care physicians are unfamiliar with the law, and many don't feel comfortable discussing breast density with patients. The study suggests that increased physician education is needed to address this gap and improve patient outcomes.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that exposure to certain chemicals used in cosmetics, plastics, and household cleaners can trigger early menopause in women. Women exposed to these chemicals were up to six times more likely to be menopausal than non-exposed women, with a potential increase in infertility and health risks.
A Michigan State University study found that most people are willing to donate bodily samples for medical research, but this willingness drops when specific projects are mentioned. The study suggests that biobanks should rethink their consent processes and be more transparent about the research they support.
A new security protocol, Ladon, has been designed to protect the information provided by medical devices connected to the Internet. The protocol offers energy efficiency, memory space, and latency benefits, making it suitable for deploying functionalities in sensors.
Mitochondrial donation has the potential to prevent transmission of serious mitochondrial disease, which affects brain, muscle, liver, and kidney tissues. Researchers estimate that up to 2,500 women in the UK could benefit from this technique.
The study found genomic similarities between head and neck cancer genomes and other cancers, including squamous cell lung and cervical cancer. Researchers also identified potential new drug targets and biomarkers for treating HPV-related head and neck cancers.
The GSK/NIH Ebola vaccine candidate has shown a well-tolerated safety profile and generated an immune response in healthy volunteers. Larger trials are necessary to assess whether the immune responses offer protection against Ebola infection and disease.
A team of scientists has created a new type of lens that can rapidly switch between clear and dark shades, addressing safety concerns for pilots and others who need adaptable eyewear. The lenses, which can be controlled by the wearer, also offer fine-tuning capabilities to match various hues.
Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered that increased stress in the endoplasmic reticulum is a key factor in the degeneration of upper motor neurons in ALS. This finding could lead to the development of new therapies aimed at improving the survival of these critical cells.
A Northwestern University study found that online dieters who logged in regularly, recorded their weigh-ins, and 'friended' other members lost an average of 8% of their body weight over six months. In contrast, those with fewer interactions lost only about 5% of their body weight.