A study by Temple University researchers found that an estimated 28,000 endangered Madagascar lemurs are being illegally kept as pets in urban areas, threatening conservation efforts. The trade may drive some species closer to extinction and cause populations to go extinct altogether.
In a Hong Kong hospital, proactive infection control measures implemented since March 2013 successfully controlled the spread of Avian flu (A H7N9), with only two patient cases and no staff infections reported. The integrated approach utilized active surveillance, rapid molecular diagnostic testing, and hand hygiene protocols.
A twin study suggests that genetic factors contribute to insomnia in children and teenagers, with heritability rates ranging from 14% to 38%. The study found that genetic influences change over time, with a significant role of genes controlling the sleep-wake system playing a key role in childhood insomnia.
Three tectonic processes, including uplift, reduced solar irradiation, and an axis shift, created conditions for Greenland's glaciation. The interaction of these processes, driven by the Iceland plume, led to the formation of ice on Greenland.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health researchers found that higher alcohol taxes strongly protect against binge drinking. The study showed a significant decrease in binge drinking rates with a one-percent increase in tax, associated with a 1.4 percent reduction in the proportion of adults who binge drink.
Researchers found snakes' vertebral bones have the same number of regions and patterns as limbed lizards, contradicting the idea that snakes evolved from a simplified body form. The study suggests that Hox genes are functioning in snakes to control subtle changes in shape.
A Brazilian team of researchers has developed a new levitation device that can hover tiny polystyrene particles with more control than any instrument before. The device uses sound waves to reflect off a concave reflector, allowing the particle to be moved around without precise setup.
Human bites can transmit over 600 bacterial species through oral flora, posing a significant risk of infection. Prompt treatment within 24 hours of an animal or human bite is crucial to prevent serious injury or infection, with antibiotic treatment recommended for hand bites to reduce the risk of infection and disability.
A Michigan State University study found that exercising regularly during pregnancy can reduce a child's chances of developing high blood pressure later in life. The research suggests that physical activity during critical developmental periods may have a direct impact on the baby's cardiovascular health.
A new study found that adding radiation treatment to hormone therapy saves more lives among older men with locally advanced prostate cancer, reducing cancer deaths by nearly 50 percent. The treatment was also associated with fewer deaths from any cause.
A Dartmouth-led NASA study has found that plasma waves in the Earth's radiation belts are responsible for scattering charged particles into the atmosphere. The researchers used a combination of satellite and balloon data to test the theory and obtained quantitative results, providing new insights into space weather's impact on our planet.
Researchers found that specific commensal microbes like Staphylococcus epidermidis stimulate distinct immune cell responses without causing inflammation. This discovery helps clarify the role of skin commensals and may explain skin disorder variations.
A new method enhances direct methanol fuel cell efficiency by removing toxic heavy metal ions like Cr(VI) while converting to less toxic Cr(III). This allows for improved performance and increased power density.
Researchers found that swamp sparrows can perceive sound categories in context, a skill shared with humans. This ability may be crucial for understanding how human language arose.
A new study by MIT scholars finds that immigrants from Latin America are less likely to have their labor certification requests granted, with only 67% of applications approved. However, when the US government audits applications using detailed supporting documentation, the disparity disappears, suggesting a potential remedy.
Researchers developed a novel sensor that changes color depending on the confinement of space in cells, demonstrating the effects of lack of space on protein behavior. The study reveals attractive forces inside cells that override compression effects, leading to changes in protein functions under osmotic stress.
A new study shows that focusing on biodiversity conservation can make current spending on threatened birds four times more effective. The research identifies the top 20 birds for safeguarding maximum biodiversity with minimum spend, including Botha's Lark, which currently receives no conservation spending.
Women with high DDT levels and sufficient B vitamin intake had a 42% greater chance of early miscarriage than those with lower DDT levels. However, women with high DDT and low B vitamin levels took nearly twice as long to conceive.
Astronomers witness billowing clouds of gas towering above and below the plane of our galaxy, driven by a titanic eruption in the galactic core. The Hubble Space Telescope measures velocity and composition of the mystery lobes, revealing unique information about the expanding gas.
A 12-year study found that measles-containing vaccines have an extremely low risk of rare side effects, including neurological disorders and febrile seizures. The study monitored over 120,000 children who received the vaccines and found no increased risk of adverse outcomes.
Researchers have advanced understanding of rotavirus's attack on human cells through carbohydrate receptors, providing clues for anti-rotaviral drugs. The discovery has implications for childhood susceptibility to rotavirus disease and offers potential for new vaccine development strategies.
Researchers have identified two transcription factors, GR and VDR, that play a crucial role in the development of insulin resistance. Epigenomic modifications, such as changes in DNA structure, can be passed from cell to cell and between generations, and this study provides insights into how these modifications contribute to the condit...
Scientists have found that the MMP12 enzyme travels to the center of cells, contradicting previous assumptions. This discovery may lead to the development of treatments to turn off this enzyme and others like it when they cause damage.
Researchers developed a system to selectively insert compounds into cancer cells, identifying malignant tissues for precise surgery. The technology uses near-infrared light to kill remaining cancer cells, promising a more accurate and effective approach to cancer surgeries.
Researchers have identified a novel cellular biomarker that can determine if a tumor has a potentially lethal mutation in the p53 protein, which is often referred to as the 'guardian of the genome'. The new biomarker can be used to assess p53 status in as little as 15 minutes.
Researchers at Ohio State University have designed DNA origami machines that can perform tasks repeatedly, using natural and synthetic DNA to mimic macroscopic machine design principles. The machines can detect signals, process information, and respond accordingly, opening the door for complex nano-robots in biomedical applications.
A new study recommends CRF placement methods that can reduce fertilizer and irrigation expenses and minimize nutrient leaching into the environment. The dibbled method has potential to produce the greatest quantity of leachable nutrients, while also conserving expensive fertilizer resources.
A team of scientists developed an automated method to detect neuron activity during specific behaviors in mice. The technology uses c-fos protein to identify active neurons and has been used to study male-male and male-female interactions, revealing novel facts about brain activation patterns.
Elderly ICU patients who develop infections are 35% more likely to die within five years. Effective infection prevention programs can extend life by up to 15.55 years and reduce costs by over $150,000 per patient.
A 20-year study found that most healthy obese individuals progress to unhealthy obesity, highlighting the importance of weight management and treatment. The research also revealed a greater risk for cardiovascular disease in healthy obese adults compared to those with normal weight.
A new study reveals that environmental stress significantly increases the development of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in individuals with gene mutations, putting them at greater risk of developing the disease. The findings suggest that stressors like high blood pressure, diabetes, and alcohol use may trigger the onset of symptoms in car...
The NIH has awarded over $28 million in grants to decipher gene regulation and its role in human health and disease. Researchers will study gene networks and pathways in different systems to develop new treatments for diseases like cancer, diabetes, and Parkinson's.
Researchers found that the common cold virus, rhinovirus, replicates more efficiently in cooler temperatures, such as inside the nose. The study suggests that lower body temperature impairs the innate immune response to the virus, making it easier for the virus to replicate.
Researchers found that increasing fruit surface wetness increases severity of skin spot, a disorder characterized by patches of small brownish dots on apples' skin. The study also showed that skin spot is positively correlated with the number of rainy days during the growing season.
A UT Arlington study found that businesses near the stadium experience success when they synchronize their activities with events. Businesses closer to the stadium saw as a negative became paralyzed, but adapting to time-adaptation strategies helped them thrive.
The journal presents studies on playfulness in dogs, dolphins, frogs, and octopuses, as well as its connection to humor, social bonding, and creativity. Researchers investigate how experiences in infancy shape a person's sense of humor and how playfulness affects adaptability and social success.
Researchers have developed a method to calculate the ages of individual stars by measuring their spin periods and masses. The technique, known as gyrochronology, uses mathematical relationships between mass, rotation rate, and age to determine stellar ages with precision.
A study finds that crowd science volunteers contribute significantly to research projects, but also highlights limitations and costs involved. The phenomenon has attracted interest from policy makers and scientific agencies.
Researchers found that γδ T cells contribute to systemic insulin resistance in obese mice by promoting low-grade inflammation in fat tissue. The study suggests that targeting γδ T cells may provide a new avenue for treating or preventing type 2 diabetes caused by obesity.
Byproducts from gum disease bacteria can reactivate dormant HIV in T-cells, leading to higher virus replication. This discovery highlights the significance of treating periodontal disease early for individuals with HIV infections.
The study provides novel candidate genes for future studies on longevity and cancer resistance, while revealing physiological adaptations related to size in large whales. Researchers hope to apply these findings to humans to fight age-related diseases.
A New York University study found that adherence to cancer prevention guidelines was associated with reduced risk of obesity-related cancers. The study highlights the importance of low alcohol consumption and a plant-based diet in reducing cancer risk, particularly for breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers.
Research suggests that super-Earths can maintain oceans for at least 10 billion years due to a planet-wide recycling process. This finding implies that older super-Earths are more suitable for searching for complex life.
Researchers linked hydraulic fracturing to a rare felt earthquake in Poland Township, Ohio, revealing previously unknown faults. The study suggests that a relatively small portion of the operation is responsible for seismic activity.
Scientists at the University of Copenhagen have developed a novel method to measure and control the number of atoms on an ultra-thin glass fiber, with an accuracy of just eight atoms. The technique allows researchers to capture up to 2,500 cesium atoms while minimizing loss, which is crucial for future quantum computer networks.
Researchers have sequenced the bowhead whale genome, identifying key genes related to longevity, cancer resistance, and DNA repair. Alterations in these genes may contribute to the whale's remarkable longevity and cancer resistance.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati and Boston University explored the decline of ancient civilization using modern biology techniques. They found that soil formation after abandonment led to poor preservation of historic remains, including the survival of thicker cattle bones.
The Adelaide Hills bushfire in Australia destroyed or damaged 26 homes as of January 5, 2015. Firefighters are concerned about worsening conditions due to forecasted temperatures above 38 degrees Celsius.
A study by King's College London found that amateur cyclists aged 55-79 had levels of physiological function similar to younger individuals. The study revealed that exercise can buy extra years of healthy function compared to sedentary people, and cycling is particularly beneficial for maintaining health and wellbeing.
Researchers aim to predict which genes are expressed in dendritic cells based on specific conditions, aiming to explain why some people survive viral infections while others don't. This knowledge could lead to new treatments for diseases like cancer, diabetes, and Parkinson's disease by understanding faulty gene regulation.
The Hubble Space Telescope has captured the sharpest large composite image of the Andromeda galaxy, revealing over 100 million stars in a 61,000-light-year-long stretch. This panoramic view provides unprecedented insights into the galaxy's structure and evolution.
The new images show the pillars as eerie, wispy silhouettes against a background of stars, with newborn stars hidden within. The infrared view reveals dense knots of dust and gas at the pillar's ends, underscoring the dynamic and violent nature of star-forming regions.
A study of almost 75,000 US nurses found a modest increase in all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality among those working rotating night shifts for five or more years. Lung cancer mortality was also higher among women with 15 or more years of rotating night shift work.
A recent study published in HortScience suggests that nitrogen from reclaimed water can support optimal turfgrass growth. The researchers found that turfgrass responded positively to higher concentrations of nitrogen in the irrigation water, but the concentration needed was at least 5 mg·L−1.
A study by Penn Medicine found that many patients with type 2 diabetes are being discouraged from taking metformin due to an overly conservative FDA label. The authors recommend amending the label to reflect more modern guidelines, which could extend the drug's use to nearly 1 million additional patients.
The study found that the Nordic diet reduced inflammation-associated gene expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue, even in overweight individuals. This suggests a possible link between diet and improved metabolic health.
Astronomers have found evidence that the recipe for Earth applies to terrestrial exoplanets orbiting distant stars. The HARPS-North instrument measured the masses of small, Earth-sized worlds and found a tight relationship between mass and size, suggesting rocky compositions similar to those of Venus and Earth.
Researchers find that listening to human speech promotes infants' cognitive, social psychological capacities and has positive developmental consequences. Infants as young as 2-3 months old benefit from tuning in to speech, leading to better understanding of patterns, recognizing partners, and establishing coherent categories.
A Northwestern University-led team found that graphene oxide (GO) films are soluble in water due to unintentional introduction of common contaminant aluminum ions during filtration. The positively charged ions stabilize the membranes, making them stronger and more stable.
Researchers found that up to a quarter of patients with bowel cancer who have a family history could have their cancer caused by genetic mutations identified through gene testing. This could lead to improved diagnosis, treatment, and early detection for both the patient and their relatives.