Children exposed to high levels of PFOA during pregnancy experience rapid body fat gain and higher body fat by age 8 compared to those with lower exposure. The study found a significant association between prenatal PFOA levels and childhood adiposity, raising concerns about potential effects on type 2 diabetes.
A study by Mayo Clinic researchers found that women with a history of oral contraceptive use have improved progression-free survival and overall survival rates compared to those who did not use the pill. The study suggests that oral contraceptives may reduce DNA mutations, leading to less aggressive ovarian cancer at a later date.
Genetic divergence analysis reveals distinct groups among owl populations in southern Chile and comparisons with distant areas. The study suggests the existence of new species, with geographic isolation likely contributing to evolution.
Cornell researchers modified stevia's component rebudioside A to dissipate its bitter components, reducing its aftertaste. The study's findings could encourage the beverage industry to adopt more stevia in their products.
Researchers have developed a gene therapy approach that delays symptoms and extends lifespan in dogs with a comparable disease to Batten disease. The treatment involves delivering a working version of a gene to produce a key enzyme, resulting in striking clinical improvements and slowed disease progression.
Researchers at National Institute for Fusion Science have discovered a new confinement state inside a magnetic island, essential for improving fusion reactor plasma confinement. This breakthrough was achieved through the 'momentary heating propagation method' and has implications for future fusion research.
A new study improves BrainGate's user experience and performance with three software innovations, allowing users to control electronic devices without frequent recalibration. The advancements enable longer use sessions and improved accuracy, paving the way for a practical BCI assistive technology.
A team of researchers from Auburn University, the University of Iowa and the University of California, San Diego, discovered a new form of crystalline-like matter in strongly magnetized dusty plasma. The lattice properties can be imposed arbitrarily by an external grid/mesh structure, creating unique geometric patterns.
CRISPR-Cas systems recognize and cut genetic elements from invaders, protecting bacteria. They hold potential for treating bacterial infections, developing probiotics, and designing microbial factories.
Researchers at City College of New York have introduced a new optical window, dubbed the Golden Window, which enables deeper brain tissue imaging. This breakthrough has significant implications for the noninvasive study of the brain and breasts, reducing scattering that causes blurring in previous methods.
Researchers at the University of Maryland studied console and game sales data to understand how base proportions of console owners change over time. The study found that companies should weigh tradeoffs between early adopters and later adopters when releasing games, with optimal timing depending on console adoption patterns.
The Fundao Dam failure in Brazil's Samarco mine disaster may have been caused by its structural failure. An integrated approach to detecting and characterizing cyanobacteria blooms could reduce human health risks and direct field resources more effectively.
Researchers at PNNL found that Cyanothece uses both stored energy and direct sunlight to produce hydrogen. The organism's ability to create robust amounts of hydrogen makes it a viable catalyst for hydrogen production.
A new platform, GEneSTATION, combines diverse 'omics' data with life history information to advance scientific understanding of human pregnancy. Researchers hope it will lead to new treatments for preterm birth and other complications.
A new portable device called HeartBuds detects sounds inside the body as well as traditional stethoscopes, while also being more sanitary. The technology has been shown to perform just as well as expensive stethoscope models in detecting heart murmurs and carotid bruits.
A new study by Berkeley Lab researchers has identified genetic factors that influence motor performance and body weight in a genetically diverse group of mice. The findings show significant overlaps with genes related to neurological disorders and obesity in humans, providing a new framework for studying these connections.
A study at MD Anderson Cancer Center found that suppressing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in combination with gemcitabine may boost the drug's effectiveness against pancreatic cancer. EMT suppression leads to impaired sensitivity to chemotherapy, causing poor prognosis and metastasis.
More than half of public datasets provided with scientific papers are found to be incomplete, hindering reproducibility tests and follow-up studies. Simple errors made by researchers can compromise the process of making research data publicly available.
A doctoral student at the University of Kansas has been awarded a yearlong Fermilab Graduate Student Fellowship in Theoretical Physics to work on dark matter research. He aims to investigate the universe's deepest riddles, including its place in the cosmos and the history of human existence.
A team of University of Illinois engineers has created a new, energy-efficient material for desalination by exploiting the unique properties of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanopores. The material can filter through up to 70% more water than graphene membranes, making it a promising solution to the global water crisis.
Researchers found that cockroaches activate slow twitch muscle fibers only when chewing on tough material, generating a bite force of up to 50 times stronger than their body weight. This unique ability allows them to efficiently exert powerful forces with minimal head volume required.
A team of scientists at Case Western Reserve University has produced the first image of a human protein binding with ribonucleic acid (RNA), shedding light on how some viruses, including HIV, replicate their genetic material. The discovery could lead to new strategies to block viral replication and limit or halt infection.
The discovery of GJ 1132b, a rocky planet orbiting a red dwarf star, has sparked excitement among astronomers. With temperatures potentially conducive to hosting an atmosphere, this planet is close enough (39 light-years away) to be studied in detail with the Hubble Space Telescope and future observatories.
A new study recommends increasing investment in cancer control measures, including prevention, detection, diagnosis, treatment, and palliative care, in low- and middle-income countries. The authors suggest that most middle-income countries can achieve this coverage within a few years with cost-effective strategies.
Diagnostic errors affect 1 in 20 adults per year, missing common diseases like infections, heart disease, and cancer. Researchers recommend systems changes to improve diagnosis, including reforming teaching of diagnosis, strengthening teamwork, and promoting a culture of diagnostic safety.
A phase I clinical trial found that pevonedistat, a small-molecule inhibitor of the NEDD8-activating enzyme, was safe and tolerable in heavily pretreated patients with relapsed/refractory lymphoma. The therapeutic showed modest activity in these patients, with three achieving partial responses and 30 experiencing stable disease.
Researchers found significant disruption in brain area connections and coordination between the posterior cingulate cortex and medial prefrontal cortex in comatose patients who remained minimally conscious or vegetative. However, those who recovered from coma showed similar coordination with healthy participants.
Researchers at McMaster University have developed an antidote that reverses the effects of two new blood thinners, apixaban and rivaroxaban, within minutes. This breakthrough may help save lives by quickly reversing bleeding complications in emergency situations.
New research reveals more of Britain's countryside dates back to Roman period, shaping modern land management approaches. The Fields of Britannia project highlights the enduring legacy of Roman land practices.
A new short-crested lizard, Probrachylophosaurus bergei, has been found in Montana, exhibiting an intermediate nasal crest between non-crested ancestors and larger crests of adult Brachylophosaurus. This discovery provides insights into the evolution of dinosaur species and sheds light on the transitional forms between different groups.
Researchers simulated predator attacks on ant colonies, revealing coordinated responses to damage. When scouts were removed from the periphery, foraging arms retreated into the nest, while entire colonies fled when workers were removed from the center.
Dr. Electra Paskett receives AACR Distinguished Lecture on Cancer Health Disparities for her decades-long contributions to reducing cancer health disparities among underserved populations. Her work has led to critically important improvements in cancer screening and care, earning her international recognition as a leader in the field.
Two new risk prediction tools can identify patients with diabetes who are at high risk of serious complications, such as blindness and amputation. The tools use variables that patients are likely to know or that are routinely recorded in general practice computer systems.
Researchers found that zooplankton copepods display energetic behavior in turbulent flows, amplifying the flow's intermittent properties. Their self-induced motion adds to fluctuations in speed, affecting feeding efficiency and ecological modeling.
Researchers have identified biomarkers and potential therapeutic approaches for pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM), a rare lung disease. A low-phosphate diet and EDTA treatment were found to prevent stone development and reverse lung calcification in animal models.
A pre-clinical study reveals that treatment with first-line antibiotics can make MRSA skin infections worse by inducing a harmful inflammatory response. Newer tests are being developed to quickly diagnose and treat these infections, but caution is needed before extending the findings to humans.
A new study maps out the genetic changes in melanoma development, confirming sun exposure's role and identifying an intermediate disease stage between benign moles and malignancy. The research provides evidence of UV-induced mutations in benign lesions, precursor lesions, and melanoma, highlighting the importance of sun protection.
Astronomers have found nine ancient stars near the Milky Way's center, forming before the galaxy existed, with surprising purity and a possible hypernova origin.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia identified a crucial change in a single DNA base that both predisposes children to aggressive neuroblastoma and drives disease progression. This discovery may lead to novel therapies for the complex and deadly disease.
Researchers have discovered a new super H-mode regime in tokamak plasmas, which could sharply boost fusion power production. The new state allows for higher pressure at the edge of the plasma, creating potential for increased power output from the superhot core.
Researchers found that adding exposure and response prevention therapy to treatment regimens significantly improved symptoms in patients with OCD who had not responded to medication. The study also showed significant increases in insight, quality of life, and social function after just eight weeks.
Researchers developed a strategy to recover plastid sequences from nuclear DNA in plants. This allows for the assembly of complete chloroplast genomes, providing valuable information about evolutionary relationships and plant processes linked to environmental changes.
A recent study found that climate change has led to the establishment of moose and snowshoe hares on Alaska's North Slope, with warmer temperatures supporting denser vegetation. The shift in ecosystem is attributed to the increased growth of shrubs, which provides a habitat boost for these animals.
A new study found that Mycoplasma genitalium, a previously unknown sexually transmitted infection, affects up to 1% of the UK population aged 16-44. The infection was more prevalent among those with multiple sexual partners and in areas of higher deprivation.
Researchers at the University of Georgia are studying the effects of feeding wildlife at public parks on the health and ecology of white ibises in south Florida. The study found that being fed by humans is changing the behavior of the birds, making them more susceptible to disease.
A US-China fusion research team has made a significant breakthrough by moving plasma closer to the wall, increasing power and efficiency of magnetic fusion energy. This achievement paves the way for future development of tokamaks like ITER, which is currently under construction in France.
Researchers capture first image of a debris ring orbiting a white dwarf star, revealing a spiral-like structure and 'inside-out' structure. The ring system is formed by the star's gravity tearing apart asteroids, emitting a dark red glow from gas produced by collisions.
Plant tyrosinase enzyme, responsible for browning of apples and other fruits, has been structurally elucidated by researchers at the University of Vienna. The discovery reveals new insights into the enzyme's function and opens up potential avenues for controlling browning reactions.
RMIT University researchers created artificial microflowers in water, mimicking natural blooming processes for optoelectronics and other applications. The tiny structures, just 10 microns wide, have potential to break frontiers in scientific fields with easy and reliable building.
Researchers at Linköping University have developed a strategy to discover disease progression at its earliest phase by analyzing T-cells. The study found that specific genes can serve as early disease markers, even before symptoms appear.
A Swedish registry study found that mechanical heart valve prosthesis has superior long-term survival rates compared to biological valve prosthesis, particularly for relatively young patients. The risk of stroke was similar for both types of prostheses, but patients with biological valves were more likely to require re-operation.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed techniques to control the shape and structure of DNA and RNA using charged gold nanoparticles. This breakthrough has significant implications for developing applications such as storing and transporting genetic information, creating custom scaffolds for bioelectronics, and c...
Research suggests that healthy cells are optimized for a healthy ecosystem; changes in this ecosystem allow cancer-causing mutations to outcompete healthy rivals, leading to an increase in cancerous cells. Inflammation is a critical factor in this process, hurting the growth and maintenance of healthy B-cell progenitor cells.
Researchers developed two new risk prediction tools to identify patients with diabetes at high risk of blindness and amputation, using existing patient data. The tools aim to personalize care and advice for those in greatest need.
Researchers at FAU found that global warming in Earth's history occurred at a similar rate to today. The team analyzed climate changes over the past 250 million years and discovered that rapid fluctuations were invisible but not absent. Current temperature increases appear slower due to longer observation periods.
A study on medicines stored in space for up to 550 days revealed that they do not degrade faster than on Earth. The research found that some medications were still viable beyond their expiration dates, while others showed minimal degradation.
Researchers discovered peptides that inhibit metastatic spreading and even lead to regression of existing metastases in pancreatic cancer models. The CD44v6 protein drives the spread of tumor cells, but small segments of the protein can be successfully inhibited by peptides.
Treatment with anti-angiogenesis drugs improves radiation treatment of nervous system tumors in animal models, reducing tumor size and nerve damage. Anti-VEGF treatment enhances nerve regeneration and decreases muscle atrophy.
The Peruvian government has designated a 3.3 million-acre Amazonian rainforest as a national park, home to thousands of plant and animal species. The creation of the park marks the culmination of 10 years of conservation efforts by The Field Museum and numerous organizations.
New research suggests the cacao tree is 10 million years old, offering a chance for genetic variation to improve disease resistance and flavor diversity in the industry. This ancient origin provides a solution to the lack of genetic variation in cultivated cacao, making it vulnerable to pests and climate change.