A new study shows a decline in postdoctoral researchers in the US, with a 5.5% loss from 2010-13, despite increasing PhD students. This decrease affects men and women, as well as US citizens and foreign postdocs.
A University of Tennessee study found that Caucasian parsley frogs rely on insect-rich bat guano for food in limestone caves. The research highlights the critical role bats play in maintaining cave ecosystems and underscores the need to protect small bat colonies.
A recent study found that Latinos with greater African ancestry are at increased risk for high intraocular pressure, a condition that can lead to glaucoma and blindness. The study, led by Xiaoyi Gao, analyzed the genomes of over 3,500 participants and found that those with more African ancestry had higher pressure inside the eye.
Scientists mapped the thalamus circuitry that may be involved in neurological disorders such as autism, ADHD, and schizophrenia. The study found that inhibitory neurons in the thalamus play a critical role in filtering out distractions.
A new Mainz-based Emmy Noether independent junior research group aims to explain the principles behind the transport and controlled arrangement of colloidal particles. The goal is to combine microfluidics and self-assembly in soft materials for a more profound understanding and new uses.
Patients undergoing oncologic liver operations who participated in an enhanced recovery program returned sooner to their normal life function and adjuvant cancer therapies than patients who were treated with a traditional approach. The study found that 75% of enhanced recovery patients achieved their baseline functional status within 3...
A Japanese study found that exposure to secondhand smoke at four months old is associated with a twofold increased risk of caries in deciduous teeth. The study analyzed data from over 76,000 children and found that household smoking was also linked to an increased risk of tooth decay.
Researchers used cadaver arms in experiments supporting the idea that human hands evolved for both manual dexterity and fistfighting. They found humans can safely strike with 55% more force with a fully buttressed fist than with an unbuttressed fist.
A study at the University of Gothenburg found that combining garden therapy and job coaching strengthens women's physical and mental health, improving their quality of life. The program included practical gardening, mental exercises, and social work to support women on long-term sick leave
Researchers at Harvard University have developed a new class of Raman laser using nanoscale diamond resonator, enabling wider wavelength range and potential for improved telecommunications. The device works by converting one frequency of laser light to another, opening up possibilities for broadband data communications.
The Eastern Pacific Ocean's twentieth tropical depression of the season developed into Tropical Storm Patricia, with maximum sustained winds near 40 mph. The storm is forecast to approach the Mexican coast on Friday, bringing life-threatening flash floods and mudslides.
A new test predicts whether breast cancer will spread to the brain by analyzing high activity in a particular gene called alpha beta-crystallin. Women with aggressive forms of breast cancer are three times more likely to develop secondary brain tumors if they test positive.
Washington State University researchers created a sensing platform to measure and analyze gait patterns in people with glaucoma. This innovation aims to reduce falls and injuries by detecting early signs of the disease, such as slower walking pace and unequal step placement.
The textile industry is making efforts to clean up its act by using safer chemicals and natural alternatives, reducing water pollution caused by toxic compounds like dyes and solvents. Environmental groups are also calling for stricter practices to prevent illnesses among nearby residents and harm to local farms.
Researchers at Rice University have created a novel, solid-state catalyst that splits water into hydrogen and oxygen, promising lower-cost alternatives to expensive platinum catalysts. The catalyst, made from nitrogen-doped graphene and cobalt atoms, shows high efficiency and durability in generating clean energy.
The Global Precipitation Measurement mission (GPM) analyzed rainfall rates in Category 4 Hurricane Olaf, with rain falling at over 71.5 mm/hour in the eye wall and 56.8 mm/hour in scattered rain bands on the western side.
The estimated prevalence of adults who used marijuana in the past year increased from 4.1% to 9.5%, while the prevalence of marijuana use disorder rose from 1.5% to 2.9%. Notably, black and Hispanic individuals experienced higher rates of marijuana use disorders.
Researchers have found that repeated small stretching of nanoscale metal pieces can eliminate crystal defects in its crystalline structure, strengthening the material. This phenomenon is counterintuitive, as it is opposite to what one sees in larger metal crystals.
A new meta-analysis of e-excellence reveals that online businesses need to adjust almost every aspect to local culture, regulatory environment, and industry-specific factors. The study found that the relative importance of quality dimensions varied according to cultural attributes, regulatory environments, and industry contexts.
Researchers at Harvard's John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have created a flying, swimming robotic bee that can transition between air and water. The microrobot, smaller than a paperclip, uses flapping motions inspired by puffins to propel itself through both mediums.
The University of Houston has been awarded a $246,000 NSF grant to support summer research opportunities in China for 18 geoscience majors. The students will conduct landslide studies using GPS and LiDAR technologies in the Three Gorges area, with potential applications worldwide.
A new dynamic social-network analysis tool has revealed that the two species have vastly different community structures, with zebras forming large, stable groups and onagers forming smaller, more transient groups. This study provides insights into the adaptive value of these behaviors in response to different environmental pressures.
A new study by the NTD Modelling Consortium suggests that targeted research and high-quality data analysis can help prevent transmission of these diseases. The researchers aim to identify high-risk populations and develop effective interventions to meet the 2025 target.
A study published in Nature found that the thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN) plays a crucial role in multitasking by filtering out distracting sensory information. The TRN acts like a switchboard, continuously filtering sensory input and shifting attention to one sense while blocking out others.
A genomic study has uncovered key biological insights into the protective effects of the RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine candidate. The research found that genetic variation in the protein targeted by RTS,S influences its ability to ward off malaria in young children, with allele-specificity playing a crucial role in vaccine protection.
A study found that low BRCA1 protein expression in glioblastoma tumors correlates with longer overall survival, suggesting a potential predictive biomarker for treatment responses to DNA-damaging therapies.
Researchers have found a way to accurately screen for dehydration in older adults using routine blood tests for sodium, potassium, urea, and glucose. A simple mathematical equation can tell whether an older person is drinking enough fluid, reducing the risk of poor health outcomes such as disability and death.
Researchers at Jena University developed a simple, safe, and economical redox-flow battery based on organic polymers and water, which can be produced at lower cost than traditional systems. The new technology has shown high capacity and efficiency in initial tests.
Scientists and legal scholars warn that countries are misinterpreting the 'rational use' of natural resources to escalate fishing efforts in Antarctic waters. Marine protected areas, crucial for conserving the region's last intact ecosystem, are being hindered by this misinterpretation.
A new study from the University of Texas at Dallas finds that online TV viewing does not lead to increased viewing time, but rather makes the experience more pleasurable with greater variety of shows to choose from. Consumers can find a program that fits their taste without changing their overall TV consumption habits.
Research found beaver-created ponds can remove 5-45% of nitrogen from water, reducing the risk of algal blooms and low oxygen levels. The study's findings suggest a new perspective on the ecological benefits of beavers in the region.
A systematic review of heart failure drug effectiveness found only six studies provided usable data due to difficulties accessing author contact information. The researchers argue that improved data sharing mechanisms are needed to prevent selective reporting and research fraud.
The article provides a comprehensive overview of marketing channel systems, tracing their evolution from two-party relationships to networks of channels and multiple platforms. Key findings include the impact of globalization, e-commerce technologies, and big data on channel decisions.
Novel Data Streams (NDS) offer a promising approach to public health surveillance by analyzing patient-generated digital data. NDS encompasses various sources, including internet search data and social media posts, allowing for nearly instantaneous and fine geographic scale surveillance.
A new study suggests that antibiotic use during childhood can lead to faster weight gain and higher body mass index (BMI) over time. The research analyzed data from over 163,000 children and found that those who received antibiotics multiple times weighed about three pounds more than those who did not.
The University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health is launching a study to promote health among aging gay and bisexual men living with HIV. The research team will identify protective factors, or resiliencies, that help some men stay healthy and could be extended to others.
Researchers found that voice-command technology is highly distracting, causing drivers to lose focus for extended periods. The studies also revealed that older drivers are more distracted than younger ones when using voice commands.
A new hydrodynamical simulation of the universe's visible structure, Magneticum Pathfinder, provides unparalleled insights into the cosmic landscape. The simulation covers a vast area of 12.5 billion light years, featuring unprecedented resolution and detail.
A team of scientists has unearthed a 2-foot-long, 76-million-year-old fossil of an extinct turtle species with a unique pig-like snout, providing valuable insights into the evolution of turtles. The discovery sheds light on the impact of climate change and rising sea levels on ancient ecosystems.
Health economists from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine argue that universal access to medicines is critical in controlling neglected diseases, major infections, and chronic diseases. The PURE study reveals that secondary prevention is unavailable and unaffordable in many communities worldwide, highlighting the need for polici...
A new study led by King's College London found that splitting human embryos to produce twins for IVF may not be viable due to delays in development. The research suggests that a 'developmental clock' plays a critical role in earliest stages of human development, which can be interrupted by the splitting process.
The Berkeley Lab team is developing electronics that will send data from the scanner's detectors to a computer, converting it into a three-dimensional image of the patient. This new scanner will have half a million detectors, reducing a patient's radiation dose by a factor of 40 and scanning time from 20 minutes to just 30 seconds.
Researchers have found a way to enable ultra-rapid drug delivery to the gastrointestinal tract using ultrasound waves, which could aid in treating inflammatory bowel diseases. The technology, tested in pig and mouse models, showed improved absorption of insulin and mesalamine, paving the way for potential new treatments.
Takashi Yoshimura, a professor at Nagoya University, has made outstanding contributions to thyroid hormone research. His discoveries on seasonal reproduction in birds, mammals, and fish are expected to advance human reproductive health and mood disorders related to seasonal changes.
Researchers at Disney Research and Dartmouth College developed a new method to display full-color images with two black patterns on a prism, winning the Best Paper Award at Pacific Graphics 2015.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Ornithology found that birds can save energy and time by using optimal wind conditions. They calculated global aerial flyways that allow efficient traveling, suggesting a new strategy for migratory birds to reduce travel time and increase reproductive output.
A new study found a significant decline in the growth rate of sugar maple trees in the Adirondack Mountains, raising concerns about the long-term health of northeastern ecosystems. The research suggests that factors such as acid rain, insect outbreaks, and late frost damage may contribute to this decline.
A Dartmouth-led study analyzing satellite imagery of nearly 1,300 archaeological sites in Syria finds that the Kurdish YPG, opposition forces, and Syrian regime have also been major players in the devastation. War-related looting is most widespread in areas with weak centralized authority.
Researchers found that mice with BRCA1 mutations exhibited enhanced responsiveness to male scent, which stimulated their estrous cycles and ovary function. This discovery suggests a potential indirect link between sense of smell and breast, ovarian cancer risk in women carrying BRCA1 mutations.
A BMJ study reveals barriers to accessing heart failure drug trial data, highlighting the risks of not doing so. Researchers urge funders and institutions to make data sharing a mandatory requirement to prevent erroneous clinical decisions.
Researchers have created a new material combining nanodiamonds, gutta-percha, and amoxicillin to strengthen root canal fillings and kill bacteria. The material shows promise in preventing re-infections and improving current therapies.
Scientists have identified a human cell protein called PLEKHA7 as a key modulator of Staphylococcus aureus virulence. Mice lacking this protein showed improved healing from skin infections and pneumonia, paving the way for potential new therapies to combat antibiotic-resistant strains.
A new study finds that cells activate and deactivate proteins in a series of unpredictable pulses, allowing them to control gene expression. The timing of these pulses may play an important role in cellular processes such as information processing and stress response.
A radical shift is needed in how heart medicines are provided and preventive care is organized in healthcare systems to improve rates of use. Generic versions of medicines should be made available for free in developing countries, while non-physician health workers can improve uptake and adherence.
A new Northwestern Medicine study found that blood pressure medication can reduce cardiovascular disease risk, but it cannot undo all previous damage. Middle-aged adults with well-controlled hypertension on medication had a higher risk of end-organ damage compared to those without treatment.
A University of Florida Health researcher has discovered a key clue about betel nut addiction, finding that the nut's psychoactive chemical works in the brain similarly to nicotine. This raises the possibility that prescription drugs used to break nicotine dependence could also be effective against betel nut addiction.
Masaaki Suzuki, a leading authority on Johann Sebastian Bach, received the 2015 Gutenberg Teaching Award for his contributions to academic teaching in instrumental music, conducting, and vocal arts. The award recognizes his interdisciplinary approach to teaching, which crosses subject and cultural borders.
Experts believe video recording can increase accountability and improve quality through increased transparency. This approach has successfully reduced speeding vehicles and improved hand washing rates in hospitals.
Researchers found that mangrove rivulus fish rapidly lose body temperature by jumping out of water and onto solid ground, where evaporation cools them down. The study, led by the University of Guelph team, also showed that these fish can tolerate warmer waters better after being exposed to higher temperatures for a week.
New research suggests that jurors may support an insanity defense if they believe a defendant has a genetic explanation for their actions, but also view them as a persistent threat. The study found that participants were more likely to support a diminished capacity defense and believed the defendant had less control over their actions.