A recent study suggests that genetic testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations in women with ovarian cancer can help identify carriers and reduce their risk. The study found that 19% of women with the most common form of ovarian cancer carry these mutations, which is higher than previous estimates.
A new study finds that racial disparities in cancer outcomes are decreasing, with African Americans showing faster decreases in cancer mortality than Caucasians. The causes of these disparities include low education and income, as well as reduced access to quality healthcare.
A researcher at the University of Kansas will investigate how organisms transition from aquatic to terrestrial existence, analyzing South American water scavenger beetles. The study aims to understand the mechanics of evolution and how species respond to environmental instability tied to climate change.
Túngara frogs exhibit different escape responses when attacked by ground versus aerial predators. They flee from snakes on the ground but move towards bats in the air, effectively undercutting their flight path. This study highlights the flexibility of prey strategies to evade predators with diverse attack modes.
The NIH has launched a multicenter, international clinical trial to investigate the use of statins in reducing major adverse cardiovascular events among people with HIV. The trial aims to inform the best approach to preventing cardiovascular disease in HIV-infected individuals.
Researchers found that crow chicks raised alongside a cuckoo chick begged less intensely than those in nests without any unrelated broods present. Despite this, the young crows ultimately grew bigger than the cuckoos. The study suggests that sharing the nest with a cuckoo may be advantageous for crow chicks.
A small study found distinct patterns of regulatory tags in DNA from fathers' sperm linked to children's early signs of autism. The presence or absence of these tags was statistically related to Autism Observation Scale for Infants scores, suggesting a potential contribution to the condition.
Researchers observed a rapid gas-filled cavity forming within the synovial fluid, causing the distinctive popping sound when cracking knuckles. The findings may lead to new research into the therapeutic benefits and harm of joint cracking, shedding light on potential long-term effects.
A new study of adolescents finds that youth who mentally step back from their thoughts can deal with negative emotions more effectively and become less upset by them. This self-distancing technique was found to be associated with less emotional distress and greater insights into the experience.
Researchers investigate how BAF protein defends against viral DNA attacks, discovering the virus's ability to turn off this key defensive mechanism. This understanding may lead to targeted therapies for viruses that inject DNA into cells.
A new study finds that wind bursts in the western Pacific can significantly impact El Niño events and their severity. The research identifies three distinct varieties of El Niño and explains how westerly wind bursts determine which flavor will occur. This finding could help improve future predictions of these global-scale climate events.
Researchers found that serum glucocorticoid kinase 1 (SGK1) protects brain cells by blocking pathways involved in neurodegeneration and alleviating mitochondrial dysfunction. Increasing SGK1 levels offers a potential therapeutic approach for Parkinson's disease, as naturally occurring levels are not sufficient to promote cell survival.
A new meta-analysis found that preschoolers and school-age children who can identify what others want, think, and feel are more popular in school than their peers. The study also found a weaker link between theory of mind and popularity for boys, highlighting potential gender differences in social interactions.
A team led by Shree K. Nayar has created a fully self-powered video camera that can produce an image each second indefinitely. The camera uses a pixel that measures incident light and converts it into electric power, eliminating the need for a battery.
Researchers at Michigan State University discovered a new switch that regulates plant photosynthesis, allowing for improved efficiency and resilience to environmental stresses. This discovery may aid in developing plants with enhanced productivity and stability, addressing the increasing demand for food and fuel as climate changes.
Scientists have developed a shape-shifting molecule that tricks viruses into mutating themselves to death. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more effective anti-viral treatments.
Researchers used MRI to observe the effects of knuckle cracking on joint cavities, finding a rapid gas-filled cavity formation. The study's findings may pave the way for new research into the potential therapeutic benefits or harms of joint cracking.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a nano-coated mesh that repels oil but allows water to pass through. The mesh has potential applications in cleaning oil spills and tracking oil deposits underground.
Engineers at MIT have devised a formula for estimating how fast a technology is advancing, based on information gleaned from relevant patents. The researchers found that certain metrics across patents, such as forward citations and publication date, are more likely to predict a technology's improvement rate than others.
Research highlights the need for collaboration between the chemical industry and DHS to ensure US chemical facilities' safety and security. The team suggests that communities should develop preparedness plans in anticipation of possible chemical disasters.
A century-old study of 500 young offenders found that only 22% re-offended after release from institutions, compared to 73% today. The research suggests that apprenticeship-type schemes and less serious crimes may have contributed to the lower re-offending rate.
A study found that most partisans prioritize winning elections over policy or ideological goals, leading to increased partisan hostility and uncivil attitudes. The researchers analyzed survey data from the 2010 Cooperative Congressional Election Study and found that loyalty to the party is a primary motivator for many partisans.
A new, non-toxic liquid can create tiny cracks in deep underground rocks to improve power production, reducing water use by half. This environmentally friendly polymer-based fluid also reduces costs and could make unconventional oil and gas recovery more sustainable.
Researchers developed new cell-penetrating peptides with sugar molecules that dissolve easily in water, entering cells more efficiently than standard CPPs and having low toxicity. The team aims to use these CPPs as the basis for safe and efficient drug-delivery methods.
Recent studies show that bird populations are declining in Fukushima, with dramatic decreases in species and numbers, despite a decrease in background radiation levels. The research suggests that exposure to radiation is causing toxic effects, leading to impaired DNA repair capabilities in migratory birds.
Brunel University London is providing a £29,625 grant to train 40 female engineering postgraduates to deliver 'Robo-Code' sessions at secondary schools. The program aims to introduce engineering thinking and computer programming to students, while also engaging girls in STEM subjects.
Researchers found that story details in games are critical to feelings of appreciation, while more meaningful games evoke heightened insights and enrichment. This study encourages game developers to invest in producing games with more interactive and poignant themes.
A recent study published in Science Translational Medicine found that many genetic alterations identified using tumor-only sequencing are not associated with cancer, but rather reflect inherited germline mutations. The study analyzed DNA from 815 patients and found that nearly half of the detected genetic alterations were 'false positi...
A new approach to combating tuberculosis aims to harness the body's natural anti-microbial process, autophagy, to target Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Autophagy is being researched for its potential role in various diseases, including heart disease and neurodegenerative disorders.
Researchers at the University of the Witwatersrand have demonstrated the first observation of angular acceleration in laser light, which can be controlled with a single parameter. This breakthrough could lead to new applications using structured light fields.
Researchers at NIST have developed a precise method to measure the structural configuration of monoclonal antibodies using two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (2D NMR) spectroscopy. This technique allows for high-resolution spectral analysis, enabling the determination of whether protein folding is occurring as desired, and pote...
Researchers validated a previously reported molecular finding on triple negative breast cancer, but found it was limited to a single patient and could not be applied to further clinical work. The study highlights the importance of independent study validation and careful assay development.
Research by UC Berkeley economists finds that limiting CEO stock-based compensation benefits shareholders, while executives may be incentivized through trust-based contracts. The study suggests that government regulation can make executive pay less costly and more effective.
Researchers have linked a new protein, megalin, to aggressive malignant melanoma cells that are more likely to spread. The protein's presence can improve cancer cell division and survival, making it a potential marker for early detection and targeted treatment options.
Researchers at Rice University have discovered a cobalt-based thin film that can produce both hydrogen and oxygen from water to feed fuel cells. The film is highly porous, inexpensive, and scalable, making it a potential alternative to expensive metals like platinum in water-electrolysis devices.
A study published in Medical Care found that nearly 22,400 individuals made healthcare visits within a year before attempting suicide, with 38% making a visit within a week. Racial and ethnic differences were noted, with Asian-Americans being the least likely to make any type of visit before an attempt.
Scientists used tobacco plants with altered defense genes to demonstrate that functional diversity within a species is essential for ecosystem health. The study found that variations in single plant genes can have large effects on whole plant populations, improving their ability to defend themselves against herbivores and other threats.
Researchers have discovered how oxytocin acts on individual brain cells to prompt specific social behaviors. Adding oxytocin to adult mice' brains allowed them to learn and perform social tasks, suggesting potential treatments for social anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.
A multicenter clinical trial launched by Yale University aims to evaluate the effectiveness of personalized medicine in treating metastatic melanoma. The trial will enroll patients lacking a particular genetic mutation and use molecular sequencing techniques to match targeted drugs to unique genetic alterations.
Researchers use laboratory animals with genetic mutations to test existing human drugs, improving metabolism and lifespan. The study sets the stage for potential innovative therapies for mitochondrial disease.
Using data from a citizen science project, researchers created a statistical model that analyzes fungal taxa in dust samples to predict their geographic origin. The model achieved an accuracy rate of about 95%, allowing law enforcement and archaeologists to trace dust samples back to specific locations within the continental US.
A new clinical trial found that early initiation of palliative care significantly improved one-year survival rates among patients with late-stage cancer. Additionally, caregivers experienced reduced depression and stress levels when interventions started earlier in the patient's life.
A recent study found that some e-cigarette flavors contain high levels of chemicals that exceed recommended exposure limits and could be respiratory irritants. The research analyzed 30 products and found that 13 contained flavoring chemicals totaling more than 1% by volume, with some levels reaching as high as 3% by weight.
A study by University of Manchester researchers has identified four subtypes of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) that relate to disease recurrence. Patients with certain tumour characteristics, such as oestrogen receptor and progesterone receptor positivity, are less likely to experience cancer progression, while others are at higher risk.
A University of Missouri researcher found that human perception of environmental damage improves over time, despite little improvement in the environmental conditions. Residents' perceptions of the severity of the beetle kill problem decreased during the study period.
The Capitanian extinction, dated to 262 million years ago, is now recognized as a major extinction event globally, with severe losses in brachiopods at high latitudes and widespread loss of carbonates across the Boreal Realm. This new evidence supports its status as a true mass extinction, updating the 'Big 5' list to the 'Big 6'.
Researchers tracked a critically endangered whale migrating over 14,000 miles from Russia to Mexico, raising questions about its status and potential genetic link to eastern gray whales. The study challenges past assumptions of distinct species and highlights the need for closer examination.
Researchers at the University of Illinois found that BPA exposure can cause reproductive problems in mice for three generations. The study reveals that low doses of BPA can have a profound impact on fertility and pregnancy success, contradicting the common assumption that higher doses are more harmful.
A study by University of Florida researchers found that the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program in Florida led to a 25% decrease in oxycodone-related deaths. The program's database helped healthcare providers monitor controlled substance prescriptions, leading to better prescribing decisions.
A new study reveals that making a Lower Paleolithic hand axe requires complex cognitive control by the prefrontal cortex, including working memory and strategic thinking. The skill of making a hand axe is more complicated than previously thought, involving nuanced technological judgments.
Research suggests BPA can alter a turtle's reproductive system and disrupt sex differentiation, potentially affecting human health. Scientists applied BPA to painted turtle eggs, which then developed with female-like sex organs, rendering them unable to reproduce.
A new study finds that children with mild levels of intellectual disability can recall and provide accurate descriptions of maltreatment experiences. Children with more severe intellectual disabilities can also provide useful information but face challenges in recalling events.
Researchers combined powder diffraction data with electron crystallography to solve modulated structures. The technique provides unprecedented detail down to sub-angstrom resolution, improving the reliability of crystal structure investigation.
Researchers and clinicians can design studies, create personalized treatment plans, and inform medical decisions with accurate genomic data. The NYC-CDRN aggregates over six million patients' medical data to study patterns and trends in cancer across a large patient population.
Researchers developed a new calibration technique for thermoluminescence dating, improving accuracy to within 1% using oxygen and lithium ions. The method employs a pulsed ion beam and a combination of detectors to replicate natural radiation exposure.
A study of over 2.4 million Danish citizens found that depression, type 2 diabetes, or both are associated with a higher risk of dementia. Individuals diagnosed with depression or type 2 diabetes alone have an increased risk, while those with both conditions experience the greatest increase in risk.
Cathleen Crudden, a Canadian scholar at Queen's University, has been awarded the 2015 Killam Research Fellowship. She will support her ongoing project on organically modified metal surfaces for biosensing and beyond. Her research focuses on using boron chemistry to catalyze organic synthesis and materials chemistry.
A team of researchers from Cardiff University used sediment cores to construct records of changing ocean temperature and iceberg activity over the last 400 thousand years. They found that abrupt cooling events were often paired with an increase in iceberg activity, but icebergs arrived too late to have triggered cooling at this site.
A new study found that sound, light, and temperature levels in pediatric hospital wards vary greatly, leading to sleep deprivation and impacting disease recovery and quality of life. The research highlights the need for consistent clinical standards to be developed to improve children's experience and quality of life.
Researchers found female chimps predominantly hunt with tools, using a spear-like tool to capture galagos. This technique may be due to social tolerance and access to prey in the Fongoli savanna habitat.