GCEP has awarded funding to six new projects, including a device that harnesses nighttime radiation and a charcoal-like soil amendment that removes carbon dioxide from the air. These promising technologies have the potential to transform our global energy system in the future, with the aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The octopus genome contains widespread rearrangements of genes and a dramatic expansion of genes involved in neuronal development. The research also found novel genes that may be responsible for the creature's unique camouflage abilities.
A UBC study suggests targeting healthy cells around tumors to stop brain cancer from spreading. The research team found that glioma cells can hijack astrocytes, regulating their environment to stimulate tumor growth and invasion.
A team of scientists has discovered a method to produce valuable organic molecules from calcium carbide, a previously overlooked small molecule. The process eliminates the need for acetylene gas, a hazardous substance, and offers a safer, more sustainable alternative.
Sand fleas change color to match their surroundings, a remarkable adaptation to evade shorebirds and crabs. The research used cutting-edge camera technology to simulate the view of predatory birds, showing that individual animals can tune their camouflage.
NASA satellite data revealed towering thunderstorms in Hurricane Hilda dropping heavy rainfall, with storms north of the eye releasing over 5.9 inches of rain per hour. The storm's cloud tops reached altitudes of over 10 miles, indicating powerful weather conditions.
The researchers will investigate how variability in neuronal responses contributes to learning and performance in motor tasks. By understanding this connection, they aim to uncover the fundamental mechanisms underlying neural variability and its role in brain function.
A new study demonstrates postmenopausal women's willingness to use vaginal estrogen (VE) to alleviate painful intercourse and vaginal dryness, with benefits comparable to or exceeding systemic hormone therapy. The study suggests that VE may be a viable solution for certain urogenital problems in menopausal women.
A new study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine has found that tumor cells associated with pancreatic cancer often behave like communities, working together to increase tumor spread and growth. The research suggests that interactions between subpopulations of tumor cell types contribute to metastatic progression.
A new study by the National Institutes of Health found no significant differences in birth complications between fetal ECG monitoring and traditional heart rate monitoring during labor. Infants in ECG-monitored groups were slightly more likely to have low Apgar scores, but overall outcomes remained unchanged.
Researchers used seismometers to study Peruvian flat slab subduction, revealing its structure and evolution over time. The team found the angle of subduction is shallowest near the Nazca Ridge, where the plate sinks 90 km down before flattening out.
The Toxoplasma parasite's ability to infect and grow within various cell types is attributed to its broad culinary tastes. However, this adaptability comes at the cost of energy expenditure. Researchers have identified a critical enzyme, TgFBP2, that plays a crucial role in the parasite's survival.
Research on Mount Kinabalu in Malaysian Borneo found that most endemic species are younger than the mountain itself and have evolved to adapt to cooler conditions. The study revealed two groups of unique species, with some originating from far-away areas and others evolving from local species.
The larger Pacific striped octopus exhibits unusual hunting tactics, displaying subtle tap-like movements to startle prey. It also displays high levels of sociality, forming groups of up to 40 individuals and engaging in cooperative behaviors such as sharing meals.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 32 studies found that male doctors are more likely to have legal action taken against them. The researchers analyzed data from over 4 million cases of medico-legal action and found consistent differences between sexes across various years and study types.
Researchers have identified a novel virulence factor that could be ripe for drug development, targeting the electron transport process in TB. The discovery of MenJ, a gene essential for the organism's proliferation, offers hope for rapid treatment of the disease.
Researchers discovered that treating tumors with chemotherapy can trigger a response in the immune system, leading to tumor growth. By combining chemotherapy with an immune-blocking drug, they found that this response could be slowed, potentially preventing tumor regrowth.
The sunshield on NASA's James Webb Space Telescope is the largest part of the observatory, separating a warm sun-facing side from a cold environment to protect sensitive infrared instruments. The precise unfolding of the five-layer sunshield must be accurate within a few centimeters to maintain alignment and operate effectively.
A new study in the Journal of International Marketing found that companies need both planning and improvisation in their export decisions. Improvisation is a prevalent method of decision-making in exporting, but there is no one 'best way' to make effective export decisions.
Researchers at the University of Otago discovered that a normal cell process called autophagy is deregulated in diabetic hearts, leading to progressive loss of cardiac cells and cardiac dysfunction. Targeting the Beclin-1 protein presents an promising avenue for new treatments of diabetes-related cardiac disease.
Researchers observed beak-to-beak mating, den co-occupancy, and extended spawning in captive adult Larger Pacific Striped Octopuses, supporting previously recorded anecdotes. These findings provide insight into the behavior of this species, which remains undescribed.
A study by C. Page Moreau and Marit Gundersen Engeset found that adults' creativity suffers when given well-defined problems to solve, such as building with Legos. This can lead to a reliance on routine tasks and decreased performance on subsequent creative tasks.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE suggests that the Cape Parrot should be classified as a distinct species due to its genetically distinct markers. The research analyzed DNA samples from five Poicephalus species and found that the Cape Parrot shares common ancestry with other subspecies only at around 2 million years ago.
A study found that racial and gender differences affect 9-1-1 call use for strokes, with white women being the most likely to use EMS transport. Research analyzed data from nearly 400,000 stroke patients, revealing variations in 9-1-1 usage among different racial and ethnic groups.
A new study published in Journal of Hepatology found that women with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) are at a higher risk of hepatobiliary cancer and immune-mediated diseases later in life. ICP affects nearly 0.4-1.5% of pregnancies and is characterized by itching, elevated serum bile acids, and/or liver enzymes.
Researchers have identified a bacterial enzyme called NicA2 that breaks down nicotine in blood samples within 30 minutes. The enzyme also remained stable for several days and showed no observable side effects in mice, suggesting its potential as a new approach to help smokers quit.
A study found that leaner children consume more polyunsaturated fatty acids, leading to improved body composition. The research suggests a link between PUFA consumption and reduced body fat and abdominal adiposity in diverse groups of children.
Researchers at Michigan State University developed a targeted brain game that helps people focus and reduces anxiety. The study found that anxious college students who completed the game task showed improved concentration and lessened anxiety after being distracted.
Scientists have developed a biodegradable nanogenerator made with DNA that can capture and convert everyday motion into electrical power. The flexible device has been successfully tested, lighting up multiple LEDs with gentle tapping, and offers a promising solution for reducing e-waste and increasing portable electronics' battery life.
A new study from the American Marketing Association suggests that paying off small debts first can provide a significant motivation boost, leading to faster completion of even the most burdensome tasks. By focusing on smaller victories, individuals may be able to overcome procrastination and tackle larger goals with renewed energy.
The UCLA division of geriatrics has received a $2.5 million grant to enhance geriatric education, training and workforce development in Riverside County. The program, called PICATE, will establish new interprofessional curricula for students training in medical, nursing, social work and allied health fields.
The Genetics Society of America is a founding member of the Plant Science Research Network, which aims to unite the plant science community and promote collaborative research. The network will support new collaborations, foster data exchange standards, and prepare graduate students for diverse careers.
A new study suggests that well-specified contracts are effective in reducing violations on the part of the buyer only if they are from highly globalized countries or have low-risk business environments. Contract monitoring can help mitigate negative influences of contract violation on relationship performance.
A recent study by Fen Wang and Wallace McKeehan reveals that errors in FGF transmission can activate dormant stem cells, leading to cancer. The research supports the existing theory that cancer is a stem cell disease and holds promise for future cancer therapies.
The wild boar population in Europe has been constantly growing since the 1980s, primarily driven by climate change. Mild winters lead to a sharp increase in population growth, as thermoregulation becomes less of an issue, allowing for more energy available for reproduction and offspring survival.
Researchers investigating care structures for Kenyan orphans find institutionalized children are healthier than those living with family members. The new study will determine the causes of this disparity and assess cost-effectiveness of different care models.
Researchers from OIST, University of Chicago, and UC Berkeley sequence and analyze the first cephalopod genome, unlocking secrets of octopus's intelligent behavior and extraordinary features. The study sheds light on the evolution of cephalopods and their brain development, potentially inspiring robots that can explore the ocean floor.
A new study provides more accurate estimates of worldwide mercury pollution, revealing Asia produces over double the previous estimated amount. The research uses a top-down approach combining measured air concentrations with a global simulation to calculate mercury emissions, improving estimates and refining pollution-control strategies.
Researchers found that nearly 30% of reproductive-age women experienced chronic or cyclic pelvic pain, with endometriosis women reporting higher levels of pain. Physicians may want to ask patients about pain during routine visits, and women should inform their doctors about any pain they're experiencing.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a method for addressing individual neutral atoms using laser light, enabling the creation of quantum computers. The technique allows for precise control over qubits and enables quantum computing applications such as factoring large numbers used in secure codes.
Researchers have discovered a new pathway to construct carbon-oxygen bonds using a light-activated catalyst, expanding nickel chemistry's potential impact on pharmaceuticals and agriculture. The breakthrough overcomes previous challenges with traditional nickel catalysis.
Researchers found nearly 40% of type 2 diabetes patients with stable heart disease had abnormal troponin levels, indicating ongoing heart injury. Coronary revascularization did not lower troponin levels or reduce risk in these patients.
Researchers tracked foodborne illness outbreaks using social media, finding that online reviews of restaurants and businesses can aid traditional surveillance systems. Meanwhile, statisticians analyzed social media data after Typhoon Haiyan to develop best practices for emergency response.
A newly discovered brain network, the Parietal Memory Network (PMN), processes incoming information based on its familiarity. Activity in this network decreases when encountering a new stimulus and increases when recognizing a familiar face or object.
Researchers found that polychaete worms near volcanic vents in Mediterranean waters exhibit brooding behavior, producing larger eggs and adapting to harsh conditions. This adaptation may help species cope with increasing carbon dioxide levels in the sea.
The European Union is funding a research structure concept called ELYSION to advance electroconversion and electroactive materials in Mainz. The lab will focus on sustainable methods of synthesizing materials and chemical compounds using electricity as a catalyst.
Researchers found that male elephant seals recognize and respond differently to the distinctive calls of their rivals, using this 'voice recognition' to avoid physical confrontations. This unique communication system allows males to conserve energy and reduce conflicts during breeding season.
Researchers are developing child-sized exoskeletons that will be customized and designed to grow as the child grows, helping them walk independently. The devices aim to ease conditions such as skeletal deformities caused by immobile bodies, while also being fun and interactive for children.
Despite claims by Susan Greenfield that intense internet use harms adolescent brains, experts warn that there is currently no evidence to support these claims. Research suggests that social networking sites can enhance friendships and relationships, while computer games do not lead to impulsiveness or aggression.
Most antidepressant efficacy studies (AETs) now exclude a significant proportion of depressed patients, including those with comorbid psychiatric disorders and low rating scale scores. This trend suggests that AETs may be even less generalizable than previously thought, limiting their applicability to real-world populations.
A team of computer scientists found that mass extinctions can speed up evolution in robots, leading to more efficient and creative problem-solving. The study, published in PLOS ONE, used simulations to demonstrate how extinction events promote the emergence of novel features and abilities.
A statistical model predicts NFL teams' play-calling tendency with high accuracy, allowing casual fans and coaches to anticipate opponent's next play. The model achieved an average prediction accuracy of 75% in testing, with some games showing as high as 91.6% correct predictions.
A recent study published in Pediatrics found that adult IQ of very premature babies can be predicted when they are just two years old. The research team led by Professor Dieter Wolke assessed 200 children born with low birth weight or very premature birth and compared their cognitive function to a control group of full-term babies.
Researchers at KU Leuven found a molecular switch that controls how the brain compensates for vision loss, with implications for sensory prosthetics and patient recovery. In adult mice, this cross-modal neuroplasticity is triggered by both eyes and whiskers, but in adolescents, only one eye takes over.
A study by Northwestern University researchers found an intrinsic biological difference in the molecular regulation of synapses in the hippocampus between males and females. The drug URB-597 increased inhibitory effect in females, causing a decrease in neurotransmitter release, but had no effect in males.
Researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University developed a novel DNA/RNA heteroduplex oligonucleotide (HDO) that significantly improves gene silencing and reduces liver dysfunction. The high potency of vitamin E-conjugated HDO results in improved delivery to the liver, leading to enhanced therapeutic effects.
The NSF's EPSCoR program has made eight awards, totaling $42 million, aimed at fostering research collaborations among investigators and institutions across 12 states. The projects focus on developing innovative tools for brain imaging, decoding, and modulation, as well as exploring sustainable energy and water management technologies.
Researchers from ETH Zurich have determined the structure of a flippase, PglK, that flips lipid-linked oligosaccharides, revealing a novel mechanism. The discovery sheds light on fundamental biological processes and may lead to therapeutic approaches for diseases associated with glycosylation disorders.
Scientists have found a way to detect internal damage in Utah's natural arches that could lead to their collapse. A study also reveals how a 16th-century Italian earthquake changed the course of the Po River over thousands of years. Researchers explore the effects of smaller rivers from Canada's Arctic islands on the North Atlantic.
The University of South Florida (USF) and the cancer advocacy organization FORCE will advance a clinical research network focused on hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. The project aims to improve health outcomes for patients by leveraging large volumes of health data, enabling quicker and less expensive clinical research.