A new parent-led therapy, PASS, has been successfully tested in India and Pakistan, showing improved interaction between autistic children and their parents. The study, funded by Autism Speaks, adapted a UK therapy method to address language and cultural differences in lower-income countries.
Researchers found schreibersite, an iron-nickel phosphide mineral, could provide phosphate essential for prebiotic molecules. The mineral's phosphorylation reaction with early Earth water likely played a role in the emergence of metabolic molecules.
The study found that the net fiscal redistribution from the non-refugee population to refugees in Sweden corresponded to 1.0 percent of Swedish GDP in 2007. This is due to lower public per capita revenues from refugees compared to the total population, largely attributed to their lower employment rate.
A study by Friederike Range and colleagues found that dogs donated food to familiar partners more often than to unfamiliar ones. The researchers also discovered that the degree of familiarity among the dogs influenced this behavior, with prosocial behavior exhibited less frequently towards unfamiliar dogs.
Researchers found that coral communities on most of the reefs had recovered rapidly from a major bleaching event. However, reefs dominated by branching and table corals are vulnerable to higher sea surface temperatures, threatening their growth potential.
Researchers at Oxford's NQIT Hub develop a hybrid logic gate using calcium-40 and -43 ions, demonstrating precision beyond the fault-tolerant threshold. This achievement advances the development of trapped-ion quantum computing and its potential to solve complex problems in chemistry and biology.
Astronomers have discovered a planetary system with an enormous planet sandwiched between a Sun-like star and a dwarf star. The planet's massive eccentric orbit indicates gravitational influence from the dwarf star, leading to Kozai oscillations that cause it to 'dance' between the two stars.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have created flexible, wire-shaped microsupercapacitors that can be woven into garments to power wearable electronics. The capacitors increase energy density and capacitance by coating a titanium wire with aligned carbon nanotubes, allowing for more efficient charging and discharging.
Research by James Cook University scientists found a ketogenic diet reduces animal behaviors resembling schizophrenia, potentially providing an alternative energy source and circumventing cellular energy pathways. The diet has also been shown to lead to weight loss and lower blood glucose levels in mice.
Three new species of fishing snakes were identified in the Andean cloud forests of Amazonian Ecuador and Peru, with differences found in scale features, male sexual organs, and DNA. The discovery expands the Synophis genus to eight members and highlights the biodiversity hotspot in western South America.
Scientists uncover network of genes controlling puberty onset, discovering repressors that delay puberty. The study may help develop new treatments for precocious puberty and understand the impact of environmental factors on early puberty onset.
A recent study from New York University has revealed a new mechanism to curb the activation of T helper 17 (Th17) cells, which play key roles in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. The researchers discovered that a specific enzyme called DDX5 must first unfurl a snippet of genetic material called Rmrp to activate Th17 cells.
Researchers at UMMS have identified a new life cycle stage in HIV infection, dubbed intra-nuclear migration, which relies on human protein CPSF6 to guide the virus through the host cell's nucleus. This phase was previously unappreciated and sheds light on early events of HIV infection.
A study published in PLOS ONE analyzed the clicks of Mediterranean sperm whales and found that most individuals range from 7.5 to 14 meters in length, with a peak range of 9-12 meters likely corresponding to adult females or young males
Researchers have made direct observations of the Greenland Ice Sheet's reduction and melting over the past 110 years. The study reveals that some areas have lost considerable amounts of ice during the twentieth century, with mass loss along the southeastern and northwestern coast contributing significantly to global sea level rise.
The Montefiore Einstein Center for Cancer Care has received a $1.18 million NIH grant to train surgical residents as researcher-surgeons, focusing on tumor microenvironment and novel targets. The program aims to equip future surgeon-scientists with the skills needed to succeed in cancer research.
Overweight and obesity are strong predictors of metabolic syndrome in menopausal women. Women who experienced menopause during the study had a higher risk if they were overweight or obese, with risks increasing by up to 12 times for those who were obese.
UTSA will create the PIVOT program to increase student engagement, retention and graduation. The program aims to support six goals, including increasing associate's degree completion and bachelor's degree graduation among specific student populations.
Lakes are warming at an average rate of 0.34 degrees Celsius per decade, posing significant threats to drinking water and aquatic habitats. The study predicts a 20% increase in algal blooms and a 5% rise in toxic algae, with methane emissions projected to rise by 4% over the next decade.
Cancer cells use nanoscale bridges to communicate with healthy cells, leading to metastasis. Researchers discovered that disrupting these bridges can prevent cancer cell spread using pharmacological agents.
Researchers from California and Saudi Arabia found that nearly 40% of red palm weevils flew more than 10 kilometers, with some reaching distances of up to 50 kilometers in just 24 hours. The study provides valuable insights into the flight capabilities of these pests.
A recent study in Nature estimates the Greenland Ice Sheet's mass loss since the start of the 20th century, providing insights into how global warming affects sea levels. UB geologist Beata Csatho emphasizes the need for more research to understand the ice sheet's past behavior and its future evolution.
A team of scientists has discovered a way to control ultraviolet light emission from a complex oxide material by adding a water molecule to its surface. This discovery enables the potential for improving chemical sensors, computing, and information storage.
A Dartmouth study sheds light on how winds blowing across lakes affect the chemical makeup of water vapor above and evaporated from lakes. The research provides new insights into the hydrological cycle under changing climate conditions.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool identified allantoin, a common skin care ingredient, as a compound that can mimic the life-extending effect of calorie restriction in worms by over 20%. This discovery could lead to the development of new human therapies for age-related diseases.
The American Gastroenterological Association has released six clinical practice guidelines for common gastrointestinal conditions. The guidelines recommend budesonide for microscopic colitis treatment and suggest selectively using antibiotics in acute diverticulitis management. AGA also advises against upper GI biopsies in immunocompro...
A new study reveals that divorce rates in sub-Saharan Africa have decreased over the past two decades, primarily due to older unions becoming more stable. The research found that as women enter into marriages at an older age, the likelihood of marriage breakdown decreases, resulting in fewer divorces.
A new University of Sydney study reveals that recreational drug use among young people is a significant harm with potentially lethal consequences. Males under 30 are at greatest risk, with stimulants being the most commonly linked substance to recreational poisonings.
Researchers at Oxford University are exploring the link between metabolism and inflammation in metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The projects aim to deliver effective treatments and prevention strategies, addressing a global health problem affecting over 400 million people worldwide.
A recent study at Houston Methodist Hospital showed that multiple small doses of highly focused radiation therapy is more effective and safer than a single larger dose in destroying pituitary gland tumors. The findings support the use of fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT) as a best practice for treating slow-growing pituitar...
Researchers successfully stabilized hydrogen in a high-temperature environment, revealing anomalies in its phase transition. This breakthrough may lead to a deeper understanding of gas giants like Jupiter and Saturn, as well as the potential synthesis of room-temperature superconductive materials.
Tropical Storm Melor weakened as it moved through the Philippines, with NASA's Aqua satellite capturing an image of the storm on Dec. 16. The storm's center was difficult to pinpoint due to strong wind shear, which affected its rotation and movement.
The UK and Singapore are collaborating on six joint research projects to develop new cybersecurity solutions, with a focus on enhancing system resilience. The projects aim to improve the detection of cyber threats and create more robust systems for critical infrastructure.
Researchers found that diet-induced obesity mice eating a low-fat diet for eight weeks followed by just one week of high-fat diet had improved sleep profiles compared to those maintaining the high-fat diet. The findings suggest that changes in weight are more important than body weight itself in regulating sleep.
Researchers found that children who experienced a mix of positive and negative events, but particularly those with strong familial support, aged more successfully. These 'cherished' children formed supportive relationships, had greater life satisfaction, and experienced better aging outcomes.
A Georgetown University Medical Center researcher is leading a multi-institutional effort to investigate the causes of rising drug-resistant malaria parasites. The study aims to understand molecular mechanisms responsible for this increasing resistance and develop new therapies.
Astronomers at the University of New South Wales have discovered three potentially habitable planets around a nearby red dwarf star called Wolf 1061. The middle planet, Wolf 1061c, is located within the Goldilocks zone and may be able to support liquid water and life.
Researchers at Rockefeller University found that mRNA components are expressed unevenly, with some regions carrying coding sequences and others not. This skewed expression may regulate protein production, particularly during embryonic development, and could provide new insights into gene function.
A study published in Pediatric Obesity found that waiting 30 seconds between bites of food can help children realize they're no longer hungry and prevent overeating. The slow eating approach resulted in significant weight loss among participants, with some students losing up to 5.7% of their initial weight after six months.
The special issue of Current Opinion in Neurobiology delves into various aspects of brain plasticity, from language development at birth to cognitive flexibility associated with bilingualism. The journal features expert reviews that connect different fields of research and explore the role of artificial intelligence.
A recent study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that levels of tooth loss are linearly associated with increasing death rates among coronary heart disease patients. Patients with no teeth had a nearly double risk of death compared to those with all their teeth.
A new study uses laser-based measurements to estimate carbon dioxide emissions from tropical peatland fires, revealing that the amount of CO2 released depends on previous fire history. The research provides valuable insights into the devastating impact of climate change on global warming.
The Quebec law allows medical aid in dying only for people at end-of-life, with a prognosis of six months or less left to the physician's judgment. Vulnerable groups, such as those with depression, may be disproportionately affected by this restrictive approach.
A study analyzing over 1,000 headshots of department leaders at top US medical institutions reveals women are underrepresented in leadership roles. Women make up only 13% of department leader positions, despite efforts to address gender disparities.
A new study by TSRI scientists suggests a potent new therapeutic approach for hard-to-treat breast cancers, targeting the enzyme casein kinase 1´ (CK1´), which is overexpressed in many breast cancer types. The study found that a highly selective and potent CK1´ inhibitor, SR-3029, triggers rapid tumor cell death.
Researchers have discovered that aphids deplete all the amino acids in sugary sap they consume and then break them down to build essential amino acids from scratch. This process allows the insects to survive on an unbalanced diet, similar to other animals with gut microbes or symbionts that provide additional nutrition.
Physicists at NIST have performed logic operations with two atoms of different elements, a hybrid design that could be an advantage in large computers and networks. The experiment demonstrates the feasibility of mixed-atom gates, which rely on entangling ions using custom traps and laser beams.
A new longitudinal study found that teaching soft skills to high-risk children significantly reduces criminal and delinquent problems later in life. The study, which followed 445 children over several years, found that training in self-control and social skills accounted for a significant portion of the program's long-term benefits.
UCSB researchers are working on developing next-generation materials and design systems with $6 million in National Science Foundation funding. They aim to create higher-performance aircraft engines and more efficient natural gas-based power plants.
Researchers have discovered six new African frog species and added back one previously lost, increasing the known number of clawed frog species from 22 to 29. The discovery highlights striking new characteristics and sheds light on evolution through DNA analysis.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University's Zuckerberg Institute found that treated greywater is safe for irrigation and does not pose a risk for gastrointestinal illness or water-related diseases. The study compared the health risks of greywater users to those using tap water, finding no significant differences.
Researchers found children with ADHD struggle to pay attention and make impulsive decisions while crossing roads on bicycles, putting them at risk of accidents. The study suggests teaching children to look for longer gaps between cars can help compensate for timing deficits.
A study found that women account for 13% of department leader positions, while moustachioed men account for 19%. The researchers suggest policies like family benefits and flexible scheduling to increase women in leadership without discriminating against men with facial hair.
A special collection examines the evolution and function of play using computational and mathematical models. The research reveals insights into factors predicting play dynamics, occurrence, and trajectory in animals.
Researchers developed molecular prosthetics that can detect complex signals in the immune system to suppress inflammatory responses. The prosthetics were implanted into mice and successfully treated psoriasis, providing a potential early-warning system for prevention.
A Scripps Research Institute scientist has been awarded $2 million to investigate the impact of aging on a unique type of nerve cell involved in memory. The study aims to understand how gene expression changes with age and may lead to the development of novel therapeutics for age-related diseases.
Using 20 years of fMRI data, researchers found that cognitive function and abstract thought exist as an agglomeration of many cortical sources. They developed a geometry-based method to analyze brain activity, revealing a hierarchy of abstraction related to the connectome structure of the whole human brain.
Researchers have developed a metamaterial that can more than double the resolution of acoustic imaging, focus acoustic waves, and control angles. This breakthrough has potential applications in medical diagnostics and structural integrity testing.
A new study by Stanford researchers suggests that earthquakes triggered by human activity follow several indicative patterns that could help scientists distinguish them from naturally occurring temblors. The likelihood of large-magnitude manmade, or "induced," earthquakes increases over time, independent of the previous seismicity rate.
A team from Osaka University successfully detected magnetic fluctuations using pure spin current, which can probe spin properties in a sensitive manner without net charge current. This discovery could lead to the development of more efficient and low-energy consumption electronic devices.
Research reveals that grassland soil microbial communities exhibit seasonal responses to temperature and precipitation changes, with warming treatments having a limited impact. The study highlights the importance of long-term research to understand the effects of climate change on these critical ecosystems.
Researchers found small, well-preserved seed embryos in fossil seeds dating back to the Early Cretaceous, supporting the idea that early angiosperms were small opportunistic colonizers. The tiny embryo size suggests that seed dormancy allowed these early plants to survive harsh conditions.
Epilepsy is responsible for more US deaths than sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or fires, with over 2,750 cases of sudden unexpected death due to epilepsy annually. The disorder affects individuals over 65 years old, with a significant risk of sudden death and underreporting on death certificates.
A study by Deakin University researchers found that little penguins associate with each other to hunt schooling prey, despite not being more successful individually. The birds may trade off solo hunting benefits for improved prey detection and avoidance of predation.
A recent study published in Oncogene reveals that alterations in an intermediate molecule called RNA can lead to protein mutations without DNA damage. This discovery highlights the importance of RNA editing enzyme ADAR1 in regulating gene expression and contributing to tumor growth.
A recent study published in Nature finds a sharp decline in the association of plant and animal species over the last 6,000 years. This shift is attributed to human population growth and agricultural practices, which have led to changes in ecological conditions.
Harvard Medical School scientists developed a computational technique to analyze mouse movements, organizing them into distinct pose sequences with their own syllables and grammar. This breakthrough solves the problem of objectively studying complex animal behavior without human observers.
Researchers from the University of Otago and Japan found that administering ghrelin daily improved blood flow in affected limbs, promoting new blood vessel growth and cell survival. This suggests a potential new treatment for critical limb ischemia, an advanced form of peripheral artery disease.
Researchers at USC Eye Institute and Viterbi School of Engineering developed a new method to create focused spots of light, improving vision quality for individuals with retinitis pigmentosa. Longer pulse durations allow patients to see sharper images, boosting their sense of independence and confidence.
A global challenge is launched to discover new carbon-bearing minerals, with an estimated 145 yet-to-be-described minerals waiting discovery. Researchers believe most of these minerals will be hydrous carbonates, potentially making them challenging for collectors to find.
A new study predicts that climate change will lead to a doubling of severe algal blooms in Lake Erie over the next 100 years. The study suggests that reducing nutrient inputs may not be enough to prevent these blooms, which could have devastating impacts on the region's drinking water and tourism industries.
The Deep Knowledge Life Sciences (DKLS) investment fund will invest in companies with breakthrough technologies, focusing on genetics of age-related diseases, oncology, and regenerative medicine. DKLS will combine AI insights from VITAL with top-level expertise to create analyses and treatments for diseases while de-risking investments.
A mathematical model developed by Duke researchers suggests that active surveillance could be a viable alternative to surgery and radiation for select patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). The study found that older women and those with serious health problems may benefit from delayed treatment, while younger women may not. Th...
A team of scientists has discovered a mechanism by which tumor cells elevate levels of MDM4, a protein highly expressed in cancer cells. Targeting MDM4 abundance with antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) impairs tumour growth and increases cell death, offering a promising clinically-compatible therapeutic target for various cancers.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University found that habitat characteristics explain differences in immune defense traits of frogs between populations. Microbiome differences and altered natural peptide secretions may alter the amphibian's immune defense capabilities. The study suggests that land use changes can influence animal t...
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have identified the stem cells that develop into the blood vessels within the kidney, a critical step toward growing replacement kidneys. By understanding how these vessels form and function, scientists may be able to create functional organs for patients in need.
A new species of 'sail-backed' dinosaur, Morelladon beltrani, has been found in Spain with notable features such as tall neural spines on vertebrae. The discovery sheds light on the diverse iguanodontoid fauna of southern Europe during the late Barremian period.
New research suggests that low-dose aspirin should be given prophylactically to all women at high risk of preeclampsia, which affects 3-7% of births in the US. The approach could reduce morbidity, save lives and lower healthcare costs.
Recent studies conclude that people with epilepsy have a 27-fold greater risk of sudden death than those without the disorder. Improved cause-of-death reporting and public education could prevent thousands of deaths annually.
A study found that chronically lonely adolescents interpret social inclusion as coincidental and social exclusion as personal failure, leading to increased emotional distress. These self-defeating interpretations can perpetuate loneliness, making it harder for them to take advantage of opportunities for social inclusion.
Children who suffer from clinical depression as preschoolers have abnormally developed gray matter, affecting emotion regulation and brain maturation. The study found a steeper drop-off in gray matter volume and thickness with increasing depression severity.
Phytoplankton play a crucial role in the ocean's food web and contribute to climate change by removing carbon from the atmosphere. Research reveals complex patterns of response to changing variables like nutrients, light, and ocean stratification, with predictions that global phytoplankton production will decrease.
A longitudinal study in Norway found that children with ADHD exhibit poorer social functioning and are more likely to be rejected by peers. The study suggests a reciprocal relationship between ADHD symptoms and peer rejection, where both can influence each other's development. However, the effects of peer rejection on ADHD symptoms dec...
A team of scientists has discovered that strong medieval earthquakes in Nepal triggered massive debris flows that reshaped the landscape over a distance of more than 60 kilometers. The study used 14C radiocarbon dating to determine the timing of sediment deposits and found that they coincide with documented large earthquakes in the reg...
Five new research centres will explore how mathematics and statistics can help clinicians tackle serious health challenges. The centres will develop new tools from predictive mathematical models to enable earlier diagnosis of chronic diseases.
Researchers at the University of Warwick have discovered that plants can predict when they'll be infected with a fungal pathogen and increase their resistance levels accordingly. The key finding is a single protein called JAZ6, which connects the plant clock to its immune system.
Researchers at NIPS found that mutual gaze synchronizes spontaneous brain activity in interacting parties, indicating its importance in social interactions. The study used functional magnetic resonance imaging to monitor brain activity during sustained eye contact.
Researchers warn of declining crop production in the US Midwest, with global implications, and propose a coordinated field research network to gather precise data on crop performance and management practices.
Researchers discovered a bacterium that can use direct uptake of electrons from an electrode to fuel its metabolic pathway. This finding suggests the existence of electro-ecosystems, where microorganisms sustain life by electrical current, not relying on inorganic substances or light.
Manylabs, a non-profit organization, has opened an open science workspace in San Francisco, offering a collaborative environment for scientists, educators, and innovators. The facility provides lab benches, tools, and prototyping materials, as well as a sunny open office and rooftop sensor test range.
The ESMO Asia 2015 Congress brought together cancer experts to discuss the latest treatment solutions and patient care. Researchers presented promising findings on immunotherapy and targeted therapy for difficult-to-treat head-and-neck cancers, as well as combination therapies for endocrine-resistant breast cancer.
A new, inexpensive, and quick method for detecting tuberculosis has been devised, using a nucleic acid amplification test on disposable electrochemical sensors. The modified test, which involves a colorimetric assay that changes to blue if the infection is present, can be performed with minimal equipment and expertise.
Researchers found that children from low-income environments are at a higher risk of neurological impairment than those from more economically secure circumstances. The study suggests that maternal stress hormones during pregnancy and maltreatment may contribute to this increased risk.
The FORTIS sounding rocket will study the properties of galaxy NGC 1365, also known as the Great Barred Spiral Galaxy. Scientists aim to quantify how much material is flowing in and out of the galaxy by analyzing light emitted and absorbed by different types of hydrogen.
A study of 30 patients found that surgery effectively controlled hypercalcemia, normalized parathyroid hormone levels, and improved bone density. In contrast, medication only controlled excess calcium in 67% of cases, with no effect on PTH or slowing the decline in bone density.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in protein structure prediction and design, enabling the creation of new proteins with unprecedented accuracy. By leveraging computational design and collaborative efforts, scientists can now devise amino acid sequences that fold into novel structures, far surpassing what is predicted to ...
A study found that common CF screening tests do not adequately cover genetic variants present in non-white populations, leading to late diagnoses and poorer outcomes. The researchers recommend expanding testing to include more diverse genetic analysis methods to address this disparity.
Researchers at New York University found that individuals with autism have unstable blood vessels, disrupting brain function and circulation. The study identified a correlation between angiogenesis and neurogenesis, potentially leading to novel therapeutic interventions.
Icequakes in Arctic glaciers may help predict future ice flow and sea level rise. New research finds that the Sabatier process can create life at cooler temperatures than previously thought.
A study of 235 lakes across six continents found that they are warming at an average rate of 0.61 degrees Fahrenheit per decade, outpacing ocean and atmospheric warming rates. This rapid warming can lead to increased algal blooms, reduced oxygen levels, and changes in aquatic life.
According to the American Heart Association's 2016 statistics update, cardiovascular disease is the top killer in both the US and globally. Key risk factors include hypertension, obesity, and diabetes, which contribute to an estimated one in three deaths in the US in 2013.
A new study by UTSA professor Max Kilger delves into the human component of cybersecurity, highlighting the unique motivations of cyberterrorists. The research reveals that financial gain is a primary motivator for these attacks, making them a significant and growing threat.
A study by Tohoku University researchers has clarified how external driving forces, such as magnetic fields and electric currents, affect magnetic structures. The findings suggest that the actions of these forces on the structure are fundamentally different.
A recent study found that widespread tree mortality from mountain pine beetles can reduce water availability due to increased evaporation, rather than increasing streamflow. This challenges previous assumptions and offers new insights for managing healthier forests that are more resistant to drought.
A new cellular structure responsible for previously unexplained rejection of organ transplants has been identified. Researchers have found a way to neutralize the enzyme driver of this structure, which could revolutionize transplantation practice by modifying risk assessment of rejection.
A study from the University of California, Davis found that 'cleared' abandoned ski runs consistently recovered to blend in with surrounding forests, while 'graded' runs showed stunted recovery. The study highlights the need for active restoration of abandoned graded ski slopes to protect water quality.
Researchers from Cardiff University and Charles Owen Inc. have developed a novel 3D-printed material called C3, which can improve the safety of athletes and others by better absorbing and dissipating impact. The material has been awarded $250,000 to further develop its potential.
A new study investigates the relationships between genetic background, physical activity level, and lifespan. The findings reveal that same genetic factors affect physical activity level, aerobic capacity, and lifespan in both animal models and human twins. Voluntary running improved glucose metabolism but did not increase lifespan in ...
A national survey found that men rank getting help from friends and family as highly important for addressing depression symptoms, with a score of 7.7 on an importance scale. In contrast, women prefer professional counseling more highly. Experts emphasize the need to overcome barriers and promote trustworthy mental health resources.
Archaeologists uncover skeletal remains, swords and spearheads from 55 BC battle, confirming Caesar's presence on Dutch soil. The discovery highlights the brutal suppression of two Germanic tribes by Roman general Julius Caesar.
An international team of scientists discovered that fewer landslides occurred after the 2015 Nepal earthquake than initially thought. The research used satellite imaging to analyze the region and found no large floods from overflowing glacial lakes.
A study published in The BMJ found that Americans do not have better teeth than the English, with higher rates of missing teeth and poorer oral health reporting. The US also experiences wider educational and income-related oral health inequalities compared to England.
LGBT migrants who obtained refuge or asylum in the US or Canada report extensive recollections of abuse by parents, peers, and school personnel. They experienced severe and prolonged verbal, physical, and sexual abuse throughout childhood and adolescence, with few resources available to them.
Scientists at PTB have successfully measured the anomalous velocity in a GaAs semiconductor with sub-picosecond time resolution, providing new insights into its microscopic origins and potential applications. The study enables the distinction between intrinsic and extrinsic contributions to the anomaly.
A small study found that watching horror movies significantly increased blood coagulant factor VIII levels in young and healthy adults, suggesting a physiological response to fear. The researchers argue that this increase is an evolutionary adaptation to prepare the body for blood loss during life-threatening situations.
Researchers found that increasing energy expenditure with brown or brite/beige fat cells could be an effective way to fight obesity. The study suggests harnessing the body's natural mechanism of converting white fat cells into beige fat cells by using heat production and increasing the sympathetic nervous system's supply of blood vessels.
A recent study published in Human Relations found that Santa Claus performers experience unease and threat due to the cultural re-association of the character with exploitative male sexuality. To address this, performers engage in self-management techniques, including having female staff present, to maintain the character's innocence.
A new coaching program at Northwestern University is boosting the persistence of underrepresented minority and female Ph.D. students towards academic careers. The program, which includes guidance from diverse coaches and peers, has shown positive results in increasing confidence and reducing feelings of pressure and isolation.
A nanotechnology breakthrough from DTU allows printing of high-resolution data and colour images at 127,000 DPI, comparable to weekly magazines.
A new University of Washington study confirms that composting food scraps is the right thing to do for the environment. Composting significantly reduces methane emissions from landfills compared to sending food waste to landfills.
A proposed technique developed by a Penn State-led research team enhances oil recovery rates by up to 78-90% and sequesters more carbon dioxide. The model uses horizontal drilling and supercritical carbon dioxide to extract light components from the oil.
Researchers defined the makeup of synaptic clefts, the gaps between nerve cells, and found dynamic structures that can be altered by genetic mutations. The study sheds light on potential causes of autism and related disorders, including increased risk for drug addiction and impaired learning and memory.
Researchers at the Salk Institute used genetic techniques to visualize three brain cell types in the visual cortex, shedding light on how the brain processes visual information. The study provides new insights into neural circuits and their potential implications for neurological disorders like schizophrenia and autism.
A meta-analysis of 14 studies found that genes play a smaller role in intelligence among US participants from low socioeconomic backgrounds. The study suggests that robust healthcare systems in other countries buffer the negative effects of poverty on genetic potential.
Research found that immigrant parents in Canada had a lower rate of preterm birth compared to their Canadian-born counterparts. The study also identified specific countries with higher rates of preterm birth among certain groups.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab and UC Berkeley demonstrate record-breaking NMR/MRI signal sensitivity through hyperpolarization of carbon-13 nuclei in diamond. The technique enables orders of magnitude sensitivity enhancement for NMR studies under ambient conditions.
Researchers are developing a noninvasive brain-scanning technology that could produce images far superior to those obtained with electroencephalography and functional magnetic resonance imaging. The technique, called acoustoelectric brain imaging (ABI), involves applying ultrasound waves externally to the brain.
A new study from Nationwide Children's Hospital found that antibiotics alone can be a safe and effective treatment for children with uncomplicated acute appendicitis. The non-operative management was associated with less recovery time, lower health costs, and no difference in complications at one year.
Humpback whales' diets reflect surrounding environmental changes, while harbor porpoises recolonize San Francisco Bay and sea otters help restore ecosystem health. New research highlights the West Coast's diverse marine mammals and their responses to climate change.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab have created a clinically relevant mouse model of human breast cancer, bearing resemblance to the most prevalent form of breast cancer. The model, '184AA3,' will enable testing of therapies for aggressive ER+ breast cancers and studying the biology and etiology of luminal cancers.
A study published in JAMA Surgery found that nonoperative management with antibiotics was an effective treatment strategy for children with uncomplicated appendicitis, resulting in fewer disability days and lower healthcare costs. The study also showed no difference in health-related quality of life at one year.
Researchers used fMRI to identify brain areas linked to Christmas spirit, including the primary motor and parietal lobules. The study's findings could advance understanding of festive cultural traditions and help patients with Christmas spirit deficiencies.
Simon Singh, a renowned science writer and broadcaster, is receiving the 2016 JPBM Communications Award for Expository and Popular Books. The National Museum of Mathematics (MoMath) will also receive the award for Public Outreach. MoMath enhances public understanding of mathematics through its dynamic exhibits and programs.
Researchers developed a glass coating that boosts solar cell efficiency by up to 27.7% and repels dust and pollution, addressing the issue of fixed panel angles and self-cleaning capabilities.
The University of Hawaii will develop a large-scale data visualization system, CyberCANOE, using a $857,000 NSF grant. The system will provide an alternative approach to ultra-resolution display environments and enable researchers to work together more effectively with large amounts of data.
Researchers have developed a road material that de-ices itself by releasing de-icing salt as it wears away, potentially eliminating the need for annual salt applications. The new composite, combining potassium formate with styrene-butadiene-styrene and bitumen, significantly delays ice formation in lab studies.
Female Drosophila flies avoid laying eggs near parasitic wasps due to an innate early warning system that detects their odor. The study identified the specific olfactory circuit responsible for this detection, revealing a highly specific and efficient defense mechanism against predators.
A new study reveals that musclin, a peptide released during exercise, improves muscle's capacity for energy production and increases exercise tolerance. The research shows that increased levels of circulating musclin trigger a signaling cascade that promotes muscle performance.
A Yale-led study suggests that species rarity may be a key indicator of mass extinctions, which could provide an early warning system for the current biotic crisis. The researchers propose that monitoring changes in species and ecosystems can help scientists pinpoint mass extinctions before they become catastrophic.
Researchers present genetic and morphological evidence that terrestrial green algae are the ancestors of modern land plants, contradicting long-held theories. The study's findings have significant implications for our understanding of plant evolution and adaptation to life on land.
The 2015 Monitoring the Future survey found decreasing use of illicit drugs, including synthetic cannabinoids and heroin, among teens. Marijuana use remained stable, but perception of its harms continued to decline. Prescription opioid abuse and tobacco product use also decreased, while e-cigarette use remained a concern.
Researchers discovered that millions of bacteria in water pipes and purification plants help purify drinking water. The diversity of species is huge, with over 80,000 bacteria per milliliter detected in one study.