Tropical Cyclone Bansi has triggered warnings for Mauritius and is expected to continue intensifying. The storm strengthened from a minimal tropical storm into a major hurricane (Category 3) with maximum sustained winds near 100 knots (115.1 mph/185.2 kph).
A Baylor University study reveals that more than a third of American clergy members are obese, with stress, longer hours, and being underpaid contributing factors. Clergy who take breaks, participate in support groups, or take sabbaticals tend to lower their obesity risk.
Researchers have developed a method to restore Survival of Motor Neuron (SMN) production only in peripheral tissues, allowing them to define the role of the drug both inside and outside of the CNS. The treatment effectively cured mice with spinal muscular atrophy, challenging assumptions about the pathology of the disease.
A study published in PNAS found that individuals with prosopagnosia can still recognize human movements, engaging different brain mechanisms. The research team used point-light displays to test patients with brain damage preventing facial recognition, revealing a neural process for comprehending actions independent of the actor.
Rats use simple 'linear summation' to process odor inputs from the environment, with individual neurons responding rapidly to specific smells. This process allows for efficient detection and analysis of odors, despite environmental and respiratory variations.
Researchers identified four promising approaches to prevent intimate partner violence and sexual violence among adolescents, including school-based interventions, psychological support interventions, community-based interventions, and parenting interventions. These strategies show promise in preventing violence in high-income countries...
A 415 million-year-old fish fossil suggests that humans and sharks share more primitive features than previously thought. The ancient creature, named Janusiscus, has a mix of cartilaginous and bony fish-like characteristics, which challenges the current classification of sharks as 'primitive'.
Researchers at TSRI identify an enzyme that produces inflammatory lipid molecules in the brain, which causes a rare neurodegenerative disorder. The team finds a potential treatment approach by targeting this enzyme and discovers a weight-loss drug that can block its activity.
A study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine found that smokers who metabolize nicotine quickly have better quit rates with varenicline, a non-nicotine replacement therapy drug. In contrast, slow metabolizers have similar success with the nicotine patch but without side effects.
A study published in Diabetologia found that black women working night shifts are more likely to develop diabetes than those who never work at night. The study revealed a stronger association in younger women, with increased risks of up to 39% after 10 or more years of night shift work.
Across Australia, severe winter temperatures are a bigger risk to health than sweltering summer heat. Death rates in cities like Brisbane were up to 30% higher in winter than summer. The study found that Australians may be more vulnerable to cold weather due to lack of preparation and focus on public health campaigns.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum have received €1.5 million ERC funding to develop novel security mechanisms for the Internet of Things and catalyzers for target-specific drug manufacture.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic found that cancer biopsies do not increase the risk of cancer spreading, contrary to a long-held belief. Patients who underwent biopsies had significantly better overall survival rates compared to those who did not.
Researchers at King's College London identified a mechanism by which bacteria trigger tumour formation in skin damaged wounds. The study highlights the role of bacterial protein flagellin and immune receptor TLR-5 in this process.
A multidisciplinary team found that adding head and neck cancer screenings to recommended lung cancer screenings could improve early detection and survival. The study suggests that people at risk for lung cancer are also at higher risk for head and neck cancer, with the five-year survival rate being over 83% when caught early.
A novel molecular mechanism has been uncovered that tightens the bonds between cells lining blood vessels in mice, potentially preventing fluid leakage and improving survival rates. The discovery could lead to the development of new therapies targeting acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a fatal condition in approximately half ...
Researchers at UCLA have discovered a genetic link between PTSD and two gene variants, COMT and TPH-2. These variants may contribute to the onset and persistence of the disorder, suggesting that heredity influences a person's risk of developing PTSD. The findings could lead to faster diagnosis and better treatment for survivors.
Richard Alley has received the BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award in Climate Change for his pioneering research on abrupt climate change. He is recognized as a leading expert on ice and its implications for fast glacier flow and sea-level change.
Researchers at the University of Kent have identified karyomapping as a viable and cost-effective method for detecting genetic diseases in IVF embryos. This technique simultaneously detects chromosomal disorders with monogenic disorders, potentially reducing the need for individualized tests.
A study published in Forest Ecology and Management found that salvage logging increases sediment in water runoff, causing erosion and damage to fish habitats. Leaving slash on the ground, breaking up equipment trails with water bars, and replanting vegetation are recommended best management practices for minimizing ecological effects.
Recent small volcanic eruptions have been identified as a contributing factor to the recent 'warming hiatus', with scientists finding that they cool the atmosphere and reflect sunlight away from Earth. The new research complements earlier studies, which found that volcanoes may have caused cooling of up to 0.12 degrees Celsius since 2000.
Researchers propose using photonic booms to map asteroid surfaces and study celestial objects, offering new insights into the universe. High-speed cameras could capture these flashes, revealing previously unknown information about asteroids and other cosmic bodies.
Researchers have developed chitosan-based coatings to reduce the microbial load of carrots, providing a biodegradable and sustainable solution for food packaging. The use of this material has shown promising results in laboratory tests, but further research is needed to explore its industrial potential.
Research at the University of Illinois at Chicago found that playing catch can improve balance and prevent falls in seniors by enhancing anticipatory postural control. The study also showed a transfer effect, where training improved performance on other tasks beyond the specific activity.
Researchers have discovered a novel breast cancer gene called BCL11A that drives the development and progression of triple-negative breast cancer. The study found that BCL11A is active in approximately eight out of ten patients with basal-like breast cancer, and its activity is associated with a more advanced grade of tumour.
Researchers have created a unique map of enigmatic molecules in our galaxy, revealing their locations and environments. The study, led by Johns Hopkins astronomers, analyzed light from hundreds of thousands of celestial objects to detect the features of these mysterious molecules.
Researchers have built an array of light detectors sensitive enough to register individual photons and mounted them on a silicon optical chip. The approach increases detector density and sensitivity, yielding results up to 20 percent, which is a significant step toward practical quantum computing.
A study published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that some personality traits are more accurately communicated through online avatars than others. Outgoing individuals tend to create avatars that convey their personality, while those high in neuroticism struggle to express themselves accurately. Customizing an avat...
Researchers aim to eradicate glioblastomas by delivering the wound-healing peptide ACT1 to cancer cells via a virus. This approach has shown promising results in reducing tumor growth and increasing sensitivity to TMZ. The goal is to develop a novel therapy that can improve treatment outcomes for brain cancer patients.
Scientists from the University of Manchester discovered that ATF2 protein suppresses tumour growth in liver cancer models. The study suggests that ATF2's tumor-suppressing function may be more widespread than previously thought.
A study in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that UCP2 induces fatty acid synthesis, activating inflammatory pathways in patients with sepsis. Lack of UCP2 improved survival in a mouse model of sepsis, suggesting UCP2 as a potential therapeutic target.
The University of Texas at Arlington is leading a multi-institution study to determine the optimal amount and nature of clinical experiences required for nursing school graduates to achieve competency upon graduation. The research involves over 1,700 students and partners with six North Texas health care systems.
A 24-week course of sofosbuvir and ribavirin prevents HCV recurrence after liver transplantation, with positive outcomes for short- and long-term health. The therapy is effective in 70% of patients, including those with advanced disease.
A collaborative research project has identified a specific gene in soybean that improves its tolerance to soil salinity. The researchers found that this gene can be used to breed soybeans that can thrive in areas with high salt levels, which is essential for improving global food security.
Researchers found six resistive actions employed by both obedient and disobedient participants, with disobedients resisting earlier and using more diverse methods. Training in these practices could enable individuals to stand up to unethical orders, not just in extreme situations.
Stephanie Stanford, Ph.D., has been awarded a $1.6 million grant by the American Diabetes Association to investigate the genetic and environmental causes of type 1 diabetes. The grant will support her research on the PTPN22 gene mutation that significantly increases the risk of type 1 diabetes.
A study found that optimistic individuals have significantly better blood sugar and total cholesterol levels, are more physically active, and have healthier body mass indexes. They were also less likely to smoke and had a stronger association with cardiovascular health when socio-demographic characteristics were factored in.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute reveal new insights into nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase (TH), a metabolic enzyme found in most forms of life, shedding light on its structure and function. The discovery sheds light on TH's dynamic structure and how it alternates functions to maintain cell health.
New research highlights the growing threat of smoldering peat fires, which can produce large amounts of carbon and worsen air quality. As temperatures rise, peat-rich regions worldwide become increasingly susceptible to drying and burning.
Scientists confirm that face-processing areas in macaque brains respond selectively to facial motion, while reacting less to other types of motion. A new 'middle dorsal patch' is also identified, appearing reliably in response to moving faces, suggesting a potential equivalent in humans.
A team at UMass Amherst has developed an approach to make reversibly self-folding origami structures on small length scales. They use ultraviolet photolithographic patterning of photo-crosslinkable polymers to create complex structures that can be folded and redeployed.
Researchers found that distinct motor memories can be learned with unique follow-throughs, allowing for faster learning of multiple skills. Practising consistent follow-through enables tasks to be learned quickly, while variable follow-through activates multiple motor memories.
A new BIDMC study suggests that physicians are increasingly ordering advanced imaging and referring specialists for routine headaches, rather than counseling patients on lifestyle changes. This trend has significant consequences, including unnecessary patient anxiety and follow-up testing.
Complex 3D micro/nanostructures are crucial in biology, and researchers have created a simple route to form these structures by exploiting mechanics principles. The process involves using a pre-strained elastomer substrate to induce buckling processes that transform planar materials into well-defined, 3D frameworks.
Researchers discovered that charophytes, a lineage of green algae closest to land plants, can detect ethylene gas and adapt to environmental conditions. The study found nearly identical molecular machinery in both algae and land plants, with implications for understanding plant stress response and evolution.
Researchers found that exposure to cold temperatures increases levels of the protein Zfp516, which activates UCP1 in brown fat. Mice with boosted Zfp516 protein gained 30% less weight on a high-fat diet, suggesting a potential target for obesity and diabetes treatment.
Researchers developed a simple new fabrication technique that mimics the action of a children's pop-up book to create beautiful and complex 3-D micro- and nanostructures. The technique trumps 3-D printing with advantages in speed, cost, and material integration.
Researcher Mary Grossmann used an underwater observatory to study plankton during typhoons, finding consistent migratory habits despite turbulent waters. The study reveals surprising patterns, including some species avoiding high-turbidity waters and others continuing to feed at night.
Researchers found that insulin nasal spray improved short-term verbal and visual information retention in adults with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's. The study also showed significant benefits for those carrying the APOE-e4 gene, a risk factor for Alzheimer's.
A large-scale survey of impurities in North American snow found regional patterns of soot and dirt, with agricultural practices playing a significant role. The study suggests that land use and farming practices may matter as much as diesel emissions in many parts of the Great Plains.
Researchers used x-rays to visualize the formation of a highly conductive silver matrix in lithium-based batteries, revealing its link to the battery's rate of discharge. The study suggests new design approaches and optimization techniques for improving battery performance.
The All-Sky Automated Survey for Supernovae (ASAS-SN) has successfully detected 89 bright supernovae and is expanding its scope to study other local sky events. The project uses six 6-inch telescopes in Hawaii and Chile, as well as amateur telescopes worldwide, to capture hundreds of bright objects in the nearby universe.
Researchers found that endothelial cells, the cells lining blood vessels, play a more active role in tumor growth than previously thought. A combination therapy involving anti-Angiopoietin-2 and metronomic chemotherapy showed promising results in reducing metastatic growth and improving survival rates in mice.
Researchers tested a new, eco-friendly toilet system that uses breathable fabric technology to filter human waste. The project aims to improve sanitation in developing nations, where millions lack access to basic facilities.
Researchers from Inserm confirm triheptanoin's efficacy in treating Huntington's disease by restoring normal brain energy metabolism. A pilot clinical trial with ten patients showed significant improvements, paving the way for a larger-scale trial.
A large international study has shown that statin treatment reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease in women, with benefits similar to those seen in men. Statins have been proven to be effective in preventing heart attacks and strokes in both sexes, especially for high-risk individuals.
Chikungunya's Asian tiger mosquito relies on road networks to disperse, posing a challenge for disease control efforts. The study suggests fumigating vehicles at checkpoints could prevent the spread of the vector and reduce its impact on human populations.
University of Pittsburgh researchers Matthew Koski and Tia-Lynn Ashman proved that Gloger's rule exists among flowers, where larger bull's-eye centers are associated with higher levels of ultraviolet light near the equator. This finding expands our understanding of biological responses to global climate change.
A study found that deworming medications reduced individual deaths from bovine tuberculosis but increased the potential for disease spread to other animals. The research suggests that treatments that aid an individual could come at the expense of a wider spread of disease in the larger community.
Researchers at Georgia Tech are investigating information leaks from laptops and smartphones, which can be used by hackers to spy on users even when not connected to the internet. They have developed a metric to measure the strength of these 'side-channel signals' and are studying where they originate to develop countermeasures.