Scientists identified a microscopic structure in worms called C. elegans as the first sensor of the Earth's magnetic field. This discovery sheds light on how animals like geese and sea turtles navigate using the magnetic field, which varies from spot to spot on Earth.
A new study by University at Buffalo researchers could automate hospital discharge communication, adding critical data and cutting delivery time from weeks to hours. The research aims to reduce hospital readmissions by making the discharge summary more efficient.
African songbirds use color and pattern traits to recognize forgery eggs from cuckoos, but the system is not foolproof. Researchers found that heavily parasitized birds create unique egg patterns by combining individual traits, which may have security implications.
Alternative drug-delivery systems are being explored to overcome syringe injection drawbacks, including ointments, dissolvable tablets and micro-needle skin patches. Several promising results have been shown in animal testing, but widespread adoption will require changing the mindset of pharmaceutical companies and regulators.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University found that conflicting histories can lead to mistrust and conflict in negotiations. The study used two experiments with 392 participants, finding that those with asymmetric histories were more likely to reach an impasse during negotiations.
Researchers at Stanford University have found a way to improve chip speeds by wrapping copper wires with a protective layer of graphene. This modest fix can lead to faster data processing and is especially beneficial as transistors continue to shrink in size.
A new imaging technique has been developed to determine the arrangement of atoms on surfaces at atomic resolution. The method could improve our understanding of corrosion and catalysis processes, leading to more efficient green energy production.
Researchers identified epigenetic alterations in CVID patients by comparing monozygotic twins. They found higher DNA methylation levels and impaired DNA demethylation in immunodeficient B cells, leading to reduced antibody production and altered cell maturation. These findings provide new insights into the diagnosis and treatment of CVID.
Researchers have discovered that the mantis shrimp's dactyl club can filter out certain frequencies of shear waves, making it an effective material for body armor and athletic gear. The study aims to develop synthetic materials with similar filtering properties for various industries, including aerospace and automotive.
Researchers have developed an imaging technology that can provide surgeons with a color-coded map of a patient's brain, distinguishing between cancerous and healthy tissue. This could potentially make brain tumor removal safer and more effective by allowing surgeons to visualize the area being operated on.
A graphic novel is being tested to educate Spanish-speaking agricultural workers about noise-induced hearing loss. The digital novella aims to improve knowledge and attitudes towards wearing hearing protection devices. The pilot study plans to assess the impact on 30-40 ag workers in Wyoming and Colorado.
Researchers identified two genes, ERCC1 and TS, that can predict positive response to chemotherapy and longer survival times in metastatic colorectal cancer patients. Low levels of these genes are associated with improved survival rates when treated with oxaliplatin, while high levels may require irinotecan as the first treatment choice.
A team of astronomers using the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope discovered the brightest galaxy yet found in the early universe. The galaxy, CR7, contains massive blue stars - the first generation of stars that forged the heavy elements necessary for life.
The consumption of raw human breast milk purchased online poses significant health risks due to the lack of pasteurization and testing. Experts warn that this can lead to bacterial food-borne illnesses such as hepatitis, HIV, and syphilis, which can be passed on through contaminated milk.
Pranesh Aswath, a renowned materials scientist at the University of Texas at Arlington, has been recognized as a Fellow by ASM International for his groundbreaking research in ceramics. His work on functional ceramic films and biological applications has resulted in over 150 publications and numerous patents.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have identified a new epigenomic block that could help stop the progression of many late-stage cancers. This discovery has the potential to improve diagnosis and treatment of advanced disease across various cancer types.
A new analytical method using high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM) has resolved the unique atomic structure at the surface of a material for the first time. This breakthrough enables direct information on both surface and bulk atoms, improving understanding of critical reactions such as catalysis and corrosion.
Researchers have pioneered a new technique to pinpoint enzyme activity, shedding light on their efficiency in speeding up chemical reactions. This breakthrough could lead to new candidates for biological applications and more environmentally friendly industrial processes.
A team of researchers found that the contractile function of fruit flies' hearts is improved when overexpressing vinculin, a protein that accumulates at higher levels in aging rats and humans. This improvement leads to longer lifespans in genetically modified flies.
A new study finds that Alaska's glaciers are losing mass exceptionally fast due to surface melting, overshadowing iceberg calving, and making climate-related melting the primary driver of global sea level change. This will have significant implications for future sea level projections and models.
Researchers found that exercising diabetic patients can improve glycemic control, waist circumference, and percentage of body fat, even for those who don't see cardiorespiratory benefits. The study suggests broadening the definition of 'non-responder' to include participants with limited improvement in exercise capacity.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles discovered two new locations in HIV's genetic code that affect the virus's ability to infect cells, influencing disease progression. The study found that slight genetic changes to the C2 region and bridging sheet of gp120 molecule can alter receptor usage.
A new study finds that the lag time between rock uplift and river erosion in the Tibetan Plateau was just 2 million years or so, making them relatively synchronous events. The researchers used fission track dating to determine the timing of these events and shed light on the geological history of the region.
A new treatment approach uses a non-narcotic inhibitor to reduce excessive BH4 production, leading to pain relief without addiction or tolerance. The research, led by Boston Children's Hospital, shows promise for treating conditions like diabetic peripheral neuropathy and rheumatoid arthritis.
Leading researchers from Canada and Israel are working together to uncover the molecular landscape of pancreatic cancer and develop new biomarkers for detection and diagnostics. The collaboration aims to improve patient outcomes by discovering targeted therapies.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have identified the mechanism and structure of enzymes that produce hydrocarbons from yeast moulds. This discovery provides a new route to producing alpha-olefins, a key intermediate in various industrial applications.
The percentage of patients with early-stage breast cancer undergoing breast-conserving therapy increased from 54.3% in 1998 to 60.1% in 2011, despite socioeconomic barriers persisting. The use of BCT was higher among patients with private insurance and those living closer to treatment facilities.
Researchers discovered a mechanism that allows plant cells to balance opposing signals from Stomagen and EPF2, competing for access to the same surface proteins. This finding sheds light on how plants coordinate cellular structures and make decisions on stomata placement.
A national study involving over 9 million Medicare patients found that patients rehospitalized with complications after major surgery are 26% more likely to survive if they return to the hospital where they had their operation. The researchers suggest maintaining continuity of care when readmissions occur is a key predictor of survival.
Researchers discovered that mutations in the AIRE gene can cause a milder form of Autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type-1, affecting fewer organs and appearing later in life. This finding suggests that dominant AIRE-mutation autoimmune disease may be responsible for various autoimmune syndromes.
Researchers at UB investigated how humans and birds process overlapping sounds, discovering that timing and complexity play crucial roles in sound segregation. Their studies used both humans and budgerigars, showing similarities between species in processing auditory objects.
A Swedish study estimates the heritability of tic disorders at approximately 77%, suggesting a strong familial component. The study also reveals that risks are higher for full siblings, parents, and children of individuals with Tourette syndrome or chronic tic disorder.
Researchers have identified a new genetic immune disorder, DOCK2 deficiency, which causes debilitating infections and combined immunodeficiency in children. Early screening for the disease can prevent life-threatening infections, and understanding its role may inform the study of more common immune system disorders.
The Aquarius instrument successfully completed its primary three-year mission in November 2014, achieving its science objectives and providing valuable data on ocean dynamics and climate models. The loss of onboard power regulation and spacecraft attitude stabilization led to the end of operations.
A large study found no benefit in IVF from routinely freezing all embryos before transfer, even among normal responders. This challenges the move to adopt a freeze-all strategy in IVF.
Researchers discover fructose's role in heart failure, finding it efficiently converts to fat and stimulates glycolysis. Fructose also activates HIF, leading to increased KHK-C production and a vicious cycle of growth and damage.
A study by Montreal researchers found that the plasticizer DINCH's metabolite MINCH can act as a metabolic disrupter, affecting adipose tissue differentiation. The study suggests that DINCH exposure may pose a risk to human health and warrants further research.
A study surveyed patients about their knowledge of new sunscreen labels and found that most understood protection against sunburns but struggled with broad-spectrum protection. Fewer than half correctly identified terminology indicating skin cancer protection, leading to calls for improved labeling clarity.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have successfully printed and dried three-dimensional objects made entirely from cellulose for the first time, competing with fossil-based plastics and metals. The breakthrough uses a 3D bioprinter to create electrically conductive materials with carbon nanotubes.
Researchers find nucleoporins, proteins that guard the nucleus, also regulate gene expression and control stem cell differentiation into neurons. The discovery sheds new light on genetic diseases caused by mutations in these proteins.
The study found that nonprofit hospitals spent only a small fraction of their 'charity care and community benefit' on efforts aimed at improving the health of the communities they serve. In 2011, hospitals allocated less than 1% of total spending towards community health improvement.
A recent study published in Neuron reveals that the brain's visual cortex can differentiate between important and irrelevant images through practice. The researchers found that as mice learned to associate certain images with rewards, specific neurons in the brain became more responsive to those images.
Global health experts Lawrence O. Gostin and Daniel Lucey outline strategies for managing the MERS-CoV outbreak, focusing on transparency, trust, and infection control in healthcare settings. Key findings include training health workers and conducting diagnostic testing of travelers to limit quarantines.
The study found that out of 25 cities, five had the worst commutes in 2011, while cities like Omaha and Las Vegas had the shortest. The UC study also analyzed how commuting travel changed between 1990 and 2002 and from 2002 to 2011, providing new insights into the impact of planners' efforts on traffic congestion.
A recent study by Technical University of Munich found that ragweed pollen triggers a strong allergic response due to the presence of adenosine. The protein Amb a 1 alone did not induce such a reaction, but combining it with adenosine led to increased inflammation in lung tissue.
Pediatricians may do more harm than good by prescribing acid-reducing medications to children with non-specific gastrointestinal symptoms. The study found a seven-fold increase in C. diff. infection risk among children who used these drugs.
A new study identifies how specific patterns of cortisol activity may relate to the cognitive abilities of children in poverty. Children's cortisol levels remained relatively stable over three years, but exposure to family adversity predicted notable differences in cognitive functioning at age four.
Researchers have found that artificially reactivating positive memories can suppress the effects of stress-induced depression in mice. The study reveals how brain circuits interact with negative experiences and provides a potential target for therapeutic approaches.
Research published in BMC Evolutionary Biology found that male nightingales' songs contain specific features, such as repeated song sequences and varied song types, which signal their ability to care for offspring. These song features are linked to greater paternal efforts, including more frequent feeding and defense of the nest.
A study of 39 female shift-working nurses found that longer rest periods between shifts improved recovery from work, as measured by increased parasympathetic activation and decreased sympathetic activation during sleep. This suggests that a forward-rotating shift system can promote better coping and well-being at work.
A new study in Liberia will investigate the long-term health consequences of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in survivors, determining if they develop immunity that protects them from future infection. The study will also assess whether previously EVD-infected individuals can transmit infection to close contacts and sexual partners.
The detection of a supermassive black hole at the center of Messier 32, a satellite of the Andromeda Galaxy, reveals a 'quiescent' black hole with activity among the weakest yet found. The VLA's improved sensitivity allowed for the detection of radio emission from the black hole, which is roughly 90 times fainter than previous studies.
The article explores aperiodic crystals and their implications on our understanding of crystalline order. Recent research has shown that the current definition of crystals, based on point-like diffraction, may need revision as new materials with non-trivial point components in their diffraction are discovered.
A Vanderbilt-led study found a 28% decline in new prostate cancer diagnoses in the U.S. following the USPSTF's recommendation to discontinue routine PSA screenings. This decrease was observed mainly among low-risk cancers and men over age 70.
Researchers have created a way to combine cells with a special scaffold to produce living tissue in the laboratory, overcame oxygen limitation problems for larger dimensions. The technology has potential applications in replacing diseased parts of the body and repairing severe joint damage.
The Gulf of Mexico is forecasted to have a large 'dead zone' this year due to nutrient-rich runoff from farming states, with the predicted size ranging from 4,344 to 5,985 sq mi. The region's oxygen levels are expected to drop significantly, affecting commercial and sports fisheries.
Researchers at Mount Sinai discovered that high levels of protein H2A.Z.2 promote abnormal growth in melanoma cells, making it a potential target for cancer treatment. The study's findings suggest that blocking this protein could effectively block tumor growth and kill melanoma cells.
A new class of CGRP monoclonal antibodies is showing significant promise in treating high-frequency episodic migraine and chronic migraine. The drugs have been shown to reduce elevated levels of calcitonin gene-related peptide, a key driver of migraine pain.
A new study published in Animal Behaviour found that male mountain gorillas' relationships with infants are influenced by their social rank, not paternity. Dominant males tend to be more nurturing and have stronger relationships with infants in the troop.
The Harvard Medical School Cancer Biology and Therapeutics Training Program will provide specialized education and training in cancer research and treatment. The one-year, nonclinical blended-learning certificate program is designed to promote a deeper understanding of cancer biology, diagnosis, and personalized treatments.
Researchers created a simple computational fact-checker that assigns truth scores to statements, matching human assessments in multiple experiments. The algorithm leverages indirect connections between concepts to assess statement truthfulness, with positive correlations found when comparing to human fact-checkers.
Two doctors criticize Australia's Border Force Act 2015 for silencing healthcare professionals who report substandard medical care in detention centres. The law can lead to imprisonment for whistleblowers, violating their professional duty and international humanitarian obligations.
A new study found that people allocate medical resources equally across groups, but make more efficient decisions when presented with individual patient information. This bias towards equality can lead to suboptimal allocation decisions, but may also have positive outcomes in certain contexts.
Partnerships between multinational companies and child health programs can improve treatment rates and access to life-saving treatments, but also pose an ethical minefield. Critics argue that these connections can legitimize the sale of unhealthy products while diverting resources from public health measures.
Researchers Floris Roelofsen and Donka F. Farkas investigate the workings of 'yes' and 'no', finding that their interpretation is affected by intonation and sentence polarity. Their framework explains distribution and interpretation in English and predicts patterns across languages.
Tropical Storm Carlos remains a small, tightly wound storm with thunderstorms wrapped around its center, producing life-threatening flash floods and mudslides in Mexico. The storm is expected to rapidly weaken and dissipate over the coast of western Mexico.
Scientists have developed a novel battery that uses light to produce power, utilizing titanium nitride for the anode. The 'photo battery' demonstrated high stability and safety, discharging electric current within 30 seconds under normal indoor lighting.
Adolescents with weaker working memory are more likely to have difficulty controlling impulsive tendencies, leading to early and unprotected sex. Improvements in working memory may provide a pathway to greater control over risky sexual behavior.
In 2014, renewables made up 59% of net additions to global power capacity, reaching 27.7% of the world's power generating capacity. This milestone marked the first time in four decades that the world economy grew without a parallel rise in CO2 emissions.
A new study from San Francisco State University found that individuals with lower educational levels and incomes are less likely to know about alternative medicine practices like yoga, acupuncture, and natural products. This lack of knowledge is strongly associated with lower education levels and income.
Researchers at Aalto University predicted the existence of topological superconductors on metallic surfaces and thin films using mathematical models. The discovery could lead to new quantum states and potential applications in quantum computing.
Scientists at Baylor College of Medicine have created a new disease model that closely resembles the human mechanisms and effectively studies hypercholesterolemia. The study successfully cured the disorder using gene therapy, offering a promising approach for treating metabolic diseases.
A new study published in Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback found a significant link between lower heart rate variability and sexual dysfunction in women. Women with below-average heart rate variability were more likely to report sexual arousal problems and overall sexual difficulties.
Researchers discovered a way to prevent dendrite formation in lithium metal batteries by adding chemicals to the electrolyte, improving safety and performance. The new approach could lead to more efficient and longer-lasting batteries with potential applications in electric vehicles and energy storage.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that climate change may affect tourism at US national parks, with potential increases in visitation in temperate areas and decreases in high-latitude and high-elevation parks. The authors suggest that protected areas can adapt to these changes to minimize detriment.
Researchers found that adding certain yeast autolysates can enhance fruity aromas in sparkling wines without affecting foam quality or phenolic compound content. The study provides new insights into the impact of commercial yeast products on bubbly wines.
A study published in The Lancet found that readmission to the same hospital after surgery is associated with improved survival rates. Patients who underwent a range of common operations fared better when treated by the same surgical team and returned to their original hospital for post-operative management.
Peter Greenberg and colleague Bonnie Bassler's work on quorum sensing has far-reaching implications for medicine and agriculture. Hundreds of bacterial species use quorum sensing to control various things, and the researchers aim to develop novel medicines targeting this process.
The study analyzed rice straws using integrated analytical techniques, revealing the presence of cellulose and glucose. Glucose levels were found to be influenced by starch levels, paving the way for efficient production of biochemical and biofuels in the future.
A Cornell study found that frequent self-weighing and tracking results effective for losing weight and keeping it off, particularly in men. Losing weight is regained in one year, but maintaining it requires consistent behaviors such as eating less and exercising.
Research from Rice University and West Virginia University found that reading about scientist Francis Collins promotes a collaborative view of religion and science. In contrast, reading about Richard Dawkins had no impact on public perception.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered a new link between male infertility and autoimmune prostatic inflammation. The study found that the immune system reacts to a protein called transglutaminase 4 in men with autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1, leading to reduced fertility.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital developed a new method for skin rejuvenation using pulsed electrical fields, which induce cellular death and proliferation without affecting the extracellular matrix. This non-invasive procedure shows promise in improving skin health with minimal risk of scarring or altered pigmentation.
A new tool has identified a novel anti-diabetes compound targeting ER stress, improving insulin production and glucose metabolism. The technology also shows promise in treating other diseases like retinitis pigmentosa, cystic fibrosis, and Alzheimer's.
Research at Uppsala University reveals individuals with social phobia produce too much serotonin, leading to increased anxiety in social situations. The study used PET cameras and tracers to measure serotonin transmission by the brain's fear centre, finding a direct link between excessive serotonin production and social anxiety.
Researchers found that vinculin levels increase with age, altering the shape and performance of cardiac muscle cells, leading to a healthy adaptive change. The findings suggest that vinculin could be an important therapeutic target to slow down the decline of heart muscle vitality.
A comprehensive classification of rare genetic metabolic bone disorders has been developed, categorizing them into four major groups based on their metabolic pathway. This taxonomy provides valuable information for diagnosis, genetic testing, and the development of orphan drugs.
Satellites are now used to monitor coral reef health, providing near-real time data and long-term forecasts of tropical conditions. This information helps identify early warning signs of coral decline and loss due to natural and human-caused pressures.
A new bat species, Mystacina miocenalis, lived 16 million years ago and walked on four limbs, weighing 40 grams, three times heavier than its living cousin. The discovery helps understand the capacity of bats to establish populations on islands.
A study published in Basic and Applied Social Psychology found that men who engage in small talk before negotiations tend to receive more favorable outcomes. In contrast, women who make small talk are perceived less favorably and do not experience the same benefits.
Scientists expect this year's Gulf of Mexico hypoxic zone to be approximately 5,483 square miles, similar to the last several years. The dead zone affects important commercial and recreational fisheries, threatening the region's economy.
Researchers found charcoal and respiratory irritants in ancient teeth, indicating early humans suffered health effects from indoor air pollution. The discovery provides the first direct evidence of manmade pollution on Earth, dating back 400,000 years.
A team of researchers from Indiana University and Switzerland used data mapping methods to track the spread of information on social networks and apply them to the human brain. The study reveals specific connections and nodes in the brain that may be responsible for higher forms of cognition.
The National Oceanography Centre is part of a European Union-funded consortium providing a world-class marine monitoring and forecasting service. The NWS service will utilize data from six research organisations to predict the shelf sea environment, benefiting social and economic interests.
Tropical Storm Bill is expected to bring heavy rain accumulations of 4-8 inches over eastern Texas and eastern Oklahoma, with life-threatening flash floods possible. The storm will weaken over the next two days, becoming a post-tropical low pressure area by Thursday.
New research from the University of California, Berkeley, shows that humans have a nose for navigation by converting smells into spatial information. Study participants navigated relatively closely to targeted locations using only their sense of smell, even when other sensory inputs were blocked.
Research demonstrates that age-related inflammatory changes contribute to accelerated COPD development, especially when combined with cigarette smoke exposure. This knowledge provides new directions for innovative treatment approaches.
Scientists have developed a method for isolating primary human hepatocytes and different non-parenchymal cell fractions from the same donor tissue. The isolation process involves a two-step EDTA/collagenase perfusion technique followed by Percoll density gradient centrifugation, adherence separation, and magnetic activated cell sorting.
A Northwestern Medicine study found that many people are confused by sunscreen terminology, with only 43% understanding SPF values and 7% knowing how to protect against early skin aging. This confusion can lead to inadequate protection against sunburns and premature skin aging.
Researchers developed computer models to examine how ultraviolet radiation from nearby suns affects Earth-like planets' biological intricacies. The models simulate four epochs of Earth's history, revealing the impact of UV radiation on the origin of life.
A CU-Boulder-led study has discovered a permanent, lopsided dust cloud enveloping the moon. The cloud is composed of tiny dust grains kicked up by high-speed interplanetary dust particles, and its density increases during annual events like the Geminid meteor showers.
Two MGH physicians, Renee Salas and Annekathryn Goodman, share their experiences in Nepal earthquake relief, highlighting the challenges of wilderness medicine in remote environments. The teams worked together to provide emergency care and support, while also addressing emotional devastation inflicted on villagers.
Researchers at Institut Pasteur successfully inhibit enzyme DPP4 to increase T lymphocyte infiltration into tumors, leading to efficient cancer cell destruction. This innovative treatment combines with existing immunotherapies to eradicate tumors in mice.
A study found that highly specialized coronulid barnacles exclusively attach to the fins of dolphins, particularly along the trailing edge facing away from water flow. The barnacles select suitable areas on the fins to filter nutrients and protect developing larvae.
Scientists have developed nanoswimmers that can navigate body fluids to target specific areas of the body, reducing complications and improving recovery times for cancer patients. The nanoswimmers use magnetic fields to move through blood and are designed to specifically target and destroy cancer cells.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that men under 45 who consume more trans fats have poorer memory function, with an average drop of 86 words recalled compared to those consuming no trans fats. The researchers linked this association to the adverse effects of trans fats on brain function.
The study found that breast-conserving therapy (BCT) is being used more widely, with a steady increase in rates over the last 13 years. However, disparities persist, particularly among patients without insurance or those living far from treatment facilities.
A new blood test has been developed to identify men with a genetically inherited risk of developing prostate cancer. The test analyzes DNA variants associated with increased risk and has shown promise in identifying high-risk individuals.