A new study found that DNA breakage is a natural process that allows the brain to learn and generate memories, but weakens with age. Researchers discovered that DNA damage can lead to increased expression of genes involved in learning and memory, which could be detrimental as we age.
Researchers have identified a validated tool to measure symptoms and impact in eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), a severe food allergy. The Pediatric Eosinophilic Esophagitis Symptom Score (PEESS) v2.0 questionnaire corresponded with clinical and biologic features of EoE, suggesting that eosinophil activity and mast cells contribute to d...
A nearly intact skull of a new horned dinosaur species, Regaliceratops peterhewsi, has been discovered in Alberta, Canada. The specimen features a crown-like frill with large pentagonal plates and a central spike, challenging current classification of horned dinosaurs.
Researchers from Boston University, University of Michigan, and Chinese Academy of Sciences develop comprehensive solar wind models. The CISM, CSEM, and SIGMA groups create high-performance coupled models to simulate the complex behavior of solar winds and their impact on Earth's environment.
A recent study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often do not receive adequate nutrients from dietary supplements. Despite supplementation, many children with ASD still have deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals such as calcium and vitami...
A new Commission on women and health found that women's contributions to healthcare amount to $3 trillion, with nearly half being unpaid and unrecognised. The report emphasizes the need for gender equality and empowerment in healthcare policies and interventions.
New research finds that dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) preserves avian red blood cell viability, offering a potential solution for treating birds with life-threatening conditions. Further studies are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of DMSO for long-term blood storage.
A study published in Cell has described the comprehensive erasure of epigenetic information in early primordial germ cells prior to egg and sperm formation. However, researchers found that around 5% of DNA remains resistant to reprogramming, potentially contributing to conditions such as schizophrenia and obesity.
A study published in Earth and Planetary Science Letters reveals new insights into the Earth's early core by analyzing the magnetic signatures of mineral grains in ancient rocks. The findings, led by Michigan Tech geophysicist Aleksey Smirnov, shed light on the planet's mysterious past.
Researchers sequenced genomes of nearly 1,000 volunteers and identified genomic variants predicting rare diseases, with over 3% of the US population potentially affected. This study demonstrates the potential for predictive medicine using DNA sequencing, with implications for personalized healthcare.
Scientists identify key research needs to ensure healthy populations of these prized game fish, including habitat conservation and genetic analysis. A holistic approach is needed to manage the impact of humans on fish populations.
Scientists have uncovered seven new species of highly miniaturized frogs in the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest, highlighting their vulnerability to extinction due to climate change. The discovery showcases the unique adaptations of these tiny frogs, with many exhibiting bright colors as a warning to potential predators.
A study on Rhinanthus minor, a 'vampire' plant, reveals that it increases abundance and diversity of animals in semi-natural grasslands. This finding has significant implications for conservation and management of these rare ecosystems.
New research finds that pH lowering of municipal water supplies can increase particulate lead levels due to corrosion of cast iron mains. The study suggests that future strategies to reduce lead in drinking water may require infrastructure upgrades or iron control measures.
Researchers at Duke University found that the initial size of cells determines how much they grow before dividing into two, contrary to previous findings. This discovery was made possible by analyzing oscillations in cell growth and gene expression using a unique device that allows for single-cell analysis.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new technique for producing nanofibers that increases the rate of production fourfold while reducing energy consumption by over 90%. The technique uses tiny emitters to regulate fluid flow, resulting in uniform fibers even at high manufacturing rates.
A stricter federal standard for ozone pollution would require more scientific measurements and models to accurately determine sources of pollution. This is crucial as ozone pollution has multiple sources, some beyond local control, and its effects on human health and the environment are significant.
Ruth S. Nussenzweig, Victor Nussenzweig and Tu Youyou will share the unrestricted award of $500,000 for their groundbreaking discoveries in chemistry and parasitology that have resulted in treatments saving lives globally.
Research at UMass Amherst finds that despite concussion-related abnormalities in sleep and memory, sleep aids recall and benefits are comparable to those without TBI. Participants who slept showed better recall in word memorization tasks compared to those tested after an equal period awake.
Scientists identify protein MIM as a key player in initiating dendritic spines, which form the basis of neuronal connections. This discovery sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying brain diseases with altered dendritic spine density.
Decaying RNA molecules provide a snapshot of how proteins are produced, with one end decaying while the other serves as a template for translation. Researchers have discovered that an enzyme degrading mRNA follows closely behind ribosomes, pausing at set points to allow translation to complete before degradation begins.
A team of researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory has identified interleukin-6 as a key player in driving aggressive and hormone therapy-resistant prostate cancer. The discovery holds promise for developing targeted treatments and improving patient outcomes.
A recent study published in Current Biology found that while cheaters do not take over populations, they also cannot ever fully be removed. By identifying how diverse societies prevent or cope with cheating, researchers can identify general principles about how to promote cooperation and prevent conflict.
Over 30 years of data from San Francisco shows improved survival rates for AIDS patients, but a third still die within five years after initial opportunistic infection. Better prevention and treatment strategies are crucial to address lingering mortality risks.
A review of 10 studies found no human data to support claims that eating placenta reduces postpartum depression or pain. Unknown risks to women and babies are also a concern due to lack of regulation and inconsistent dosing.
Researchers visualized calcium signals in plants that spread systemically from attacked leaves to neighboring leaves, triggering a plant defense response. The study used transgenic Arabidopsis plants that emitted light energy when bound by calcium ions, allowing scientists to track the calcium flow in plants.
Researchers at TSRI discovered that a hormone called progesterone blocks signals from male odor molecules in female mouse noses during diestrus, leading to 'male odor blindness' and altered behavior. This finding suggests new avenues for studying senses and behavior.
Screening for colorectal cancer increased among lower-income and least-educated adults following the Affordable Care Act's removal of cost-sharing provisions. This increase was observed, particularly among Medicare-insured individuals, suggesting that ACA's provision may have contributed to the rise in screening rates.
The study reveals that Rev-erbα has two distinct roles in regulating the body clock and metabolism, one in cells across the body and another in the liver. This dual function may enable the development of targeted therapies for metabolic disorders, such as diabetes and fatty liver disease.
Researchers found that female mice are unable to detect male pheromones until they enter the ovulation cycle, where hormones such as progesterone decrease and allow them to sense potential partners. This study highlights the nose's role in making important decisions about behavior influenced by hormonal signals.
A new study from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus found that a low-cost, non-profit weight loss program offers clinically significant and long-term weight loss results. The TOPS program, which costs just $92 a year, was shown to be effective in maintaining weight loss for over seven years.
Professors Sonia Aú and Federico Rosei recognized by the CAE for their outstanding contributions to wireless communications and nanomaterials. They will be inducted as new fellows at a ceremony on June 4, 2015.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers found that developing delirium in the ICU increases hospital stays and risk of dying, with risks doubled for brain dysfunction. The study also suggests potential causes of delirium include medication use and inflammation outside the brain.
Scientists developed ICeChIP, a new technique to calibrate chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) experiments with an internal standard. This improves accuracy and reproducibility in epigenetic studies, enabling comparisons between experiments and discovery of new findings, including the prevalence of bivalency in stem cells.
Researchers create system to manipulate atom spacing, tuning friction to a vanishing point, allowing for direct observation of individual atoms. This technique enables control over superlubricity, potentially boosting development of nanomachines, and has implications for controlling biological components.
A global analysis raises the minimum number of tropical tree species to 40,000 to 53,000 globally. The study's findings emphasize the importance of comprehensive conservation efforts due to the high extinction risk faced by rare and localized species.
A recent study examines the resurgence of major predators on the US West Coast and in Yellowstone, revealing rising conflicts with humans and other species. The researchers suggest multi-species approaches to address these tensions and develop more effective management strategies.
The Endocrine Society recommends improving the accuracy of estrogen testing methods for better patient care and research, particularly for hormone-related cancers and chronic conditions. The panel advises standardization of measurements through programs like CDC's.
A study reveals that Obg plays a crucial role in bacterial persistence, allowing certain cells to survive antibiotics. The researchers' findings suggest that targeting the novel persistence pathway could lead to more effective treatment strategies for bacterial infections.
Researchers found that rats made prosocial choices 70% of the time, indicating a preference for helping others. The study suggests that biological mechanisms such as positive feelings and social sensitivity may drive prosocial behavior in both humans and rats.
Researchers found that corals and fish are migrating towards Earth's poles in response to climate change, with habitats shrinking as a result. Coral species can only nest in shallower depths at higher latitudes, limiting their range, while fish habitats will contract by about 20% due to decreased oxygen abundance.
A new study reveals that ocean warming and oxygen loss will significantly impact marine life productivity, leading to a decline in species diversity. The researchers have developed a metabolic index to predict climate-related changes in geographic range and productivity for various species.
Tropical Storm Andres is weakening due to strong west-southwesterly shear and cool waters, with the National Hurricane Center expecting it to become post-tropical by June 4. The storm's strongest winds were measured at 25 meters per second in a small area northwest of the center.
Researchers at Bar-Ilan University develop novel experimental model that successfully mimics the re-activation of the varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox and shingles. The model allows scientists to test drugs and develop therapies to prevent shingles and potentially impact other viruses targeting the human nervous system.
Researchers developed a new technology called VirScan to identify all viruses an individual has been exposed to over their life. The study found that people are exposed to around 10 viral species on average, but some individuals encountered up to 84 different viral species.
NASA's Aqua satellite captured images of Hurricane Blanca on June 3 and 4, showing a decrease in organization and cloud top temperatures as cold as -81.6F. The storm's bands of thunderstorms became fragmented, and its pinhole eye disappeared from the image.
A new Cornell study reveals that pesticides harm wild bees and indirectly threaten native pollinators, particularly in orchards with limited natural areas. The research highlights the importance of protecting these vital pollinators for food production, as they contribute to 35% of global food production.
Researchers discovered that double-strand breaks occur at replication fork stalling sites due to collision. The study found that non-homologous end-joining is the primary repair method used in this context, despite its potential for errors.
A new study found that patients with knee osteoarthritis who have poor sleep habits display greater central sensitization, an amplification of clinical pain. Catastrophizing thoughts about pain also contribute to increased central sensitization and greater clinical pain in OA patients.
Researchers analyzed updated temperature data and found no decrease in warming rate between 20th and 21st centuries. The study suggests the 'hiatus' was an illusion created by earlier data biases.
A special issue of Cell Stem Cell highlights the biology of aging and sex differences in stem cell behavior. Research suggests that estrogen may play a role in increasing lifespan in females, while testosterone may have different effects on males. Scientists are also exploring ways to model late-onset conditions using stem cells.
A new study found that refraining from late-night calories helps prevent some of the decline in neurobehavioral performance during sleep restriction. Subjects who fasted performed better on reaction time and attention lapses than those who had eaten during late-night hours.
A study of over 30,000 patients found that not resuming blood pressure medication within two days of surgery significantly increases the risk of infections, pneumonia, heart failure, and kidney failure. Resuming ARBs sooner reduces these risks.
Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a new microscope that can observe magnetic sensitivity in photochemical reactions within sub-cellular structures. The microscope, called TOAD imaging, allows for the detection of radical pairs formed from flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) and their response to weak magnetic fields.
A new study found that catch-and-release practices in recreational fishing may influence the evolutionary path of species, favoring fish with lower metabolisms. Researchers compared largemouth bass populations from fished and unfished lakes, showing a significant difference in metabolic rates.
Quantitative brain imaging techniques can detect early cognitive decline and prevent it by identifying key brain structures and lifestyle factors. Studies suggest that a 10% reduction in preventable lifestyle risks can prevent up to 3 million cases of Alzheimer's dementia worldwide.
Scientists and policymakers are reevaluating policies regarding contact with emerging isolated tribes in South America. The spread of diseases via outsiders is a major concern, while anthropologists warn that governments may not be prepared to protect these groups.
A study on social amoebae reveals that genes for cooperation and cheating have reached a stalemate, with increased genetic diversity near the social genes suggesting a prolonged stalemate. The findings suggest that cheating can be successful only when it is rare, and fail when it becomes so numerous it pushes out cooperators.
A new study at Cornell University identifies a gene duplication causing cucumbers to produce only female flowers, leading to increased yields in greenhouse production. The research builds on previous work and shows that the genetic variation affects over 1,600 genes in the cucumber genome.
A new study published in PLOS Pathogens reveals that malaria parasites growing in different host cells can develop resistance to antimalarial drugs. Researchers found that the metabolic state of red blood cells provides a unique environment for Plasmodium parasites, allowing them to scavenge essential resources and evade drug targeting.
Researchers have developed VirScan, a method that can analyze a single drop of blood to identify past and present viral infections. The technology shows promise in uncovering unexpected factors affecting individual patients' health and expanding opportunities for large-scale analysis.
A new study published in Anesthesiology found that resuming angiotensin receptor blockers within two days after surgery decreases death rates in the first month following surgery. Resuming these medications also reduced rates of infection, pneumonia, heart failure and kidney failure.
A new study at Georgia State University links delay of gratification in chimpanzees to white matter connectivity between the caudate and dorsal prefrontal cortex. The researchers found that higher connectivity was associated with better delay of gratification performance, a crucial ability for mental health.
A consortium led by Massachusetts General Hospital has launched a $5.2 million project to develop an RNA-based vaccine against Q fever, a disease affecting US troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. The VaxCelerate process aims to rapidly develop vaccines for emerging infectious diseases.
Defect-free palladium nanowires, a thousand times thinner than human hair, were stretched under controlled conditions to reveal the point where failures first appear. The study found that thermal uncertainty plays a significant role in the material's failure, with defects forming on the surface of the wire.
Researchers at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute have discovered a protein called polyglutamine-binding protein 1 (PQBP1) that recognizes HIV and initiates an immune response. The study suggests that designing a drug mimicking the PQBP1-HIV interface could create an effective vaccine environment, potentially preventing infection.
Etienne Benson's research explores the impact of birds on the power grid in 1920s California, revealing how avian waste caused short circuits. The study highlights the importance of considering non-human actors in infrastructure systems and the need for 'insulation' and 'interconnection' strategies to mitigate nature's effects.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania found that specific types of physical activity are associated with better sleep habits. These include aerobics/calisthenics, biking, gardening, golfing, running, weight-lifting, and yoga/Pilates. In contrast, household and childcare work were linked to insufficient sleep.
A 333-million-year-old fossil discovery is rewriting the history of vertebrate evolution. The ancient salamander-like animal spent significant time on land, challenging previous theories about its origin.
A new manifesto calls for a shift in power from internet giants to ordinary consumers, citing the need for more control over online data and content. Dr Paul Bernal argues that the internet is messy and dynamic, and that few people want to be forgotten but most want influence on how they are remembered.
Researchers found that city bats are less likely to cross tree lines in brightly lit areas, especially larger gaps. This barrier effect varies with gap width, with narrower gaps more tolerable than wider ones.
Researchers used social network analysis to identify cancer biomarkers in patient genomic microarray data, dramatically decreasing the number of features to analyze. The approach has been successfully demonstrated for three types of cancer: lymphoma, colon cancer, and leukemia.
A recent study from the University of Exeter has discovered Gabon's coastline to host the largest breeding colony of olive ridley turtles in the Atlantic. The research reveals an estimated 9,800 turtle nests per year, highlighting the importance of continued conservation efforts for this vulnerable species.
A new study from the University of East Anglia suggests that critically endangered species should be left to breed in the wild, rather than in captivity. The research challenges the assumption that captive breeding is always a good idea when a species is close to extinction in the wild.
Researchers at Tufts University developed an algorithm that used evolutionary computation to predict the results of published laboratory experiments on planarian regeneration. The approach identified a comprehensive regulatory network that correctly predicted all 16 key experiments, shedding light on the mechanisms behind head-tail pat...
Researchers at UGA have successfully edited the genome of a tree species using CRISPR/Cas technology, reducing lignin and condensed tannin concentrations by 20% and 50%, respectively. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for rapid and reliable gene editing in plants.
A high school student won a $10,000 scholarship from the Office of Naval Research for his concussion research project, which aimed to reduce whiplash motion correlated with concussions. The project's potential applications extend beyond sports, as brain injuries are a leading cause of TBI for military personnel in war zones.
A $2.4 million investment from the Canadian government will scale up menstrual hygiene management and free health education in Africa, focusing on rural and urban low-income women and girls. ZanaAfrica Group will increase access to safe, affordable sanitary pads and related health education through a tiered distribution model.
The new VirScan test detects evidence of past viral infections in a person's blood, revealing the vast array of viruses that can infect humans. This method has implications for understanding immunity and potentially identifying correlations between viral exposure and disease risk.
A study published in Scientific Reports reveals that birds like magpies utilize a tiny vortex formed at the alula feathers tip to improve flight maneuverability. The researchers observed this phenomenon through wind tunnel experiments, demonstrating how the vortex helps air flow attach to the wing surface.
Researchers at the Institute of Food Research discovered how Salmonella bacteria synchronize gene expression for invasion. They found that RpoS, DksA and ppGpp work together to coordinate the deployment of SPI1 and SPI2.
The CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield grant will support the Teen Alliance for Prepared Parenting Program (TAPP) at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. The program aims to provide reproductive health care services, including prenatal care and parenting services, to pregnant teens in Ward 8.
The Merlin Bird Photo ID system can identify 400 bird species in the US and Canada with accuracy of 90% and is designed to improve with user input. The system combines AI techniques with millions of data points from humans to present the most likely species, including photos and sounds.
Scientists from HIPS and HZI discover cyclohexylgriselimycin, a variant of griselimycin, effective against Mycobacterium tuberculosis with low risk of resistance development. The new agent targets DNA clamp, preventing bacterial proliferation and offering potential therapeutic approach to drug-resistant tuberculosis.
Astronomers confirm three supernovae existed in the dark emptiness of intergalactic space, far from their home galaxies. This discovery provides crucial insight into the formation and evolution of galaxy clusters.
A recent study published in Science finds that warmer ocean temperatures will increase marine animals' demand for oxygen, while reducing its availability. As a result, habitats will shift away from the equator, displacing up to 26% of current ranges.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory found that the mammalian brain uses cortical feedback to distinguish between nearly identical odors. The team tracked neural signals and found specific responses to distinct scents, suggesting a 'sparse' response and amplification of certain odors.
Researchers introduce a two-pronged system to combat antibiotic resistance by eliminating genes that cause resistance and conferring protection against lethal phages. The system, based on bacterial viruses called phages, has the potential to turn the tide on untreatable infections.
Researchers at Uppsala University mapped the genetic structure and evolution of the W chromosome in birds, finding that it does not contain genes leading to female development. The W chromosome instead serves as a buffer for females with one copy of the X chromosome, allowing certain genes to work.
A recent study by the University of Michigan found that African-American women are equally likely to experience infertility as their white counterparts, yet they often cope with it alone due to social stigma. The study reveals that these women face discrimination in medical settings and feel a negative impact on their self-esteem.
Researchers developed an algorithm to predict planarian regeneration outcomes and identified a simple regulatory network. This breakthrough applies artificial intelligence to understand complex biological processes.