A new study from Brigham Young University finds that loneliness and social isolation are major risk factors for mortality across all ages and income levels. The research analyzed data from over 3 million participants and found that the lack of social connections presents an added risk, while the existence of relationships provides a po...
Researchers found that prenatal yoga classes reduced depressive symptoms in pregnant women with mild to moderately depressed women. The study's results suggest that a larger randomized controlled trial is needed to confirm the findings.
The Wistar Institute has received a $1.1 million grant from the Jayne Koskinas Ted Giovanis Foundation to support the work of three scientists researching metastatic breast cancer. The researchers aim to develop novel targeted therapies by understanding the pathways essential to breast cancer cells.
A new study published in Neurology found that physically active seniors with small areas of brain damage did not experience a drop-off in movement abilities. In fact, those who were most active showed no decline despite high levels of brain damage, suggesting physical activity creates a 'reserve' to protect motor abilities.
A Yale-led study found that donated kidneys with acute injury are associated with delayed graft function but not poor long-term transplant outcomes. The research suggests that injured kidneys could be used for transplants, potentially increasing the number of available organs and improving survival rates for patients on dialysis.
Scientists at OIST Graduate University found that cell groups in the neostriatum do not communicate with each other and are less interconnected. The discovery has implications for studying diseases like Parkinson's, which affects motor control.
A new method called TFUMseq enables researchers to study the functions of hard-to-grow bacteria that contribute to the gut microbiome. The tool allows for the identification of genes that enhance microbial fitness and provides insights into how bacteria colonize living organisms.
Researchers analyze particle jets from lead ion collisions to understand quark-gluon plasma properties. The study reveals that high-energy jets are suppressed, contradicting some theoretical models.
Researchers found that patients who received blood transfusions at a higher haemoglobin level had fewer serious complications and deaths after cardiac surgery. The study challenges current guidelines and health policy, suggesting that a more liberal approach to transfusion may be safer and more cost-effective
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have created a 3D model of the ORC protein machine, which helps prepare DNA for duplication. The model reveals that ORC is not always 'on' as previously thought, and no one knows how it turns on and off.
Researchers found that young mice don't possess cellular machinery for regeneration after weaning, leading to reduced insulin secretion and replication of beta cells. A new developmental step in beta cell maturation is triggered by dietary change from high-fat milk to chow.
Research on the Bristol Pound found it fosters social bonds by shaping interactions and feelings of trust among users, promoting local business support and community cohesion. The study's findings have implications for designing future payment systems that prioritize social connectivity.
A new system designed by researchers from Brown and Johns Hopkins universities aims to assess computer vision systems' ability to understand the context of an image. The 'visual Turing test' evaluates how well computers can recognize subtle details, such as people walking together and having a conversation.
Researchers from The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that infant BMI-childhood obesity relationship is strong in African-American children. A better understanding of infancy growth patterns can lead to more effective early efforts at obesity prevention.
The discovery of modified white-tailed eagle talons at the Krapina Neandertal site reveals evidence of jewelry-making skills among human predecessors. The findings indicate that Neandertals acquired eagle talons for symbolic purposes around 130,000 years ago.
Researchers use a cylindrical rotating system to study turbulent convection, disproving the idea that transitions from one state of turbulence to another are smooth. Their findings suggest that symmetry changes must be sharp, contradicting Lev Landau's theory.
Tropical Cyclone Olwyn has formed in the Southern Indian Ocean and is forecast to make landfall near Cape Cuvier in Western Australia. The cyclone is intensifying and moving south-southwest at 12 knots, with maximum sustained winds of 55 knots.
NASA's Suomi NPP satellite captured an image of Tropical Cyclone Nathan as it formed a cyclonic loop near the eastern coast of Queensland's Cape York Peninsula. The storm is expected to strengthen over the next day and a half due to decreasing vertical wind shear and warm sea surface temperatures.
A study led by Drs. Kelleher and Shen discovered that presenilin-1 mutations decrease gamma-secretase activity, leading to age-dependent death of neurons and neurodegeneration. The findings may transform the way scientists design drugs for inherited Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers found that boiling pasta releases some gluten proteins, while others persist throughout cooking and digestion. This discovery could lead to new strategies for managing wheat allergies and celiac disease.
A comparative analysis by MIT researchers reveals mutations in the Indian H1N1 flu viruses that make them distinct from the 2009 vaccine strain. The study highlights the need for updated vaccination strategies to account for potential new viruses.
A new study projects that large coastal populations in Asia and Africa will face the highest exposure to future sea level rise and storm surge flooding. Coastal areas with high population density, such as China, India, and Indonesia, are most vulnerable.
A study published in Evolution and Human Behaviour found that women are more attracted to war heroes than regular soldiers or men who display heroic traits in other fields. The researchers also discovered that heroism in combat increases women's levels of sexual attraction towards male soldiers, but not in disaster zones.
Critically ill patients who undergo early exercise experience marked improvements in lung, limb, and respiratory muscle function. Researchers have identified specific mechanisms by which exercise turns off pathways involved in muscle wasting.
A new natural treatment for Alzheimer's disease, withanamides, is being developed by Michigan State University. The compound has shown to protect brain cells from damage caused by the rogue protein BAP, which is a common factor in Alzheimer's progression.
Research reveals distinct patterns of substance use among white, black, and Hispanic teenagers, with notable age-related disparities. Cigarette use peaks later in life for African Americans compared to whites, while alcohol use is higher among males than females during adolescence.
Researchers develop 'dynamic ocean management' to integrate real-time data and crowd-sourced reports into ocean industry applications. This approach aims to protect vulnerable ecosystems while promoting sustainable resource use, in line with industries' profitability.
Researchers found that actin fibers run throughout the cell, forming a network of 'roadways' for material transport. The study's findings could help engineer better cotton fibers, improve plant defense against insects, and alter plant architecture.
INRS professor Federico Rosei has received the 2015 Lash Miller Award from the Electrochemical Society Canada Section, bringing the award back to INRS after 44 years. The award recognizes his outstanding contributions to electronic and photonic devices.
A study by UC Santa Barbara researchers found that foreign-born STEM students are more likely to stay in the US than return home, with 44% of Silicon Valley startups including a foreign founder. The study suggests that visa requirements and lack of mentorship opportunities may be driving these students abroad.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute analyzed two influenza strains, H10N8 and H6N1, and found that they have not acquired changes allowing them to infect humans easily. However, the viruses' versatility in attaching to host cells suggests continued caution against potential pandemics.
A new study has identified a group of molecules in prostate-cancer cells that can help distinguish which patients should be treated with radiation therapy if rising PSA levels indicate tumor recurrence. MicroRNA patterns, including miR-4516 and miR-601, may predict patient response to radiation therapy.
Researchers found that combining naproxen with omeprazole reduced bladder cancer incidence by 75% in rats. This combination may be a valuable cancer prevention strategy for those at high risk of colon, esophageal, or other cancers.
A recent study published in Nature journal Scientific Reports found that the Asian monsoon played a crucial role in the evolution of African mole rats and bamboo rats. The researchers discovered that changes in monsoon strength over 24 million years influenced the rodents' teeth, head shape, and digging behavior.
A study of rats exposed to lead found detrimental effects on brain cells and neurotransmitters associated with schizophrenia, including a decline in Parvalbumin-Positive GABAergic interneurons and increased levels of the dopamine receptor D2R. The findings support a link between early lead exposure and the onset of schizophrenia.
Research by Columbia University finds that glucocorticoid treatment restores BBB function within a day of primary blast injury, potentially reducing mandatory rest periods for military personnel. The study's positive results could lead to the development of targeted therapies using steroids to restore BBB integrity after blast injury.
Farmed Chinese giant salamanders are traded across China, kept in crowded conditions, and prone to devastating disease outbreaks. The industry poses a number of threats to the species, including the mixing of locally-adapted genetic strains making farmed animals unsuitable for future reintroduction to the wild.
Researchers at Helmholtz Munich found associations between weight change and lipid, amino acid metabolism, insulin sensitivity, mitochondrial functioning, and red blood cell development. The study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms affected by weight gain.
Duke University researchers have found shape-shifting DNA base pairs that can trick the copying machine, leading to random genetic changes. These 'quantum jitters' appear at a frequency similar to DNA copying errors, which might underlie evolution and cancer.
Tropical Depression 3W formed near Kwajalein, Marshall Islands, on March 11 with maximum sustained winds of 30 knots. The storm is forecast to move west-northwest toward Guam, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds.
Researchers reconstructed fetal ear bone development in whales using non-invasive imaging techniques, providing insight into how whales transitioned from land to sea and adapted to underwater hearing. The study's findings confirm changes in ear bone development parallelled changes throughout whale evolution.
New research by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute reveals that the Milky Way's galactic disk is contoured into several concentric ripples, extending its known width from 100,000 to 150,000 light years.
A new study by the University of Michigan finds that religious women's opinions on reproductive health policies, such as contraceptive coverage under the Affordable Care Act, are mixed. While some Protestant and Catholic women support employer-provided contraception coverage, others, including Baptists and other Christians, disagree.
Stanford researchers found that droplets of two-component fluid can sense each other and move like living cells due to balance between surface energy and evaporation. The dynamic interactions enable these inanimate droplets to mimic some behaviors of living cells.
A team of scientists successfully transferred a receptor gene from Arabidopsis to wheat, demonstrating that the signalling pathways are conserved between monocots and dicots. The resulting gene confers durable resistance to bacterial diseases, with potential applications in breeding wheat for improved disease resistance.
A new study found that post-fire logging can reduce woody fuels for up to four decades following wildfire in dry coniferous forests. Harvesting fire-killed trees also helps forest managers manage fuels, with logged stands having lower fuels than unlogged stands over time.
Low-oxygen zones off the Oregon Coast are affecting fish populations, with some species like Dover sole remaining largely unaffected. The study found that low oxygen levels drive sensitive species away, while others may be pushed into less desirable habitats and grow more slowly.
A team of researchers from the Universities of Bristol and Cambridge created a 3D reconstruction of the skull of Acanthostega gunnari, a 360 million-year-old near-ancestor of land vertebrates. The new reconstruction shows that early tetrapods had more modern-like crocodile skulls than previously thought, with surprising results.
The Messak Settafet escarpment in the Saharan desert features a vast 'carpet' of stone-age tools, averaging 75 artefacts per square metre. The tools were extracted and discarded over hundreds of thousands of years, creating an entire landscape modified by hominins.
A study by Washington University School of Medicine found that the abuse-deterrent formulation of OxyContin successfully reduced its illicit use, but only temporarily. As a result, many abusers switched to heroin due to cost-effectiveness and increased availability, highlighting the need for addressing the demand side of drug abuse.
Tianbo Liu finds that molecules with electrical charge self-recognize left-handed and right-handed pairs to form large assemblies, simplifying the mystery of homochirality. This discovery emphasizes nature's simplicity in creating life.
Scientists at UCL conclude humans became a geological power with global environmental changes starting around 1610. A golden spike marker, the 'Orbis Spike', was found in Antarctic ice-core records, indicating an irreversible exchange of species between the Old and New Worlds.
Duke Medicine researchers found that only 13.4% of clinical trials reported findings within the required one-year window, with industry-sponsored trials reporting at 17%, while academic/non-NIH-funded trials reported at just 5.7%. The lack of transparency hampers progress and violates obligations to patients.
A new study published in Fertility and Sterility found that underlying subfertility may account for some of the risks associated with assisted reproductive technology (ART) births. Singletons born to mothers with ART had higher rates of preterm birth and low birth weight, while twins had better outcomes.
A new study by University of Alberta researchers found that media coverage of stem cell therapies often presents unrealistic timelines and overhypes the field. The study examined 307 news reports between 2010 and 2013, revealing that 69% predicted therapies would be available within 5-10 years or sooner.
A genome-wide study identifies the Ainu people as direct descendants of indigenous Jomon, supporting a hybridization model for Japanese population history. Genetic mixing occurred around 5,000-7,000 years ago, older than previously estimated archaeological records.
Scientists at TUM discovered that brain activity changes when transitioning from sensory to emotional processing during prolonged pain. The experiment showed that nerve cells in the brain trigger a different pattern of activity after applying a placebo cream, reducing perceived pain.
The National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) has received a $1.5 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2016, with a focus on accelerating the transition of nanotechnology-based discoveries from lab to market.
A team of scientists has successfully repaired the damaged cerebral cortex of adult mice using cortical neurons derived from embryonic stem cells. The study suggests that only neurons of the same type as the damaged area can restore damaged circuits, providing new hope for treating brain injuries and diseases.
A team of researchers used micro-CT scans to explore why making willow trees grow at an angle can vastly improve their biofuel yields. Tilted willows respond by producing a sugar-rich, gelatinous fibre that helps them stay upright.
A new Australian study has found that women who give birth in a public hospital are more confident parents compared to those who have private births. The study found that public hospitals provide more after-hospital health care, leading to increased maternal satisfaction and confidence as new parents.
Scientists have developed a new, 'green' way to improve lithium-ion battery performance using a carbon-based nanosheet derived from silk. The material stores five times more lithium than graphite, critical for improving battery life.
Researchers found that successful feedback involves sharing incomplete work, constructive two-way conversations, and a desire to understand the process. Critical is a conversation between worker and feedback provider who are receptive to help and have done their homework.
Researchers analyzed ear bone development in womb and fossilized whales, revealing parallel changes that indicate whales shifted from land to sea. The study provides insight into the evolutionary process of whale hearing, essential for protecting populations from ocean noise.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed an open-source digital assistant called Sirius, which uses advanced algorithms to interpret voice commands and answer questions in spoken words. The system has the potential to revolutionize the development of wearable devices and datacenter infrastructure.
The coco de mer palm tree invests energy into reproduction, producing large amounts of pollen and huge fruits that fall at the base. Its unique leaves capture water, animal waste, and debris, creating a 'parental care' system for its offspring. This modified habitat ensures other plants struggle to establish in nutrient-poor areas.
A recent MIT study suggests the swine flu strain in India has acquired mutations that make it more deadly, contradicting previous reports. The researchers stress the need for better surveillance to track the outbreak and develop an effective response strategy.
The US Army Research Laboratory is designing new polymers with enhanced ballistic capabilities to protect soldiers from emerging threats. By modeling polymer chemistry, microstructure, and energy absorption, researchers aim to create ultra-high molecular weight polyethylenes for optimal performance at high strain rates.
Researchers discovered a molecular cause for parvovirus selectivity in cancer cells, revealing the PKCη/Rdx-driven phosphorylation of PDK1. This biomarker predicts therapy effectiveness and identifies cancer cells independent of growth factors.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that a novel therapeutic approach using an existing drug reverses hyperactivity in the brain of patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), a condition that increases risk for Alzheimer's dementia. The therapy, calmed hyperactivity in the brain and improved memory performance.
Researchers document leatherback sea turtles' ability to maintain specific headings while traveling through the subtropical gyre, unaffected by current drift. The study suggests that turtles may use a magnetic and/or solar compass to navigate.
Researchers have identified tiny differences in the outer shell proteins of different hepatitis C viruses that make them resistant to antibodies. The study found that these protein variations are not located where antibodies attach, requiring multiple antibodies to be stimulated for an effective vaccine. Future research will focus on i...
Researchers found that implantable defibrillators and modern treatments have reduced mortality rates among adults with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, improving life expectancy. The study also showed a lower rate of deaths directly associated with the disease, especially sudden cardiac death.
Patients undergoing non-emergency cardiac surgery were given either a low or high haemoglobin threshold for transfusion, with the researchers finding that more patients died in the 'low' group. Health care costs and serious complications were similar in both groups, challenging prevailing guidelines.
Patients treated at high-volume facilities for stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have longer overall survival when receiving definitive concurrent chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Studies show improved outcomes for patients treated at these centers, regardless of academic or community status.
Researchers found that students with lower amounts of a particular pattern of brain waves called sleep spindles were more at risk for developing insomnia after stressful events. The study suggests that measuring spindle activity may help identify people at risk before the condition materializes.
Cyclone Pam is strengthening as it moves through the Solomon Islands, triggering warnings for Temotu, Malaita, and Makira provinces. The storm's maximum sustained winds are estimated at 80 knots (92 mph), with heavy rainfall rates of over 158 mm/hour reported near the Santa Cruz Islands.
A new study by a team of Cassini mission scientists led by the University of Colorado Boulder has found evidence of hydrothermal activity on Enceladus, a Saturn moon with remarkable geologic activity. The tiny grains of rock detected near Saturn imply that seawater infiltrates and reacts with a rocky crust, emerging as a heated, minera...
Researchers discovered that graphene oxide effectively eliminates bacteria linked to tooth decay and gum disease, potentially providing a new tool for fighting these common health problems. The material destroys bacterial cell walls and membranes, slowing the growth of pathogens.
A University of Missouri research team has uncovered new regulations of defense pathways for plants, enabling them to fight off certain bacteria more effectively. The discovery has implications for various crops, including tomatoes, soybeans, rice, and ornamental plants like roses.
A recent study by researchers at Georgia State University suggests that storing Ebola-infected sewage for a week or longer may not be sufficient to inactivate the virus, especially at lower ambient temperatures. The study used bacteriophage Φ6 as a stand-in for Ebola and found that holding times may need to be longer in such cases.
A significant solar flare was emitted by the sun on March 11, 2015, peaking at 12:22 p.m. EDT. The X2.2-class flare may cause disturbances in the atmosphere where GPS and communications signals travel.
A new study by UCLA researchers has shown the feasibility of a blood-based test for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease, offering a safer and more affordable alternative to current methods. The test uses blood protein panels to predict brain amyloidosis with modest accuracy.
Scientists have discovered iron-oxidizing bacteria living near sulfur-rich black-smoker hydrothermal vents along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. These unique chemosynthetic communities utilize iron as an energy source and are highly evolved to thrive in environments with abundant iron.
Depressed individuals perceive time as moving slowly, yet they accurately assess specific intervals like two seconds or minutes. A meta-analysis of 16 studies involving 433 depressed subjects and 485 non-depressed controls confirms this finding.
The generation of neurons in humans is limited to development, and this process declines with age due to the limited self-renewal of neural stem cells. Therapeutic approaches must focus on maintaining stem cell supply by promoting their self-renewal rate.
Researchers at NYU have devised a computer model that explains how the brain classifies visual stimuli into distinct categories. The model, published in Nature Communications, reveals that top-down feedback projections from category-selective neurons to feature-coding neurons are essential for learning correct category boundaries.
Researchers found that mutations in MECP2 lead to increased expression of long genes, which are often greater than 100,000 nucleotides in length. This overexpression may be a distinctive signature of Rett Syndrome and related disorders.
Researchers used single-cell transcriptogenomics to study the cell's defense mechanisms and found that DNA-directed RNA transcription can exclude ENU-mutated alleles, preventing them from being expressed. This novel mechanism may provide a new approach to understanding aging and disease.
A comprehensive programme providing healthy eating guidance, exercise, and brain training appears to slow down cognitive decline in older people at risk of dementia. The Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability found a 25% increase in mental function scores in the intervention group.
A Duke University study suggests that public health programs should allocate funds to encourage more boys to be vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV), which could ultimately protect more people. The study found that boosting HPV vaccination coverage in girls may become increasingly expensive as the pool of willing parents shrinks.
Researchers have developed a new material that can capture carbon dioxide from air more efficiently than current methods, releasing CO2 at lower temperatures. This technology could reduce energy costs by half or more for power plants and potentially be used in submarines to remove CO2 from the sea.
A 360-million-year-old tetrapod's skull has been reconstructed using high-resolution X-ray CT scanning, revealing a more crocodile-like structure than previously thought. The study sheds new light on the anatomy and ecology of early tetrapods, including their feeding habits and adaptations for life on land.
A McGill University team has identified a mechanism by which environmental factors influence the expression of genes controlling complex traits. By manipulating DNA methylation levels, researchers were able to create variation in worker ant sizes, shedding light on the interplay between genetics and environment in shaping these traits.
A study found that poor indoor air quality in nursing homes negatively affects the lung health of elderly residents, with pollutants like PM10 and NO2 linked to breathlessness and cough. The researchers called for improved ventilation and regular respiratory checks to mitigate the issue.
A tetanus booster enhances immune system priming for dendritic cell therapy, increasing patient survival by nearly five years. The study provides a roadmap for improving dendritic cell vaccines for glioblastoma treatment.