Developing countries like India, Egypt, and Ukraine are found near the border of a development trap due to institutional and value-based political traps. The researchers predict that investing in education can help these countries transition to higher democracy and socio-economic wellbeing.
An international team of astronomers has discovered a hot, dusty cloud of molecular gases in a dwarf galaxy near our own, where over 1 million young stars are forming. The star cluster is buried within a supernebula and contains massive 'O' stars that are a million times brighter than the sun.
A new study by CAMH reveals that people with severe schizophrenia have distinct differences in their brain networks compared to those with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and healthy individuals. The research provides strong evidence that schizophrenia is not one but rather multiple brain disorders.
A study by UC Santa Barbara anthropologists found that Tsimane men's oxytocin levels increase when they come home to their families after a day of hunting, positively correlating with changes in testosterone. This hormonal response may serve as a balance between social bonding and competition.
A recent study by Dartmouth researchers found that Facebook conversations about surgery reveal a common pattern of call-and-response in asking for and offering prayers. Nearly four thousand people posted about surgery, with posts referencing family members triggering greater responses via comments.
Gold nanorods are being investigated for use in biomedical applications due to their surface plasmon resonance, allowing them to absorb and scatter light. The improved method enables large-scale production and controlled shell thicknesses, paving the way for stable gold nanorods with chemically functionalized surfaces.
Researchers from INSERM found that spironolactone, an antihypertensive drug, limits skin atrophy when used with corticosteroid-based creams. This study improves the efficacy and safety of corticosteroid-based dermatological treatments for inflammatory skin conditions.
Researchers develop spatial microsimulation model called Local Demographic Simulations (LDS) to forecast population distribution and slow urban sprawl. The study found that housing availability affects residential mobility and local population size.
Research suggests that too much artificial light in the evening can disrupt the body's circadian rhythm and lead to health problems such as breast cancer, obesity, diabetes, and depression. Experts recommend using devices with dimmer, longer wavelengths of light in the evening to minimize disruption.
A new study from Washington University School of Medicine has linked a protein called CLCA1 to the overproduction of mucus in diseases like asthma and COPD. Increased expression of CLCA1 increases the number of TMEM16A channels present in nearby cells, leading to more Ca2+ dependent chloride currents.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have discovered novel nanoscale 'metamaterial' that could serve as future ultra-high-speed computing units. These nonlinear metamaterials can be used to develop active optical components essential to the manufacture of ultra-high-speed optics-based computer chips.
A new study finds that antipsychotic drugs may increase the risk of death in dementia patients, particularly those taking higher doses. Researchers analyzed nearly 91,000 veterans and found a higher mortality risk among those taking these medications compared to those not taking them.
Researchers found that iron vaporization at high pressures can create an iron-rich rain that blankets the forming Earth, explaining the iron pockets in the mantle. This process challenges traditional core formation theories and changes our interpretation of geochemical data.
Researchers from the UPV/EHU have developed a novel speech-based system to detect early stages of Alzheimer's disease. The Automatic Spontaneous Speech Analysis (ASSA) technique measures various parameters, including pauses and speech patterns, to help diagnose the disease.
A phase 3 trial shows that brentuximab vedotin significantly increases progression-free survival in adults with hard-to-treat Hodgkin lymphoma. The drug was found to be well-tolerated, with side effects including peripheral neuropathy and neutropenia.
A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that healthy middle-aged and older adults can reduce their risk of heart disease by adapting to current UK dietary guidelines. The trial revealed significant reductions in blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and body weight.
Tropical Cyclone Nathan strengthened with powerful thunderstorms known as 'hot towers', indicating a significant increase in intensity. The cyclone made landfall north of Cairns on March 19, bringing heavy rainfall and storm surges to the Cape York Peninsula.
Researchers found that sea anemones use BMP signaling molecules to establish a second body axis, regulating mesenteries and Hox gene activation. This discovery provides insights into the evolution of animal body axes over hundreds of millions of years.
IU scientists have discovered a new way the parasite Toxoplasma gondii modifies brain cells, which may help explain changes in the behavior of mice and potentially influence human behavior. The findings suggest that Toxoplasma infection could alter human behavior, with some research suggesting an association with schizophrenia.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have discovered a way to reactivate cardiac muscle cell proliferation in adult hearts, leading to reduced scar formation and improved heart function after injury. The approach involves using synthetic microRNAs with short half-lives to induce cardiomyocyte growth.
A 30-year study reveals the Amazon's capacity to absorb carbon from the atmosphere is declining due to increased tree mortality rates. The forest, once a vast 'carbon sink', is now being overtaken by fossil fuel emissions, exacerbating climate change.
Recent studies show that breast milk contains beneficial bacteria to protect infants from diseases, while probiotics may restore balance in the gut and improve psychiatric symptoms in autism. Research also highlights the connection between gut microbiota and cancer prevention and treatment, as well as diet and intestinal health.
New research reveals that bats can gather information from their environment and process it extremely fast to determine how to attack or call off the hunt. The study shows that bats can adjust their attack until approximately 100 milliseconds away from their prey.
The study uses mutant stem cells to screen for genes involved in rabies infection and identifies 63 host target genes that can be targeted for treatment. The technique has potential applications in discovering gene function and assessing human host response to various infections and toxins.
A study by Lund University researchers found that people's moral responses can be influenced by what they're looking at when making a decision. The findings suggest that the thought process needed to reach a moral position is interlinked with the process of viewing the world.
A multicenter clinical trial found that clindamycin and trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) are similarly effective in treating uncomplicated skin infections, with cure rates of 80.3% and 77.7%, respectively. The study was conducted on 524 adults and children with cellulitis or abscesses.
Researchers successfully used green tea compounds to enhance imaging of cancer tumors in mice via MRIs. The novel agents showed a strong contrast between tumor and non-tumor cells, suggesting promising candidates for future use.
Brown planthoppers develop short wings for breeding and long wings for travel due to insulin receptor silencing, a major factor in their pest status. Researchers found that two insulin receptors determine alternative wing morphs in planthoppers.
A new field-based study from the University of Maryland reveals that realistic levels of imidacloprid exposure do not significantly harm honey bee colonies. However, higher doses and synergistic combinations with other stressors, such as climate change and malnutrition, can cause more severe consequences.
A new study reveals that extinct South American ungulates are closely related to groups that also gave rise to horses and rhinos. The research uses fossil protein sequences to show that these animals are part of the Laurasiatheria group, which includes perissodactyls.
The study found a significant decline in early recall rates from 20% to 3-4% in subsequent rounds, while lung cancer detection rates decreased by 50%. A well-organized screening program with access to previous images and results is crucial to manage false positives.
Researchers have identified a promising new target for treating pulmonary fibrosis, a severe and chronic lung disease. By inhibiting the enzyme prolyl 4-hydroxylase, which promotes collagen production, researchers aim to reduce excessive fibrous tissue growth.
Insects' wings may provide a gyroscopic function, helping them perform aerial acrobatics and maintain stability. Researchers developed a computational model of a flapping wing and discovered that the wing's twisting motion could stimulate sensors, similar to those in halteres.
Researchers found that infants' bodies play a role in connecting object names to objects, with consistent posture critical for successful mapping. The study's findings have implications for understanding cognition and memory in young children.
A recent spill of 3 million gallons of fracking wastewater in North Dakota has raised concerns about the potential harm it could cause to human health and the environment. Scientists are using advanced analytical techniques to study the composition of fracking fluids and wastewater, which may break down differently in the environment.
Researchers have linked antibiotic resistance with poor governance and corruption around the world, citing alarming rates of 23,000 deaths annually in the US due to antibiotic-resistant infections. The study suggests that addressing corruption and control of antibiotics could help lower resistance levels and save lives.
Researchers discovered a new bodily process that explains low blood oxygen in cystic fibrosis patients with infected lungs, highlighting the importance of CFTR protein function in directing blood flow. The study suggests strategies aimed at restoring or activating the CFTR protein may improve blood oxygen levels and circulation.
The number of adults living with cystic fibrosis is expected to increase dramatically by 2025 due to improvements in treatments and care. This surge in demand highlights the need for healthcare systems to adapt and develop adult services to provide optimal care.
Researchers have discovered that the three-dimensional structures of mRNAs determine their stability and efficiency inside cells. This knowledge could help explain minor mutations causing neurodegenerative diseases.
A Johns Hopkins study reveals that drug companies have extended patents on insulin for over 90 years, preventing generic versions from entering the market. This has led to costly treatment options, with prices ranging from $120 to $400 per month, and hospitalizations due to uncontrolled diabetes.
A University of Texas at Arlington assistant professor will study the vertical movements that formed the Rockies' present topography and the influence of topography on climate. A geo-camp for local high school students traditionally underrepresented in science will also be conducted to fuel student interest in geosciences.
Standardized packaging in Australia has been associated with increased thinking about quitting and quit attempts, as well as a decrease in appeal among school children. In contrast, retail prices for cigarettes have increased across the board, despite no evidence of an increase in illicit cigarette consumption.
Tropical Cyclone Bavi weakened to a depression, with NASA's RapidScat instrument measuring its waning surface winds. The storm's maximum sustained winds dropped to 28.7 mph/46.3 kph on March 18.
A new scoring system helps determine which elderly people are at higher risk of developing memory and thinking problems that can lead to dementia. Factors such as years of education, history of stroke or diabetes, and smoking contribute to the risk score.
A study of 503 Mexican-Americans found that nearly 78% were metabolically unhealthy, with a high prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors. The research suggests that metabolic risk has a greater effect on developing atherosclerosis, regardless of obesity status.
A new study calculates the magnitude of submarine groundwater discharge into the Mediterranean Sea, revealing it can add as much nutrients as rivers. The annual volume of SGD ranges from 30 to 500 billion cubic meters, with a median nutrient flux comparable to atmospheric deposition and riverine runoff.
A study of police officer killings found that most perpetrators were males using firearms, and only a minority likely suffered from mental illness at the time. The researchers examined factors leading up to and contributing to these murders, providing insights into societal influences on policing.
A UCLA study identifies four key problem areas for Latinos under the Affordable Care Act: uninsurance of undocumented residents, growing Latino population in non-expansion states, increased demand on health systems, and language barriers. Insuring undocumented residents could improve access to care and reduce costs.
A new study by University of Chicago Booth School of Business researchers found that redesigning bike networks can increase ridership by up to 29.4% and reduce the distance commuters need to walk to reach stations. By taking commuter preferences into account, cities can optimize their bike-share systems to attract more users.
Standardized packaging with large graphic health warnings was associated with increased thoughts of quitting and quit attempts among adult smokers. The study found that smokers were more likely to report intentions to try to quit, conceal their packs from view, and stub out cigarettes prematurely during the introduction period.
Researchers at SDSC and UCSD have described the molecular mechanism of cancer development caused by well-known EGFR mutations in non-small cell lung cancer. Computer modeling elucidated their molecular mechanism of action, suggesting that antibodies targeting dimerization would be effective treatments.
Michigan State University is developing a carbon cycling program, called Carbon TIME, to teach middle- and high-school students about climate change. The program aims to help teachers gain buy-in from local school administrators and provide extensive professional support to significantly improve teaching strategies.
Researchers aim to improve stability of transplanted regulatory T cells using computational modeling and analysis. The goal is to develop new treatment options for diseases characterized by excessive inflammation.
A new microarray-based tool called VaginArray has been developed to rapidly diagnose vaginal infections and assess vaginal microbiome health. The tool uses 17 probe sets specific for representative bacterial species, including those associated with healthy and unhealthy conditions.
A new OSU study found that young women with lower levels of vitamin D were more likely to experience clinically significant depressive symptoms over a five-week period. The results suggest a potential link between vitamin D deficiency and depression, highlighting the importance of maintaining adequate vitamin D levels for overall health.
Researchers at Caltech have developed a method to produce high-mobility graphene in a single step at lower temperatures, resulting in fewer defects and improved electrical properties. The new technique has the potential to pave the way for commercially feasible graphene-based solar cells and electronics.
Los Alamos scientists have developed a new tool for analyzing microbial communities, GOTTCHA, which can identify co-infections in medical samples. The tool uses a database of reference genomes to classify individual metagenome sequences and provide relative abundance profiles of organisms found within a sample.
The Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology has developed the world's first continuous purification method for recombinant antibodies from clarified CHO cultures. This breakthrough technology is expected to significantly reduce production costs for highly valued drugs, such as cancer treatments and autoimmune disease therapies. The...
New research reveals that cichlid fish courtship rituals evolve rapidly in response to feeding depth. Castle-building males live at shallower depths, while pit-digging males thrive at greater depths, driven by differences in eye structure and display behavior.
A large multicenter study validates MeMed's ImmunoXpert test, which accurately characterizes the cause of acute infections by decoding the body's immune response. The test outperforms routine biomarker and laboratory tests, enabling physicians to make better informed treatment decisions.