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.
A recent literature review reveals that 17 percent of college students misuse ADHD stimulant medications, often to boost academic performance. Misuse can lead to serious health risks and legal jeopardy, with recreational use being extremely dangerous.
A recent study published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that intensive mindfulness meditation programs can significantly decrease depressive symptoms. Factors such as age, gender, and spirituality were not found to greatly impact the effectiveness of the training.
Scientists studying human cervical epithelial cells found that distinct fractal patterns emerge only at the point of progression towards cancer. These findings could inspire targeting specific weak points in pathways leading to cancer development. Fractal patterns may hold importance in understanding cancer metastasis, where cancer cel...
A review of nutrition and weight-loss interventions found a gap in approaches for people with neurological disabilities, who struggle to lose weight due to limited mobility. The study identified 27 behavior-changing techniques targeting weight-loss for people with disabilities, including self-monitoring and managing time.
A team of astronomers from University of Cambridge identified nine new dwarf satellites orbiting Milky Way, largest number ever discovered. The findings may help unravel mysteries behind dark matter, invisible substance holding galaxies together.
Obstructive sleep apnea significantly increases the risk of motor vehicle accidents, with patients being nearly 2.5 times more likely to be involved in an accident. Effective treatment with CPAP therapy can reduce this risk by up to 70%, according to a new study published in Sleep.
Researchers found Antarctic octopods have high levels of haemocyanin, a blue oxygen transport protein, in their blood. This adaptation helps them supply oxygen to tissues at sub-zero temperatures.
A study at Ohio State University found that color images lead to a greater focus on small product details, while black-and-white images aid in focusing on key features. This discovery suggests that marketers can strategically use color or its absence to alter consumer perceptions of products.
A study of 12,000 TAVR patients found a one-year mortality rate of nearly 24% and rehospitalization rates at 47%. The results provide insight into the outcomes of this less invasive procedure for severe aortic stenosis patients.
Theoretical astrophysicists discovered that gravitational waves from merging binary neutron star systems have a characteristic spectrum similar to atomic spectral lines. This allows for the inference of neutron star properties, including equation of state and stellar structure.
Researchers at Cornell University have developed a new thin-film catalyst, Bi2Pt2O7 pyrochlore, which could be a more effective cathode for fuel cells. The material was synthesized using pulsed laser deposition and has shown promising properties for fuel cell applications.
A large study found that most voice-hearers experience multiple voices with distinct qualities, while some also report physical effects on their bodies. The findings question traditional views of hearing voices and suggest different types of therapies could be beneficial for voice-hearers.
A QUT study found that 59% of students perceived traditional bullying as worse than cyberbullying, citing physical harm and emotional impact. The research aims to raise awareness about the importance of involving students in anti-bullying programs.
A new study found that nearly 42% of sepsis survivors are readmitted to the hospital within three months for preventable conditions, with a focus on kidney or lung failure and infections. Researchers suggest that targeted post-hospital care could help avoid these expensive rehospitalizations.
Researchers have found a set of celestial objects that resemble dwarf satellite galaxies orbiting the Milky Way. These discoveries could provide insights into dark matter and its role in galaxy formation.
A 150-million-year-old fossilized crab larva from southern Germany provides critical evidence for understanding the early rise of crabs. The discovery reveals a modern morphology, indicating that ancient and modern crabs share similar life habits.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham have developed a method to genetically engineer immune cells to combat Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), a third most common cancer in Chinese males. The engineered T-cells use Epstein-Barr virus presence to fight NPC, offering a promising new treatment approach.
McGill researchers have discovered a key epigenetic regulator controlling hippocampus development, which has implications for intellectual disability, Alzheimer's disease, and human brain development. The study sheds new light on the interaction between epigenetic control and neural stem cells.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have found a correlation between high levels of vitamin D and an increased risk of cardiovascular deaths, including strokes and coronary deaths. The study suggests that levels above 100 nanomol per liter may be detrimental to health.
A team of researchers has developed a virtual archive of building blocks to create nano-knots of all shapes and forms. By studying the shape of fragments, they found that complex knots can be assembled efficiently from just four helical fragments.
The Every Woman Every Child movement has made significant progress in improving health care for millions of poor women and children, resulting in a 25% reduction in maternal and child death rates. The initiative has attracted $60 billion in resources from over 400 commitments by more than 300 partners.
Researchers have found genetic markers in blood samples associated with gene networks regulating innate immune function and interferon signaling, offering insights into the pathophysiology of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study suggests that these molecular signatures may be used to predict who is at risk of developing PTSD.
A recent study found that nearly 290,000 older adults from the US volunteered abroad in 2012, a 60% increase from the previous decade. Host organizations are clamoring for baby boomer volunteers with professional skills to offer. The average age of these volunteers was over 64, and they spent an average of 13 weeks abroad.
A study published in the International Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics found that an in-car alarm can cut crash rates for drivers over 60 by 50%, but had little effect on younger drivers. The team also discovered that female drivers under 35 responded safely to alarms, while males did not.
A 67-year study reveals less summer fog in California is driven by urban growth, threatening native plants' water source during dry months. The shift could lead to warmer, drier hillsides and increased fire risk.
A study by Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute identifies a protein called RNF5 that determines breast cancer response to paclitaxel, a chemotherapy drug. The researchers found that RNF5 causes degradation of glutamine carrier proteins, leading to sensitization of breast cancer tumors to death.
A study by Dae Hee Kwak found that flipping a coin yields better results than carefully selecting March Madness brackets. The researcher's informal bracket alongside his study showed average scores better than the average of study participants.
A study of 250 patients with displaced proximal humeral fractures found no significant differences between surgical and nonsurgical treatments in patient-reported outcomes over two years. The researchers concluded that these results do not support the trend of increased surgery for patients with this type of fracture.
A Regenstrief study found that natural language processing can accurately track colonoscopy quality, outperforming human review in accuracy and cost. The system analyzed over 90,000 colonoscopies and achieved 95% accuracy in detecting adenomas.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed a new glass ionomer cement for tooth fillings that is mercury-free and offers improved durability. The material has good biological properties and releases fluoride to prevent cavities, making it a promising alternative to existing composite filling materials.
Researchers at Imperial College London have developed a new technique called BASIC for creating artificial DNA, which combines the best features of existing methods while overcoming their limitations. The system enables fast and flexible assembly of genes with high accuracy, making it suitable for industrial-scale use.
Two proteins critical for maintaining healthy day-night cycles also protect against mutations that could lead to cancer. The study found that these proteins have an unexpected role in DNA repair, stabilizing a protein called Cry1 and preventing errors in DNA transcription.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have captured rare split images of a distant supernova using the Hubble Space Telescope. The images, caused by gravitational lensing, provide insight into dark matter distribution and the expansion rate of the universe.
On March 9, 2015, NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) captured images of two mid-level solar flares, classified as M5.8 and M5.1, from the same active region. The flares occurred after the region rotated over the left side of the sun on March 7, marking the second and third flares in this cycle.
Researchers at Ghent University have developed mid-infrared frequency combs, which enable high-resolution spectroscopy for detecting gases. The combs' broad spectrum allows for fast and accurate analysis of molecular fingerprints, making them suitable for environmental monitoring and medical diagnostics.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have developed a conceptual model defining three sources of patient dignity: shared humanity, personal narrative, and autonomy. The study identifies four consensus areas relevant to treatment with respect and dignity in the ICU, including treating patients as human beings, unique individuals, and entitled t...
The MMS mission aims to investigate how the Sun's magnetic field merges with the Earth's magnetic field, explosively converting magnetic energy into heat and kinetic energy. The four identical spacecraft will use the Earth's magnetosphere as a laboratory to study this universal force of nature.
New research from the University of Manchester finds that people who lose their jobs experience a decade-long decrease in trust, even after finding new employment. This phenomenon is due to the traumatic effect of redundancy on an individual's outlook and can have significant implications for society as a whole.
Research found that nearly 5,000 coronary heart disease patients experienced a significant increased risk of death or heart attack when experiencing high stress and heavy depressive symptoms. The 'psychosocial perfect storm' was validated by the study's findings, which suggest behavioral interventions could help manage both conditions.
Research finds that work-family conflict leads to emotional exhaustion and verbal abuse at home and in the workplace. Having a supportive boss can mitigate this effect.
A study of over 12,000 TAVR patients in the US found a one-year death rate of 23.7% and a stroke rate of 4.1%. The median age of patients was 84 years old, with 52% female.
A Gombe Stream National Park study reveals that people are likely exposing endangered primates to Cryptosporidium, a parasite that may be contributing to their decline. The researchers found that some chimpanzees are infected with a species of Cryptosporidium associated with pigs, suggesting cross-species contamination.
Scientists have identified the fastest-moving unbound star in our galaxy, breaking the galactic speed record with a speed of 1,200 kilometers per second. The star, US708, was once part of a double-star solar system and is now expected to leave the Milky Way.
Researchers at Keck School of Medicine of USC have identified a crucial molecule in the survival of type 2 innate lymphoid cells, which trigger primary asthma symptoms. Targeting these molecules could lead to a cure for asthma or exacerbations caused by these cells.
A new study suggests that Antarctic glaciers are more sensitive to climate change than previously thought due to Coulomb friction. The West Antarctic Ice Sheet's melting rate is significantly increased when accounting for frictional stresses, which can lead to accelerated sea-level rise.
A new method of carbon accounting has been proposed to provide a fairer way of measuring emissions. The method considers consumption-based accounting and adjusts for technology differences between countries in their export sectors. This results in some countries receiving credits for cleaning up their own production industries.
Researchers have developed speciality glass optical fibres that can mimic the brain's neural networks and synapses, enabling faster signal transmission speeds and lower power consumption. This breakthrough could pave the way for scalable brain-like computing systems.