Researchers used next-generation sequencing and Bio-Rad's Droplet Digital PCR technology to accurately count diverse copy number states of multiallelic copy number variations (mCNVs) in humans. The study found that mCNVs are responsible for nearly 90% of observed differences in gene copy number, contributing substantially to gene expre...
A massive study reveals life has been expanding at a constant rate, with new species emerging every 2 million years on average. The 'Time Tree of Life' challenges the traditional notion that adaptation drives speciation, instead highlighting the importance of random genetic events and geographic isolation.
Physicists at TUM and University of Cologne develop theoretical description of behavior for magnetic vortices in conductors, semiconductors, and insulators. The theory predicts properties for optimal device development, promising compact frequency devices with high efficiency.
Scientists at China University of Petroleum and Liaoning University of Technology studied mosquito legs to understand their unique adaptation to float on water. They found that the tarsus's buoyant horizontal contact with the surface generates an upward force twenty times the insect's body weight.
A new study reveals high rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression among war-afflicted teenagers in Northern Uganda, with former child soldiers showing the highest rates. The study suggests that psychological support should be offered through the education system to all young people in the region.
Researchers discovered a plant immunosensor that detects lipopolysaccharide, a substance occurring in pathogenic bacteria. The LipoOligosaccharide-specific Reduced Elicitation (LORE) protein initiates an immune response in plants, similar to the toll-like receptor 4 in mammals.
The study found that 31 states have implemented prior authorization policies for atypical antipsychotic prescribing to children, mostly within the past 5 years. Most states apply these policies to children younger than 5, 6, or 7 years of age.
A UC Santa Barbara study finds that people systematically discount the competence of female entrepreneurs and investment-worthiness of their enterprises, but innovation mitigates this bias. Women-led businesses pitched innovative ideas are rated more competent and worthy of investment than non-innovative counterparts.
The EJOLT project has re-launched the Global Atlas of Environmental Justice with a new platform that integrates geo-spatial data to present conflicts in context. The updated website expands its coverage, featuring almost 1400 cases of environmental conflicts across all continents.
A University of Texas at Arlington researcher has been awarded a $220,000 Caltrans project to analyze and evaluate California's bridge foundations for safety and compliance with federal AASHTO standards. The research will also consider external factors such as vehicle load, weight, speed, and earthquakes.
A study published in JAMA Network found that premedication with lorazepam did not improve patient satisfaction after surgery, but was associated with longer extubation times and lower cognitive recovery rates. The researchers suggest a lack of benefit for routine use of sedatives as pre-medication.
Researchers investigated a potential link between new weight-loss drugs and increased colon cancer risk, driven by the intestinal growth factor properties of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). The study suggests that patients with a previous history or increased risk of colon cancer may not be ideally suited for these therapies.
A recent ATS membership survey found that 89% of respondents believe climate change is happening, while 68% attribute its causes to human activity. The survey also reported adverse health effects such as worsening asthma and increased cases of acute and chronic lung conditions due to climate change.
A study published in Cell Metabolism reveals that a high-salt diet can increase sodium accumulation in the skin, boosting the immune response to skin-infecting parasites. This finding suggests that dietary salt may have therapeutic potential in promoting host defense against microbial infections.
Researchers from UGR have set limits to the properties of axions, which aspire to be identified as dark matter. The study uses numerical simulations of stellar evolution and suggests that axion emission can significantly affect the timing of helium burning in stars.
A new study by St. Michael's Hospital found that homeless individuals with mental illness who received rent supplement support and intensive case management had significantly higher rates of stable housing (62.7-77%) compared to those receiving standard care (23.6-38.8%). The Housing First program resulted in a net cost offset of $4,84...
Researchers have discovered a mechanism for generating glass spherules through the combination of lightning and volcanic ash. The study, published in Geology, reveals that high heat generated by lightning discharge can transform volcanic ash particles into spheres of glass, forming fulgurites in geologic deposits.
A new study by the American Heart Association found that children being physically active with friends may accomplish more than hearing encouragement from family members. Friends getting involved significantly lowers perceived barriers to physical activity.
Researchers study ionosphere irregularities to improve GPS communications and investigate nutrient upwelling in the Salish Sea. The study reveals that estuary-enhanced upwelling in the Strait of Juan de Fuca is a critical source of nitrogen, driving enhanced upwelling and influencing marine life.
A recent NUS study found that online news articles about climate change and charismatic mammals are more likely to be shared or liked on Facebook and Twitter. Conservation researchers highlight the importance of engaging with the general public through effective online content delivery.
A study by the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna found Listeria monocytogenes in 2% of lavatory samples, highest at park facilities and mobile container lavatories. Shoes with deeper treads show higher prevalence rates.
A study published in Molecular Biology and Evolution identifies a key set of nucleotide variants in the AS3MT gene, which are associated with increased resistance to arsenic. These protective variants were found at higher frequencies in Andean women, who have been exposed to high levels of arsenic for thousands of years.
Scientists have found a method to electrically read out the orientation of magnetic vortices in nanodisks using characteristic microwaves. This knowledge could be used in novel memory technology and wireless data transmission.
Researchers at the University of Strathclyde and Pittsburgh created a 'ring geometry' form using polaritons, resulting in a highly specialized half-vortex rotation. This achievement marks a significant step towards the development of new quantum technologies.
The Advanced Laser Light Source at INRS has received significant funding to advance its mission as an international center of excellence in ultrafast science. With this new investment, the facility will continue to explore fundamental questions in physics and chemistry through high-quality light sources.
Researchers used a rat model to map the brain's communication between nerve cells as they learned to make decisions based on specific sounds. The study found that training rats to associate low frequency tones with food strengthened synaptic connections in the striatum, leading to improved performance.
A new analysis provides insights into penile size measurements across all ages and races. The findings reveal that the average flaccid penis length is 9.16 cm and the average erect penis length is 13.12 cm, with a small correlation between erect length and height.
The NIH has awarded a $2.4 million grant to investigate how synaptic vesicle activity modulates auditory information transfer and impacts sound perception. Dr. Samuel Young's lab aims to uncover new cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in early stages of hearing.
A global review of health issues highlights the UK's National Health Service (NHS) reduced spending on low-value procedures, while sub-Saharan Africans rate their health among the lowest in the world. The study also suggests that US cancer care may provide less value compared to Western Europe.
Theoretical chemists generate maximally random, jammed states using a computer algorithm, revealing new insights into the nature of randomness. These findings have implications for materials science and photonics, where randomly dispersed patterns can create unique properties.
Two NREL reports analyze the economic options for financing commercial and residential solar energy systems. Analyzing banking opportunities in the US distributed photovoltaic market and examining commercial retailers' decisions on PV-financing strategies, the reports found that businesses can save up to 30% by using low-cost financing...
Scientists from Scripps Research Institute found a mechanism causing long-term memory loss due to age by identifying connectivity defects between neurons, preventing the formation of long-term memories. This discovery could lead to ways of rebuilding those connections to improve memory.
Researchers at MIT and LBNL reveal that magnesium concentration affects surface energy, leading to the formation of either calcite or aragonite. The discovery could lead to controlled synthesis of new materials with desired properties.
A study of 992 patients with asymptomatic benign thyroid nodules found that most exhibited no significant growth over a 5-year period, and diagnoses of thyroid cancer were rare. The study suggests that current guidelines for follow-up may be overly aggressive and that individualized surveillance strategies could be more efficient.
Researchers at UC Davis have discovered a molecule that interferes with the internal regulation of cancer cells, causing them to self-destruct. This mechanism was found to be effective against glioma cells, which are responsible for a usually fatal type of brain cancer, and could be applicable to other highly aggressive cancers.
Researchers at PPPL used 3D printers to create customized parts for experiments, including cones, cylinders, and electrodes. The printed parts proved accurate and reliable, meeting laboratory requirements.
Researchers found that company dossiers and dossier assessments contain significantly more information than conventional documents on clinical studies, especially regarding patient-relevant outcomes. This suggests that early benefit assessment may be a model for increased transparency in other areas.
Researchers at NREL have developed a new process to convert lignin-derived compounds into adipic acid, an industrial dicarboxylic acid used in the production of nylon. This breakthrough has significant implications for the economic viability and environmental sustainability of biorefineries.
A new report from Michigan Medicine and Johns Hopkins University concludes that non-drug approaches, such as caregiver training, work better and carry fewer risks than behavior-calming drugs for Alzheimer patients. The DICE framework provides a tailored approach to address behavioral issues in dementia patients.
A Concordia University study found no significant change in home smoking habits after a Quebec ban. The presence of non-smokers and social networks were key factors in influencing quitting behavior, rather than the law itself.
Researchers have developed an antibody called FcDART that provides 100% protection against the H5N1 influenza virus in ferrets and mice. This breakthrough could lead to the development of vaccines to match each flu virus and protect vulnerable populations.
A study by WSU researcher Graham Dixon found that emotional messages can backfire among individuals with anti-vaccine views. The approach highlights the consequences of non-vaccination using emotional pictures may not be as effective as previously thought.
Researchers argue that aneurysm screening programs should be revised due to reduced benefits and increased harm in modern populations. The screenings are estimated to overdiagnose AAA cases by 176 out of every 10,000 men invited.
A recent study published in PLOS Medicine found that higher levels of traffic-related air pollution at schools are linked to slower cognitive development in 7- to 10-year-old children. The researchers measured three cognitive outcomes and found a significant decrease in cognitive development among children attending highly polluted sch...
A new study published in The Cryosphere reveals a significant thinning of Arctic sea ice over the past four decades. The research, led by University of Washington climatologist Ron Lindsay, shows that September ice thickness has decreased by 85% between 1975 and 2012.
Researchers discovered a new pathway in the brain's striatum where several areas communicate to make spatial decisions, such as estimating where to swing a bat or finding a car. This knowledge may lead to improved treatments for Parkinson's disease by strengthening damaged pathways.
A UK survey found that people's willingness to accept overdetection in cancer screening varies greatly, depending on the level of benefit and perceived harms. The study revealed that up to 14% would accept overdetection in the entire population, with median acceptability ranging from 113 to 150 cases.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry found that Family Based Interpersonal Psychotherapy (FB-IPT) is more effective than child-centered therapy (CCT) in treating preadolescent children with depression. Preadolescents with depressive symptoms are at increased risk of experien...
New Northwestern University research suggests that real-world creativity may be associated with a reduced ability to filter 'irrelevant' sensory information. This 'leaky' sensory gating allows individuals to integrate ideas outside of focus, leading to creative achievements.
The study aims to establish a stable situation for nuclear power by collecting multidisciplinary data on how people define nuclear power and its role in society. The project will analyze the importance of nuclear power in each country's power production, economic impacts, and influence from different viewpoints.
The Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology presented awards for papers on stent patency and inhibiting tumor growth at the Society of Interventional Radiology's Annual Scientific Meeting. These awards recognized advancements in chemotherapy and radiation, leading to improved patient outcomes.
Researchers developed a test to identify women with triple-negative breast cancer, a form of disease difficult to treat. The test assesses gene activity in breast cancer cells, finding those resembling adult stem cells are more likely to spread and recur.
Researchers have developed a new high-throughput system to rapidly screen yeasts for producing sustainable biofuels. The technique, in collaboration with the National Collection of Yeast Cultures, aims to find naturally better-performing yeast strains that can boost efficiency and reduce costs.
The ISFM Consensus Guidelines on the Practical Management of Diabetes Mellitus in Cats provide evidence-based advice for veterinary teams. Key findings include the importance of weight control, using appropriate diets, and insulin therapy, as well as close monitoring of blood glucose concentrations.
A Vanderbilt University study associates poor heart function with an increased risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Participants with decreased cardiac index were two to three times more likely to develop significant memory loss over a follow-up period.
A study published in Journal of Applied Ecology found that fully protected 'no-take zones' would have greater benefits for wildlife and fisheries than limited-take zones. Researchers propose a compromise between no-take and limited-take zones to balance ecological and economic objectives.
A study by UCI and Stanford researchers found that daily automessages on Twitter increased smoking cessation rates. The hybrid approach combined automated messages with social media, resulting in a 75% success rate for quitting smoking.
A University of Oklahoma research team found a link between severe weather and feather malformations in young birds. The study revealed that the stress caused by hailstones during a tornado led to abnormal nitrogen levels in the developing feathers, resulting in 'pallid bands'.
Dartmouth College researchers create a new class of flower-shaped magnetic nanoparticles that heat at low field strengths, showing improved performance compared to commercially available counterparts. This breakthrough could enable treatment of deep-seated tumors like pancreatic cancer.
Studies examine how subjective attitudes toward inequality influence ideological positions, with findings suggesting that low-status individuals may withdraw from the political system due to self-evaluative processes. Additionally, research reveals that lack of awareness of income inequality can lead to punishment of poorer individuals.
The debate surrounding breast cancer overdiagnosis has led to inconsistent estimates, with some suggesting up to 50% of diagnosed cancers may be overdiagnosed. Experts argue that achieving consensus is crucial for providing balanced and uncontested information to women.
Researchers at the University of Houston have created a new thermoelectric material that generates electric power from waste heat, offering higher efficiency and output power than existing materials. The material has a peak power factor of 55 and a figure of merit of 1.4, making it commercially viable for applications such as car exhau...
A program incorporating rent supplements and case management services led to more stable housing for homeless adults with mental illness in four Canadian cities. The intervention improved living situation and safety but not overall quality of life.
A recent study used CERAD neuropsychological test battery to monitor Alzheimer's disease progression and treatment effects. The results showed that the test battery was a well-functioning measure for follow-up use, but its clinical application may be limited due to time requirements.
A new study by University of Florida Health researchers found that brain tumor patients with private insurance have shorter hospital stays and fewer medical complications compared to those without insurance. They are also at lower risk of developing new conditions and dying during their stay.
Double-lung transplantation was associated with better graft survival in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, but not in those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The new lung allocation score system has changed demographics of single- and double-lung transplant recipients.
A 55,000-year-old human skull found in Israel provides key evidence that humans and Neanderthals coexisted in the region. The combined dating methods confirm the age of the skull, which is now believed to be from around 55,000 years ago.
Research suggests statin therapy provides greatest benefit to patients with highest genetic risk of heart attack. Genetic analysis assesses heart attack risk independently of traditional factors, identifying those at higher baseline risk who reap greater benefits from therapy. The study's findings have implications for precision medici...
Researchers identified a genetic risk score that predicts cardiovascular death and heart attack risk, with individuals in the highest genetic risk group experiencing a significant reduction in cardiovascular risk with statin therapy. The study found a three-fold increase in absolute risk reduction in those with high genetic risk.
A new study by KU Leuven researchers found that spousal loss triggers loneliness and subsequent depressive symptoms. The study suggests targeting key symptoms like loneliness can prevent further symptom activation and full-blown depression.
Researchers at the University of Manchester developed a protocol to grow and transform embryonic stem cells into cartilage cells, which could be used to treat osteoarthritis. The study showed that cartilage formed from embryonic stem cells was partially repaired in rats and demonstrated healthy, functional tissue after 12 weeks.
Researchers discovered a strong correlation between short, distinct episodes of manic symptoms and the development of bipolar disorder in high-risk children. The study suggests that monitoring these symptoms could lead to earlier identification and treatment.
Research from UCL's ESRC International Centre for Lifecourse Studies found direct biological effects of stress during unemployment contribute to higher levels of inflammatory markers, predicting atherosclerosis and heart disease. Unemployed men and women had higher levels than employed counterparts, with stronger effects in Scotland.
A new Penn study reveals that over-the-counter medications and dietary supplements are the leading causes of drug-induced liver failure, not prescription drugs. The research analyzed data from an integrated healthcare system in Northern California and found that acetaminophen and herbal supplements were responsible for nearly half of a...
Testing at NREL aids solar power in Hawaii by quantifying transient LRO conditions, allowing HECO to increase its penetration limits for rooftop solar from 120% to 250% of minimum daytime load.
A new theoretical model proposes that heart muscle cells don't necessarily beat as a single entity, but rather as a bundle of contractile units. The alignment of these bundles is predicted to depend on the elasticity of the extracellular matrix and can affect the beating strength of the cell.
Research suggests that early life stress can lead to an excess release of serotonin, resulting in a deficit. This could explain why many people with depression and anxiety disorders don't respond well to SSRIs, which aim to increase serotonin levels.
A recent Connecticut study found a marked increase in the number of teenagers receiving medical treatment for sports-related concussions after laws were passed in 2010. The study suggests that extending concussion laws to include summer camps, travel teams, and all-star teams could improve safety and education for all young athletes.
A new study from UC Berkeley found that young women with ADHD who experienced childhood trauma are at higher risk for self-injury, eating disorders, and suicide. The research adds to evidence that environmental factors contribute to negative psychosocial outcomes in individuals with ADHD.
A team of researchers is using Twitter to gather information on vaccine refusal patterns, combining traditional survey techniques with social media analysis. The study aims to gain insights into people's reasoning about vaccines and how these reasons vary among communities.
Researchers found that salt accumulates in skin and tissue to control infection, increasing macrophage activation. High-salt diet also cleared up bacterial footpad infections in mice.
Researchers developed ultra-sensitive detection methods for malaria parasites, detecting 58% of infections in human blood samples at low concentrations. The new assays surpass current standards, identifying 16% more cases and reducing false negatives.
The American Society for Microbiology has received a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to host joint sessions at ASM's Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy (ICAAC) in San Diego. The program aims to support developing world scientists attending ICAAC through the Gates Travel Award.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Hypertension found a strong association between adolescent BMI and both systolic and diastolic blood pressures. The study, which examined over 715,000 Israeli adolescents, revealed a significant increase in obesity rates and high blood pressure among teens.
The 2013 Renewable Energy Data Book reports a significant increase in installed renewable capacity in the US. Key findings include solar electricity's rapid growth and renewable sources accounting for 23% of global electricity generation worldwide.
UCLA researchers have created a powerful new method to identify genetic markers for many diseases, including cancer and schizophrenia. The GIREMI method can accurately detect RNA editing sites, genetic mutations, and single nucleotide polymorphisms, enabling diagnosis and risk prediction for various conditions.
A new study suggests that adults over 30 only get the flu about twice a decade, according to researchers who analyzed blood samples from volunteers in Southern China. The study found that flu-like illnesses can be caused by many pathogens, making it difficult to assess infection frequency.
Researchers from the University of South Florida have discovered how malaria parasites replicate their chromosomes up to thousands of times before spinning off into daughter cells. This understanding could lead to a powerful new treatment for malaria-caused illnesses, which kill over 600,000 people annually.
A year-long study found that brief counseling sessions could lower heavy drinking levels among many college students, with most returning to baseline levels within a year. The intervention was more effective for light drinkers and those who were younger, female, and less experienced.
Researchers studied stress fields along the San Andreas fault at the microscopic scale, revealing heterogeneous and high-stress areas in rock samples. This breakthrough could lead to a better understanding of earthquake events and advance seismicity research.
Scientists at USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology discovered a new hormone, MOTS-c, that restores insulin sensitivity and counteracts diet-induced and age-dependent insulin resistance. The hormone targets muscle tissue and suppresses weight gain and insulin resistance in mice fed a high-fat diet.
A new study finds that children of recently separated or divorced families are more likely to drink sugar-sweetened beverages than those in intact families, highlighting the importance of maintaining family routines during times of transition.
A new study uses MR spectroscopy to identify biochemical changes associated with precancerous breast tissue in women with BRCA gene mutations. The technique shows promise for detecting cancer at an early stage, potentially allowing for more targeted treatments and preventive measures.
A study analyzing Napa quake damage found that pre-1950 buildings in the sedimentary basin suffered the most severe shaking. The West Napa fault system, a lesser-known fault, triggered extensive damage to residential and commercial buildings.
A new study found that 20% of men with normal testosterone levels received a prescription for testosterone therapy. The study also found that nearly half of new testosterone users did not receive prostate cancer screening during treatment.
A new study has found that brain tumor patients with private insurance have shorter hospital stays, fewer medical complications, and a lower risk of death compared to those without. In contrast, Medicaid patients are more likely to experience longer hospital stays, develop postoperative respiratory issues, and face higher risks of hosp...
A recent NREL report examines the PV interconnection process in the US, revealing that delays can range from several days to months. The study found that streamlining application review and final authorization processes can benefit utilities and solar consumers by reducing time and cost associated with going solar.
A new study from the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management found that homes sold through bidding wars have increased their market share over the last two decades. Bidding war sales rates were correlated with economic and housing booms, but not consistently across jurisdictions.
The XPD beamline at NSLS-II achieved its first scientific commissioning experiment, yielding valuable information about ruthenium diselenide's thermoelectric properties. The study revealed the relationship between atomic structure and thermopower, shedding light on why RuSe2 has a high thermopower but low electrical conductivity.
Researchers developed an Internet-based coping skills training program to support women with alcoholic partners, reducing stress and depression by 50% or more. The program aims to empower women to focus on their own needs and improve communication with their partners.