A study finds that the global food system is becoming more fragile and susceptible to crisis as population growth increases and international trade expands. Countries heavily reliant on imports face greater instability and food insecurity, exacerbating existing challenges.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a superhydrophobic glass coating that can be customized to repel water, fog, and dirt, while also suppressing light reflection from glass surfaces. The coating has potential applications in solar panels, lenses, optical instruments, and other products.
A new study found that immigrants from the Caribbean, Bermuda, East Africa, and South Asia are at a higher risk of psychotic disorders, with a 1.5 to 2 times increased risk compared to the general population. In contrast, immigrants from Northern Europe, Southern Europe, and East Asia had about half the risk.
Researchers have successfully introduced a gene into foetal cells from Luxi Yellow cattle to increase the levels of beneficial omega-3 oils in beef. The study found that introducing the fat1 gene resulted in over five times higher levels of these fatty acids.
Scientists have identified the PDE3A gene responsible for a rare syndrome characterized by hereditary hypertension and short fingers and toes. The gene mutations lead to overexpression of phosphodiesterase, causing blood vessels to narrow and stiffen, resulting in high blood pressure.
A new study from the University of Chicago has found that children exposed to multiple languages are better at interpreting others' meaning and taking their perspectives. The researchers discovered that even partial exposure to another language can improve social communication skills, not just full bilingualism.
A UNSW Australia-led study found that people eat less when their companion consumes a small amount of food, due to the social modelling effect. This psychological influence leads individuals to rely on external cues rather than internal hunger and fullness signals.
Scientists at the University of Montreal discover that a protein in the Rift Valley fever virus mimics human DNA repair factors, making it vulnerable to drug therapy. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for deadly tropical infections such as Ebola.
A new survey reveals widespread homophobia in UK sports events, with gay men and lesbians facing verbal slurs, physical assaults, and violence. The study also found that many straight people believe an openly LGBTQ+ person would not be safe as a spectator.
Ana, a subtropical storm, tightens up and becomes more organized overnight, transitioning to a full tropical storm. The storm's winds increase to 50 knots with gusts reaching up to 60 knots (57-69 mph), posing significant damage risks for the Carolinas.
Researchers have developed a new method to assess cancer risk from certain common environmental pollutants, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The study found that analyzing the genetic responses of skin cells exposed to these pollutants can predict their potential to cause cancer.
A new study by Moffitt researchers found that younger men and those with a lower body mass index are more prone to experiencing hot flashes during androgen deprivation therapy. The study analyzed patient characteristics and DNA to identify genetic factors associated with an increased number of hot flashes.
Researchers found DDX3X mutations lead to different molecular defects, requiring tailored therapies. The study identified specific defects for one class of mutants, providing a foundation for individualized treatments.
The EU-funded MycoSynVac project combines gene engineering and biotechnology to design a novel veterinary vaccine chassis based on Mycoplasma pneumoniae. This chassis will be used to create specific vaccines against two highly detrimental pathogens, as well as for cell therapy and infectious lung disease treatment.
Tropical Depression 07W is predicted to strengthen into a typhoon within the next five days as it moves eastward. The storm is currently located southeast of Micronesia and poses a threat to several islands, prompting tropical storm warnings and watches.
Research highlights physical activity interventions for obese older adults, explorations of muscle decline in influenza infection, and dementia care management strategies. The findings suggest regular physical activity can prevent disability even in extremely obese older adults.
A new study reveals that protein aggregates accumulate in the proteome of C. elegans as it ages, overwhelming the machinery of protein quality control and impairing cell function. However, long-lived worms deposit surplus proteins in insoluble aggregates enriched with molecular chaperones, which may help maintain healthy aging.
Research suggests that PTSD is associated with reduced telomere length, increased pro-inflammatory markers, and medical comorbidity, indicating potential for accelerated aging. This finding warrants a deeper look at the phenomenon and a more integrated medical-psychiatric approach to care.
Research finds that growth-promoting hormones like TBA used in beef production can persist in the environment at higher concentrations and for longer durations than previously thought. This persistence has significant impacts on aquatic ecosystems, including disrupting reproductive cycles and altering entire food webs.
The University of Houston will lead an Advanced Superconductor Manufacturing Institute to develop low-cost, high-performance superconductors. The consortium aims to address technical obstacles and integrate the technology into existing infrastructure.
Chinhui Juhn, University of Houston economics professor and Women's Gender and Sexuality Studies Program director, will conduct research on fertility, workforce, and future policy. She is joined by co-principal investigator Elizabeth Gregory, author of book 'Ready', in this new book exploring work policy and fertility intersections.
Research on River Deba sediment pollution reveals the impact of anthropogenic inputs and flooding events on metal distribution. The study found a clear increase in organic matter and metals between the headwater and mouth of the river, with highly polluted sediments reflecting upstream pollution.
A gynecologic oncologist has been awarded $2.7 million in research funding to study the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women undergoing surgery for endometrial cancer. The goal is to improve quality of life and reduce costs by combining two surgeries into one.
Researchers developed a combinatorial approach to treating glioblastoma by combining three classes of anti-cancer drugs. The study found that a combination of EGFR inhibitor, PLK1 inhibitor and DNA-damaging agent effectively halted tumor growth in mouse models and human glioblastoma tissue.
Researchers have discovered traces of whole flowers placed on a Palaeolithic tomb in El Mirón cave, Spain. The finds suggest that the ancient humans may have used flowers for ritual or hygiene purposes.
Researchers explore using vegetable crops in bioenergy feedstock double-cropping systems, finding comparable yields and higher farm gate values than traditional pumpkin production. The study suggests potential for contributing to both food and fuel production goals.
The journal Regenerative Medicine has published a special focus issue on methods to avoid immune rejection in regenerative medicine. The field is immature, but research continues to address the importance of immunity in progress and development.
A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that the food industry's self-regulation program has achieved little improvement in the nutritional quality of foods advertised to children. Despite promises to promote healthier options, most advertised products still fall into the poorest nutritional category.
GPM and Suomi-NPP satellites observed subtropical storm Ana's development, with rainfall intensifying near the center as it moved towards the Southeast coastline. The storms transformation is under observation as ANA moves northwest, according to NHC.
A study found that enhanced profile pictures of women increase their perceived attractiveness and trustworthiness for male viewers. However, the same effect does not apply to men, who find beautified profiles less trustworthy yet more attractive. This mixed result has implications for online dating and the risks associated with catfish...
Researchers employ Surface Extraction for TIN-based Searchspace Minimization (SETSM) software to produce high-resolution digital surface maps for Nepal's relief effort. These maps will aid in mapping infrastructure, rescues, and slope stability assessments.
Mark Grimes, a UM professor, used new data analysis techniques to study childhood cancer called neuroblastoma. He discovered functional compartmentalization of signaling proteins in cancer cells, which could lead to triggering cell death and improving therapeutic progress.
Researchers have discovered how to map more than one protein at a time when DNA is damaged, enabling the development of better and gentler cancer treatments. This new technique allows for a clearer picture of the reparatory process, facilitating the discovery of specific proteins involved in repairing damaged DNA.
A rapidly expanding elderly population is projected to face significant challenges accessing high-quality cancer care in Mexico due to diagnostic delays and financial burdens. The country's aging population is anticipated to experience a 75% rise in new cancer cases by 2030.
Researchers at MIT have created a system that can label visual scenes according to type and also detect particular objects. The system uses deep learning and achieved an accuracy of 50% in labeling scenes, outperforming human performance in some cases.
Researchers found that locating an object by listening to echoes requires good high-pitch hearing in both ears. The study's results suggest that individuals with high-frequency hearing loss or single-sided deafness would struggle to use this method, highlighting the need for bilateral hearing aids in some cases.
A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that people who moved to more socioeconomically deprived neighborhoods gained additional weight. The study used data from over 3,000 Dallas County residents and found a significant association between moving to a higher-NDI neighborhood and increased weight gain.
MIT engineers have developed an autonomous mission-planning system that enables underwater robots to plan their own missions, execute, adapt, and re-plan them alone without human support. The system allows robots to make high-level decisions, prioritize tasks, and avoid collisions, freeing engineers to focus on overall strategy.
Researchers create a single-step pathway to complex decalins, potentially leading to therapeutic agents. The study reveals unique reactivity patterns of metal-carbon bonds in complex structures.
The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) highlights notable clinical practice data and basic science research presented at Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2015. Notable abstracts include fecal microbiota transplantation donors, maximizing endoscopy utilization, and bile acid roles in obesity.
Chemistry student Anders Bo Skov has made a breakthrough in developing molecules capable of harnessing and storing substantial amounts of solar energy. His achievement doubles the energy density in a molecule that can hold its shape for a hundred years, offering potential for sustainable solar power.
The Philippines has raised a #2 warning for Luzon province due to tropical cyclone Noul's approaching landfall. Winds of up to 185 kph may be expected in at least 18 hours.
A study by LSTM scientists found that household air pollution (HAP) can cause weaknesses in the immune function of the lung, leading to higher rates of pneumonia. Healthy volunteers exposed to HAP showed a weaker killing response from their macrophage cells.
TSRI scientists find flakka to be equivalently potent as a stimulant, making it as addictive as MDPV or 'bath salts.' The new drug's chemical difference from its cousin makes it highly dangerous and warrants serious concern among police and health officials.
Researchers find single protein, nuclear Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 1 (nFGFR1), orchestrates gene expression in embryo development. This discovery has potential to enhance understanding and treatment of cancers and congenital diseases.
Researchers found that early human families likely formed around cooperating groups of mothers and children, not just adult relatives. As mothers became more successful at producing children, they needed the cooperation of other adults to care for their dependents.
The project aims to synthesize different atomically thin two-dimensional semiconducting layers, which possess novel properties. The team will investigate the electronic properties of transition metal dichalcogenides in various layer configurations, with potential applications in photovoltaics and photoelectronics.
A new computer model developed by NOAA and research institutions will help inform scallop management decisions. The integrated assessment model evaluates the impacts of ocean acidification on Atlantic sea scallops, predicting potential declines in harvest levels and landings over the next several decades.
Carnegie Mellon researchers found that having more sex did not increase happiness in couples, but rather led to a decrease in desire and enjoyment. The study suggests that couples may need to focus on creating an environment that sparks their desire for sex, rather than simply increasing frequency.
Raúl A. Ramos, a UH associate professor of history, has been selected for the Organization of American Historians' 2015 China Residency to teach a one-week seminar on the American West in Beijing, China. This fellowship marks an opportunity for global academic collaboration and exchange between Chinese scholars and US faculty.
Researchers introduced a procedure to visualize defects on graphene layers using a contrast agent, revealing organized patterns of defects. This imaging approach enables the visualization of chemical reactivity at the nanoscale.
A study published in The American Journal of Pathology found that bacterial and viral infections differentially influence placental transporter proteins, reducing their expression in early pregnancy. This decrease may expose the embryo/fetus to harmful substances during a critical time in development.
NuSTAR's observations confirm a highly asymmetric Supernova 1987A explosion, with X-ray emissions revealing explosive speeds of heavy elements. This study validates scientific assumptions about core collapse supernovae and challenges symmetrical explosion models.
A recent study analyzed over 300 'thinspiration' images on Twitter and Pinterest, revealing that they often feature cropped body parts and promote extreme thinness. The research highlights the potential harm of such content on viewers, particularly young women who may feel pressure to achieve an unattainable ideal.
Stan Yavno's research on non-native pumpkinseed sunfish found high levels of morphological plasticity, facilitating their ecological adaptations in new areas. This finding is significant as it suggests that invasive species can outcompete native populations through phenotypic plasticity.
University of Pittsburgh scientist Alexander Deiters has developed a new method for controlling gene editing using light, enabling more precise and controlled manipulation of genes. This approach may eliminate 'off-target effects' and enable genetic studies with unprecedented resolution.
Researchers identify Vikings visiting Ribe, Denmark's west coast, as early as 725 AD, suggesting a less violent start to the Viking Age. This discovery challenges traditional narratives of the Viking Age as a period of violent expansion and highlights the importance of trade and maritime mobility.
Researchers at UTMB have successfully tested a vaccine for Chagas disease, which can provide long-lasting immunity in animal models. The vaccine was found to significantly reduce parasite levels and prevent chronic symptoms, making it a promising tool for control of this infection.
Researchers have created complex scaffolds that mimic the human eardrum's intricate network of collagen fibres. These scaffolds could potentially replace damaged eardrums, reducing the need for surgical reconstruction using patient tissue.
A recent study found that almost half of patients opted out of comprehensive cancer gene screening due to concerns about uncertainty and potential distress. Pre-test counseling significantly reduced anxiety in these patients, but highlighted the need for individualized guidance before genetic testing.