Researchers warn that Africa's planned 'development corridors' could have devastating environmental impacts, including habitat disruption and loss of biodiversity. The corridors, spanning 53,000 km, would crisscross the continent and prioritize agricultural production over environmental conservation.
Scientists at ETH Zurich have produced a new kind of foam out of gold, making it the lightest gold nugget ever created. The aerogel has a metallic shine and is soft and malleable to the touch.
Scientists studied 12 incidents of starling drownings and found that on 10 occasions, more than 10 birds drowned. The team suggests that younger birds may be inexperienced in identifying water hazards, contributing to the phenomenon.
A Cornell study found that price affects how customers evaluate pizza by focusing on the first slice's taste. When paying $8, diners prioritize the initial impression over the last bite.
A new study found that recreational anglers who received education on shark conservation were more supportive of management and conservation efforts. The researchers surveyed 158 anglers in South Florida, revealing that many catch-and-release anglers recognized the post-release mortality risks for sharks.
A nationwide study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that women with diabetes who are exposed to air pollution for long periods may have a much higher risk for heart disease. The study showed that cardiovascular disease and stroke risks increased by up to 66% among these individuals.
Scientists have created a new variety of iron oxide with a hexagonal structure that remains stable even when multiple layers are added. The material exhibits unusual magnetic properties, visible at room temperature, in contrast to traditional iron oxides.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that cichlid fish can accurately recognize individuals using facial color patterns, requiring longer viewing distances for unfamiliar faces than familiar ones. Fish demonstrated rapid discrimination between familiar and unfamiliar individuals, with recognition times under 0.5 seconds.
The Population Council's MZC microbicide gel has demonstrated strong efficacy against HIV, HSV-2, and HPV in a preclinical study, outperforming TFV 1% gel in some cases. The gel contains a potent antiretroviral compound and carrageenan, which provides enhanced anti-HPV properties.
A new type-II Weyl fermion has been predicted to exist in metallic materials, exhibiting unique responses to electromagnetic fields. The discovery could lead to potential applications in low-energy devices and efficient transistors.
A research team found that HIV's infectivity is regulated by protein motions, which can be manipulated to inhibit viral replication. By examining the interactions between HIV and host-cell protein cyclophilin A, the team identified a key mechanism for developing new therapeutic interventions.
A recent study from the University of Eastern Finland developed methods to obtain indicators for tree size inequality using lidar technology. The researchers created maps of several study areas in Finland and Spain, identifying various structural properties of forests and evaluating different types of forest management regimes. These f...
A consultant dermatologist warns that widespread misuse of skin creams with steroids is causing substantial damage in India. Over 14% of patients using these creams suffered from harmful effects, highlighting the need for stricter regulations and public education on safe use.
A new test for club drugs like ketamine can detect low levels of drugs in urine and plasma, making it faster, easier, and cheaper to identify them. The test uses gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and can detect amounts of the drug as low as 5 nanograms per milliliter.
A study on homing pigeons reveals that speed plays a crucial role in determining flock leadership. Faster birds lead and learn to navigate better routes, while slower birds follow and improve their skills over time. This simple yet effective mechanism explains the emergence of leadership in bird flocks.
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been shown to reduce histamine-induced itching and shorten its duration in a new study. The results of this study are expected to contribute to the development of novel methods to inhibit itching.
Scientists have mapped out the human genome to identify essential genes for cell survival, revealing a core set of over 1,500 genes. The findings suggest that each tumor relies on a unique set of genes that can be targeted by specific drugs, offering hope for devising new treatments.
Biologists at the University of York have created a reliable method to detect Parkinson's disease by analyzing fruit flies' visual responses. The study used adapted methods from human vision research and found increased neuronal activity in 'young' flies with Parkinson's mutations, leading to an 85% accurate classification rate.
A recent study found that the chikungunya virus can lead to severe brain infections, including encephalitis, with a higher incidence rate than West Nile virus and similar infections in the US. The infection is particularly severe in infants and people over 65, with a high death rate of 17% and long-term disabilities reported.
The TransLUMINAL-B project aims to study metastasis formation in luminal breast cancers, a common type of the disease. By understanding how individual malignant cells spread through the body, researchers hope to predict prognosis and develop more targeted treatments.
A new study finds that neglected tropical diseases are significantly more prevalent in poorer regions of OIC countries. The study highlights the need for targeted control and elimination programs to address these diseases and promote human development.
A study found a strong correlation between eggshell porosity and covered or exposed nest types among extant archosaurs. This suggests that eggshell porosity may be used as a proxy for nest type, allowing researchers to infer the type of nest built by extinct archosaurs.
Scientists discovered that visual crowding hinders our ability to make sense of what we see, particularly in cluttered scenes. They developed a new method to quantify crowding and found that brain processing limits peripheral vision due to degraded resolution and confusion between object details.
A recent study by Queen's University researchers explored the attitudes and preferences of prospective adoptive parents in Ontario. The study found that those most open to adopting children with special needs had been formally seeking adoption for some time and had completed government-required SAFE assessments and training.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that seasonal migrations can remove infected butterflies from wild populations, lowering parasite prevalence. The research tracked the natal origins of parasitized and uninfected monarchs to Mexico, revealing that uninfected butterflies originated from more northerly latitudes.
The Great Barrier Reef is proving to be a valuable natural defense against landslide-induced tsunamis, according to new research. The reef's ability to absorb wave energy has been shown to reduce the impact of such events on coastal communities.
The study reveals how the Gtl2 locus, located on mouse chromosome 12qF1, restricts metabolic activity in hematopoietic stem cells to prevent oxidative damage. The researchers found that non-coding RNAs produced by the Gtl2 locus suppress mitochondrial biogenesis and metabolism, reducing reactive oxygen species and preventing cell death.
Researchers mapped brain circuits that cause hyperactive dopamine release in response to cocaine. The study found a key relay between the extended amygdala and ventral subiculum drives persistent dopamine hyperactivity.
Inner ear cells in newborn rodents practice processing sounds through a self-stimulation process involving chloride ion channels. This process helps establish and refine connections between the ear and brain, enabling proper hearing from an early age.
Researchers discovered that Mipp1 protein helps fruit fly cells sprout 'fingers' to build the intricate network of the trachea. The protein's presence is crucial for cell migration and elongation, with too much or too little resulting in abnormal development.
Researchers discovered that E. coli bacteria move faster and farther in viscoelastic fluids, such as saliva and mucus, than in water. This is because the increase in viscosity allows bacteria to maintain their rotational motion, enabling them to travel longer distances.
The study found that prices for all surveyed classes of brand-name drugs increased by an average of 401%, with topical antineoplastic drugs experiencing the largest percentage increase at 1240%. Psoriasis medications had the smallest average percentage increase, rising by just 180%.
A new study at Bielefeld University investigates how a robotic bartender can understand human communication and serve drinks socially appropriately. Participants played the role of robotic bartenders, making decisions based on sensor data, to find that ignoring some data can be beneficial.
Scientists at Cornell University's Baker Institute have developed a device that diagnoses stroke in under 10 minutes using a drop of blood. The technology detects biomarkers in the blood to measure the concentration of neuron-specific enolase (NSE), a substance found in higher concentrations in stroke victims.
A five-year trial of progesterone supplements for recurrent miscarriage shows no improvement in outcomes. Despite disappointing results, the PROMISE trial provides valuable insights into potential alternative treatments and highlights the importance of continued research into reducing miscarriage risk.
A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reveals that a low sugar diet can make foods taste sweeter, but does not change an individual's preferred level of sweetness. Despite the difference in sweetness ratings, participants on a reduced sugar diet did not alter their preference for sucrose content.
Scientists have successfully mapped the atomic structure of a protein bound to microtubules, revealing insights into neurodegenerative diseases. The study used magic-angle-spinning NMR spectroscopy to visualize the dynamic interactions between CAP-Gly and microtubules.
A new form of immunotherapy aims to protect insulin-producing cells using patients' own immune cells. The therapy, called regulatory T cells, was well-tolerated and durable in a Phase 1 clinical trial, supporting the development of a Phase 2 efficacy trial.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new method for vitrification that minimizes cell damage during the freezing process. This approach has shown significant improvement in healthy cell survival rates, paving the way for wider use of extreme cold preservation for tissues and organs.
A QUT study found that 44% of child injuries in emergency departments are associated with consumer products, but 13% of cases have inadequate records to determine the cause. The study highlights the need for better injury data to improve product safety initiatives.
Scientists at the University of Edinburgh have developed a new technique for growing liver cells from stem cells using synthetic materials, which could lead to mass production of high-quality cells for patient therapies. The process is cost-effective and eliminates the need for animal products, making treatments safer for patients.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered a new potential treatment for MECP2 duplication syndrome by normalizing MeCP2 levels using antisense oligonucleotides. This approach largely reversed behavioral, molecular, and other deficits in mice, providing hope for human treatment.
Researchers have successfully combined an antibody-drug conjugate with immunotherapy to treat breast cancer. The therapy has shown promising results in attacking tumor cells and improving the body's immune response.
Researchers at OIST discovered two ancient genetic components involved in sex determination in ants. The study found that a mechanism called complementary sex determination is used, where females are diploid and males are haploid. This system has been linked to the evolution of sex determining genes dating back over 100 million years.
The UAEU symposium highlighted the importance of intellectual property rights and technology transfer in driving innovation and economic growth. Key speakers emphasized the need for a culture of excellence and innovation, as well as strategies for commercializing inventions and protecting intellectual property.
Patients with coronary artery disease spend an average of eight hours each day sitting despite exercising, according to research published in the European Journal of Cardiovascular Prevention. Women tend to be less sedentary than men, but both have poorer health outcomes when sitting for long periods.
Tropical Storm In-fa was becoming an extra-tropical storm as it tracked toward the island of Iwo To, Japan. The storm battled wind shear and retained hurricane-force winds, moving east-northeast at 12 knots.
Researchers have created a comprehensive catalog of known animal toxins and their physiological effects on humans, summarizing nearly 42,723 effects on the body. The Venom Knowledge Base (VenomKB) may spur the discovery of new compounds and medical treatments for various diseases.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a novel way to make metal contacts on solar cells nearly invisible to incoming light. This breakthrough uses nanotechnology to create silicon nanopillars that redirect sunlight, increasing the cell's efficiency and reducing reflection loss.
A study published in Nature reveals that MECP2 Duplication Syndrome can be reversed using an antisense oligonucleotide strategy. The therapy, tested on adult mice with the condition, normalized symptoms after four weeks and restored normal brain function.
A recent EORTC study identified key health-related quality of life (HRQOL) components to prioritize in caring for older cancer patients. The study found that HRQOL improves with age for social functioning and financial problems, while physical functioning and constipation worsen.
A study found that postoperative Clostridium difficile infection rates were 0.4% per year among over 468,000 surgical procedures at the Veterans Health Administration. Patients with CDI had higher rates of postoperative illness, death, and longer hospital stays.
Researchers at Oxford University found that faster pigeons tend to become flock leaders, learning navigation skills more effectively. In a study of 40 homing pigeons tagged with GPS devices, the team discovered that leadership experience improved efficiency in faster birds.
The University of Southampton will host a new £36m National Infrastructure Laboratory in partnership with industry and government. The lab aims to develop new understandings of large structures and infrastructure engineering through research and teaching facilities.
A recent study found that two-thirds of studies on 'psychosocial' treatments list co-authors who financially benefit from the treatments, yet few declare a conflict of interest. This lack of transparency may lead to biased research and influenced policy decisions.
Researchers developed an interactive mobile phone system to help patients with high blood pressure self-manage their condition, leading to significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The system, which includes patient reports, lifestyle feedback, and reminders, also improved patients' understanding of the connectio...
Researchers at Cornell University discovered that lubricin helps anchor HA at the tissue surface, improving its effectiveness. A new derivative of HA, HYADD4, has been approved for clinical use and is expected to be marketed as Hymovis.
A team of researchers developed a model to predict the effects of parasite refugia on disease prevalence and drug resistance. The model suggests that introducing drug-susceptible parasites into a population can reduce overall drug resistance.
A nationwide study found that women with type 2 diabetes are most susceptible to the adverse cardiovascular risks posed by long-term air pollution exposure. The researchers discovered a significant increase in cardiovascular disease risk, particularly among women over 70, obese, and living in polluted regions.
Research by Netta Weinstein and others suggests that people's experiences of local nature can explain 8% of survey responses about community cohesion. Additionally, objective measures of green space in neighborhoods account for 4% additional variance in crime rates, outperforming known contributors like socioeconomic deprivation.