Scientists at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center are developing a beach ball-sized titanium occulter to study the sun's corona and predict solar flares. The mission aims to improve scientists' understanding of coronal mass ejections, which can disrupt electronics and power grids.
A systematic review of 61 studies found that when missing preferences are included, the majority of those questioned preferred to die at home. However, the large amount of missing data makes it unclear whether home is where most participants with cancer or other conditions preferred to die.
NASA is conducting a field campaign in the Pacific Northwest to verify rainfall and snowfall observations made by the Global Precipitation Measurement satellite mission. The region's frequent winter rain and snowfall make it an ideal location for studying precipitation patterns.
The Virginia Tech shooting emphasizes the importance of coordinated mental health services on college campuses. Dr. Marisa Giggie argues that effective communication and threat assessments are key to preventing such incidents, while increasing access to psychiatric care is crucial for addressing growing mental health needs.
Experts at RMIT University have created a reliable method of detecting nitrogen dioxide (NO2), a significant air pollutant responsible for over seven million deaths worldwide. The new sensor is designed to be highly selective, sensitive, and affordable, aiming to improve public health by providing early detection of harmful NO2 levels.
A team of researchers led by Dr. Christian Ohneiser found that a growing Antarctic ice sheet caused the Mediterranean Sea to evaporate and dry up around 5.6 million years ago. The study revealed an uneven effect on global sea levels, with the continent's ice growth resulting in complex interplay between gravitational and rotational eff...
A new clinical score, L-TRiP(cast), predicts the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with a leg cast. The model was validated in two independent cohorts and identified high-risk patients with an accuracy of 80.8%.
The Datink method uses a solvent's evaporation speed to date documents, overcoming issues with ink deposition and paper type. It can determine the age of ink on documents with an approximation margin of about 20%.
A new study published in Annals of Behavioral Medicine suggests that behavioral interventions can lead to significant improvements in cardiovascular health. The research indicates that small behavioral changes can have a substantial impact on physical health outcomes.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in nanopore technology that could pave the way for a surgically implantable artificial kidney. The new device is designed to remove toxins and waste from the blood without a pump or electrical power, offering a promising alternative to dialysis for patients with end-stage renal disease.
Research on Hispanic/Latino adults found substantial e-cigarette and hookah use, with younger users more likely to use these products. Easy access, flavored taste, and socializing were cited reasons for their appeal.
A new UCLA-led study suggests that wrist fractures in postmenopausal women can predict a higher risk of future fractures, particularly spine, upper arm and lower arm fractures. The research highlights the importance of developing strategies to prevent subsequent fractures after an initial wrist fracture occurs.
Michihisa Umetani, a University of Houston professor, has won a $5,000 grant from the Neuron-Genetics Institute to further research into hereditary spastic paraplegia type 5A. The prize will help him and his team investigate the role of 27-hydroxycholesterol in human physiology and disease.
A recent study found that alcohol abuse is associated with a 70% increased risk of developing congestive heart failure among adults, particularly those under 60 years old and without high blood pressure. The study analyzed over 858,000 patients from California healthcare databases between 2005-2009.
A new study found that California's 6th-grade science textbooks give climate change a mixed message, presenting it as a controversial debate and downplaying the role of humans. The textbooks do not accurately reflect the scientific consensus on human-caused global warming.
A new study suggests that rare 'missense' mutations in the HER2 gene may not cause breast cancer growth or spread on their own. The research team found that such mutations may also fail to predict response to anti-cancer drugs targeting the HER2 gene, unlike common amplification alterations.
A new study found that short bursts of high-intensity exercise improved cholesterol, blood sugar, and weight among Type 2 diabetes patients. Researchers compared the effects of 30 minutes of lower-intensity exercise to three months of high-intensity exercise in 10-minute bursts, finding a significant difference in outcomes.
Researchers at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill discovered a new bat SARS-like virus that can infect humans without mutation. The virus highlights the need for developing drugs and vaccines before an outbreak occurs.
New research proposes using numerical modeling to evaluate fracking's seismic effects prior to drilling. This process aims to prevent unwanted ground shaking caused by movement of large faults, particularly in tight rock masses and near fault zones.
Researchers tracked climate adaptation initiatives globally, finding an overall 87% increase in reported initiatives among Annex I Parties since 2010. However, most vulnerable groups remain at risk and adaptation policies can be dismantled with changes in government.
Researchers have successfully mapped the electrical activity of developing hearts in embryos using highly sensitive sensors. This breakthrough could lead to a better understanding of how heart rhythm abnormalities develop and improve diagnosis and treatment options.
NASA scientists have found that Phobos' surface features long, shallow grooves, likely early signs of structural failure. The moon's interior may be a rubble pile with a powdery regolith layer, making it prone to stress fractures and eventual destruction.
Researchers studying a mutant worm found that the absence of a gene altered dopamine signaling, leading to changes in how nerve cells respond to stimuli. This discovery may open new treatment avenues for diseases such as Parkinson's and schizophrenia.
Research from University of Southampton found that copper can rapidly destroy human coronavirus 229E on common surface materials for at least five days. Copper alloy surfaces may help control transmission of respiratory viruses, especially when used in conjunction with effective cleaning regimes and good clinical practice.
Research finds that areas with more restrictive alcohol licensing policies have lower drink-related hospital admissions, with a 2% reduction seen in local authorities with medium-high intensity scores. This suggests that tighter local curbs can lead to measurable reductions in alcohol-attributable hospital admissions.
Researchers discovered that knives and graters can transfer pathogens to produce items, highlighting the importance of proper hygiene. The study found that contamination occurred when utensils were not cleaned between uses, putting consumers at risk of foodborne illnesses.
The project aims to shed light on EU-Turkey relations, explore Turkey's historical role, and develop scenarios for future relations, including potential partnerships and membership. The research will create a basis for policy recommendations and inform EU-Turkey relations.
Scientists have found a method to mitigate Edge Localized Modes (ELMs) in tokamaks by using magnetic fields to produce a specific note, reducing the risk of damage to the vessel's walls. This new technique could be crucial for the success of ITER.
A UCLA professor has proposed a simpler way to define what makes a planet, extending the current definition to all planetary systems. The new approach requires estimates of star mass and planet mass and orbital period, which can be easily obtained with Earth- or space-based telescopes.
A multidisciplinary team of researchers developed a computational approach to assess the aesthetic appeal of coral reefs, finding that objective visual cues are correlated with the health and beauty of reef ecosystems. The study provides a cost-effective tool for monitoring coral reef communities and targets their natural beauty.
A new study by Michigan State University sociologists found that Americans are more likely to accept a higher gas tax if the revenue is used for energy-efficient transportation, road and bridge repairs, or refunded to taxpayers. The survey of over 3,000 participants showed that an average increase of 51-53 cents per gallon could be acc...
Physicists at UCLA's LAPD successfully recreated whistler-mode chorus waves, previously only observed in space, to study the excitation process and its implications for satellite safety. The experiment reveals a complex interplay of plasma parameters and wave signatures that provide an unprecedented constraint on theoretical models.
The paper calls for creating a task force to evaluate the classification of aging as a disease in ICD-11. Classifying aging as a disease could help shift the focus from treatment to prevention, attracting more resources to aging research and business cases for pharmaceutical companies.
Chimpanzees orphaned before age 2 exhibit impaired social behavior as adults, including reduced grooming and partner activity. Decades after maternal deprivation, these individuals show deficits in social relationships within groups.
Researchers propose using cerebrospinal fluid as a liquid biopsy for early diagnosis, prognosis, therapeutic management, and tracking of brain cancer. Concentrations of circulating central nervous system tumor DNA are higher in CSF than in plasma.
A new smartphone-compatible listening device, HeartBuds, has been shown to work as well as widely used FDA-approved traditional and digital stethoscopes in identifying heart murmurs. The study also found that the disposable stethoscope performed poorly on detecting abnormal sounds, making it a less reliable option.
Researchers at Washington State University have developed an antibiotic-free alternative to treat bacterial infections, using electrical stimulation that kills 99.99 percent of bacteria in 24 hours. The method involves passing an electric current over a film of bacteria, producing hydrogen peroxide as an effective disinfectant.
The 2015 winners of the AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Awards were recognized for their outstanding work in science reporting, including stories on urban violence, climate change, and animal vocal learning. Andrea McDaniels won the Gold Award for her series on the impact of traumatic stress on children's health.
A University of Houston study found that minority girls who were teased about their weight engaged in unhealthy eating behaviors, including disordered eating and emotional eating. The study suggests that teasing can have a strong impact on young girls' perceptions of themselves and food.
Researchers analyzed 2,176 children with cardiac arrest and found that just under half received bystander CPR, associated with an 11% likelihood of neurologically favorable survival. The majority of cardiac arrests occurred at home, but infants did not benefit from bystander CPR.
A new nanoparticle with onion-like layers converts low-energy near-infrared light to higher energy blue and UV light with record-high efficiency. This innovation enables improved performance in technologies such as deep-tissue imaging, security inks for printing money, and bioimaging.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine analyzed CRIC data to find that larger left atrium size is associated with an increased risk of heart failure among CKD patients. This finding provides valuable insights into identifying high-risk patients who require closer monitoring and targeted interventions.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) affect approximately 7,000 UK infants annually, causing irreversible brain damage and long-term health issues. The UK lags behind other developed countries in FASD research, leading to confusion among pregnant women and inadequate support for those affected.
Researchers develop a better method for modelling panel data, offering rich opportunities for economists to apply analytical tools. The new approach improves upon existing techniques and can be used to analyze the effect of various factors such as job-training, clinical trials, and economic policies.
Researchers at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory have discovered a new mechanism that speeds up magnetic reconnection, providing new insights into this complex astrophysical process. The model predicts a novel regime in which fast reconnection rates appear independent of system resistivity.
Researchers found that individuals with better blood sugar control after consuming barley kernel bread had a different balance of gut microbes. The study suggests the importance of individualized dietary guidelines based on gut microbiota. Further studies are planned to confirm the findings and develop combination products with Prevote...
A new study suggests that geophysical elements, such as the West Antarctic Ice Sheet's gravitational pull and the mantle's fluid nature, can slow its retreat. This could lead to a less drastic rise in global sea levels than previously predicted.
Wildfires on Arctic tundra can contribute to permafrost thaw, changing ecosystems and affecting downstream waters. Researchers used lidar data to document thawing in the Anaktuvuk River fire's footprint, observing thermokarst and irregular topography.
Two University of Rochester scientists discovered the 17th century Wallis formula for pi in a quantum mechanics formula for hydrogen atom energy states. The discovery underscores pi's omnipresence in math and science.
Researchers at the University of Michigan found that zinc oxide nanopyramids can disrupt the growth of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) on medical implants, reducing bacterial load by over 95%. The coating may enable antibiotic treatments to succeed or allow the human immune system to take over.
A study by Loyola Medicine found that patients with post hospital syndrome (PHS) who underwent elective outpatient hernia surgery were more likely to be readmitted within 30 days than those without PHS. Additionally, PHS patients had a higher risk of emergency department admissions after hernia surgery.
Scientists found that asymptomatic people can infect mosquitoes with dengue virus, representing three-quarters of all dengue infections. This challenges existing theories and highlights the potential for these individuals to contribute to the spread of the virus.
A recent study found that chronic arsenic exposure can lead to stem cell dysfunction, impairing muscle healing and regeneration. Inhibiting a certain protein in an inflammatory pathway can reverse the harmful effects of arsenic exposure.
Dr. Rodney Ewing has made significant contributions to the field of geoscience, bridging disciplines to develop new applications and advancing science through publications. He serves on various advisory committees and policy boards, providing timely leadership in the disposal of high-level radioactive waste.
Researchers at INRS have discovered a coronavirus protein mutation that slows the spread of the virus in the central nervous system and reduces its neurovirulence. The study sheds light on how persistent coronavirus infections take hold and may help prevent associated neurological diseases.
Researchers found that treatment with Lovastatin can correct high levels of protein production in the brain linked to intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorders. The study suggests that different types of intellectual disabilities may share common disease mechanisms, which could benefit from common therapeutic approaches.
A new study found that patients who are older, female, and/or from lower-income neighborhoods are more likely to experience delays in starting cardiac rehabilitation after bypass surgery, ultimately reducing their chances of completing the program. This can lead to a higher mortality risk.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) released a position paper exploring the factors driving growth of 'concierge' and other direct patient contracting practices. The paper offers nine recommendations to mitigate potential adverse impacts on access for lower-income patients.
A participatory breeding program assisted organic tomato growers in identifying key plant traits needed for optimal production, with flavor as the top priority. The program also revealed differences in fruit quality characteristics between organic and conventional growers, highlighting the importance of disease resistance and nutrition...
The six PNNL researchers honored with the Breakthrough Prize have made profound contributions to human knowledge, revealing new frontier beyond the standard model of particle physics. They worked on a variety of physics questions and continue to collaborate.