Researchers have discovered highly conserved DNA sequences in non-coding regions of insect genomes, which are remarkably preserved for at least 180 million years. These findings provide new insights into the evolution of ancient animal ancestors and their influence on modern species.
Researchers discovered that bipolar patients' brain cells are more sensitive to stimuli, leading to differing responses to lithium. The study suggests a starting point for probing cellular differences and developing new treatments.
Researchers tested 10 commercially available products for mosquito repellency, finding that DEET-based products were the most effective, while some natural alternatives showed promise, including lemon eucalyptus oil and Victoria's Secret perfume.
A consortium of scientists proposes a Unified Microbiome Initiative to drive cutting-edge microbiome research. Genetic engineering holds the key to harnessing microbes for diverse applications, including fighting antibiotic resistance, reclaiming farmland, and producing sustainable energy.
The program provided a rare chance for participants to experience burn scenarios with controlled variables, yielding professional research-level training results. The five-day course covered fire science, death investigations, and forensic science, culminating in controlled experiments using cadavers.
Researchers at the University of Rochester found that humans can detect and process sound delays as short as 40 milliseconds to fine-tune visual distance estimates. Participants consistently perceived shapes paired with delayed clicks as more distant, even when they were not, suggesting an unconscious link between sound delays and visu...
The discovery of an ancient Iberian lynx specimen provides new insights into the evolution and origins of this endangered feline species. The fossil remains, dated to 1.6-1.7 million years ago, reveal a larger and heavier body than the modern species.
A new fossil discovery of an adolescent Tyrannosaurus rex fills a critical gap in the species' growth stages, supporting research on its evolution. The find, named 'Jane', shows features intermediate between juvenile and adult T. rex, resolving decades-long debate.
The Nordic Seas started cooling towards modern temperatures in the early Pliocene, 5.3 to 2.6 million years ago. This occurred half a million years before the global oceans cooled, according to a new study published in Nature Communications.
A new NASA study uses GRACE satellite data to track droughts in Brazil, revealing an average loss of 15 trillion gallons of water per year from 2012 to 2015. The findings show the worst drought in 35 years has desiccated major cities across southeastern Brazil.
Researchers at Monash University have found that perforin-like proteins control the release of a critical growth factor governing head and tail development in fruit flies. This discovery may provide new opportunities for treating brain developmental disorders, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder.
NASA's RapidScat instrument captured windy conditions in the Mid-Atlantic region, fueled by remnant moisture from Hurricane Patricia and Gulf of Mexico moisture. The National Weather Service predicted widespread rainfall across the eastern third of the US, with heaviest amounts expected along the I-95 corridor.
A recent study found that nearly three-quarters of stroke patients in China have hypertension, with high levels of LDL cholesterol, diabetes, and smoking also prevalent. The research emphasizes the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle and controlling risk factors to prevent strokes and cardiovascular disease.
Homeowners with smart irrigation controllers are generally satisfied, but experience challenges with SMS-based systems. A tutorial may not be sufficient to increase familiarity with the devices.
A study of 1,107 dementia-free women found that those who complained of memory problems were 70% more likely to develop a diagnosis compared to those without complaints. Women with complaints were also 3-9 times more likely to develop a diagnosis at different time points.
Researchers have pushed boundaries to establish new limits in science, from growing carbon nanotubes with exceptional reflectivity to studying extremophiles like Deinococcus radiodurans. These discoveries highlight the importance of exploring extremes and advancing our understanding of physics.
A Florida Tech-led study refutes the theory that Amazonian rainforests were created through ancient managed landscapes. The research, published in the Journal of Biogeography, suggests that pre-European human activity had a limited impact on the ecosystem.
A one-month training program on the Virtual Week computer brain game strengthens prospective memory in older adults, which is crucial for planning and everyday functioning. The study shows that these cognitive gains transfer to real-world activities of daily living, with participants performing more tasks correctly than control groups.
A new paper device developed by scientists can rapidly and inexpensively diagnose hepatitis B and assess male fertility, making it a valuable tool for diagnosing people in low-income areas. The test, which costs less than $1 per device, can detect the hepatitis B virus in blood serum and determine sperm DNA integrity with high accuracy.
A study published in JAMA Surgery found that being married is associated with improved survival and functional recovery after cardiac surgery. Married participants had a significantly lower risk of death or new disability compared to divorced, separated, or widowed individuals.
Astronomers at the University of Leeds used ALMA telescope to observe a massive star forming in a similar way to low-mass stars. The discovery suggests that massive stars may form in a disk-like structure, just like low-mass stars, and mirrors their formation process.
The FDA has approved talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC), a herpes cold sore virus designed to kill tumor cells, as a treatment for late-stage melanoma. The therapy showed a durable response in 16% of patients, with some experiencing no signs of cancer after treatment.
A new urine screening method can detect even small amounts of chemicals resulting from secondhand marijuana exposure, addressing the challenge of assessing health effects. The developed method is 10 to 100 times more sensitive than current tests and could be used for large-scale population studies.
Researchers found significant variation in opioid prescription rates across BC health areas, with highest volumes correlating to overdose deaths. The study suggests that changing prescribing practices and monitoring sales can help address the issue.
A study published in Marketing Science finds that increasing cigarette taxes can lead to a shift towards higher nicotine products, potentially increasing addiction levels. The study also suggests that this unintended consequence is more likely to occur in poorer neighborhoods.
A recent discovery of an Ornithomimus dinosaur with preserved tail feathers and soft tissue is shedding light on the convergent evolution between dinosaurs and birds. The findings suggest that these dinosaurs used feathered regions to regulate body temperature, similar to modern ostriches.
Researchers found decreased signaling between brain regions in patients with chronic fatigue, correlating with greater fatigue levels. Abnormal brain connectivity at rest is strongly linked to the severity of symptoms.
Researchers analyzed 103 commercial coffee samples and found the presence of fumonisins, aflatoxins, trichothecenes, and emerging mycotoxins in varying concentrations. Five samples exceeded maximum permitted levels of ochratoxin A.
A study by Penn State economists found that counties with higher rates of self-employment suffered fewer negative effects from increased imports. Self-employed workers are better positioned to recognize changes in the market and adapt to new opportunities, leading to stronger economic networks and growth.
Researchers used data analysis to identify three distinct subtypes of patients with type 2 diabetes, each associated with different clinical characteristics and genetic variants. The study suggests a novel approach that can be applied to virtually any disease, potentially leading to more effective diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers found that growth and differentiation factor 10 (GDF10) is a crucial protein in the brain's repair mechanisms following stroke. Studies suggest that increasing GDF10 levels can lead to faster recovery after stroke.
A consortium of scientists proposes a major research project to understand and harness microbiomes, aiming to improve human health, agriculture, bioenergy, and the environment. The Unified Microbiome Initiative calls for investments in new tools and cross-disciplinary collaborations to predict and manage microbial behavior.
Researchers discovered that dinosaurs utilized their elaborate nasal passages as heat exchangers to maintain optimal brain temperatures. This innovative mechanism allowed them to regulate their body temperature efficiently, solving the long-standing puzzle of how dinosaurs kept their brains from overheating despite their large bodies.
A national effort is proposed to understand and harness the capabilities of Earth's microbial ecosystems. The Unified Microbiome Initiative aims to decipher how microbes interact with each other, their hosts and environment, leading to new antibiotics, obesity-fighting methods, drought-resistant crops and next-gen biofuels.
A survey of 15,000 patients at treatment centers found that many drug abusers use both heroin and prescription painkillers. The study suggests that regional variations exist in the use of these substances.
The special issue presents research on optimizing human performance in the military through physical fitness and injury prevention. Key findings highlight the importance of balanced fitness programs, sleep health, physical activity, and nutrition behaviors in improving soldier readiness and effectiveness.
Researchers found a decrease in weaning age among fossil mammoths, suggesting human overhunting was the primary cause of their extinction. The study used nitrogen isotopes preserved in tusks to estimate weaning ages and found a significant decrease from 7 to 4 years.
The New York Stem Cell Foundation has awarded $7.5 million to five researchers through the NYSCF -- Robertson Investigator Program, supporting innovative work in stem cell biology and neuroscience. The recipients aim to advance our understanding of cellular processes and develop new treatments for diseases.
A brain imaging study found that certain facial patches prefer both faces and bodies to process an individual. This suggests the brain combines facial and body information to represent a whole person. The findings have relevance for understanding human social processing.
A new Emory University study reveals racial differences in physician trust, with black and Latino patients showing lower trust compared to white patients. The research highlights unique traits within each race that impact trust, dispelling the assumption that people of color share similar views on physicians.
Researchers have discovered that electric eels can double the power of their electrical discharge by curling up their bodies, allowing them to handle larger and more struggling prey. This behavior enables the eels to induce involuntary fatigue in prey, rendering them temporarily immobilized.
A team of astronomers has used data from the VVV survey to discover a previously unknown component of our home galaxy, the Milky Way. The new component is a thin disc of young stars across the galactic bulge, which was buried behind thick clouds of dust.
Websites use certificates to establish encrypted communications, but administrators are providing a large number of revoked certificates. Browsers are not properly checking certificate revocation status, posing security risks.
Researchers at University of Illinois developed spiral polypeptides that target bacteria's outer membrane, perforating it until the cell falls apart. The antimicrobial agents are designed to interact with bacterial membranes while minimizing interaction with human cells.
Researchers found strong associations between bacterial lineages and age groups, highlighting the importance of targeted interventions to improve vaccine effectiveness. Genome analysis revealed 20 families of Neisseria meningitidis, with three dominant lineages causing 59% of cases over a 20-year period.
A new study examines over 50 years of filicide cases in Canada, identifying key differences between mothers and fathers. The research highlights the need for better intervention and social supports to prevent child homicide.
Despite progress, cancer care in Latin America remains hindered by significant gaps in public expenditure on health and cancer care. The region still faces major challenges, including limited palliative care services, inadequate training in pain management, and underutilization of new technologies.
A new clinical trial has shown that a gene-targeted drug, olaparib, can benefit up to 33% of patients with treatment-resistant advanced prostate cancer. The trial found that men whose tumours had defects in DNA repair machinery responded particularly well to the drug.
A study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that varying pause times before the starting gun can result in significant differences in finishing times among athletes. The researchers propose introducing a warning step to ensure all athletes are ready before the start, and even suggest computerized procedures to minimize human error.
Researchers from USF propose a new form of computing that leverages interaction-dependent state change of nanomagnets to solve complex functions significantly faster than traditional computers. The approach has been shown to be 1,528 times faster than IBM ILOG CPLEX on certain problems.
Researchers at Australian National University have successfully created a star-shaped molecule called [5]radialene, which was previously deemed too unstable. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient ways of producing medicinal agents, with the chemical industry worth nearly $1 trillion.
Researchers have developed a radiotherapeutic bandage that has shown promise as an alternative therapy for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in an animal model. The bandages, which are made with nanoparticles containing inactivated radioactive material, can be individually tailored and manufactured on a large scale.
Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a new fabrication process that cuts the time needed to make high-tech flexible sensors in half. The new process uses a peel-and-stick medium and allows for mass-market manufacturing, making it possible to monitor vital signs and brain activity more easily.
Researchers used brain imaging to predict the outcome of an anti-smoking email campaign sent to 800,000 smokers in New York State. The study found that brain activity in just 50 smokers was able to predict which messages would be effective at getting people to quit smoking.
Transgender men who can bear children face significant healthcare challenges due to a lack of training and inadequate policies. Healthcare providers often struggle to provide quality care, leading to delayed or inadequate treatment.
A new monolithic tandem solar cell has been developed, combining perovskite and silicon materials to achieve an efficiency of 18%, nearly 20% higher than individual cells. The device's design includes a protective layer and a textured wafer, which could further increase efficiency up to 30%.
Franziska Michor is awarded the NYSCF -- Robertson Stem Cell Prize for her interdisciplinary research on cancer genesis, using mathematical models to understand cancer evolution. Her work simulates drug treatment regimens and has been tested in clinical trials for non-small-cell lung cancer and brain tumors.
Researchers have developed a technique that uses volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath to identify biomarkers of hypoxia. The study replicated a standard 'hypoxic' event and found that VOC analysis could detect the condition, which can be life-threatening if left untreated.
A UCI study found that circadian rhythm-altering sleep disruptions similar to jet lag can promote memory problems and chemical alterations in the brain. The researchers suggest that good sleep habits may be crucial for maximizing good memory.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that surface solar radiation in China has decreased due to higher air pollution and lower wind speeds. The research reveals that the solar dimming increased significantly during the day in polluted areas, with 20% of reduced solar radiation attributed to aerosols.
Voyager 1's journey into interstellar space has been clarified by a UNH-led study, revealing that the spacecraft crossed the heliopause but is now navigating a 'muddied' magnetic field region. This discovery confirms two key findings: the center of the IBEX ribbon is the direction of the interstellar magnetic field and Voyager 1 is bey...
Ahnna Parkhurst, a 15-year-old racing prodigy, is raising awareness and research dollars for the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) through Laurie's Fund. Her efforts have raised over $111,000 to support cancer research and treatments.
A new consensus guideline recommends that researchers share genomic findings with family members when necessary to avert imminent harm. The guidelines also emphasize the importance of protecting participant privacy and involving relatives in decision-making.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania found that married patients had a significantly lower risk of dying or developing a new functional disability after cardiac surgery. The study analyzed data from over 29,000 adults and found that unmarried patients were 40% more likely to experience poor outcomes.
Researchers at Queen's University found a link between declining calcium levels and the near-extinction of native crayfish species in four Algonquin Park lakes. The study suggests that acid rain has contributed to this decline, with calcium levels having fallen below the threshold required for some aquatic organisms.
A new study analyzes 464 Twitter tweets related to MRI and finds that patients express anxiety about various aspects of the procedure, including diagnosis and treatment. The study highlights the potential use of social media platforms like Twitter to gather insights into patient experiences and improve medical care.
Dolly Varden trout retire permanently from ocean migration at around 12 inches in length, relying on expanded digestive organs and unique relationship with sockeye salmon. Climate change could impact their life history patterns, potentially forcing them to seek new feeding patterns.
A new study from the University of Manchester found that children treated with growth hormone for deficiency show varying rates of growth depending on their latitude and summer daylight exposure. The study of 118 children aged 5-11 from 14 countries suggests a complex relationship between sunlight, genetics, and bone growth.
Autophagy has been shown to work in the cell nucleus, playing a role in guarding against the start of cancer. By degrading unwanted cellular bits and pieces, autophagy helps prevent cancerous growth, but its improper activation during normal aging leads to premature aging and age-related diseases.
Research found that southwest Greenland Ice Sheet movement decreased by 12% between 2007 and 2014, despite increasing surface melt. The study suggests that further increases in melting may not speed up the ice sheet's flow due to drainage channels established at its base.
Researchers found that rockweed substrate drenches significantly improved postharvest shelf life of petunia and tomato transplants. In contrast, foliar sprays showed no effect on drought tolerance. The study recommends using seaweed extracts as a substrate drench to enhance plant growth.
Researchers have developed a new way to enhance the effectiveness of antigen-based vaccines by mimicking the natural arrangement of multiple TLR agonists. This triply-linked activator more effectively triggers an immune response than mixing individual components, paving the way for improved vaccine design.
Research suggests that retroviral long-terminal-repeat promoters may contribute to the emergence of hepatocellular carcinoma. The study found that these elements are highly activated in liver cancer tumors and non-tumor tissue from patients with different etiologies, including viral hepatitis or alcohol use.
UC Davis researchers develop ultra-low-power sensors with near-zero power consumption, targeting continuous and passive monitoring of environments. The goal is to extend sensor lifetime from months to years, enabling always-on sensing without significant power drain.
Researchers found that living environments contribute to health disparities among US men, with integrated communities showing less difference in behaviors compared to national data. Socio-economic factors and environmental conditions play a significant role in explaining racial disparities.
The James Webb Space Telescope's Integrated Science Instrument Module has begun its final cryogenic test at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. The test, which will last several months, aims to ensure the instruments are ready for flight and can withstand the extreme temperatures they will encounter in space.
New data suggests that ancient humans played a role in the extinction of large mammals, birds and lizards in Australia. The study's findings place human predation as the most likely cause, with a 10,000-year lag between human arrival and impact on megafauna.
The electric eel has been found to possess intricate maneuvering techniques, allowing it to double its electrical shock on larger prey. Its electrical system also enables remote control over prey muscles, producing strong muscle contractions. The eel uses high-voltage pulses to track fast-moving prey and detect hidden meals.
Researchers have identified specific combinations of integrins associated with metastasis to certain organs, including lungs and liver. These 'zip code' proteins guide tumour cells to specific locations, supporting Paget's 'seed and soil' theory.
A new study reveals that 38% of state public health workers plan to leave the workforce by 2020, with those aged 25-40, racial and ethnic minorities, and those with fewer than 10 years of experience being most likely to exit. The study also highlights pay disparities between different groups in the public health sector.
Researchers have identified a new way to trigger the instructions given by the muscle protein dystrophin, which is found in muscles used for movement and in cardiac muscle cells. The study suggests using drugs that activate AMPK signaling to bypass defective steps in the protein complex pathway.
A UMass Amherst biologist is developing a new liver model using extra-embryonic tissue to study liver function and mechanisms. The model, which uses tissues from the yolk sac, offers a simpler alternative to traditional liver models, allowing for more efficient analysis of gene expression and protein production.
Researchers at the University of Rochester developed a method to analyze Instagram data to expose underage drinking patterns and demographic trends. The study found that teenagers consume alcohol more on weekends and holidays, and that different brands are followed by varying demographics.
A new study suggests that variations in complex carbohydrates found in breast milk, called human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), are associated with variations in infant growth and obesity. Higher levels of certain HMOs at 6 months of age were linked to greater fat mass, while others were protective against obesity.
A new study found that older adults were better than young adults at correcting their factual errors, with improved performance on low-confidence errors. This challenges the notion that older adults are less accurate and suggests a focus of attention driven by a desire to prioritize truth over confidence.
Climate shifts may drive up temperatures in Hawaii, allowing mosquitos into high elevation habitats where native vegetation persists. 20 Hawaiian forest bird species risk losing more than 50% of their range under climate change scenarios.
A new study finds that polygynous households in northern Tanzania have better access to food and healthier children, as well as more cattle and farmed land. However, the practice is associated with low food security and poor child health in marginalized ethnic groups.
A new study from the University of Michigan Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation found that nearly all nonprofit hospitals have written charity care policies, but many fail to notify patients about their potential eligibility or charge them fairly. Hospitals in states without expanded Medicaid reported having less generous ch...
Premature birth can be lifesaving with TPN, but it also causes liver damage. Dr. Ajay Jain is studying ways to prevent TPN-related complications in newborns.
A group of 17 US scientists has formed the Unified Microbiome Initiative to coordinate microbial research and inform funding recommendations. The initiative aims to integrate research objectives across disciplines to better understand the role of microbes in human health and ecological systems.
Researchers successfully mimic quantum entanglement using a laser pointer, doubling data speed in laser communication. The team demonstrated nonseparability of the laser beam's shape and polarization, enabling encoding of two bits of information.
Frequently monitoring goal progress boosts likelihood of achievement, as does publicly reporting or physically recording it. Researchers found prompting participants to monitor their progress improves behavioral performance and attaining goals.
Computer scientists at Columbia Engineering and Harvard have developed an algorithm to 3D print vibrational sounds by optimizing the shape of objects. The 'zoolophone' is a metallophone with keys in the shape of zoo animals that produces professional-sounding notes.
Researchers developed an approach to predict human genome variation by compiling data from 46 vertebrate species and applying evolutionary probability analysis. The method predicts probable mutations and identifies evolutionarily improbable variations, which may be strong candidates for adaptive evolution.
A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that adults with schizophrenia are more than 3.5 times as likely to die as the general population, particularly due to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. The research also highlights tobacco use as a key modifiable risk factor for premature death among individuals with schizophrenia.
A NASA team analyzed seven Apollo samples and found amino acids at low concentrations, likely from terrestrial sources. Isotopic analysis and molecular orientation revealed a stronger connection to Earth than previously thought, ruling out the solar wind and lunar module exhaust as sources.
Economically disadvantaged, non-English speaking Latino immigrant neighborhoods are disproportionately exposed to toxic air pollution in the US. Liévanos' study reveals a one-in-three chance of high-level air pollution in these areas.
A new study found that using e-cigarettes is related to problematic drinking, with women more likely to use them socially. The researchers suggest that e-cigarette use could make it harder for people with alcohol addiction to quit drinking.
A new study published in Social Science & Medicine suggests that having skills and freedom at work is linked to lower BMI and smaller waist size, while needing to make many decisions is linked to bigger waist size. The findings highlight the importance of considering job control components separately when assessing their impact on health.