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.