A new study proposes a logical classification scheme for dogs and wolves, revealing that domestic dogs are descendants of two interbred species: an extinct Asian wild dog and the grey wolf. This finding has implications for wolf conservation, as some hybrids have evolved into full species.
A new study found that a commonly used diabetes treatment provides protection against terminal blood loss. Researchers identified how the medication works at a cellular level to prevent shock and death from massive blood loss.
Researchers discovered a mechanism that regulates blood vessel growth in diabetic mice, reducing tumor size without harming other organs. The approach may also treat diabetic complications like retinopathy and nephropathy.
A new European Marine Board paper highlights the need for major progress in deep-sea research to underpin future management and exploitation of living and non-living deep-sea resources. The report identifies deficiencies in basic knowledge of deep-sea systems, which could hinder ecosystem-based management and limit sustainability.
Scientists have identified a gene variant that slows Alzheimer's disease progression by preventing eotaxin levels from increasing with age. The study found that individuals carrying this variant experienced a modest delay in disease onset, suggesting a potential protective mechanism against the disease.
Researchers found male seahorses play a crucial role in nourishing and protecting embryos during pregnancy, delivering energy-rich lipids and calcium. Their gene expression during pregnancy was also similar to that of humans, suggesting a common genetic mechanism for managing pregnancy across species.
Researchers found that DMPA use is associated with an increased risk of HIV infection, especially in women with vaginal infections or disturbed microbiota. The study suggests that hormonal contraceptives can exacerbate the suppression of immune systems, making women more vulnerable to HIV.
A study published by The BMJ reveals that over 70% of antipsychotic prescriptions are given to those without recorded mental illness, instead used for managing challenging behavior. Researchers call for changes in prescribing practices and more evidence on drug safety in intellectual disability populations.
The European Cardiomyopathy Registry Pilot study found that nearly 60% of patients with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy received implantable cardioverter-defibrillators, a common yet underutilized treatment strategy. Genetic testing was also widely used, with over half of tests yielding positive results.
A new UCL study found that over one-quarter of people with intellectual disabilities in the UK are being inappropriately prescribed antipsychotic drugs. Behaviour problems not due to mental illness were often treated with these medications.
Researchers found that Brazilian wasp venom's MP1 toxin selectively kills cancer cells by interacting with abnormally distributed lipids on their surface. The peptide creates gaping holes, allowing critical molecules to escape and potentially leading to new anticancer drug development.
College students' daily marijuana use has increased to 5.9% in 2014, the highest rate since 1980, with use on 20 or more occasions in the prior 30 days reported by one in every 17 students. This increase parallels an uptick in high school seniors' marijuana use.
Researchers found that a gene linked to PTSD severity predicts increased symptoms and thinner brain cortex in veterans returning from conflict. The study suggests a possible genetic blood test to identify at-risk individuals.
A clinical trial found that doctors given information on a patient's cognitive status provided more care focused on cognition, but this had little impact on the overall rate of cognitive decline. The study highlights the importance of primary care in recognizing cognitive impairment and supporting older adults.
Researchers found that statins yield an off-target reaction disrupting muscle mitochondria function, causing muscle pain and weakness. The lactone form of statins is more potent at disturbing mitochondrial function than its acid form.
A recent USDA Forest Service study found that warming temperatures and acidity threaten coldwater aquatic species in the southern Appalachians, with an estimated 10-20% loss of habitat for brook trout. The research highlights the importance of watershed management and climate adaptation planning to mitigate these impacts.
Researchers discovered that larger groups of animals synchronize their behavior, with social interactions playing a key role. The study found that even without external cues, internal mechanisms are regulated by social presence, leading to increased synchronization in group settings.
A recent study by the University of Warwick found a significant link between premature birth and decreased intelligence, reading, and mathematical ability in adulthood. The research also highlighted an impact on earnings into adulthood, with preterm-born individuals more likely to be manual workers or have lower family incomes.
A new study by CU Denver reveals that smaller cities in the developing world are often unprepared for disasters, lacking basic infrastructure and redundant systems. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these threats, particularly in mountainous regions such as India's Darjeeling District.
Researchers have replicated the surface chemistry found in iridescent Morpho butterfly scales to create a highly selective gas sensor. The bio-inspired sensor detects small color changes for gas detection, potentially transforming medical diagnostics, industry, and military sectors.
Hurricane Ignacio is being affected by wind shear, weakening the storm. Infrared satellite data shows that southwesterly wind shear is pushing thunderstorms to the northeast, causing a 'warmer banding feature' across the western and northern semicircles.
A new Cornell University study suggests that examining centuries-old oyster reefs can help restore these vital marine ecosystems. By analyzing fossils and sediment records, scientists can gain insights into how oysters have grown, lived, and interacted with their environments over time.
A team of researchers developed a self-healing bioplastic from squid proteins, which can be repaired with warm water. The material exhibits improved durability for applications such as medical implants and fiber-optic cables.
A new study found that providing antiretroviral therapy programmes in the workplace can lead to significant cost savings for companies, particularly in South Africa where HIV prevalence is high. The study estimated that annual cost savings would decrease by 5% and average cost per HIV positive employee would decrease by 14%.
Researchers at UMass Amherst aim to develop a reliable, predictive computational framework for designing better-performing materials with reduced development costs. The new approach will address challenges in handling complex systems with millions of variables, rare events, and multi-scale features.
A new study has found that the satiety hormone leptin plays a crucial role in the 'runner's high' feeling, with mice running longer distances on a wheel due to reduced leptin signaling. The research also suggests that people with lower fat-adjusted leptin levels may be more inclined to exercise.
A new RAND Corporation study found that police officers face a higher risk of being injured in crashes when they are riding motorcycles, driving solo, or not wearing seatbelts. The study also highlights the need for law enforcement agencies to reduce traffic collisions involving officers and prevent officer injuries.
A research group has designed the first ever SNP array optimized for the Japanese population, covering the whole-genome region from which SNPs possessed by Japanese people can be obtained with high accuracy. The Japonica Array offers improved genotype imputation accuracy, accelerating personalized healthcare and medicine research.
Bumblebees infected with a common intestinal parasite are drawn to flowers rich in medicinal compounds, which may help combat bee species decline. The study found that bees alter their foraging behavior to maximize consumption of beneficial plant chemicals.
A new microfluidic technology enables rapid separation of antibiotic-resistant from susceptible bacteria, offering a game-changing solution for patients. This breakthrough could lead to faster and more effective treatment, reducing mortality rates and improving patient outcomes.
A US study from 1998 to 2013 found a significant increase in bicycle-related injuries and hospital admissions, particularly among adults over 45 years old. The incidence of these injuries increased by 28% and hospital admissions by 120%.
A simplified handwashing routine with five steps instead of seven reduces sickness-related absenteeism for students with mild intellectual disability, according to a study published in the American Journal of Infection Control. The intervention improved hand hygiene and reduced absenteeism by 40% compared to the control group.
A study by Penn and German researchers reveals that cognitive flexibility is predicted by the degree to which brain networks reconfigure themselves. Participants who performed best on alternating tasks showed more rearrangement of connections within their frontal cortices and new connections with other areas of their brains.
Experts call for new international standards and mitigation strategies to minimize the impact of seismic surveys on vulnerable marine life. The proposed measures aim to reduce risks from sound pollution, protect important habitats, and promote coordinated planning across industries and nations.
Two Stanford University researchers, Maria Barna and Carolyn McBride, received the award for their pioneering work on ribosome processing and mosquito behavior. The Rosalind Franklin Young Investigator Award recognizes outstanding contributions to genetics research in human and non-mammalian systems.
The VISION Study found that preoperative statin use is linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular complications and mortality after noncardiac surgery. Statins were shown to be associated with a 17% reduction in cardiac complications and a 43% reduction in mortality.
Researchers will use digital methods to repopulate an ancient country called Doggerland, monitoring its development over 5,000 years. This project aims to reveal crucial information about early human life in Europe and develop new technologies for exploring lost landscapes.
Researchers at North Carolina State University developed a new technique for creating low-cost, high-efficiency power converters for embedded systems. The prototypes achieved 95% efficiency and 50-cent component costs, outperforming existing market options.
Researchers at Washington State University discovered that altering the timing of an animal's sleep can have a significant impact on its immune response and overall sleep quality. The study found that mice with disrupted circadian cycles had blunted or overactive immune responses, making them more susceptible to illness.
Patients with autoimmune hepatitis who present with cirrhosis at first diagnosis and those with SLA/LP antibodies have a higher risk of relapse, liver transplant, and reduced life expectancy. The presence of SLA/LP antibodies is linked to poor overall and liver transplant-free survival.
Dr. Peter Berger suggests that the expensive drug offers no clear safety benefits over heparin, which is widely used and effective in lower doses. The MATRIX Trial found no advantages of bivalirudin over heparin in preventing bleeding complications during cardiac stent placement.
Tropical Depression 14E forms in Eastern Pacific Ocean on September 1 with NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite. The depression features fragmented thunderstorms and a stretched cloud pattern indicating poor organization.
A study by Shireen Kanji and Emma Cahusac found that mothers who leave work to raise children experience an ongoing struggle to redefine their identities, leading to a sense of loss and disjuncture between their professional and personal selves.
A study in nearly 800,000 patients found a positive association between carbonated beverage consumption and out-of-hospital cardiac arrests of cardiac origin. Limiting carbonated drink consumption may help reduce the risk of fatal cardiovascular disease.
The Buck Institute joins forces with Chilean researchers to tackle the growing crisis of an aging population. The Center for Geroscience, Brain Health and Metabolism will focus on understanding the interface between aging and neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers developed a new system to fine-tune the affinity of CAR T cells, enabling them to selectively target cancer cells. The newly engineered cells showed more potent reactivity against tumor cells expressing high levels of specific proteins.
A team of geologists and physicists has generated the world's first global map of antineutrino emissions, which provides an important baseline image of the energy budget of Earth's interior. The map reveals that natural sources accounted for less than 1 percent of detected antineutrinos, highlighting human-made radioactivity.
A $475,000 grant will support a study examining the huge amount of particulate organic nitrogen transported downstream during intense storms and its impact on freshwater streams and rivers. The researchers aim to understand how this contributes to the overall nitrogen load and what happens to the particulate materials.
Researchers engineered CAR T cells to preferentially target cancer cells expressing high amounts of epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR), while sparing normal cells. The modified cells were selectively activated only in response to cancer cells, demonstrating improved safety and efficacy in treating solid tumors.
Researchers at UC San Diego developed a new wireless communication technique that sends magnetic signals through the human body, offering lower power consumption and improved security compared to existing Bluetooth technology. The technique shows promising results with path losses up to 10 million times lower than Bluetooth radios.
Hurricane Jimena is classified as a category 4 storm with maximum sustained winds near 130 mph. The Global Precipitation Measurement satellite detected a double eye-wall structure with evidence of erosion, indicating decay and weakening of the storm's inner eyewall.
Researchers found that magnesium oxide can react with oxygen under high-pressure conditions, potentially leading to the formation of magnesium peroxide in rocky planets outside our Solar System. This suggests that the interiors of these planets may have a different chemical composition than Earth's mantle.
Researchers found that ultrashort light pulses become trapped in small areas of rough ultrathin films, leading to efficient light absorption. This discovery can help develop highly efficient absorbers for thin-film solar cells and sensors.
Researchers found that THC delayed skin graft rejection in mice due to suppressed immune response, potentially leading to new antirejection therapies for humans. Further studies are necessary to confirm benefits in humans.
Researchers aim to better understand the genomic basis of diseases and tailor medical care to individual patients based on their unique genetic profiles. The NIH-funded projects will explore the potential medical effects of rare genomic variants in various genes and implement these findings in clinical settings.
A new study found that Asian sheep are genetically diverse, with two migratory waves of domestication. This diversity can help herders in developing countries preserve valuable traits for meat production.
A new study found that using a patient's entire genome helped suggest personalized treatment options for nearly half of children with cancer. The approach led to specific treatment changes in a quarter of these patients and showed promise in treating difficult-to-treat cancers.
Research found that cheek-padded males are significantly more successful in fathering offspring, with dominant males having greater reproductive success during their tenure as dominant. However, other males were able to sire offspring during periods of rank instability or at the beginning and end of a dominant male's reign.
A study found no significant difference in complication rates for women undergoing combined hysterectomy and panniculectomy, but longer hospital stays were observed. The research suggests that patient selection is crucial for avoiding complications in combined procedures.
A University at Buffalo research team proposes new measures for savings and asset accumulation to promote lasting economic security. The study estimates monthly savings amounts required to meet various goals, such as retirement and education savings, and highlights the need for policy changes to encourage saving among low-income families.
Researchers found that reading emotional content in a second language results in blander facial expressions compared to native language readings. This reduced physiological response may influence decision-making by limiting the impact of emotions.
Researchers emphasize the need to improve brain imaging accuracy for dementia diagnosis and progression prediction. MRI scans and PET scans show promise, but current methods are not sensitive or accurate enough for widespread adoption.
Researchers found older women who forgave others were less likely to report depressive symptoms, while older men reported the highest levels of depression when they both forgave and felt unforgiven by others. Forgiving oneself did not significantly reduce depression in this study.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that urate stimulates astrocytes to activate an antioxidant pathway believed to have a role in several neurodegenerative disorders. A phase 3 trial of a urate-elevating drug, led by Dr. Michael Schwarzschild, is planned to enroll 270 patients with early-stage Parkinson's disease.
Typhoon Kilo was classified as a Category 3 storm after crossing the International Date Line. NASA's Aqua satellite captured images of its clear eye surrounded by powerful thunderstorms. The typhoon is currently moving northwest and poses no threat to land areas, but is expected to intensify into a Category 4 storm by September 4.
A colonial jellyfish-like species, Nanomia bijuga, coordinates multiple jets for whole-group locomotion through an elegant division of labor among young and old members. The colony can rapidly alter course and reverse its direction of swimming due to the long lever arm of the young members.
Researchers developed a bacterium-based biosensor that can detect zinc levels in blood samples, providing an inexpensive way to assess nutritional deficiencies. The test uses color changes to indicate zinc levels, making it visible without specialized equipment.
A new study found that treatment with life-saving medications has increased significantly in ischemic heart disease, but levels are still suboptimal. The study also revealed that patients with peripheral artery disease receive fewer recommended medications and have more comorbidities than others.
Researchers Terrie Williams and her team have studied exercise physiology in wild animals and human athletes for over 30 years. Key findings include the high prolonged heart-rate levels of professional big-wave surfers, with one recorded at 200 beats per minute, and how this differs from dogs and cats.
Leptospirosis is a poorly understood and often misdiagnosed bacterial disease with a high case fatality rate. The researchers aim to develop an inexpensive, sensitive, and efficient diagnostic test for leptospirosis, which could lead to improved clinical outcomes and reduced mortality.
Dr. Kristin Sohl is expanding the ECHO Autism program to an additional 10 sites, aiming to improve healthcare for children with autism in underserved communities. The $15 million grant will enhance early identification of autism and treatment of co-occurring conditions in primary care.
Smithsonian scientists have discovered a new genus and species of river dolphin, Isthminia panamensis, from a fossil specimen found in Panama. The ancient creature is estimated to be around 9 feet long and lived in the salty waters of a Caribbean Sea before the full closure of the Panama Isthmus.
Research reveals that insecticide-treated bed nets function as human-baited insecticidal traps, delivering insecticide quickly to reduce mosquito activity. The study uses infrared video tracking technology to understand how mosquitoes interact with nets and inform future LLIN designs.
A new study reveals that climate change will irreversibly force key ocean bacteria into high-speed reproduction, producing 50% more nitrogen. This accelerated growth can't be reversed and may lead to catastrophic die-offs of the microorganism and dependent species.
A study of EUROASPIRE surveys found that smoking prevalence has stayed the same over seven years, but the proportion of smokers with no intention to quit increased. Lifestyle trends have not improved, with high rates of obesity and central obesity reported.
A study by Tohoku University found that depressive symptoms are higher in coastal areas than inland areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake. Four percent of participants experienced considerable posttraumatic stress reaction (PTSR). Psychologists have provided support to over 600 residents with psychological problems.
A team of scientists from Berkeley Lab and the University of Illinois created a solar cell that absorbs high-energy light at a 30-fold higher concentration than conventional cells. This breakthrough uses quantum dot light-emitters with spectrally matched photonic mirrors to efficiently utilize the high-energy part of the solar spectrum.
The study concludes that high-density cities with large parks or nature reserves yield the most benefits, but smaller parks and gardens also play a positive role. Compact developments incorporating large green spaces are essential for delivering ecosystem services.
A first-of-its-kind study identified a potential gene target, FOX03, strongly associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease-related liver damage due to miR-182 regulation. The study found suppressed FOX03 protein levels in damaged livers, suggesting its role in the initiation of liver disease.
Research from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health reveals that Connecticut's permit requirement led to a 15.4% reduction in firearm suicide rates, while Missouri's repeal increased rates by 16.1%. The study suggests factors other than handgun licensing may have contributed to the decline in Connecticut.
A new study reveals how DNA barcoding can accelerate biodiversity inventories by using rapid publishing techniques and surveying nature reserves in just four months. The results revealed abundant biodiversity in previously understudied taxa, including the addition of 181 new spider species to the inventory list.
Tropical Storm Fred has rapidly weakened to near 50mph due to increased wind shear and cooler sea surface temperatures. It is forecasted to become a tropical depression by late Wednesday, September 2, with potential dissipation by Friday.
Researchers at MIT's SMART program conducted a six-day experiment using autonomous golf carts to ferry tourists around winding paths. The system, which used off-the-shelf sensors and dynamic algorithms, demonstrated a 98% user satisfaction rate and showed potential for elderly transportation applications.
A recent study has found that preterm birth is associated with lower academic abilities in childhood and lower educational attainment in adulthood, leading to less wealth. The research also showed that the effects of prematurity on math abilities can last into the fifth decade of life.
A study published in JAMA found that finerenone significantly reduces albuminuria in patients with diabetes and kidney disease. The medication also shows a lower risk of hyperkalemia compared to other treatments.
A recent study published in European Heart Journal found that most patients with cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) pacemaker would not benefit from the addition of a defibrillator. The CeRtiTuDe cohort study analyzed data from 1,705 consecutive patients implanted with CRT between 2008 and 2010 in France.
Researchers developed a new method to eliminate artificial satellites in Highly Elliptical Orbits (HEO) by leveraging gravitational effects. The methodology, tested with the European Space Agency INTEGRAL mission, reduces both cost and risk.
Chronic alcohol consumption lowers vitamin A levels in the liver while raising levels in other tissues, leading to reduced vitamin A function and its link to alcoholic liver disease. Novel treatments may focus on counteracting alcohol's impact on vitamin A levels in the liver.
The Antineutrino Global Map 2015 offers new insights into the Earth's interior and reveals information about the planet's heat sources and geodynamics. The map provides a new tool for basic science research and nuclear nonproliferation efforts.
Researchers at UT Arlington have developed a computer program called PixeltoApp that can automatically create a working app from an artist's concepts. The product uses image information to create user interfaces and has been shown to be similar to original apps in experiments with over 100 cellphone apps.
Researchers suggest increased low clouds in the Arctic due to rising temperatures could slow the formation of frigid air masses, explaining past and future continental warming. This mechanism may have allowed crocodiles to thrive in Wyoming during the Cretaceous and Eocene periods.
The American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (A.S.P.E.N.) has redefined pediatric malnutrition to include five domains: anthropometrics, growth, chronicity, etiology, and impact on functional status. This revised definition aims to improve the diagnosis and treatment of malnutrition in pediatric patients.
A study published in JAMA found that incorporating genomic sequencing and counseling into pediatric cancer treatment improved patient outcomes and changed treatment plans. The study showed that nearly half of patients had actionable findings that led to individualized actions, including genetic counseling and changes in treatment.
Patients with inadequate blood pressure control after an intracerebral hemorrhage have a higher risk of recurrence, especially those with worsening hypertension. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were associated with increased risks of lobar and nonlobar ICH recurrence, respectively.
Researchers study tiny jellyfish's coordinated multiple jets propulsion system, which could inspire a natural solution for multi-engine organization in underwater-distributed propulsion vehicles. The jellies' ability to turn and maneuver with relatively simple components could lead to more efficient and redundant designs.
A new approach to tag proteins has been developed using plant protein epitopes, inntags, which are stable and do not compromise native function. The smallest protein domains with strong structural determinants were selected for tagging purposes.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have discovered that a yeast vacuole plays a vital role in initiating the cell-division cycle. The study's findings suggest a 'checkpoint mechanism' that prevents cell-cycle progression if essential organelles aren't present, which could lead to new insights into cancer treatment.
Researchers found that advanced diabetic eye disease remains low among children living with diabetes, regardless of disease duration. They recommend delaying annual screenings until age 15 or 5 years after diagnosis for most children with type 1 diabetes.
A federally funded study led by Michigan State University researcher finds that teaching toddlers to understand emotion through 'emotion bridging' with their mothers can reduce behavioral problems. Mothers of higher-risk toddlers benefited most from this strategy, particularly those from disadvantaged families.
A study published in Computers in Human Behavior found that people who sent romantic emails were more emotionally aroused and used stronger language than those who left voicemails. Email enables senders to modify the content, increasing arousal and deeper processing.
A recent study by UC San Francisco found that bicycle accidents among riders older than 45 have increased significantly, resulting in more hospitalizations. The study showed a 66% increase in hospital admissions to older riders and an 81% rise in injuries occurring to riders above age 45.
The XANTUS study found that rivaroxaban is safe and effective for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation patients with low rates of bleeding and stroke. The study confirmed the positive benefit-risk profile of rivaroxaban established in clinical trials, demonstrating its efficacy and tolerability in real-world practice.
Researchers found a thin layer of oxygen in Lake Fryxell, Antarctica, which could be a modern replica of ancient oxygen oases. This discovery sheds light on the Great Oxidation Event, a major turning point in Earth's history when oxygen became more prevalent.
Researchers found that wind blew dust from the Mu Us Desert into the Loess Plateau, creating a massive accumulation of consolidated dust. The plateau is not static but slowly moving downwind due to wind erosion, and linear ridges on its top are also sculpted by the wind.
A comprehensive review of biological warfare history reveals a greater incidence of illicit agent use than previously thought. The effects have been relatively limited despite the instances of misuse.
A study in the Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases explores the pros and cons of general anesthesia versus conscious sedation for stroke patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery. The authors conclude that an anesthesiologist or anesthesia care team should be present to provide sedation, regardless of the approach used.
A study found that two newer genetic testing technologies can identify genetic mutations potentially linked to autism in children with certain physical anomalies. The findings suggest that medical evaluation of ASD children may help identify populations more likely to achieve a molecular diagnosis.