Researchers from the University of Edinburgh built complex computer models to understand why cells developed pathways to convert sugar into energy. The study suggests that these metabolic systems evolved to produce more energy compared to alternative pathways.
A new study by UT Arlington researchers recommends that primary care providers screen teenagers for depression and suicide risk during well visits. The paper highlights the importance of screening tools, such as the Patient Health Questionnaire for Adolescents (PHQ-A), to detect mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.
Researchers developed a method to estimate real-time death risk during outbreaks, revealing that older patients and those with pre-existing illnesses had significantly higher mortality rates. The study applied this method to the 2015 Korean MERS epidemic, showing an estimated 20% overall mortality rate.
Researchers from Osaka University successfully created highly unusual plasma composed of hollow atoms using ultra-bright X-ray sources. This discovery sheds light on extreme state atoms and may lead to industrial applications such as non-destructive x-ray testing and new material construction.
A study of 60,058 heterosexual men and women found that height and body mass index do not strongly predict the number of sex partners. Short men reported fewer partners, while men in middle BMI ranges had more extensive sexual histories. Underweight women also had few partners due to health issues or low motivation.
Researchers at UCSC are conducting field trials of two strategies to protect bats from white-nose syndrome, a deadly fungal disease that has devastated bat populations in eastern North America. The team aims to understand how some populations are surviving and develop effective treatments to improve their chances of survival.
A global review of forest ecosystems found that large trees are more susceptible to drought, releasing stored carbon and disrupting the atmosphere. Understory trees fare better in response to drought, with increased growth rates in some seasonal tropical forests.
A new MRI technique, DWIBS-MRM, has been shown to provide accurate results for breast cancer detection without the need for ionizing radiation or contrast agents. The technique achieved a high negative predictive value of 92% and may potentially reduce unnecessary biopsies.
The US lags behind Europe in offshore wind power deployment, with only land-based wind and solar reaching new heights since 2005. Researchers from the University of Delaware urge policy changes, tax incentives, and research focus on U.S.-specific barriers to overcome current obstacles.
Typhoon Dujuan made landfall in southeastern China on September 29, with maximum sustained winds of 75 knots (86 mph). The storm is forecast to weaken quickly as it moves northward ahead of an approaching area of low pressure.
A new study found that monitoring specific angiogenic biomarkers in maternal blood during early pregnancy can predict patients who will have normal pregnancies and those at high risk for complications. This allows physicians to identify, counsel, and manage high-risk patients earlier.
A Canadian research team found that daily cannabis users did not experience serious adverse events, while showing improvement in pain and quality of life. However, non-serious adverse events like headaches and respiratory problems were reported.
A new modeling algorithm helps plant biologists target individual genes controlling stress responses in plants. The tool narrows the field from thousands of genes to fewer than 10, making it easier to understand how to develop drought-resistant crops.
The Hastings Center special report explores controversies in genetics of intelligence research, recommending ways to avoid classicism and racism. The report concludes that gene variants influencing intelligence involve complex interactions between genes and environment, making it difficult to identify specific genetic variants.
A new study suggests that a common approach to vaginal birth and team work can increase the rate of vaginal births after caesarean sections. The study, led by Professor Ingela Lundgren, found that women should be involved in decision-making and receive faith and support.
A new study suggests that atmospheric chemistry models in use now may not capture the right mix of compounds emitted from trees and their oxidation products. The researchers found that representing the forest as a single dominant tree species or a blend of a few can lead to inaccurate ozone pollution predictions.
Researchers developed a small array of flexible sensors to analyze breath samples for specific compounds indicative of ovarian cancer. The system showed an 82% accuracy rate in detecting these compounds, paving the way for a potential less invasive cancer diagnosis method.
Bradley Bernstein, an MGH researcher, received the Paul Marks Prize for his investigations into DNA packaging and its role in cancer development. His work has revealed epigenetic differences among glioblastoma cells, driving tumor refractoriness to therapies.
A review article discusses the issues of overdiagnosis and overtreatment in breast cancer screening, highlighting the benefits of newer technologies like breast tomosynthesis. The study finds that this technology reduces false recall rates by 15-30% while increasing cancer detection rates by about 29%.
Researchers discovered that the retina employs a separate light-sensitive pigment called neuropsin to regulate its internal rhythms. Neuropsin is distinct from melanopsin, which controls the body's circadian rhythms and synchronizes with the suprachiasmatic nuclei.
A new study from York University found that Arctic sea ice in the Northwest Passage remains too thick to support regular commercial shipping. The research measured ice thickness using an airplane equipped with a sounder and surveyed the ice in April and May of 2011 and again in 2015.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found that infancy's gut development can have lifelong implications on intestinal health. The study discovered that epigenetic changes and the gut microbiome play a crucial role in shaping intestinal stem cells, which control gut physiology throughout life.
A new study reveals that nearly 1 in 10 healthcare company board positions are held by top academics from renowned medical institutions. These directors receive significant compensation, including annual payments of $193,000 and stock options, posing major individual and institutional conflict of interests.
Researchers discover nematodes produce plant hormone cytokinin to stimulate root cell growth and create a nurse cell system, essential for the parasite's survival. This discovery opens new avenues in plant breeding to develop resistance against cyst nematode pests.
A primary care-based program has been shown to lower patients' substance dependence and encourage treatment engagement. The program's success was attributed to medication-assisted treatment, such as buprenorphine, and addressing underlying depression.
Dartmouth Thayer Engineering researchers Eric Fossum and Jiaju Ma have made a breakthrough in light sensing technology, developing pixels that can significantly enhance low-light sensitivity. The new Quanta Image Sensor (QIS) has the potential to improve applications such as security cameras, astronomy, and life science imaging.
By 2025, cardiovascular disease is projected to claim 7.8 million premature lives annually if current trends continue. The US and some other countries will see declines in mortality rates, while many others will not meet the UN goal of a 25% reduction.
A recent study in Primorye, Russia, suggests that logging companies can be essential for endangered Blakiston's fish owls. In fact, lands leased to logging companies account for 43% of suitable habitat, while protected areas only cover 19%. This collaboration enables the protection of nearly half of all potential fish owl home ranges.
Concordia researchers investigate how social media gamers cheat in games like FarmVille, with some defining cheating as breaking social norms. The study found that most respondents admitted to cheating, including purchasing currency or creating multiple accounts.
A new study using competing mice reveals genetic mutations can impair reproduction and territory control, contrary to previous assumptions of redundant gene functions. The mouse barn test provides a sensitive tool for assessing fitness consequences of gene changes in natural environments.
A study published in HortScience has identified optimal conditions for managing conservation nurseries in Guam, focusing on three endangered tree species. Moderate shade maximizes seedling emergence percentage and velocity for Elaeocarpus joga and Tabernaemontana rotensis, while deep shade enhances growth for Serianthes nelsonii.
Researchers at Children's Mercy Kansas City have achieved a 26-hour turnaround time for rapid whole-genome sequencing and genetic diagnosis in critically-ill infants, known as STAT-Seq. This technology can identify mutations associated with approximately 5,300 known genetic diseases.
Tropical Storm Joaquin formed in the western Atlantic on September 28, fueled by rain rates of up to 60 mm/hr. The storm is expected to strengthen over the next two days as it moves northward ahead of an upper-level trough.
Researchers have found five genetic regions that play major roles in cystic fibrosis disease severity, which could lead to new therapies. The study analyzed over 6,000 patients and identified genetic variations associated with lung disease.
A new study provides the first direct window into the maturation of vision-related areas in the infant brain, showing that major motion processing areas are operational by 7 weeks. The study found similarities between infants and adults in terms of brain activity patterns, but also notable differences, particularly in the development o...
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a new zebrafish model to study Cryptococcal meningitis, allowing for real-time observation of the infection's spread. This model will enable scientists to test drug compounds and identify potential therapeutic targets, offering hope for disrupting this deadly brain infection.
A new study by Indiana University researchers finds that discrimination is directly linked to poor health outcomes among transgender adults. The study reveals that those who face more frequent and severe discrimination are at a higher risk of attempting suicide, abusing substances, and smoking cigarettes.
A team of engineers at the University of California, Riverside has developed a new type of lithium-ion battery anode made from portabella mushrooms. The mushroom-based material is highly porous and allows for increased electrolyte-active material over time, making it a potential replacement for traditional graphite anodes.
Researchers discovered that players' performances in video games significantly impact their attitudes towards brands. Players who performed well in games exhibited better recall and more favorable attitudes toward the brand compared to those who experienced difficulties or crashes.
The Collaboration for Alzheimer's Prevention (CAP) brings together researchers from six clinical trials to share information, resources, and expertise. CAP aims to accelerate the evaluation of preclinical Alzheimer disease treatments through data harmonization and standardization.
A Pitt analysis reveals that nearly 1 in 10 U.S. for-profit health care company board positions are held by individuals with an academic affiliation. These board members receive significant compensation and often hold substantial company stock, potentially leading to conflicts of interest with their academic duties.
A Baylor University study found that cellphone use can create conflict and lower relationship satisfaction among romantic partners, leading to increased levels of depression. The study also identified a 'Partner Phubbing Scale' to measure the extent of smartphone distractions in relationships.
Researchers discovered that valence change memory (VCM) cells use both negatively charged oxygen ions and positively charged metal ions for switching characteristics. This finding opens up new options for designing ReRAMs and could lead to improved performance, energy efficiency, and longevity.
A study by UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business found that frequent discounting is the most optimal strategy for retailers to maximize revenues. This approach balances the trade-off between dynamic and static pricing, allowing retailers to charge high prices when demand is high while maintaining flexibility. By doing so, retailers can...
A recent study published in Nature found that broadleaf tree species in Central Europe have shown a significant decline in their sensitivity to climate change. Leaf unfolding phenology, which is the timing of when leaves unfurl in spring, has advanced earlier by four days per degree Celsius increase in temperature between 1980 and 1994...
Researchers have developed an informatics platform to crowdsource data on pediatric asthma triggers, combining air quality and environmental exposure data with clinical information. The system aims to help doctors tailor recommendations for patients based on real-time pollutant exposure.
A new gene therapy approach delivers the ITGA7 gene to mice with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, reducing symptoms and extending life span by over 10 weeks. The method overcomes previous immunological issues, making it a promising novel treatment for DMD.
Researchers at USC and Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center have developed a brain prosthesis that mimics how memories are translated from short-term to long-term storage. The device has shown high accuracy in predicting neural signals with about 90% accuracy in hundreds of trials conducted with nine patients.
Researchers found no correlation between breast cancer's different structures and chromosomal abnormalities, challenging the idea that genetic mutations drive tumor heterogeneity. Instead, they discovered specific genes contributing to each structure's formation, suggesting alternative mechanisms driving morphological diversity.
Researchers identified genetic variants associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which may inform positive lifestyle and treatment choices. The study also found links between PCOS and increased risk of type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and fertility problems.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania found that Twitter behavior can predict users' income level, with lower-income users using the platform more for personal communication and higher-income users using it to disseminate news. The research analyzed over 5,000 tweets and identified strong correlations between online expressio...
UCSB computer scientists create natural models of user behavior using anonymized clickstream data from popular apps and social media sites. They aim to identify abnormal behaviors that could indicate security risks.
Tropical Depression 11 strengthened into Tropical Storm Joaquin despite experiencing vertical wind shear, according to NASA's Aqua satellite data. The storm's elongated shape is attributed to the strong winds, but research suggests that high-level storms can generate heavy rain and strengthen.
A new study by Doctor Cecilie Schou Andreassen reveals that shopping addiction is more prevalent among women, typically beginning in late adolescence. The Bergen Shopping Addiction Scale identifies seven warning signs, including an excessive preoccupation with shopping and impaired well-being.
A study by St. Michael's Hospital found that stable housing does not lead to significant weight loss in homeless individuals, despite the potential for healthier eating habits.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a new method for analyzing carbon nanotubes in solution using variance spectroscopy. This technique allows for the rapid analysis of small regions in dilute nanotube solutions, providing insights into the types, numbers, and properties of nanoparticles in the solution. By zooming in on thes...
A new test called ViroCap can detect viruses at low levels and identify variant strains, making it especially useful in situations where diagnosis remains elusive. The test increases sensitivity by 52% compared to standard testing, providing detailed genetic information about viral subtypes.
The article explores eight big questions in cancer research, including the role of genetic mutations, tumor microenvironments, and epigenetics. Researchers discuss the importance of targeted treatments, prevention, and screening, as well as the potential for precision medicine to improve cancer outcomes.
A Mayo Clinic study found that nearly three-quarters of patients with autoimmune cerebellar ataxia were women. The median duration from symptom onset to last follow-up was 25 months, with 51 patients experiencing physician-reported neurologic improvement with immunotherapy and cancer therapy.
A study of over 3,500 Finnish participants found that a one-year difference in education resulted in a significant increase in self-rated health. The research suggests that academic attainment predicts positive health transitions from childhood to adulthood.