Tropical Depression Fred is weakening due to strong upper-level winds, while a new low-pressure area called System 91L is moving westward across the tropical Atlantic. Forecasters expect System 91L to have a 40% chance of development in the next two days and 60% in five days.
A new diagnostic device called DOTS qPCR may significantly reduce the time needed to diagnose tissue infections. It uses a novel approach to molecular diagnostics that is faster, more efficient, and less expensive than current alternatives.
Hurricane Jimena is expected to continue weakening due to dry air being drawn into the system and restrictions in its outflow. Cloud top temperatures indicate strong storms with potential for heavy rainfall.
Tropical Storm Kevin's center is located near the southern tip of Baja California, Mexico, with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph. The storm is expected to weaken due to decreasing sea surface temperatures and increasing vertical wind shear, leading to a depression by September 6.
Researchers have developed a system that captures energy from 'hot electrons' to split water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen, offering a promising means of harnessing renewable energy. The process uses light-activated gold nanoparticles and efficiently increases solar-to-electric power-conversion efficiencies.
A new study published in the Lancet found that metabolic or bariatric surgery was more effective than standard medical treatment for the long-term control of type 2 diabetes in obese patients. Surgery resulted in better glycemic control, lower levels of blood glucose, and reduced need for anti-diabetic medication.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine identified a new pathway that causes resistance to treatments, and developed a therapeutic drug that targets this pathway. The drug, KG5, inhibits the pathway and increases survival rates among patients with aggressive cancers.
Researchers analyzed 400 fashion models' Instagram accounts to predict popularity, finding high likes and comments were associated with runway success. Height and representation by top agencies also played a significant role in predicting success.
A recent report by SATHI reveals that many Indian doctors are under pressure to perform expensive but unnecessary tests and surgeries to meet financial targets, putting patient safety at risk. The BMJ argues that a radical change is needed in the structure and functioning of the Medical Council of India.
A meta-analysis of 1155 patients with schizophrenia and 911 healthy controls found progressive cortical gray matter loss relative to healthy controls, related to cumulative antipsychotic intake. Second-generation antipsychotics showed a neuroprotective effect, reducing progressive loss.
Biologists at the University of York have found a key plant enzyme that reacts with TNT, generating toxic compounds. The discovery raises hope for a new, sustainable method to remediate explosives-contaminated land and water.
Researchers created the smallest quark-gluon plasma in proton-lead collisions, contradicting previous expectations. This discovery sheds new light on high-energy physics and helps define the conditions needed for quark-gluon plasma existence.
The 2015 Alaska fire season has surpassed 5 million acres burned, ranking No. 3 on record, and currently 768 fires are active across the state. The annual seasonal rain pattern is expected to help diminish fire activity.
The NSF Engineering Research Center for Biorenewable Chemicals at Iowa State University has received a major boost with the addition of three years and $8.48 million in grant funding. The center, known as CBiRC, will now receive a total of 10 years and $35.26 million in support.
A new study from the University of Texas at Dallas reveals that US investors prefer coal over renewable energy, reflecting a different environmental perspective. In contrast, European investors prioritize renewable energy stocks, driven by environmentally conscious attitudes.
A study published in the Journal of Archaeological Science found evidence of mass breeding of raptors in ancient Egypt, including a mummified kestrel that died from force-feeding. The findings suggest that birds were kept and bred for religious purposes, with implications for falconry practices.
Researchers at the Centre for Genomic Regulation have discovered a unique genetic switch that guides stem cells into developing specialized heart muscle. The discovery of the Mel18 protein is expected to reveal underlying causes of heart defects and potentially lead to new methods for controlling stem cells in the laboratory.
Typhoon Kilo, the westernmost tropical cyclone in a four-storm cluster, is moving southwest and has maintained an eye with thick thunderstorms. NASA's Aqua satellite captured an image showing Kilo's symmetry and indicating it will re-intensify over the next few days.
Researchers at Princeton University have detected the long-sought chiral anomaly in a metallic compound of sodium and bismuth. The finding increases conductivity and may lead to more energy-efficient electronic devices, as impurities scatter current-carrying electrons, causing energy loss.
Researchers found that global sea level during the Pliocene warm period was 30-44 feet higher than previously thought, but significantly lower than estimated. The study suggests that the East Antarctic Ice Sheet might be more resilient to climate change than previously assumed.
A new approach uses light to move mirrors, reducing the need for external controls in LIDAR and OCT devices. This could lead to compact and lightweight components suitable for smartphones or small UAVs.
A new study finds that high school students lose an average of 32 minutes of sleep per night following the springtime change to daylight saving time. This leads to increased daytime sleepiness and decreased vigilance, posing a risk to teen drivers. The study suggests that this can further restrict their already limited sleep schedules.
The University of Guam research team used a unique glass tube setup to study fadang tree pollen settling velocity and theoretical distances of wind-borne pollen movement. The results show that fadang pollen can travel over 500 meters laterally before dropping one meter in elevation.
Astronomers have found a similar percentage of newborn stars with specific masses in young clusters of the Andromeda galaxy compared to our own. This study, utilizing Hubble images and citizen scientist contributions, helps interpret distant galaxy light and understand star formation history.
Research from UNH shows that crop rotations can increase soil microbial functions, improving plant growth and soil health. By increasing rotational diversity, farmers can promote agroecosystem sustainability and mitigate threats to food security and environmental quality.
A new policy article suggests that opening up access to power grids, ending fossil-fuel subsidies, and supporting renewable energy technologies can make wind and solar power cheaper. The authors argue that modernizing power grids and ensuring policies related to renewable energy are crucial for reducing emissions.
Researchers discovered that coccoliths can modulate solar light, enhancing photosynthesis in microalgae. The study found that magnetically oriented coccoliths change light scattering, contributing to understanding how these structures control light.
Researchers at VIB discovered that exposure to farm dust reduces the severity of allergic reactions in mice. In humans, a deficiency in the protective protein A20 is found in those who suffer from allergies and asthma. The study paves the way for the development of an asthma vaccine.
A team of researchers has determined the structure of a protein complex involved in DNA damage repair, revealing its mechanism of action and potential as a therapeutic target for inflammatory diseases and cancer. The study's findings may enable the development of new drugs targeting this complex.
Researchers discovered that cell programs controlling normal mammary gland stem cells differ from those regulating cancer stem cells, which arise in a distinct layer of tissue. This finding could lead to new cancer treatments by targeting the specific differences between normal and cancer cells.
Astronomers have developed a new technique to measure distances between stars with far greater precision than existing methods. By analyzing the spectra of identical 'stellar twins', researchers can determine the distance between two stars without relying on models, which are often inaccurate.
Researchers at WashU Medicine developed a new strategy to slow glucose production in the liver, which can lead to more effective drugs for type 2 diabetes. The approach involves inhibiting a protein involved in making glucose, demonstrating potential for treating millions of people affected by the condition.
A new video game called VERITAS aims to improve deception detection skills by training players to identify heuristics and detect deception through questioning. The game, developed by UCSB researcher Norah Dunbar, is designed for law enforcement and intelligence communities.
Researchers explore gene network that guides limb development in mammals, finding it varies little in early stages and more widely later on. This pattern makes it easier for evolution to tweak rather than remodel limb structure.
Research suggests that humor plays a crucial role in attracting romantic partners. Men who can make their partner laugh are more likely to be interested in dating them. On the other hand, studies found no connection between humor and intelligence. The study proposes that shared laughter is a stronger indicator of romantic interest than...
Researchers identified a mutation in Arabidopsis thaliana plants that allows them to break down the toxic and persistent explosive TNT. The MDHAR6-mutant plants exhibit enhanced shoot and root biomass when grown in TNT-treated soil, rendering TNT less toxic.
A study found voriconazole significantly increases risk for skin cancer and death in lung transplant recipients, with a 73% greater risk for skin cancer. Physicians are advised to counsel patients on skin cancer risk and consider patient-specific factors when prescribing the drug.
Researchers at the University of Warwick are developing innovative visualization technology to analyze the effectiveness of climate change adaptation initiatives worldwide. They will use big and small data to better understand complex social systems and identify successful interventions.
Researchers at Pohang University of Science and Technology have made significant advancements in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) for solid-state lighting. The team developed flexible electrodes using graphene, conducting polymers, and silver nanowires, which demonstrated good electrical, optical, and mechanical performance.
A Caltech team has successfully created synthetic structures made of both protein and DNA, opening up numerous applications. The hybrid material combines the versatility of proteins and the programmability of DNA, enabling new possibilities for medical treatments and industrial applications.
A study published in AIDS and Behavior found that the D.C. needle exchange program prevented 70% of newly diagnosed HIV cases and saved an estimated $44 million over two years by reducing the need for costly treatment. The program also provided access to health services, including HIV testing and addiction treatment.
NASA's Aqua satellite captured an image of Hurricane Ignacio with a re-developed eye and thick thunderstorms. The storm is moving northwest towards the north on Friday, with maximum sustained winds near 75 mph.
Researchers at the University of Chicago have discovered a new type of glass by studying the properties of microscopic animals, including tardigrades. The team found that these creatures can create glassy molecules under extreme conditions, leading to potential breakthroughs in electronic devices and material science.
A new study reveals how immune cells, such as neutrophils and T cells, coordinate their efforts to fight infections. By understanding this teamwork, scientists hope to develop new ways to control and improve the body's response to illnesses like multiple sclerosis and lupus.
Researchers found that ancient Maya activity contributed to environmental decline and continues to influence today's conditions. They identified six stratigraphic markers indicating large-scale change in climate, vegetation, hydrology, and lithosphere.
Researchers found that two common antibiotic-resistant bacteria coexist peacefully in the gut, occupying distinct niches that satisfy their metabolic needs. Fecal transplants from healthy donors effectively cleared one pathogen, but not the other, highlighting potential for targeted therapies to eradicate specific superbugs.
A chimpanzee at the Royal Burgers' Zoo in the Netherlands deliberately used a stick as a weapon to bring down an aerial drone. This incident highlights the apes' ability to plan ahead and utilize tools in innovative ways, even without explicit training.
Researchers discovered rare gene variants associated with a severe form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects children under age five. The findings suggest that these genes play important roles in immune function and may be linked to primary immunodeficiency disorders.
A new study published in PLOS Computational Biology found that rodents behave like a self-organizing system when huddling together to regulate their temperature. This allows the group to better adapt to changing temperatures, with individual behaviors improving the ability of the whole group to regulate its temperature.
Researchers from Drexel University used image-tracking technology to study the development of neural stem cells in mice, finding intrinsic differences between anterior and posterior stem cells that could explain how areas of the cortex develop into specialized structures. The discovery was made possible by powerful biological tracking ...
A new study challenges the validity of 'gaydar', a perceived ability to infer sexual orientation from appearance. Researchers find that stereotyping is inaccurate and harmful, limiting opportunities for marginalized groups and promoting prejudice.
Researchers have developed three new rapid tests for diagnosing drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB), which can be completed in as little as a day. The tests were found to be accurate in detecting resistance to most anti-TB drugs, with the molecular techniques showing superior performance.
A new study suggests that lawyers' deep knowledge of law has little impact on civil court cases. Instead, the difference lies in their ability to assist with procedures, navigate relationships, and phrase key phrases. This expertise can lead to better outcomes for those representing themselves.
Researchers at MIT have developed a family of materials that can emit light of precisely controlled colors and respond to external conditions. The materials, made from rare-earth elements and polymers, show promise for detecting chemical and biological compounds, mechanical changes, and thermal conditions.
A study by UC Santa Barbara scientist Alex Simms has found that the Pacific coast of North America is not uplifting as rapidly as previously thought. The researchers recalculated uplift rates for California and other areas, applying a correction for glacio-isostatic adjustment, which affects ocean levels due to past ice sheets.
A recent study investigates multiple phylogenetic diversity metrics and discusses their role in preserving biodiversity. The study highlights the challenges of calculating these metrics due to data availability, but also notes that as more sequence data are generated, accurate calculations will become increasingly routine.
Researchers have found that combining aspirin with immunotherapy can slow cancer growth and unleash the immune system's full power. By stopping the production of PGE2, a molecule that dampens down the immune response, COX inhibitors like aspirin may lift the protective barrier around tumors, making cancer more susceptible to treatment
Researchers at Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona have successfully created a magnetic wormhole connecting two regions of space. This breakthrough technology could lead to more comfortable MRI scans and new medical applications.
A study published in JAMA Oncology found that Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange have a higher prevalence of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), a precursor to multiple myeloma. The study suggests an association between Agent Orange exposure and the development of plasma cell disorders.
Research from University of Cambridge found that extra hour of daily screen time in Year 10 is associated with 9.3 fewer GCSE points at age 16, while pupils doing an extra hour of homework and reading performed significantly better.