Researchers have designed a tiny, wireless data center that could be as small as a handheld device and reduce energy consumption. The 'data center on a chip' technology has the potential to run big data applications three times more efficiently than existing platforms.
Researchers found that vitamin E supplementation decreased pneumonia risk by 35% in smokers starting at age 21 or older. Vitamin E also reduced pneumonia incidence by 69% in a subgroup of light smokers exercising in their leisure time. This benefit was seen even among heavy smokers and those not exercising.
As children get older, their moral evaluations of lies and truths become more nuanced, taking into account the consequences of actions. Younger children tend to view truth and lies as binary, while older kids consider the intentions behind words.
Researchers at Penn State developed a cold sintering process (CSP) that combines ceramic and plastic materials at lower temperatures than traditional methods. The process allows for densification of materials to over 95% of their theoretical density in just 15 minutes.
A rapid blood test using a finger prick can detect serious infections in children within minutes, allowing general practitioners to diagnose more quickly. The test, which measures C-reactive protein levels, is not meant for all ill children but can help identify those with serious symptoms.
Researchers fabricate fur-like, rubbery pelts to trap warm pockets of air in dense layers of fur. The findings provide a detailed mechanical understanding of how mammals insulate themselves while diving underwater.
A new study reveals that Caenorhabditis elegans roundworms have the ability to produce chondroitin sulfate, a crucial carbohydrate molecule. This discovery opens up new avenues for research into early embryonic development and cell division processes.
Advances in biomolecular modeling and understanding life at the molecular level are paving the way for a three-dimensional computer model of a cell. This could provide fundamental insight into how cells work and improve disease diagnosis and drug design.
Research suggests that children view unconflicted characters as morally superior, while adults judge those who overcome moral conflict as more deserving of credit. As people develop, they come to value the exercise of willpower and self-control, according to a series of four studies published in Psychological Science.
Researchers harness microRNA therapy to block movement of cancer cells from primary tumors, preventing fatal proliferation and metastasis. The study's results suggest a promising approach for human breast cancer treatment.
A new study finds that pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can prevent up to 99% of new HIV infections among high-risk gay men in Toronto. By engaging these individuals with healthcare, PrEP also reduces costs and increases health outcomes.
Researchers found a subset of children with asthma exhibiting few allergies yet suffering from frequent symptoms, challenging traditional treatment guidelines.
A group of international researchers from nine countries calls for a grand challenges strategy to set global priorities for developing renewable energy. The proposed approach is modeled on the successful efforts to combat neglected diseases, with an emphasis on big thinking, multidisciplinary approaches and supportive policies.
A new technique developed by Tokyo Medical and Dental University has improved bone regeneration by using double-layered cell constructs that can be transplanted onto bone defects. The technique increases the speed of bone repair and provides flexibility and durability ideal for surgical applications.
Researchers from Virginia Tech discovered that birds' slender necks and pointed beaks reduce drag force during dives, allowing them to plunge safely. The team also found that contracting neck muscles before impact helps prevent buckling.
Adolescents' brains show enhanced connectivity between hippocampus and striatum, enabling better reinforcement learning and memory formation. This unique feature may be key to their ability to form powerful memories during adolescence.
Lab tests reveal e-cigarette vapor is non-toxic to human lung cells, even at unrealistically high doses. Cigarette smoke proves cytotoxic, with lung cells showing low levels of toxicity only after equivalent daily exposure in just one hour.
A study has found that the North American jewelled spider fly genus, known for its brilliant colouration, is a deadly predator of tarantulas. The flies' larvae are particularly insidious, inserting themselves into tarantula hosts and killing them by bursting out of their abdomens.
Researchers at the University of Surrey have found that meal times play a crucial role in resetting the body clock for long-haul cabin crew. By eating regular meals on their days off, crew members can alleviate symptoms of jetlag and improve their overall well-being.
Researchers tracked Magellanic penguin data for 28 years to detect signs of natural selection acting on specific traits. Selection was observed in seven out of the 28 years, with larger males having an edge in lean years, while females showed selection on foot size, bill depth, and body size.
A new report highlights the need for better data recording on seized live wild animals, as only one in three CITES countries provide data. The study found that two out of three countries did not report any live wildlife seizures, despite poaching and the estimated $8-10 billion global wildlife trafficking industry.
A recent study published in Frontiers in Physiology found that taking nitrate supplements alongside Sprint Interval Training can improve athletic performance in low-oxygen conditions. After just five weeks, the muscle fiber composition changed with enhanced nitrate intake during training in these conditions.
Researchers found that men prefer masculine men as allies in a physical fight but feminine-looking women in emotional support, while women's preferences are the opposite. This suggests an evolutionary basis for these differences, with alliances benefiting ancestral males and improving their social rank.
A new study examining the genetic history of eczema finds that a key genetic variant strongly associated with the disorder has no apparent adaptive value. The research suggests that the variant may have simply endured due to chance rather than providing any survival or reproductive benefits.
A recent NIH-funded study found that all adults, regardless of age, should be mindful of risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The study, led by George Howard, discovered that nearly half of participants developed high blood pressure during a 10-year follow-up, highlighting the importance of prevention efforts across the lifespan.
A new guide provides evidence-based advice for controlling the rapid spread of dog diseases in group settings. The guidelines recommend measures such as frequent hand washing, disinfection, vaccination, and careful crowd management to prevent disease transmission.
Scientists have developed a new model to gauge blood sugar averages in diabetes, taking into account the age of red blood cells. This approach reduces the error rate of the A1C test, which can lead to inaccurate diagnoses and treatments.
African genetic variants associated with increased risk of albuminuria and low glomerular filtration rate among Hispanic/Latino adults, highlighting the importance of ancestry in kidney disease risk, researchers say.
Researchers at KIT discovered that scavenger cells play a crucial role in repairing torn muscle fibers by removing repair patches and restoring normal cell membrane structure. This process requires the aid of macrophages roaming within the muscle, and a short amino acid sequence in the dysferlin repair protein.
A new study shows that smoking bans in cities and states lead to a significant reduction in the number of young people who start or continue smoking cigarettes. The study found that light smokers are more likely to give up cigarettes after a ban is implemented, while heavier smokers were not affected by the ban.
The UT Southwestern Medical Center has transferred nearly 175,000 induced germline mouse mutations to the NIH-supported Mutant Mouse Resource and Research Centers, significantly increasing their availability for researchers worldwide. These mutations are critical for supporting genetic research in all mammals, including humans.
A study from Massachusetts General Hospital identified a bacterial molecule that trains the immune system to tolerate infection without inducing illness. The molecule, 2-aminoacetophenone (2-AA), reprograms innate immune cells to accept the presence of certain pathogens by suppressing inflammatory responses.
A photon-sensing scheme has been conceptualized for a detector that mimics a miniature trampoline, featuring enhanced sensitivity. The sensor utilizes a suspended micro-bridge to detect tiny displacements caused by photons, minimizing movement and overcoming inherent limitations.
A massive MRI study identified seven genetic hotspots regulating brain growth, memory, and reasoning, as well as predicting the onset of Parkinson's disease. The research supports the notion that brain size can be used to measure 'brain reserve' and promote resilience to age-related brain diseases.
A new study suggests that preschoolers are forming their body images, both positively and negatively, despite parental unawareness. Researchers found that most parents believe their children are too young to have body-image concerns, but 40% of parents described their child exhibiting at least one body-related behavior.
Researchers at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center have made significant breakthroughs in understanding the role of Heterotrimeric G proteins in plant development, stress tolerance, and yield improvement. The study revealed that specific G protein subunits play a crucial role in regulating plant growth and abiotic stress response.
Lab tests reveal e-cigarette vapor does not cause oxidative stress and cell death in lung epithelial cells, unlike cigarette smoke. Researchers developed a standardized method to compare the effects of conventional cigarette smoke and e-cigarette vapor on lung cells.
Researchers found that increasing satellite cell numbers can increase muscle regeneration and stifle degeneration. Muscles with genetically modified TEAD1-expressing fibers showed a six-fold increase in satellite cells, allowing for faster repair after injury.
A study found that over 90% of targeted therapy and immunotherapy trials scored poorly on reporting recurrent and late toxicities. Limitations were also seen in presenting adverse events and assessing follow-up intervals.
Research from York University finds that climate change is exacerbating the decline of walleye populations in Ontario lakes due to the invasion of competitive smallmouth bass. The study predicts a significant increase in co-occurrence of the two species by 2070, posing a major threat to walleye survival.
A Baylor University study found that spending quality time together in familiar activities inside the home is a better predictor of happiness for families. The research involved 1,502 individuals in 884 families in the UK and suggested that all family leisure is not equal, with some activities being more effective than others.
A new study found that early marijuana use is associated with abnormal brain function, particularly in areas related to reward-processing and motor control. Additionally, those who used marijuana from a young age had lower IQ scores and more pronounced abnormalities in brain regions responsible for visuo-spatial processing and memory.
The study found that surgery performed within 6-9 weeks after neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (NCRT) correlates with increased risk of poor outcomes, including perioperative mortality and overall survival. In contrast, an optimal interval of less than 8 weeks is recommended to minimize risks associated with radiation pneumonitis.
Researchers have trained a robot to imitate natural human actions, allowing for effective coordination during high-stakes events like surgeries. This development holds promise for improving safety and efficiency in medical procedures.
Researchers have directly observed negative refraction for electrons passing across a boundary in graphene, mimicking light behavior. This finding could lead to the development of new types of electron switches and enable new experimental probes, such as on-chip electron microscopes.
The Houston Methodist Research Institute has established a research center focused on the physics of cancer immunotherapy, exploring physiological changes during cancer progression. The CITO will combine cancer immunology, biotechnology, and transport oncophysics to reveal how immunotherapy works in cancer patients.
Researchers at TUM found that brassinosteroids increase plant resistance to frost by regulating a protein called CESTA, which influences gene expression and fatty acid composition. This discovery may provide solutions to climate-related agricultural problems.
Researchers at University of Texas at Arlington are developing a new method and device to control blood pressure levels automatically using targeted electrical stimulation. The system aims to reduce drug side effects and improve treatment accuracy for patients with cardiac care environments.
Researchers have discovered that prion proteins, previously known for causing fatal diseases, may also transmit beneficial traits from cell to cell. These intrinsically disordered proteins can adapt yeast cells to stressful environments and are conserved over millions of years in human cognates.
A new study reveals that increased temperatures from global warming can collapse symbiotic gut bacteria in insects, leading to severe fitness defects and death. The research highlights the impact of rising temperatures on organisms living in symbiosis, sparking deleterious chain reactions.
Researchers found that video monitoring can detect nocturnal seizures, particularly tonic seizures, but the added value is limited due to high costs. The study suggests developing less costly and invasive devices to improve detection while addressing privacy concerns.
A randomized trial found no significant differences in rates of complications between observation and antibiotic treatment groups for uncomplicated diverticulitis. Patients who received antibiotics had shorter hospital stays compared to those who underwent observation.
A new device makes 2D mass spectrometry widely accessible, enabling researchers to produce data-driven results on protein molecules' function. This breakthrough could lead to a revolution in pharmaceutical and biomedical communities, producing quicker and better results.
KAIST researchers create ultramicroporous benzothiazole polymers with exceptional stability and affinity for CO2, offering a sustainable solution to natural gas sweetening. The novel materials can be recycled back into an efficient process.
Scientists have created biocompatible nanoseeds that can be injected into tumors to deliver radioactive isotopes, reducing damage to surrounding tissue. This innovative approach has the potential to improve radiation therapy for cancer patients, particularly those with inoperable solid tumors.
A recent study has identified a potential biomarker for assessing pancreatic tumor grade, which could improve diagnostic techniques and treatment strategies. Annexin 6-expressing vesicles were found to support increased tumor growth and metastasis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma tumors.
A new study estimates that invasive insects globally incur at least US$70 billion in annual costs to goods and services, while also resulting in significant health expenses. The researchers stress that these figures are likely underestimates due to the lack of research on the topic in many regions.
A study published by Texas A&M scientists found that red imported fire ants can increase the abundance of small mammals and reduce the number of ticks in an ecosystem. This could lead to a decrease in tick-borne disease transmission to humans and animals.
A new study found that a user-centric control interface significantly improves performance of drone pilots, resolving some of the user control issues undermining drone safety. The findings suggest that current remote control methods can lead to hazards and accidents.
Researchers studied rates of mutation in a range of organisms and found that males contribute more genetic mutations than females. This male mutation bias may arise from errors in DNA replication and is critical for understanding disease-associated mutations.