Research from the University of Warwick suggests that Planet Nine's existence could lead to the elimination of a giant planet and its ejection into interstellar space. The hypothetical planet's presence could cause a 'pinball' effect, hurling planets out of the solar system as the sun dies in around seven billion years.
Researchers found that psychopaths can experience fear, but have trouble detecting threats automatically, and may even feel fear consciously. The study provides new insights into the neural processes underlying fear and psychopathy.
A pilot study suggests that some heart attack patients with plaque erosion may benefit from anti-thrombotic medications only, potentially replacing stent placement. The conservative approach shows promise in reducing stent-related complications, offering a new treatment paradigm for over a quarter of patients.
Researchers reconstructed songbird evolutionary history using DNA sequences and fossil records, revealing diversification in Australia about 33 million years ago. Songbirds first dispersed out of Australia through early Indonesian islands into Asia and subsequently the globe around 23 million years ago.
This special issue highlights research on child health, maternal health, sedentary lifestyle, and healthcare systems in 22 countries. The studies investigate various topics such as the impact of globalization, cultural influences, and public health challenges.
Phobos' unique orbit and weak interior structure make it prone to tidal stresses that cause fracturing and linear grooves. Researchers found anomalous grooves are caused by impacts, with debris recaptured and falling back onto the surface in a linear chain.
The Alzheimer's Association has launched a new initiative to explore potential sex differences in Alzheimer's disease. Emerging evidence suggests that biological or genetic differences may contribute to the higher frequency of Alzheimer's in women, and researchers will investigate hormone, genetics, and lifestyle factors. The goal is t...
A new study found that cancer screening guidelines for organ transplant recipients are inconsistent, varying in recommendations for skin and other types of cancer. Researchers highlight the need for more studies to inform guidelines involving transplant patients, oncologists, and cancer specialists.
Scientists have discovered that even in the complete absence of light, there are fluctuations in quantum vacuum that can be converted into photons with different frequencies. This breakthrough could lead to new ways of performing logical gate operations for quantum computing.
Researchers at OIST Graduate University have discovered a way to disrupt bacterial flagella growth, which are crucial for infection spread. By modifying a key protein, they can trap flagella inside bacteria, preventing them from moving and infecting the body.
Scientists discovered the mechanism behind E. coli's ability to spread and cause cystitis by developing an artificial bladder model. The research found that the bacteria alter their form to become long and thin, improving their attachment to the bladder wall and evading immune response. This discovery offers hope for new treatment stra...
A team of MIT researchers developed a system that can drastically reduce pesticide droplet bounce rate by using two inexpensive additives. The new approach creates hydrophilic defects on leaf surfaces, sticking the droplets and increasing retention. This could cut agricultural runoff, improving soil and water pollution.
The study analyzed responses from 142 respondents in 36 countries to identify key findings on traffic safety cultures worldwide. The results revealed two approaches to traffic safety culture: an objective reality-based approach and a threat-elimination focus, with poorer countries emphasizing safety.
The ENSURE-AF trial shows edoxaban as an effective and safe alternative to standard therapy, with comparable rates of stroke and bleeding events. Patients can start edoxaban 2 hours prior to cardioversion if they have access to transoesophageal echocardiography.
A UK-wide trial found that smokers with Crohn's disease are more likely to experience a recurrence after surgery. The study suggests that quitting smoking is crucial in preventing the condition from worsening.
Research reveals that patients under 50 who survive a heart attack are at almost twice the risk of dying from heart disease, largely attributed to smoking and other factors. Younger survivors have higher cardiovascular disease risk factors, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity.
Researchers at Brown University have discovered a unique interaction among proteins that could be a target for new cancer therapy. Ki-67 and RepoMan bind to PP1 in an unusual way, forming a 'hairpin' shape on the surface of PP1.
A study published in American Journal of Public Health found that using stand-biased desks in classrooms for two consecutive years reduced the BMI percentile of children by 5.24%. The study, conducted over a two-year period, involved 193 third- and fourth-grade students at three Texas elementary schools.
A University of Adelaide-led project found that the human brain evolved to become more energetically costly and blood-thirsty, increasing in size by 600% while its metabolic activity grew. This increase is linked to the development of complex thinking and learning abilities.
Researchers found that transplantation of human placental stem cells into diabetic rats improved blood flow and reduced critical limb ischemia, a condition leading to diabetic foot and amputation. The study suggests that mesenchymal stem cells have the potential to treat diabetes-related complications.
Tropical Storm Lionrock weakened rapidly after passing over Hokkaido, Japan. The storm's cloud top temperatures were as cold as minus 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
A new technique pioneered by scientists at Plymouth University can unravel historic changes to Antarctic sea ice, as well as demonstrate past alterations to glaciers and ice shelves. The method builds on an existing technique that identified changes to Arctic sea ice, allowing for the recovery and analysis of IP25 lipids from sediments.
A new study suggests that sustainable management of the high seas can help compensate for expected losses in fish stocks due to climate change. Closing the high seas to fishing could increase catches in coastal waters by up to 10%, benefiting both productivity and reducing climate change impacts.
Researchers found that a resort vacation immediately impacts molecular networks associated with stress and immune pathways. Meditation retreats were associated with antiviral activity, while long-term meditators had distinct molecular signatures.
A University of East Anglia academic and experts argue that the premature mortality target sends a clear message that prioritizing younger groups over older ones is necessary. They propose redefining or abandoning this target to avoid ageism, saying it distracts from palliative care challenges for older people.
BoNT shows evidence of effectiveness in treating conditions like facial wrinkles, hand tremors, palmar hyperhidrosis, and neuropathic pain, as well as facial nerve palsy and dystonias. The review highlights the benefits of BoNT for minimally invasive treatment of facial aging problems.
A new study found that plants regulate their leaf temperature independently of surrounding air temperatures, increasing carbon uptake through photosynthesis. This decoupling weakens the link between climate and plant functions.
New research investigates how personality characteristics influence friendship patterns and attitudes towards vaccines. Studies also reveal the impact of spontaneous trait inferences on social media.
Research at Oxford University reveals that amputees' brains maintain an accurate picture of their missing hands decades after amputation. This finding has significant implications for the control of advanced prosthetics, as it suggests that the brain's representation of the hand remains intact despite the loss of sensory input.
A new study found that captive monkeys in zoos lose their native gut bacteria diversity and acquire a set similar to humans. The researchers suggest that a low-fiber Western diet may be the cause, as it led to a loss of microbial diversity in both captive and semi-captive populations.
A rare small-bodied pterosaur, a flying reptile from the Late Cretaceous period, has been discovered in British Columbia, Canada. The specimen is unusual as most pterosaurs from this time were much larger, but this new discovery provides crucial information about the diversity and success of Late Cretaceous pterosaurs.
A study by Indiana University researchers found that people are more likely to undermine their performance at stressful tasks when they're operating at 'peak capacity' based on their preferred time of the day. This behavior, known as self-handicapping, was more common among morning people in the morning and night owls in the evening.
Researchers have reconstructed the first high-quality genome of the Justinianic strain of Yersinia pestis, shedding light on the evolutionary history of the plague bacterium. The study provides new insights into the genetic diversity of the pathogen and its human impact.
Researchers discovered that transplanted bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) can contribute to better blood vessel growth, leading to reduced recurrent miscarriages. The study found that EPCs homed to the placenta and worked to normalize uterine blood vessel patterns, resulting in a reduced rate of miscarriage.
The study identified 34 neural factors that predict adolescent alcohol consumption, showing improved accuracy compared to demographic information alone. The findings have significant clinical and public health implications, potentially helping prevent underage drinking.
Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a genetic combination that allows plants to both grow and defend themselves from insects and disease. This breakthrough has significant implications for farmers trying to increase crop yields and feed the world's growing population.
In Illinois, average monthly ER visits increased by 5.7% after Obamacare's implementation. In Massachusetts, availability of on-call specialists declined significantly between 2005 and 2014.
Researchers discovered that functional regulatory components outside of genes contribute to breast cancer development. Epigenetic changes identified as key drivers of the disease.
Researchers found sacubitril-valsartan to be a cost-effective treatment option for patients with reduced ejection fraction heart failure, resulting in improved quality of life and reduced hospitalizations. The therapy offers incremental benefits at a lower cost than previously thought.
Researchers at Penn University have found remarkable similarities between human Leber congenital amaurosis and canine blinding disease Senior Løken Syndrome. The diseases share the same causative gene, NPHP5, and display similar pathology. The study's findings offer promising results for developing therapies to treat these conditions.
A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital investigators shows that trained radiologists can identify abnormal mammograms at better than chance levels when shown images for only half a second. The researchers found that finer details of breast tissue texture help radiologists make the correct diagnosis more frequently.
A new study reports that two-thirds of older inmates experience at least one distressing health symptom, such as chronic disease or emotional suffering. The researchers suggest the need for comprehensive programs to assess, treat, and manage geriatric conditions to help older adults while incarcerated.
Researchers from KAIST and KIMM developed a technology to transfer and package flexible large-scale integrated circuits (LSI) on plastics using continuous roll-processing. The technology successfully demonstrated stable memory operations under severe bending conditions.
Research reveals gay men employ tactics like dressing down or toning down behavior to avoid negative consequences in the workplace. They also carefully choose when and how to disclose their sexuality, using strategies like language and body language manipulation to manage their identity.
A study published in Nature Climate Change found that Amazon forests with greater plant diversity can better adapt to climate change, enabling substantial regrowth in vast areas after a few hundred years. However, high biodiversity is crucial for long-term survival and resilience, particularly under moderate climate change scenarios.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin and Fudan University in Shanghai have discovered that electrons with no mass can acquire a mass in the presence of an extremely high magnetic field. This finding represents a significant breakthrough in fundamental physics, opening up new possibilities for research in high-energy physics.
A 10-year study shows that integrating mental and physical healthcare results in higher screening rates, more proactive treatment, and better clinical outcomes for patients. Patients in team-based practices had lower rates of healthcare utilization and costs compared to traditional practices.
A study of ancient dental calculus from the Balkans has provided direct evidence that Mesolithic foragers consumed domesticated plants, including wheat and barley, as early as 6600 BC. The findings challenge the established view of Neolithization in Europe and suggest a possible independent introduction of domestic cereals to the region.
A study by the University of Pittsburgh found that using a sit-stand desk for half an hour can burn an additional 5.5 calories compared to sitting for the entire hour. Alternating between sitting and standing over an eight-hour day can result in up to 56.9 calories burned by men and 48.3 calories burned by women.
Scientists screened 6,000 existing compounds for their effectiveness against Zika virus infections and identified two classes of promising drugs: neuroprotective and antiviral agents. Three drugs showed robust results, but further studies are needed to confirm their efficacy in humans.
A recent study found that only about a third of American adults with depression received treatment. Among those who did receive treatment, less than half were seen by a mental health specialist for severe psychological distress.
Researchers studied miracle fruit's flowering behavior, revealing six distinct stages of flower development and pollination ecology. The study suggests the fruit is insect-pollinated and recommends further research on pollinator identification.
Hurricane Lester is the fourth major hurricane of the 2016 eastern North Pacific hurricane season. It has strengthened into a Category 3 hurricane with maximum sustained winds near 115 mph and is expected to move westward for the next couple of days.
A team of researchers has successfully developed a device that can control the momentum of electrons in graphene, opening up new possibilities for low-power electronics. The device uses bilayer graphene and can create metallic wires with colored electrons that travel unhindered along the wires with minimal resistance.
An analysis of a multicenter randomized controlled clinical trial found osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) reduced length of hospital stay and lowered in-hospital mortality rates for elderly pneumonia patients. OMT was associated with improved outcomes, particularly in the subgroup with the highest severity of illness.
Using high-resolution cloud models, researchers uncover the processes taking place in the atmosphere, revealing a 'memory' state of organisation that leads to heavy rain. Collisions between clouds produce heavier rain, contradicting traditional global climate models where convective clouds are seen as independent.
A study found that cardiovascular magnetic resonance-guided care reduces unnecessary angiography in patients with suspected coronary heart disease, but was not significantly different from myocardial perfusion scintigraphy-guided care. The strategy did not affect major adverse cardiovascular event rates or disease detection rates.
Tropical Depression 9 has intensified in the Gulf of Mexico, with deep convection and intense rainfall observed. The National Hurricane Center forecasts strengthening and a possible storm surge for northern Florida.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet reveals that the sympathetic nervous system comprises different neurons regulating specific physiological functions. The research found that goose bumps and nipple erection are caused by specialized neurons controlling erectile muscles in these tissues.
The International Cytokine and Interferon Society has awarded Carl Nathan, John O'Shea, and Jan Vilcek for their outstanding contributions to cytokine and interferon research, leading to clinical benefits for thousands of patients. The award recognizes achievements in basic or applied fields, highlighting the critical role of interfero...