Climate effects of major eruptions deliver 'just right' conditions for vulnerable saguaro seedlings. A study by biogeographer Taly Drezner found that distant volcanic paroxysms fostered population growth in the Sonoran Desert.
A study found significant differences in gene expression between African American and European American men with prostate cancer, highlighting racial disparities. Vitamin D supplementation reduced these disparities, suggesting a therapeutic potential for addressing racial disparities in prostate cancer outcomes.
A recent study published by the University of Montana forest ecology professor Andrew Larson estimated that burned white fir forests in Yosemite alone could produce an average crop of over 1 million morels per year. The research provides concrete data on morel abundance, supporting park rules allowing personal use picking.
A new model suggests that oxygen levels in oceans played a crucial role in the emergence of animal evolution, with early life forms surviving in areas with low oxygen concentrations. The research challenges conventional thinking and has implications for estimates of complex life on exoplanets.
A new display technology, Cinema 3D, allows viewers to watch 3-D movies without glasses, using a special array of lenses and mirrors. The system enables high-resolution images to be replicated across the theater, offering an immersive cinematic experience from any seat.
UCLA studies find that menopause speeds up cellular aging by an average of 6 percent, making women biologically older than their chronological age. Insomnia also accelerates aging, with postmenopausal women experiencing nearly two years more biological aging due to five insomnia symptoms.
Researchers developed an automated system to produce fluorine-18 hypoxia radiotracers, overcoming cost and logistical barriers to PET imaging. The system enables consistent, low-cost production of radiotracers, improving patient access to life-saving diagnostic and therapeutic treatments.
A study analyzing 762 gun recoveries found that nearly 80% of perpetrators carrying a gun were not the lawful owners, indicating significant theft and trafficking issues in the region. The study also found that more than 30% of recovered guns were reported stolen before recovery, with women being underrepresented as victims.
A global study found that one-third of large cities spend 50% more on water treatment costs due to damaged watersheds, with a total cost exceeding $100 billion US. Cities can protect their drinking water by planning for sustainable development and investing in urban source watersheds.
Researchers Iver Anderson and Emma White at Ames Laboratory are awarded a grant to test the performance of Alnico magnets in advanced drive motors. They aim to reduce materials cost, cooling needs, and magnet-processing costs.
A study led by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that wild ducks and other aquatic birds do not carry highly pathogenic flu viruses, which caused widespread poultry outbreaks in North America. The research suggests that existing immunity in wild birds may explain why these viruses do not persist in their populations.
Researchers at UMass Medical School developed a Salmonella 'nanobug' mimic to deliver the protein SipA, which naturally reduces a well-known drug-resistant molecule found in many types of cancer cells. The nanobug dramatically boosts tumor sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs, shrinking colon and breast cancer tumors in mice.
Scientists have developed a specific mechanistic explanation of beta waves, suggesting that excitatory synaptic stimulation from the thalamus drives pyramidal neurons to produce these waves. The theory is supported by computer models and measurements in animal models.
A study by University of New South Wales and Italian researchers found a significant delay in diagnosing bipolar disorder, with an average delay of almost six years. This delay can lead to missed opportunities for early intervention and reduced severity of episodes.
A new analysis of hospital data reveals 17 patient characteristics associated with developing postoperative pneumonia after cardiac surgery, including age, race, smoking habits, and white blood cell count. The study identifies proactive measures that can help patients reduce their risk of pneumonia through prehabilitation.
A recent study found that 72% of children harbor at least one strain of Streptococcus mutans not found in any cohabiting family members. The research suggests that child-to-child transmission is a significant route of infection, particularly among African-American and low-socioeconomic groups.
A new study published in JAMA Neurology found that tau imaging using [18F]-AV-1451 PET tracing distinguished participants with Alzheimer's from those who were cognitively normal. Elevated binding was also associated with volume loss in parts of the brain.
Researchers at the University of Missouri discovered that a manufactured form of lactoferrin can help protect premature infants from staph infections. The study found that giving very-low-birth-weight premature infants lactoferrin virtually eliminated germs responsible for staph infection.
Researchers found that treating patients with a male hormone increased telomere length and improved hemoglobin mass. The study suggests a possible approach to combat diseases caused by telomerase deficiency.
According to a study published in Annals of Internal Medicine, travelers to Brazil during the 2016 Olympics are at low risk of contracting or spreading Zika virus. The World Health Organization advised that non-pregnant travelers can safely attend events while taking precautions.
Researchers at Brown University have developed a method to induce a new polymer phase in PLA, increasing its strength and prolonging its degradation rate. The new phase can make the material stronger while also making it last longer, potentially leading to improved medical applications.
Researchers at University of Illinois successfully tested nanoparticle drug delivery in dogs with naturally occurring bone cancers, which are similar to human bone tumors. The study demonstrated anti-cancer activity and tolerance to high doses without toxicity in the dogs.
A large study of nearly 21,000 people in Jilin Province found that being overweight or obese was associated with regular meat consumption, having ever been married, and getting less than 7 hours of sleep per night. The prevalence of obesity and overweight was higher among older adults, particularly those aged 55-64 and 65-79.
A study developed a prediction score to help healthcare professionals identify older adults at risk of developing pneumonia. The seven critical factors include age, chronic lung disease, smoking, and body mass index. This scoring system may encourage preventive measures such as vaccination and quitting smoking.
Researchers estimate that up to 90 million infections could result from the initial stages of the spread of Zika in Latin America and the Caribbean. The team's projections suggest Brazil is expected to have the largest total number of infections due to its size and suitability for transmission.
A novel nontoxic process generates larger ultrathin sheets of 2-D nanosheets, increasing the material's surface area by 20 times, which could expand its commercial applications. The controlled gas exfoliation process separates 2D nanomaterials for use in separation and catalysis.
A new solitary species of zoantharian was discovered off the coast of Okinawa, Japan. The species, Sphenopus exilis, lacks zooxanthellae and is much smaller than other known species.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham have secured £1.2m to develop injectable stem cell-carrying materials to treat osteoporosis and other bone-thinning diseases. The targeted therapy aims to promote bone regeneration through a quick, easy, and minimally-invasive treatment.
A new species of extinct flesh-eating marsupial, Whollydooleya tomnpatrichorum, has been identified from a fossil discovery in New Riversleigh, Queensland. The hypercarnivore is thought to have weighed around 20-25 kilograms and lived during the Late Miocene period, around 5 million years ago.
A study by Rice University and MD Anderson Cancer Center found significant differences in adherence to recommended cancer treatment for elderly patients across 22 Texas hospital referral regions. Regional variations in treatment rates persist despite the presence of treatment specialists and teaching hospitals.
Researchers at TUM developed a new mortar resistant to water uptake by adding a biofilm produced by the bacterium Bacillus subtilis. The hybrid mortar exhibits a high contact angle, similar to Teflon, reducing the likelihood of liquid absorption.
Researchers discovered that introducing the embryonic gene Nanog into aged stem cells can reverse cellular processes associated with age-related disorders, such as weak bones and clogged arteries. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
A University of Washington study reveals that polar oceans export organic carbon to the deep sea more efficiently than other regions, storing it for centuries. This process, known as the biological pump, highlights the importance of the polar ocean in mitigating climate change.
A new study found delirium to be relatively frequent and underdiagnosed among advanced cancer patients visiting the emergency department, regardless of age. The study highlights the need for better assessment and monitoring of delirium in this population.
Researchers from the University of Iowa's Tippie College of Business developed an optimization model that analyzes years of Monday Night Football viewership. The study identifies factors such as defending Super Bowl champions, high-profile personnel changes, and teams with high-powered offenses as key predictors of high ratings.
Researchers have identified three new genes that increase the risk of motor neuron disease (MND), a debilitating condition with no effective treatments. The discovery provides new opportunities for targeted research and potentially improved outcomes for Australian patients, who are expected to benefit from increased genetic discoveries.
Scientists at the University of Sussex are developing new cancer drugs that target DNA damage response pathways to selectively kill cancer cells. These drugs aim to maximize DNA damage or prevent its repair, leading to cancer cell death while minimizing harm to healthy tissues.
A recent study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that people are more likely to inflate insurance claims if their original submissions are rejected. The researchers used a mock insurance claim scenario and found that rejection leads to increased feelings of unhappiness and dishonest behavior.
Honey bees can manipulate the shape of their abdomens by curling in one direction due to asymmetrical membranes connecting abdominal segments. This unique movement is made possible by a thin, flexible layer of cells called the folded intersegmental membrane (FIM), allowing each segment to slide into the next one.
Researchers identified an inner ear deficiency in children with Autism that affects speech recognition. The non-invasive test measures otoacoustic emissions to detect cochlear impairment, correlating it with ASD symptom severity.
A study published in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association found that osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) helps reduce acute pain in postpartum women, regardless of delivery method. OMT resulted in a 30% decrease in lower back pain, 17% in abdominal pain, and 10% in vaginal pain.
Researchers have developed a new molecule that targets the SMN2 gene responsible for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a neurodegenerative disease causing muscles to weaken. The compound effectively 'turns up the volume' on SMN2, allowing it to produce more of the correct SMN protein, which is essential for neuron function.
Researchers have identified the first case of Alzheimer's disease in an HIV-positive individual, challenging existing knowledge about dementia in people with HIV. The discovery highlights the need for timely diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease in this population.
A new study published in PLOS Computational Biology suggests that using a specific sub-type of human mesenchymal stem cells can reduce potential risks associated with this therapy. This finding could lead to improved treatment outcomes for heart failure patients, providing a safer alternative to existing therapies.
A new study pinpoints when melanoma cells metastasize to the brain months before they develop into fatal tumors. Researchers discovered that micro-tumor cells hijack astrogliosis to support metastatic growth, leading to potential early detection and intervention.
Researchers at UBC and PSI developed a microneedle system that measures drug levels in patients' bloodstream without drawing blood. The system uses a tiny needle to collect a small sample of fluid beneath the skin, allowing for quick and easy monitoring of vancomycin levels.
Scientists at Rice University found a phonon band gap in spider silk, enabling the material to block certain frequencies of sound waves. This discovery has implications for creating tunable, dynamic metamaterials with novel sound or thermal insulation properties.
Researchers at Yale University have created a Moebius strip-like structure by manipulating the shape of connected vibrating springs, demonstrating a new way to control waves. The experiment showcases an extension to the adiabatic theorem, which predicts a robust method for wave manipulation.
Researchers developed self-healing polyelectrolyte coatings that can repair themselves and neutralize chemicals, protecting users from toxic substances and hazardous environments. The coatings are thin, micron-sized and can increase material strength while being reusable and rewearable after laundering.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have determined the most likely configuration of rhodopsin in a living organism, finding it exists as a dimer, a two-molecule complex. This discovery may help develop future treatments for retinitis pigmentosa, a degenerative eye disease with no known cure.
Research reveals racial differences in stroke care procedures, with minority patients receiving more life-sustaining treatments like gastrostomy and tracheostomy. However, curative procedures such as IVT and carotid revascularization were less common among minority patients, highlighting disparities in stroke care.
Late preterm babies, born between 34 and 36 weeks, were developmentally on track with peers at age two. However, by preschool and kindergarten, they showed less than optimal math and reading scores compared to full-term infants.
A new study reveals an evolutionary universal brain structure that enables comparisons of cortical networks between species. This common architecture provides insights into brain disorders such as Alzheimer's and schizophrenia.
The Penn researchers have developed a placenta-on-a-chip that accurately models the transport of nutrients across the placental barrier. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize research on preterm birth by providing a unique capability to mimic and study the function of the human placenta.
A recent study identified a genetic variant associated with higher BMI levels and increased efficiency of fat storage among Samoans. This 'thrifty' variant, found on chromosome 5, is linked to the islands' high obesity rates and may have evolved as an adaptation to food scarcity in ancient times.
A transdisciplinary team at Virginia Tech is developing a new curriculum model that prepares engineering undergraduates with disciplinary depth and flexible learning experiences. The project aims to broaden the diversity of students entering the program and provide them with adaptive skills to address real-world problems.
A new study identifies a genetic cause of ALS in 3% of cases, with the NEK1 gene playing a crucial role in neuronal function. The discovery highlights the importance of big data in ALS research and offers new targets for therapy development.
The article introduces common definitions for 3D bioprinting-related terms, including 3D printing, bioadditive manufacturing, and biomimetic printing. The definitions aim to provide clarity in the rapidly expanding field of 3D bioprinting in medical applications.
Researchers found a link between poor physical performance tests and increased dementia risk in people aged 90 and older. The study suggests that testing walking and standing balance may help predict dementia risk among the 'oldest-old'.
A new battery concept, called nanolithia cathode battery, promises similar theoretical performance as lithium-air batteries while reducing heat waste and improving charging speed. The new design could overcome issues with volume changes and auxiliary components, enabling faster charging and longer lifetimes.