Two new hominin fossils, a finger bone and a molar, were found in the Sterkfontein Caves, associated with early stone tools dating back 2.18 million years. The specimens possess intriguing features that raise more questions than answers.
A new study by Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso found that a compound in neem leaves can stop pancreatic cancer growth and metastasis without harming normal cells. The researchers observed a 70% reduction in cancer cell migration and invasion, as well as an 80% drop in cancer cell colonies.
Researchers have identified two new zoantharian species attached to eunicid worm tubes in the dark depths of the Indo-Pacific Ocean. The species, Epizoanthus inazuma and E. beriber, were found in low-light environments and possess unique characteristics.
Researchers found two distinct subgroups of Yersinia pestis bacteria causing human plague in Uganda's West Nile region, with one subgroup found at lower elevations and the other at higher elevations.
MIT neuroscientists identify the brain region responsible for feelings of loneliness and increased sociability after isolation. This discovery provides a starting point for studying loneliness-like states and their neural mechanisms.
RapidScat measures surface winds in intensifying tropical cyclone Tatiana, providing forecasters with pinpoint data to track strongest winds. The storm is currently well offshore and poses no immediate threat to the Queensland coast.
The US Fish and Wildlife Service has imposed a ban on importing 201 species of salamanders to prevent the spread of deadly fungal disease Bsal. Researchers will discuss lessons learned from controlling another closely related fungus, Bd, which has decimated frog populations worldwide.
A dynamic model focusing on site scale conservation helps answer questions about how small white lady's slipper orchid habitats will change with climate change. The model provides information on management strategies specific to the location and plant itself, benefiting rare species with limited ranges.
University of Leeds researchers will run computer software to identify compounds that could be the basis of antivirals for Ebola. The project focuses on finding effective anti-viral drugs, as vaccines are not yet available to treat infected patients.
A new study reveals that the transition to family foods drives gut microbiota development in infants, rather than maternal obesity. The study found that breastfeeding duration and complementary diet composition played key roles in shaping the infant's gut microbiome.
A retrospective study found that freezing nerves before knee replacement surgery significantly improves patient outcomes, with shorter hospital stays and reduced opioid use. The treatment group had fewer knee symptoms and better local pain control, allowing patients to walk and function well enough to go home sooner.
Researchers identified 27 hotspots of frequent DNA breaks in genes associated with brain tumors and neurodevelopmental/psychiatric diseases. These break hotspots may play a role in generating neural diversity during development.
Researchers used DREEM to visualize how DNA wraps around TRF2, forming T-loops that protect chromosome ends. The new technique provides insights into telomere maintenance and structure-function relationships.
Researchers at Scripps Florida identified a memory suppressor microRNA called miR-980, which regulates neuronal excitability and inhibiting it improves memory. The study found links between miR-980 and autism spectrum disorder, suggesting that the microRNA may contribute to the development of the condition.
A study by Michigan Medicine researchers found that many medical schools fail to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, making it difficult for prospective students with disabilities to find information and access accommodations. The researchers call on schools to reexamine their policies and improve compliance.
Scientists discovered advanced social behavior in 100-million-year-old amber, revealing that ants and termites had sophisticated caste systems tens of millions of years earlier than thought. The fossils preserved the presence of different castes, including queen ants and workers, as well as eusocial behaviors such as combat and foraging.
A new study suggests that a man's attachment style may influence his perceptions of whether a woman is interested in him sexually. Men with higher attachment anxiety tend to imagine women as more interested, while those with higher attachment avoidance see themselves as less flirty.
Scientists observed ripples in spacetime called gravitational waves from colliding black holes, confirming a major prediction of Albert Einstein's general theory of relativity. The detected waves were produced during the merger of two black holes, with masses about 29 and 36 times that of the sun.
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison developed an energy-harvesting technology that captures human motion to power mobile devices. The 'bubbler' method generates high power densities, enabling smaller and lighter energy-harvesting devices that can be integrated into shoes.
Tropical Storm 11P has developed with powerful storms and cold cloud top temperatures, indicating potential for heavy rain. The storm is forecast to reach hurricane strength on Feb. 12 before weakening.
Researchers used a 7T MRI scanner to visualize myocardial injury in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, detecting minute clefts that were previously impossible to see. The technology offers high-resolution imaging and could lead to more accurate diagnoses of heart diseases.
A recent research project by Bryan L. Stuart and colleagues found three distinct evolutionary lineages of Asian common toads, each with narrower geographical ranges and ecological niches, in mainland Southeast Asia, coastal Myanmar, and the Sundaic islands.
Researchers have developed a new technique using DNA nanocages to confine enzymes and substrate molecules, accelerating chemical reactions and shielding them from degradation. This breakthrough has far-reaching applications in industries such as medicine, diagnostics, and materials production.
Researchers at UCR have developed a new way to process GPS data, enabling centimeter-level accuracy in navigation systems. This technology will improve location services accessed through mobile phones and wearable technologies, while also supporting emerging applications like autonomous vehicles and precision farming.
Research reveals that targeting lower oxygen saturation levels (85-89%) for extremely preterm infants increases the risk of death by up to 45% compared to higher targets (91-95%). This finding confirms previous studies and has significant implications for neonatal care.
Research suggests that starting age of marijuana use can impact brain structures responsible for judgment, reasoning, and complex thinking. Heavy marijuana users who began using before age 16 showed arrested brain development, while those who started after 16 demonstrated accelerated brain aging.
A Russian scientist has developed an electronic nose that analyzes gas mixtures to diagnose diseases and detect the freshness of fruits and vegetables. The device can identify specific gases emitted by products, allowing for more accurate determination of shelf life.
Researchers discovered that Rac1 activates a cascade of reactions in nerve cells associated with inflammatory pain. Inhibiting Rac1 using NSC23766 reduced pain hypersensitivity in rats injected with bee venom. These findings suggest potential for new drugs to treat chronic inflammatory pain.
Researchers have discovered that neutrophils promote cardiac repair by producing a factor that stimulates the differentiation of macrophages, which accelerate tissue repair. This finding challenges previous views on neutrophils' role in inflammation and suggests a potential therapeutic approach to boost repair processes.
The Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings will exhibit at the AAAS 2016 Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., bringing together Nobel laureates and young scientists. The event highlights global science engagement and intergenerational dialogue, with a focus on physics and its latest breakthroughs.
Researchers have discovered a unique application for an FDA-approved drug in treating cocaine dependence. The drug, Byetta, regulates feeding behavior and reduces cocaine self-administration when activated in the brain's reward region. Further studies aim to understand the brain's pathways involved in addiction.
Researchers at University College London have discovered a protein that drives chronic pain and offer a promising new treatment target. Inhibiting this protein substantially alleviated chronic pain in genetically modified mice with nerve damage and arthritic joints.
A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that remote telemonitoring did not significantly reduce all-cause 180-day hospital readmissions among heart failure patients. Despite this, the intervention group reported improved quality of life at 180-days compared to usual care patients.
Researchers have developed a method to halt stem cell growth using soft hydrogels that mimic the natural protective layer of mucus. This process, inspired by embryonic diapause in certain mammals, allows for easy storage and shipment of stem cells.
Researchers at PTB have developed an optical lattice clock with neutral strontium atoms, achieving the best stability worldwide thanks to a newly designed laser system. The clock has reached a fractional frequency instability of 8 E-17 and attains the quantum projection noise limit with as few as 130 atoms.
Researchers have developed a new method to obtain high-resolution molecular images using continuous diffraction patterns in imperfect crystals. This approach allows for better structural detail and could revolutionize the study of complex biological machinery, including photosynthesis and catalysis.
A new study reveals that prelinguistic infants (5-7 months) exhibit brain activity in response to color categories, indicating an innate ability to categorize colors. This finding suggests that color perception is independent of language and can develop independently of linguistic acquisition.
Researchers developed a mouse model to study the effects of abnormal vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels on lung development. The study found that reduced VEGF signaling can 'turn on' lung disease, even in full-term animals, and replicate key features of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome.
Age-related inflammation drives metaplasia in flies, causing changes in gut tissue and gut bacteria. Inhibiting this pathway prevents abnormal changes, maintains a healthy commensal population, and extends lifespan by up to 18%.
A study found that weather patterns typically bringing moisture to the southwestern US are becoming less frequent, leading to a drier climate. The region is already vulnerable to drought, and this shift has significant implications for water resources.
The four empty lots in Chicago's South Side have poor-quality soils with high alkaline levels and excess chemicals, including lead and heavy metals. Soil testing is crucial to determine the extent of contamination and guide remediation efforts.
A recent study has uncovered 9 additional genetic mutations associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer, bringing the total to 11. Researchers found that 18% of women with ovarian cancer carried these mutations.
Researchers at UT Austin found that a type of cancer in children grows only when signaled by nearby noncancerous cells. This discovery contributes to the growing field of environmental research on cancer spread and holds promise for new, less toxic treatments.
The BMJ and UCSF have developed an e-learning program called Research to Publication, which offers a comprehensive range of 48 online modules focused on clinical and public health research. The program aims to empower early career researchers and institutions in developing countries to build their research capacity.
Researchers found reptiles and amphibians to be a crucial high-value food source for whooping cranes, particularly during spring nesting season. This adaptability suggests the birds have an increased chance for survival in human-modified environments.
UPMC's PreCISE-Rx program uses pharmacogenomics to individualize patient treatments, targeting the right drug for each patient based on their genes. The goal is to reduce hospital readmissions and recurrent illness while improving treatment outcomes.
A combination of mental and physical training reduced depressive symptoms in students with major depressive disorder. The study found that individuals experienced fewer negative thoughts and improved focus after just eight weeks of MAP training. This innovative approach offers a low-cost solution for depression treatment.
Researchers discovered what causes stability of various compounds not commonly found in textbook chemistry by reorganizing chemical interactions. The study published in Physical Chemistry & Chemical Physics suggests new model and principles for stability of forbidden substances.
A UBC-led international collaboration found that beliefs about all-knowing gods that punish for wrongdoing can foster co-operation among people, contributing to the development of complex social organizations like states. The study showed that believers in such gods are more likely to behave fairly towards distant 'co-religionists',
Gun violence claims thousands of lives in the US annually, with experts arguing that a public health approach is needed to address the issue. The 1997 funding freeze has hindered research into gun policies and safety, but experts propose steps such as tracking gun ownership and improving community training.
Researchers found computerized cognitive rehabilitation significantly improves attention and executive functioning in TBI and stroke patients, with trends toward significance also observed. The treatment can reduce wait time and cost, improve quality of life and reduce caregiver burden.
A team of scientists has developed a colorless, non-toxic ink for use in inkjet printers, inspired by the nanostructure of squid skin for natural camouflage. The ink, made from titanium dioxide, can be deposited on various surfaces without high-temperature fixing and does not fade from UV exposure.
Researchers measured trap-jaw ant speed in high-speed cameras, finding species range from 19.5 to 41.5 strikes per second, with Odontomachus brunneus recording the fastest recorded speed. Understanding antennal boxing can inform our understanding of ant sociology and behavior.
The National Park Service will present its centennial year science vision, including research on climate change, biodiversity, and conservation. The annual meeting features lectures, symposia, and public exhibits showcasing the unique value of national parks as scientific assets.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory used a Linac Coherent Light Source to observe xenon nanoparticles in extreme environments, capturing their dynamics over time. The technique allows for high-resolution imaging of materials in the gas phase, with implications for studying aerosols and combustion.
Scientists used clam shells to calculate that methane had persisted for approximately a thousand years at a specific site in the Arctic Ocean. This finding provides insight into the duration of ancient methane seeps and their impact on the environment.
New research from the University of Missouri suggests that biculturalism is linked to higher self-esteem and prosocial tendencies in Mexican-American youth. This positive association allows them to maintain connection with both their culture of origin and mainstream American culture.
Researchers found that 56% of elective resections for uncomplicated diverticulitis occurred after fewer than 3 episodes, suggesting a need for further investigation into appropriate care guidelines. The study included 87,461 patients and analyzed inpatient, outpatient, and antibiotic claims.
New research from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business suggests that people are more likely to opt for inferior gifts if it maximizes overall benefits for themselves and their loved ones. In a series of experiments, researchers found that participants prioritized total benefits over selflessness when making decisions abou...
A new study cautions that exceeding critical temperature limits in the Southern Ocean could lead to the collapse of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet, posing a significant threat to sea levels. Meanwhile, advancements in climate model development aim to improve forecast accuracy and speed up decision-making.