A bipartisan probe into peer-review process and climate change research is chilling scientific pursuits, with over 2,000 scientists signing a letter urging an end to the probes. The investigation's scope has sparked concerns that it may protect oil companies and suppress science.
Researchers developed a way to integrate multiple big data sets from biology to understand cellular processes, discovering new regularities and biological consistencies. The study found pause sites dictate protein structure and folding, providing insights into cancer biology.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have discovered a genetic risk factor for binge eating, linked to decreased myelination. The findings could lead to novel therapeutic treatments targeting eating behaviors.
Researchers discovered that bilinguals use distinct neural networks to read languages with phonetic and orthographic correspondence, such as Basque, from those without it, like English. The findings have significant implications for teaching reading to adults and children.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that long-term oxygen treatment does not improve survival or reduce hospital admissions for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and moderately low blood oxygen levels. Researchers say these results underscore the need for new treatments for COPD.
Researchers developed a new tool called SPIN-Score to predict survival after gunshot wounds, using pupil response and motor tests as key predictors. The tool accurately predicted survival rates with an excellent accuracy of 96%, offering valuable insights for doctors and families making life-or-death decisions.
A new study suggests that autonomous vehicles could facilitate pedestrian-oriented urban neighborhoods, as pedestrians can act unpredictably and force self-driving cars to stop. However, the adoption of autonomous vehicles may be hampered by their strategic disadvantage in urban traffic.
Researchers studied COPD patients with moderate oxygen deficiency and found no significant difference in time to death, hospitalizations, or quality of life between those who received supplemental oxygen and those who didn't. The study suggests that long-term oxygen therapy may not be necessary for all COPD patients.
Researchers have developed simulated search agents that significantly outperformed human participants in computer search challenges, offering a promising solution for automating literature review and suggesting relevant sources. The agents can be configured to mimic human behavior, providing a credible simulation of a human researcher.
The Evolutionary Mission Trajectory Generator (EMTG) has been upgraded to simulate the full problem of designing a spacecraft, considering multiple performance criteria. This enables mission planners to optimize both trajectory and spacecraft design, especially for electrically propelled low-thrust missions.
Researchers used Titan supercomputer to compute nickel-78's nuclear structure and found it to be doubly magic, with greater stability than its neighbors. This confirms a theoretical prediction and may improve our understanding of the origin, organization, and interactions of stable matter.
Despite full standard investigation, the cause remains unknown in most stillbirth cases. The study highlights the need for further research to improve post mortem techniques to better detect a cause of death. New techniques may help support families and reduce the impact of identifying small babies as a risk factor.
The study found that sunflower sea star populations dropped dramatically after the disease outbreak, while other species such as leather stars and certain sea urchins increased in number. The virus outbreak is expected to have lasting effects on the ecosystem, potentially leading to more browsing on kelp.
A study found that physically active children had reduced airway inflammation but also higher exposure to black carbon and diesel exhaust. Exercise did not counteract the negative effects of high pollutant levels on lung health.
Researchers are developing potent quorum sensing inhibitors using ligand and structure-based screening to combat antibiotic resistance-induced bacterial virulence. Key findings include the potential of synthetic AHL analogs, farnesol, and furanones as biofilm matrix inhibitors.
A new study reveals a 47% increase in ladder-related hospitalizations over the past decade, primarily affecting men aged 60+, who face the highest risk of serious injuries. The research highlights the need for improved injury prevention efforts to address this growing concern.
Hurricane Seymour became a major hurricane on Oct. 25, with heavy rainfall and a 3-D image of its structure provided by the Global Precipitation Measurement mission. The storm is moving toward the west-northwest at 15 mph, with expected weakening and rapid decline in forward speed.
Schmallenberg virus is unlikely to be circulating in southern England, but its reappearance is possible as herd immunity decreases. The virus causes mild clinical signs in adult cattle and can damage the fetus in pregnant females, leading to abortions, stillbirths, and congenital defects.
Researchers are working on a $1.6 million project to create a new use for coal, turning it into a carbon-fiber material that could help revitalize struggling coal communities. The process produces substantially less CO2 than traditional methods.
Researchers have successfully used gene therapy to correct the faulty NPC1 gene in mice with Niemann-Pick disease type C1, improving symptoms and lifespan. The treatment has the potential to halt disease progression and improve quality of life for patients.
A study by Drs. Sapieha and Mallette reveals a program of accelerated aging in the retina, leading to cellular senescence and production of factors that contribute to blinding disease. Interfering with this process using novel drugs improves blood vessel regeneration and reduces retinal damage.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a prototype of a next-generation lithium-sulphur battery, inspired by the cells lining the human intestine. The new design overcomes a key technical problem hindering commercial development and offers a fivefold energy density boost compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries.
A recent study by Prof Paul Hunter and Dr Annette Prüss-Ustün suggests that access to sanitation facilities is crucial for reducing childhood diarrhoea and mortality. The study found that a community coverage of around 70% in low and middle-income countries was necessary to achieve significant health benefits from improved sanitation.
A new study from Ohio State University found that political factors, particularly presidential administrations, are the primary drivers of rising income inequality in the US. The research used IRS data to analyze economic and political factors contributing to inequality over 33 years.
A Scripps Florida team has illuminated a key molecular player in the addictive effects of morphine. The protein neurofibromin 1 is also disrupted in an inherited disorder called neurofibromatosis type 1, which causes chronic pain and other symptoms.
Scientists have observed a young stellar system fragmenting into multiple stars, supporting two theories on star formation: disk fragmentation and cloud instability. The discovery was made using ALMA and VLA observations of the L1448 IRS3B system in the Perseus constellation.
A study using geolocation technology tracked the 10,000-kilometer migration of Great Reed Warblers from Turkey to sub-Saharan Africa, revealing key regions of importance for the species. The research highlights the lack of protection many of these regions receive, posing a threat to bird populations.
Researchers have successfully created the first-ever iron-bismuth bond under extreme pressures equivalent to those within Mars' core. The new compound, FeBi2, shows promise in being superconductive and magnetic.
Researchers reconstructed the origins of the AIDS pandemic in unprecedented detail by recovering genetic material from 40-year-old serum samples. The study suggests that HIV emerged in New York City around 1970 and spread rapidly across North America, with the city serving as a critical hub for the epidemic.
Researchers developed a single calibration that can be used with multiple NIRS instruments to accurately measure the percentage of alfalfa and grass in forage mixtures.
Early epigenetic modifications play a crucial role in determining the fate of neurons during embryogenesis. Deregulation of Uhrf1, a key epigenetic gene, leads to activation of endogenous retroviruses, causing accumulation of retroviral proteins and cell death.
A Harvard University study predicts that climate change will lead to more frequent political party turnovers and increased focus on short-term policies, potentially hindering long-run climate mitigation strategies.
The GaLactic and Extragalactic All-sky MWA survey has produced a catalogue of 300,000 galaxies observed by the Murchison Widefield Array, revealing unprecedented radio technicolour views of the sky.
A study led by ETH Zurich researchers found that iron fortification reduces blood lead concentration in children, particularly those with iron deficiency. The trial involved over 450 Moroccan schoolchildren who received iron-fortified biscuits and showed a significant reduction in blood lead levels.
A study published in JAMA Dermatology found that patients given electronic prescriptions were more likely to fill and pick up their dermatological medications. Rates of primary nonadherence decreased in older patients but increased in those over 70.
A UT researcher is leading a $3-million grant to develop a user-friendly interface for recording and sharing tree genomic data. The project aims to create an ecosystem of community databases for analyzing tree genomics data, providing tools for researchers and promoting public awareness of healthy trees.
A new technology, developed by University of Calgary researchers, enables recording brain cell activity for weeks with higher resolution than conventional methods. This allows researchers to investigate neurological diseases and cognitive functions like learning and memory in animal models.
Researchers at the University of Tennessee have identified 32 bacterial genes and 38 mouse genes that may help reduce malaria severity. This discovery could lead to more effective treatments, as it provides a limited number of genes to work with.
A study assesses the cost-effectiveness of bariatric surgery for adolescents with severe obesity, finding it may be cost-effective over 5 years but not initially. Bariatric surgery can result in life-altering weight loss and improved quality of life.
A new survey tool has been developed by Indiana University and Regenstrief Institute to measure the communication experiences of family members of hospitalized patients. The Family Inpatient Communication Survey focuses on two dimensions of communication: conveyance of information and emotional support.
A new study published in Psychological Science reveals that school principals' personal values influence the school atmosphere and ultimately shape students' values over time. The researchers found a consistent pattern for three out of four value categories, with one exception that may be attributed to unstudied mechanisms.
KAUST researchers have developed a process for two-dimensional anodes made from tin selenide, which stores sodium ions through a dual mechanism involving conversion and alloying reactions. This results in the highest reported energy density of any transition metal selenide.
A study found that elderly Chinese immigrants in the US feel at home due to favorable social policies like Medicare and Medicaid, as well as affordable cost of living. However, language barriers continue to be a significant issue, with many unable to speak fluent English and relying on family members for translation.
A study suggests that epidural anesthesia can decrease the likelihood of postpartum depression in certain women. Researchers controlled for known risk factors and found a significant association between better pain relief and lower depressive symptoms.
A new study from Brown University finds that schools with collaborative relationships, safe environments, and high expectations outperform those without these elements. Improving school climate can help retain teachers and improve student achievement in math.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE suggests that Upper Paleolithic humans might have exploited cave lions for their pelts, leading to their eventual extinction. The researchers analyzed fossilized toe bones from the La Garma site and found evidence of human modification, which they believe could be part of a single lion pelt.
A new study confirms that the entire 2,400-kilometer Himalayan mountain range is seismogenic and can produce large earthquakes. Researchers discovered a major earthquake in Bhutan in 1714 using historical records and geologic data, shedding light on the region's potential for natural hazards.
A five-year study in Harvard and Duke forests found that adding warmth predicted in climate-change models destabilized forest ant communities. The loss of stability makes communities less resilient and slower to rebound when disturbed, with relative abundance of thermophilic species growing while heat-intolerant species declining.
The bellygenes initiative is a large-scale genetic project studying the genetic makeup of 800,000 Europeans in relation to irritable bowel syndrome. The study aims to reveal pathophysiological pathways that can help explain IBS etiology and inform molecular reclassification of patients.
A recent study found that vitamin E supplements increased pneumonia risk by 68% in older smoking men who didn't exercise, while decreasing risk by 69% in those who exercised regularly. The findings suggest that a single universal estimate of vitamin E's effect may be misleading for some population groups.
A study found dramatic declines in sunflower sea star populations due to sea star wasting disease, affecting the Salish Sea ecosystem's balance. The disease has effectively disappeared these key predators from the area.
Researchers investigate how queuine, produced by gut bacteria, affects breast cancer risk and growth. High levels of queuine-modified tRNAs may speed up protein production in rapidly dividing cancer cells.
A long-term experiment found that plant mixtures with high diversity alleviated flooding effects on crops, while monocultures were more vulnerable. Soil properties improved in diverse mixtures, allowing for faster water drainage and higher oxygen levels.
Researchers have found a way to produce realistic sensations of touch in two human amputees by directly stimulating the nervous system. The study verifies earlier research on how the nervous system encodes intensity and determines perceived sensation through activation charge rate.
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have found that neonatal vaccination with certain bacteria can prevent adult asthma in mice. The protective effect is due to the selection of specific immune system B cells that produce IgA antibodies, which bind and inhibit allergens before triggering asthma.
The University of Houston is using a $1.45 million National Science Foundation grant to bolster its teachHOUSTON math and science teacher preparation program. The new program will offer scholarships, professional development, and mentoring to support future teachers in the STEM fields.
Advances in nanomaterials and nanoparticles may lead to effective treatments for infectious diseases, neurological disorders, and cancer. Nanotechnology also holds promise for increasing energy efficiency, producing sustainable energy, and improving food safety.
A new study proves that Gaétan Dugas was one of many thousands infected in the years before HIV was recognized. The term 'Patient Zero' was created inadvertently in the earliest years of investigating AIDS, and Dugas's global defamation is attributed to this mistake.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center identified a pathway essential to heart formation, unveiling a mechanism that explains how non-coding DNA regulates neighboring genes. The discovery may have implications for understanding cardiac development and other genetic processes.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital discovered that stimulating dopamine neurons in mice receiving general anesthesia triggers signs of arousal, including movement and increased respiratory rate. This finding could lead to the development of new therapies to treat conditions like traumatic brain injury and coma.