A new RAND report finds that the US is insufficiently countering the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. The report recommends more comprehensive training and advising of indigenous forces and forging political agreements to resolve key drivers of conflict.
A new decentralized planning algorithm for teams of robots factors in moving obstacles, reduces communication bandwidth, and preserves strong mathematical guarantees. The algorithm allows robots to operate in a world with static and dynamic obstacles while retaining their local and global objectives.
The Bubble Nebula, observed by Hubble, is a vast bubble being blown into space by a super-hot, massive star. The nebula is 7 light-years across and resides 7,100 light-years from Earth. A seething star forms this nebula, with gas escaping at over 4 million miles per hour.
The study uses a rare type of cosmic ray that acts like a tiny timer to determine the age and distance of galactic cosmic rays. The results suggest that these cosmic rays were created recently and are coming from nearby clusters of massive stars within 3,000 light years of Earth.
Researchers found that US candidates' faces were more associated with competence, while those from Taiwan were linked to social competence. In the study, Taiwanese participants voted for candidates judged high in social competence and trustworthiness, whereas US participants preferred faces deemed competent.
A new study found that electronic health records (EHRs) frequently fail to capture comprehensive mental health data, resulting in potential medication errors and patient harm. The research highlights the importance of supplementing EHR-derived data with external sources to improve patient care.
Researchers found that GSK3β inhibition improves cardiac function and reduces fibrosis and inflammation in murine models of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. The study suggests GSK3β inhibition has potential as a therapeutic strategy for treating ACM.
A recent study led by UC Riverside professor Ann Cheney found that low-income African American communities in the Arkansas Mississippi Delta have successfully reduced cocaine use through lifestyle changes and leveraging 'recovery capital.' Social networks and culturally appropriate interventions play a critical role in reducing substan...
Researchers from Lomonosov Moscow State University develop method to suppress fungal resistance to antifungal drugs by targeting ABC-transporters. The discovery has potential to improve effectiveness of antifungal medications and combat growing multidrug-resistant fungal strains.
A new Yale-led study finds that older adults are more susceptible to flu due to a reduced antiviral response, leading to increased inflammation and damage. Researchers propose targeting inflammation to combat flu in vulnerable patients.
New research reveals that US areas with high drug-overdose death rates are not always associated with high drug trafficking, contrary to expectations. Despite this, Western Pennsylvania and other regions like southern Michigan and eastern Ohio experienced rapid growth in overdose deaths nationwide.
A specific gene, HMGA2, has been identified as the key to the evolution of smaller beaks in medium ground finches in response to a drought-induced food shortage. The researchers found that the gene comes in two forms, with one dominant in birds with small beaks and the other in those with large beaks.
A biologically younger woman demonstrates the world's first successful gene therapy against human aging. Elizabeth Parrish's white blood cells showed a 20-year increase in telomere length, implying a reversal of age-related diseases.
A new study found rituximab more effective in preventing relapses among patients with highly active multiple sclerosis switching from natalizumab. Patients infected with JC virus showed a significant reduction in clinical relapse risk after treatment switch to rituximab.
A new imaging method reveals that IPF foci are complex structures with diverse shapes and sizes, forming at discrete sites of lung injury. This breakthrough may help researchers comprehend the relationship between fibroblastic foci and disease progression in IPF patients.
A rare type of iron nucleus, with a half-life of 2.6 million years, serves as a 'clock' to measure the distance between Earth and the source of galactic cosmic rays. The data suggest that nearby supernovae in massive star clusters are responsible for creating these nuclei.
Mun Dae Kim wins inaugural award for his work on superconducting flux qubits, increasing effective coupling strength for quantum computation; honors Dr. Howard E. Brandt, journal's late editor-in-chief.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital found a fatty chemical called oxPAPC that induces an immune response in mice, causing T-cells to become highly active and effective. This discovery could lead to the development of more effective vaccines against various infections.
Researchers developed a technique to reduce infectious malaria parasites in whole blood, significantly reducing the risk of transmission through blood transfusion. The Mirasol pathogen reduction technology system has shown promising results in treating whole blood using ultraviolet light energy and riboflavin.
A recent study discovered that macrophages in abdominal cavities surrounding organs like the liver and heart can initiate immediate and rapid repair after damage. The study found that these immune cells patrol within the cavity and adhere to damaged areas for quick healing, suggesting a new approach to tissue repair.
A new study identifies a small molecule that simultaneously inhibits signaling pathways activated by mutated RAS oncogenes, representing a new paradigm for targeting this elusive cancer gene. The discovery has significant implications for the treatment of RAS-driven cancers.
Researchers at Duke University discovered a genetic circuit in bacteria that creates spatial patterns with proportional scaling, similar to those seen in animals. This finding suggests that timing cues may play a key role in pattern formation and development in other organisms.
Analysis of a new fossil suggests that giant dinosaurs like Rapetosaurus krausei were born with adult-like body proportions, allowing for early independence. This finding implies that parental care was less crucial for these species compared to others.
Researchers create efficient way to form carbon-carbon bonds with high chiral selectivity for nitrogen-containing heterocyclic molecules. The breakthrough uses century-old techniques and a copper catalyst, offering a more efficient process for drug discovery and development.
Breast cancer survivors undergoing anthracycline-based chemotherapy did not experience greater risk of lasting cognitive decline, according to a recent study. Neuropsychological tests revealed comparable cognitive function between groups up to seven years after treatment.
A new study in Cell Reports found that macaques have a third set of neurons in their sensory cortex that respond optimally to curved motion. This discovery provides insights into how animals navigate through three-dimensional spaces and could have implications for human balance and movement.
Microscopic hair analysis is flawed due to subjective characteristics and lack of population-based databases. Re-examination by different examiners can result in inconsistent descriptions.
Researchers at Griffith University used paperbark tree leaves to reconstruct past rainfall activity in tropical and subtropical regions. The study, published in Global Change Biology, offers a new proxy for inferring changes in climate.
NASA's GOES-West satellite captures organized circulation of Tropical Cyclone Amos, indicating imminent rapid intensification. The storm is expected to become a hurricane by April 22, with potential threat for flash flooding in American Samoa.
Tropical Cyclone Fantala continues to move north of Madagascar with significant changes in its intensity and track. The storm showed heavy rainfall and a clouded eye due to vertical wind shear, causing it to reverse course and move southeastward over its earlier track.
A new study predicts that unhealthy ozone days could rise by 3-9 days per year in the US by 2050, primarily affecting California, Southwest, and Northeast. This increase may exacerbate respiratory illnesses, particularly among vulnerable populations like children, seniors, and those with asthma.
A study found that teenage mothers in Colorado were aware of safe sleep guidelines but chose to disregard them due to misconceptions about infant comfort and safety. The researchers suggest innovative public service announcements and improved healthcare provider communication could improve safe sleep behaviors among this high-risk group.
Researchers at the University of Southampton have successfully applied advanced 3D imaging technology to study Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) lung tissue samples. The study found that active scarring in IPF progresses in multiple individual sites rather than a large 'wave', offering new hope for targeted treatments.
Researchers from Regenstrief Institute and Indiana University have found that machine learning algorithms can detect cancer cases from free-text pathology reports with similar accuracy to human reviewers. The computerized approach is faster and less resource-intensive, facilitating timely health department action.
A new study published in Science reveals that only 5% of global biodiversity datasets meet the 'gold standard' required for effective conservation. The lack of reliable and accessible data threatens our ability to understand and address key threats to biodiversity, such as invasive species, logging, and illegal wildlife trade.
Researchers have uncovered a novel function of the gene PLK1 that promotes prostate cancer cell migration and metastasis through epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). This discovery challenges previous understanding and highlights new potential targets for cancer therapies.
A new study suggests that tighter border enforcement along the US-Mexico border has led to an increase in undocumented population growth, despite spending $35 billion on security measures. The research found that greater enforcement raised costs and risks for migrants, causing them to stay longer in the US.
Researchers found that the early-to-bed, early-to-rise approach is associated with better cardiovascular health behaviors, including reduced smoking, sedentary lifestyles, and poor dietary choices. Adequate sleep at optimal times is key to promoting heart-healthy habits.
Experts argue that good governance, long-term technology investment, and strong product management skills are essential to combat infectious outbreaks. The proposed global strategy aims to pool funds and coordinate efforts to develop effective countermeasures for these diseases.
A study of international data reveals that girls are more anxious about mathematics and STEM subjects compared to boys, with factors other than performance driving the difference. The research also found that parental views on the value of mathematics for daughters and sons do not explain the gap in anxiety levels.
The University of Leicester is launching a satellite project to monitor Kenya's forests in near real-time, helping forest land owners and national agencies protect biodiversity and reduce climate change. The project aims to support participatory forest management strategies and enable Kenya to manage its forests more sustainably.
Numerical simulations using BURST code reveal insights into the role of neutrinos, nuclei, and other particles in shaping the early universe. The research aims to investigate existing puzzles of cosmology, including dark matter and dark radiation.
Roger L. Boltz, a longtime UH optometry professor, has been recognized as Educator of the Year by the Texas Optometric Association for his commitment to advancing the profession and fostering academic excellence. He is also an associate dean at UH, overseeing finance and administration.
Researchers found that difficulties building cognitive maps of new surroundings could indicate Alzheimer's disease. Participants with preclinical Alzheimer's disease showed significant challenges forming cognitive maps but not route learning tasks, highlighting the hippocampus and caudate as early affected brain regions.
Researchers discovered two signaling chemicals travel through the same opening between cells, while a third chemical takes a distinct route into neighboring cells. This knowledge may lead to new strategies for protecting crops from pathogens.
A new test has been developed to identify shale gas hazard in groundwater by fingerprinting methane gas with unique natural gas signatures. This will enable responsible exploration and extraction practices, addressing public concerns over water contamination.
Researchers discovered that microtubules interact with the heart's contractile machinery to provide mechanical resistance during contraction. Increasing detyrosination leads to increased myocyte stiffness and impeded contraction, while suppressing it enables the sarcomere to shorten more easily.
Researchers have discovered a new neurodevelopmental syndrome caused by GNB1 gene mutations, leading to severe developmental delays and seizures. Whole-exome sequencing of patients revealed the genetic mutations, paving the way for targeted therapies.
A new trial suggests treating donated blood with UV radiation and vitamin B2 reduces malaria parasite levels, minimizing transmission risk. The technology shows promise for improving safety in sub-Saharan Africa's blood transfusion industry.
Research finds that infants develop strong antibody responses to RSV F and G proteins after infection, while adult immunity weakens over time. The study suggests that future vaccines should include G proteins to boost anti-G responses.
A study by Brown University researchers found that one brain hemisphere remains more awake than the other during deep sleep on the first night in a new place. This 'first-night effect' is thought to be an evolutionary adaptation to protect against potential danger.
A comprehensive report by the University of Melbourne-led study assesses health and wellbeing data from over 154 million Indigenous people globally. Key findings include poor health outcomes, limited economic status, and inadequate access to healthcare services across nations.
A new study by Binghamton University provides a unifying model for genetic disorders, revealing how subtle mutations of the LMNA gene disrupt cell commitment processes. This leads to confusion among cells, causing different organs to malfunction, resulting in various conditions like heart problems and premature aging.
Researchers explore contraceptive options for astronauts who want to prevent menstrual bleeding during space missions. Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) appear to have advantages for spaceflight, but more research is needed on the impact of hormone treatments on bone mineral loss.
Researchers discovered that resolvin D1 promotes cartilage repair and reduces joint damage in mouse models of inflammatory arthritis. Administration of resolvin D1 dramatically reduced disease symptoms and promoted remission.
Young adult childhood cancer survivors have overall health-related quality of life similar to that of middle-aged adults. The presence or absence of chronic health conditions plays a crucial role in determining their sense of well-being, with those without conditions reporting higher scores.
Researchers have discovered that PPP3CA and calcineurin are potential therapeutic targets for treating multiple myeloma. The study found that inhibition of calcineurin with FK506 promoted MM cell death, suggesting a promising new approach for treating this disease.
A new study from Drexel University found that consumers are more influenced by brand and age when sorting American whiskeys than the type of whiskey itself. The study revealed that participants grouped together products by brand rather than mashbill, with bourbon and rye whiskeys being indistinguishable in terms of flavor.
A new study found that different strains of bed bugs have varying levels of resistance to insecticides, with some having oxidases and others esterases. The researchers used a synergist called EN16/5-1 to determine which enzyme type was responsible for the resistance.
A recent study identifies a genetic locus, HMGA2, linked to beak size adaptation in Darwin's finches. The research supports the concept of ecological character displacement, where species diverge in traits when competing for resources.