Tropical Cyclone 20P formed in the Southern Pacific Ocean, with NASA's RapidScat instrument detecting tropical-storm-force winds on April 18. The storm is expected to affect American Samoa by the weekend, posing a threat of high surf and flash flooding.
Research by Georgia Institute of Technology's Harold Kim reveals DNA's movements defy intuition, with entropic forces prevailing over elastic ones. The study improves understanding of how DNA snaps free from proteins and may help predict the lifespans of DNA loops.
A study of nearly 700 ICU survivors found that two-thirds experienced depression, anxiety, or PTSD, with most experiencing multiple symptoms. The risk factors were not related to illness severity or length of stay, but rather age, gender, unemployment, and substance misuse.
The OU research team aims to improve understanding of microbial community diversity, structure, and function on greenhouse gas emissions from grasslands and croplands. The project will develop a multi-scale observation and modeling framework to estimate greenhouse gas emissions across landscape scales.
Researchers have discovered a novel host defense mechanism that protects cells from viral infection by sequestering virions near the nucleus. This discovery has implications for new drug discovery and therapeutic gene delivery, and may lead to improved strategies for rAAV-based gene therapy.
Researchers at NC State developed a model that expedites design of MIMO antennas, reducing calculation time from days to minutes. The model identifies efficient configurations for antenna designs, saving designers an enormous amount of time.
A seismic network in Nevada is being used to monitor wildfires and provide early intelligence on more than 25 fires during the last fire season. The technology has the potential to remake firefighting by allowing for tactical suppression and scaling resources appropriately, saving time and money.
A new study establishes a link between long-term cement dust exposure and decline in lung volumes. The research found that workers exposed to higher levels of dust experienced significant decreases in lung function over time.
Researchers propose a new model identifying an unanticipated property of newly formed, immature neurons in the dentate gyrus. These cells enhance pattern discrimination by having fewer synaptic connections and high intrinsic excitability.
A study of 601,892 veterans found that those who reported military sexual trauma (MST) were more than twice as likely to experience homelessness within five years. The association with homelessness was independent of other factors and remained significant even immediately after discharge.
Fossils of an extinct 'storyteller' crocodylian from Peru show evidence of parallel evolution of river-dwelling lifestyle and protruding, telescoped eyes in South American and Indian species. The study suggests that these features evolved separately to help catch fish in habitats.
Scientists at Scripps Research Institute have developed a new electrochemistry-based method for allylic oxidation reactions, which are used in pharmaceuticals, flavor, and fragrance industries. The new method uses inexpensive, safe chemicals and is scalable, producing better yields and reducing toxic waste.
A team of researchers has successfully built the first quantum cascade laser on silicon, paving the way for applications in chemical bond spectroscopy, gas sensing, astronomy, and free-space communications. The breakthrough integrates lasers directly on silicon chips, overcoming challenges posed by silicon's indirect bandgap.
An estimated 140,000 women die in conflict every year, with many more expected to die in pregnancy and childbirth due to inadequate protection and medical care. Doctors argue that a focus on women's health could provide an area of common interest between warring parties seeking political solutions.
Concordia University research reveals that higher prices and ethical marketing improve sales of private label brands. The study shows that consumers expect products with environmental attributes to come with a higher price tag.
Researchers identified gene alterations that may explain treatment resistance in TNBC, suggesting a potential role for JAK2 inhibitors. The study found that JAK2 amplification was more frequent in chemotherapy-treated tumors and associated with poorer outcomes.
A new technique combines economics and volcano science to identify past eruptions from tree-ring temperature reconstructions, potentially pinpointing previously unknown eruptions. The method may help separate volcanic impacts on climate from random variability, informing policy and scientific applications.
Researchers at the Institute of Nuclear Physics in Krakow used antimatter to study liquid crystals. The measurements revealed that positronium forms in nanopores with a diameter of approximately six angstroms, confirming a new model variant. This provides insight into the structure and dynamics of liquid crystals.
Researchers found that benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP) causes larger lipid droplet accumulation in cells, potentially leading to obesity. The study's results suggest a possible link between BBP exposure and adipogenesis, a process contributing to fat cell development.
The NASA Twins Study uses omics to compare identical twin astronauts Scott and Mark Kelly, shedding light on the effects of spaceflight on human health. By analyzing biomolecules, researchers hope to develop personalized countermeasures for astronauts, leading to longer and healthier lives.
Non-inflammatory destructive periodontal disease (NIDPD) is a severe destructive periodontal disease marked by generalized gingival recession and periodontal pocket development. The disease's etiology is linked to endogenous opportunistic bacteria, anatomical factors, occlusion pattern, emotional stress, and mouth breathing condition.
Researchers develop a broad-spectrum antiviral by targeting both viral surfaces and human cells, potentially avoiding drug resistance. The new approach, using a modified polymer, shows promise in lab testing and animal models without toxic effects.
Researchers found that six known predators, including beetles and lacewings, naturally controlled cochineal scale insects on prickly pear plants, regulating their growth. Autonomous biological pest control may be a viable alternative to chemical pesticides under specific ecological conditions.
A study from the University of Houston finds that mothers' perceptions of their children's weight status are closely tied to their own weight status and concerns. Mothers who perceive their child as healthy are more likely to underestimate their weight, highlighting the need for healthcare providers to broaden their health screenings.
A new study suggests that a single half-hour session with a trained therapist during an ER visit can motivate people to reduce their use of prescription opioid painkillers and lower their risk of overdose. The study found a significant reduction in risky behaviors among those who received the intervention, compared to those who did not.
A recent York University brain study found that a one-second delay in frontal cortex processing can lead to errors in high-accuracy tasks, such as tennis. The researchers recorded signals in the frontal cortex during memory delays and analyzed visual responses and motor activity.
A new UQ project aims to improve Great Barrier Reef management by developing maps and a monitoring program to identify areas most likely to benefit from conservation efforts. The research will focus on the reef's ecological integrity and address local and global stressors threatening its survival.
A new study published in Nutrients found that high-fat diets are associated with increased risk of daytime sleepiness and poor sleep quality in Australian men. The research, which analyzed data from over 1,800 men aged 35-80, also linked high fat intake to a higher incidence of sleep apnea.
Researchers found that an age-related decline in a brain circuit impairs mice's ability to adjust to environmental changes, causing interference between old and new learning. This decline leads to motivation problems and potentially cognitive decline and dementia.
Researchers found that tap water and table salt can effectively clean milking systems, removing over 90% of residue with just a warm water rinse. The use of electrolyzed oxidizing water reduces cleaning time by up to 55% and costs by 30-40%.
A new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends a multipronged evidence-based national strategy to reduce stigma toward people with mental and substance use disorders. The report highlights the need for coordinated efforts supported by government, long-term funding, and ongoing evaluation.
A multi-institutional team of over 190 researchers analyzed genomic data from nearly 300,000 people to identify genetic variants associated with subjective well-being, depressive symptoms, and neuroticism. The study found three genes linked to happiness, two genes linked to depression, and 11 genes linked to neuroticism.
A 13-million-year-old fossil discovery suggests that South American and Indian species evolved separately to acquire protruding, 'telescoped' eyes. This finding provides insight into the parallel evolution of long-snouted gavialoids in these regions.
A new study suggests that Americans' skepticism towards climate change may be partly due to the perception of milder winters and dryer summers. This cognitive dissonance between self-experienced changes and long-term threats makes it challenging for people to make climate-conscious decisions.
Scientists predict Indian monsoon's onset two weeks earlier and its withdrawal six weeks earlier than before. The new method uses network analysis of regional weather data to improve prediction accuracy, particularly for years affected by El Nino-Southern Oscillation.
Researchers developed a new n-type semiconducting polymer with superior electron mobility and oxidative stability, boosting charge transport in polymer semiconductors. The modified polymer formed a superstructure composed of polymer backbone crystals and side-chain crystals, resulting in high semicrystalline order.
Researchers have mapped the core set of genes that enable strep bacteria to acquire new genes for antibiotic resistance and escape the immune response. The study identifies 83 specific genes in 29 regions of the strep chromosome that are required for DNA uptake.
A clinical score called DiaRem can predict the likelihood of bariatric surgery curing type 2 diabetes in patients. The study found that patients with lower DiaRem scores were more likely to experience complete remission or prolonged partial remission after surgery.
A study published in Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice reveals that children with type 1 diabetes are at risk of low vitamin D levels, affecting bone health, glucose metabolism, and immune function. The research emphasizes the importance of vitamin D screening for all children with type 1 diabetes.
A lesser-known South African mountain endemic, Macowania revoluta, has been rediscovered and found to be an exceptionally important keystone species. Its ecological role in wetland functioning and soil protection is crucial for the ecosystem's balance.
A new study from Michigan State University found that local perceptions of illegal biodiversity exploitation and environmental insecurity can help predict buy-in for risk-management strategies. Understanding local attitudes and behaviors is crucial to addressing wildlife crime and its ramifications.
Researchers from Sanford Research successfully modeled Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome using induced pluripotent stem cells, highlighting the role of Wnt/β-catenin defects in cholesterol synthesis. The study provides new insights into the underlying cellular mechanisms of this rare developmental disorder.
Researchers at the University of Bergen have identified PET scanning as an effective tool for improved oil production and CO2 storage. The technology uses radioactive tracers to visualize the flow of liquid or gas in rock samples, increasing the efficiency of CO2 storage and oil production.
Scientists discovered that wapitis produce two mechanisms to create their eerie calls: a low-pitched roar matching their size and a high-pitched whistle using nasal cavities. This unusual adaptation allows wapitis to communicate accurately despite their large size.
Caltech researchers have mapped out a circuit of neurons that control motor impairment in patients with Parkinson's disease. The study used two laboratory techniques to identify the pathways of cholinergic neurons in the brainstem, revealing their role in both locomotion and reward-based behaviors.
The MDI Biological Laboratory has received a $20,000 grant from the Glenn Foundation For Medical Research to support a two-week research training course on aging biology. The course will use four animal models to study molecular pathways and explore evolutionarily conserved mechanisms of aging.
A new study funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases proposes that co-housing laboratory mice with mice from pet stores could produce
A study found that older adults who form strong bonds with their dogs tend to exercise longer and more often, leading to improved physical health. Additionally, dog walking offers a means to socialize with pet owners and others, making it an accessible way for seniors to stay active and connected.
A large analysis found that older adults who met strength-training guidelines had significantly lower mortality rates, even when controlling for demographic variables and health behaviors. The study suggests that strength training is beneficial beyond improving muscle strength and physical function.
NSF-funded researchers develop computational sustainability to tackle ecological and economic problems. A new field combines computer science with environmental sciences to address challenges such as wildlife management and poverty-reduction.
Researchers discover that tree legumes can significantly contribute nitrogen to silvopastoral systems, benefiting both livestock and the environment. The study found two types of legume trees with different decomposition rates and nutrient cycles, but both show promise as alternatives to industrial fertilizers.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes develop a new method to create three-dimensional human heart tissue from stem cells, addressing limitations of existing techniques. This breakthrough enables scientists to study heart cells in their proper context, enhancing the discovery of treatments for heart disease.
A systematic review of scientific literature found that taking low-dose aspirin alongside cancer treatment can reduce mortality and cancer spread by up to 20%. Researchers from Cardiff University suggest this may be due to a mutation in PIK3CA, which appears to explain the reduction in colon cancer mortality.
The discovery of seven fossil teeth in the Las Cascadas Formation reveals a long-lost monkey species on the North American continent before the Isthmus of Panama connected it to South America. The new species, Panamacebus transitus, was named after Panama and its movement across the ancient seaway.
A new study from North Carolina State University finds that players' behavior in narrative role-playing games (RPGs) consistently reflects specific character roles, regardless of whether the role is assigned or chosen. The researchers also found that players without explicit role information still tend to exhibit role-based behavior.
Experts say pre-participation screening should be abandoned due to the lack of evidence confirming it saves lives. The harms of overdiagnosis, overtreatment, and false positives far outweigh any potential benefits in preventing sudden cardiac arrest among young athletes.
Researchers at McGill University find that the combination of amyloid and tau proteins causes brain damage in cognitively intact individuals, offering new insights into Alzheimer's disease progression. The study's findings suggest that therapeutic strategies targeting both proteins may be effective in preventing or stabilizing AD.
Researchers found that defects in LC3-associated phagocytosis (LAP) may contribute to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the most common form of lupus. LAP ensures proper digestion and disposal of dead cells, which was found to be impaired in SLE-prone mice.
A study published in JAMA Cardiology found that well-managed warfarin therapy is associated with a low risk of complications in patients with atrial fibrillation. The annual incidence of all-cause mortality was 2.19%, and intracranial bleeding rates were 0.44%.
Researchers at MIPT create electronic synapses based on HfO2 memristors, exhibiting properties similar to biological synapses. The devices can model complex learning mechanisms, including LTP and LTD, and demonstrate spike-timing-dependent plasticity.