A new study by J. Andrew Gillis at the MBL Whitman Center found striking similarities between the genetic mechanism used to pattern gill arch appendages and human limbs.
Researchers found that marathon runners had higher stiffness indices than sedentary individuals, indicating improved bone quality. The study suggests that endurance running training can modify the mechanical properties of bones, potentially preventing age-related decline in bone mineral density.
A study of 196 wild female baboons found that those with multiple early misfortunes experienced reduced life expectancy and had fewer surviving offspring. The research suggests that social support may play a role in overcoming adversity.
A study found that cities have distinct microbial communities, with offices in the same city showing minimal variation. Human skin was a significant source of microbes in office environments, accounting for 25-30% of the microbiome.
Researchers found that exhaled e-cigarette particles are liquid droplets that evaporate rapidly, unlike smoking conventional cigarettes. The study suggests vaping indoors is unlikely to pose an air quality issue.
A team of chemists has developed a unique combination of PBDB-T and ITIC that converts sunlight into electricity with an efficiency of 11%, surpassing most solar cells with fullerenes. The discovery paves the way for low-cost and reliable solar energy, with good thermal stability and potential for commercialization.
A phase 1 trial evaluated two candidate Ebola vaccines, Ad26.ZEBOV and MVA-BN-Filo, in healthy volunteers. The study found that immunization with Ad26.ZEBOV generated an initial immune response and sustained elevation of specific immunity, suggesting partial protection against Ebola.
A study in mice reveals how antiviral immune response alters brain activity, impairing neuronal firing in the hippocampus and causing depressive-like behavior. The CXCL10/CXCR3 signaling pathway acts as a bridge between rising interferon levels and changes in neuronal activity, explaining mood changes.
Researchers found that a small dose of E. coli wall can significantly reduce the desire for sweets in mice, possibly by triggering higher levels of leptin hormone. This effect persists for seven days and may have implications for obesity prevention.
A study by Stanford-Dartmouth researchers explores how novel optical configurations can enhance user experience and performance in virtual reality. They found that adaptive focus cues using a prototype system improved user preferences and accuracy.
A recent study by Duke-NUS Medical School scientists has revealed the Zika virus structure and identified potential sites to target with therapeutics. The findings suggest that destabilizing the virus's structure may help reduce disease severity or limit transmission.
The study found that a lack of adequate mentors and role models for women is a significant deterrent to pursuing a career in medical research. Additionally, women who were exposed to medical research during their training were more likely to pursue a research career.
Researchers found that older adults with vascular health conditions, depression, difficulty performing daily activities, and multiple chronic diseases were at higher risk of traumatic brain injury. In contrast, sedentary lifestyles or self-reported alcohol problems did not increase the risk of TBI.
A clinical trial of the experimental Ebola drug TKM-130803 has shown that it does not improve survival in adults with severe Ebola infection. Despite this, the study suggests that the drug may have a benefit for patients with less severe disease.
Researchers used a DNA tool to pinpoint the origin of Yiddish, suggesting it was invented by Iranian and Ashkenazic Jews as they traded on the Silk Road. The language is thought to have acquired new words from other cultures while retaining its Slavic grammar.
Researchers create new method to quantify the change in thermal energy storage during phase transition from photon gas to Bose-Einstein condensate, enabling precise measurement of natural constants and potential applications in high-precision thermometry.
A team of scientists at OIST Graduate University found an unexpected spiral vortex phenomenon when liquid flows through the intersection of two channels. The researchers discovered that spirals appear as flow rates increase and disappear with decreased rates, exhibiting hysteresis in devices with large aspect ratios.
Phytoplankton can spread globally in under a decade, while pollution can become a problem within years. The study's model, using Dijkstra's algorithm, confirmed travel times for real-world objects like plastic debris and radioactive particles.
A novel approach to preventing childhood obesity replaces individual well-child care with group visits emphasizing nutrition-focused interventions. This model was associated with a 90% reduced obesity rate at 2 years of age in children who participated.
A team of climate researchers reconstructs global cooling in the reign of Emperor Justinian, linked to two major volcanic eruptions in 536 and 540 CE. The study finds that these eruptions caused a significant cooling effect on Northern Hemisphere climate, leading to crop failures and famines in Europe.
Researchers at McMaster University have successfully coaxed tellurazole oxides into assembling themselves into cyclic structures, a major advance in supramolecular chemistry. The discovery creates potential for useful new materials in areas such as communication technologies, gas storage, and catalysis.
A team of scientists from the UK and Bangladesh is making genetic data for the wheat blast pathogen publicly available in an effort to address the growing threat. The researchers hope that by sharing their findings, they can develop effective measures to manage the disease and ensure food security.
The article examines the association between for-profit nursing home ownership and care quality, concluding that the precautionary principle should be applied. Observational studies show that publicly funded care in for-profit facilities is inferior to public or non-profit facilities.
Research at University of Cambridge reveals that management-imposed flexible hours lead to work-life balance issues, childcare struggles, and health concerns among low-paid supermarket workers. The study highlights the need for better labor protections and more equitable working conditions.
Scientists at NJIT's Big Bear Solar Observatory captured unprecedented images of a recent solar flare, including bright flare ribbons and coronal rain. These observations provide new insights into the complex dynamics of the Sun's atmosphere and the massive eruptions on its surface.
Scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have created a mouse model to study Zika virus, allowing researchers to test vaccines and antivirals while understanding the virus's effects on human brains. The model, lacking key immune system defenses, shows the virus causes severe pathology in brain tissue.
Research by Michigan State University's Saleem Alhabash suggests that adding a religious message to an anti-alcohol warning does not discourage viewers from drinking. Gain-framed messages, which focus on benefits, are more effective than loss-framed messages in this context.
Steven Cavallo, OU meteorology professor, receives $170,000 Young Investigator award for his commitment to studying vortex dynamics. The prize supports his research on polar meteorology and contributes to the development of new scientific stories in atmospheric science.
Research analysis found a 29% increased risk of heart or angina attack and a 32% heightened risk of stroke associated with loneliness and social isolation. The effect size was comparable to that of other recognized psychosocial risk factors, highlighting the importance of addressing loneliness for public health.
A new study by researchers at the University of Oxford and the University of Toronto has found that upgrading roads and joining them to the city grid can dramatically increase land and property prices, leading to improved financial security for poor households. This infrastructure project in the Mexican city of Acayucan resulted in a 7...
A new study has found a direct link between pancreatic cancer and certain mouth bacteria, specifically Porphyromonas gingivalis and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. Men and women with these bacteria in their oral microbiome were at least 50% and 59% more likely to develop pancreatic cancer, respectively.
Researchers at VIB-UGent demonstrate that adult circulating monocytes can differentiate into macrophages with identical tissue-specific functions and self-maintenance capacities as those from embryonic origin. This discovery paves the way for monocyte-based cellular therapy in diseases associated with macrophage dysfunction, such as pu...
Researchers warn that even mild chronic cold stress is skewing results in studies of cancer, inflammation, and other fields. The National Research Council recommends a temperature range of 20-26 degrees C for mouse housing.
A researcher from Michigan State University is using a fellowship to study the role of sound in modern South Asian poetry, exploring rhyme, stress and patterns of repetition. The project aims to develop best practices for encoding linguistic data and preserve cultural forms in the region.
A new mouse model developed by researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine enables the study of Zika virus infection and its effects on the brain. The model, which lacks key immune system components, allows for the testing of vaccines and antivirals against the virus.
Lauren Sciences will use the grant to customize LAUR-301 with neurotrophic factor and deliver it to disease sites in central nervous system ALS mice. The company aims for LAUR-301 to enter human clinical trials and become a transformative V-Smart TM Nanomedicine for treating ALS.
New technology allows for detailed analysis of prostate shape changes after treatment, potentially providing prognostic information and early biomarkers. The study, published in PLOS ONE, involves eight patients and plans to expand to 40 more, tracking long-term outcomes.
A study found polar bears are swimming more due to reduced summer sea ice, with adult females covering distances of up to 249 miles in search of food. Climate change is linked to the increased swimming behavior, which may have serious implications for polar bear populations.
A data sharing pilot project will report and reflect on data policy challenges in development research. The project, which involves 8 case studies, aims to develop a model open research data policy and implementation guidelines for funders.
Researchers examined Nike and Adidas' strategies to improve environmental impacts and working conditions from 1995 to 2012. Both companies ultimately adopted sustainability as a core business strategy, but took different approaches to get there.
A study published in Human Reproduction found that women with BRCA1 gene mutations have lower levels of anti-Müllerian hormone, indicating reduced ovarian reserves. This may impact fertility and suggest a need for earlier pregnancy planning.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine developed a new class of small molecule drug SI-2 that accelerates the destruction of cancer signaling molecule SRC-3, leading to slower cell proliferation and migration. The study suggests SI-2 has potential for improving cancer treatment with low toxicity to normal cells and animals.
A new machine learning algorithm can identify human facial expressions based on neural activity, with a 60% success rate. The area of the brain responsible for this task is the posterior superior temporal sulcus (pSTS), which activates when looking at images of different facial expressions.
A phase III trial found that patients taking nivolumab were more than twice as likely to be alive after one year compared to those treated with chemotherapy. Median survival for nivolumab was 7.5 months, significantly longer than 5.1 months for chemotherapy.
A new study identifies several risk factors for pre-eclampsia, including having had pre-eclampsia in a previous pregnancy or chronic hypertension prior to the current pregnancy. The researchers developed a tool using routinely collected clinical information to distinguish women who are unlikely to benefit from aspirin therapy.
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center propose a new drug to treat life-threatening lung damage caused by infections, cancer treatments, and premature birth. The treatment targets FOXF1, a transcription factor that promotes recovery from acute lung injury.
The new study found that higher levels of antibody against neuraminidase protein were better predictors of protection against flu infection and its side effects. Participants with high levels of HA antibodies experienced lower incidence of mild-to-moderate influenza, but not necessarily less severe symptoms.
Research found that TNF-alpha induces immune surveillance cells called M cells, which promote the body's ability to regulate and suppress inflammatory responses. This discovery could lead to more targeted drug therapies for treating IBD and other autoimmune diseases.
Researchers at Kyung Hee University propose a model to recycle lithium ion batteries into energy storage units for solar-powered LED lamps, reducing e-waste and providing job opportunities. The system can light up a room for about five hours each day, lasting approximately three years without maintenance.
A study published in Trends in Cognitive Sciences suggests that our visual perception may be limited to the 'big picture', capturing details but not specifics. This challenge to the notion of rich visual experience highlights the complexities of consciousness and perception.
Researchers have designed heterocycle-based luminogens with aggregation-induced emission characteristics, offering improved electron transport and tunable energy gaps. These materials exhibit superior performance in optoelectronic devices, chemo- and bio-sensors, and bioimaging applications.
Scientists have developed new methods to monitor endogenous oxidants, which are essential chemical messengers that help maintain organism function. The methods involve genetically encoded probes that can detect specific oxidants in real-time and down to single-cell levels.
A new study from Indiana University reveals that nearly half of all long-stay nursing home residents are sent to the Emergency Department over a year, despite their cognitive status. The study's findings highlight the need for strategies to avoid unnecessary transfers and deliver patient-centered care in long-term care facilities.
Research finds harsh parenting increases risk of poor physical health and obesity, while a warm coparent can partially mitigate this risk. However, the effect on body mass index is counterintuitive, as increased warmth from the other parent increases the health risk.
A systematic review found that parents generally provide the most accurate estimates of their children's body weight in emergency departments. Length-based methods, such as the Broselow Tape, were the next most accurate, but still had limitations.
Despite concerns, leading eye specialists find no evidence to suggest lasers pointed at airplane cockpits damage pilots' eyesight. However, the dazzle and distraction from such incidents could prove disastrous during critical moments like landing.
A multidisciplinary team led by USC Viterbi Professor Maryam Shanechi aims to develop brain-machine interfaces enhancing human decision making through multimodal data modeling and multi-sensory processing.
Ecohydrologist Lixin Wang investigates the impact of non-rainfall water sources on drylands, focusing on fog and dew. He aims to better understand ecosystem functions and interactions with limited knowledge of these sources in dryland environments.
A 20-month-old girl's tumor regression shows promising evidence of the potential for LOXO-101 to provide significant benefit for pediatric patients with NTRK gene fusions. The patient achieved a 90% reduction in tumor size after receiving an experimental treatment.
Scientists observed a current sheet during a December 2013 solar flare, confirming the role of magnetic reconnection in solar flares. The detailed measurements from three NASA missions provide unprecedented insight into the complex physics behind solar eruptions.
A new University of Washington study shows that bulkheads and seawalls along Puget Sound's shores have a cumulative impact on the ecosystem, shrinking beaches and reducing habitat for invertebrates and fish. The study provides crucial information for improving management approaches to shorelines.
A phase 2 clinical trial of pembrolizumab as a first-line systemic therapy for advanced Merkel cell carcinoma found that the treatment produced an objective response rate of 56% and sustained responses in 86% of patients. The study suggests that immunotherapy may be a promising approach for this aggressive type of skin cancer.
Researchers found that neural stem cell transplantation increased M2 microglial proteins, contributing to anti-inflammatory effects and reducing axonal injury. The study suggests a potential therapeutic strategy for treating traumatic brain injury.
Patients treated with stent retrievers within 2.5 hours of symptom onset had a 91% chance of functional independence, compared to 81% for those treated between 2.5-3.5 hours. Inter-facility transfer times can significantly delay treatment.
The pandemic E. coli strain H30 causes persistent and deadly infections, often undetected until severe complications arise. Researchers found that patients with underlying conditions and those in healthcare facilities are at higher risk for infection.
Researchers at Drexel University have discovered that the pre-Bötzinger complex in the brainstem generates the breathing rhythm through mixed-mode oscillations. This finding challenges previous theories and may impact how scientists research and clinicians treat respiratory disorders.
A new study by Kathleen Brewer-Smyth of the University of Delaware's College of Health Sciences found that female inmates with an incarcerated adult family member during childhood were more than twice as likely to have neurological abnormalities as adults. The implications are significant internationally, particularly in light of a Wor...
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that low body mass index increases risk of mortality after acute myocardial infarction, even after controlling for other health factors. The researchers analyzed data from 57,574 elderly patients and found underweight patients had a 13-26% higher risk of death compared to normal weight patients.
Researchers at MIT have successfully created simple electrical heating devices using coal, showcasing its potential for various high-tech uses. The team characterized the chemical, electrical, and optical properties of four different types of coal, revealing a range of conductivities that can be tailored to specific applications.
A Mayo-led study found that aspirin use is associated with a significantly reduced risk of developing bile duct cancer. The study showed that individuals who took aspirin had a more than two-and-a-half to three-and-a-half-fold lesser chance of developing the disease compared to those who did not take aspirin.
A multicomponent intervention to reduce sitting time has shown potential health benefits, including a 0.61 percentage point reduction in body fat percentage after just one month.
The EDGE project, funded by HORIZON 2020, trains 15 Ph.D. students from 5 European countries in virology and immunology to tackle herpes virus challenges.
A rare South African plant, Mrs Barber's Beauty, was rediscovered in the Great Winterberg mountains after 147 years. The plant is now recognized as Critically Endangered due to limited ecological conditions.
Aerosol jet printing uses a carrier gas and printer heads to deposit metal particles, promising to slash manufacturing time for circuit boards from a month to a day. The technique can print around bends, on spheres or flat surfaces, making it ideal for detector assemblies with many tiny components.
Indoor air pollution from smoke, building materials, and spores kills millions each year. The research aims to combat air quality issues with smart city technologies and real-time data monitoring. Dr. Prashant Kumar explains the need for better indoor pollution monitoring to protect human health.
Researchers found striking similarities between the genetic mechanism used in human limb development and that of skate embryos' gill arches. The study suggests that limbs may have evolved from sharks' gills via a critical gene called Sonic hedgehog, supporting a century-old theory.
This year's top winners include a study on benign disorders simulating thoracic malignancies and a thorough understanding of ankle nerves for nerve entrapment evaluation. B-flow imaging is also highlighted as a promising method to complement color Doppler ultrasound.
The adAPT trial is a clinical study evaluating the effectiveness of metformin in preventing type 1 diabetes. Researchers aim to identify children at high risk and examine the impact of administering metformin on beta cell stress.
An immunization regimen using two Ebola vaccine candidates was found to be safe and well-tolerated, inducing an immune response in healthy adult volunteers. The study's results suggest that the vaccines could provide durable protection against Ebola, which is essential for areas with intermittent outbreaks.
A survey of 185 professionals found only 11% felt their academic training provided necessary natural history exposure. Experts now advocate for citizen science to keep natural history relevant and empower public participation in environmental conservation.
A study found that math scores drop 5% in the first year of a budget cycle when tax-compression rules are triggered, disrupting planning and teacher assignments. School districts face uncertainty until state budgets are finalized, affecting resource allocations.
Researchers at WSU have developed a method to improve the performance of conductive plastic, which can be used in devices that interface with the human body. The material is biocompatible and can detect faint signals from neurons, enabling medical breakthroughs such as limb reanimation.
Researchers at Toyohashi University of Technology developed nano-magnetic pixels for wide-view 3D holographic displays. These displays can reconstruct realistic 3D images with a viewing angle over 30°, eliminating the need for special glasses.
Researchers analyzed astronaut quotes to understand the 'overview effect,' a sense of unity, vastness, and connectedness. They aim to induce similar feelings through virtual reality and create recommendations for maintaining astronaut well-being in extended space missions.
Breast milk plays a crucial role in shaping the infant's immune system and gut microbiome by favoring the colonization of specific bacterial groups. After one month, breast milk composition transitions to support infant growth with increased fat and nutrients.
A study published in JAMA found that pembrolizumab, an antibody against PD-1, was associated with a 33% objective response rate and 23-month median overall survival in patients with advanced melanoma. The treatment also showed improved progression-free survival rates of 35% at 12 months and 52% at 12 months
Researchers developed a paper-based biosensor to detect water toxicity, measuring color changes caused by bacteria metabolism. The technique is quick, simple, and inexpensive, suitable for use in developing countries or economically restricted areas.
A study published in Addiction found that almost half of all drinking occasions in the UK involve moderate, relaxed drinking at home. Meanwhile, groups of friends often move between home and pub drinking, consuming high amounts of alcohol. The research reveals a complex picture of British drinking culture, challenging common stereotypes.
The Australian Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology (AINST) has been officially opened, featuring a $150m Sydney Nanoscience Hub. The facility is expected to deliver real-world solutions in areas such as energy, health, and security.
A multi-institution team is using the Titan supercomputer to study actinide chemistry and design methods for separating radioactive compounds from their inert counterparts. The team aims to develop a broad understanding of actinide science to safely store spent nuclear fuel and remediate contamination.
A phase II clinical trial showed that watercress extract significantly inhibits the activation of tobacco-derived carcinogens in cigarette smokers, with a stronger effect in those lacking certain genes involved in processing carcinogens. The extract also detoxifies environmental carcinogens and toxicants found in cigarette smoke.
Ring-tailed lemurs combine wrist and chest secretions to create more complex scents, increasing the amount of information conveyed by a single dab. This mixture may also lock in fleeting aromas and boost their staying power.
A recent multi-centre study found that breast cancer patients undergoing treatment with trastuzumab-containing regimens are at significant risk of heart damage, regardless of age. The study suggests that younger patients should also be equally monitored for heart damage.
A team of researchers from Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) has developed a compact, miniaturized switching element that converts electric signals into clearly defined optical signals. The innovation uses integrated carbon nanotubes and nanostructured waveguides to generate narrow-band light in the desired color on the chip.
A leading scientist at Florida Atlantic University has received a $540,250 NIH grant to continue his research on collagen-based diseases. He aims to develop models to study the degradation of collagen in various conditions such as multiple sclerosis, cancer, and sepsis.
A multicenter cohort study found no differences in Apgar scores, cord pH, or postpartum bleeding between out-of-hours and in-hours deliveries. However, women who delivered out-of-hours had slightly lower rates of cesarean section and instrumental delivery.
Researchers analyzed data from 19 studies on hospitalized patients and found that antipsychotic medications did not reduce new cases of delirium. The study suggests that these medications may not affect the duration or severity of delirium, and more research is needed to understand their effectiveness in treating delirium.
Researchers develop a new mathematical framework to compare different treatment therapies, including aggressive and moderate approaches. The model considers the role of the host immune system in infection clearance, suggesting that optimized treatments can minimize drug resistance without compromising patient health.
Micro aerial vehicles are expected to have a significant impact on various industries, but also expose users to unprecedented vulnerabilities. Researchers aim to develop consistent state estimation algorithms to detect abnormalities in drone sensing and compensate for malicious attacks.
The University of Bristol's Communication Systems and Networks group is leading international research on 5G wireless networks, with a focus on capacity enhancement and data rates. The team will showcase their work at the NetWorld2020 Annual Event and General Assembly in Brussels and the Brooklyn 5G Summit.
Researchers developed a compound called KUSs that may help prevent nerve damage in glaucoma, allowing patients to maintain near-normal vision. Early tests in mice showed promising results, suggesting these compounds could slow down disease progression and potentially treat other neurodegenerative diseases.
Microsoft is partnering with the Australian Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology (AINST) at the University of Sydney to advance quantum computing research. Professor David Reilly's team will focus on scaling up electronic systems to build reliable quantum machines.
Martina Havenith from Ruhr-Universität Bochum receives funding for Time-Resolved THz-Calorimetry, a new method to study protein-solvent interactions in real-time. The project aims to investigate dynamic interplay between molecules and solvent.
In a clinical trial, half of 25 patients with Merkel cell carcinoma experienced substantial tumor shrinkage lasting nearly three times as long as conventional chemotherapy. Several patients had no remaining evidence of disease. The results suggest that immunotherapy drugs may be effective for other virus-associated cancers.
A 20-year study found a significant drop in dementia incidence among men in the UK, driven by reduced risk factors such as smoking and improved vascular health. The study suggests that targeted public health measures may help prevent future increases in dementia cases, contradicting global projections of a looming 'dementia tsunami'.
Tropical Cyclone Fantala reached Category Five intensity with maximum sustained winds of 150 knots (173 mph), making it one of the strongest storms in the South Indian Ocean. NASA satellites tracked the storm's intense rainfall and powerful thunderstorms, providing critical data on its size and wind patterns.
Geologists at MIT identified ancient tectonic collisions as the trigger for two ice ages, 80 million and 50 million years ago. The collisions exposed rock to the atmosphere, leading to chemical reactions that absorbed large amounts of carbon dioxide.
A 2-year study found that bupropion (Wellbutrin) is the only antidepressant to induce modest weight loss, while others lead to varying degrees of weight gain. Nonsmokers on bupropion lost an average of 2.4 pounds, compared to a 4.6-pound gain on fluoxetine.
Researchers found that male Barbary macaques' metabolic rate increases dramatically during mating season, allowing them to allocate more energy for reproduction and competition. The study suggests that this adaptation may be an echo of a vital physiological mechanism in humans.
A new study by the University of Washington found that states' varying politics and approaches to social problems drive foster care entry. States with more punitive criminal justice systems tend to remove children from their homes far more frequently than those with generous welfare programs.
A new review suggests that family communication, mealtime interactions, and emotional regulation can help reduce children's genetic risks for obesity. Shared family meals promote healthy eating habits and reduce the likelihood of weight problems.
A study analyzing 727 articles found that 45% of media coverage about celebrity diagnoses mentioned double mastectomy. Meanwhile, the number of women undergoing double mastectomy at a Michigan hospital nearly five-fold during this time. The