Scientists studying ancient mammal relatives known as therapsids found that they had shorter life expectancies and bred at younger ages to survive the drastic climate change. This adaptation allowed them to thrive in the aftermath of the Permo-Triassic Mass Extinction, which pushed billions of tons of carbon into the atmosphere.
Researchers developed a novel 3D imaging technique that provides accurate detection of advanced fibrosis in liver disease. The technology outperforms current methods, offering improved accuracy and reduced invasiveness.
A study published in Health Affairs found that one-sided comments on online news articles can shape readers' opinions on health topics. The researchers discovered that participants who viewed balanced comments or no comments expressed a neutral opinion, while those exposed to polarized comments held extreme views.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin developed a new system to predict floods in real-time using advanced computing resources. With the National Flood Interoperability Experiment (NFIE), they can forecast floods continually, improving the accuracy and speed of flood warnings for communities nationwide.
A new RAND Corporation report calls for trimming the US national security decision-making system to improve effectiveness and efficiency. The study recommends downsizing the National Security Council staff, improving intelligence integration, and assigning senior officials across agencies to ensure coherence in decision-making.
A study of 71 young men and women aged 16-18 found that despite discussing an equal give-and-take ethic, they often described performing oral sex on women as more distasteful and receiving as easier. This suggests a need for explicit focus on gender dynamics in sex education programming.
A recent study found that maternal smoking during pregnancy causes epigenetic changes in enhancer regions of the genome, affecting gene regulation and increasing the risk of diseases such as lung disease. The researchers also discovered that these changes can persist for several years after birth.
Male fiddler crabs use deception to their favour by blurring the line between original and regrown claws. They adapt their combat strategies based on claw strength, opting for smaller opponents with weakened regrown claws to avoid injury.
Researchers discovered a new fish virus, Tilapia Lake Virus (TiLV), causing mass die-offs in Ecuador and Israel, affecting wild and farmed tilapia populations. The team identified the virus's genetic sequence and showed it replicates in fish cells, providing a foundation for developing a vaccine.
Researchers discovered that breast cancer cells require fatty acids from the extracellular environment to proliferate. LIPG enzyme is crucial for tumor growth, and its inhibition may lead to more efficient chemotherapy treatments.
New research on Asilisaurus fossils reveals that early dinosaurs grew at a faster rate than previously thought and didn't follow the expected pattern of size being a predictor of maturity. The study found that muscle scars on fossil bones were more related to growth patterns than sex differences.
Human placental trophoblasts resistant to Zika virus proliferation and release an antiviral molecule called type III interferon to stop viral replication. Mouse models show high virus levels in brain, spinal cord, and testes after inoculation through skin.
A team of Russian scientists has measured the temperature dependences of two energetic gaps in iron-based superconductors, a breakthrough that could help solve questions about their appearance. The discovery confirms the existence of two-gap superconductivity, which was previously doubted, and highlights the complexity of this phenomenon.
A recent study by Rutgers University researchers found that approximately 12% of apartments had bed bug infestations, with higher rates in African American homes. Women were more likely to report symptoms and express concern upon learning of infestations.
Financial incentives have been shown to be highly effective in aiding smoking cessation among pregnant and post-partum women, especially those economically disadvantaged. According to Stephen T. Higgins, Ph.D., financial incentives in the form of vouchers for retail goods are a cost-effective alternative.
Researchers found abnormalities in white matter tracts of patients with insomnia, affecting sleep regulation and cognitive function. The thalamus, which regulates consciousness and sleep, was particularly affected.
The study suggests that population approaches requiring less individual agency, such as reducing salt in processed food, may be more effective and equitable in addressing diet-related obesity. These interventions can benefit a larger population without relying on individuals' personal and psychological resources.
A study of 2,221 patients found that most experienced improvements in pain and walking ability after bariatric surgery, particularly in those with significant weight loss. Patients with pre-existing medical conditions or depressive symptoms were less likely to see improvements in pain and mobility.
A biomechanics team at Trinity College Dublin discovered how insects construct internal bandages to mend damaged limbs, restoring approximately two-thirds of their original strength. This innovative repair mechanism allows insects to function almost normally after a cut, promoting survival in the wild.
Darrian Mills, a freshman physics and computer science student at Louisiana Tech University, has been awarded a Minority Research Scholars fellowship with NASA. He will work with Dr. Chester Wilson and Dr. William Clower to develop an inexpensive nanostructured material for radar imagery in space.
Researchers are testing blood samples from patients with myasthenia gravis to determine the presence of two new antibodies, agrin and LRP4. The study aims to characterize their clinical symptoms and develop treatment strategies for double-negative patients.
A study of 2,221 adults with severe obesity who underwent bariatric surgery found that approximately 50-70% experienced clinically significant improvements in pain and physical function over 3 years. Younger age, male sex, and weight loss were associated with greater improvements.
Researchers found that plant gases released in response to climate changes can form clouds that reflect incoming solar radiation, cooling the ground and mitigating temperature rises. This effect is more sensitive than CO2 release through plant respiration, with a 20-fold increase in sensitivity to temperature rise.
Competition fuels innovation in interventional radiology, leading to improved patient care and outcomes. Scott Trerotola's research and publications have advanced the field, developing new techniques and device patents.
Researchers found that meltwater streams on Greenland's ice sheet erode channels at a rate of up to 10 centimeters daily, similar to river erosion patterns. This discovery provides a new tool for studying melt rates and glacial response to climate change.
Scientists successfully shifted the frequency of a single photon, opening up new possibilities for wavelength division multiplexing in optical quantum communication. The breakthrough uses a room-temperature diamond quantum memory to manipulate light at extremely short pulse lengths.
Only 15% of children met the daily recommendation for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, and girls were even less likely to meet the guideline. Overweight and obese children were also less active overall and achieved fewer minutes of MVPA during school, out-of-school, and on weekends.
Researchers suggest targeting over-exploitation of resources like forests and fisheries by partitioning ecosystems into specialized harvesting niches. This approach could lead to higher sustainable quotas and productive industrial systems.
Researchers found that electron diffusivity plays a crucial role in harnessing thermoelectric power from waste heat. The study sheds light on the fundamental physical process behind this phenomenon.
Researchers create thin films of a copper-oxide compound to study its electronic behavior at near absolute zero. They find that decreasing doping levels or increasing magnetic fields suppresses superconductivity, while Hall resistivity measurements reveal quantum fluctuations and electronic memory.
The Hastings Center Report explores bioethics' racial dimensions, including medical racism and conscientious care. The article discusses approaches to mitigate the effects of laws that raise moral conflicts, such as abortion regulations in North Carolina. Two 'Other Voices' essays also examine the role of conscience in healthcare.
A novel virus, Tilapia Lake Virus (TiLV), has been identified as the cause of massive tilapia die-offs in Israel and Ecuador, with significant implications for the global aquaculture industry. The discovery provides critical genomic and protein sequences necessary for disease detection, containment, and vaccine development.
Research links cannabis use during pregnancy to increased risk of low birthweight and need for intensive care. Infants exposed to cannabis in the womb are 77% more likely to be underweight at birth.
Researchers found that ancient mammal relatives, therapsids, had shorter life expectancies and bred at younger ages after a mass extinction event. This adaptation allowed them to survive and thrive in the new environment, with simulations showing a 40% increase in survival chances.
Researchers at Stanford University discovered that touching a robot's intimate areas triggers physiological arousal in humans. The experiment used Aldebaran Robotics' NAO human-shaped robot and measured skin conductance and reaction time.
Researchers found that part of the liver vasculature is derived from the endocardium in the developing heart, with endocardial VEGF/VEGFR2 signaling playing a crucial role in liver angiogenesis and organogenesis. The discovery provides new insights into liver development and regeneration.
A new study in patients with methylmalonic acidemia found lower than expected levels of antibodies against adeno-associated viral vectors, suggesting encouraging implications for gene delivery as a treatment. The absence of AAV antibodies in most patients who lack the deficient enzyme has promising results for gene therapy.
A new approach detects shifts in genetic diversity when crops hybridize with wild plants, highlighting the risk of losing rare alleles and altering evolutionary trajectories. This method could improve conservation efforts by identifying areas where crop gene escape is most prevalent.
The Autism Science Foundation has awarded $2.3 million in grants to support innovative autism research and training programs. The funding will go towards pre- and post-doctoral fellowships, undergraduate summer research grants, and other initiatives aimed at improving our understanding of autism and developing effective treatments.
Researchers at NREL and SLAC pinpoint the chemical and physical changes that occur during the firing step in silicon solar cell manufacturing. They found that between 500-650 degrees Celsius, lead oxide etches the antireflective coating on the solar cell, while above 650 degrees, silver dissolves into the molten glass frit.
Workloads in general practice have increased by 16% over the past 7 years, with more frequent and longer consultations. The authors warn that the increases are unsustainable and that general practice in England is approaching a saturation point.
Broadbills make loud sounds with their wings to mark territory and attract females. Researchers found that it's not the outermost wing feathers but those just inside them that produce the klaxon-like sound.
A study of over 2,000 US veterans found nearly 14% reported suicidal thinking at one or both survey phases, challenging past findings that suggest it's a longer-term problem. Social connectedness was linked to remission, while addressing psychiatric and physical health issues may be more critical for those with chronic suicidal thinking.
Research resolves debate on gene interactions and adaptation by showing that the long-term response can be predicted in two scenarios: when genetic drift or selection dominate. Epistasis affects long-term response only if it changes sign during adaptation, regardless of initial trait variance components.
A new University of Colorado Boulder study suggests that ancient Martian bombardments created regions with hydrothermal systems similar to those in Yellowstone National Park. These systems may have made early Mars habitable for a time.
Researchers at Penn State University have developed a unique blend of ferroelectric polymers that can hold absorbed heat even after the external field has been switched off. This allows the material to generate cooling when the field is turned on, but no subsequent heating when the field is turned off.
Researchers used a new device to measure how plants take in and transport water, finding that substrates containing wood have no impact on root water uptake. The study provides insight into plant performance and adaptability to environmental conditions.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge found that diagnostic tests are crucial for forecasting major epidemics. The study shows that precise estimates of infected individuals cannot be inferred from data based on symptomatic cases alone, highlighting the need for reliable diagnostic tests to detect presymptomatic infections.
Asthma diagnosis has swung too far in the opposite direction, with inhalers prescribed for unnecessary reasons due to side effects such as growth suppression and increased risk of respiratory infections. Key findings highlight the need for accurate diagnosis using breathing tests and objective documentation.
Researchers found that resveratrol changes the gut microbiome, reducing levels of trimethylamine-N-oxide and inhibiting TMA production, which contribute to atherosclerosis. The study suggests that resveratrol could be used as a natural treatment for cardiovascular disease.
Administering resuscitation drugs through an IV line can significantly improve survival rates for patients experiencing witnessed cardiac arrests. The study found that these drugs are only effective when given directly into a vein, rather than the commonly used intraosseous method.
A new study finds that cold-water species are more resilient to climate change than previously thought, with many populations expected to persist this century. Mountain landscapes play a crucial role in preserving biodiversity, giving conservationists time to complete extensive surveys and develop effective conservation strategies.
A rare study of attitudes to death and dying amongst the very old reveals that this group is willing to discuss their end-of-life care, but rarely does so. The research found that most older people feel ready to die and would prefer a peaceful, pain-free passing.
Researchers at Kansas State University have developed a method to capture X-ray images of nanoparticles in femtosecond sequences, providing insights into their interactions with intense laser light. The technique has applications in understanding aerosol formation, climate models, and the development of optoelectronics.
Researchers developed a record-breaking steel alloy that can withstand impact without deforming permanently, with an elastic limit of 11.76 giga-Pascals. The material's unique structure allows it to be both hard and non-brittle, making it suitable for various applications.
A study found that the prevalence of treated diabetes increased from 5.2% to 7.7% in the US, while estimated spending for insulin per patient rose from $231 to $736 between 2002 and 2013. Insulin prices skyrocketed, with average prices increasing by 197% over the same period.
Regular exercise can counteract health problems associated with sitting all day, according to a new study published in BMC Public Health. The research found that people who are physically active have a more desirable health profile compared to those who are inactive and spend high amounts of time sitting.
A new Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions showed potential in assessing studies with higher risk of bias. Exclusion of high-risk studies altered estimates of clinically pertinent outcomes in two systematic reviews, highlighting the need for further testing of the new instrument.
A Kansas State University study finds a naturally occurring mutation in the myxoma virus weakens it and allows rabbits to resist infection. The researchers hope this discovery will aid in understanding pathogen evolution and predicting which viruses pose threats to humans.
Researchers are identifying who may benefit from cognitive training and new methods to result in long-lasting, positive effects on cognition. Cognitive neuroscientists are using tools like tDCS to boost working memory, with enhancements lasting over months.