A new species of extinct flesh-eating marsupial, Whollydooleya tomnpatrichorum, has been identified from a fossil discovery in New Riversleigh, Queensland. The hypercarnivore is thought to have weighed around 20-25 kilograms and lived during the Late Miocene period, around 5 million years ago.
A study by Rice University and MD Anderson Cancer Center found significant differences in adherence to recommended cancer treatment for elderly patients across 22 Texas hospital referral regions. Regional variations in treatment rates persist despite the presence of treatment specialists and teaching hospitals.
Researchers at TUM developed a new mortar resistant to water uptake by adding a biofilm produced by the bacterium Bacillus subtilis. The hybrid mortar exhibits a high contact angle, similar to Teflon, reducing the likelihood of liquid absorption.
Researchers discovered that introducing the embryonic gene Nanog into aged stem cells can reverse cellular processes associated with age-related disorders, such as weak bones and clogged arteries. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
A University of Washington study reveals that polar oceans export organic carbon to the deep sea more efficiently than other regions, storing it for centuries. This process, known as the biological pump, highlights the importance of the polar ocean in mitigating climate change.
A new study found delirium to be relatively frequent and underdiagnosed among advanced cancer patients visiting the emergency department, regardless of age. The study highlights the need for better assessment and monitoring of delirium in this population.
Researchers from the University of Iowa's Tippie College of Business developed an optimization model that analyzes years of Monday Night Football viewership. The study identifies factors such as defending Super Bowl champions, high-profile personnel changes, and teams with high-powered offenses as key predictors of high ratings.
Researchers have identified three new genes that increase the risk of motor neuron disease (MND), a debilitating condition with no effective treatments. The discovery provides new opportunities for targeted research and potentially improved outcomes for Australian patients, who are expected to benefit from increased genetic discoveries.
Scientists at the University of Sussex are developing new cancer drugs that target DNA damage response pathways to selectively kill cancer cells. These drugs aim to maximize DNA damage or prevent its repair, leading to cancer cell death while minimizing harm to healthy tissues.
A recent study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that people are more likely to inflate insurance claims if their original submissions are rejected. The researchers used a mock insurance claim scenario and found that rejection leads to increased feelings of unhappiness and dishonest behavior.
Honey bees can manipulate the shape of their abdomens by curling in one direction due to asymmetrical membranes connecting abdominal segments. This unique movement is made possible by a thin, flexible layer of cells called the folded intersegmental membrane (FIM), allowing each segment to slide into the next one.
Researchers identified an inner ear deficiency in children with Autism that affects speech recognition. The non-invasive test measures otoacoustic emissions to detect cochlear impairment, correlating it with ASD symptom severity.
A study published in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association found that osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) helps reduce acute pain in postpartum women, regardless of delivery method. OMT resulted in a 30% decrease in lower back pain, 17% in abdominal pain, and 10% in vaginal pain.
Researchers have developed a new molecule that targets the SMN2 gene responsible for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a neurodegenerative disease causing muscles to weaken. The compound effectively 'turns up the volume' on SMN2, allowing it to produce more of the correct SMN protein, which is essential for neuron function.
Researchers have identified the first case of Alzheimer's disease in an HIV-positive individual, challenging existing knowledge about dementia in people with HIV. The discovery highlights the need for timely diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease in this population.
A new study published in PLOS Computational Biology suggests that using a specific sub-type of human mesenchymal stem cells can reduce potential risks associated with this therapy. This finding could lead to improved treatment outcomes for heart failure patients, providing a safer alternative to existing therapies.
A new study pinpoints when melanoma cells metastasize to the brain months before they develop into fatal tumors. Researchers discovered that micro-tumor cells hijack astrogliosis to support metastatic growth, leading to potential early detection and intervention.
Researchers at UBC and PSI developed a microneedle system that measures drug levels in patients' bloodstream without drawing blood. The system uses a tiny needle to collect a small sample of fluid beneath the skin, allowing for quick and easy monitoring of vancomycin levels.
Scientists at Rice University found a phonon band gap in spider silk, enabling the material to block certain frequencies of sound waves. This discovery has implications for creating tunable, dynamic metamaterials with novel sound or thermal insulation properties.
Researchers at Yale University have created a Moebius strip-like structure by manipulating the shape of connected vibrating springs, demonstrating a new way to control waves. The experiment showcases an extension to the adiabatic theorem, which predicts a robust method for wave manipulation.
Researchers developed self-healing polyelectrolyte coatings that can repair themselves and neutralize chemicals, protecting users from toxic substances and hazardous environments. The coatings are thin, micron-sized and can increase material strength while being reusable and rewearable after laundering.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have determined the most likely configuration of rhodopsin in a living organism, finding it exists as a dimer, a two-molecule complex. This discovery may help develop future treatments for retinitis pigmentosa, a degenerative eye disease with no known cure.
Research reveals racial differences in stroke care procedures, with minority patients receiving more life-sustaining treatments like gastrostomy and tracheostomy. However, curative procedures such as IVT and carotid revascularization were less common among minority patients, highlighting disparities in stroke care.
Late preterm babies, born between 34 and 36 weeks, were developmentally on track with peers at age two. However, by preschool and kindergarten, they showed less than optimal math and reading scores compared to full-term infants.
A new study reveals an evolutionary universal brain structure that enables comparisons of cortical networks between species. This common architecture provides insights into brain disorders such as Alzheimer's and schizophrenia.
The Penn researchers have developed a placenta-on-a-chip that accurately models the transport of nutrients across the placental barrier. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize research on preterm birth by providing a unique capability to mimic and study the function of the human placenta.
A recent study identified a genetic variant associated with higher BMI levels and increased efficiency of fat storage among Samoans. This 'thrifty' variant, found on chromosome 5, is linked to the islands' high obesity rates and may have evolved as an adaptation to food scarcity in ancient times.
A transdisciplinary team at Virginia Tech is developing a new curriculum model that prepares engineering undergraduates with disciplinary depth and flexible learning experiences. The project aims to broaden the diversity of students entering the program and provide them with adaptive skills to address real-world problems.
A new study identifies a genetic cause of ALS in 3% of cases, with the NEK1 gene playing a crucial role in neuronal function. The discovery highlights the importance of big data in ALS research and offers new targets for therapy development.
The article introduces common definitions for 3D bioprinting-related terms, including 3D printing, bioadditive manufacturing, and biomimetic printing. The definitions aim to provide clarity in the rapidly expanding field of 3D bioprinting in medical applications.
Researchers found a link between poor physical performance tests and increased dementia risk in people aged 90 and older. The study suggests that testing walking and standing balance may help predict dementia risk among the 'oldest-old'.
A new battery concept, called nanolithia cathode battery, promises similar theoretical performance as lithium-air batteries while reducing heat waste and improving charging speed. The new design could overcome issues with volume changes and auxiliary components, enabling faster charging and longer lifetimes.
Astronomers have discovered a rare gravitational lensing system dubbed the Eye of Horus, which offers a unique opportunity to probe the fundamental physics of galaxies. The system, consisting of two distinct background galaxies behind a foreground galaxy, provides valuable insights into galaxy interactions and cosmology.
A new study found that flu vaccination in people with type 2 diabetes is associated with reduced rates of hospital admission for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. The vaccine was linked to a 19% reduction in heart attacks, 30% lower risk of stroke, and 22% decrease in heart failure hospitalizations.
Tropical Storm Darby brought heavy rainfall and strong winds to the Hawaiian Islands, with rainfall rates reaching up to 5.4 inches per hour. The Global Precipitation Measurement mission detected intense storms southeast of the Big Island, causing widespread flooding and prompting evacuation warnings.
Tropical Depression 05W formed on July 25, 2016, with cloud tops reaching -63.6F and sea surface temperatures of 87.8F, ideal conditions for intensification. It was moving west-northwest at 12 knots towards Hainan Island, China.
Researchers have identified BRCA1 mutations that predict treatment resistance in breast and ovarian cancers. Studies found that tumors with these mutations express a RING-deficient BRCA1 protein, leading to poor treatment responses.
According to research published in Injury Prevention, black Americans were more likely to be stopped and arrested than whites, yet no more likely to be injured or killed. The study found that excess death rates among blacks and youth reflect exposure to excessive police force.
Scientists have discovered the molecular structure of a key Zika virus protein, shedding light on its role in viral reproduction and immune system interaction. The study provides new insights into the NS1 protein's functions and potential targets for vaccine development.
A new study by Western University found that smaller carnivores like European badgers fear humans more than their traditional enemies, leading to altered ecosystem processes. This discovery highlights the impact of human activity on wildlife and conservation efforts.
A new adhesive patch has been developed by MIT researchers to deliver a triple-combination of drug, gene, and photo therapy directly to tumor sites. The patch destroys colorectal tumors and prevents recurrence after surgery.
A Harvard-led research team conducted the first large-scale genome-wide analysis of ancient human remains from the Near East, illuminating population dynamics and genetic identities of world's first farmers. The study reveals three genetically distinct farming populations living in the Near East at the dawn of agriculture.
A new study suggests that a long version of waxy ceramide, often found in skin creams and shampoos, plays a critical role in supporting brain cells called astrocytes. The researchers aim to understand how this lipid regulates cilia on brain cells and prevent neurodegeneration associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at ANU have found that changes in the protein enable the parasite to evade some drugs but make it vulnerable to others. This discovery could prolong the use of anti-malarial drugs, including chloroquine, and improve cure rates for people with malaria.
Researchers developed a new index to predict if extinct mammalian species lived exclusively in water, were occasionally on land, or were fully land-based. The index uses rib strength measurement to differentiate between habitats and was applied to four extinct species with partially or completely aquatic lifestyles.
The Human SRMAtlas provides highly specific mass spectrometry assays for targeted identification and reproducible quantification of any human protein. This resource enables the measurement of 99.7% of the annotated human proteins, revolutionizing systems-level understanding of physiology and disease.
Researchers at the University of Arizona are developing environmentally sustainable organic semiconductor materials to create longer-lasting OLED displays. The project aims to improve the stability and commercial viability of these materials, which have shown promise in various electronics and technologies.
A new food-print model suggests that the US can feed up to 800 million people from existing agricultural land with dietary changes. A vegetarian diet with dairy products has the highest carrying capacity, while vegan diets have the lowest.
A study published by the American Psychological Association found that systematic thinking is more effective than intuition in accurately inferring another's feelings. The research involved over 900 participants and three out of four studies relied on professionals and managers, highlighting the importance of empathic accuracy in workp...
A recent study by Indiana University found that fusion center violations of individuals' privacy rights are the exception rather than the rule. Fusion centers are taking steps to safeguard privacy, including following federal regulations and establishing checks and balances.
Researchers found evidence of Vibrio species thriving on microplastic particles, posing a potential risk to human health. The study suggests that climate change could contribute to the proliferation of these bacteria.
The study reveals that taming instability is a key factor in the centipede's success, allowing it to move quickly and over obstacles with ease. By harnessing instability, the creature produces an undulating movement that enhances its locomotion maneuverability.
Australian researchers have developed a novel gene therapy that targets muscle cells to prevent cachexia, a condition of weight loss and frailty associated with severe muscle wasting. The approach has shown promise in pre-clinical mouse models, suggesting potential benefits for treating frailty in other chronic illnesses.
A recent study found that adults with moderate or more severe pain are at a 41% higher risk of developing prescription opioid use disorders. The study, published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, analyzed data from over 34,000 adults and confirmed previous findings on age and sex as risk factors.
Case Western Reserve University researchers uncover key surface proteins in brain tumors that allow them to evade the immune system. The study found that blocking protein Cdk5 enables CD4+ T cells to remove tumor cells, suggesting a potential new therapy for brain cancer.
A recent study published in the journal Obesity found that severely obese women's brain activity differs from lean counterparts when it comes to responding to food cues. Despite reporting fullness, their brains continued to react similarly to hungry states, with sustained activation in reward centers.
A survey of 628 US physicians reveals that shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma are widely accepted diagnoses among medical professionals. The study found that 88% of respondents acknowledged the validity of shaken baby syndrome, while 93% affirmed abusive head trauma as a diagnosis.
Researchers created complex reconfigurable microrobots that can be manufactured with high throughput, mimicking the behavior of bacteria to deliver drugs or perform precise operations. The robots are soft, flexible, and motor-less, using electromagnetic fields and heat to control their movement.
A large-scale study finds Behavioral Activation (BA) to be as effective as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in treating depression, with a significant cost savings. BA encourages individuals to engage in meaningful activities driven by personal values, reducing depressive symptoms and improving outcomes.
Researchers discovered yeast living in the cortex of lichen species, suggesting a possible role in creating large structures and solving the mystery of why macrolichens are hard to grow in the lab. The study found a variety of yeast species associated with different lichen species from around the world.