The USDA has announced $4.5 million in funding for college and university faculty to develop innovative projects advancing agriculture and science education. These grants will focus on preparing the future agri-science workforce, particularly in sustainable textile design and STEM fields.
Research published in Nature found that brief restriction of amino acids can dampen intestinal inflammation in mice, mediated by the GCN2 molecule. Mice fed low protein diets or lacking GCN2 were protected from colitis-like symptoms.
Tropical Cyclone 16P formed in the southern Gulf of Carpentaria on March 16 with NASA's Aqua satellite capture. The storm is predicted to make landfall near the mouth of the Gilbert River in Queensland, Australia, due to expected heavy rainfall and flash flooding.
Researchers at UNC-Chapel Hill have adapted solar energy technology to selectively remove americium from nuclear waste pools, making storage safer and nontoxic. The breakthrough solution also opens the door to expand one of the most efficient energy sources on the planet.
Researchers have discovered a complex alarm signaling system in Western Flower Thrips, which varies depending on the level of danger faced. The study found that the composition of the alarm pheromone changes when a predator is present but not attacking versus when attacked.
A University of Colorado Boulder study shows that left-leg amputee sprinters are slowed by curves on indoor tracks, losing valuable time in competition. Researchers estimate a 0.2 second difference in outdoor 200-meter races, suggesting that allowing left-leg amputees to run in outside lanes could level the playing field.
Researchers found that different parts of an organ grow at varying rates when the body changes size. This discovery could help understand how organs work and interact with each other to maintain animal health.
A new database provides critical information on the distribution of banded sea kraits, seven species that feed almost exclusively on eels. The venomous snakes' powerful toxin holds potential for developing treatments for cancer, neurological disorders, and heart disease.
The five species of snub-nosed monkeys face extinction due to ecosystem fragmentation and deforestation, with governments working to protect them. Improving local living standards and public awareness on sustainable resource use are crucial for their long-term survival.
Researchers found that pyruvate increases brain energy reserves and improves cognitive function in mice, including enhanced exploratory behavior and spatial learning. The findings suggest potential therapeutic applications for Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.
A study by Drexel University researchers found that surface-going cave crickets show a higher degree of genetic isolation than their cave-dwelling cousins. The crickets' ability to disperse and breed with other populations was previously thought to lead to less genetic variation, but the study's findings suggest otherwise. This has imp...
A new study reveals a significant link between nightmares and suicidal behaviors, with nightmares acting as a stressor in individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study found that 62% of participants who experienced nightmares reported suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempts, compared to 20% without nightmares.
Researchers investigate non-invasive sealing as a means to postpone restorative intervention for occlusal dentin caries in young permanent teeth. The study found that sealings showed better survival rates, but over half of sealed lesions remained untreated after seven years.
Researchers developed compound inhibitors that target ribosomes in the translation phase of a virulent bacteria's genetic process. These compounds halt the bacterial rescue operation, making it difficult for the bacteria to grow and proliferate. The study's findings offer new hope against biowarfare agents and resistant pathogens.
Researchers estimate potential Zika virus risk in 50 US cities due to warm weather and travel patterns. Cities with favorable mosquito conditions, such as southern Florida and impoverished areas in Texas, may be particularly vulnerable to local transmission.
Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology have observed high coercive field and activation energy in ferroelectric polarization switching of orthorhombic GaFeO3 on cubic and hexagonal substrates. This finding explains the discrepancy between measured and predicted remanent polarization values.
A recent study published in Molecular Brain reveals that dementia risk is higher in women due to changes in proteins present in the brain. The research found that degenerative protein modifications were more pronounced in women than men, particularly in the myelin basic protein.
Florida Atlantic University has received a $3 million grant from the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust to develop an experimental research project for growing bonefish for stock enhancement. The project aims to restore the declining bonefish population in the Florida Keys.
Research predicts increased suitability for Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in southern and eastern US cities, leading to potential Zika outbreaks. Warm weather conditions facilitate mosquito populations, especially in April, June, July, August, and September.
The Hawai'i Undersea Research Laboratory (HURL) has successfully recovered a bronze bell from the I-400, a World War II-era Imperial Japanese Navy mega-submarine. The recovery was made possible through a collaboration between HURL and other organizations, including NOAA and the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum.
A high coronary artery calcium score may signal an increased risk of developing cancer, chronic kidney disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study found that individuals with high scores had a higher risk of cancer, with a 53% increased risk of developing the disease during follow-up.
Researchers have developed smaller, cheaper microbial fuel cells that can efficiently produce bioenergy from urine. The new design increases power output and reduces costs compared to traditional models.
Graphene, known as 'black gold', has high surface area and can effectively purify contaminated water due to its unique structure. Using light, researchers can extract the graphene and contaminants, enabling easier purification.
A recent study found that high standards in marriage improve satisfaction only in strong marriages, while eroding relationships in less strong marriages. Couples who work well together are better able to meet higher standards and show high satisfaction, whereas those who don't work well together do poorly on both fronts.
A new training program at the University of Missouri's Sinclair School of Nursing uses simulation to equip nurses with confidence in screening patients for intimate partner violence. The program shows significant positive impact on nursing students' perceived confidence and knowledge. It may also be effective in training healthcare pro...
Researchers developed a wearable device that tracks caloric intake by recording sounds made while eating. The AutoDietary necklace accurately identifies foods 85% of the time, holding promise for managing conditions like diabetes and obesity.
Scientists have created cellular backpacks that can be loaded with therapeutic compounds and unloaded, targeting specific disease locations. These backpacks use immune cells as carriers, minimizing the impact on healthy cells and potentially treating a range of diseases including cancer and Parkinson's.
A study by MIT neuroscientists suggests that early-stage Alzheimer's patients can form new memories but struggle to recall them. The researchers used optogenetics to stimulate the cells holding these memories and were able to retrieve them in mice with Alzheimer's symptoms.
Researchers at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem have successfully generated a new type of embryonic stem cell carrying a single copy of the human genome. These haploid stem cells are pluripotent and retain a single set of chromosomes, offering a powerful tool for genetic analysis and potential therapies for diseases.
A study found that patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) at highest stroke risk are often not prescribed the recommended oral anticoagulant therapy. The study included over 429,000 AF patients and found that only less than half of high-risk patients received an oral anticoagulant prescription.
The winter storms in 2013-14 were the most energetic in almost seven decades, with extreme wave conditions occurring up to five times more frequently. This trend has the potential to dramatically change beaches along the western side of Europe.
The global population has more than doubled since 1960, with over 20% of people aged 60+ in developed countries by 2030. Healthcare systems must adapt to cope with the impact of ageing populations, including reducing hospital beds and reallocating budgets.
The report analyzes county-level data on wages and employment for workers with STEM training in the oil and gas industry and advanced manufacturing. Key findings include higher median wages in utilities and engineering occupations.
Researchers have identified promising biomarkers to monitor immunosuppressive drug therapy in organ transplant recipients, with the potential for individualized treatment to reduce rejection and minimize side effects. A panel of experts recommends a preliminary set of tests for use in biomarker-based immunosuppressive drug management.
Researchers at Boyce Thompson Institute developed a tissue culture procedure to propagate the rare and threatened woodland agrimony, multiplying its numbers by 1013. The study aimed to understand why this species is in decline, with results suggesting grazing deer as an important factor.
A multi-center trial will test the effectiveness of Harvoni in treating hepatitis C virus (HCV) in liver transplant patients. The $3.8M grant, funded by Gilead Sciences, aims to evaluate the drug's cure rate and compare it to existing treatments.
Researchers at Washington State University are investigating new drugs to treat neurological disorders related to autophagic dysfunction. The goal is to selectively activate autophagy, recruiting 'housekeepers' to the brain and potentially regenerating the system.
A randomized clinical trial found that treatment with inhaled xenon gas combined with hypothermia resulted in less white matter damage compared to hypothermia alone. The study suggests potential benefits for comatose survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, but further evaluation is needed.
A study of 6,885 adults found that tooth loss and untreated caries are associated with limited food intake, affecting quality of life. Researchers used NHANES data to examine the relationship between dentate status and number of teeth with untreated decay on reported limited food intake.
Researchers used optogenetics to re-grow lost spines and restore memories in AD mice by stimulating engram cells. This method suggests that impaired retrieval of memories underlies early Alzheimer's disease symptoms and highlights the importance of targeted manipulation of neurons for future therapies.
Researchers from CNIO have discovered a link between psoriasis and bone loss, finding that the disease causes widespread and progressive bone tissue loss. Treating psoriasis patients with IL-17 blockers could have benefits for bone health, and the study suggests potential implications for other autoimmune disorders.
A new smart vest developed at RMIT University uses sensors to measure body temperature and heart rate, sending data wirelessly to a smartphone app. This innovation aims to prevent heat-related accidents on construction sites, where workers are at higher risk of death or injury than in many other occupations.
A Cochrane Review found that interventions aimed to reduce sitting at work, including sit-stand desks, have uncertain benefits in reducing time spent sitting. Despite this, studies suggest that using sit-stand desks can lead to reduced sitting time and improved overall well-being.
A University of Minnesota study found that plants can acclimate to warmer temperatures, releasing significantly less additional carbon dioxide than previously believed. The 'B4Warmed' project simulated the effects of climate change on 10 tree species, revealing a 5% increase in leaf respiration compared to ambient temperatures.
A study by psychologists Henry Wilmer and Jason Chein found that people who constantly check their phones exhibit poor impulse control and a tendency to devalue delayed rewards. This suggests that frequent smartphone use is associated with impatience and impulsivity.
Researchers have developed Expansion Mini-Microscopy (ExMM), a technique that combines physical expansion with optical magnification to achieve high-resolution images at low costs. This innovation enables the creation of mini-microscopes from webcam and off-the-shelf components, offering a cost-effective solution for imaging biological...
A new study found that adults who commute to work via cycling, walking, or public transport have lower body fat percentage and BMI measures in mid-life. The strongest associations were seen for adults who commuted via bicycle, followed by those who used a combination of modes.
A major study has shown that intervening in primary care health practices can significantly reduce rates of high-risk prescribing of drugs. The study found a 37% reduction in high-risk prescribing and associated reductions in emergency hospital admissions for related complications.
Researchers found nearly half of AF patients at the highest stroke risk were not prescribed oral anticoagulants, highlighting a significant treatment gap. The study emphasizes the need to address barriers to anticoagulant prescription and optimize risks versus benefits for these high-risk patients.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have successfully generated a new type of human embryonic stem cell carrying a single copy of the human genome. These 'haploid' stem cells show potential as a powerful tool for genetic analysis in biomedical fields such as cancer research and precision medicine.
Researchers found that managers and subordinates adjust their behavior to match stereotypes, leading to misunderstandings. The study showed that people play down their competence to appear warmer and hide their warmth to appear more competent.
A new hearing aid adjustment program, HEAR, has shown promising results in increasing overall use among patients who need them. By systematically gradual adjustments, the program helps reduce frustration and social isolation caused by inadequate hearing aid use.
Researchers at ORNL have developed a new method that provides unprecedented detail on energy flow in nanometer scale, enabling the improvement of solar cells' performance. The technique uses femtosecond transient absorption microscopy to extract images with single-pixel precision.
Researchers discovered a microRNA called miR-181b that controls the function of vessels in adipose tissue, improving insulin sensitivity and glucose levels. The study found that reconstituting this microRNA in obese mice reduced inflammation in adipose tissue, suggesting potential new targets for obesity and diabetes treatment.
A study on Bengalese finches found that dopamine levels in a specific region of the brain are crucial for correcting vocal errors. The research suggests that dopamine plays a vital role in sensory-motor learning, which underlies skills such as speaking and singing.
Australian scientists have developed a new method for harvesting stem cells that eliminates the need for growth factor injections, reducing side effects for donors. The new method combines two molecules to mobilize stem cells into the bloodstream within an hour of administration.
The New Caledonian crow's beak is shorter and blunter than regular crow bills, allowing it to hold tools in its binocular vision. This specialization led to the evolution of tool use in the crow's biology.
A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found that mindfulness meditation does not employ the body's opioids to reduce pain, but instead uses a different pathway to provide significant pain relief. The researchers used a thermal probe to induce pain and observed a 24% reduction in pain ratings among meditation participants.
A new study published in The Lancet estimates that the risk of microcephaly is approximately 1 in 100 women infected with Zika virus during the first trimester of pregnancy. This finding supports the association between Zika virus and microcephaly, which has been a public health concern since the outbreak in French Polynesia.
A new study from the University of Colorado Denver shows that adolescents who grow up and consistently live in poor neighborhoods are more likely to become or remain obese in adulthood than their peers. Moving into a poor neighborhood increases risk, while moving out decreases it, with young women at greatest risk.