Research finds honeybees anticipate and react to rapid temperature increases sooner in larger groups of 10, suggesting decentralized information gathering improves response time. This study explores the role of group size on self-organization and biological environments.
A systematic review of seven randomized controlled trials found little evidence of an effect of probiotics on the gut microbiota of healthy adults. The study suggested that measuring the effect of probiotics in healthy individuals is more difficult due to the lack of a clear definition of a normal or healthy fecal microbial community.
Researchers sequenced DNA of oil-munching microbes to reveal the genetic potential in different bacterial species, including newly identified ones. The findings show that some bacteria can break down aromatic hydrocarbons, shedding light on their role in limiting damage from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon spill.
A team of chemists and physicists used atomic force microscopy to capture snapshots of molecules reacting on a catalyst's surface, revealing intermediate structures lasting for up to 20 minutes. This breakthrough expands the toolbox for designing new catalytic reactions and has implications for fields like materials science and medicine.
A study by the University of Liverpool has identified early life factors that significantly influence childhood obesity rates. The research found that mothers who smoked during pregnancy and those with lower educational attainment were more likely to have children who became overweight at age 11. Socioeconomic circumstances, maternal s...
Researchers found that dromedaries' genetic diversity is linked to their use as transportation animals. The animals' high genetic diversity was maintained due to regular gene flow from different populations.
Rice experts unveil a submicroscopic tunable, optical amplifier that generates infrared light and boosts the output of one light by capturing energy from a second light. The innovation is a single nanoparticle serving as an optical parametric amplifier, with potential applications in chemical sensing and molecular imaging.
Researchers used dentistry techniques to analyze fossil and modern teeth, finding similarities between ancient walruses and modern pinnipeds. The findings suggest that the ancient walrus was unlikely to feed on large prey, contradicting previous claims of a 'killer walrus' diet.
A recent Georgia State University study found that e-cigarettes are not living up to their promise as a satisfying alternative to regular cigarettes. Most former cigarette smokers who tried e-cigarettes continued to use them, but nearly 58% reported e-cigarettes were unsatisfying and stopped using them.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine found that 87% of patients misusing drugs and alcohol suffer from chronic pain. Many use substances to alleviate physical pain, highlighting the need for comprehensive treatment strategies.
Researchers found that neurons in a small brain area, the orbitofrontal cortex, assign values to options and re-map to make different decisions when circumstances change. This neural circuit is remarkably stable while allowing for flexibility in individual neurons.
A new technology is being used to treat sleep apnea in adolescent patients with Down syndrome, who often struggle with traditional CPAP machines. The first patient showed significant improvement in symptoms after implantation, paving the way for further research.
A study in the Western Antarctic sector found that fin and humpback whales do not share the same habitat or feeding grounds. The two whale species are instead connected to different krill species, with Euphausia superba being the primary source of food for both.
Researchers found that Denmark's exceptional treatment programs, with high patient adherence rates, have brought the country's HIV epidemic to near-elimination. The 'treatment as prevention' strategy has been shown to be effective in reducing new infections and can serve as a model for global elimination.
The USDA has allocated $2.4 million to alleviate veterinarian shortages through education, extension, and training programs. This funding supports the development of specialized skills among veterinarians and veterinary technicians to address shortages in rural areas.
The USDA and DOE are investing $10 million in green energy research through the Biomass Research and Development Initiative. This initiative aims to improve biofuels production and agricultural feedstock advancements, which will enhance U.S. energy security, reduce pollution, and support rural economies.
Research on neural network interactions and related brain activity patterns provides insights into thought processes that make people vulnerable to depression. The study identifies increased activity in one important brain network, called the default mode network, which may contribute to maladaptive rumination.
A recent study found that Ga-68 DOTATATE PET/CT scans are superior to In-111 pentetreotide scans in detecting neuroendocrine tumors, leading to improved treatment management and patient outcomes. The imaging method demonstrated no significant toxicity, lower radiation exposure, and increased accuracy.
Researchers from across Germany are working on a search engine for arguments to shed light on online discussions. The system will analyze argumentative structures, recognize pro and con arguments, and summarize them at a glance.
Researchers found that genetically modifying oncolytic viruses to express a junction opening (JO) protein significantly enhances their ability to penetrate and kill malignant epithelial cells. This breakthrough could improve cancer therapy for bulkier solid tumors.
Scientists have discovered novel driver mutations in lung cancer cells that may be responsive to targeted therapies and immunotherapy. The study identified 38 significantly mutated genes in lung adenocarcinoma and 20 in lung squamous cell carcinoma, with only 6 shared by both types.
Researchers found orange peel jessamine and mexican hummingbird bush to be the most salt-tolerant, while eastern red columbine was the most salt-sensitive. The study expands planting options for landscapes using reclaimed or recycled water.
A recent study reveals that our environment shapes our self-hood by influencing spatial cognition, which in turn affects how we identify ourselves. This integration of space and self highlights the importance of well-designed environments for promoting well-being.
Researchers found that the early Earth's atmosphere weighed at most half of today's, reversing a long-held idea about atmospheric pressure and climate patterns. The discovery also sheds light on the composition of ancient gases and their impact on early life.
Scientists encode chaos on a weak light signal using stochastic resonance in an optomechanical microresonator. The discovery could have implications for secure optical communications and high-performance sensing.
A new investigational malaria vaccine has been shown to protect healthy US adults for more than one year. The PfSPZ vaccine demonstrates sterile protection in individuals with no prior infection, paving the way for potential use against future malaria outbreaks.
A new study on lactose intolerance may provide insights into the origin of schizophrenia and other complex mental illnesses. Epigenetic factors that build up over time in individuals with genetic predisposition can lead to delayed onset of symptoms.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital found that dietary tryptophan can limit brain inflammation in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis. In human patients, decreased levels of these molecules were observed, hinting at a possible link between gut flora and neurodegeneration.
A new USGS study reveals that more than half of the streamflow in the Upper Colorado River Basin comes from groundwater, with an average of 56% originating from this source. This finding has significant implications for water management and highlights the need to consider both groundwater and surface water as a joint resource.
A team of astrophysicists has detected an intense wind in the neighborhood of a black hole, which is formed in the outer layers of the accretion disc. The wind has a high velocity of 3,000 km/s and plays a crucial role in regulating the accretion of material by the black hole.
The Ottawa Hospital has developed a mobile health app based on the internationally known Ottawa Rules, which help physicians determine whether a scan is needed for injured bones. The app aims to reduce unnecessary imaging and emergency room wait times, saving patients and hospitals money.
A Dartmouth College study finds that both prey type and quality affect mercury accumulation in fish, with bottom-dwelling prey accumulating less mercury due to higher calorie content. Fish feeding on plankton in open water accumulate more mercury, leading to lower growth rates and higher concentrations in their tissues.
Researchers have compiled the first global set of observations of the Earth's mantle movement, finding chaotic convection with length scales on the order of 1000km. This discovery challenges long-held geological predictions and has implications for understanding oceanic circulation, past climate change, and hydrocarbon generation.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have discovered a simple physics principle, cooperativity, that explains how we detect a wide variety of smells. The team created a computational model to predict olfactory receptor gene expression and found a three-pronged regulation mechanism.
Scientists at Helmholtz Munich discovered that fasting induces the production of a protein called GADD45β, which reduces fatty acid absorption in the liver and improves sugar metabolism. This finding holds promise for therapeutic intervention in metabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes.
Researchers tracked over 2,000 juvenile salmon on their 1,000-kilometer journey to the Pacific Ocean. The study found that survival rates increased significantly when salmon traveled in large groups, confirming the 'safety in numbers' strategy for avoiding predators.
Researchers found that BST-2 is an important target for viral replication in the brain and that preventing HIV inhibition of this factor may reduce neurocognitive disorders. Mutations in the viral envelope were shown to enhance antagonism of BST-2, leading to efficient viral replication in the CNS.
According to a research review, postpartum depression affects 14.5% of women during pregnancy or after delivery, with many cases going undiagnosed and untreated. Screening tools, such as the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, can be used in various settings to identify PPD, which requires close attention from psychiatrists.
Researchers found more than half of the genes studied showed sex-biased signatures in certain cancer types, revealing two sex-effect groups associated with distinct incidence and mortality profiles. These findings lay a critical foundation for precision cancer medicine that is sex-specific.
Researchers developed a technique to visualize lithium ion battery discharge mechanisms in nanosized iron-oxide material, revealing the intercalation and conversion reactions that occur during lithiation. The study provides insights into how to improve battery performance and increase their longevity.
Researchers have discovered a type of antibiotic-resistant bacteria that looks susceptible to colistin, but actually ignores treatment. The strain, called R/S, has a genetically identical subpopulation of resistant bacteria lurking within it, making diagnosis challenging.
A UNT research team has found a potential new pathway for creating lignin in plants, enabling the synthesis of high-value bioproducts. This breakthrough could significantly improve the economics of the bioenergy industry by increasing lignin production in plants that don't naturally possess it.
A study found that daily consumption of artificially sweetened beverages during pregnancy may increase infant body mass index (BMI) and the risk of being overweight in early childhood. The research, which analyzed data from over 3,000 mother-infant pairs, suggests a possible link between NNSs and obesity.
Researchers found less soot than expected, but discovered two types: a younger pool that absorbs into the environment every 100 years and an ancient reserve stable for millennia. Black carbon is a strong agent of climate change, absorbing sunlight and trapping heat on Earth.
A new UCLA study finds no evidence to link the anti-nausea drug Zofran to an increased risk of birth defects. Women with extreme morning sickness who took Zofran reported fewer miscarriages and higher live birth rates compared to those without the medication.
The discovery of diverse Oligocene primates from southern China sheds light on the evolution of primates during the Eocene-Oligocene transition. The Asian fauna is dominated by strepsirhines, contrasting with Afro-Arabian primate faunas that diversified anthropoids after the climate crisis.
A new study found that creating implementation intentions within goal-setting in Squires Quest! II increased veg consumption at dinner and fruit consumption at breakfast, lunch, and snacks among 4th-5th graders. The study suggests that serious video games can be a promising tool to improve fruit and vegetable intake in children.
A research team at the University of Tsukuba identified a crucial role for spleen marginal zone B lymphocytes in exacerbating endotoxin shock through cytokine production. MZ B cells produce large quantities of IL-6 and other inflammatory chemokines in response to LPS, highlighting their strong pro-inflammatory role.
A study from the Monell Center found that gut enzymes sucrase and maltase are also expressed in sweet taste cells on the tongue, breaking down complex sugars into glucose and fructose. This discovery may lead to the development of non-caloric sweeteners with a better sweet taste.
Researchers identified three subtypes of ACC with distinct clinical outcomes and molecular alterations. The study also found novel ACC driver genes and suggests that inhibiting whole genome doubling could slow tumor growth. These findings may inform therapeutic decisions and lead to significant advances in patient outcomes.
The Medical University of South Carolina's Hollings Cancer Center is awarded a grant to explore lipid signaling mechanisms in cancer cell proliferation, resistance to apoptosis, and metastasis. The project aims to develop new therapeutic strategies for solid tumors, including liver, prostate, and urinary cancers.
A new study found that children whose mothers used selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) during pregnancy had longer umbilical cords than other newborns. The lengthening of the umbilical cord may indicate increased fetal activity and movement in the uterus.
A new study suggests that sodium bicarbonate can reverse the effects of mucormycosis-promoting processes in DKA, a life-threatening condition. The researchers identified key host factors and fungal cell surface proteins that enhance infection and damage.
A UGA study found that Saharan dust increases iron levels in ocean surface water, leading to large blooms of Vibrio bacteria. These bacteria can cause serious illness in humans and other marine organisms, and their rapid growth rate short circuits the theory of phytoplankton as the first responders to nutrient plumes.
Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is a stronger predictor of risk for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) than single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). CMR has higher sensitivity and negative predictive value compared to SPECT, making it a robust alternative for diagnosing coronary heart disease.
A new study from Penn Medicine found that changing default prescription settings in electronic medical records (EMRs) increased generic prescribing rates from 75% to 98%. The study demonstrated the impact of well-designed default options on physician behavior, with significant cost savings for patients and health systems.
A study found that human-specific variants of four microRNAs may have altered expression levels and gene targets compared to other great apes. The variations were linked to neural functions and development, suggesting a possible role in shaping human-specific traits.
A University of Washington team developed a highly capable five-fingered robot hand that can perform dexterous manipulation and learn from its own experience. The hand uses machine learning algorithms to model physics and plan actions, allowing it to adapt to new tasks without human intervention.
Researchers found a strong link between pesticide exposure and the development of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease. Pesticide exposure was associated with increased risk in survey data and blood measurements, highlighting the need for further studies on environmental factors.
The Wilderness Medical Society has released comprehensive guidelines for preventing and treating drowning, with a focus on rescue, resuscitation, and clinical management. The new recommendations aim to reduce the 10 daily US fatalities and 3,800 annual drownings, emphasizing importance of water safety measures.