A new study from Wake Forest University found that testosterone influences the evolution of a waving display in male Bornean rock frogs. The research revealed that testosterone increases foot-flagging behavior and changes how hormones act on leg muscles, similar to the change seen in vocal croaks.
A study by IRB Barcelona reveals the genetic code stopped evolving at 20 amino acids due to limitations in tRNA molecules. The researchers explain that new amino acids can't be introduced without causing problems with protein synthesis and translation.
Researchers developed SpiroCall, a system that can accurately measure lung function using a standard phone call, regardless of smartphone availability. The tool's results were within 6.2% of clinical spirometer readings, making it suitable for monitoring chronic lung diseases at home.
A team of engineers and marine biologists at the University of California, San Diego, developed a claw-like device based on the sea urchin's mouthpiece to sample sediments on other planets. The device uses five curved teeth with triangle-shaped tips that can scrape, cut, chew, and bore holes into tough rocks.
A study found that freeze-thawing and intravenous infusion affect mesenchymal stromal cell gene expression, which may impact their therapeutic use in reducing inflammatory responses. The lung microenvironment also influences MSC gene expression, highlighting the need for careful characterization.
A team of astronomers has discovered three planets with sizes similar to Earth's orbiting the ultracool dwarf star TRAPPIST-1, which may possess habitable regions. The planets' orbits are extremely close to their host star, receiving four times and twice less radiation than Earth.
Dr. Murtaza and Dr. Antoni Ribas are awarded $200,000 to investigate whether microbiome analysis can predict patient response to immunotherapy in melanoma patients. Their study aims to analyze the relationship between microbial composition and immunotherapy outcomes.
Researchers found that young adults taught to weigh themselves daily and make small changes in diet and exercise had significantly reduced average weight gain over three years. The large change strategy led to even more effective weight loss results.
Severe spring thunderstorms spawned over 67 tornadoes across the US, with intense rainfall totals reported in states including Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska. Heavy flooding caused six fatalities in Palestine, Texas, while six inches of rain were recorded in southern Mississippi.
A new article provides a comprehensive guide to managing billbugs in turfgrass, including regional information and alternative control methods. The study highlights the potential of using resistant turfgrass varieties and encouraging natural predators to manage billbug populations.
A UCLA study found a significant decline in funding for the US government's HIV/AIDS initiative, PEPFAR, from $448.6 million in 2013 to $302.8 million in 2014. This drop is concerning as many countries rely on PEPFAR for vital health care services.
A new study suggests that cognitive-behavioral therapy can help prevent long-term memory issues caused by chemotherapy. The therapy, called Memory and Attention Adaptation Training (MAAT), was developed to increase awareness of situations where memory problems arise and develop skills to compensate for memory dysfunction.
The Jayich Lab developed a quantum sensor that captures nanoscale images with high spatial resolution and sensitivity. This technology operates from room temperature, allowing for the study of various phases of matter and phase transitions.
Five teams of cancer researchers received a total of $1 million to advance 'innovation in collaboration' through new research projects. The awards will support novel collaborations between senior and junior researchers, exploring questions arising from existing SU2C-supported Teams.
The BrightFocus Foundation has awarded nearly $5 million in vision research grants to five scientists studying macular degeneration and glaucoma. The grants, named after prominent leaders in the field, will support innovative research projects aimed at understanding and preventing these diseases.
A long-term follow-up study found significant improvement in health-related quality of life after bariatric surgery for patients with BPD-DS. The study evaluated 27 patients who underwent the procedure and compared their outcomes to pre-surgery scores and those from the general population.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that all-female mole salamanders can regenerate tail tissue at 1.5 times the rate of their heterosexual counterparts, with a 10-week timeline compared to 14 weeks for males. This faster regeneration may be attributed to genetic differences and reproductive strategies.
Scientists observed anomalous sinking phenomena in apparently fixed powder beds due to local fluidization. The final sunken depth varied with sphere density and air strength. This discovery could lead to the development of dry-type gravity separation technology for separating three objects with different densities.
A randomized clinical trial found no significant effect of pasteurized donor milk on preventing serious infections, necrotizing enterocolitis, and all-cause mortality in premature neonates. The study suggests that providing raw mother's milk to premature infants is crucial for reducing the risk of these conditions.
Single parents living in urban low-income neighborhoods with high levels of community violence experience significant symptoms of stress and depression, affecting their children's emotional health. Research emphasizes the need for further study and programmatic interventions supporting the overall health of housing unstable families.
Developed by University of Cambridge researchers, the nanoscale engine harnesses light energy to generate elastic forces, making it suitable for water navigation and disease-fighting applications. With immense force capabilities and bio-compatibility, these 'ANTs' could revolutionize nano-machinery and microfluidics industries.
A recent study tracked developing cells in an adult mouse brain, finding that the brain prunes back excess dendrite branches to achieve optimal design. This pruning process may hold implications for understanding neurological disorders such as autism, intellectual disabilities, and schizophrenia.
A new study published in Nature Climate Change reveals that groundwater extraction contributes about three times less to sea level rise than previously estimated, with an accurate figure of around 80%. This revised estimate suggests that other processes may be contributing more water to sea level rise, widening the gap between modeled ...
A new study reveals that newborns are likely being over-treated for reflux disease, with clinical symptoms only rarely confirmed by the gold-standard reflux test. The study suggests that doctors should use the MII-pH test to confirm diagnoses before treating infants with medications or surgery.
Seven of the top 10 most profitable US hospitals in 2013 were nonprofit hospitals, earning over $163 million each. The study suggests that monopolies in their communities allow these hospitals to charge high rates to private insurers, leading to substantial profits. In contrast, rural and urban hospitals with smaller patient volumes te...
Scientists at UC Berkeley have identified a key epigenetic switch that increases lifespan in mammals, offering hope for new treatments to improve human metabolic function. The discovery was made in the nematode worm C. elegans and found to be linked to increased lifespan in mice.
Researchers at SUNY Downstate Health Science University have identified a brain receptor that triggers synaptic pruning in the hippocampus during adolescence. This process is crucial for normal learning but goes awry in diseases such as autism and schizophrenia.
European companies missed market opportunities by prioritizing own data services over open internet, a study suggests. The industry's decline is attributed to risk aversion, lack of investment in new technologies, and monopolistic traditions.
A vast reef system spanning 10,000 km2 has been discovered at the Amazon River mouth, contradicting long-held assumptions about reef development. The ecosystem thrives under a plume layer due to chemosynthesizing microorganisms, supporting complex biodiversity in low light conditions.
A new study links climate warming to increased algal growth in the Athabasca oilsands region of northern Alberta. Researchers found a stronger link between warmer air temperatures and algal production, rather than industrial nutrient fertilization.
Researchers at UC San Diego found that DNA segments become jammed within viruses when sticky, causing the DNA to behave like LEGO pieces. Adding polyamines can cause viral DNA to become jammed and halt packaging.
Three exoplanets, similar to Earth and Venus, orbit an ultracool dwarf star just 40 light years from Earth. The planets may have regions with temperatures suitable for liquid water and life.
A University of Missouri study found that children physically react to stress from their social networks, with cortisol levels and salivary alpha-amylase indicating stress responses. The quality and size of childhood social relationships may have long-term physiological consequences for youth's physical and mental health.
A Penn-coordinated study confirms that half of patients with age-related macular degeneration retain 20/40 vision or better after five years of treatment with Avastin or Lucentis. The study also found signs of modestly worsening disease, but overall, the therapy has shown significant benefits in slowing vision loss.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) endorses cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) as the primary treatment for adults with chronic insomnia. CBT-I combines cognitive therapy around sleep with various behavioral therapies.
A study by April Cascasan and Thomas Marler reveals that cycad biologists have limited access to crucial information due to inadequate keyword use in historical publications. The authors suggest incorporating keywords like 'cycad' into article titles or index lists to improve discoverability.
A new analysis suggests invoking a little-known 'patent use' law to permit generic versions of patented drugs for government-sponsored insurance programs. This action could allow more patients to access effective drugs like those for hepatitis C at lower costs.
The California sudden oak death epidemic cannot be stopped, but its impact can be reduced by starting control measures earlier. Mathematical modeling shows that targeting the 'wave-front' of the disease and 'front-loading' the budget are more effective methods of control.
A study by Lund University finds that demographic changes, such as population growth and urbanization, pose a greater threat to natural fires than climate change, increasing the risk of fires in certain regions. The research suggests that areas with no human population are more prone to uncontrolled fires due to lack of urban planning.
A new study by University of Miami researchers found that ocean acidification is dissolving limestone on coral reefs in the upper Florida Keys at an alarming rate. The annual loss of reef poses a significant threat to the ecosystem's health and the estimated $7.6 billion asset value of these reefs.
A study by Sebastian Salas-Vega and Elias Mossialos found a wide variation in the value of cancer drugs across 9 countries, with the US spending more than others but witnessing one of the smallest improvements in cancer-related mortality. The authors calculated a $32.6 billion net positive return from cancer drug care in the US in 2014.
A study published in the American Journal of Cardiology found that nearly half of coronary artery bypass patients are not taking statins and aspirin together, increasing risk of vein graft occlusion. This suggests a lack of coordination between healthcare providers and patients in adhering to long-term prevention measures.
Researchers found swollen posterior cervical or axillary lymph nodes, fatigue, and enlarged spleen to be effective predictors of mono. Persistent symptoms lasting three to four weeks also characterize the illness, according to Dr. Mark Ebell.
A research-based fitness program called Children and Teachers (CATs) on the Move, developed by Betsy Hoza, is having a positive impact on preschoolers. The program uses developmentally appropriate games to promote physical activity and improve executive functioning, motor, and communication skills.
Researchers found that smaller, more interconnected social networks are associated with early signs of cognitive decline. Participants with mild cognitive impairment or dementia had a higher proportion of relatives in their networks and less socialization with friends and neighbors.
Researchers at the University of Toronto will investigate how environmental factors contribute to chronic conditions, with a focus on autoimmune disease, colorectal cancer, and respiratory diseases. The funding will help identify better ways to prevent and treat these diseases affecting millions of Canadians.
Researchers at NC State University developed a system that uses sensors in custom dog harnesses to monitor the dog's posture and body language. The algorithm triggered rewards when the dog exhibited the desired behavior, resulting in a 96% accurate rate.
Researchers found a 72% increase in opioid-related hospitalizations between 2002 and 2012, with serious infections rising 91% and health care costs nearly quadrupling to $15 billion. The study highlights the significant impact of opioid abuse on the US hospital system and health care costs.
An international team of astronomers has discovered three Earth-sized planets orbiting a nearby ultracool dwarf star, TRAPPIST-1. The planets are located within the star's habitable zone and may have conditions suitable for life.
Marina E. Emborg and Eng H. Lo received the 2016 Bernard Sanberg Memorial Award for Brain Repair for their outstanding contributions to neurodegenerative disorders and stroke research. Their work focuses on developing safe neuroprotective strategies using stem cells and advanced imaging techniques.
Dennis Reuter and his team are selected as finalists for the Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medal for their contributions to the New Horizons mission to Pluto. The LEISA instrument provided groundbreaking data on Pluto's surface composition, expanding scientists' understanding of the outer solar system.
Researchers have created an 'adaptive protein crystal' that exhibits a unique property called 'auxetic', where stretching or compressing the material causes it to thicken or shrink in the opposite direction. This material has potential applications in shock-absorbing materials and body armor.
For the first time, researchers have filmed 'living' nuclear pore complexes in action using an ultra-fast atomic force microscope. The study reveals the dynamic behavior of molecular 'tentacles' inside the pore, which regulate the transport of molecules into and out of the cell nucleus.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that young adults who made small dietary changes and engaged in regular physical activity successfully prevented weight gain. The 'small-change' group lost an average of 1.2 pounds over two to three years, while the 'large-change' group lost nearly 5.2 pounds.
A large study of 2,437 patients with stage II testicular seminoma found that radiation therapy was associated with better outcomes compared to chemotherapy, particularly in stage IIa disease. The study's findings support the recommendation for radiotherapy as the preferred treatment option for early-stage II testicular cancer.
Researchers have found that Hsp90 inhibitors specifically target and inactivate a mechanism used by prostate cancer cells to evade standard treatment. The findings suggest that these drugs could be effective in treating prostate cancers that have become resistant to treatment and started spreading.
Researchers found a small but significant association between high doses of radiotherapy to the heart and increased risk of non-cancer death in early stage NSCLC patients. The study suggests that heart-sparing radiotherapy techniques may be beneficial, but further research is needed.
A study in Mexico reveals that noncommunicable diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and hypertension, are a growing threat to maternal survival. The reclassification of 1214 deaths identified 13% more maternal deaths than previously thought, with indirect causes accounting for 12.2 deaths per 100,000 live births.