A recent study using precise potassium isotopic data confirms the Moon was formed from a violent impact that vaporized Earth's mantle and mixed it with the impactor. This challenges the giant impact hypothesis, which had trouble matching geochemical signatures between Earth and Moon.
Thirty-one new gene regions linked with blood pressure have been identified in a massive genetic study involving over 347,000 people. The discoveries include DNA changes in three genes that have larger effects on blood pressure than previously seen, providing new insights into hypertension and potential treatment targets.
A randomized trial involving 1,302 asthmatic patients found no evidence to support the effectiveness of orally administered probiotics in reducing respiratory tract infections and antibiotic use. In contrast, a review of psychological interventions for postnatal depression found that community-based therapies were effective treatment o...
Researchers developed a brain-sensing technology that allows monkeys to transcribe passages at a rate of up to 12 words per minute. This breakthrough could provide a means for individuals with movement disorders to communicate their thoughts and emotions, overcoming limitations of existing approaches such as eye-tracking or muscle cont...
A study analyzing Medicaid-insured hospital discharges found that freestanding children's hospitals incurred the highest median Medicaid losses from pediatric inpatient care, at about $9.7 million per hospital. Non-children's hospital teaching and nonteaching hospitals had significantly lower losses.
A new study documents abnormal brain development in offspring of a non-human primate infected with Zika virus during pregnancy. The findings provide a model for testing therapeutic interventions to prevent fetal brain injury caused by the virus.
A study published in BMC Public Health found that people's judgements of their own levels of intoxication and associated risks are related to the drunkenness of their peers, not objective alcohol consumption. Participants were more likely to underestimate their drinking when surrounded by others who were intoxicated.
A chromosome anomaly in mosquitoes linked to cattle feeding behavior may hold the key to reducing malaria transmission. Researchers identified a specific chromosomal rearrangement associated with cattle feeding in Anopheles arabiensis mosquitoes.
Experts suggest outsourcing key tasks from WHO to better-placed agencies to improve effectiveness and attract funding. This approach would utilize external expertise more appropriately, allowing the organization to maintain global leadership while increasing the contribution of other actors.
A historical analysis examines the sugar industry's role in coronary heart disease research and suggests the industry sponsored research to influence the scientific debate. The study highlights the importance of having reviews written by people without conflicts of interest and the need for financial disclosure.
Researchers have identified three objective criteria to quickly identify patients with zero chance of survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) who can be considered for organ donation. These criteria include lack of witness emergency medical services personnel, nonshockable initial cardiac rhythm, and failure to return spont...
Chemists have created a new technique to yield highly detailed, three-dimensional images of battery interiors. This approach uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to monitor the condition of batteries in real time, potentially leading to more efficient and safer power sources.
A new study strengthens the links between transposons and aging, showing that increased transposon activity correlates with decreased lifespan in fruit flies. The study also reveals that manipulating genes involved in heterochromatin repression can lengthen lifespan, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for age-related diseases.
A Duke University study found that three genetic causes of microcephaly in mice share a common mechanism, involving the regulation of p53 protein. The research may improve understanding of microcephaly, autism, and other neurodevelopmental disorders.
Researchers discovered that glioblastoma cells inhibit caspase-3 activity in microglia, leading to a tumor-stimulating phenotype. This inhibition causes microglia to stimulate tumor cells instead of attacking them.
Researchers at the University of Bonn and Johns Hopkins University have developed a new method to stop life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia using light stimuli. The technique shows promise as an alternative to painful electric defibrillation, with potential for implantable optical defibrillators in the future.
A study by researchers at UC San Francisco found that a particular pattern of microbes in newborns' guts triples their risk of developing asthma by age four. The abnormal gut microbiome produces molecules that reduce the abundance of key immune cells, leading to a hyperactive immune system and chronic inflammation.
Scientists studying Indiana cave stalagmites may uncover evidence of past earthquakes in the region, according to a new study. The research team found that two stalagmite pairs stopped growing around 100,000 years ago and resumed growth at around 6,000 years ago, overlapping with known magnitude 7.1-7.3 earthquakes.
A study analyzing the American College of Cardiology's PINNACLE registry reveals that nearly 2 out of 5 people with diabetes are not prescribed statin therapy to lower their risk of heart attack, stroke, and related death. The study found a wide variation in statin use across cardiology practices.
Scientists found that an insulin molecule produced by cone snails may improve upon fast-acting therapeutic insulin, potentially starting to work in as little as five minutes. The study suggests studying complex venom cocktails can lead to new drug discoveries.
A new Belgian study shows an increase in euthanasia cases since legalization, with notable rises among people with non-cancer diagnoses and those over 80. Thorough evaluation and monitoring are crucial in these complex situations.
Researchers at NIST measured the transfer of motion through a microelectromechanical system at nanometer and microradian scales. The study found that play in the joint between links was crucial for the motion's precision, making these systems more reliable. However, adding electrical noise or atmospheric humidity degraded performance.
A new study using hippo enamel isotopes reveals a shift from C4 to C3 plants in Uganda's Queen Elizabeth National Park, associated with the loss of elephants. The results provide insight into ecological crises and vegetation changes in African grasslands.
Researchers analyzed genomes from 1,167 bacterial species, finding that the number of copies of ribosomal RNA genes predicts growth rate and efficiency. The study provides insights into microbial strategies for rapid or efficient growth, with implications for predicting behavior in response to human activities.
Massachusetts Eye and Ear researchers have linked symptoms of difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments to evidence of cochlear synaptopathy in young adults. Regular use of hearing protection significantly improved test scores.
Researchers found strong associations between certain sounds and common objects/ideas across languages, including body parts and natural phenomena. The study's findings suggest that humans tend to use similar sounds to describe basic concepts, regardless of language.