Researchers confirm zoonotic transmission of Plasmodium simium in 28 human cases in the Atlantic Forest region of southern Brazil, where malaria was previously thought to be eliminated. The study highlights the need for further investigation into the natural history and biology of the parasites in their non-human primate hosts.
Researchers discovered that a particular receptor in kidney cells plays a crucial role in obesity-induced kidney damage. Targeting this receptor or its associated signaling pathway may help protect the kidneys of individuals with obesity from structural and functional changes, thereby reducing the risk of chronic kidney disease.
Researchers discovered a bacterial protein, EroS, that induces mating behavior in single-celled organisms called choanoflagellates. Swarming among these unicellular organisms precedes sexual reproduction, and the protein's enzymatic function is responsible for this change.
A dramatic drop in Antarctic sea ice in 2016 was caused by a unique combination of factors, including a strong El Niño event and unusually weak winds around the South Pole. The area of sea ice decreased to its lowest level in 40 years, with ocean temperatures also being unusually warm.
Plant miRNAs in beebread/pollen delay honeybee caste differentiation and keep ovaries inactive, inducing sterile worker bees. This study reveals a new mechanism for RNA regulation in insect development.
Scientists have developed a new algorithm that can mirror a microgrid's inertia by adjusting the photovoltaic system's direct current. The solution aims to make microgrids work like large power grids with high inertia, improving stability and reliability.
The Center for Biorenewable Chemicals (CBiRC) at Iowa State University has introduced a new model for developing biorenewable technologies. By identifying 'bioprivileged molecules' with unique properties, researchers aim to create value from biomass and expand the bioproduct horizon beyond petrochemicals.
A new article suggests that bilingual children from low-income homes are at risk of falling behind their peers in developing language skills, leading to poorer academic performance. The research recommends community resources, parent training programs, and innovative technologies to foster language development in these children.
Typhoon Sanvu developed a massive eye, approximately 28 nautical miles wide, as observed by NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite. The storm strengthened to maximum sustained winds near 86 mph, forecast to reach 103 mph before weakening.
Researchers identified beta-2 adrenergic receptor agonists as compounds that can suppress alpha-synuclein gene expression, reducing the genetic risk factor for Parkinson's disease. The findings suggest that widely used beta-2AR agonists should be rigorously tested in PD patients.
Researchers found that mind wandering occurs in 70% of drivers during a simulation, causing distinctive brain activity. Drivers are often unaware of their mental drift, which can impair reaction time and increase road traffic crashes. The study suggests that autonomous transport systems may be an option to improve safety.
Researchers found that honeybees fed plant microRNA supplements developed more slowly and had smaller bodies than those not receiving the supplements. The study reveals a previously unknown function of plant microRNAs in fine-tuning larval development.
A new pathway to target Parkinson's disease has been identified, leveraging beta2-adrenergic agonists that lower alpha-synuclein production. Studies in mice and human health records suggest a 34% reduced PD risk for patients taking salbutamol.
A study found that symptoms from multiple illnesses, such as depression and fatigue, can affect an older adult's ability to function. Non-drug behavioral treatments may be effective in managing these symptoms and improving overall well-being.
A new study reveals that reef fish are less affected by ocean acidification than previously thought. The researchers used a laboratory setting to mimic natural daily changes in water chemistry, which provided fish with a recovery period and reduced their sensitivity to higher carbon dioxide levels.
Research supports e-cigarette use as a smoking cessation aid with consistent daily use increasing the odds of quit success by 10%, but those using e-cigarettes less frequently face lower quit rates.
Research finds that people tend to lean more economically conservative when they're angry, as anger enhances support for economic conservatism by making them more competitive. Additionally, studies show that being reminded of gratitude can lead to more economically liberal responses.
A new study suggests that the Palaeocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) was caused by volcanic carbon emissions, resulting in a rapid doubling of atmospheric CO2. The event, which lasted around 150 thousand years, saw global temperatures increase by at least 5oC.
A comparative analysis of trauma data from India and the US reveals that women in India are nearly 40 times more likely to die after being assaulted. The disparity is attributed to various factors, including delayed medical attention and unequal access to healthcare services.
A new assessment predicts fracture risk for patients in long-term care, identifying key factors such as age, mobility, and cognitive impairment. The tool has the potential to standardize fracture prevention efforts and save lives among nursing home residents.
Researchers at Lund University have developed an imaging method that shows changes in the brain associated with Alzheimer's disease at different stages of life. The method uses a PET camera and a trace substance to detect tau protein and can facilitate diagnosis and treatment for younger patients.
The University of Missouri is developing immunizations against bovine anaplasmosis using extracts from tick tissues. The goal is to create sustainable methods to prevent the spread of tick-transmitted diseases.
A new Stanford University study found that protecting unauthorized immigrant parents from deportation leads to dramatic improvements in their children's mental health. Research examined the intergenerational effects of DACA on 8,610 children born between 2003 and 2015.
A new study provides in-depth analysis of human mouth clicks used in echolocation, revealing brief and focused clicks with distinct acoustic patterns. The findings enable the creation of virtual human echolocators, allowing researchers to investigate object features without impractical measurements.
Tropical Storm Lidia is producing heavy rain and life-threatening flash floods in Mexico. Infrared data shows two areas of strong thunderstorms with extremely cold cloud tops, indicating potential for intense rainfall.
A recent experiment by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute found that native tree species outperformed teak in infertile tropical soils. The study showed that Amarillo (Terminalia amazonia) trees grew exceptionally well, accumulating biomass faster than teak and having excellent timber value.
Researchers found that changing routine boarding protocols could reduce the spread of disease on commercial airliners. A two-zone system where passengers board at random is suggested as a more efficient way to prevent infection.
A recent study found that 3.3% of all emergency department visits were avoidable, with the top causes being alcohol abuse, dental disorders, and depressive disorders. Increasing access to dental and mental health facilities could reduce these visits, providing treatment at a lower cost elsewhere.
A new clinical investigation is testing whether genetic screening can identify patients with a specific mutation who are the best candidates for deep brain stimulation surgery. The study aims to determine how this genetic information can inform surgical decisions and potentially improve outcomes for Parkinson's disease patients.
A new superbug strain, ST11 CR-HvKP, has been discovered in a Hong Kong hospital outbreak, characterized by hyper-resistance and hypervirulence. The strain can cause untreatable and fatal infections in relatively healthy individuals, highlighting the need for improved infection prevention and control policies.
A new method, NLLE, generates ensemble initial perturbations with similar forecast skill to ETKF scheme. It offers a time-saving alternative to ETKF scheme in high-dimensional models.
A comprehensive analysis reveals that changes in daytime versus nighttime leaf-to-air temperatures are crucial determinants of geographic gradients in leaf size. The study's findings have significant implications for predictive modeling and understanding ecosystem functioning, particularly in response to changing climate conditions.
A new technique developed by researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has improved the properties of plant-derived biodegradable plastic, allowing for large-scale industrial production. The approach involves rapidly heating bio-plastic fibers to high temperatures, resulting in enhanced resistance to heat and moisture.
A new study by the University of Warwick and the University of Basel found that children whose mothers suffer from insomnia symptoms fall asleep later, get less sleep, and spend less time in deep sleep. This may affect their mental wellbeing and development.
A study published in Springer's journal Race and Social Problems found that white students who engage in microaggressive acts are likely to endorse colorblind, symbolic, and modern racist attitudes. The research suggests that these small actions can be indicative of broader negative racial attitudes towards black students.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have identified a framework to help victims of domestic violence before, during, and after disaster events. The framework integrates domestic violence services into disaster-related assistance, promoting empowerment for women and children.
A study found that climate change may have contributed to the 7% surge in US road traffic collision deaths in 2015. Warmer temperatures led to an increase in miles driven, resulting in higher CO2 emissions and further temperature increases.
ASTRO has recognized 43 researchers and clinical teams for their top-rated research abstracts, showcasing innovative science in radiation oncology. The Resident Clinical/Basic Science Research Abstract Award and Annual Meeting Travel Award also support early-career scientists, with a total of $45,000 in honorariums awarded.
Researchers matched microscopic quartz grains to their desert source using cathodeluminescence spectral analysis. This method revealed the heterogeneity in grains, shedding light on the pathways and effects of long-distance airborne dust.
A team of biologists has found that glia, previously regarded as passive support cells, are crucial to nerve-cell development in the brain. The study reveals that fundamental questions about brain development can only be understood when accounting for glial contributions.
A new analysis argues that decades of research on apes' social intelligence is based on wishful thinking and flawed science. Scientists have assumed human babies are more socially capable than ape adults, leading to biased research designs.
Researchers from MIT's CSAIL have developed a new caching system that uses flash memory, reducing energy consumption by up to 90%. The system, dubbed BlueCache, achieves this through clever engineering tricks, including pipelining and the use of DRAM, while maintaining fast performance.
A study by Cleveland Clinic researchers found that beta blockers can help treat pulmonary arterial hypertension, a debilitating lung disease. The treatment improved heart rate and efficiency, reducing the risk of right-sided heart failure.
Researchers developed a silver micron-particle sintering joining technology that can bond various electrodes, including Cu and Au, at low temperatures. This technology achieves high reliability and low electrical resistivity, contributing to energy saving and reduction of CO2 gas.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are exploring a new architectural system based on acoustic diodes to create effective sound barriers that can cancel out unwanted noise. The technology has the potential to improve indoor comfort, reduce mental stress, and enhance workplace efficiency.
A recent study published in BMC Ecology found that grey mouse lemurs with high hair cortisol levels had a lower chance of survival. The researchers discovered that low cortisol levels were associated with a 13.9% higher chance of survival compared to those with high levels.
Scientists at Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association use a new spatial mapping algorithm to reassemble the fly embryo from thousands of single cells, revealing unique gene expression profiles. The virtual embryo shows exactly which genes are active where at this point in time.
The University of Arizona is conducting a Phase 2 trial to determine whether the peptide angiotensin 1-7 can mitigate or reverse cognitive deficits after bypass surgery. The trial involves administering the compound before and after surgery, with participants undergoing regular tests to evaluate their memory.
A 1°C warming of the Antarctic Ocean led to a single pioneer species dominating the community, driving a reduction in overall species diversity and evenness. Marine organisms also responded with increased growth rates, particularly in warmer months.
A new case-control study found that the BCG vaccine protects over 50% of UK children against TB for at least 20 years after vaccination in early teenage years. The research highlights the importance of BCG in preventing the spread of disease, particularly in areas with high TB risk but low vaccination coverage.
A team of scientists from ASU and Penn State University has discovered the structure of a reaction center that preserves the characteristics of the ancestral one, providing new insight into the evolution of photosynthesis. This breakthrough sheds light on the process by which organisms harness light energy to drive their metabolism.
Researchers discovered postzygotic mosaic mutations, which occur after conception, contribute to autism risk in 3-4% of individuals. These 'silent' mutations alter genetic message stitching and may increase risk by 1-2% for genes essential for development.
Researchers at the University of California San Diego have unlocked the mechanisms underlying animal kinship attachments and social attraction. The study found that neurotransmitters and microRNAs play a crucial role in regulating these behaviors, including the switching of neurotransmitters in response to olfactory cues.
The average paternal age at birth in the US has increased from 27.4 years to 30.9 years over the past four decades. Men over 40 now account for 9% of all births, while those over 50 make up nearly 1%. This trend is likely to have public health implications and affect demographics.
Researchers have discovered a fetal gene associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia, which affects around 5% of all pregnancies worldwide. The genetic variant identified is linked to the FLT-1 protein, which damages the mother's vascular system and leads to symptoms such as high blood pressure.
The Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve in Kuala Lumpur still retains important biodiversity, with 425 plant species recorded, including 159 new species. The reserve's diversity was confirmed through surveys conducted between April 2015 and May 2016.
The current approach to quality measurement in healthcare is characterized by inefficiency and imbalance, with measures that are duplicative, overlapping, or overrepresent certain areas of care. A lack of consideration for the cost of each measure hinders the ability to assess its value.
Research highlights the benefits of maternal stress in wildlife, influencing offspring characteristics and behaviors. Prenatal exposure to stress hormones can shape epigenetic changes, behavior, and physiology in offspring.
A new University of Michigan study found that elderly Chinese-Americans who experience racial discrimination are twice as likely to consider suicide. The study, which examined 3,157 Chicago-area Chinese-American adults aged 60 and older, also highlights the impact of age, loneliness, pain, and depression on suicidal thoughts.
A new study published in the journal Nutrients shows that despite popular belief, Americans consume very little bread, with only less than 15% of total calories coming from grain foods. However, this small amount of grain food provides a disproportionately positive amount of critical nutrients, including dietary fiber, folate, and iron.