The Kepler Space Telescope's K2 Mission has observed detailed variations in the brightness of stars in the Seven Sisters star cluster. The team developed a new algorithm to measure relative changes in brightness, overcoming instrumental effects and revealing slow-pulsating B stars.
Researchers have identified the enzymes responsible for psilocybin production in magic mushrooms, which could lead to its biotechnological production. The study reveals a previously unknown biosynthetic pathway and introduces a synthetic route that could transform psilocybin into a pharmaceutical ingredient.
Tropical Storm Pakhar is producing powerful storms in the Philippines, with some cloud tops reaching temperatures as cold as -63 degrees Fahrenheit. The storm is expected to strengthen before making landfall in southern China.
A new study published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience found that dancing has a measurable impact on the brain of elderly individuals, reversing age-related decline. Dancing proved more effective than endurance training in improving balance and behavior.
A new study predicts that rising ocean temperatures will exclude sardines from the Galápagos Islands' ecosystem, leading to a decline in Nazca booby populations. The bird's reproductive success has already been affected by the absence of sardines, which were replaced by flying fish over 30 years ago.
Researchers at Drexel University have developed a recipe for safer lithium-ion batteries by adding nanodiamonds to the electrolyte solution. The nanodiamonds suppress the growth of dendrites, which can cause short-circuits and fires in traditional lithium-ion batteries.
Researchers developed a material that can shrink the diameter of waveguides and control waveguide characteristics with unprecedented flexibility. The conformal coating solves crosstalk and blockage problems, enabling smaller waveguides to be more closely bundled.
Researchers have developed a method that targets cancerous tumors with chemotherapy, delivering the drug directly to cancer cells while protecting healthy cells. The treatment uses nanoparticles and ultrasound to improve delivery, showing promising results in mice experiments.
Scientists demonstrate reversible manipulation of quantum interference in metal nanostructures by applying mechanical strain to deform the contact. This allows for the creation of a voltage switch with reliable performance over multiple cycles.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has developed a potent group of kinase inhibitors, known as the Kinase Chemogenomic Set, which will allow researchers to explore the human kinome in greater depth. The set consists of over 500 compounds and is available for free use by the scientific community.
The Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Center has received a three-year grant from the NIH to advance research on Alzheimer's disease. The center aims to develop tests for early diagnosis and interventions to prevent or delay the disease.
A study published in Science Signaling reveals that enhanced natriuretic peptide signaling in adipose tissue protects against obesity and insulin resistance. Boosting levels of NPs in adipose tissue may be an important avenue for combating metabolic disease.
Researchers discuss evolving treatments and future therapies for osteoarthritis pain, highlighting the limitations of existing treatments and introducing new potential treatment targets. Combination therapies and biomarkers are also explored as promising approaches to improve effective pain treatment.
A team of ORNL researchers aims to use deep learning to identify patterns in scientific data that alert scientists to potential new discoveries. They plan to leverage ORNL's Titan supercomputer and develop novel high-performance computing methods.
Researchers review neuroinflammation as a key factor in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, highlighting four modifiable risk factors: physical inactivity, vascular disease-related conditions, obesity, and type two diabetes mellitus. Controlling these risk factors may help manage the increasing incidence of both diseases.
Researchers suggest that combining drugs blocking PAF-R protein may increase radiotherapy's killing of tumor cells by one third and reduce tumor repopulation. Analysis with human oral cancer cells and murine cervical cancer cells showed promising results, supporting a new therapeutic strategy.
Researchers at Hokkaido University developed a nanosheet made of CYTOP to prevent drying and deformation of biological samples. The nanosheet retains water content and provides sufficient surface adhesion for fixing samples, resulting in high-resolution images.
The University of California, Davis has received a $4.5 million grant to develop improved disease-resistant strawberry varieties. The project aims to reduce the use of fumigants like methyl bromide and promote sustainable production in the US strawberry industry.
A CCNY-led team, including expert Ana Carnaval, will receive $500,000 over five years for their project exploring biodiversity's effects on the planet and human well-being. The team's research aims to understand how biodiversity is generated, maintained, and lost, highlighting its crucial role in addressing societal challenges.
MIT researchers developed a system that uses drones to relay RFID signals, allowing for accurate location tracking of inventory items. The system can be used for continuous monitoring and resolving mismatches between inventory records and stock levels, potentially saving retailers billions lost due to errors.
Three scientists have closed loopholes in previous experiments, proving the nonlocal nature of quantum entanglement. This achievement opens doors to new technologies like super-secure communications and exponentially faster computing.
Dr. Richard McIndoe receives $12.8 million grant to continue leading a national research initiative focused on diabetic complications, including nerve and kidney damage, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and stroke. The consortium supports short-term studies and summer programs for medical students.
NASA used its Global Precipitation Mission (GPM) satellite to analyze Hurricane Harvey's intense rainfall, revealing powerful storms dropping rain at a rate of over 2.1 inches per hour. The hurricane is expected to produce devastating and life-threatening flooding in Texas and Louisiana, with maximum sustained winds near 110 mph.
A comprehensive study has identified 33 million genetic variants in 1,000 Swedish individuals, with 10 million being novel. The data will aid researchers and clinicians in understanding the association between genetic variants and diseases.
A recent study conducted by the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Federico Rey group found that high levels of microbes consuming choline lead to nutrient deprivation in mice. The results showed increased susceptibility to metabolic diseases, altered epigenetic patterns, and changes in behavior in the offspring.
Researchers found that vibrato-like frequency modulation improves the detection of formants, key acoustic components encoding animal size and identity. This mechanism has independently evolved in six mammalian orders, suggesting its importance for transmitting information about an individual's size and identity through calls.
Researchers at UC San Diego will study the combination of cirmtuzumab and ibrutinib in a phase Ib/IIa clinical trial to boost remission rates and long-term cancer control for B-cell cancers. The approach targets cancer stem cells, potentially improving complete and lasting remissions.
Researchers at UTA are refining their ClaimBuster tool to verify facts in new forms of media and publications, and automate the process. The expanded tool aims to improve information accuracy and transparency, benefiting consumers, businesses, and professionals.
A recent study found that consuming one fresh avocado per day for six months improved working memory and problem-solving skills in healthy older adults, with a significant increase in lutein levels. Lutein is a carotenoid pigment commonly found in fruits and vegetables that may act as an anti-inflammatory agent and antioxidant.
Research suggests HPV vaccination rates for childhood cancer survivors are lower than the national average, but healthcare providers play a crucial role in recommending the vaccine. The study found that nearly half of survivors who received recommendations were vaccinated, compared to just 23.8% of those who did not.
The University of Arizona Health Sciences has received a $4.8 million grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases to develop a live vaccine for Valley fever. Scientists aim to test the vaccine in dogs, with potential next steps including human evaluation and approval.
The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) has announced the recipients of the 2017-2019 Wagner-Torizuka Fellowship. The two-year fellowship provides extensive training and experience in nuclear medicine and molecular imaging for Japanese physicians in the early stages of their careers. This year's fellows are Sho Mo...
A study by Claire Tang and colleagues reveals that a subset of neurons can detect relative pitch changes, enabling humans to extract meaning from words. The research found distinct neural responses for males and females, with areas tuned to high relative pitch and low pitch respectively.
A new study predicts that six planned dams in the Amazon river system could reduce sediments and nutrients by 69% and 51%, respectively, threatening regional food security. The construction of these dams could have catastrophic effects on the entire Amazon River basin and its wildlife.
A new project aims to investigate the effects of the forcing technique on mathematics and philosophy, promising a revolutionary paradigm shift. The funding of about 900,000 euros will support Carolin Antos' research for five years.
Researchers at UC Davis developed a novel, high-frequency chip capable of transmitting tens of gigabits of data per second. The chip's success marks an important step toward scalable systems for emerging applications like spectroscopy, sensing, and medical imaging.
Researchers found that issue-based tweeting during debates solidifies viewers' beliefs, while social watching enhances learning. Those engaging in issue-based tweeting show higher post-debate knowledge scores, indicating a greater acquisition of political knowledge.
Research from Dartmouth College finds that warming sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean have intensified storm activity in the North Pacific. This has led to increased storminess in Alaska and Northwestern Canada, with some areas experiencing colder, wetter conditions as far away as Florida.
Nematodes, tiny worm-like organisms, have shown the ability to survive in dry conditions for up to three years, highlighting the need for improved detection methods. The study found that nematodes can infect plant hosts even after extended periods, emphasizing the importance of biosecurity measures.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed an early blood test for Alzheimer's disease that can detect the disease before symptoms appear. The test distinguishes between Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and healthy controls by analyzing RNA transcripts in white blood cells.
A computer program analyzed estimates from an agribusiness expert, improving the accuracy of forecasts and leading to a 2-3% increase in profits and a 6-7% decrease in costs. The model quantifies expertise by comparing expert judgments with data collected in the field.
Researchers found that increasing BMP4 levels can improve metabolic health in lean mice by promoting beige fat cell activity, but overweight mice showed reduced effectiveness. Gene therapy with BMP4 also protected against insulin resistance in both lean and overweight mice.
Researchers at UC Davis and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have mapped the 'jumping genes' of maize, identifying transposable elements that regulate gene expression and impact plant traits. The new genome sequence enables a deeper understanding of the complex relationships between these elements and the diversity of the genome.
A team of divers has discovered a wealth of fossil remains in Mexico's Hoyo Negro cave, shedding light on the region's ecosystem during the end of the last Ice Age. The finds include early human remains, giant ground sloths, and saber-tooth cats.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute found a unique state of matter in CeRhIn5, a superconducting crystal, where electrons unite to flow in the same direction. This 'electronic nematicity' state is a rare phenomenon between liquid and crystal, and its relationship with superconductivity is still being explored.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have discovered a link between acid-sensing receptor TDAG8 and panic disorder symptoms. The study found significantly increased levels of TDAG8 in patients with panic disorder, correlating with symptom severity and treatment response.
Researchers identify MARCO as a key adenovirus receptor on macrophage cells, enabling viral invasion and triggering an inflammatory response. This discovery has implications for gene therapy and the development of medications to block the receptor
Researchers at KAIST have created highly flexible wearable displays by integrating OLED into fabrics, enabling commercialization of clothing-shaped displays. The team's breakthrough technology reduces mechanical stress on OLEDs, resulting in high luminance and efficiency.
Researchers discovered that prolonged exposure to ionizing radiation can delay cell cycle and increase DNA repair efficiency, with potential implications for cancer risk reduction. The study found that human stem cells can activate alternative DNA repair mechanisms, such as homologous recombination, in response to prolonged irradiation.
A study of hunter-gatherers in Tanzania reveals a strong cyclicality in their gut-microbial composition, corresponding to seasonal dietary changes. The findings suggest that sweeping changes in the average person's diet over the past 10,000 years may be driving the loss of microbial diversity.
A new study finds that acknowledging and understanding the role of mythical creatures in local cultures can have a positive impact on conservation. In Madagascar, for example, spiritual beliefs surrounding magical animals are linked to local taboos that protect endangered species like the radiated tortoise.
Lesbian and bisexual older women are more likely to suffer from chronic health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, weakened immune systems, and lower back or neck pain. Meanwhile, more LGB adults engage in preventive health measures like HIV testing and blood pressure screening.
Lawrence Livermore scientists developed carbon nanotube pores that can exclude salt from seawater, exceeding water permeability of wider CNTs by an order of magnitude. The super smooth inner surface and tiny pore size enable efficient transport of water while blocking larger salt ions.
Researchers found a significant decrease in white matter volume and integrity in infants who underwent general anesthesia and surgery, with implications for long-term brain development. The study suggests that further research is needed to understand the full impact of early anesthesia on human brain development.
The discovery of Plimpton 322 reveals the ancient Babylonians' use of a novel kind of trigonometry based on ratios, not angles and circles, to calculate shapes of right-angle triangles. The tablet predates Hipparchus' trigonometric table by over 1000 years, offering new possibilities for modern mathematics research and education.
A team of researchers found that goldenrod plants can detect a specific chemical compound emitted by gall-inducing flies, triggering a defense response. The plants respond strongly to E,S-conophthorin, a blend of chemicals that attracts females and fertilizes eggs.
A recent study of healthy young adults found no association between marijuana use and change in kidney function over time or albumin in the urine. Further research is needed to assess the effects of marijuana on older adults and patients with kidney disease.
Rice University scientists have developed a method to efficiently modify natural antibodies that can deliver drugs to target cells by adding rhodium, a rare transition metal. The new technique allows labs to test the relative function of various antibody sources and antigen targets to see which will work best on tumor cells.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes have discovered that a cancer drug called JQ1 can reactivate latent HIV, a critical barrier to a cure. By targeting the BRD4 protein, JQ1 allows the virus to make copies of itself, providing new insights into an 'old' cellular defense mechanism against invading viruses.
A recent study by University of California, Riverside researchers found high levels of manganese in groundwater wells in the US and three Asian countries, exceeding World Health Organization guidelines. The study suggests public health officials should monitor manganese levels to ensure safe drinking water, particularly for children.