A new study from Oregon State University reveals that socioeconomic status and institutional revenue are significant predictors of college graduation rates. The research highlights the need for targeted support services and resources to help underserved populations succeed.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a modified skin biopsy technique to hasten the diagnosis of transthyretin amyloidosis, a rare and lethal nerve disease. The test, which detects protein clumps in skin samples, shows promise for more rapid clinical trials and improved treatment options.
A study found significant abnormalities in Parkinson's disease patients' visual systems, including optic radiations alterations and white matter concentration reductions. These changes may serve as biomarkers for early detection and monitoring of the disease.
Research reveals a key physical difference in the brains of military-trained individuals with PTSD, specifically a larger right amygdala volume. This finding has potential implications for diagnosis and treatment of PTSD.
A team of researchers found that decades of groundwater pumping from the Ogallala Aquifer has led to long segments of rivers drying up and collapse of large-stream fishes. The study's findings have implications for watersheds worldwide, as irrigation accounts for 90% of human water use globally.
TAK228 enhances radiation and chemotherapy for diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) and atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors (AT/RT), two childhood brain cancers with poor prognosis. The drug reduces tumor cell proliferation and increases cancer cell death, particularly when combined with treatment.
Researchers found hundreds of new species of fungi living in association with algae in mesophotic coral ecosystems. The discovery reveals the remarkable ability of some fungi to tolerate and thrive in extremely different habitats.
A new study published in Radiology found that insurance coverage for CT colonography significantly increases the likelihood of screening for colorectal cancer. The study, which analyzed data from over 33,000 patients under age 65, showed a 48% greater chance of screening among those with insurance coverage.
Rats without a certain glutamate receptor are less likely to seek out cocaine when it's difficult to obtain, but more likely to consume it when it's freely available. This suggests that the receptor plays a role in modulating reward-seeking behavior associated with drug addiction.
NYU Steinhardt received nearly $9.5 million to fund research on education in New York City, including studies on universal pre-K, Career Technical Education, and postsecondary success for English learners with disabilities.
Researchers found that individuals with trypophobia experience intense disgust and nausea when viewing cluster images, even for disease-irrelevant stimuli. The study suggests a connection between trypophobia and an evolutionary history of infectious disease and parasitism.
A new gene-editing technology, ReMOT Control, is being developed by a Penn State-led team to enable researchers to study gene function in diverse arthropod species. This method breaks down barriers to genetic modification, allowing for accurate and precise studies of gene function.
A recent study by University of Kent researchers has found that premature babies have longer telomeres than their term-born counterparts, contradicting the expectation. This finding suggests other factors may influence telomere length in premature infants and raises the possibility that prematurity affects aging rate.
A study of modern hunter-gatherers in Tanzania found that mismatched sleep schedules and restless nights may be an evolutionary leftover from a time when predators lurked in the shadows. This natural variation in sleep patterns helps ensure at least one person is awake to keep watch, reducing the need for nighttime sentinels.
A University of South Carolina researcher has been awarded a $4.4 million NASA grant to develop new communication systems for aircraft, addressing limitations in ATM networks and increasing safety with unmanned drones sharing airspace.
A new study from Lund University found that four actions have the greatest impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions: a plant-based diet, avoiding air travel, living car-free, and having smaller families. These actions can save up to 2.4 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per year.
Elena Castro, a Spanish researcher, is awarded the Prostate Cancer Foundation's Young Investigator Award for her project on DNA damage repair genes and their impact on advanced prostate cancer progression. The award supports her work to develop therapeutic strategies for patients with genetic defects.
A community-led intervention in Tanzania reduced disrespect and abuse during childbirth by 66%, with notable decreases in physical abuse and neglect. The study suggests that individual behavior change, organizational systems change, and deeper societal transformation are necessary to eliminate disrespect and abuse.
A new study reveals British East Asian students are more likely to receive negative media coverage than East Asian students from China and India, with racist undertones and biases prevalent in reporting. This bias is not apparent when referencing East Asian students studying in the UK, where their economic value is highlighted.
Tulane University has received a $12 million grant to test a promising drug treatment for Lassa fever and develop a vaccine against the deadly disease. The vaccine targets a recently discovered key antibody target on the surface of the virus, which can block it from infecting host cells.
Among patients unresponsive to an antidepressant, adding aripiprazole modestly increased remission rates from depression compared to switching or augmenting with bupropion. The study found symptom improvement was greater with aripiprazole than other treatments.
Heavy rainfall was measured by NASA's GPM mission over Hurricane Eugene as it approached its peak on July 8. The storm weakened to a tropical storm by July 11, with rain diminishing significantly in the northwestern quadrant.
New studies from Northwestern University reveal that high school and college students from low SES backgrounds are less motivated to overcome academic hardships when they doubt their chances of achieving upward mobility. The research highlights the importance of providing viable paths to future financial stability for these students.
Scientists at the University of California - Davis have discovered a way to steer neural stem cells transplanted into the rat brain towards specific locations using electric fields. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for effectively guiding stem cells to repair brain damage and treat diseases such as stroke and injuries.
A new computational model of an electrospray thruster using ionic liquid ferrofluid simulates the dynamics of the fluid, revealing key insights into its behavior. The technology has potential applications in spacecraft propulsion, spectrometry, pharmaceutical production, and nanofabrication.
A new study by NASA scientists found that Arctic winter warming events are occurring more frequently and lastingly, with an average increase of nearly two days in duration. The study also shows a significant impact on the Arctic climate system, with warmer temperatures hindering ice growth and expansion.
Droplets can spontaneously climb a staircase with the help of wettability, a measure of how well a surface adheres to a liquid. The researchers found that a higher wettability gradient is needed for steeper steps and larger droplets.
Researchers successfully isolated cells in microgravity using standard protocols, paving the way for genetic and omics studies on the International Space Station. This breakthrough could enable faster diagnosis of illnesses in astronauts, potentially saving lives.
Researchers have identified heparanase, an enzyme present in the cornea, as a key factor in promoting and sustaining inflammation after HSV-1 infection. Elevated levels of heparanase trigger damage to tissue junctions and lead to pro-inflammatory cytokine production.
A European opinion poll found that most citizens are relatively well informed about marine climate change issues, but a significant number are poorly or misinformed. Many believe human activities do not play a role in climate change and think scenarios may have already occurred by 2100.
Biologist Madelaine Bartlett aims to uncover the molecular underpinnings of floral diversification in flowering plants. Her research has the potential to improve grass crop yields and understand evolutionary development.
A new study suggests that tracking pulse rate can help determine whether a woman needs blood pressure regulating medication after a spinal block before a Caesarean section. The research recommends considering factors such as pulse rate variability, pulse transit time, and body mass index to identify patients at risk of hypotension.
A new study found that dying adults in the US receive almost twice as much caregiving support per week compared to those not at the end of life. Unpaid family caregivers, particularly spouses, report high levels of physical difficulty and time constraints.
The American Society of Human Genetics has honored Dr. Arthur L. Beaudet with the Victor A. McKusick Leadership Award, recognizing his groundbreaking work on uniparental disomy and its implications for genetic diseases. His current research focuses on neuronal carnitine deficiency as a risk factor for autism.
Researchers have developed novel secreted reporter proteins that can be detected for several months after infusion into the liver, demonstrating potential for monitoring therapeutic gene delivery and ongoing expression. The findings show promise for scaling up this method to humans.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University developed a system that considers cellular and molecular factors to determine functional age of cells. The results show that biophysical qualities of cells, such as movement and structural features, are better measures of functional age than other factors.
Researchers found differences in immune system factors between men and women with bipolar disorder, particularly in zinc levels associated with depression severity in women. This study suggests that biological changes in the body could be used to diagnose the disease and tailor treatments differently for men and women.
New research reveals Arctic winter warming events are occurring more frequently and lasting longer, with an average duration of 12 hours longer than three decades ago. The study attributes this increase to major storms in the Arctic, which bring warm air from the Atlantic Ocean, leading to peak temperatures above minus 10 degrees Celsius.
Researchers at Northwestern University developed a synthetic material that can trigger reversible cell signaling, enabling potential treatments for Parkinson's and other diseases. The material can be used to control stem cell proliferation, differentiation, and return to a proliferative state on demand.
Researchers use ALMA to capture intricate 3-D rendering of newly formed molecules inside the supernova remnant, revealing previously undetected molecules such as formyl cation and sulfur monoxide. The study provides new insights into the physical instabilities inside a supernova and its impact on the surrounding interstellar space.
A team led by Northwestern University's Erik Luijten and Steve Granick discovered a non-equilibrium system that quantitatively behaves like an equilibrium system. The finding could lead to a set of rules making it possible to predict the properties of non-equilibrium systems.
A recent study at the University of Pennsylvania found that commercial brain training with Lumosity had no effect on decision-making or cognitive function. The researchers recruited two groups, one following Lumosity and the other playing online video games, but neither group showed improvements in brain activity or decision-making.
Supplementation with lutein and zeaxanthin isomers has been shown to improve macular pigment optical density, visual performance, and reduce symptoms of blue light exposure. The study found a significant reduction in eye strain and fatigue after six months of supplementation.
A new study by MIT economists reveals that hospitals investing more in inpatient care yield better results than those relying on skilled nursing facilities after discharge. This is particularly true for elderly Medicare recipients, who experience lower mortality rates when receiving quality initial care.
Medical expenditures in the US have increased by 47% between 1996-1997 and 2011-2012, mainly due to higher prescription drug use. However, primary care physician visits and home health care costs remained relatively stable.
Researchers have discovered a 'reverse energy cascade' that traps rising magma in the crust, forming massive granite bodies like Yosemite's El Capitan. This process helps build better understanding of volcanoes, their impacts on global climate, and where large volcanoes are likely to occur.
Patient recordings of doctor's visits are becoming more common, but laws governing them vary by state. In states with 'one-party' consent rules, patients can record clinical encounters without the doctor's permission, while in 'all-party' jurisdictions, covert recordings are illegal unless all parties consent.
Researchers studied the structure of MDGA1/Neuroligin-2 complex, revealing how it negatively modulates synapse development. The study provides key findings on the mechanism of action of MDGAs in regulating excitatory/inhibitory synapses.
Scientists found that selecting longer-lived sperm increases the survival prospects and quality of offspring. The study used zebrafish to demonstrate that this selection can also carry over to the next generation. Longer-lived sperm produced offspring with higher fitness, including increased survival rates and faster swimming speeds.
A recent study suggests that the human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) may impede the brain's ability to repair itself in diseases like multiple sclerosis. The virus produces a protein called U94 that can impair the normal function of cells in the brain, potentially accelerating disease progression.
A team of UA astronomers proposes a scenario that reconciles observed disk features and the population of planets in our galaxy. They simulated protoplanetary disks using synthetic observations to account for the formation of multiple gaps, challenging conventional theories.
Scientists from the University of Cambridge and Tokyo Institute of Technology found that rangeomorphs, some of the first large organisms, grew up to two meters tall by changing their body shape to extract nutrients. This adaptation allowed them to thrive in a changing ocean environment.
A team of Würzburg physicists has developed a new concept for topological insulators that can process data at room temperature, eliminating the need for extreme cooling. This breakthrough could lead to efficient information technology and advances in spintronics.
Researchers found that Ptbp2 regulates RNA processing during sperm development, controlling over 200 genes involved in movement and communication. Without the protein, sperm development went awry, leading to defects in cellular processes.
Researchers found that adults with bulimia nervosa have elevated reward-related brain activation in response to taste, which may explain their drive to eat even when not hungry. The study suggests that new treatment therapies targeting specific brain pathways could be effective.
A study found that age and obesity create a perfect storm that damages the tiny blood vessels that directly feed the heart muscle, leading to reduced blood flow and increased risk of heart failure. The inflammation caused by both factors thickens the walls of these microvasculature, making them less able to dilate and sustain the heart.
Researchers at Ohio State University have created ice crystals with near-perfect cubic arrangement of water molecules, a form of ice that may exist in high-altitude clouds. The ability to study cubic ice in the lab could improve computer models of climate change and enhance our understanding of water.
A new study indicates that Holocaust survivors have a small but consistent increase in cancer risk, linked to extreme population-level tragedies. Survivors exposed to starvation, overcrowding, and psychological stress had higher risks of developing certain types of cancer, including colorectal and lung cancers.
A large-scale study of daily step data from anonymous smartphone users in over 100 countries reveals how countries, genders, and community types fare in terms of physical activity. The study found that countries with greater activity variation have a larger proportion of inactive women and higher obesity rates.
A network of microscopic crystals in magma can act like guard rails to channel gas out, lessening internal pressure and reducing explosiveness. The discovery challenges the prevailing assumption that silica content is the major driver of gas escape.