The USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is providing up to $6 million in funding for sustainable energy research, focusing on perennial grasses and woody plants. This investment aims to develop more options for producing biofuels and biobased industrial products, creating jobs and rural prosperity.
Two exoplanets, WASP-67 b and HAT-P-38 b, have distinct atmospheric compositions, with one being cloudier than the other. The team's findings suggest that their past formation histories may be responsible for these differences.
A study by University of Illinois Chicago sociologist finds that parental infertility is associated with lower test scores and grade point average at age 16. The research suggests a cumulative physical and social experience of infertility affecting child outcomes beyond the point of birth.
A study published in Nature reveals a previously unknown connection between pathways that prevent heart cell renewal. The discovery opens the possibility of developing strategies to promote heart cell growth and regeneration. This finding may also lead to improved cardiac function in children with muscular dystrophy.
A phase III clinical trial found that alectinib, a next-generation ALK inhibitor, extended the median time to progression by about 15 months compared to crizotinib. Alectinib also caused fewer severe side effects and was more effective in preventing brain metastases.
Scientists have discovered an exoplanet, KELT-9b, hotter than most stars, with a day-side temperature of 4,600 Kelvin. The planet's atmosphere is being evaporated due to intense ultraviolet radiation from its host star.
Marine reserves can help protect wildlife, support fisheries, and promote carbon storage to slow climate change impacts. The study evaluates existing research on the benefits of large, long-established marine protected areas in reducing the effects of ocean acidification, sea-level rise, and other climate change drivers.
NASA has adopted a 'sneaker depth' method to visualize and communicate water clarity, inspired by Bernie Fowler's data. The algorithm relates satellite measurements of red light reflection to physical measurements of shoe visibility.
A new study published in Nature Communications estimates that the ancient network of valleys on Mars required at least 10 times more water than previously thought to carve out. The research suggests that Mars once had a warmer climate and active hydrologic cycle, with an ocean playing a key role in shaping the planet's landscape.
Researchers have discovered frozen methane domes on the Arctic Ocean floor that could indicate an increased risk of new methane blow-outs. The domes are stable due to high pressure but can collapse with a small change in water temperature, posing a threat to the environment.
Scientists have observed room-temperature superfluidity in light, a phenomenon previously only seen at extremely low temperatures. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new photonic devices with reduced losses and enhanced performance.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new method to produce plastics precursors using environmentally friendly catalysts and hydrogen peroxide. This approach can reduce the use of olefin molecules derived from fossil fuels and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
A new app is being developed to stop voice hacking using a smartphone's compass, which can detect magnetic fields and prevent replayed voices from being convincingly impersonated. The app aims to provide an additional layer of security for users and protect against growing digital security threats.
A new type of immunotherapy using CAR T cells targeting B-cell maturation protein (BCMA) has shown promising results in treating multiple myeloma, achieving a 100% objective response rate and 94% clinical remission. Most patients experienced mild side effects, with only one case of disease progression among those in complete response.
A global study suggests that highly protected marine reserves can slow down the rate of climate change and protect marine ecosystems. These areas can provide critical resilience benefits to rapid climate change, including reducing ocean acidification and supporting productive fisheries.
A population-based study found that a 2014 consensus statement endorsing minimal negative margins led to decreased reoperations and increased rates of breast-conserving surgery. Final surgical treatment rates also shifted towards mastectomy, resulting in overtreatment reduction.
A new two-part system turns embryonic or adult stem cells into the desired target cell type, reproducing flawlessly. The system uses a DNA plasmid that makes cells glow green when exposed to blue light, allowing researchers to track its removal and control gene expression.
A team of scientists has discovered a remarkable mechanism that enables cells to repair severely damaged chromosomes, preventing cell death and cancer. The 'Hail Mary' mechanism involves the creation of a DNA tether to keep the broken fragment connected to the chromosome.
A new study finds social jet lag, delaying sleep on weekends, associated with increased risk of heart disease and worsening mental health. The research suggests that maintaining a regular sleep schedule may be an effective preventative treatment for these health problems.
A phase III clinical trial suggests a potential new treatment for patients with advanced EGFR-positive non-small cell lung cancer. Dacomitinib delayed cancer growth by 5.5 months compared to gefitinib, but also caused more side effects.
A study of over 2,000 surgical weight-loss patients found that opioid use increased within 7 years after surgery, surpassing pre-surgery rates. The study highlights the need for alternative pain management approaches in post-surgical patients.
A new computer-aided diagnostic technique uses cutting-edge imaging technology and artificial intelligence to differentiate between benign and malignant tissues. The technique achieved a classification accuracy of over 90%, reducing the need for second breast cancer surgeries.
KELT-9b, a gas giant exoplanet, has a day-side temperature of 4,600 Kelvin, making it hotter than most stars. Its atmosphere is constantly bombarded by stellar radiation due to its tidally locked orbit, preventing the formation of molecules on its surface.
A study analyzing SWOG clinical trials found that cancer patients in the US have gained a cumulative 3.34 million years of life due to successful therapies. The analysis calculated that an NCI investment of $125 for each year of life saved was sufficient, making it a cost-effective approach.
Researchers found that a low silicate-to-nitrate ratio in the bay's waters led to extremely high concentrations of domoic acid, causing the bloom. This unique combination resulted in dense populations of toxic diatoms, affecting wildlife and commercial fisheries.
A phase III clinical trial suggests that adding pertuzumab to standard trastuzumab treatment after surgery may help reduce the risk of invasive breast cancer by 19% in patients with HER2-positive disease. The benefit is most pronounced in women with node-positive and hormone receptor-negative breast cancer.
A new study by University of Maryland School of Public Health researcher Dr. Andrew Fenelon found that people receiving subsidized housing assistance were more likely to have medical insurance and less likely to have unmet medical need compared to those on HUD waitlist.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have identified a gene called RVR1 that represses VRN1 prior to winter, allowing grasses to wait for the right conditions to flower. This discovery may help improve yields in important food and energy crops such as corn, wheat, and oats.
Researchers at the University of Iowa found that even simple conversations on a cell phone can affect drivers' brain ability to focus on the roadway. The delay is about 40 milliseconds, which compounds and contributes to impaired driving.
Researchers at North Carolina State University developed a technique to estimate age based on frontal sinus X-ray images. Four stages of development were identified, allowing for approximate age determination from infancy to age 18.
Researchers have discovered that decomposing leaves in soil are a significant source of nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas. The study, led by Michigan State University, found that leaf particles create micro-habitats perfect for bacteria that produce nitrous oxide.
A four-year study of athletes with ICDs found that competitive sports were not harmful to most patients. However, those with a rare heart disease called arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) required more shocks during physical activity. Athletes with ICDs should consult their doctors before participating in sports.
A new study by SWOG found that publicly funded cancer trials have saved over 3.34 million years of life, with a estimated cost of $125 per life year gained. The study analyzed data from 193 Phase III randomized trials and estimated the cumulative life years gained from each trial.
A team of scientists found that male and female plovers shift incubation more frequently in response to rising temperatures, increasing cooperation between the sexes. This flexibility in parental care helps birds adapt to changing climates and extreme conditions.
Researchers at Duke University have created a technology that fuses GLP1 with a heat-sensitive elastin-like polypeptide, providing glucose control up to three times longer than current treatments. The new biopolymer injection lasts more than two weeks in primates and has the potential to replace daily or weekly insulin shots.
Research by M. Teresa Cardador found that women in managerial roles in engineering firms experience mixed identification with the profession, feeling they don't belong in technical roles. This can lead to stereotypes about women's suitability for technical work and increased work-life balance tensions.
A new, cheap catalyst has been invented to split water into oxygen and hydrogen using electricity. The catalyst, made of abundant non-precious metals like nickel and copper, is highly conductive and efficient, making it a promising solution for reducing the cost of producing clean hydrogen fuel.
Excess nitrogen in oceans disrupts coral-algae symbiosis, triggering bleaching even without heat and light stress. Microbial processes like nitrogen fixation can exacerbate bleaching events.
Researchers at KFU's Structural Biology Lab have made significant breakthroughs in understanding Staphylococcus ribosomes using cryo-electron microscopy. This discovery holds great promise for developing new treatments against deadly infections, such as pneumonia and septicemia.
A recent study published in Tobacco Control found that pictorial warning labels (PWLs) with images convey similar risk information as text-only labels, holding smokers' attention more effectively. The researchers observed that congruent PWLs where the image and text express similar messages or themes may be an optimal design strategy.
Researchers from Graphene Flagship have successfully integrated graphene into a CMOS circuit, enabling the creation of high-resolution image sensors that can detect UV, visible, and infrared light. This technology has vast applications in fields such as safety, security, and medical imaging.
Researchers identified dissolved barium as a tracer to quantify the extent of Kuroshio's impact on the East China Sea. The study found that Kuroshio subsurface water forms an intrusion current by climbing northwest along the bottom, with nearly 65% of its volume entering the Qiantang Estuary.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University discovered basin-wide erosion rates incompatible with known tectonic and climatic regimes of the period. The findings indicate that human impact on the environment began significantly affecting the Earth's geology around 11,500 years ago.
A new study found that two interventions, one providing enhanced primary care and the other coaching, improved BMI and parents' sense of empowerment. Both programs also increased parents' confidence in addressing their child's weight problem.
Two studies found strong associations between mild-to-moderate obstructive sleep apnea and increased risks of hypertension and diabetes. Young adults and middle-aged individuals with sleep apnea were more likely to develop these conditions.
Researchers used citizen scientists wearing boot socks on walks to find that slightly less than half of the socks were positive for Campylobacter, a common cause of diarrheal disease. The study suggests seasonal patterns and links to environmental factors, which could lead to interventions to reduce disease risk.
A study published in Journal of Clinical Oncology found that patients undergoing androgen deprivation therapy experience significant changes in physical function and skills of daily living. After treatment, most patients show improvement in overall geriatric health, with some even experiencing increases in daily function.
A Phase I clinical trial demonstrated the safety and tolerability of activated B. infantis EVC001 in breastfed infants. The study found no difference in adverse events between supplemented and unsupplemented groups, but significant colonization of the infant gastrointestinal tract was observed.
NASA's Aqua satellite captured a last look at Tropical Depression Beatriz as it weakened to a remnant low-pressure area and moved into the Gulf of Mexico. The imagery showed that cloud top temperatures were near 230 kelvin, indicating weakened thunderstorm activity.
Dasatinib demonstrated significant benefits in a phase II clinical trial for pediatric chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), with 75% of patients experiencing progression-free survival after treatment. The study also showed minimal toxicities and improved quality of life for patients.
A study found that black men are more concerned about the impact of treatment on their daily lives, recovery time, and cost, while white men prioritize quality of life and cancer cure. These differences in perceptions may contribute to racial disparities in prostate cancer treatment.
A new study by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that maintaining a consistent sleep schedule is crucial for college students' emotional health. The research, which involved 204 students aged 18-25, revealed that irregular sleep patterns were associated with lower self-reported happiness and well-being during the week.
KELT-9b orbits a star more than twice as large and nearly twice as hot as our sun, causing its atmosphere to puff up like a balloon. The planet's day side is perpetually bombarded by stellar radiation, making it inhospitable for life.
A new predictive model shows that radiation from cosmic rays can extend to healthy cells, doubling the cancer risk for astronauts on Mars missions. The study, published in Scientific Reports, highlights the need for additional research on cosmic ray exposures prior to long-term space missions.
Researchers from Kyoto University, Imperial College, and City University of Hong Kong have developed mixed matrix membranes that can capture and store carbon dioxide efficiently and cost-effectively. The new materials have the potential to reduce large project costs by up to tenfold, making CCS technology more politically acceptable.
Researchers found strong association between cognitive decline and small blood vessel disease in the brain, with 61% of older adults having at least one component of the condition. The study, part of the Atahualpa Project, suggests that vascular neurology may be an important factor in stroke and neurological disorders in Latin America.
Researchers at Osaka University developed artificial fluorescent membrane lipids that mimic sphingomyelin and interact with proteins, enabling the study of complex cellular processes. The findings reveal dynamic behavior of SMs associated with CD59 and plasma membranes, offering insights into modifying molecular interactions.
Researchers found that a diabetes medication, linagliptin, can protect against stiffening of the left ventricle of the heart in overweight female mice fed a Western diet. The treatment suppressed oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis, reducing the risk of cardiovascular complications associated with obesity and Type 2 diabetes.
EPFL scientists have developed an Earth-abundant catalyst to split carbon dioxide into oxygen and carbon monoxide, producing liquid fuels from renewable sources. The catalyst achieved a high efficiency of 13.4% in converting CO2 to CO using solar energy.
Researchers aim to develop a system that can explain AI decisions to humans, making autonomous vehicles and robots more trustworthy. The project will utilize real-time strategy games like StarCraft to train AI players that can provide natural language explanations.