A new study by San Diego State University researchers found that cigarette smoke, marijuana smoking, and candles are significant sources of airborne particles in homes. The study also discovered that frying food and cleaning products increase fine particle levels, posing a risk to children's health.
Engineers at Caltech have developed a new microscopy technique that can analyze tumor tissue in real-time, reducing the need for follow-up surgeries. The technology, called photoacoustic microscopy, has the potential to revolutionize breast cancer treatment and could be available to surgeons within several years.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have created a high-throughput approach to map protein interactions, identifying over 56,000 unique interactions for nearly 6,000 proteins. The BioPlex network reveals functional roles for previously unknown proteins and links them to human diseases like cancer and hypertension.
A new study reveals that a specific type of deep-sea bacteria, SAR202, plays a crucial role in breaking down 'recalcitrant' forms of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in the ocean. This process helps to sequester massive amounts of carbon, which can persist for thousands of years.
A new study by Dr John Dwyer and Professor Daniel Laughlin has improved understanding of how climatic stress controls plant diversity in Australian wildflower communities. The research found that species with different combinations of traits can grow together in certain environments, but are likely to struggle under climate change.
VarCity technology uses machine learning to analyze images and videos, creating precise 3D models of cities. The platform can recognize buildings, streets, and traffic patterns in real-time, making it useful for urban planning and management.
A research lab at the University of Kansas is analyzing human immune responses to develop an effective vaccine or drug therapy against Epstein-Barr Virus. By studying B cells, researchers aim to understand why some people are protected from EBV-associated diseases while others suffer from health issues.
Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience researchers optimized imaging methods to visualize CaMKII activation induced by calcium level increases. They found that CaMKII activity spiked in response to each pulse, just like calcium, but with longer-lasting and step-wise patterns that influenced synapse strength and structure.
A new study from the University of Illinois suggests that simple metabolic functions were the precursor to the emergence of life on Earth. The research analyzed gene ontology data and constructed a tree tracing the evolutionary path of molecular functions over time.
A new Yale University study found that even 'dumb' AI can help human groups by boosting their performance. The experiment, which used an online game with human players and robotic AI players, showed a significant improvement in the median time for groups to solve problems.
A UC Davis study reveals that baboons position themselves strategically within their troop to optimize access to food and safety. Younger males tend to occupy central positions, while adult males take a more exposed role at the front of the group.
New research reveals a negative association between glyphosate application and local abundance of adult monarch butterflies in the Midwest. Habitat loss and climate change are also contributing factors to the species' decline.
Replacing one serving of sugar-sweetened soft drink or beer with a glass of water daily can lower the incidence of obesity. Drinking water instead of beer was found to reduce obesity risk by 20%, while substituting other sugary drinks showed no significant effect.
Scientists have successfully generated blood-forming stem cells in the lab using pluripotent stem cells from patients' own cells. The advance opens up new opportunities to create immune-matched blood cells and potentially treat genetic blood disorders.
A University of Washington study reveals that during large climate swings, oxidants shift in a different direction than expected, leading to changes in ozone and greenhouse gas levels. Researchers propose two possible explanations: a change in atmospheric circulation patterns and chemical reactions with halogens.
Researchers found that age-dependent protein aggregates can induce Aβ aggregation, leading to Alzheimer's disease. The study identified proteins like PAR-5 as potential therapeutic targets, offering new avenues for preventative research.
Scientists have developed a conductive paper that can contribute to flexible electronics, enabling scalable production on a large scale. The material, which costs $1.30 per square meter, conducts electricity while maintaining durability, making it suitable for future flexible electronics.
The Gruber Foundation has awarded $1.5 million to three top scientists for their groundbreaking work in cosmology, genetics and neuroscience. Sandra Faber, Stephen Elledge, and Joshua Sanes have been recognized for their pioneering research on galaxy structure, DNA damage response pathway, and synapse formation.
A team of scientists suggests that massive volcanic eruptions triggered the first mass extinction event, which occurred at the end of the Ordovician period. The researchers analyzed mercury levels in sedimentary rocks from North America and southern China, finding a correlation between Hg enrichments and the mass extinction.
Researchers found that the brain separates predictable and unpredictable components of action timing, with distinct regions processing each. The medial prefrontal cortex tracks ideal waiting time based on experience, while the secondary motor cortex adds variability to render decisions unpredictable.
Researchers found that nearly one-third of older adults prescribed opiates while hospitalized experienced poor outcomes, including being restrained and requiring bladder catheterization. Alternative pain management options like acupuncture and tai chi should be integrated into inpatient care, according to the study's findings.
The study found that low-income adults in Kentucky and Arkansas experienced significant improvements in medical care and health after gaining insurance coverage through the Affordable Care Act. They reported reduced out-of-pocket spending, improved access to primary care and preventive services, and better self-reported health. Additio...
Researchers successfully created and decayed isolated quantum monopoles, providing fundamental understanding of their dynamics. The observation reveals that one monopole can spontaneously transform into another in under a second.
The FDA approves brigatinib as a second-line therapy for ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer, demonstrating a 54% response rate and 12.9-month progression-free survival. Brigatinib's longer control duration compared to other next-generation ALK inhibitors suggests its broader spectrum of coverage against resistance mechanisms.
Patients with stage III colon cancer who consumed two ounces or more of tree nuts per week had a 42% lower chance of cancer recurrence and 57% lower chance of death than those who did not eat nuts. This benefit was consistent across known factors that can influence cancer recurrence.
Scientists identified a key gene, MDR1, governing toxin removal in the gut, which is linked to bowel disorders like Crohn's disease. Targeting vital cell parts with drugs can reverse damage and improve outcomes.
Patients with stage III colon cancer who reported a healthy lifestyle had a 42% lower chance of death and a trend for lower cancer recurrence risk than those with less healthy lifestyles. A healthy diet, regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy body weight were all important factors.
Researchers at KU Leuven found that blind individuals, including those without eyeballs, use the ventral-temporal cortex to categorize visual observations. This region is divided into smaller areas, each recognizing a particular category, such as faces, body parts, and objects.
Researchers identified VEGF-A as a key player in thyroid-vascular coordination, producing excess hormones and dense capillaries in hyperthyroidism. Blocking VEGFR2 could inhibit thyroid enlargement and remodeling.
Researchers at UC San Diego have developed nanoparticles that mimic the behavior of natural melanosomes, protecting skin cells from UV radiation. These synthetic melanin-like nanoparticles show promise as artificial melanosomes for novel therapy development.
A study by University of Michigan researchers found that bumblebee populations are higher in Detroit than surrounding less-urbanized areas. Vacant lots may provide essential nesting sites and food sources for the bees. The results suggest that urban landscapes can be managed to support native bee conservation.
Researchers found that humans prefer internal visual information generated by the brain to external images from the real world. This bias was observed in a study where participants chose between identical visual objects one generated internally and another externally displayed.
A new study provides scientific evidence to help healthcare professionals choose the right cushioning material for prescription footwear. The findings highlight the importance of considering a person's weight and body mass index (BMI) when selecting materials to reduce pressure.
A Pew Research Center survey finds that Americans lean towards government regulations to encourage renewable energy consumption. While there is a close divide on cutting back environmental regulations, most believe protecting the environment from energy development should be a top priority. The public also supports increasing reliance ...
A new study published in Atmospheric Environment suggests that low hedges can be more effective than taller trees in reducing urban air pollution. Strategically placed low hedges can help mitigate the impact of traffic emissions in cityscapes with large buildings close to roads.
Researchers have developed a new method for observing the movement and rearrangement of ions in ionic liquids at electrode interfaces. The technique, using photoemission electron microscopy (PEEM), allows scientists to study the structural changes and ion mobility in real-time.
A low-glycemic diet has been shown to arrest damage to the retina and halt the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in mice. The study identified potential biomarkers, including AGEs and oxidized fats, that can be used to predict AMD risk.
A large dataset reports that deferring revascularization in patients with intermediate stenosis leads to fewer interventions. The rate of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) was low, especially in those without acute coronary syndromes.
Research suggests that humans and nonhuman animals can discriminate between quantities, but this ability is grounded in biology and culture. Nunez proposes that 'quantical skills' may be more universal than previously thought, offering a new approach to education and problem-solving.
A new study reveals that a consistent supply of coral larvae from neighboring healthy reefs is crucial for the recovery of degraded reefs. This allows corals to colonize in groups and thrive in areas with low seaweed abundances and cryptic spaces.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new brain implant design that uses thin fibers to deliver drugs or electrical stimulation with less damage to the brain. The design reduces scarring, potentially allowing devices to remain in the brain for much longer.
A large study of adults who underwent weight-loss surgery found that nearly one in five developed problems with alcohol. The most common procedure, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, was associated with a higher risk of alcohol use disorder than other procedures.
Researchers have developed a new method using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) enzyme to produce precise, high molecular weight synthetic biomolecular structures. These structures can be tailored to create single-stranded DNA for self-assembling into ball-like containers for drug delivery or incorporating unnatural nucleotides.
Scientists at Queen Mary University of London found that nicotine-laced nectar enhances bumblebees' learning of flower colors and creates addiction-like behavior. The study suggests plants may manipulate pollinator behavior using psychoactive substances like nicotine.
Researchers at KAUST have developed a strategy to create highly fluorescent nanoparticles through molecular design of conjugated polymers. The twisted shape of the molecules produces smaller, brighter particles with tunable spectroscopic properties, opening up new opportunities for bio-imaging and nanomedicine.
Researchers found that consumers prioritize taste and quality over animal welfare concerns when purchasing free-range eggs. The study suggests that consumers view better welfare as connected to a better quality product, leading to higher prices being paid for these products.
A new mass spectrometry-based screening method enables quick turnaround of drug screens and can be used in emergency rooms to detect lethal compounds. The low-cost cartridges are estimated to cost less than $10 each, making them accessible to health facilities of any size.
Researchers at Harvard SEAS developed a first flat lens for immersion microscopy, providing a cost-effective and easy-to-manufacture alternative to the expensive hand polishing technique. This innovation enhances biological imaging capabilities by enabling the capture of fine detailed geometrical information of objects.
Researchers found that commercial preparations for allergy shots often lack sufficient levels of key allergens, which could affect treatment success. Customized immunotherapy tailored to individual patients' reactions is a promising approach, but its development is still in its infancy.
A study published in The BMJ found that patients treated by older physicians have higher mortality rates than those cared for by younger physicians, except for those with high patient volumes. However, the researchers note that clinical skills and knowledge accumulated by more experienced physicians can lead to improved quality of care.
A major survey research shows that warm weather is strongly associated with an increased risk of serious surgical site infections. Temperatures above 90°F were linked to a 28.9% higher odds of hospitalization with an SSI, compared to temperatures below 40°F.
Research led by University of Queensland scientist Associate Professor Bryan Fry reveals that brown snake venom attacks the nervous system in young snakes and circulatory system in older ones. This transformation allows the venom to become more potent and deadly, causing internal bleeding and death in humans.
Researchers found that Vitamin D3 stimulates lipid metabolism through VDR-RXR heterodimers, activating Pgc1a for mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative metabolism. This study reveals a basal nonskeletal effect of ancient VD/VDR signaling in teleosts.
A CHOP study reveals that adolescent males of color treated for violence-related injuries prioritize mental health services, including therapy and legal aid. Participants overwhelmingly identified safety needs, such as addressing peer relationships, after being discharged from the emergency department.
A study by University of Houston researchers used publicly available emails from Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin to analyze the characteristics of phishing emails. The results showed that participants had a 52% accuracy rate in detecting real emails, while more complex grammar fooled 74% of them.
Researchers measured transition between energy levels of lithium-like bismuth ions with unprecedented precision, contradicting existing theories. The discrepancy raises questions about the understanding of electron interaction with complex inner nuclear structures.
A global health threat, superbugs are bacteria resistant to commonly used antibiotics. Monash University researchers identified the first important clues on how to counter superbug strategies, using electron microscopes and comparing data from antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus samples with non-resistant strains.
Scientists at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center are developing a space-based sodium lidar to study the complex relationship between the chemistry and dynamics of the mesosphere, which lies 40-100 miles above Earth's surface. The instrument aims to provide higher-resolution data on small-scale dynamics in the upper atmosphere.
Researchers aim to harness the power of CRISPR/Cas9 in electric fish for model biology studies, enabling breakthroughs in bioelectrogenesis and genome function. The grant will enable development of genetic tools for monitoring and manipulating gene activity.
Researchers have developed a new algorithm to optimize battery power consumption in smart home systems. The system learns to adapt to real-time electricity rates and minimizes grid power needed while extending battery life. Future work will investigate avoiding damage caused by frequent charging and discharging modes.