Researchers have discovered that bacterial biofilms adapt their surface texture to repel water, similar to leaves. The structure of these biofilms is influenced by nutrient supply, with some behaving like lotus leaves and others like rose petals.
A new study published in New Forests finds that the American chestnut rescue effort will eventually succeed, but at a slower pace than anticipated. The research team reviewed decades of breeding records and transgenic experiments to conclude that it is just a matter of time before blight resistance is achieved.
Recent studies have built a consensus that ginger has beneficial effects against obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic syndrome. Ginger regulates fat metabolism, suppresses carbohydrate digestion, and modulates insulin secretion to help combat these conditions.
A study published in JAMA found that steroid injections did not improve symptoms or reduce cartilage damage in patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. The treatment resulted in significant cartilage volume loss, but no significant difference in knee pain compared to a placebo injection.
Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a flexible, ultrathin device that can convert mechanical energy to electrical energy and vice versa, enabling applications such as foldable loudspeakers, voice-activated security patches, and talking newspapers.
Targets of workplace bullying shared common advice that often made their situation worse, including quitting or ignoring the issue. Despite this, most said they would recommend these tactics to others in similar situations due to a lack of insight into effective alternatives.
A new research technique introduces tensile stress into both the channel and drift region of transistors, resulting in improved performance. The technique, using CESLs, offers better frequency performance and driving capability than unstrained devices.
A new study published in The BMJ found that medical abortions conducted through online telemedicine were successful in 95% of cases, with low rates of complications. Women were able to identify symptoms of potential issues and seek medical attention when needed, suggesting a safe and effective option for those seeking abortion access.
Researchers found that watching videos and listening to music are the most data-intensive activities, accounting for around half of mobile data demand. Changing user behavior, such as gathering together to watch streamed media or using SMS texting instead of instant messaging, could significantly reduce energy consumption.
A new study found that 3-year-olds can coordinate actions with others in joint tasks, understanding these as collaborative commitments. Children protest when a partner defected selfishly but are less upset by accidental or ignorant defections.
Psychologist Robert Gatchel's research highlights how patients' irrational beliefs about chronic pain can impact treatment outcomes and pain management. His work suggests that a more comprehensive approach to treatment is needed, incorporating lifestyle habits, attitudes, and social support systems.
A new study by University of Illinois researchers found that higher mass transit use is associated with lower obesity rates in counties across the US. The study controlled for various factors and found a 0.2% drop in obesity rates for every 1% increase in public transit usage.
Penn Medicine's Pennsylvania Hospital and HUP receive a three-year grant to develop an innovative safe sleep program addressing newborn deaths in Philadelphia. The program aims to promote and evaluate safe sleep practices through nurse, parent, and community education, with the goal of reducing Sudden Unexpected Infant Death rates.
A new study has found that supervolcanoes like Toba experience ongoing eruptions for tens of thousands of years after a massive eruption. Researchers linked recent Mt. Sinabung eruptions to the last supervolcano eruption 74,000 years ago at Toba.
A mutation in an immune system gene rapidly rose in frequency in Southeast Asia approximately 50,000 years ago, likely conferring protection against leprosy. The HLA-B*46:01 protein binds to molecules derived from the bacterium that causes leprosy, presenting foreign molecules to the immune system and destroying infected cells.
A UK study found that cafes, restaurants, fast food outlets, and schools are significant sources of unhealthy non-core foods among adolescents. The study suggests that targeting specific environments, such as eateries and schools, rather than individuals, can be an effective strategy to reduce obesity rates.
Researchers sequenced genomes of over 1,700 strains, discovering an especially strong group of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in a city of six million people. The strain, clone type 307, has been identified in parts of Europe and other continents but not previously documented as a common cause of infections in one city.
A recent study by ICFO researchers found a hybridization effect at high energies that could manipulate vibrational states and engineer hybrid states with mechanical modes. This discovery has the potential to open up new possibilities for manipulating vibrational states, studying collective motion of highly tunable systems.
Researchers have identified three mutations that enable TB pathogens to develop rapidly in immunocompromised individuals. These emerging strains require new treatment approaches, including genetically engineered vaccines that consider a patient's immune status and pathogen virulence features.
A study by Karolinska Institutet measures how tau deposits spread through the brain over time, revealing individual variations in size and speed of spread. Large amounts of tau can be linked to episodic memory impairment, improving understanding of Alzheimer's disease.
A new study published at the European Congress on Obesity found that regular physical activity and avoiding inactivity significantly reduce the build-up of dangerous liver fat. The researchers discovered that moving about more throughout the day, such as breaking up long periods of sitting, is a key factor in maintaining metabolic health.
Researchers in Japan developed a new diamond-based transistor fabrication process that promises to advance the development of more robust and energy-efficient electronics. The process uses manufactured diamonds with yttrium oxide insulator to overcome silicon limitations.
Regular physical activity can improve daily living and mobility in older adults with Alzheimer's, as well as reduce the risk of developing the disease. The study suggests that exercising may be a practical and accessible intervention for preventing and managing Alzheimer's disease.
A new compound has been discovered that can inhibit the spread of the Zika virus, a significant step towards developing a treatment for its neurological complications. The compound blocks viral propagation in human cells and mice, offering promise as a starting point for an even more potent drug.
A study published in The BMJ found that online telemedicine-based medical abortion is effective and safe, with low rates of adverse events. The research provides real-world evidence on the effectiveness of self-sourced medical abortion through telemedicine, supporting growing calls for reform of highly restrictive abortion laws.
Researchers from Netherlands Institute of Ecology launch a new approach to studying extreme climatic events and their long-term impact on nature. The study highlights the difficulty in predicting consequences due to varying species responses, but also identifies key areas for future research.
Researchers found that pericyte loss worsens retinal environment and function in mouse models of diabetic retinopathy. Pericytes regulate a molecular pathway associated with vascular stabilization, and their absence accelerates disease progression.
The Osaka University research group has created a safe and easy-to-use self-donning surgical gown called 'Selfgown.' This innovative gown minimizes environmental infections from splashes when removing gloves, reducing the risk of transmission to others.
A new study found that children in Head Start who miss 10% or more of the school year have fewer academic gains than their peers. The study highlights the scope and consequences of preschool absences on early learning.
Researchers found a strong link between loneliness and poor sleep quality in a study of over 2,000 British young adults. Lonelier individuals were more likely to experience daytime dysfunction and disrupted sleep.
Researchers have solved a key mystery about plant chemistry, discovering how a specific protein signals the plant's circadian rhythm. This finding may enable farmers to grow crops in areas previously unsuitable and allow scientists to make targeted mutations to improve plant adaptation.
Scientists have measured dispersal distances of two coral reef fish species, revealing that juvenile clownfish stay relatively close to home (10-15 km), while butterflyfish disperse further (43-64 km). The study informs optimal sizing and spacing of marine reserves, with implications for conservation and fisheries management.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that undiagnosed Ebola virus infection was probably very rare among international healthcare workers deployed during the 2013-2015 outbreak. Despite asymptomatic cases occurring, no evidence of missed infections was found, but 'near miss' exposure incidents were common, putting frontline wor...
Researchers at the University of Delaware discovered that plants release airborne chemicals when injured, alerting neighboring plants to boost their defenses. The injured plant sends signals through volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which stimulate nearby plants to grow more robust roots and increase malate transporter genes.
Research by the German Cancer Research Center has found that defective intercellular connections in the ependyma, a cellular layer separating the brain nervous tissue from CSF, cause hydrocephalus. This leads to blockage of the aqueduct, blocking cerebrospinal fluid flow and resulting in swollen heads and brain pressure.
A national trial is underway to compare intensive medical management and surgical interventions for asymptomatic carotid artery disease. Researchers at MCG and AU Health are enrolling nearly 2,500 participants in the CREST-2 study to determine which treatment approach reduces stroke risk more effectively.
A new study found that nearly one out of ten participants who reported no 'bath salt' use as per the gate question then reported actual use of these substances. The researchers suggest that providing participants with the actual list of drugs initially may be associated with more accurate answers.
A CCNY-led team analyzed massive datasets to show that an individual's location in a social network is correlated with their economic status. The study suggests that targeting individuals based on their social network metrics can increase response rates in marketing campaigns.
The TOPIC study found that switching from a new P2Y12 inhibitor plus aspirin to maintenance DAPT with aspirin plus clopidogrel one month after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) significantly reduced bleeding risk, with a 70% lower rate of major bleeding events. Ischemic events remained similar between the two regimens.
Researchers discovered a link between a donor and infection in heart, lung transplant recipients caused by Mycoplasma hominis. The bacteria resists most antibiotics and can cause serious complications like pleurisy, surgical site infections, and mediastinitis.
Researchers at Hokkaido University discovered that individual ants with different preferences can lead to a collective rational decision when making binary choices. The team found that the middle group of ants, which preferred a higher sucrose concentration, was the key to the colony's decision-making process.
The study found that the Northern Lenglongling fault was a more suitable seismogenic structure for the MS6.4 Menyuan earthquake. This is supported by field geological mapping and tectonic geomorphology analysis, which indicate the LLLF has been active since the Holocene.
Researchers at the University of Kentucky discovered that macrophages play a crucial role in complex tissue regeneration in mammals. The team found that specific subtypes of macrophages are required for regeneration, which could lead to novel clinical approaches to restore damaged tissue in humans.
A new study found that responders to the West African Ebola epidemic showed little evidence of infection, with 99% showing no signs. Despite reported near-miss exposures and symptoms, many respondents were not tested for Ebola virus at the time, highlighting the need for standardized protocols.
Researchers estimate that the next major earthquake in Istanbul will originate from the Eastern Marmara Sea due to a build-up of energy from entangled tectonic plates. This could lead to a shorter early warning period, but potentially less severe ground shaking than expected.
A study published in JAMA found that high-dose iron pills did not improve exercise capacity in patients with a certain type of heart failure and iron deficiency. The researchers concluded that oral iron supplementation is not effective in improving functional capacity in these patients.
Research found that high-reputation firms take bigger risks in mergers and acquisitions to meet investor expectations. These moves often result in less related acquisitions and lower stock values. Managers may need to reconsider making risky acquisitions to maintain market trust.
A study of 28 healthy individuals found that just 14 days of reduced physical activity led to significant changes in body composition, including loss of skeletal muscle mass and increases in total body fat. The findings highlight the importance of remaining physically active and the dangers of continuous sedentary behavior.
Researchers warn that rising ocean temperatures and human impacts will lead to the decline of Yellow-eyed penguin populations on New Zealand's Otago Peninsula. Urgent coordinated conservation action is needed to build penguins' resilience against climate change.
A large population-based study found that 6.5% of thyroid cancer patients experienced general post-operative complications, while 12% had complications specific to thyroid surgery within a year after their operation. Patients over 65 and those with more advanced thyroid cancer were at higher risk for these complications.
Researchers found that heavy rainfall on early Mars carved out river-like channels and altered impact craters, similar to Earth's effects. The study used physics principles to understand the relationship between Martian atmosphere pressure, raindrop size, and rainfall intensity.
A study published on Nature Communications reveals that breast cancer cells undergo a stiffening state prior to acquiring malignant features and becoming invasive. This discovery identifies a new signal in tumor cells that can be further explored when designing cancer-targeting therapies.
A University of Pittsburgh analysis found that young adults who have a positive attitude towards hookah smoking are more likely to take their first puff. The study suggests that prevention efforts should focus on countering the image of hookah smoking as a fun social activity rather than emphasizing health risks.
A research team led by UNM Associate Professor Coenraad Adema has sequenced the genome of Biomphalaria glabrata, a tropical snail that transmits a deadly parasitic disease. This breakthrough could lead to the elimination of schistosomiasis, which kills hundreds of thousands of people annually.
The research enables immersive viewing of pre-rendered video in six degrees of freedom using a head-mounted display, making it easier to repurpose animated film assets. The novel video format can be rendered in real-time from an arbitrary point of view, allowing for motion parallax and interactive experiences.
Researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed a soft, four-legged robot that can walk on rough surfaces like sand and pebbles. The breakthrough was made possible by combining soft and rigid materials using 3D printing, enabling complex shapes for the robot's legs.
A new study published in The BMJ found that medication abortion self-sourced and self-managed outside the formal healthcare setting was successful in 95% of cases. Women were able to recognize symptoms of complications and seek medical attention when needed, with only three percent requiring antibiotics.
Researchers have developed a laboratory model for Allan-Herndon-Dudley syndrome, a rare psychomotor disease that affects brain development. The study uses induced pluripotent stem cell technology to replicate the patient's blood-brain barrier, providing new insights into the disease and potential therapies.
A randomized controlled trial found that endovascular treatment was effective in reducing disability among patients treated within 6 to 24 hours after a stroke. The study showed that nearly half of patients who received endovascular therapy had a good outcome at 90 days, compared to only 13% of those treated with clot-busting drugs alone.
A research team created 3D models to analyze zebrafish behavior, revealing significant compromises in 2D-scored behaviors. The study confirmed that 3D approaches underestimate locomotion and overestimate spatial preference, leading to false positives and false negatives.