Researchers discovered the oldest known evidence of Homo at Ledi-Geraru, dated to 2.8 million years ago, with early Homo associated with open and arid grassy environments. The diet of early Homo appears similar to that of Australopithecus, challenging previous assumptions about the origins of Homo.
Researchers have discovered atmospheric gravity waves radiating from hurricanes, which could be used to monitor the storms' intensity and location from hundreds of miles away. These subtle waves can reveal processes occurring in the eyewall of a hurricane that are obscured by thick clouds, leading to better forecasts.
A new study models HIV incidence, prevalence, and mortality to determine feasible targets for ending the US AIDS epidemic. Achieving a reduction of 12,000 new infections by 2025 could mark an important turning point in the epidemic, with significant declines in HIV transmission rates and related deaths.
Researchers found a significant association between respiratory infections and increased heart attack risk, with a 17-fold increase in the seven days following an infection. The study suggests that even mild upper respiratory tract infections can elevate the risk of heart attacks.
The study found that Ormia's mechanically-coupled hearing system prevents it from using spatial release from masking, which improves signal detection in noisy environments. This limitation affects the fly's ability to navigate complex situations and may have implications for developing artificial sensors.
Georgia Tech researchers have developed a team of free-flying robots that can maintain formation and avoid collisions. The robots use virtual top hats to maneuver in the air. Meanwhile, autonomous blimps with face-detecting capabilities are being built to recognize hand gestures and interact with humans.
UBC physicists Qingdi Wang and Bill Unruh propose a new theory that suggests the universe's expanding space-time is constantly fluctuating, leading to an accelerating expansion. This idea resolves a major incompatibility issue between quantum mechanics and general relativity.
A recent study by Dr. YAO Yao and Prof. LUO Dehai found that Arctic warming strengthens Ural blocking, leading to more widespread Eurasian cold events. The study suggests that the large BKS warming since 2000 weakens the meridional temperature gradient, increasing persistence of the UB.
A study by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute found that 65% of parents supported age-based restrictions on indoor tanning for adolescents. Parents who perceived the harms of indoor tanning were more likely to support bans, highlighting the importance of public health efforts to reduce adolescents' use.
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center have developed a practical way to use light to guide T cells towards tumors, overcoming the challenges of immunotherapy. The innovative method could lead to safer and more effective treatment options for cancer patients.
Rice University scientists discovered that laser-induced graphene can be made either superhydrophobic or superhydrophilic by adjusting the gas used in its formation. This property allows for applications such as separating water from oil and de-icing surfaces.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that a diverse gut microbiome can predict treatment response for IBD patients. The study suggests that early changes in the microbial population can identify patients likely to achieve and maintain remission.
A biostatistician aims to improve national reproductive health by analyzing family planning indicators at the subnational level. The grant will help provide more detailed information on contraceptive use and demand, shedding light on local disparities.
A study of 2,280 black adults found that living in high-segregation neighborhoods was associated with small increases in systolic blood pressure. Reducing exposure to neighborhood segregation was linked to decreases in systolic blood pressure, suggesting social policies minimizing segregation may have health benefits.
A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found a direct link between outdoor air temperature and the risk of gestational diabetes. Women exposed to extremely cold temperatures had a 4.6% prevalence, increasing to 7.7% for hot temperatures
A new study suggests that corticosteroid treatments given to pregnant women just hours before delivery can significantly increase the survival rate of very preterm infants. The research found that antenatal corticosteroids reduced infant mortality and severe neonatal morbidity, particularly when administered shortly before birth.
Researchers found that tri-ponderal mass index (TMI) estimates body fat more accurately than traditional BMI in adolescents between the ages of 8 and 17. The study compared TMI to several different obesity indices, finding that it is the best overall body fat index for Caucasian adolescents.
A study found that offering fixed date and time for new appointments improved poor attendance rates in breast cancer screening, especially among women from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. The analysis suggested a cost-effective way to shift national participation trends.
Johannes Henn, a leading theorist in scattering amplitudes, will develop new methods to calculate properties of the Higgs boson with greater precision. His work aims to simplify mathematical structures and improve calculations in quantum field theory.
Rice University's Naomi Halas has made significant contributions to the field of plasmonics, profoundly influencing modern optics. She is the first person in university history to be elected to both National Academy of Sciences and Engineering.
Scientists create novel technique to track molecular detachment from polymer, enabling precise control over self-assembling materials. The method uses hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry, avoiding the influence of added dyes or tags on molecular movement.
A study in mice suggests that abnormalities in sensory synapses may contribute to the disease, and increasing their activity can alleviate symptoms. The findings also indicate that targeting these synapses could be a new approach for treating spinal muscular atrophy.
Research found that women exposed to colder temperatures during pregnancy had a lower rate of gestational diabetes compared to those exposed to hotter temperatures. The study also discovered that for every 10-degree Celsius rise in temperature, women were six to nine percent more likely to develop gestational diabetes.
New study reveals that immune cells trained to recognize cancer can exit one tumor and move to another to attack cancerous cells. The research sheds light on how immune therapies for cancer might work and suggests new approaches to developing anti-cancer immune therapies.
ASU and NYU researchers created an online module to enhance crowdsourced brainstorming, finding that embedding peripheral micro-tasks improves idea breadth and depth. The study suggests that ideators' productivity and time of ideation impact the effectiveness of these tasks.
Researchers at EMBL found that residual breast cancer cells have specific traits that distinguish them from healthy cells and seem to cause relapse. The study suggests lipid metabolism as an exciting therapeutic target to reduce breast cancer recurrence.
Researchers from the National University of Singapore have discovered novel properties of strontium niobate, a material that displays both metallic type conduction and photocatalytic activity. The material exhibits an intrinsic plasmonic absorption, allowing it to absorb visible photons, which is exceptional among metals.
A University of Washington study found that neighborhoods with high poverty and disorganization tend to have residents who drink twice as much and binge-drink four times as frequently. The researchers suggest that improving neighborhood quality of life can lead to benefits, including reduced problem drinking.
Vaccinating pregnant mothers year-round against flu in Nepal reduced infant flu virus infection rates by an average of 30 percent, increasing birth weights by 15 percent. The study also found that expanding year-round flu vaccinations during pregnancy would benefit children in other tropical and subtropical parts of the world.
Engineers at UC San Diego developed a nano-sized optical fiber that can detect forces down to 160 femtonewtons and hear sounds down to -30 decibels, with applications in detecting bacteria, monitoring cellular behavior, and creating mini stethoscopes.
Researchers at Princeton University have developed a low-cost water treatment system that uses carbon dioxide to remove particles from dirty water. The system splits the water stream and filters out suspended particles based on their electrical charge, making it an effective method for cleaning water from ponds or rivers.
A Texas A&M research team has discovered a way to produce good quality carbon fiber from lignin, a structural part of plants that piles up as waste. The breakthrough could lead to the creation of new products like tennis rackets and cars, generating jobs and rural economic growth.
A recent study found that discarded food in the US food supply chain contains large amounts of key nutrients like vitamin D, fiber, and potassium. The study estimates that around 1,217 calories per person per day are squandered, equivalent to 5.9g dietary fiber, which is 23% of the RDA for women.
Researchers at UCR have discovered that a specific population of hippocampal neurons project to both the amygdala and mPFC, facilitating coordinated neural activity in these areas. This finding could lead to the development of new therapeutics for reducing pathological fear in PTSD.
A recent study suggests that an aggressive reef competitor, the Threespot Damselfish, may be impeding the recovery of Caribbean long-spined sea urchin populations after a mysterious disease outbreak. The research reveals a link between the decline of staghorn coral and the increase in damselfish populations.
The Gauss Centre for Supercomputing approved 30 large-scale projects receiving 2.1 billion core hours, breaking records in allocation time and proposals received. Researchers studied earth sciences, chemistry, particle physics, and more, securing massive allocations to advance scientific knowledge.
A study published in Nature found that diesel vehicle emissions significantly underestimate real-world nitrogen oxide levels by up to 50%. The research revealed that excess emissions from 2015 affected 13.2 million tons of nitrogen oxide, leading to 38,000 premature deaths worldwide.
Researchers at USF Health used bone marrow stem cells to repair damage to the blood-spinal cord barrier in mice with ALS, improving motor functions and nervous system conditions. The study demonstrates an early step towards pursuing stem cell therapy for potential ALS treatment.
A recent study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health estimates that US food waste contains approximately 1,217 calories, 33 grams of protein, and other essential nutrients. These lost nutrients are important for maintaining healthy diets, particularly dietary fiber, calcium, potassium, and vitamin D.
A study found that 53% of eligible US travelers not receiving the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine during pre-travel consultations. Lack of concern about disease risk was the most common reason for non-vaccination. The research team recommends ways to increase vaccination rates among travelers.
Researchers at McGill University and others have found that metformin improves social, behavioural and morphological defects in Fragile X mice. The study suggests that the drug could be used to treat other autism spectrum disorders.
Scientists at EPFL develop a microwave resonator coupled to a metallic micro-drum, creating a quantum reservoir that can shape the states of microwaves. The findings enable novel phenomena in cavity optomechanical systems.
Researchers have developed a printable elastic conductor that retains high conductivity even after being stretched by five times its original length. The new material, made with silver nanoparticles, has potential applications in wearable devices and robots.
A new study reveals that diesel vehicles worldwide exceed emissions standards by 4.6 million tons, resulting in 38,000 premature deaths each year. The findings emphasize the need for stricter emission certification tests and real-world compliance measures to improve air quality.
Research found that combining crop rotations with soil amendments like poultry litter can alleviate issues associated with continuous cropping. Incorporating corn once within a 4-year cycle resulted in 8% greater yields than continuous soybean.
Researchers discovered a disruption in B cell maturation preventing antibody production in children after bone marrow transplant, impairing their ability to fight infection. The study highlights the need for closer monitoring and targeted prophylaxis to address this critical immune issue.
A study published in CMAJ found that adding a modest 2% income-based deductible to British Columbia's public drug plan did not decrease prescription medication use among seniors. However, it reduced the number of people who qualified for public subsidy and decreased public drug spending.
New research from University of Limerick finds growing up in home with psychological abuse has longer-term effects on children's wellbeing than physical domestic violence. Exposure to psychological abuse, including name-calling and manipulation, has detrimental impact on young people's satisfaction with social support.
A new study published in the STD Journal found that a two-dose HPV vaccine provides the same level of protection against genital warts as three doses. The study, which looked at nearly 400,000 girls, confirms the CDC's updated recommendations for a two-dose vaccine schedule.
Hyperglycemia triggers platelet production through the RAGE pathway, increasing atherosclerosis risk in diabetes. A study found that blocking RAGE receptor signaling reduced platelet production and atherogenesis.
Scientists at the University of Birmingham have developed a painless method to deliver anti-VEGF drugs to the eye, using a cell-penetrating peptide. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), reducing adverse outcomes and healthcare costs.
A Phase III clinical trial has shown that an immediate infusion of gemcitabine after bladder cancer tumor removal significantly reduces the risk of cancer recurrence. The study found a 34% reduction in recurrence risk, with no additional side effects compared to a saline infusion.
Research suggests that a 1.5C temperature increase will lead to twice as many extreme ocean heat events like the 2016 Great Barrier Reef damage, while a 2C rise triples the odds of mass bleaching. The study models thousands of years under different scenarios and finds keeping temperatures below 1.5C reduces extreme events and costs.
A widely used diabetes medication, metformin, improves sociability and reduces symptomatic behaviors in adult mice with Fragile X syndrome. Researchers believe the drug could be repurposed as a therapy for this genetic disorder within a few years.
A recent study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that Henderson Island, a remote UK territory, is heavily polluted with an estimated 37.7 million pieces of plastic. The island's beaches have the highest density of plastic debris reported anywhere on the planet, posing significant threats to marine life.
Researchers developed a prototype drug that directly activates a tumor suppressor protein, preventing lung cancer tumors in mice. The study's findings suggest the potential for broad applicability to various human cancers, including breast, prostate, and childhood cancers.
Researchers created a pig model to study human knee growth and changes in ligament orientation during maturity. The model enables researchers to better understand joint injuries in children and teens, potentially informing new surgical approaches and clinical practice.
Researchers discovered a key molecule VCP linked to Human Cytomegalovirus replication, which can be blocked by chemicals to stop the virus from multiplying. This approach could lead to more powerful therapies and reduce the risk of resistance.
A special issue of the Journal of Infectious Diseases focuses on HIV eradication, exploring scientific thinking behind cure strategies. Researchers from UNC and other institutions discuss challenges and priorities in key areas of HIV cure research.
Scientists have identified the source of unexpected flashes of light reflecting off Earth's surface captured by NASA's EPIC camera. High-altitude ice crystals are the cause of these glints, which were previously thought to be limited to water on land or oceans.