Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center identified a lipid molecule that signals brown fat cells to activate in mice, improving metabolism. The molecule, 12,13-diHOME, may also be used as a biomarker for brown fat activation in humans.
A new imaging device developed by Modulated Imaging Inc. uses low-power LEDs to project light onto the breast, measuring absorption and scattering properties to quantify skin health. The device aims to predict acute and late skin damage effects from radiation therapy in breast cancer patients.
A new study from the University of Cambridge found that teacher encouragement has a significant influence on university access for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. On average, rates of entry into post-16 education were eight percentage points higher in students who received encouragement compared to those who did not. The effec...
A new paper from the University of Washington identifies key attributes that contribute to ecological resilience, providing clarity for scientists, resource managers, and planners. The study groups attributes into five categories and lists their relevance to measuring resilience.
Researchers discovered five species of bacteria that have been passed down from generation to generation in social bees for 80 million years. These symbiotic bacteria are a key part of the biology of social bees and can cause health problems if disrupted.
Researchers found a link between partial loss of the ANGPTL3 gene and lower cholesterol levels, as well as a reduced risk of coronary artery disease and heart attack. The study suggests that inhibiting ANGPTL3 could lead to new therapies for preventing heart attacks.
Scientists at IBS discover a platform to functionalize SLG and BLG, enabling the creation of 2D materials with new characteristics. Functionalized graphene can be applied to various devices, such as sensors and supercapacitors.
A Purdue University study reveals Listeria monocytogenes can live within romaine lettuce tissue throughout plant growth stages. Exposure to the bacteria can lead to infection in as little as 30 minutes, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.
A new blood test measures C-reactive protein levels to guide depression treatment, potentially improving success rates. Researchers found a strong correlation between CRP levels and medication regimens, providing a biological explanation for treatment selection.
Researchers have identified approximately 30 terpene synthase genes that contribute to diverse flavors in cannabis. These genes play a role in producing natural products like limonene, myrcene, and pinene, which are responsible for the plant's characteristic aromas.
A study by Royal Botanic Gardens Kew suggests that plants growing in warmer conditions are tougher and have lower nutritional value to grazing livestock, potentially inhibiting milk and meat yields and raising the amount of methane released. This vicious cycle threatens to further exacerbate climate change.
Researchers at MIT Media Lab describe a new technique that makes image acquisition using compressed sensing 50 times as efficient. The technique enables the development of novel imaging systems without lenses, opening new prospects for design and applications in harsh environments or non-visible spectrum wavelengths.
The TGF-beta cytokine modulates hepatocellular carcinoma cell migration and tumor initiator capacity. The study reveals a dual role of TGF-beta in cancer, acting as both a suppressor and enhancer.
The prevalence of heroin use increased by 87% among white individuals from 2001-2002 to 2012-2013. Nonmedical prescription opioid use preceding heroin initiation also rose among white users only, highlighting a link between the two.
Researchers discovered that microbes activate CRISPR systems early on in viral infections, capturing snippets of viral DNA to create a powerful defense. This early response enables microbes to recognize and attack subsequent viral infections more effectively.
A new study found that comprehensive pharmacist care can improve health outcomes and save significant money for Canada's healthcare system. The research estimates that full scope pharmacist care could prevent over 130,000 strokes, 260,000 heart attacks, and save nearly a million years of life.
A study found that heart failure patients who transition to skilled nursing facilities are 50 percent more likely to end up back in the hospital. The researchers identified a key factor in estimating likelihood of rehospitalization as the patient's ability to carry on daily activities upon entering the facility.
Nearly half of secondary schoolchildren with asthma are not controlling their symptoms optimally, and nearly a third experience discomfort using inhalers. The study calls for increased clinical monitoring and targeted interventions to address poor asthma control in UK schools.
KinderMiner, a Morgridge Institute for Research team's algorithm, scans Europe PubMed Central and provides ranked associations for select target terms and key phrases. The tool identifies relevant transcription factors in top 20 hits, significantly speeding up scientific process.
NASA's Suomi NPP satellite captured an image of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie over Queensland on March 29, 2017. The system's clouds stretched from Townsville to Brisbane along the coast, with heavy rainfall expected in central and southeastern regions.
A team of scientists from Kyoto University has developed a simpler approach to drug discovery using decision trees, achieving high predictive ability with reduced data sets. The new method could lead to significant cost savings in the drug development process.
Heroin use has increased five-fold among Americans since 2001, with significant rises in white males with low income and education. The prevalence of heroin use disorder also increased, particularly among younger individuals, with whites ages 18-44 experiencing a more pronounced increase than non-whites and older adults.
Researchers found that when participants knew each other, they were more likely to cooperate in the prisoner's dilemma game. The findings suggest that knowing others can promote cooperation and reduce hate and fake news on social networks.
A 16-year Nebraska study found minimal negative impacts of grazing cattle on corn stubble on soil properties, except for slight compaction. Grazing may even have a slightly positive effect on soil microbial community structure due to the addition of nutrient-rich manure.
A molecule called polyGP accumulates in the CSF and blood cells of patients with C9ORF72 ALS, offering a potential pharmacodynamic marker for therapeutic responses. Detection of polyGP in asymptomatic carriers may help identify patients at risk before symptoms appear.
Scientists are shifting focus to combination therapies targeting multiple appetite control system components, driven by understanding of protein sensors and neurotransmitters. This approach aims to better regulate body's appetite, potentially leading to more effective obesity treatments.
A study by Penn State economists found that a combination of college graduates and high-quality-of-life amenities significantly contributes to economic growth. Rural counties, which often struggle with growth, may particularly benefit from this approach.
The Owens Cluster is the most powerful supercomputer in Ohio Supercomputer Center history, featuring a peak performance of 1.5 petaflops. It provides a massive increase in computing power and storage space for researchers, enabling them to make extraordinary discoveries and innovations.
A recent study by IUPUI researcher Carolyn Gentle-Genitty has laid the groundwork for new approaches to preventing youth violence in five Caribbean countries. The research highlights key differences in gender and age-related behaviors, suggesting that a comprehensive approach targeting risk and protective factors is needed.
Researchers at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology have created a molecular toggle switch that can be operated as often as desired without physical degradation. The switch is made from individual molecules and measures just a nanometer in size, enabling future circuits to be integrated into spaces smaller by up to 100 times.
A study published in Nature found that air pollution mortality is disproportionately felt by people living near producing regions, often far from where goods are consumed. The researchers estimated that 22% of fine-particulate-matter air pollution deaths were related to goods produced elsewhere.
A new study found that combining nivolumab and bevacizumab resulted in a 53% complete or partial response rate for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma. The combination therapy showed promising clinical activities and measured immunological changes, suggesting potential for improved treatment outcomes.
Scientists have developed a method to track perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) in the body, with the highest amounts recorded in the stomach and liver. The study found that PFAS accumulate in multiple organs, including the lungs, kidney, heart, brain, skin, muscle, and bone.
The Epps group has made significant strides in tuning and characterizing block polymers for various applications. They aim to optimize materials design by manipulating phase behavior, thermal transitions and mechanical properties. The goal is to create high-performance materials that reduce defects and mitigate environmental concerns.
Researchers at the University of Kansas found that weather whiplash, caused by changing climate patterns, will degrade Midwest's drinking water due to extreme fluctuations between drought and floods. This leads to a spike in nitrogen levels in surface waters, forcing municipalities to construct costly nitrate-removal facilities.
A new study reveals that 11% of global non-renewable groundwater is used to produce internationally traded crops, with countries such as Pakistan, the US, and India being major exporters. This unsustainable practice poses a risk to food security and long-term sustainability.
A study by University of California, Irvine researchers finds that global manufacturing and trade significantly increase health risks for people in regions far from producing factories, with 22% of air pollution-related deaths associated with goods produced elsewhere.
A new study by McMaster University suggests that cannabis use is associated with an 82% increased risk of continuing opioid use among women in methadone treatment. The research found that nearly 60% of men and 44% of women using methadone also use cannabis.
A recent study published in Neurology found that people with hepatitis B are 76% more likely to develop Parkinson's disease than those without the virus. Those with hepatitis C have a 51% increased risk. The research linked both viruses to an increased risk of Parkinson's disease, contradicting previous findings on hepatitis B.
Researchers aim to reduce body fat, improve glucose and lipid metabolism in overweight women planning pregnancy with the Lifestyle Intervention in Preparation for Pregnancy (LIPP) program. The goal is to prevent childhood obesity and related health issues in women and their children.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln researchers engineer an on/off switch into a weakened form of HIV to enhance vaccine safety and effectiveness. The team demonstrates that flipping the switch allows weakened HIV to replicate at a level likely to generate immunity in a host, while also allowing for controlled replication.
Researchers discovered ordered arrangement of myosin-II filaments in actin cables of non-muscle cells, enabling slow contractility and movement through connective tissue. This organisation allows for dynamic assembly and disassembly of protein cables, providing the necessary strength to interact with the microenvironment.
Researchers propose a smart system to reduce long queues at certain roundabout approaches, using magnetic detection devices under the road surface to activate traffic metering signals. The system can delay and length of vehicle lines up by up to 60% while also reducing pollutant emissions as motorists stop less frequently.
Scientists have identified a cellular fuel sensor, AMPK, as a key regulator of the extracellular matrix and integrin function, which could lead to novel treatments for cancer and tissue fibrosis. The study reveals that AMPK's absence leads to increased adhesion and matrix production.
An international study led by Monash scientists found that Antarctica and the Southern Ocean's biodiversity management is lagging behind the global average in some areas, but exceling in others. The study's findings have significant implications for conservation efforts globally.
Research published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine found a doubling of ALS risk among men exposed to very low frequency electromagnetic fields at work. High levels of exposure were associated with nearly twice the likelihood of developing the disease.
Twelve University of Delaware students and alumni have won National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships, with a total award value of $1.4 million. The fellowships provide three years of funding and cost-of-education allowances for study leading to a master's or doctoral degree in science and engineering.
Researchers at ETH Zurich found that inflammation triggers the transfer of phage genes to Salmonella bacteria, increasing their pathogenicity. Vaccination can prevent this process, alleviating the risk of phage release.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding the production of bilirubin, a substance responsible for yellowing of the skin in jaundiced patients. By studying the biliverdin reductase enzyme, they discovered that two molecules of biliverdin are used to produce bilirubin.
A new study estimates that traumatic brain injuries in emergency departments had a total cost of $945 million over the lifetimes of those patients. Medical treatments and lost productivity accounted for $292 million and $653 million, respectively.
Children from island locations in the Bahamas prefer invasive species like feral cats and pigs, while mainland children prefer mammals. Island children also show a greater preference for native species, highlighting the need to consider human factors in conservation decisions.
Researchers aim to determine whether quitting e-cigarettes causes withdrawal symptoms, with a focus on nicotine levels and potential health risks. A National Cancer Institute-funded study is recruiting long-term e-cigarette users for an eight-week experiment involving nicotine withdrawal reporting and breath/urine sampling.
A team of engineers has developed a technique to control soft robots using magnetic fields, enabling the creation of devices with complex functions and simple designs. The new method involves embedding iron microparticles in liquid polymer mixtures and applying magnetic fields to induce chain formation.
Researchers used PET scans to study dopamine levels in patients with migraines and healthy individuals. The study found that dopamine levels fell significantly during migraine attacks, which may contribute to increased sensory sensitivity. This suggests that dopamine-based therapies could be effective in managing migraines.
The LEMNOS system will provide speeds of at least 80 megabytes per second, far surpassing current systems that send 51 kilobytes of data per second. This enables high-definition video transmission and real-time scientific data exchange.
A team of psychologists developed new tests to capture automatic moral and empathetic judgments. The studies found that certain situations trigger instant moral assessments, even when participants are instructed to counteract those feelings. These measures could help criminologists and psychologists understand pathological behavior.
A decorated raven bone from the Zaskalnaya VI site in Crimea features two intentionally made notches, suggesting a visually consistent pattern. Researchers believe these modifications may have been symbolic additions used by Neanderthals to display a specific design.
Scientists at Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine have created a new way to screen potential treatments for Tuberculosis (TB), which may reduce treatment duration from six months to weeks.
A new study published in the Journal of Consumer Research suggests that humanlike electronic products can replace human contact for lonely individuals. However, this phenomenon has limits, and certain cues can snap participants back to reality, highlighting the need for consumers to be aware of potential pitfalls.
Researchers develop an iterative simulation model that accurately predicts changes to line shape in strong plasma turbulence, providing a system for assessing plasma turbulence. The study finds that the width of hydrogen lines increases in presence of strong turbulence, with oscillating waves at plasma frequency.