Researchers discovered that drugs targeting inhibitory brain receptors can alter synapse number, potentially offering therapeutic strategies for autism and schizophrenia. Targeted therapy during adolescence may help normalize synapse numbers in individuals with abnormal numbers of synapses.
A study by Duke University identifies 6,648 fracking spills in Colorado, New Mexico, North Dakota, and Pennsylvania between 2005 and 2014, with half of spills due to pipes and valves. The analysis reveals that wells with previous spills are at higher risk of future incidents.
Researchers from University of Delaware and Princeton University show that US grid can manage large amounts of offshore wind power, reducing pollution and electricity costs. The study found that the PJM grid can handle over 35 gigawatts of offshore wind, powering approximately 10 million homes.
A new UCL study suggests that people's brain tricks them into believing the low-hanging fruit is ripest when it requires minimal effort. The researchers found that adding load to one of the handles made participants avoid the more effortful response, changing their perception without awareness.
Researchers uncovered the fovea's computational architecture and basic visual processing, distinct from other regions of the retina. This discovery helps explain differences in central and peripheral vision qualities.
Researchers found that osteopathic structural examinations can help identify ectopic pregnancies, particularly those located outside the fallopian tubes. This technique is useful in emergency situations where imaging fails due to bleeding caused by a rupture.
A new study finds that cumulative hazards from nuisance flooding in US cities will cost more than extreme events like Hurricane Katrina or Superstorm Sandy over time. The research predicts that by 2050, cities like Miami and Seattle may experience up to 700 hours of nuisance flooding per year.
Recent immune research advances the understanding of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), highlighting the role of immune dysregulation in its development. Therapies targeting the immune system may also have benefits beyond ASD, such as preventing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
A new study found that children with all types of congenital heart defects have a 24% higher odds of not meeting standards in reading or math. Those with critical defects are also more likely to receive special education support compared to those with less severe defects.
Researchers from Northwestern University developed a new approach to improve night-vision cameras using strained-layer indium arsenide/indium arsenide antimonide type-II superlattices. The new design enables infrared cameras to perform imaging at higher temperatures, reducing the need for cryogenic cooling power.
Researchers found that a shorter course of radiation therapy, known as moderate hypofractionation, is just as effective at treating prostate cancer while costing less. This approach can help patients recover more quickly and reduces the burden on treatment centers and payers.
Physical activity is most important lifestyle change to reduce breast cancer recurrence risk, with at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day recommended. Avoiding weight gain and maintaining adequate vitamin D levels also play a crucial role in reducing the risk of cancer recurrence.
Researchers found that cancer cells can spread through the extracellular matrix with optimal tissue stiffness. Drugs targeting ECM stiffness could prevent metastasis, providing a new approach to diagnostics and treatment.
Researchers at OIST have adapted a parent-training program for ADHD to support Japanese families, resulting in reduced child symptoms and improved parent-child relationships. The study suggests that the new program could become an effective mainstream treatment for ADHD in Japan.
Researchers found that hospitalized stroke patients with visible brain vessel changes and those who exhibited weakness or partial loss of movement were at higher risk for falls. Social media campaigns can effectively educate and engage communities about stroke awareness, increasing website traffic by 200% compared to previous years.
Kanako, a 24-year-old chimp, has been diagnosed with trisomy 22, a chromosomal defect similar to human Down syndrome. She experiences stunted growth, congenital heart disease, blindness, and vision problems, highlighting the need for care and research into this condition in apes.
Researchers have mapped the critical steps of DNA replication, revealing how a ring-shaped protein called origin recognition complex (ORC) initiates the process by slipping into a groove on DNA and initiating a cascade of microscopic interactions. The study provides new insights into an immensely complex system that is constantly ongoi...
A one-off bowel screening test can prevent more than half of potential bowel cancers from developing and reduce deaths by two-thirds. The test is effective in reducing cancer deaths for at least 17 years, according to a study published in The Lancet.
Researchers identify a new species of ancient bristle worm, the largest fossil jaws ever recorded, suggesting the creature achieved a body length over a metre. The discovery sheds light on the phenomenon of gigantism in marine worms and its evolution in different species.
Scientists have identified a neutron star consuming material at an incredible rate, producing x-rays that exceed the Eddington limit by 1,000 times. The star's strong, multipolar magnetic field is believed to be responsible for its extreme properties.
Researchers found that acute kidney injury causes a buildup of indoxyl sulfate in the blood and lungs, leading to damage. Oral treatment with AST-120 decreases IS levels and improves lung function in animal models.
A new report led by Panthera suggests that Africa's protected parks and reserves can conserve up to 83,000 wild lions if well funded and managed. The study found that less than one third of the parks examined are currently conserving lions at more than 50% of their carrying capacity.
A new study by UNC School of Medicine researchers found that the IRS-1 protein plays a crucial role in maintaining vascular smooth muscle cell differentiation, which helps prevent atherosclerosis. In people with diabetes, low IRS-1 levels contribute to abnormal cellular proliferation and increased risk of heart disease.
Tropical Cyclone Bart has developed in the Southern Pacific Ocean, with NASA's Aqua satellite capturing an image of the storm on Feb. 21. The cyclone is elongated due to vertical wind shear and is moving east-southeast at a speed of 25.3 mph.
Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital and Massachusetts Institute of Technology have developed a method to grow large quantities of inner ear progenitor cells that convert into functional hair cells. The technique shows potential as a therapy for patients with hearing loss, particularly those caused by loud noises or toxic drugs.
Researchers are exploring how high salt intake can trigger an immune response contributing to chronic high blood pressure in females. Studies found that female salt-resistant rats produce nitric oxide, a powerful dilator of blood vessels, which takes pressure down and activates a protective immune response.
Researchers at Pitt have identified a new family of enzymes that can efficiently synthesize the complex polycyclic structures found in potent antimicrobial and antitumor alkaloids. This breakthrough enables the chemoenzymatic synthesis of these molecules, paving the way for potential drug discoveries.
A study of 28 commercial physician-rating websites found that patients can struggle to find relevant reviews due to poor search functionality and limited information about physicians.
A UC Riverside study found that chronic demyelination is closely linked to seizures in MS patients, with specific neurons being lost and hyperactivity increasing. The researchers hope to develop drugs aimed at reducing seizures, which could also benefit epilepsy patients.
A team of researchers at CIMA University has identified a new gene, FOSL1, which is critical in the development of lung and pancreatic cancers. Inhibiting this gene has been shown to drastically reduce tumor size in various experimental models.
Children's Mercy has developed a groundbreaking app called CHAMP to monitor single-ventricle babies, reducing mortality rates and improving patient care. The program uses Microsoft devices and services to track vital signs and trigger alerts for instant evaluation.
A study found male caregivers reported more successes than problems during the first year of caring for stroke survivor wives/partners. The men struggled to maintain their prior lives but ultimately built confidence through functional improvement and fostered success through positive attitudes.
Researchers have captured images of terahertz electron dynamics of a semiconductor surface on the atomic scale, unlocking a new window into the nanoworld. The breakthrough allows for ultrafast observation of atomic processes with unprecedented precision.
A recent study found that using a rabbit virus, myxoma virus, reduced tumor burden in preclinical studies and led to complete eradication of disease in a quarter of animals. The treatment elicited a strong immune response, suggesting its potential as a novel therapy for multiple myeloma.
Researchers at Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard discovered novel genetic mutations promoting antibiotic resistance in bacteria. These mutations enhance resistance to multiple classes of antibiotics, including non-ribosomal targets, while reducing growth rates.
Researchers discovered termites can detect predatory ants through subtle substrate vibrations, allowing them to evade danger. This unique ability could lead to advances in technologies based on acoustic signatures and potentially revolutionize pest control methods.
A team of scientists at the John Innes Centre has created a fast-growing broccoli line with the potential to deliver two full crops a season, reducing reliance on seasonal weather conditions. The new line can be grown in protected conditions or in urban farms, enabling continuous production and supply of fresh local produce.
Researchers conducted a double-blind placebo-controlled study on 30 patients with primary insomnia, finding that both neurofeedback and placebo-feedback were equally effective in improving subjective sleep complaints. However, objective EEG-derived measures of sleep quality did not show significant improvement.
Researchers found that man-made disruptions in natural flow patterns contribute to reductions in both the abundance and diversity of fish and insects. The study provides a scientific basis for establishing ecological flows in North Carolina's major river basins.
Prostate cancer cells grow with malfunction of cholesterol control in cells, a process that allows them to accumulate fat and stimulate uncontrolled growth. Identifying this process could inform the development of better ways to control cholesterol accumulation in tumors.
Cancer mortality rates vary significantly within the growing Hispanic population in the US, with wide variations among major ethnic groups. Key findings include higher mortality rates from stomach and prostate cancer, as well as lower rates for lung and breast cancer compared to non-Hispanic whites.
A new study reveals that the first breath of a newborn releases crucial signals that shape the lifelong immunological milieu of lungs. This process protects against environmental triggers but increases susceptibility to bacterial infections, such as pneumococci.
A new study investigated the potential role of North American animals as hosts for Zika virus. Researchers tested common animal species, including goats, pigeons, raccoons, and ducks, for infectious virus presence and antibodies. The findings suggest that these animals may serve as an unseen reservoir for Zika virus in urban environments.
Death rates from cancer are expected to decline faster in men than in women in Europe in 2017, with men predicted to fall by over 8% and women by around 4%. Lung cancer death rates will rise in women, but overall, fewer women than men will die from cancer.
Researchers developed a novel strategic framework to improve retention of minority, low-income children in randomized controlled trials. The framework was highly effective, with an attrition rate of only 11%, significantly lower than previous studies.
A team of scientists from UC Santa Barbara and colleagues conducted an eight-year study on a healthy shark population on Palmyra atoll. They found a significantly lower density of grey reef sharks than previously estimated, with around 20 sharks per square kilometer.
The BMJ warns that Trump's administration may damage health by suppressing research and limiting communication on scientific topics deemed politically inconvenient. This could harm public health efforts globally.
Scientists have engineered the smallest CRISPR-Cas9 system to date, capable of delivering gene editing to muscles and eyes via AAV. This technology targets age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and other 'undruggable' genes, offering a promising therapeutic tool.
Scientists at Stanford University and Sandia National Laboratories have developed an artificial synapse that mimics the human brain's efficient processing. This innovation could lead to the creation of more brain-like computers that can interpret visual and auditory signals with improved accuracy.
A Rice University study models the dynamic evolution of the microbial immune system, revealing a three-region phase diagram where phages thrive or are driven to extinction. The study explains confusing CRISPR experimental results by highlighting the importance of encounter rates and mutation parameters.
A new study found that cocaine addiction disrupts iron regulation in the body, leading to a build-up of iron in the brain. This accumulation is directly linked to the duration of cocaine use and may be accompanied by mild iron deficiency elsewhere in the body.
Four NYU faculty members have been awarded Sloan Foundation fellowships for their innovative research, transforming fields such as neuroscience, finance, and chemistry. Jayeeta Basu aims to understand long-term memory formation, while Johannes Stroebel focuses on financial decision-making of households.
A University of Toronto study has identified a gene that may strongly influence obesity in humans, similar to the foraging gene found in fruit flies. The study reveals that the human version of this gene plays multiple roles in feeding and metabolism.
Researchers developed predictive models that accurately anticipate the smell of molecules based on just a handful of features, outperforming traditional methods. The DREAM Olfaction Prediction Challenge demonstrated the potential for crowdsourced competition to advance our understanding of scent perception.
Scientists from India have discovered seven new frog species in the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot, with four being miniature-sized and among the smallest known frogs. The discovery highlights the high diversity of Night Frogs in the region, particularly in diminutive forms.
Researchers at Michigan State University have shown that breast cancer treatment options can be predicted based on gene expression patterns. The study identified a three-drug combination effective in stopping triple-negative breast cancer growth and suggests a personalized approach to care.
A subset of genes involved in daily circadian rhythms become active late in life or during intense stress, helping to protect critical life functions. These 'late-life cyclers' may combat serious stresses associated with age, disease, or environmental challenges.
Researchers develop protocol to efficiently grow cochlear progenitor cells into large colonies with high capacity for differentiation, offering potential treatment for hearing loss. The approach, leveraging Wnt signaling and histone deacetylase inhibition, enables regeneration of sensory hair cells in multiple mammalian species.
A panel of international experts recommends abandoning the costly and ineffective treatment, citing a lack of benefit for outcomes important to patients. The guideline advises against using ultrasound therapy for bone healing after fracture, suggesting future research focus on other interventions that may speed up healing.
Researchers found that hormonal maintenance therapy significantly improved survival in women with low-grade serous carcinoma of the ovary/peritoneum. Women who received HMT showed an average progression-free survival of 64.9 months, compared to 26.4 months for those in the surveillance group.