A team of researchers has found that the Earth's iron composition is not linked to its core formation, sparking alternative theories on why our planet has higher levels of heavy iron isotopes. The study suggests light iron isotopes may have been vaporized into space or incorporated into rock through slow mantle churning.
A national survey found that nearly 70% of prescription opioid medications kept in homes with children are not stored safely. Among households with older children, only 12% reported safe storage. The study highlights the need for education and new technology to prevent accidental ingestions and overdose among young people.
Cedars-Sinai neuroscientists have uncovered the human brain's processes involved in creating and maintaining short-term memories. The study found that persistently active neurons in the medial frontal lobe and medial temporal lobe are critical for memorization, with activity levels correlating to memory recall.
Researchers from Monash University and Cardiff University have made a breakthrough understanding how HIV evades the immune system by mutating key molecules, which will help design better therapies and vaccines. The study provides new insights into HIV's ability to evade the immune system.
Researchers analyzed TV debate transcripts to quantify dramatic differences in speaking styles among candidates. Donald Trump's style was characterized by simplicity, short sentences, and a reduced vocabulary, differing from other candidates' more complex communication methods.
A review of mindfulness research found that focused attention practices may benefit older adults by fostering a greater quality of life and improving cognitive functioning. However, the field is limited and would greatly benefit from larger randomized controlled trials to confirm results.
The study found that Central Africa's forest elephant population has dropped by over 80% in a decade, mainly due to illegal poaching. The researchers emphasize the need to reduce demand for ivory and recognize forest elephants as a distinct species to save them from extinction.
A study by Russian scientists analyzed the hair of petrochemical workers, finding higher levels of As, Hg, Sn, I, and Si in office workers compared to those in other departments. Essential elements like Cr, Fe, and I were found in higher concentrations in primary oil refining employees, while toxic element content was generally lower i...
A QUT study found that investing in Green IT solutions can reduce costs, but to generate substantial environmental and innovation benefits, companies must adopt more comprehensive green practices. This includes process re-engineering, environmental management systems, and digital innovations that promote sustainability.
A study by researchers at the University of Missouri found that teacher ratings of parental involvement early in a child's academic career can accurately predict their academic and social success. The study also showed that a teacher training program can help improve the quantity and quality of teacher-parent interactions.
Researchers compared six methods for single-cell RNA sequencing and found that some commercial kits are ten times more expensive than homemade versions. The choice of method depends on the experiment's conditions and demands. This study is valuable for further developing the technology, particularly in the Human Cell Atlas project.
A crowdsourcing effort helped researchers develop a mathematical model that can forecast the scent a molecule will evoke. The study used over 1 million data points from human volunteers to link perceptual information to chemical features, achieving a perfect score of 0.83 in smell prediction.
An ASU-led team has developed the first controllable DNA switch, allowing for reversible control of electricity flow within a single molecule. The modified DNA helix can conduct electricity and is reversibly controlled using an anthraquinone group.
Constantine Gatsonis, a leading researcher on cancer screening studies, emphasizes the importance of rigorously produced evidence in health screenings. His work has shed light on the accuracy, cost-effectiveness, and impact of various screening methods, including digital mammography and tomosynthesis.
Katharine Mach, a senior research scientist at Stanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences, discussed the importance of assessment in climate science. She highlighted the challenges of navigating complex science policy territory and the need for tact and negotiation among experts and decision-makers.
Caltech's Stan Whitcomb, a key figure in LIGO's development, will share insights into the project's groundbreaking discovery. He'll discuss how the detection confirmed Einstein's general theory of relativity and opened up new avenues for astronomy. The talk also touches on the technical challenges faced by LIGO detectors.
Early cancer diagnosis doesn't always result in longer life, as screenings come with built-in risks like false positives and missed diagnoses. Research suggests that frequent screening may not extend quality of life, but rather just delays the inevitable. The study's findings challenge the conventional notion that early detection is al...
According to Dr. Rochelle Tractenberg, a statistical crisis is emerging due to improper analysis and interpretation of data, leading to irreproducible results. She advocates for responsible conduct in research and the importance of treating data ethically.
A Michigan State University scholar is warning about conflicts of interest in research, advising readers to apply everyday skepticism and check reputable scientific societies for guidance. Case studies show groups with financial interests have deliberately withheld or distorted information to achieve desired results.
Researcher Brenda Heaton found that social networks play an overlooked role in oral health care, influencing behavior and disease prevention. She aims to use network maps to introduce health resources into communities, changing long-term behaviors and preventing tooth decay through prevention.
The Global Biological Standards Institute reports encouraging progress toward improved research reproducibility, with stakeholders recognizing the severity of the problem and taking active steps for improvement. The report highlights tangible examples of community-led actions, including new funding guidelines and industry-wide research...
The study reveals wild bees are disappearing in US farmlands, including California, the Midwest and Mississippi Valley, threatening crop production. The 'trouble zone' counties face a potential mismatch between rising demand for pollination and falling supply of wild bees, highlighting the need for habitat restoration efforts.
A new mobile app developed by University of Vermont researchers aims to help farmers protect endangered bees by calculating crop productivity and pollination benefits. The app allows users to explore land management scenarios and virtually test how bee-friendly decisions would improve their business.
Dr. Gita Martohardjono presents research on bilingual populations, showing changes in Spanish processing and predicting the impact of English use on brain responses. Her findings suggest that social factors hinder language learning in adults.
Lubchenco suggests aligning short- and long-term economic incentives to achieve a diverse mix of benefits for the marine and maritime sectors. She notes that highlighting the potential of blue growth, transforming social norms in industry, and taking a cross-sector approach are key steps towards achieving sustainable blue growth.
A new model pinpoints sources of nitrogen pollution in Long Island Sound, helping municipalities identify actions to alleviate it. The tool, developed by UConn ecologist Jamie Vaudrey, shows the impact of different actions on nitrogen runoff and provides a detailed analysis of 116 estuaries, rivers, and harbors.
A long-term study found gastric band surgery improved patients' chances of diabetes remission, reduced medication needs and enhanced quality of life. The study also showed significant weight loss and low adverse events.
Researchers sequenced three Symbiodinium gene sequences to show their genomes have features promoting a prosperous symbiosis with corals. The study reveals that Symbiodinium has evolved bicarbonate and ammonium transporters to harvest essential nutrients for photosynthesis and growth.
A study found that former NFL players had motor functions within normal range and no significant relationship between head impacts and movement disorders. While they didn't have severe problems with motor skills, those with worse scores on thinking tests were more likely to experience issues.
Science communications expert Dominique Brossard discusses the challenges of combating fake news in science, particularly on social media. She advocates for improved communication between scientists and journalists, as well as quality control measures to prevent misinterpretation of studies.
Researchers analyzed data from China's largest meteorological database and found a 50% decrease in hail storms, thunderstorms, and high wind events on average. The strength of the East Asian Summer Monsoon also decreased strongly correlated with severe weather.
Scientists at Michigan State University are studying the atomic nucleus of exploding stars to gain insights into their evolution and the creation of elements in our universe. They have made breakthroughs in understanding the production of rare isotopes like aluminum-26, which could shed light on the amount of water on Earth.
A recent study by University of Vermont researchers reveals that consulting stakeholders is crucial for environmental scholars to impact policy. The study found that stakeholder engagement improves policymakers' perception of scientific knowledge and makes research more legitimate.
Effective management reforms can lead to a nearly 90 percent increase in profits and a third more fish in the water, even with climate change. The research also shows that improved management can increase fish and prosperity for many fisheries.
New research finds that effective fishing reforms can significantly increase the world's fish population and profits despite climate change impacts. The study identifies potential losses of fish species due to warming, primarily affecting developing regions heavily reliant on seafood for nutrition.
At AAAS 2017, the Global Alliance for Genomics and Health (GA4GH) explores local governance solutions for global data sharing. The session discusses policies to promote data sharing, including frameworks such as the Regulatory and Ethics Working Group's Framework for Responsible Sharing of Genomic and Health-Related Data.
A new study has identified over 1,000 genes in maize that enable crops to adapt to different latitudes and elevations. The researchers also found a strong link between flowering time and other traits, which could help speed up breeding efforts for maize under global climate change.
Scientists at the University of Illinois have created small biological robots called bio-bots that can move on their own using muscle cells. The researchers developed a method to seed cells into a scaffold and direct their behavior using electrical or light signals.
A recent study by Northwestern University researcher Linda Teplin found alarming premature mortality rates among delinquent youth, with 111 deaths recorded 16 years after detention. The study revealed significant risk factors in adolescence, including drug dealing and gang membership, which increased the likelihood of later mortality.
Research reveals that herbivores can evade plant defenses by using symbiotic bacteria, while plants have two lines of defense against predators. Understanding these interactions may help control pests and improve plant productivity through probiotics.
Shari Diamond, a renowned expert on jury process and legal decision-making, will discuss the importance of involving scientists in the legal system. Her presentation highlights insights from an American Academy of Arts and Sciences study that examines the barriers to effective engagement between science and law.
Scientists seek to convert the notorious U.S. military prison at Guantanamo Bay into a leading marine research facility and peaceful sanctuary for threatened Cuban species. A 'green' Gitmo proposal, proposed by University of Vermont biologist Joe Roman, offers a potential solution to the long-standing impasse in U.S.-Cuba relations.
Researchers at the University of Leicester have discovered a genetic 'switch' called ATF4 that plays a key role in Parkinson's disease. By targeting this gene, they hope to develop tailored interventions that can prevent or delay neuronal loss.
Researchers found that participants' brains responded positively to sentences conforming to traditional Welsh poetry rules, even when they couldn't explicitly identify the correct form. This suggests an innate appreciation for poetic structure in the human brain.
Researchers aim to develop novel treatments and preventative medicines to assist with malaria eradication and elimination, replacing ineffective current drugs that are losing efficacy.
Genome editing enables precise genetic changes in livestock, boosting productivity and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Researchers aim to apply this technology to improve animal welfare and potentially produce single-gender offspring.
NASA used its Terra satellite to track the remnants of Tropical Cyclone Dineo, which generated heavy rainfall in southern Mozambique. The Global Precipitation Measurement mission captured detailed images of the storm's intense rain bands, revealing precipitation rates over 86 mm per hour.
A Saint Louis University researcher is using a $363,000 grant to test two molecules as potential biomarkers for four debilitating health conditions: chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, and vulvodynia. The goal is to develop new painkillers that target these pathways.
Researchers at UTMB have discovered that the Asian lineage of the Zika virus halts brain stem cell proliferation and hinders their ability to develop into brain nerve cells. This finding provides insight into the mechanisms behind Zika-induced microcephaly, a serious birth defect characterized by small brain and head development.
Cosmic rays generated by particles from outside the solar system can alter individual bits of data stored in memory, causing single-event upsets (SEUs) that can be difficult to characterize. The problem is becoming increasingly serious as computer chip technology advances and becomes smaller.
A study published by University of Konstanz researchers found that praise from peers can motivate students to perform better, particularly those who are already high-achievers. However, this positive effect is limited for students whose grades fall just below the top threshold.
Researchers at Eindhoven University of Technology develop DNA computer capable of detecting several antibodies in blood and performing subsequent calculations. This system allows for controlled drug delivery into the bloodstream, a key step towards intelligent drugs with fewer side effects and lower costs.
A study published in Cell Reports found that genetic variation in mice shapes their gut microbiome, which regulates insulin secretion and contributes to the onset of metabolic disease. The researchers observed a correlation between specific bacteria in the microbiome and metabolic traits such as body weight and glucose levels.
Researchers created a new membrane that improves the cycle life of lithium-sulfur batteries by reducing the shuttling of dissolved polysulfides. The MCM layer preserves energy density without losing capacity over time, leading to 100% capacity retention and up to four times longer life compared to batteries without it.
A team from the University of Pennsylvania identified circulating helper immune cells in blood after an annual flu vaccine, tracking their contribution to antibody strength. The study found that these cells play a crucial role in antibody development and could inform future vaccine design.
A study led by Emory University found that contact tracing combined with targeted indoor residual spraying reduced dengue transmission by 86-96% during an outbreak in Cairns, Australia. This approach is more effective than traditional vaccines, which offer only 30-70% effectiveness.
A new study has found that walking can significantly improve the physical and emotional wellbeing of patients with advanced cancer. Researchers discovered that participants who walked for at least 30 minutes on alternate days reported improvements in their quality of life, including reduced weight and increased morale.
Researchers have developed a new imaging technology that sees DNA naturally fluoresce, allowing for the study of individual biomolecules and global patterns of gene expression. This breakthrough could yield insights into cancer and other diseases.
Researchers at Rockefeller University Press discovered that tumor suppressor protein RUNX1 can promote AML in some cases, particularly when combined with mutant FLT3. Targeting RUNX1 may be an effective treatment for certain AML patients, potentially offering a promising therapeutic strategy.
Research reveals large-scale thaw-induced slope disturbances and mobilization of primary glacial sediments, leading to cascading effects on fluvial, lacustrine, and coastal systems. The study's findings have major implications for predicting northern landscape change and downstream impacts.