A team of anthropologists has uncovered a 38,000-year-old engraved image in a French rockshelter, revealing insights into the nature of modern humans during this period. The discovery provides new information on regional patterning of art and ornamentation across Europe during the Aurignacian culture.
The Nordic countries' energy transition, driven by cities and municipalities, has achieved significant success with 83% of electricity generation coming from low-carbon sources. The study highlights the importance of trade and interconnection with Europe to reach energy targets, as well as the need for coordinated grid development and ...
Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed a new beam pattern, dubbed the 'needle-pulse' beam, which can create incredibly thin and intense beams that expand outward again after a mere nanosecond. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize fields such as ultrasound, radar, and microscopy.
Chiral quantum optics reveals new effects of light's spin and momentum, enabling one-way optical diodes and circulators. This breakthrough could lead to novel applications in computing, quantum networks, and photonics.
Physicist Igor Kaganovich and collaborators discovered the physics driving plasma etching, a technique powering electronic devices. The research found that electrically charged gas plasma enhances etching efficiency by creating strong plasma waves.
A new study by Rutgers University and others found that climate change could lead to a 300-600% increase in toxic mercury levels in zooplankton, tiny animals at the base of the marine food chain. This would have significant implications for fish consumption advisories aimed at protecting human health.
Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center have discovered a potential way to reduce complications from blood clot removal during stroke treatment. By targeting the plasma kallikrein protein, they aim to increase the efficacy of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) therapy while minimizing bleeding and swelling.
Researchers have discovered two novel genetic risk factors for bipolar disorder, FADS1 and FADS2, which play a crucial role in lipid metabolism. These findings support the notion that lipid abnormalities may contribute to the development of BD.
Researchers develop a new peptide that suppresses abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage in the eye, causing regression of established vessels. The peptide lasts longer than current treatments, potentially requiring only annual injections instead of monthly ones.
Dr. Sandra B. Sexson, a renowned child and adolescent psychiatrist, has received the Vestermark Psychiatry Educator Award for her leadership and creativity in psychiatric education. She is recognized for her 40-year dedication to advancing the field of psychiatry through various academic and professional roles.
Researchers found that snow voles in Graubünden evolve towards smaller sizes when winters start earlier due to increased food availability. This genetic adaptation helps young voles reach their maximum weight before harsh weather sets in, ensuring their survival.
A comprehensive review of Bufonidae family compounds reveals their largely unexplored potential for new drug discovery. The study highlights the critical need for conservation efforts due to declining amphibian populations.
A new analysis published in PLOS ONE found that the proportion of US deaths attributable to diabetes is as high as 12%, three times higher than estimates based on death certificates. Diabetes was estimated to be the third leading cause of death in the US in 2010, after heart disease and malignant neoplasms.
A new study by Brown University researchers shows that the 100,000-year orbital cycle and the 21,000-year precession cycle work together to drive the glacial cycle. The team found that sea ice in the Southern Hemisphere plays a crucial role in modulating the effects of precession on global temperature, leading to an expansion of sea ic...
Researchers at Duke University have developed a tiny device that uses sound waves to create whirlpools to gather proteins and other biomarkers from blood, urine or saliva samples. This innovative technology has the potential to form the basis of a small, inexpensive point-of-care device for early disease diagnosis.
Scientists at Harvard Medical School have developed a new gene-delivery therapy that successfully restores partial hearing and balance in mice born with genetic hearing loss. The treatment uses a modified adeno-associated virus (AAV) wrapped in protective bubbles to penetrate hair cells, which are notoriously difficult to treat.
A new UCL study reveals that tumor growth exerts mechanical forces on blood vessels, compressing or collapsing them to block oxygen delivery. This can lead to uneven drug delivery and reduced treatment effectiveness.
Professors Ateshian and Myers have made significant contributions to the fields of cartilage mechanics and soft tissue biomechanics. Ateshian's work focuses on developing better modalities for osteoarthritis treatment, while Myers studies the mechanics of the uterus and cervix to prevent premature births.
Researchers discovered LSD alters perception by stimulating serotonin 2A receptors in the brain. This finding may lead to new courses of treatment for psychiatric disorders like depression, addictions, and phobias by enhancing personal relevance.
Genetic analysis reveals dozens of chemical compounds associated with tomato flavor that have been lost in modern varieties. Selection for size and firmness has led to a reduction in sweetness and flavor content, highlighting the need to reintroduce flavor-infusing genes.
Researchers at Rice University have created single-molecule compounds that quench damaging reactive oxygen species, offering a new basis for antioxidant therapies. The molecules, called PEG-PDI, are true mimics of superoxide dismutase enzymes and show promise for treating cancer, traumatic brain injuries, and chronic diseases.
A new research paper published in Science argues that the US government's national security systems have not adapted sufficiently to the threats posed by groups like Al Qaeda and Islamic State. The paper calls for more field research on young people to inform machine learning and big data analysis to combat terrorism.
Reducing Pcdh10 function leads to impaired social behavior and altered amygdala circuitry, but treatment with d-cycloserine improves social interactions. The study suggests a possible target for autism treatment and parallels the male predominance of ASD in humans.
Researchers found that even modest levels of physical activity decreased insulin resistance and biomarkers of inflammation, while sedentary time increased levels of satiety-related chemicals in the blood. The study suggests that physical activity and inactivity may operate through different pathways to modulate disease risk.
Researchers used remote sensing data to identify functional diversity hotspots in the Peruvian Andes and Amazon basin, revealing 36 forest functional classes. Up to 46% of these areas are currently protected, with government control over two-thirds and indigenous lands holding one-third.
For the first time, researchers at UNC School of Medicine have discovered precisely what LSD looks like in its active state when attached to a human serotonin receptor. This breakthrough reveals that the psychoactive effects of LSD last for so long because part of the receptor folds over the drug molecule, locking it in place.
Terrie E. Taylor, a Michigan State University professor, is working on developing new treatments for cerebral malaria, the deadliest form of the disease. Her research aims to identify interventions that can reduce brain swelling and save children's lives.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that laparoscopic anti-reflux operations for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) result in faster recovery, fewer postoperative complications, and lower healthcare costs compared to traditional open operations.
Astronomers using the Hubble Space Telescope have made an independent measurement of the universe's expansion rate, consistent with earlier findings but in disagreement with measurements from the early Universe. The study uses galaxies as giant gravitational lenses to determine the Hubble constant to a high precision.
Researchers propose creating a phased regulatory system for autonomous vehicles, mirroring the drug approval process to ensure safety and reliability. This approach would involve pre-clinical trials, in-human studies, and monitored testing before easing restrictions.
Researchers found abnormal antibody levels in HIV-1-infected individuals, suggesting an important factor contributing to the failure of the gut to prevent microbial invasion. The study revealed a significant elevation of immunoglobulin M levels and decreased ratios of IgG/IgM and IgA/IgM in HIV-1-infected patients.
Biologists at Johns Hopkins have found that extra centrosomes in mice can lead to tumor formation due to improper chromosome separation. This discovery provides a new model for cancer research that more closely mimics human tumors, with half of the mice developing cancer within 9-18 months.
A new study found that by age 6, girls are already absorbing societal stereotypes about intellectual ability and choosing activities based on these notions. The researchers used experiments to evaluate the beliefs of 5-, 6- and 7-year-old boys and girls about gender and brilliance.
A new study found that abnormal antibody production in the intestine of people with HIV-1 may lead to chronic inflammation and AIDS despite treatment. The research revealed that immune system cells in the intestines have decreased capacity to produce mature antibodies.
A new study found that twice-daily radiation therapy combined with chemotherapy reduces head and neck cancer deaths by 20% and slows disease progression. The treatment, known as hyperfractionated radiotherapy, has shown promise in treating advanced stage patients who face lower survival rates.
A CU Boulder team, in collaboration with NIST and UC Davis, will track methane leaks from natural gas storage facilities using a novel laser system. The ground-based system measures changes in methane concentrations down to one part-per-billion, while light aircraft flights provide estimates of total emissions.
Research by Sam Houston State University found that Native Americans and Latinos were more likely to be denied access to good time benefits, while Asian offenders had better access. The study suggests that race-based stereotypes may influence judges' decisions on sentencing.
Researchers found improved preventive care and health behaviors among low-income childless adults due to Obamacare Medicaid expansion, with increased access to healthcare services and reduced barriers to care. They also reported better self-assessed health and fewer days of poor health or restricted activities.
A Mayo Clinic study using robotic telemedicine for assessing comatose patients in intensive care units shows promising results. The study found that patients with depressed levels of consciousness can be assessed reliably through telemedicine, alleviating a shortage of ICU providers and facilities.
A new project aims to develop a device that can accumulate and deliver unprecedentedly intense positron pulses. The goal is to investigate exotic states of matter and mixes of matter and antimatter, potentially opening up new areas of experimental research.
A new study by UC San Francisco researchers reveals that distinct sets of genetic defects in a single neuronal protein can cause either infantile epilepsy or autism spectrum disorders. The study identifies SCN2A as the human gene with the strongest evidence for a causal role in driving ASDs.
Research from the Salk Institute shows that certain bacteria, such as Salmonella Typhimurium, can block the host's appetite loss response to make themselves healthier while also promoting transmission. This discovery could have implications in treating infectious diseases and may lead to new therapies for metabolic disease.
Researchers at Mount Sinai discovered that specific signals in primary tumors induce dormant cancer cells that can evade chemotherapy. These 'dormant' cells are found in hypoxic regions of the tumor and may lead to disease relapse and poor prognosis.
A new species of hermit crab with bright red stripes has been discovered in the Caribbean. The species, named Pylopaguropsis mollymullerae, features a unique pincer shape and is believed to have an ecological association with moray eels.
A new study suggests that climate change played a significant role in the extinction of giant Ice Age animals in Australia. The analysis of fossil teeth found that as the climate dried out and became more arid, the diets of these megafaunal herbivores shifted dramatically, reducing their ability to consume certain types of plants.
Researchers at Rice University simulated one-dimensional boron materials, which exhibited mechanical stiffness comparable to the highest-performing nanomaterials. The new findings also revealed that these materials can act as constant-force springs and display unique electronic properties.
A University of Florida researcher led a global team to identify chemical combinations that improve tomato flavor. The team used classical genetics to replace bad alleles with good ones in modern tomato varieties.
Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery by directly observing the structure of protein machinery in living cells, allowing them to study its functions in unprecedented detail. This breakthrough has significant implications for understanding cellular biology and developing new therapeutic strategies for diseases.
A study found that when a bacteria reduces its virulence by blocking loss of appetite, it increases mouse survival and helps the pathogen spread. Salmonella Typhimurium, a natural intestinal pathogen in mice, uses this strategy to replicate and transmit to other hosts.
Researchers at Salk Institute successfully created human/pig chimeras, offering insights into early human development and potential applications for drug testing. The achievement marks an important step towards growing functional tissues and organs for regenerative medicine.
A study found that brain responses to rewards are a significant predictor of pain symptoms in adolescents, with patterns of reward processing at age 14-15 predicting pain complaints at age 16-17. Genetic variants affecting pain sensitivity may also play a role.
A recent study on alpine snow voles found a counterintuitive genetic change towards smaller body mass despite expected positive selection for increased fitness. The research suggests that selection for shorter development times leads to genetic change.
The study reveals that veterinarian movements significantly contribute to the spread of diseases, with animal exchanges playing a synergistic role. This research can help develop more accurate tools for predicting disease outbreaks and implement effective biosecurity measures.
Research highlights the role of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in regulating immune responses to viral infections. These cells have been shown to directly alter the viral infectious process, posing challenges for developing antiviral therapies.
Remote sensing maps reveal new regions for conservation effort in Peruvian forests, identifying previously unknown assemblages and assessing the effectiveness of current protections. The approach links biodiversity and functional diversity, providing a roadmap for detecting critical omissions in regional networks.
A study published in PLOS Pathogens suggests that proteins produced by the toxoplasmosis parasite may play a role in developing host-directed tuberculosis therapies. The researchers found that these proteins interact with human proteins to activate anti-tuberculosis defense mechanisms.
Johns Hopkins researchers successfully created mature heart muscle cells from human or animal stem cells by implanting them into newborn rat hearts. The host animal's biological signals and chemistry enabled the immature cells to mature, overcoming a developmental blockade.
Scientists have discovered incredibly rapid gas flares from a white dwarf binary star system for the first time. The unusual activity was observed at radio wavelengths in SS Cyg, one of the brightest variable stars in the constellation of Cygnus.
A large-scale study led by Dr. Laurent Azoulay found no association between androgen deprivation therapy and an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease in patients with advanced prostate cancer. The study analyzed data from nearly 31,000 men with nonmetastatic prostate cancer over a 27-year period.
A new study reveals that tiny particles can shield pollutants like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from degradation, allowing them to travel farther and increasing lung cancer risk. The findings quadruple the estimated global lung cancer risk from a pollutant caused by combustion, exceeding World Health Organization limits.