A global analysis found that artificially lit surface of Earth at night is growing in size and brightness in most countries. This trend has nearly matched the global rise in gross domestic product.
Researchers sequenced ancient plague genomes from 4,800 to 3,700 years ago, revealing a possible introduction of Yersinia pestis into Europe during the Neolithic period. The study suggests that the plague spread along with the migration of steppe nomads and may have played a role in genetic turnover of European populations.
Researchers found that ribbed mussels were effective at removing nitrogen and other excess nutrients from the Bronx River, with an estimated 138 pounds of nitrogen removed. The study suggests that mussel farming could be a viable tool for improving water quality in urban estuaries.
Researchers discovered that Tau protein interacts with and disrupts cell membranes, forming toxic complexes that induce neuronal toxicity. The complexes are made up of Tau proteins and phospholipids from the membrane, and can be taken up by neurons more readily than the fibril form of the protein.
Tingyi Gu, an assistant professor at the University of Delaware, has received a $450,000 grant from the Air Force Office of Scientific Research to develop high-speed and low-power optical interconnects. Her research aims to improve the performance and scalability of devices made with two-dimensional materials.
Researchers have found that the scales of sharks and skates share a common origin with teeth, and that ancient fishes had multiple layers of armor. Meanwhile, studies on backbone formation reveal a shared evolutionary history between jawed vertebrates, including humans.
Scientists from Kiel University and University of Trento create stable 3D network of carbon nanotubes using wet chemical infiltration process. The method retains beneficial properties of CNTs, enabling applications in battery technology, medical implants, sensors, and electronic components.
Research at Goethe University Frankfurt finds that more intelligent individuals have brain regions more strongly connected to each other within their own 'family', but less connected to others. This may help them filter out irrelevant information and focus on important tasks.
A new underwater acoustic localization system has been developed to estimate the trajectory of sound sources in the ocean without multiple receivers or anchor nodes. The system uses bathymetry information to discriminate the location of the source of the signal.
A team of researchers discovered that different subtypes of muscle cells play critical roles in orchestrating tissue regeneration in flatworms. Removing specific muscle groups was shown to disrupt the regeneration process, revealing essential functions for longitudinal and circular fibers.
Mussel larvae are sensitive to ocean acidification due to their high calcification rate and limited ion regulation capacity. Researchers found that larvae can increase pH and carbonate concentration below the shell to promote calcification, but this is reduced by increasing acidification
A new study proposes a way to directly observe predicted ion-induced shock waves, which can help optimize ion-beam cancer therapy. Shock waves contribute to thermomechanical damage in tumour tissue, increasing the volume of cells exposed to reactive species.
Researchers found that water in minerals can split up under extreme pressure, liberating oxygen to combine with iron and create a novel mineral. This discovery could have implications for the Earth's geologic history and potentially explain the Great Oxygenation Event.
Recent studies show that vehicle-to-grid technology can improve battery life and provide valuable clean energy, but upgrading the system is necessary. Dr. Uddin and Dr. Dubarry developed an accurate battery degradation model to predict the impact of V2G on battery health.
A study comparing diabetes foot care regions in England found that areas with comprehensive services had significantly lower rates of major amputations. The introduction of key services, including podiatry staffing and orthotist availability, led to improved outcomes.
Researchers found that children with higher aerobic capacity and motor ability had increased gray matter in brain regions important for executive function, learning, and language processing. This association was also observed in regions essential for reading and language skills.
A new study reveals barriers to routine HIV testing in emergency departments and acute medical units in the UK and US. The analysis found that operational and patient-specific factors hindered HIV testing coverage, while commitment from medical staff and local specialist providers facilitated its offer.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have identified biomarkers that can aid in the development of better treatments for schizophrenia. The biomarkers were successfully tested in over 90% of individuals who received ketamine, and reliably distinguished them from those who had been given a placebo.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed a novel surgical adhesive inspired by the elastic defensive slime of the Dusky Arion slug. The new sealant mediates strong interfacial contact, conforms to skin and tissue, and closes holes in heart tissue with high effectiveness.
A recent survey found that 16%-48% of participants believed vaginal birth was harmful to sexuality, despite research contradicting these claims. Individuals who endorsed these beliefs were more likely to hold negative attitudes toward female genitalia and rely on reality-based information.
Research suggests that mothers who were overweight or obese before pregnancy face a higher risk of compromised neurodevelopmental outcomes in their children, including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Maintaining a healthy weight during pregnancy may also be crucial for optimal brain development.
Scientists create dense ensembles of quantum spins in diamond with high resolution, enabling enhanced sensors and resources for quantum technologies. Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV) defects are used to measure magnetic fields and quantum computing, thanks to their unique properties such as long coherence times at room temperature.
A team of scientists at Université de Montréal developed a novel strategy to block the transfer of antibiotic-resistant genes by binding molecules that target the TraE protein. This approach has the potential to reduce the spread of resistance genes, preserving the potency of antibiotics and improving human health.
A 24,502-person study found that regular physical activity in elderly individuals reduced cardiovascular disease risk by 14% compared to those who were inactive. Even low-intensity activities like walking and gardening are recommended.
A study published in Academic Emergency Medicine found that intranasal ketamine had more minor side effects such as bad taste and dizziness compared to intranasal fentanyl in children with suspected extremity fractures. No significant differences were observed in efficacy or pain relief between the two drugs.
Research at Kiel University has discovered that the bacterial colonization of the intestine controls peristaltic functions. The study found that only a balanced microbiome can regulate tissue contractions, with certain molecules secreted by bacteria intervening in the control mechanism.
A study published in Autism Research found a correlation between shorter time intervals between pregnancies and increased risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder in second-born children. The researchers suggested that couples planning pregnancy should discuss their options with a trusted doctor or healthcare provider.
A study of over 400 adults with prehypertension found that combining a low-salt diet with the DASH diet substantially lowers systolic blood pressure, especially in those with higher baseline readings. The combination diet resulted in reductions of up to 21mmHg in systolic blood pressure, surpassing the effect of prescription drugs.
Case Western Reserve University researchers found infectious prions in CJD patient skin, which are 1,000-100,000 times lower than in brain tissue. This discovery raises concerns about potential disease transmission through surgeries and may pave the way for less invasive diagnostic techniques.
A recent study found that opening windows or doors reduces carbon dioxide levels in bedrooms, correlating with improved subjective sleep assessments. Lower CO2 levels also associated with better objective sleep measures, including efficiency and awakenings.
Researchers from CNRS and INSA Strasbourg propose a new mechanism to explain lower-than-predicted vibrations near tracks as train speed increases. They show that a large part of energy is trapped in the heterogeneous ballast layer, leading to accelerated degradation.
Scientists demonstrate that Leishmania adaptation results from frequent and reversible chromosomal amplifications, which enables the parasite to maintain genetic diversity while selecting for new alleles. This study has important consequences for understanding human Leishmania infection and identifying parasite drug resistance mechanisms.
A recent study by Remy Wenmaekers reveals that physical measures have little effect in reducing sound levels due to instrument contribution. Earplugs are the only solution to help musicians reduce excessive sound levels, especially for trumpet and flute players.
Researchers discover misfolded prion proteins in skin samples from Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease patients, but find lower amounts in the skin compared to brain tissue. The study raises concerns about possible transmission of prion diseases through surgical procedures involving the skin.
A recent study published in the Journal of Soil and Water Conservation found that farmers prefer cash payments with insurance or tax credits over certifications, but may require more money for these incentives. Researchers met with 49 farmers in northwest Ohio to test different incentives and gather insights on best management practices.
Researchers at King's College London have discovered novel mechanisms of cell death involved in debilitating neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. This finding could lead to new treatments or delay the progression of currently incurable conditions.
A new approach models and predicts the spread of 'superbugs' by analyzing genomic data, identifying key drivers of transmission and enabling early intervention. The method successfully pinpointed the facility origin of every patient's infection in a real-time outbreak simulation.
A study found that 11% of younger cancer patients and 25% of older adults developed new cancers between 2009-2013. This prevalence highlights the need for better research representation and outcomes among survivors.
A recent study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry reveals that cognitive-behavioral sleep interventions are most effective for adolescents with higher levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms. These findings suggest that sleep improvement treatments can be a useful tool in addressing mental health issues.
The IceCube detector has successfully measured Earth's absorption of high-energy neutrinos, confirming that the planet can block these particles. The study provides insights into neutrino interactions and is consistent with the Standard Model of Particle Physics.
A study found that thyroid cancer survivors are at increased risk of many aging-related diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and osteoporosis. Those diagnosed with thyroid cancer before age 40 had the highest risk for some of these diseases.
A study in Toronto found that commuters are exposed to high levels of noise while using public transport, with peak levels exceeding EPA recommended thresholds. Researchers recommend reducing noise exposure through materials and equipment improvements, as well as promoting hearing protection.
Researchers found that six weeks of intense exercise improved high-interference memory, a type of memory that allows us to distinguish between similar objects. Participants who experienced greater fitness gains also showed increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), supporting the growth and function of brain cells.
Researchers investigated the effects of synthetic cannabinoid JWH-018, finding initial impairments in neurocognitive function and subjective feelings of high. The results suggest that common use scenarios may not be fully represented by the low drug concentrations used in the trial.
A new analysis of published studies found a 45% increased risk of congenital heart defects in IVF-conceived children compared to spontaneously conceived children. The study included 25,856 children from IVF and 287,995 from spontaneous conception, finding 1.30% and 0.68% cases of congenital heart defects respectively.
Two storm systems were visible on satellite imagery, one in the Pacific Northwest and another in the northeastern U.S. Heavy rain and snow are expected for pre-Thanksgiving travelers in these regions. Additionally, a cold front is exiting the East Coast, bringing cooler temperatures to the eastern U.S.
A study of community-dwelling individuals aged 70-90 found that leaving the house daily lowered mortality risk, independent of social, functional, or medical factors. Daily outings facilitated exposure to beneficial experiences and allowed resilient individuals to remain engaged despite physical limitations.
Researchers found that bowhead whales in the eastern Canadian Arctic molt and rub on large rocks to facilitate exfoliation, shedding parasites and sun-damaged skin. This behavior may help reduce ultraviolet radiation damage, important for long-lived species like bowhead whales.
A new study by Einstein Medical Center found that 71% of women surveyed preferred annual mammograms, citing empowerment and education as key factors. The research challenges the USPSTF's biennial screening recommendation, highlighting the importance of women's preferences in healthcare decisions.
Barbara Savoldo, MD, PhD, received a three-year grant to support research into an investigational CAR T-cell treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia with a built-in safety switch. The goal is to adapt an 'off switch' to reduce potentially lethal side effects of immunotherapy treatments.
Bacteria access oxygen for energy production in crowded, oxygen-deprived environments through a specific terminal oxidase and phenazine molecules. This discovery could inform the development of new therapies for cystic fibrosis infections.
The Northern New Jersey Traumatic Brain Injury System will improve quality of life for people with traumatic brain injury through comprehensive care, research, and resource dissemination. The system aims to optimize individual outcomes by addressing complex medical, cognitive, and psychosocial challenges.
Researchers at NIST developed a novel method for measuring tumor growth using disposable diapers as 'phantoms' with water. Volumetric measurement proved more accurate than the traditional RECIST approach, potentially enabling earlier and more effective cancer screenings.
A newly developed technique has allowed researchers to study the reactions of hydrogenases, enzymes that catalyze hydrogen production from algae and bacteria. The study reveals that the iron atoms in these enzymes briefly form a hydride before releasing molecular hydrogen.
Researchers use terahertz scanning and advanced signal processing to analyze paintings from the 17th century, uncovering previously unknown details such as restorations and varnish layers. The technique has potential applications beyond art conservation, including detecting skin cancer and measuring paint thickness.
Scientists at IAVI and TSRI published new findings on HIV-blocking antibodies, shedding light on their development and potential as a vaccine design. The research highlights the importance of understanding how neutralizing antibodies develop to create an optimal vaccine strategy.
A diabetes drug that increases the movement of regulatory T cells into human organs may help prevent transplant rejection without side effects. Researchers found that the enzyme glucokinase is linked to increased movement of these immune cells, which act as guardians against organ rejection.
Research shows cystic fibrosis patients in the US have better nutritional status and faster lung function improvements compared to those in Canada. The study suggests early implementation of newborn screening and quality improvement initiatives may contribute to these positive trends.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered that Alagille Syndrome is caused by malformations of the bile ducts, leading to serious liver and heart problems. The study provides new insights into the disease and opens up possibilities for targeted therapies.
Research published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine found that air pollution is associated with poorer quality sperm. The study, which analyzed data from nearly 6,500 men in Taiwan, discovered a strong link between exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and abnormal sperm shape.