A new study published in Journal of Medicinal Food found that blue maize extract improved systolic blood pressure, HDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels in rats with metabolic syndrome. The natural antioxidants present in blue maize may help protect against cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Scientists discovered a seismic belt in the downgoing slab of the Pacific Plate, triggered by the sudden release of water due to temperature changes. The findings suggest that earthquakes occur when the mantle releases its water, which is correlated with the subduction rate and slab temperature.
A UNC research team found that GRE scores don't forecast productivity or success in graduate programs within the experimental sciences. The study recommends devaluing or eliminating the GRE from applications for biomedical PhD candidates, citing a stronger correlation between graduation rates and first-author publications.
A new $100,000 grant will support research training and educational outreach in vertebrate paleontology at the University of Kansas. Students will participate in fieldwork in Wyoming and Turkey to study early mammal evolution and migration.
Researchers successfully repaired a defective gene in blood-forming stem cells from patients with X-linked chronic granulomatous disease, suggesting a potential treatment approach. The study used CRISPR-Cas9 technology to correct a specific mutation in the CYBB gene, restoring normal functioning of white blood cells.
Margaret Werner-Washburne, a renowned biologist, has received the AAAS Lifetime Mentor Award for her groundbreaking work in mentoring underrepresented students. Her initiatives have led to a significant increase in Hispanic and Native American doctorates in biological sciences.
Researchers have developed a revolutionary new crop protection technique using gene-silencing technology and nanotechnology to protect plants against pests and diseases. The BioClay spray has been shown to give plants virus protection for at least 20 days following a single application.
A $2.7 million grant will fund research on veterans with traumatic brain injuries using a virtual technology platform to improve cognitive and functional deficits. The project aims to train strategies for complex real-life tasks, including money management and time planning.
Researchers have identified a protein called Smurf1 that plays a crucial role in the immune system's ability to recognize and destroy tuberculosis bacteria. This discovery could lead to the development of new treatments by strengthening this immune pathway.
Research using 20,000 virus samples and weather statistics found that cold weeks precede flu outbreaks. Cold and dry weather allows aerosol particles to remain airborne, increasing the spread of viruses.
NASA's TRMM-based Multi-satellite Precipitation Analysis reveals higher-than-average precipitation in California due to the Pineapple Express, causing widespread flooding and mudslides. The atmospheric river event has brought much-needed relief but also poses significant challenges.
Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst predict that Northeast US temperatures will increase much faster than the global average, reaching a 2-degrees Celsius warming target about 20 years earlier. The study finds regional variations in climate change impacts, including wetter winters and drier summers.
Scientists have developed a new mouse model to study vascular graft infections, revealing that all S. aureus strains form biofilms in vivo, regardless of in vitro results. The study also shows increased inflammation and decreased blood flow velocity at the site of infection.
Researchers developed a portable sensor using engineered E. coli bacteria to detect environmentally relevant concentrations of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). The device can determine concentrations of known EDCs individually and overall mixtures in minutes, offering a cost-effective solution for detecting hormone disruptors.
A UCLA-led research team has reported the moon's age to be at least 4.51 billion years old, with a range of 40 million to 140 million years older than previously believed. The findings were made using mineral analysis of zircons brought back by the Apollo 14 mission in 1971.
Dr. Scarlett Shell is awarded a $1.1 million NSF CAREER Award to investigate the molecular mechanisms of bacteria's stress response, which could lead to new treatments for infectious diseases like tuberculosis. Her work aims to enrich educational experiences for students and inspire careers in science.
Researchers directly observed how metallic nanoparticles activate catalytic processes by identifying defect sites on the surface of single particles. These findings validate a longstanding hypothesis and provide insights into controlling catalyst reactivity.
A new study found that only performance-related pay had a positive impact on employee attitudes such as job satisfaction and commitment. However, profit-related pay and employee share-ownership had mixed effects, with negative impacts on job satisfaction and no significant effects on commitment and trust in management.
A research team at TU Wien developed a new method that combines strong measurements with weak measurements to reconstruct quantum states. This approach allows for higher precision and accuracy in determining the quantum state, reducing the need for post-processing.
Astronomers observe IRAS 14348-1447, a gas-rich spiral galaxy merger, showcasing intense gravitational interactions. The galaxy's extreme infrared emission is fueled by massive molecular gas reserves.
A large study of over 9,000 men has established harmonized reference ranges for total testosterone, enabling clinicians to diagnose hypogonadism correctly. The normal range for testosterone in non-obese European and American men between 19-39 years is 264-916 ng/dL.
A new study by LSU Health New Orleans School of Public Health shows that parents' concerns about their neighborhood restrict their children's outdoor play. Parents who do not trust their neighbors or feel they have no control over neighborhood problems are more likely to limit their child's physical activity.
Researchers at UC Riverside developed an innovative energy management system for plug-in hybrids, cutting fuel consumption by over 30% through real-time data analysis. The system combines connected vehicle technology and evolutionary algorithms to optimize power split between engine and battery, achieving greater efficiency.
A new study finds that postdoc positions in biomedical careers cost graduates an average of $12,002 per year, leading to a substantial financial penalty over 10 years. The research suggests ways for universities and funding agencies to address these issues.
A group of researchers at the French National Center for Scientific Research discovered a peculiar state of miscible fluids contained within nanochannels. This phenomenon, known as 'microphase separation,' reveals that binary fluids can form unique homogenous liquid phases only at the microscopic scale.
Researchers from Goethe University Frankfurt discovered a novel biomarker, SAMHD1, that enables accurate prediction of therapy responders and non-responders in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) patients. This biomarker can guide cytarabine-based chemotherapies to only those patients likely to respond, sparing others from toxic side effects.
A study by University of Adelaide researchers found that adding thiamin to fish sauce improves blood markers of thiamin status, making it a potential means of preventing thiamin deficiency in Cambodia. Thiamin deficiency can lead to serious health issues, including beriberi, which is often fatal in infants if left untreated.
A new study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology finds that poverty is a major contributor to obesity, particularly for individuals with a high genetic risk. The research used data from 120,000 individuals and suggests that targeting specific behaviors or environments may not be an effective solution to reducing obesity.
The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) strongly advises all women of childbearing age to take a daily folic acid supplement containing 400-800 μg to reduce the risk of neural tube defects in their developing fetus. This recommendation is based on high certainty that the net benefit is substantial.
Scientists at UMD developed an empirical model of global climate to analyze the Paris Agreement, suggesting countries can limit warming if they achieve pledged greenhouse gas reductions. The book, Paris Climate Agreement: Beacon of Hope, recommends a transition to renewable energy by 2060 to meet the RCP 4.5 scenario.
Rutgers scientists have discovered a protein (CRTC1) that enhances memory by controlling gene expression in the hippocampus, a brain area responsible for learning and memory. The research found that mice with higher CRTC1 activity had better long-term memory and exhibited stronger gene transcription.
Researchers from the University of Cincinnati studied pink snow algae growing on volcanic terrains in the Pacific Northwest, finding it can lower albedo and increase surface melting. The study suggests atmospheric sources of ammonia and nitrate may be driving the growth and survival of these algae.
A Concordia University research team found that immigrants' positive orientation toward their new culture is key to forming friendships and social engagement. The study suggests that investing resources in supporting newcomers at the beginning of their integration journey can improve their chances of successful integration.
Researchers found that increasing niacin levels boosts NAD compound for energy generation and DNA repair, potentially protecting against Parkinson's. The study suggests repurposing cancer drugs to protect faulty mitochondria in Parkinson's disease.
Researchers discovered a bacterial protein that uses a Pac Man-like chewing motion to grab and hold onto sugar molecules, allowing pathogens to evade the immune system. This understanding could lead to the development of new therapeutics targeting this protein.
New research published in The FASEB Journal suggests that pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) may prevent the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in offspring. PQQ, a naturally occurring antioxidant found in soil and foods, was shown to protect against liver damage and inflammation in mice fed high-fat diets.
Researchers analyzed over 1,000 samples to determine the origins of monarch butterflies born in North America. The study found that a larger proportion of monarchs were born outside the Midwestern US than previously thought.
Recent research suggests that dual-purpose biofuel crops like sugarcane and sweet sorghum can produce both ethanol and biodiesel for nine months of the year, increasing profits. This technology has the potential to decrease capital utilization costs and increase annual biofuel production by 20-30%.
The Cornell University-led Northeast Regional Center for Excellence in Vector Borne Diseases aims to educate a cadre of vector biologists and public health practitioners through new courses and a master's program. The center will conduct applied research to prevent, control, monitor, track and respond to vector-borne disease outbreaks.
Researchers found that a high-sugar diet programmed flies' genes for longevity, causing long-term effects even after a healthy diet. The study suggests that dietary history has a lasting impact on health and may have implications for human lifespan.
Researchers from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology create a precise method for measuring ocean temperature using Raman spectroscopy, enabling accurate tracking of thermal energy flows in the Arctic. The technique's accuracy is comparable to current direct measurements, opening up new possibilities for monitoring sea surface te...
Researchers discovered the TFEB gene plays a central role in regulating muscle metabolism and energy use during exercise. Overexpressing TFEB improved mitochondrial health and increased energy production in mice, suggesting potential new treatments for diseases like diabetes and obesity.
New University of Washington research reveals that rapid Arctic warming events cause a shift in Southern Hemisphere winds, which can impact global rainfall patterns and climate feedbacks. The study uses chemical clues from an Antarctic ice core to support the findings.
Researchers found that glial cells, which support neurons, undergo significant changes with aging, particularly in brain regions damaged by neurodegenerative diseases. This discovery suggests a new approach to understanding and treating dementia, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's diseases.
The US has shifted from institutional to community-based long-term care, allowing individuals to choose services at home and in the community. Self-directed care programs improve participant well-being and cost containment, according to The Gerontological Society of America's Public Policy & Aging Report.
A new study finds that the Veterans Health Administration's Opioid Safety Initiative reduced high-dose opioid prescribing by 24% and very-high-dose prescribing by 21%, resulting in 331 fewer patients per month receiving prescriptions above 100 MEQ. The initiative also led to a 21% decrease in patients receiving both opioids and sedatives.
The study provides an expanded framework for researchers to study human origins, drawing upon extensive DNA sampling from modern and archaic hominid populations. It suggests a major eastern-western population split once modern humans left Africa, dating back to at least 45,000 years ago.
According to a new report from the USPSTF, nearly a quarter of reproductive-age women have sub-optimal folate levels, highlighting the importance of daily folic acid supplements. The FDA has also announced plans to fortify corn masa flour with folic acid, targeting Hispanic women at higher risk.
Children in China are exposed to air pollution and lack of physical activity, posing serious health risks. Experts recommend addressing both issues through education, monitoring, and adjusting physical activities based on air quality.
Researchers found that glial cells experience bigger changes than neurons as people age, with astrocytes and oligodendrocytes shifting their regional gene expression patterns upon aging. The study provides a tool to understand how aging in the brain may be linked to the causes of age-related disorders.
Researchers have developed a stem cell-based transplantation approach that restores vision in blind mice with end-stage retinal degeneration. The treatment strategy involved transplanting human iPSC-derived retinal tissue, which restored visual function in nearly half of the mice.
A team led by Massachusetts General Hospital has identified gene mutations associated with a rare congenital condition involving the absence of a nose, often accompanied by defects in eye and reproductive systems. The SMCHD1 gene was previously linked to muscular dystrophy, but not craniofacial abnormalities.
A new systematic review of long-term studies found that young people exposed to more alcohol marketing are more likely to start drinking early and engage in binge drinking. The study, published in the journal Addiction, analyzed data from over 35,000 participants across seven countries.
A systematic review from UAB found that elective repeat cesarean deliveries are associated with excess morbidity and cost. The study suggests that women with certain characteristics, such as obesity or a short inter-pregnancy interval, should be carefully screened for trial of labor after cesarean delivery eligibility.
A new species of ground beetle, Bryanites graeffii, has been described from a 147-year-old specimen found in the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle in Paris. The discovery sheds light on the impact of human activity on ecosystems and highlights the extinction of native insect species due to colonization by non-native species.
Researchers used mouse models to show that chicoric acid mitigates lipopolysaccharide-induced amyloidogenesis and memory impairment by inhibiting the NFκB signal pathway. Chicoric acid supplementation might be a plausible therapeutic intervention for neuroinflammation-related diseases.
A novel control scheme is proposed to control unknown nonlinear systems without exact knowledge of system dynamics. The method uses an observer-based approach with a neural network to observe the system at multiple time scales and update its information.
The grant supports initiatives to reduce obesity among low-income populations through nutrition education and physical activity promotion. Champions for Change - Healthy Communities Initiative aims to create healthier environments for low-income individuals and families.
A recent study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics reveals that 41% of adults and 25% of children in the US regularly consume artificial sweeteners. This represents a significant increase from data reported in 1999-2000, with consumption rates reaching 54% among adults and 200% among children.
New research reveals that retroviruses, including HIV, have been present on Earth for at least 450 million years, originating together with vertebrate hosts in the early Paleozoic era. This finding sheds light on the evolutionary history of these medically important viruses and their ongoing interactions with host immunity.