A study found that preterm infants have significantly lower nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal volumes compared to full-term peers. This suggests that the risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may be confined to the upper airway.
Researchers at Ruhr-Universität Bochum have developed a novel process for analyzing the temperature and oxidation resistance of complex alloys, reducing test time from months to days. The method, which combines multiple techniques, allows for rapid testing of high-performance materials.
Research from the University of Adelaide suggests that taking folic acid in late pregnancy may increase the risk of allergies in children. This contradicts previous studies showing a protective effect against childhood allergies in offspring born with growth restriction during pregnancy. The study found that continued folic acid supple...
A new study by Loris Ferrari examines the practical consequences of two entropy theories in small systems. The research finds that certain quantities can be measured experimentally to assess which theory is more accurate, resolving a long-standing debate between Ludwig Boltzmann and Willard Gibbs.
Trisodium bismuthide (Na3Bi) has been found to have an electronically smooth nature similar to graphene, allowing it to maintain high electron mobility. This discovery opens up possibilities for the advancement of topological materials and their applications in electronics.
Japanese researchers developed a novel phase-field model to study phase separation in binary mixtures within porous materials. The model revealed a clear relationship between demixing and wetness, influenced by the topology of the pore structure.
Scientists tested patients with brain injuries to understand how the brain recognizes voices. The study found that lesions in the right posterior temporal lobe led to difficulties recognizing voices, with a crucial role played by the posterior superior temporal gyrus.
The DFG is establishing 11 new Research Training Groups to support early career researchers in Germany. These collaborations will focus on areas like cyber-physical production systems, mathematical complexity, and the regulation of mRNA life cycles. The groups will receive €134 million in funding over four and a half years.
A new study by Aarhus University suggests that certain lactic acid bacteria can prevent depressive-like behavior in rats fed an unhealthy diet. The probiotics offset the consequences of the fatty diet, reducing inflammation and improving brain function.
The DFG is funding eight new Research Units, one Clinical Research Unit, and two Humanities Centres for Advanced Studies to tackle pressing issues in various fields. The research collaborations aim to improve our understanding of fossil formation, fruit fly adaptation, kidney disease, and humanities topics.
Researchers sequenced the giant salamander genome, uncovering a family of genes that provide clues to its remarkable ability to rebuild complex tissue and resist tumour formation. The study offers new insights into regeneration and potential avenues for developing regenerative strategies for humans.
Tropical Depression Kai-Tak was captured dissipating in the Gulf of Thailand by NASA's Aqua satellite, revealing fragmented storms and strong vertical wind shear. The system is expected to disperse due to persistent high wind shear, leading to its final dissipation on Dec. 22.
Researchers at Tohoku University have created a visual database of metabolites from over 5,000 Japanese volunteers, offering valuable insights into how specific compounds relate to each other. The jMorp database contains information on 306 metabolites and 256 common proteins, with graphical correlation tools to facilitate further study.
Researchers found that a vaccine inducing killer T cells provides broader protection for children of vaccinated mothers. The vaccine prevents the immune system from producing antibodies specific to the virus and induces protective killer T cells that can recognize and attack the virus.
Researchers have visualized the motion of water molecules using a novel approach, revealing highly coordinated dynamics and stable environments. This discovery may lead to advancements in electronic devices, batteries, lubricants, and semiconductor technology.
Researchers discovered that a hormone therapy combination of conjugated estrogens and bazedoxifene improves metabolism, prevents weight gain, and reduces inflammation in the liver. The treatment also showed no increased risk of reproductive cancer.
Researchers found that exercise increases DJ-1 protective gene expression, preventing abnormal protein accumulation in the brain. This may help slow Parkinson's disease progression.
The Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST) will generate never-before-seen big pictures of the universe, enabling astronomers to explore mysteries like dark energy and galaxy evolution. The mission will also discover thousands of exoplanets, including rocky planets in the habitable zone.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison identified the structural basis for how tightly bound protein complexes are broken apart to become inactivated. The structure shows that TIRPL can attack active PP2A complexes, changing their conformation and making them fall apart robustly.
A recent study reviewed 18 studies involving 7,587 patients, examining head injuries in MMA fighting published between 1990 and 2016. The review found no consistent definition or protocol for reporting and medical clearance return to play, making it impossible to determine the frequency and severity of these injuries.
Tropical Storm Tembin, also known as Vinta, is bringing strong thunderstorms and heavy rainfall to the southern Philippines. The storm has a high potential for generating heavy rainfall due to its cold cloud tops, which are colder than minus 63 degrees Fahrenheit.
A UTA researcher is working to determine how mechanical forces like blasts or repeated blows to the head can damage neurons and lead to neurological disorders. The goal is to create a computational model that can trace action potential inside neurons, potentially revealing the condition of brain's neurons.
The Zika pandemic has infected millions of people across over 80 countries, leaving many babies with birth defects. Researchers are working toward treatments and a preventive vaccine, but experts warn that the virus may reemerge more aggressively.
An international study discovered five new regions of the genome associated with increased asthma risk, characterized by epigenetic marks on gene enhancers. The genetic variants also show associations with auto-immune diseases and inflammatory component diseases, highlighting the importance of pleiotropy in multifactorial diseases.
A new review of 30 studies on sugar-sweetened beverages confirms their association with overweight and obesity in children and adults. Countries are advised to implement policies to reduce SSB consumption, with examples from Mexico's successful tax policy and the UK's upcoming sugar tax.
Scientists have discovered a new species of marine spider in Australia, Desis bobmarleyi, which has adapted to underwater life by hiding in barnacle shells and building air chambers from silk. The species is characterized by its predominantly red-brown colors and orange-brown legs with dark grey hair-like structures.
Researchers suggest that our solar system formed in a wind-blown bubble structure around a Wolf-Rayet star, which produces elements like aluminium-26 but not iron-60. This theory aims to explain the unusual abundance of these elements in our solar system compared to the rest of the galaxy.
Researchers develop a new approach to analyze and reduce quantum noise in atomic systems, known as spin squeezing, which enhances measurement reliability at the quantum scale. The method involves redistributing uncertainty between two components of spin, improving precision and potentially enabling future quantum networks.
A new study projects that high humidity in many regions will dramatically increase in coming decades, surpassing humans' ability to work or survive. Potentially affected areas include the southeastern US, Amazon, Africa, and eastern China, with hundreds of millions of people facing severe human impact.
A new study predicts that migrants applying for asylum in the European Union will nearly triple over the average of the last 15 years by 2100. The researchers found that countries with higher temperature deviations from 20 degrees Celsius during their growing season are more likely to see increased asylum applications.
Researchers found that repeated low-grade bacterial infections can lead to severe inflammatory disease and potentially life-threatening colitis. The study also identified a link between Salmonella infection and an acquired deficiency of intestinal alkaline phosphatase, which accelerates inflammation.
A new IRTG at MLU focuses on how trees interact with each other, exploring their role in ecosystem services. PhD researchers will study tree-to-tree interactions, molecular biology, and statistical methods to define principles and models for these interactions.
A meta-analysis published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings shows that the FeNO test has moderate accuracy for diagnosing asthma, particularly in patients aged 5 and older. The test's sensitivity and specificity vary depending on the cutoff value used.
A revised set of diagnostic criteria for multiple sclerosis is expected to improve the accuracy and speed of diagnosis. The new guidelines, published in The Lancet Neurology, provide more avenues for obtaining supporting evidence for diagnosis, including positive CSF oligoclonal bands and asymptomatic MRI lesions.
Researchers at MIT's Media Lab have developed a new approach to time-of-flight imaging that increases depth resolution 1,000-fold. This breakthrough could enable accurate distance measurements through fog, a major obstacle to self-driving cars, and improve the resolution of existing systems.
Research suggests that women with heart disease are more vulnerable to the effects of mental stress, particularly in terms of constricted peripheral vessels leading to reduced blood supply. This increased risk is associated with a higher likelihood of heart-related events and death.
Ben-Gurion University researchers identified a pattern of theta activity decline that predicts post-injury epilepsy development. This finding holds promise for predicting and treating the condition, as well as other neuropsychiatric complications.
A University of Washington study found that an after-school program focused on black culture and identity increased confidence and connection to school among African-American girls. The program, Sisters of Nia, addressed negative perceptions of African-Americans and fostered a sense of belonging and self-worth.
A team of researchers has identified the first rust virulence molecule that triggers built-in wheat resistance, allowing plants to fend off devastating stem rust disease. This breakthrough could help prioritize resistance genes and inform fungicide use in high-yielding wheat varieties.
Researchers will study how social media affects news dissemination and develop algorithms to accurately predict the spread of information online. The project aims to improve official evacuation orders by filtering out inaccurate posts during disasters.
A new study suggests that climate change will increase asylum-seeking into the European Union, with a potential 28% increase by 2100 under a slow-warming scenario. The researchers found a link between weather fluctuations and migration, with countries experiencing temperature increases having more asylum seekers, while cooler countries...
Patients with chronic kidney disease prefer home dialysis due to flexibility, independence, and better survival rates. Transplantation improves brain function and enables patients to assume family obligations and careers, increasing its appeal.
Researchers at DOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory have found a way to reduce secondary electron emission by up to 80% using fractal fibers resembling feathers and whiskers. This breakthrough improves the performance of plasma devices such as spacecraft thrusters and particle accelerators.
The Bocas dolphin population in Panama's archipelago is genetically isolated and faces high risk from increasing local boat traffic. The study suggests designating the population as 'endangered' due to low numbers and high mortality rates.
Researchers developed a technique to pinpoint potential targets for cancer therapies that rely on the immune system. The technique identified two human antigens relevant to immunotherapies and found evidence of shared self-antigens between patients, offering a key to developing effective treatments.
Researchers found that human APOBEC3H strongly inhibited SIVcpz due to its resistance to Vif proteins. The study suggests that human APOBEC3H may protect against HIV-1 transmission from chimps, particularly in individuals with unstable forms of the protein.
A study by Imperial College London has discovered that a drug used to treat iron overload can protect bone marrow areas and allow blood stem cells to survive. This can improve the efficiency of chemotherapy, increasing the five-year survival rate for AML patients over 60 to 5-15 per cent.
A new test measures RNA or protein molecules in human cells to identify viral infections, potentially replacing current methods for respiratory viral illnesses. The test was found to predict respiratory viral infection with 97% accuracy and could help diagnose patients more quickly and accurately.
Astronomer Catherine Pilachowski discovers star RZ Piscium is slowly consuming its planetary offspring, shedding light on a brief but volatile period in solar system history. The study provides insight into the evolution of planetary systems and why some young solar systems survive while others don't.
Researchers at the Salk Institute have found a streamlined method to generate functioning heart cells from embryonic stem cells by turning off a single gene, YAP. This discovery offers scientists a simpler protocol for creating cardiomyocytes for research and regenerative therapies.
Researchers create a data-driven method to detect and track human movements with high accuracy, focusing on the entire body rather than just the core. The new technique uses a time-of-flight camera to scan the subject's range of view and identify five extreme points: head, hands, and feet.
Children spend increasing amounts of time on screen-based devices, but research shows they combine technology with other activities. The study highlights key gender differences in gaming habits and time spent engaging in various activities, revealing that children are not addicted to screens.
NASA has selected the Comet Astrobiology Exploration Sample Return and Dragonfly mission for concept development under the New Frontiers program. The CAESAR mission aims to return a sample from a comet to study its origin and history, while the Dragonfly mission will explore Saturn's moon Titan and its prebiotic chemistry.
A novel biochemical assay has been developed to rapidly and sensitively screen for antagonist compounds targeting aldolase A (ALDOA), a key enzyme in cancer cell metabolism. The optimized assay is high-throughput friendly, cost- and labor-efficient, and suitable for analysis of multiple NADH-dependent enzymes.
A study found that adults who ate more than two tomatoes or three portions of fresh fruit per day had slower lung function decline over a 10-year period. The researchers suggest that certain components in these foods might help restore lung damage caused by smoking.
A computational study by Queen Mary University of London has identified Botswana as the country with the most distinct musical recordings globally. The researchers found that China has the most spatial outliers compared to its neighboring countries, highlighting unique timbral characteristics such as the butterfly harp string instrument.
Tropical Storm Tembin was spotted by NASA's Terra satellite on Dec. 20 near the Philippine Sea, with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph and a westward trajectory. The storm is forecasted to move through the southern Philippine islands, potentially strengthening in the South China Sea.
Tropical Depression Kai-Tak has weakened and elongated due to wind shear, but still harbors strong storms with extremely cold cloud top temperatures. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center expects the depression to maintain its strength before dissipating east of the Malay Peninsula.
Researchers create a new catalyst by alloying iridium with osmium and then removing the osmium to achieve a balanced structure that supports chemical reactions. The resulting material exhibits enhanced catalytic stability and electron conductivity.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University discovered a gene that helps zebrafish convert water motion into electrical impulses, similar to human hearing. The shared gene allows fish to sense water flow direction and may also inform future studies on human hair cell mechanotransduction.