Tropical Storm Kai-Tak generated heavy rainfall in central and southern Philippines, causing major flooding and landslides. The storm's estimated precipitation totals reached up to 512 mm (20.2 inches) along its track.
Four biomedical researchers from Aligarh Muslim University, National Institute of Immunology India, and University of Torino presented groundbreaking studies on kidney cancer treatment, chemoresistance, and asbestos-related tumors at FCS 2017. Oncotarget's travel grants enabled their participation in the conference.
A University of Michigan team is developing a new cybersecurity approach called MORPHEUS, which aims to create an unhackable computer by turning computer circuits into unsolvable puzzles. The technology could protect both hardware and software from attacks, making it difficult for hackers to identify vulnerabilities.
A new study published in JAMA finds that sexual minority young people are at a substantially higher risk of suicidal behavior than their heterosexual peers. LGBQ youth were 40% more likely to seriously consider suicide, and 25% more likely to attempt suicide compared to non-LGBQ youth.
Cisplatin, a common cancer drug, causes permanent hearing loss in 40-80% of adult patients and at least half of children. Researchers found that the inner ear builds up the drug, leading to damage. Targeting the stria vascularis region could prevent cisplatin-induced hearing loss.
A study from Dartmouth College reveals that warming tropical oceans have caused a strengthening of the Aleutian Low pressure system, driving increased snowfall in Alaska and other regions. This is evident in record accumulation rates dating back over 1200 years, exceeding normal variability.
A new study by IDIBELL and ISGlobal found that mild obsessive-compulsive symptoms in healthy children are associated with specific cerebral anatomical changes. The study suggests that these symptoms may be an early manifestation of a more severe mental disorder, highlighting the importance of prevention strategies.
Researchers have linked changes in brain anatomy to early biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease, suggesting a non-invasive test may detect AD before symptoms appear. The study found that specific regions of the hippocampal circuit shrink in individuals with high levels of tau and amyloid-Beta proteins.
New Hampshire's neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) diagnoses increased fivefold from 52 to 269 between 2005 and 2015. The average hospital stay for NAS-diagnosed newborns rose to 12 days, compared to three days for non-exposed infants.
A new collection of articles explores the role and risks of bots in influencing public opinion and political elections. Researchers examine approaches to detect and control bots, their impact on recent elections, and potential methods for automation identification of bot activity.
Researchers at GW and US Acute Care Solutions analyzed commercially-generated patient experience data from 2012-15, finding high variability and limited construct validity. Facility-level scores were shown to have greater construct validity than physician-level scores.
Research finds brain lesions associated with increased risk of criminal behavior, specifically impacting the moral decision-making network. The study analyzed MRI and CT scans of individuals with brain lesions, revealing a strong correlation between lesions in the same brain network as those with criminal behavior.
A special issue of LGBT Health explores factors affecting the health of older gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Americans, revealing disparities in chronic conditions and mental health. The research highlights innovations in healthcare and policy to improve services for LGBT older adults.
Japanese researchers from Osaka University have developed a muon-based approach to non-destructive investigations for unique asteroid samples. The technique enables the study of extraterrestrial organics and major elements without destroying the samples, with potential applications in archaeology, material science, and social sciences.
Dr. Yazdani will use non-destructive techniques to test 30 bridges in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, detecting cracks and corrosion without harming the bridge. His research aims to determine load capacity and identify potential issues before they become major problems.
Researchers have identified a low incidence of disease-causing IGF mutations and common polymorphisms in the IGF protein family. Dr. Rotwein's analysis suggests that most medical problems associated with IGF mutations are not caused by rare genetic mutations, but rather by prevalent genetic variations within the human population.
Scientists have discovered a novel mechanism that prevents glioblastoma development through the modulation of EFGR expression by RanBP6. The study reveals that silencing of RanBP6 promotes glioma growth by upregulating EGFR expression, while reconstitution of RanBP6 leads to reduction in tumor growth.
Researchers at Kyoto University have proposed a new theory on the formation of binary black holes within collapsing stars. Their study suggests that these black holes could form through dynamical fragmentation of the star's inner core, leading to two fragments becoming black holes and orbiting each other.
Scientists at the University of Oregon have isolated blood-feeding and non-biting genes in mosquitoes, a breakthrough that could lead to female mosquitoes that no longer bite and spread diseases. The goal is to identify universal non-biting genes across multiple disease vectors.
A study found that undocumented immigrants with emergency-only dialysis were more likely to die after three and five years, as well as spend more days in the hospital. The study highlights the need for states to consider the human and economic toll of providing access to less-than-standard dialysis for these patients.
Researchers have invented a device that uses fast-moving fluids to insert flexible, conductive carbon nanotube fibers into the brain, where they can help record neuronal signals. The microfluidic-based technique promises to improve therapies relying on electrodes.
A recent study published in BMC Public Health found that socially isolated individuals are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. The research suggests that promoting social integration and participation may be a promising target in prevention strategies for type 2 diabetes.
Research led by Queen Mary University of London predicts a shift in cervical cancer burden from young to older women. Incidence among 50-54 year olds is expected to increase by 50%, while mortality rates are projected to rise by 109% among 60-64 year olds.
Researchers identified mutational signatures characteristic of homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) as associated with improved clinical outcomes to platinum-based chemotherapy. High HRDetect scores were significantly linked to radiographic tumor shrinkage and longer overall survival in patients treated with the medication.
Scientists from Ural Federal University discovered a mathematical method to calculate the temperature of single-walled carbon nanotube superconductivity and developed a way to increase it. By adding a zigzag-like internal carbon chain, they increased the superconducting transition temperature by 45 degrees.
A new randomized controlled trial found that using probiotics and xylitol chewing gum has no effect on alleviating sore throat symptoms. Researchers suggest simple over-the-counter treatments may be more effective, enabling self-management and reducing antibiotic use.
A team of researchers found that nearly 63,000 Russian Twitter accounts were bots, with a majority tweeting about politics, spreading pro-regime information. The study reveals similarities between human and automated posts, but also notable differences, such as bot use of mobile devices and retweeting habits.
A new 'checkpoint' model can identify potential drugs to treat genetic disorders by allowing compounds to bypass premature stop instructions once, reducing the risk of harmful protein generation. The model has been used to screen hundreds of genes and existing FDA-approved drugs, identifying two promising targets for drug development.
Scientists at the University of Minnesota demonstrated a way to control the direction of photocurrent without an electric voltage. By using circularly polarized light and topological insulators, they created a device that generates a spin-polarized current flowing in one direction.
Research by Rostislav Kapeliushnikov suggests that automation will not lead to widespread job loss. Instead, jobs will adapt to new technology, with workers shifting up the skill ladder. This approach reduces estimated job automation rates from 47% to 9%. Skills levels are broader than high- and low-skilled categories.
A University of Pittsburgh team is developing prosthetic devices that use sensory feedback to improve movement and balance in amputees. The researchers aim to reduce phantom limb pain, increase gait stability, and make prosthetic limbs feel more natural.
Rice University scientists found that porous particles of calcium and silicate show potential as building blocks for various applications. When assembled into micron-sized sheets and pellets, the arrays held up better under pressure, with bigger individual nanoparticles being 120% tougher than smaller ones.
A team of researchers led by Eberhard Gischler analyzed the Blue Hole stalactite recovered in 1970, revealing concentric layers that detail climate conditions since the last ice age. The study provides new insights into paleo-environmental conditions and storm patterns.
A UK investigation led by the University of Huddersfield is considering whether 16-year-olds should be granted the right to vote in all elections. The research will analyze debates and arguments surrounding youth democratic participation, comparing historical and contemporary perspectives.
A new study found that male professors gave over twice as many talks as female professors at top 50 US universities during the 2013-2014 academic year. Despite equal levels of perceived importance and acceptance rates for speaking invitations, male speakers dominated departmental talks.
A new study examined whether cognitive bias modification (CBM) can treat depression. The intervention successfully shifted the interpretation of facial expressions from negative to positive. However, only inconclusive evidence of improved mood was found, with most measures showing no significant impact.
A new nationwide clinical trial aims to make managing type 1 diabetes easier for patients using the world's first hybrid closed-loop system automated insulin delivery device. The trial, funded by Medtronic, will monitor blood glucose levels and adjust insulin doses continuously to help patients maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have uncovered how ECT rapidly relieves severe depression by enhancing communication between neurons in the hippocampus. Studies using genetically engineered mice found that Narp plays a key role in this process, regulating the formation of new synapses and potentially enacting antidepressive effects.
Researchers have developed tiny bilirubin-filled capsules that can improve the survival rates of transplanted pancreatic islet cells. This breakthrough has implications for treating Type 1 diabetes in both canine and human patients, with a potential treatment program for dogs that could lead to improved treatments for humans.
Two NASA satellites monitored Tropical Cyclone Kai-Tak as it weakened, interacting with land areas and easterly wind shear. The storm dissipated over the South China Sea on December 18, following a predicted trajectory.
Research suggests that sixbar wrasse baby fish settle on coral reefs during the moon's last quarter, resulting in a 10% larger size, likely due to delayed arrival. This delay allows them to avoid predators on bright full moon nights and increases their chances of survival.
A new study by New York University researchers reveals that people tend to overstate their negative feelings and symptoms in surveys, leading to potentially inaccurate assessments of health and well-being. The findings suggest that initial reports of distress may be overstated, causing biases in subsequent measurements.
A forthcoming study in Marketing Science journal reveals that Google's ban of sponsored search advertising by certain pharmacies had a limited effect on reducing consumer access to foreign pharmacies. Consumers still accessed cheaper, non-regulated prescriptions through organic links after the ban.
Researchers at CUNY's Advanced Science Research Center discovered a process to create a diamond-like material from two-layer graphene that becomes harder than diamond upon impact. This innovation has potential applications in wear-resistant protective coatings and ultra-light bullet-proof films.
A 95-million-year-old African tortoise migrated to Europe via the ancient supercontinent of Laurasia. Its remains, including a skull and carapaces, were found in Spain and Portugal.
A five-year, nearly $12 million study will compare the effectiveness of two radiation treatments for prostate cancer, proton therapy and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). The study aims to determine if proton therapy has fewer side effects compared to IMRT.
A longitudinal study by BYU School of Family Life professor Laura Padilla-Walker found that adolescents who exhibited prosocial behavior towards strangers had higher self-esteem a year later. This suggests that helping others can have a significant impact on a teenager's moral identity and perceptions of self.
Recent study reveals directional selection on height, age at first birth, and body mass index in males, while stabilizing selection is detected for several traits in older adults. The findings shed light on the ongoing forces shaping human evolution.
Researchers developed a quantum sensor that mimics the ampullae of Lorenzini found in sharks to detect small electrical signals. The sensor performed well in ocean-like conditions and maintained its functionality despite being immersed in saltwater, making it suitable for various applications.
Researchers analyzed atmospheric and oceanic interactions to identify a pattern linking spring sea surface temperatures to summer East Atlantic circulation over Western Europe. This connection may improve summer rainfall forecasts for the UK, Ireland, and northern France.
Researchers found that college graduates from minority groups exhibited lower rates of depression than non-graduates, despite experiencing socioeconomic disadvantages in childhood. However, black and Hispanic college graduates showed higher rates of metabolic syndrome compared to their noncollege counterparts.
A new scientific statement by the American Heart Association links childhood abuse and adversity to a greater likelihood of developing cardiovascular diseases in adulthood. Adversity is defined as any threat to physical safety or family structure, including emotional, physical, or sexual abuse.
The California Academy of Sciences has described 85 new plant and animal species, including flowering plants, sharks, fish, scorpions, and sea slugs. The discoveries were made over five continents and three oceans, highlighting the vast diversity of life on Earth.
Brazilian researcher develops innovative method of laser welding at high temperatures to enhance properties of AHS steel, improving formability and collision resilience. The technique produces bainitic structure, resulting in tough and reliable weld joints.
A randomised controlled trial found that mindfulness training significantly reduced psychological distress and improved wellbeing among university students. The study, published in The Lancet Public Health, suggests that mindfulness can help build resilience against stress and is a useful addition to existing interventions.
Researchers found that direct electrical stimulation of the human amygdala can enhance next-day recognition of images, with a significant boost in memory performance. The study used low-level current and showed an improvement in memory recall for patients with epilepsy and average memory performance.
A new study found that factors such as persistent symptoms, comorbidities, leisure-time physical activity, and financial challenges affect health-related quality of life in older adults with cancer. The research highlights the importance of comprehensive care that addresses these factors to improve outcomes for this vulnerable population.
A team of researchers has discovered a Z-shaped structure in a microquasar, which challenges current theories on gravitational wave emission from distant radio galaxies. The study suggests that these structures may form through hydrodynamic interactions rather than black hole fusion.
Researchers create a subwavelength dielectric resonator that can trap light for an extended period due to destructive interference, allowing for more efficient optical devices. The structure is capable of suppressing energy leakage and keeping light for ten times longer than conventional resonators.
The projects focus on advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls. In Rwanda, affordable menstrual pads will be distributed to adolescent girls, while in Kenya, HIV/STI education and vocational training will reduce infections among vulnerable adolescents.