A team of engineers at the University of Illinois has developed a mathematical technique to assess green roof performance, considering factors such as rainfall intensity and soil moisture. The study aims to facilitate communication between stakeholders about the financial risk and environmental benefits of green infrastructure.
A recent study published in Cell Metabolism found that brain-resident immune cells called microglia play a crucial role in driving overeating and weight gain in mice fed high-fat diets. The study suggests that targeting microglia could provide a novel approach to treating obesity, potentially avoiding side effects of existing medications.
Researchers at the University of Warwick discovered that phototrophic and heterotrophic bacteria collaborate to cycle nutrients, feeding the ecosystem. This interaction is crucial for maintaining a balanced nutrient level, supporting half of the planet's primary production and oxygen supply.
A new study from University of Arizona scientists has analyzed Greenland's past temperatures to better understand the island's vast ice sheet melting. The research found that current temperatures are warmer than the 1930s, with a long-term trend for ever-higher surface temperatures.
A comprehensive look at chemical sensitivity reveals its role in diseases like obesity, diabetes, and depression. The issue explores the mechanisms behind these conditions and the impact of commercial interests on environmental medicine.
A study published in Cell Metabolism found that high glycogen levels actually impair endurance muscle performance in mice. Glycogenin-deficient mice underperformed normal mice despite having higher glycogen levels, suggesting a switch from oxidative to glycolytic metabolism in slow-twitch muscles.
Researchers from McGill University Health Centre cracked the code to understanding regulatory T cell function, a key component of our immune system. The study's findings have significant implications for treating autoimmune diseases such as arthritis and Crohn's disease.
A study by Harvard University researchers found that psychopaths' brains prioritize short-term gains, leading to poor decision-making and violent behavior. The research used brain scans of nearly 50 prison inmates, revealing a specific connection between the ventral striatum and prefrontal cortex.
A new study published in Nature reveals that the West Antarctic Ice Sheet has experienced significant and sustained ice loss over the past 11,000 years, driven by wind-driven incursions of warm water. The research provides crucial insights into the mechanisms behind this ice sheet's behavior and its contribution to sea-level rise.
Researchers found that patients with diabetes have lower levels of substance P in their tears, indicating corneal nerve damage. Substance P measurement may become a non-invasive test to assess the risk of diabetic neuropathy.
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have developed a novel method for one-step protein purification that improves yield, purity, and activity by 10- to 500-fold. The CL7/Im7 affinity chromatography purification scheme overcomes weaknesses of current commercially available systems.
Astronomers Dr Jane Greaves and Dr Wayne Holland propose a new model for forming planets in the aftermath of a supernova explosion. They suggest that material caught up in the bow-wave around a moving neutron star could provide raw materials for future planet formation. Further data from ALMA is needed to confirm this theory.
Research published in Psychological Science shows that people are highly sensitive to the acceleration of scores, not just their actual value. This finding suggests that meaningless accelerating scores can be an effective motivator, as long as they increase at a fast rate.
The National Institutes of Health has instituted a policy to consider sex as a biological variable in funded research, with recommendations provided by coauthors Terri Lynn Cornelison and Janine Austin Clayton. Guidelines include including both male and female subjects in studies and generalizing findings appropriately.
A study analyzing five years of Ocean Health Index data for 220 countries found that global ocean health has remained stable, but individual countries have seen changes, particularly in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. Improvements in fishery management and marine protected areas may have stabilized ocean health scores in other regions.
Researchers found that wastewater-exposed rainbow darters had increased metabolic rates, suggesting they were under stress from environmental conditions. The presence of pathogenic bacteria in these fish was also linked to human infections such as food poisoning.
A new study found that a V.A. initiative to improve end-of-life care led to a substantial increase in the use of hospice among U.S. veterans. Hospice use grew at a rate twice as fast as the general Medicare population, with an estimated additional 17,046 veterans receiving hospice care between 2010 and 2014.
A study of over 40,000 Finnish adults with TBI found a significant link between TBI and dementia in working-age adults. The risk of dementia among TBI survivors remains high even years after the injury, suggesting that TBI may trigger a process leading to dementia.
Researchers found that black phosphorus can be tuned by enclosing it in the right way, opening new possibilities for its use. The material's band gap and optical absorption changed dramatically when encapsulated.
Researchers warn of increased risk of cryptosporidiosis due to drought conditions and inadequate water storage. Collaboration is key to reducing infection cases, say experts from the Australian National University.
A team of Penn State researchers has created 2D layered devices that can self-assemble at atomistic precision, enabling the production of high-efficiency devices such as flexible electronics and energy storage systems. The devices feature minute spacing between layers, which is crucial for achieving optimal performance.
A team of researchers used a low-cost Kinect scanner to create a high-resolution 3D scan of the T. rex skull, contradicting previous theories about the holes in its jawbone. The scan reveals that the angles at which the holes bore through the jaw are inconsistent with bite patterns, casting doubt on two popular hypotheses.
A new study suggests that the small molecule LM22A-4 can improve spatial memory and motor skill defects in Rett syndrome mice by enhancing synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus. The treatment also shows promise for improving breathing problems associated with the disease.
Researchers found people can accurately determine social class from neutral faces with 53% accuracy, a level that exceeds random chance. Emotions mask life-long habits of expression on the face, which become visible as a person ages.
A personal neoantigen vaccine has been shown to stimulate a potent, safe, and highly specific immune response in melanoma patients. The vaccine targets distinctive 'neoantigens' on tumor cells, inducing a focused T cell response against several tumor neoantigens.
Researchers used repair petitions to trace damage from the magnitude 7.3 event in Aguadilla, finding a consistent picture with modern-day data. The study provides detailed 'ground truth' of the 1918 quake's impact, useful for predicting future earthquake damage.
Researchers found that an approach to pursuing equity with local communities' perspectives can bring better outcomes for habitats and wildlife, as well as some of the world's poorest people. Current practices are limited in their interpretation of equity, resulting in responses that sustain local perceptions of injustice and miss oppor...
Ca2+ plays a crucial role in arteriolar function by triggering vasodilation through endothelial cells. The magnitude of these signals depends on IP3 receptors.
A new species of giant crocodile relative, named Razanandrongobe sakalavae, has been discovered in the Middle Jurassic of Madagascar. The fossilized remains of this prehistoric creature reveal massive jaw bones and serrated teeth similar to those of a T. rex, indicating that it was a formidable predator.
Spain now holds the pace of European ART with over 100,000 cycles performed annually, resulting in a steady pregnancy rate of around 35%. The data collected by ESHRE also reveals that IVF remains more successful than ICSI, but pregnancy rates from egg donation continue to rise.
Astronomers found that the fastest-moving stars in the Milky Way originated in the Large Magellanic Cloud, a dwarf galaxy in orbit around our own. Computer simulations and data analysis showed that these stars were ejected from their original home at incredible speeds.
A Kyoto University team developed a genome-wide base-editing technology using the CRISPR Nickase system, which reduces inaccurate edits and improves editing accuracy. The system combines a guide RNA and Cas9 nickase to 'nick' the DNA double helix, resulting in faster generation of yeast mutants and increased precision.
A new study found that removing the flowers of invasive shrub Prosopis juliflora from mosquito-prone areas can decrease local mosquito vector populations by nearly 60%. The removal also reduced the number of older female mosquitoes, which are known to transmit malaria parasites.
Astronomers observe how massive forces create shock waves in interstellar medium, leading to X-ray and radio emissions. The study provides insight into galactic proportions, allowing researchers to see event across electromagnetic spectrum.
Researchers at Nagoya Institute of Technology have developed a new reaction system that produces aziridines with high yield and selectivity. The method uses phosphite as a catalyst and achieves high rates of production of one enantiomer, which is essential for pharmaceutical applications.
A UK-based consortium will develop a platform for producing new antibiotics using bacteriocins, potent toxins produced by bacteria. The aim is to generate derivatives with drug-like properties while preserving their original potent bacteria-killing abilities.
Researchers matched would-be carpoolers with people driving to work based on social media data and found that compatibility increased satisfaction and reduced car use by 57% in Rome and 40% in San Francisco. This approach could lead to a dent in gridlock, reduce pollution and make commuting more enjoyable.
Researchers used satellite data to track and map the movement of earth before a landslide, detecting the devastating event in China's Sichuan Province. The team believes their technology can provide early warnings for landslides, potentially saving thousands of lives.
A new study found that players who lost Wimbledon matches produced higher-pitched grunts than those who won. The researchers analyzed television footage of 50 matches and discovered that the likely match outcome became apparent from the outset, suggesting longer-term physiological or psychological factors at play.
Researchers have developed a new method to detect genetic changes in cancer cells using Hi-C, which can identify major genome rearrangements and copy number variations with high accuracy. This approach has the potential to aid targeted treatments and enhance cancer diagnosis.
The project aims to create a system that can effectively monitor data centers and analyze findings with minimal human intervention. Led by McMaster Engineering professors, the team will develop tools to analyze performance in real-time, helping companies make decisions to reduce energy usage and predict system faults and failures.
The sand rat genome shows a highly divergent GC-rich genomic domain with several essential genes, including the insulin-regulating homeobox gene Pdx1. This region is subject to elevated mutation rates, which could influence evolution and the course of diabetes.
A study using artificial intelligence has found that automated embryo assessment systems are more accurate than those of embryologists, with a 76% accuracy rate. The system uses mathematical variables from time-lapse images to classify embryos automatically, reducing human error and improving predictive value.
The DYNAMO study aims to identify genes and processes involved in diabetic kidney disease, with the goal of reducing DKD by 30% in Singapore within five years. The research collaboration will utilize multiple experimental approaches to develop new treatments for kidney complications from diabetes.
Scientists reviewed 80 years of research on facial expressions in blind people to determine if they express emotions in the same way as sighted individuals. The study found that blind people use the same muscles to express individual emotions, suggesting an innate and universal emotional character.
Scientists have successfully observed a spatial transition between two plasma states, where the magnetic field is stretched into space while maintaining thrust generation. This finding provides significant insights into overcoming the problem of detaching plasma from the MN in plasma thrusters.
A new study reveals that chromosomally 'abnormal' embryos can still result in pregnancy through IVF, with the potential for self-correction and development into a healthy fetus. The extent of mosaicism influences clinical outcomes, suggesting priority should be given to mosaic embryos with low aneuploidy levels.
A new study suggests that D-serine, a dietary supplement, improves neuronal function in a patient with atypical Rett syndrome. The treatment, which was developed using personalized algorithms, has shown promising results in improving motor and cognitive symptoms.
Researchers studied ribbon halfbeak flying behavior to optimize 'tandem wing' airplane design. These fish twist their bodies to create horizontal tail wings, reducing downwash effect on main wing.
Electrochemotherapy (ECT) combines electro-poration with chemotherapy to increase drug uptake in tumor cells, enhancing the radiosensitizing effect. The treatment has been shown to be effective in treating progressive skin tumors in the head and neck area, preserving cosmetic appearance and function of surrounding tissues.
Researchers studied the aerodynamics of bats performing manoeuvres during flight, revealing their high level of control over wings. The study used flow visualisation techniques to analyse bat wing movement through the air, gaining insights into how these animals catch prey on the wing.
A new study reveals that praying mantises from 12 species and 9 genera kill and eat small birds globally. The victims include birds from 24 different species and 14 families, with the Ruby-throated Hummingbird being a frequent victim.
Researchers develop rhodanine-based compounds to solubilize poorly water-soluble drugs, inhibiting tau protein aggregation and improving cell viability. The formulation additives preserve drug efficacy and activity, offering opportunities for early-stage drug testing.
A new study reveals that heat stress concurrent with drought or water excess can explain about 40% of the changes in wheat yields from one year to another. Water excess affects wheat production more than drought in several countries, contributing to reduced yields due to increased pests and diseases.
Using infrared spectroscopy and statistical analysis of organic molecules in fossil leaves, researchers have solved long-standing questions about extinct plant relationships. The study reveals that ancient plant species grouped according to well-established botanical relationships, shedding light on their evolution.
A new study reveals that 65% of global irrigated areas are impacted by urban wastewater flows, with 29.3 million hectares in countries with limited treatment exposing widespread consumer and farmer health risks. The findings call for urgent investments in improved sanitation to mitigate public health threats.
Research by Dr Nicholas Carey and colleagues reveals complex balance between whale attacks and fish escape responses, and how lunge characteristics relate to prey escape abilities. Humpback whales alter their lunging strategy to target different prey species.
Researcher Andreas Eder found that punishment alone does not suppress undesirable behavior but can even facilitate it. The brain uses behavioral consequences to trigger actions more easily, even if the consequences are disagreeable. Providing clear feedback for desired behavior is crucial in educational practices.
Scientists detect methanol around Saturn's moon Enceladus using a ground-based telescope, suggesting complex chemical reactions occur in the plume once it's ejected into space. This finding highlights the need for further direct observations by future spacecraft to understand the chemistry of subsurface oceans.
The discovery of Nataliyamalikite reveals insights into metals extraction and geological processes. The new mineral's crystal structure was determined using advanced microscopy techniques, shedding light on its properties.