A team of astronomers discovered a new kind of galaxy that formed less than a billion years after the Big Bang, creating stars more than 100 times faster than our Milky Way. This find solves a long-standing puzzle of how massive galaxies came to have hundreds of billions of stars when they formed so quickly.
A new study chronicles and categorizes challenging meditation experiences among Western Buddhists, revealing a broader range of effects than previously documented. The research identified seven types of experiences and 26 categories of influencing factors, which vary widely in duration and associated distress or impairment.
A study from researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison and UCSF found that mindfulness training during pregnancy can reduce depression symptoms in new mothers. The study showed a decrease in opioid-based pain medication use during labor among the mindfulness group, suggesting a potential benefit for infant health.
Researchers at LSTM and partners have developed a molecule, E209, effective against parasites with artemisinin resistance. The fully synthetic molecule is designed to be fast-acting and slowly eliminated, offering hope as a single-dose cure.
Researchers have demonstrated a new quantum effect in topological insulators, allowing for precise measurement of fundamental physical parameters like the fine-structure constant. This breakthrough could lead to more accurate and innovative methods of measurement.
Cuts to addiction services in England have led to a surge in drug-related deaths and increased pressure on the NHS. The Royal College of Psychiatrists is calling for more training posts and no further cuts to addiction services.
A Dartmouth-led study finds that the increase in extreme Northeast storms occurred as an abrupt shift in 1996, particularly in the spring and fall. The region experienced a 53% increase in extreme precipitation from 1996 to 2014, with tropical cyclones and nor'easters being key drivers.
A study by a multi-national research team, including scientists from the US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, explains how Zika virus entered the US and how it might re-enter the country. They used near real-time genomic sequencing to create a family tree showing the virus's spread through space and time.
A new study found that learning to read in adulthood reorganizes deep brain structures, including the thalamus and brainstem, which helps filter visual input. This process enhances reading capabilities, with better alignment of signal timings between brain regions leading to improved navigation through texts.
Scientists have discovered that three-dimensional graphene can be tuned to exhibit precise control over its plasmon frequencies through doping, pore size, or molecule attachment. This property may enable the creation of specific chemical sensors and solar cells.
Researchers at SUNY Downstate Medical Center found increasing trends in US work characteristics since 2002, including low job control, job strain, and work-family conflict. These stressors are risk factors for cardiovascular disease and contribute to the slowing of declining CVD mortality rates.
The study found that Middle Stone Age humans in the Porc-Epic cave likely acquired and processed the same types of ochre over a 4,500-year period. The analysis revealed a gradual shift from grinding to flaking and scraping techniques, suggesting cultural drift within the practice.
A recent study led by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers has identified a novel mechanism behind the resistance of HER2-positive breast cancer metastases to treatment. The study found that overexpression of the HER3 gene contributes to this resistance, and combining anti-HER2 and anti-HER3 therapies can slow tumor growth.
A study found that grizzly bears in Canadian national parks use railways as a food source, likely attracted by spilled grain and vegetation. The researchers recommend reducing grain spills and mitigating foraging areas to minimize the risk of train collisions.
A recent study published in the Journal of Periodontology found that frequent recreational cannabis use increases the risk of gum disease. The study analyzed data from over 1,900 US adults and found that frequent users were twice as likely to have signs of periodontal disease as non-frequent users.
Researchers analyzed Zika genome to understand future pandemic prevention and found that transmission began in Florida at least four times. Travel from the Caribbean Islands significantly contributed to cases of Zika reaching Miami.
A special issue of Epilepsy & Behavior evaluates the benefits of medical marijuana for treating epilepsy, highlighting gaps in knowledge and education. Key findings include anecdotal data on cannabis use for epilepsy treatment and potential effects on brain function.
The study found that edible dormice prefer areas with a mix of beech trees and conifers, providing a balanced food supply. The rodents adapt to the lifecycle of beech trees by making pragmatic choices about territory selection and hibernation patterns.
A new study published in Nature reveals that the Zika virus outbreak in Florida was not a single introduction but rather at least four separate introductions that led to local chains of transmission. The research found that most Florida introductions are linked to the Caribbean, and mosquito control efforts helped limit the spread of t...
A recent study found that 35 percent of the world's national animal symbols are threatened with extinction, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts. The analysis also revealed that populations of national animal symbols represented by North America and Australia-Oceania fare better than those in Africa.
Researchers have identified 16 new genetic markers associated with psoriasis, bringing the total to 63 loci linked to the disease. The largest psoriasis meta-analysis to date, involving over 39,000 participants, has shed light on pathways related to the disease and pinpointed potential gene targets.
Researchers identified protein patterns in bones that change with age, suggesting potential biomarkers for determining age in human remains. The study's findings have implications for forensic science and may help reconstruct ancient species relationships.
Scientists have observed a surprising order in the surface of water droplets at the nanoscale, with molecules behaving like those in ice. This discovery could lead to a better understanding of atmospheric, biological, and geological processes, as researchers explore how additives like salt affect the water network.
A new observational study found that short sleep times may raise the risk of death in people with a cluster of heart disease and diabetes risk factors, with those who slept less than six hours being twice as likely to die of heart disease or stroke. The study suggests that taking care of sleep is important for reducing mortality risk.
Researchers from the University of Michigan have discovered how polyomaviruses hijack cellular molecular motors to build a portal for itself, allowing it to reach the nucleus and cause problems. The findings could aid in the development of new treatments or preventive strategies against polyomavirus diseases such as Merkel cell carcinoma.
BU researcher Avrum Spira recognized for his work on early detection of lung cancer using Percepta RNA biomarker, as well as development of new drugs for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). His research has made a direct impact on diagnosis and daily care of patients with lung cancer and COPD in the past 20 years.
Cases of human Powassan virus infection are rising in the US, particularly in northeastern and midwestern states. The virus is transmitted by Ixodes ticks and can cause fatal neuroinvasive disease and long-term neurological effects.
Heavy rainfall was detected within a cluster of powerful storms east of Sri Lanka, with GPM's radar data showing storm tops reaching heights above 16 km. The analysis is important to understanding the economy of India and the amount and timing of monsoon rainfall.
Research suggests that vitamin D levels combined with good sleep quality can effectively manage conditions like arthritis, menstrual cramps, and chronic back pain. This review highlights the potential benefits of vitamin D supplementation in pain management, offering a new approach to alleviate suffering.
A team of UCLA chemists has developed a new technique for breaking carbon-hydrogen bonds and making carbon-carbon bonds, enabling the creation of new molecules. This method uses silicon and boron as abundant and inexpensive catalysts, potentially leading to more efficient production of fuels and pharmaceuticals.
Researchers discovered a new gene, Mdmd, which determines male sex in houseflies. The gene is relatively large and similar to CWC22, and its loss leads to 'pregnant' males with mature eggs. This finding demonstrates the evolution of sex determination and has implications for developing sustainable pest control strategies.
A large controlled trial found that teaching genetics first significantly improved students' test scores on evolution, especially for foundation classes. The study suggests that priming students with genetics information before teaching evolution can lead to better understanding of this complex concept.
Researchers found that 20% of children involved in fatal crashes were unrestrained or inappropriately restrained. A 10% improvement in child restraint use could avert approximately 232 pediatric deaths per year.
Researchers found that capsaicin in red chili prevents microbial dysbiosis and gut barrier dysfunction, leading to reduced inflammation and obesity. The study suggests that the gut microbiome plays a critical role in the anti-obesity effects of capsaicin.
Researchers find pharmaceutical-grade chondroitin sulfate comparable to celecoxib in reducing pain and improving joint function; long-term treatment recommended for older adults with knee osteoarthritis. Effective and safe alternatives are needed due to risks associated with NSAIDs and paracetamol.
Biological engineers at Utah State University have successfully decoded and reprogrammed fungal biosynthetic machinery to produce natural compounds with anti-cancer, anti-microbial and anti-cholesterol properties. The team has reproduced several bio-active compounds in engineered microbes, including beauvericin and bassianolide.
Dr Ben Hughes's team designs district cooling technology to cool outside air and push it through the stadium, stands, and concourse areas. The system uses recovered heat in a mixed mode, delivering a stable, comfortable indoor environment while being more sustainable than traditional air conditioning systems.
Researchers found that continuous, low-dose cisplatin delivery is effective against smaller tumor clusters, while higher doses are more effective against larger ones. The study's findings support the development of an implantable device to deliver these higher doses without the side effects associated with current catheter-based therapy.
A NASA scientist is developing an instrument to search for signs of life on Jupiter's moon Europa, leveraging experience from building a Mars instrument. The Ocean Worlds investigation will analyze molecular biosignatures in surface and subsurface samples.
Scientists have created a library of 308 compounds to test drug combinations for new therapies. A study found a synergy between flutamide and phenprocoumon that efficiently killed prostate cancer cells, targeting the androgen receptor. The CLOUD library is ideal for discovering new applications for approved active ingredients.
Researchers developed a new perovskite material that overcomes water sensitivity, creating stable and efficient solar cells with a ten percent efficiency rate. The material's ability to self-organize in an edge-standing structure increases electron circulation, improving energy conversion.
A team of biologists studied lizards' reactions to fire ant exposure in socially stressful environments. Despite initial expectation that lizards would be stressed, they found lower baseline cortisol levels in those exposed to fire ants for two weeks.
Researchers at McGill University found that cues associated with cocaine consumption trigger dopamine release in the dorsal striatum, a structure involved in compulsive behavior, even among non-dependent users. This suggests that recreational users may be further along the road to addiction than they realize.
Research suggests that older adults require more protein than previously thought to maintain muscle mass and prevent weight loss. Experts argue for increased focus on leucine-rich proteins like milk and whey to support elderly health.
Research published in the journal Heart found that regular chocolate consumption is associated with a lower risk of developing atrial fibrillation. For women, one weekly serving was linked to a 21% lower risk, while for men, two to six weekly servings were associated with a 23% lower risk.
A phone-based transitional care program for surgical patients demonstrated high patient engagement and reduced hospital readmissions. The study found that 46% of patients had postoperative medication discrepancies, highlighting the need for improved discharge practices.
Researchers at the University of Illinois found that populations of E. coli evolved in two divergent paths, either improving swimming speed or growth rate, but not both, due to trade-offs. This study sheds light on how evolution proceeds when performance depends on multiple traits restricted by a trade-off.
A new study finds that most Americans, including Democrats, do not believe voter ID laws suppress turnout, contradicting party leaders' claims. The findings highlight the disconnect between public opinion and partisan rhetoric on voter ID laws.
Researchers found chemokines can activate chemokine receptors in different ways, leading to varying responses and chronic inflammation. This discovery may lead to the development of anti-inflammatory drugs targeting specific molecules.
A large study found that consuming moderate amounts of chocolate was associated with a significantly lower risk of atrial fibrillation, a common and dangerous type of irregular heartbeat. The study suggested that even small amounts of cocoa consumption can have a positive health impact.
The study reveals that bioelectric patterns can override the default body shape called for by a genome, allowing researchers to edit the target morphology of an animal with a wild-type genomic sequence. This work provides clues about why certain individuals have different biological outcomes when exposed to the same treatment as others.
The Ocean Health Index (OHI) researchers adopted collaborative research tools to enhance reproducibility and streamline workflow, making their methods more transparent and efficient. This new approach enables the team to produce better science in less time, sharing their story to encourage others to adopt similar practices.
Researchers found that guard bees are significantly larger and more robust than foragers in 10 out of 28 stingless bee species analyzed. The evolution of guards with increased size likely relates to the risk of attack by parasitic robber bees, which is a common threat to many stingless bee species.
Astronomers using the VLA discovered a bright new object near Cygnus A's core, suggesting it could be either a rare supernova explosion or an outburst from a second supermassive black hole. The object's characteristics indicate it may have formed when the galaxy merged with another.
A study by researchers at Binghamton University found that women who experienced higher levels of flood-related stress and displayed decreased pupil dilation to emotional faces were more likely to experience increases in depressive symptoms following the flood. This suggests that pupil dilation analysis could be used to identify those ...
The CAST project has set strict limits on the probability that axions turn into photons, with no evidence of solar axions detected. This result has direct consequences for understanding astrophysical anomalies such as high energetic gamma rays and stellar heat dissipation.
Ferring's $10 million donation will support the development of a new European-based Prematurity Research Center and advance research to help prevent preterm birth. The goal is to save families from trauma caused by prematurity and give every baby a chance to be born healthy.
Researchers have identified an increase in lysyl oxidase as a contributor to heart disease, with potential implications for cancer. The study found that mice with high levels of the enzyme LOX experienced more severe heart disease than those without.
Researchers have found a new compound that can be used to create highly efficient perovskite solar cells, with efficiency rates of over 22% compared to traditional silicon-based cells. The discovery was made using a spin coating technique and has the potential to revolutionize the field of photovoltaics.
Researchers developed a new X-ray technique to examine deformations and dislocations in nanoparticles, which affect their properties. The technique, called Bragg coherent diffraction imaging, allows scientists to reconstruct the size and shape of grain defects in three dimensions.