A team of scientists found that massive volcanic eruptions may have caused the end-Ordovician extinction, which wiped out 85% of marine animal species. The eruptions released sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide, interacting in complex ways to affect the climate.
Scientists are developing chickpea varieties that can thrive in arid conditions, aiming to improve yields from 1.5 tonnes to 5 tonnes per hectare. The research uses low-cost imaging and computing techniques to identify resilient traits and develop algorithms for breeding high-performance varieties.
Researchers at the Wyss Institute have developed a bacterial sensor that retains long-term memory of gut inflammation, detecting tetrathionate up to six months after administration in a mouse model. This innovation could lead to non-invasive diagnosis and monitoring of conditions like IBD using probiotics.
A team of researchers at KAUST has created a computational model to simulate soot production in gasoline engines, allowing car makers to test potential changes to reduce emissions. By analyzing the chemical reactions involved in soot formation, the model can help manufacturers optimize engine design and improve fuel efficiency.
A new tobacco hybrid device, iFuse, produces a vapour with similar toxicant profile to e-cigarette Vype ePen, but with enhanced flavour. The vapour's toxicity levels are significantly lower than those in cigarette smoke.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal argues that marijuana legalization will jeopardize young people's health due to its toxic effects on brain development. The journal calls for restrictions on potency and quantity to minimize risk, citing evidence that the human brain continues to mature until age 25.
A new study found that CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing can cause hundreds of unintended mutations, including single nucleotide changes and deletions in non-coding regions. The researchers emphasize the importance of using whole genome sequencing to detect off-target effects and encourage others to use this method for safer editing.
The study found dual therapy with lamivudine and a boosted protease inhibitor to be effective as second-line treatment in patients infected by HIV with multiple mutations. The combination resulted in lower rates of treatment failure, increased CD4 cell count, and better tolerability compared to monotherapy.
Researchers found that prolonged maternal stress can alter placental metabolism and accelerate fetal growth, potentially leading to mental or physical illnesses. The study suggests seeking support from a therapist for pregnant women experiencing longer-term stress situations.
A recent study by Dr. John Peever has found a link between REM sleep disorders and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's Disease and Lewy bodies dementia. The research suggests that sleep disorders may be an early warning sign for these conditions, which can appear up to 15 years later.
Researchers at University of Utah have discovered that organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites possess contradictory properties necessary to make spintronic devices work, enabling exponentially more data processing and overcoming size limitations in traditional electronics.
Researchers at ICFO have developed a graphene-QD CMOS image sensor that can capture visible and infrared light simultaneously. This breakthrough technology enables applications such as night vision, food inspection, fire control, and environmental monitoring, while also reducing production costs and enabling mass-market production.
A new study found that species from groups with high ongoing diversification are at greater risk of extinction than slowly diversifying lineages. Saving just 20 species could safeguard an estimated 1.4 billion years of evolutionary history for fast-speciating amphibian groups.
Researchers at the University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre discovered a way to modify white blood cells to accelerate cutaneous healing. The treatment uses a special protein called MFG-E8 to control macrophage behavior, promoting anti-inflammatory and pro-reparatory reactions.
Researchers at the University of Southern Denmark have found that cormorants can detect sounds under water, which may help protect these birds from man-made noise pollution. This new ability is comparable to that of seals and whales, and could also benefit other aquatic bird species.
The 'Keep Control' project aims to improve understanding and diagnosis of balance and gait deficits in older adults, with a focus on developing innovative treatment options. The initiative, coordinated by Kiel University, brings together experts from Europe to enhance diagnosis and therapy for fall-prone individuals.
Scientists at Scripps Research Institute have discovered a way to make vancomycin, an existing antibiotic, even more potent by adding three independent mechanisms of action. This new version has a 1,000-fold increase in activity against bacteria, making it a promising alternative to combat antibiotic-resistant infections.
The study suggests that patients with rheumatoid arthritis should use a combination of drugs known as triple therapy instead of biologic therapy, due to the high costs involved. The analysis found that triple therapy is as effective as switching directly to biologics, but at a significantly lower cost.
Researchers have successfully developed a non-peptide compound that promotes wakefulness and remedies narcoleptic symptoms in mouse models. The compound, YNT-185, penetrates the blood-brain barrier and induces significant wakefulness without desensitization or sleep rebounds.
Researchers at Kyoto University identified a key gene that regulates iron uptake, revealing a functional defect in the duodenum and potentially leading to new treatment methods for anemia. The study found that Regnase-1 degrades iron-controlling genes, such as TfR1, which can help prevent debilitating disorders like hemochromatosis.
Researchers at Osaka University have discovered a clear connection between quantum fluctuations and the effective charge of current-carrying particles in exotic phase transitions. This breakthrough provides insight into quantum phase transitions, potentially unlocking applications in superconductivity and other areas.
Researchers at Lanzalab developed a compact model to describe the functioning of RRAM devices using graphene/h-BN/graphene van der Waals structures. The model accurately predicts the device's behavior and explains dispersion in cycle-to-cycle data, enabling simulation and mass production.
A new study reveals that vegetation can alter climate and weather patterns by up to 30 percent. The researchers found substantial feedback loops in semi-arid regions, where vegetation growth enhances heat transfer and increases cloudiness, affecting surface radiation.
Six abstracts selected for their innovative therapy approaches and basic research providing knowledge to improve treatment or clarify mode of action. These include a new functional treatment for chronic low back pain and stimulation effects on postural instability in Parkinson's disease.
Children at Swedish 'gender-neutral' preschools show reduced tendencies for gender-stereotypical assumptions when interacting with peers of the opposite sex. This is attributed to the norm-conscious practices used by teachers, which also promote increased interest in playing with unfamiliar peers.
Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a test sensitive enough to detect 'hidden' HIV, which reveals that people who appear cured may still carry a larger virus reservoir than previously estimated. The test, called TZA, is faster, less labor-intensive and less expensive than existing tests.
Scientists demonstrate novel protocol using crystals to emit and store quantum light for extended distances, paving the way for a future quantum repeater. This breakthrough enables secure communication over longer ranges by harnessing the properties of quantum superposition.
A new species of frog has been discovered in the Neotropics, featuring transparent skin that allows its heart to be visible. The species, Hyalinobatrachium yaku, is characterized by dark green spots on its head and body, and a unique call. Its distribution is uncertain due to its small size and habitat destruction.
A study at Lund University reveals individual neurons can learn precise timed intervals, expanding the brain's learning capabilities and potential applications in AI research. This breakthrough may also shed light on autism, ADHD, and language disorders in children.
A team of engineers at UCR has created a self-heating carbon nanotube-based membrane that can recover nearly 100% of the water from highly concentrated salt solutions, alleviating water shortages in arid regions. The new system also prevents degradation of the carbon nanotubes in saline environments.
Scientists from Kyoto University and UC San Diego discovered that early 20th century sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific and North Atlantic warmed more than previously thought. The researchers found that rising Pacific-Atlantic temperatures were the major driver of rapid Arctic warming during this period.
A new study from the University of Helsinki suggests that climate change may increase the damage caused by a naturally circulating fungal disease in Norway spruce trees. The researchers found that future climate changes can alter the impact of forest pathogens, highlighting the need for further research on this topic.
A study by University of Leeds researchers found that heart attack patients without heart failure did not live longer with beta blockers, but were still prescribed the medication at a rate of 95%. The findings raise concerns about unnecessary medication costs and the need for further research.
The visual cortex develops until late 30s or early 40s, contradicting previous expectations that it matures in first few years of life. This discovery extends the timeline by 4.5 years, challenging current understanding of brain function and sensory areas development.
First Nations and Inuit babies were hospitalized at twice the rate of non-Indigenous infants for preventable illnesses like respiratory diseases and infections. This disparity highlights substantial unmet needs in Indigenous infant disease prevention and medical care.
Researchers from ETH Zurich have defined the three-dimensional structure of ABCG2, a human multi-drug transporter. The protein recognizes and transports over 200 substances, including toxins and medications, making it a double-edged sword in cancer treatment and drug development.
A new study by an international team of economists found that urban heat islands could increase the economic costs of climate change in cities by up to 2.6 times, with the worst-off city facing losses of 10.9% of GDP by the end of the century
A recent study found that self-regulation skills are a significant predictor of resilience in young people at risk of social exclusion. Helping these students acquire self-regulation skills, such as setting goals and coping with adversity, can equip them to do better in school and life.
Researchers have discovered that all entangled states of two particles have a unique classical fingerprint. This breakthrough enables the certification of quantum computers and encryption devices, ensuring their authenticity. The discovery uses a simple set of measurements to act as an identity check for any two-particle entangled state.
Researchers found that raising the age limit for Lynch syndrome genetic testing can detect new affected families who would not have been identified previously. This can lead to a reduction in deaths from the disease by over 60% over 15 years.
A recent study reveals that many children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are not meeting the recommended daily intake of calcium and vitamin D. Experts warn that this can lead to poor bone health, development issues, and increased risk of permanent height deficits.
A high-fat diet from childhood may increase sensitivity to dopamine later in adulthood, leading to increased reward-seeking behavior. The study found that male rats exhibited increased locomotor activity and dopamine cell activity after a high-fat diet exposure.
Researchers found that soil microbes respond differently to shifts in moisture, with those from wetter areas respiring twice as much carbon to the atmosphere. This discovery suggests historical rainfall levels can impact climate modeling, improving predictions of local or regional differences in soil respiration and climate history.
Researchers at Osaka University found that the immune system promotes spontaneous heart regeneration after myocarditis. Cardiomyocytes can proliferate under specific conditions, such as inflammation, and this process is mediated by factors like STAT3 and interleukin 11.