The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) has launched SciLine, a new service connecting reporters with credible scientists to provide evidence-based information on news-worthy topics. This initiative aims to advance quality reporting on science and technology issues, building trust between news outlets and audiences.
Researchers found that blood flow sends signals for heart 'cushion' cells to become fully formed valves through KLF2-Wnt signaling. This discovery supports an epigenetic explanation for common congenital valve defects.
Multiple sclerosis is believed to be a single disease with varied symptoms due to the same underlying biological mechanism: immune system attack on nerve cells. Computational simulations support this hypothesis by reproducing the variability of disease courses seen in patients.
Researchers from four top teams receive funding to tackle cancers of the lung and pancreas using a new 'interception' approach, targeting precancerous cells before they turn into cancer cells. The initiative aims to catch cancers early, when treatment is more successful.
Margaret C. Crofoot receives a prestigious Alexander von Humboldt Professorship worth five million euros to further Collective Behaviour research at the University of Konstanz. The professorship aims to create a cutting-edge international research facility, bringing together experts from various fields.
The James Webb Space Telescope aligns its primary mirror segments through wavefront sensing and control, measuring imperfections with a near-infrared camera instrument. Engineers use computer algorithms to determine the mirror's shape and movement, resulting in sharp, focused images.
Parthenogenesis is favorable for appearance and further existence of groups when population density is low, allowing rapid reproduction. Phytophagous insects reproducing by thelytoky can cause significant harm to agriculture and forestry.
A study published in The Lancet found that moving heart surgery to the afternoon can reduce the risk of heart damage and major cardiac events. Afternoon surgery was associated with a 50% lower risk of major cardiac events compared to morning surgery, suggesting that synchronization with the body's circadian clock may improve outcomes.
Jennifer Fuller, a UTA alumna and Arlington teacher, has been awarded the Milken Educator Award for her efforts to further excellence in education. Her innovative teaching methods have resulted in high student achievement growth, earning her classes the highest end-of-course exam scores in the district for two consecutive years.
A study of 20 patients under 60 found substantial long-term improvement after 'reverse' shoulder replacement for massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears. Despite a high complication rate, most patients reported excellent or good satisfaction levels with improved shoulder function and pain management.
A study of Chilean adults aged 65 and older found that maintaining ideal cardiovascular health behaviors, such as regular physical activity, a healthy diet, and not smoking, can reduce the risk of disability. The researchers also discovered that having an ideal body mass index (BMI) can lower disability risk, particularly for those wit...
A study from UC Davis Health found that peer-led interventions can significantly reduce tobacco use among youth and young adults, with a 12.5% quit rate at six months. The most effective tools were informational conversations and 'quit kits' of behavior-replacement activities.
Researchers have created a proof of concept for MOSFETs using the deep depletion regime in bulk-boron-doped diamond, increasing hole channel carrier mobility by an order of magnitude. This enables more efficient power electronics and paves the way for fully exploiting diamond's potential in MOSFET applications.
Researchers found that using violent language in politics excites one's base but polarizes others, with a 20% increase in polarization. The study suggests micro-targeting and careful language use can help reduce polarization and promote unity.
The FRAX calculator has been widely adopted globally, helping clinicians make informed decisions based on multiple scientifically validated risk factors. A recent study confirms that intervention thresholds based on fracture probabilities are highly effective in targeting high-risk individuals.
The new study reveals that the Guanches carried a mixture of genetic ancestry, with a significant proportion derived from modern North Africans and European Stone Age farmers. The findings provide conclusive evidence on the origins of the Guanches and shed light on their cultural and genetic legacy.
Researchers have developed a mechanism for detecting molecular hydrogen using green light to illuminate a nanocrystalline composite sensor based on zinc and indium oxides. This enables gas sensors operating at room temperature.
A high waist-to-hip ratio is associated with a significantly higher rate of complications, longer hospital stays, mortality, and 30-day readmissions after emergency general surgery procedures. The study suggests that measuring waist-to-hip ratio via CT scan may be a reliable predictor of adverse outcomes.
A new study by MIT researchers found that cities can reduce urban emissions primarily through better building practices, not greater housing density. Implementing energy-efficient construction standards and retrofitting existing homes can lower residential emissions by up to 19% by 2030.
Researchers created a polymer-based material with enhanced strength and elasticity by mimicking a mussel's adhesive qualities. The material, which is 770 times stiffer and 92 times tougher than its untreated precursor, offers potential applications in structural, biomedical, and aerospace materials.
Scientists have identified a new player in viral infection, revealing how certain long noncoding RNAs can aid viruses in hijacking host cells. The discovery highlights the importance of understanding host-virus interactions to develop effective antiviral strategies.
A Lithuanian professor has been awarded the Paper of the Year by The Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) for his groundbreaking research on severe traumatic brain injury. The study found that longer durations of cerebrovascular autoregulation impairment events significantly correlate with worse patient outcomes.
A recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute indicates that pregnancy does not incur a greater risk of relapse for survivors of breast cancer. The study found no significant difference in breast cancer recurrence rates among pregnant and non-pregnant women with a history of ER-positive breast cancer.
The number of children admitted to intensive care has risen sharply since 2009, defying expectations of population growth or birth rate increases. The trend, driven by higher admission rates among younger children and those with breathing or cardiovascular problems, poses a significant challenge for the NHS.
Researchers reconstructed Sinosauropteryx's likely colour patterning, showing it used bandit mask-like stripes and countershading to avoid detection. This helped the small dinosaur evade larger meat-eating dinosaurs and sneak up on prey more easily.
A study published in Journal of General Physiology investigated the functional effects of specific mutations in Na/K pumps found in tumors that induce primary aldosteronism. The researchers found that impaired sodium and potassium transport is a common mechanism behind the pathology, contradicting previous 'gain-of-function' proposals.
The American Cancer Society has awarded Boston University School of Medicine with a three-year, $270,000 Institutional Research Grants program award to support early-stage cancer research by junior faculty. This funding will provide grants per year and is valued for its opportunity to establish proof-of-concept.
A study by San Diego Zoo Global found that changing diets for southern white rhinos to low phytoestrogen levels improved reproductive success. The switch resulted in two females becoming pregnant and giving birth to healthy calves.
Researchers are developing a universal influenza vaccine that would protect against all strains of flu globally. Current vaccines have varying effectiveness, with some years seeing only 10% effectiveness.
A Kyoto-Osaka team uses hiPSCs to develop biodegradable aligned nanofibers as a scaffold for culturing cardiomyocytes, forming robust and functional cardiac tissue-like constructs. These CTLCs show excellent operability leading to favorable heart function recovery in injured rat hearts.
A Norwegian study reveals that general practitioners lack cultural competency when dealing with patients from diverse backgrounds. Researchers emphasize the need for mandatory cultural training in medical education to address these gaps.
Researchers at City College of New York are exploring Sonic Hedgehog as a potential treatment for Parkinson's Disease. They have found that dopamine neurons secrete SHH, which can help reduce symptoms like dyskinesia, and are now testing Smoothened agonists in both mice and macaques.
A study by EPFL and European researchers found that past ocean temperatures may have remained relatively stable over the past 100 million years. This challenges decades of paleoclimate research and raises concerns about current levels of climate change.
A team of scientists and amateur astronomers have detected six exocomets, the smallest objects yet found outside our solar system, using transit photometry. The detection marks the first time an object as small as a comet has been identified using this technique.
Researchers at Northeastern University's Center for Complex Network Research have identified fundamental rules for how the brain controls movement in nematode worms. The study provides unprecedented detail on how individual neurons control specific types of locomotion, paving the way for future research into human brain function and ne...
Researchers at Ural Federal University found that a popular theory of gravity is flawed when applied to real-world astrophysical conditions. They propose new Horndeski models to stabilize black holes, addressing modern physics prerequisites and inconsistencies. The study aims to develop a new theory of gravity meeting all requirements.
A large genome-wide association analysis identifies novel gene-smoking interactions in lung cancer development, providing new candidate biomarkers. The study found three SNPs associated with non-small cell and squamous cell lung cancer risk, stratifying lung cancer risk by smoking behavior.
Researchers found that smell sensitivity peaks in the late evening and varies over the course of a day, influenced by internal circadian rhythms. This discovery has implications for assessing a patient's sense of smell and may affect food choices and eating behaviors among teens.
A year-long survey of Red Sea fish larvae found varying stock levels through the seasons, with higher abundance at near-shore sites during colder months. The study also identified differences in community structure, with deeper-adapted species prevalent at offshore sites.
Magdalena Osburn, a Northwestern University geobiologist, has been awarded a $875,000 Packard Fellowship to study 'microbial dark matter', or unknown microbes that have evaded cultivation in the lab. Her research will explore how these microorganisms interact with their environments and produce chemical signatures.
Researchers discovered that adult sea turtles like Eleanor can survive and even thrive during tropical storms. The study found that sea turtles like Eleanor drastically change behavior when the storm strikes, using more energy than usual but still surviving without injury.
A study by James Cook University scientists warns of serious hidden costs and risks associated with new roads in high-rainfall areas. The researchers urge limiting planned or built roads in these regions to prevent pot-holes, landslides, and environmental degradation.
Researchers at CNRS have identified a novel protein, KSRP, specific to the ribosomes of trypanosome parasites. Inhibiting its activity leads to parasite death. This discovery opens the path to developing new, safer therapies for Chagas disease and African sleeping sickness.
Researchers confirm Sinosauropteryx had striped tail and 'bandit mask', suggesting it lived in open habitats. The dinosaur's countershaded body revealed its habitat was not dense forest but rather more open terrain.
Researchers discovered that tumor cells in the fallopian tubes of women at high-risk for ovarian cancer can be detected years before they develop into the disease, providing a potential window of time for early detection and intervention. The study identified TP53 gene mutations as an early indicator of ovarian cancer development.
Researchers found impaired mitochondrial metabolism and increased glycolysis in LOAD cells, indicating failing mitochondria. The study suggests that bioenergetics changes may contribute to the risk and pathophysiology of late-onset Alzheimer's disease.
A Penn study reveals that ESRP1 gene mutations contribute to early hearing loss in humans, highlighting a critical molecular pathway involved in auditory development. The discovery opens up possibilities for new therapeutic approaches.
Researchers have identified two proteases essential for the malaria parasite's survival and dissemination, as well as a molecule capable of inhibiting them. This discovery could lead to the development of drugs blocking not only the parasite's development in humans but also its transmission to mosquitoes.
A new Brown University-developed technology called trans-Tango allows scientists to visualize neural connections in fruit flies, revealing previously unmapped gustatory circuits. The technology enables circuit tracing and has the potential to control circuit functions, expanding its applications in neuroscience.
Scientists have engineered cowpea to produce a Bacillus thuringiensis protein that protects against the Maruca pod borer. The resulting Bt cowpea variety can yield up to 25% more than traditional varieties, making it an attractive option for smallholder farmers in Africa.
A recent study published in Psychonomic Bulletin & Review found that calorie-dense foods are more distracting than low-calorie foods or everyday objects, even if they are not related to food. The researchers used a distraction paradigm to test how participants' thoughts and cognition relate to their eating habits.
Researchers found that restricting diet or using genetic manipulation to mimic it can maintain youthful mitochondrial networks, increasing lifespan. These youthful networks also improve fat metabolism by communicating with peroxisomes.
The Norian Chinle Formation provides a snapshot of an ancient terrestrial ecosystem with plant and vertebrate remains. A new extinction event occurred between 213-217 million years ago, leading to a shift towards drier conditions.
Researchers have captured the first atomic-level images of finger-like growths called dendrites that can pierce the barrier between battery compartments and trigger short circuits or fires. The images revealed that each lithium metal dendrite is a long, beautifully formed six-sided crystal.
Researchers from University of South Florida use bat guano to study climate change in east-central Europe since the Medieval Warm Period. Isotopes found in bat guano provide a near annual record of winter precipitation for the region.
A Norwegian PhD candidate has discovered 30 new species of non-biting midges, using DNA barcoding to confirm the identities of the insects. The research provides significant contributions to the knowledge of this insect group and highlights the importance of DNA barcoding in understanding biodiversity.
A citizen scientist has discovered a comet's tail streaking past a distant star using data from the Kepler Space Telescope. The discovery marks the first time an object as small as a comet has been inferred by observing dips in a star's light.
Scientists at UC San Diego have discovered how brain blood vessels dynamically regulate oxygen levels across large distances, shedding light on the mechanisms behind resting-state connectivity. This breakthrough has significant implications for human health and medicine, including the development of higher resolution imaging methods.
Researchers have developed a three-compartment system to culture neurons preserving the nerve's structure. They found that viruses can escape silencing through stress-mediated slow and fast processes. The slow process is triggered by neuron stress, while the fast process involves viral tegument proteins.
A team of historians refutes Oxford's findings on the Bakhshali manuscript, dating its zero to a later period. The manuscript contains 'true' zero with calculations and proves early Sanskrit author thought about zero numerically.
The new immersive visualization allows users to experience changes to an area through a first-person perspective, increasing appreciation for marine environment protection efforts. The tool helped people understand trade-offs between aesthetics and functionality, as well as the importance of preserving natural habitats.
Researchers use Hubble Space Telescope to find 'sunscreen snow' on hot giant planet outside solar system, where titanium dioxide condenses into clouds. The discovery sheds light on exoplanet climates and may aid in gauging Earth-size planets' habitability.
The Cleveland Clinic has developed updated guidelines for accelerated partial-breast irradiation (APBI), a technique that targets radiation to the tumor site only. The new guidelines recommend APBI for a broader range of patients, including younger individuals and those with ductal carcinoma in situ.
Researchers found that LRRK2 is necessary for the survival of dopamine-containing neurons in the brain, which are affected by Parkinson's disease. The study could alter treatment approaches against the disease.
Researchers discovered that small droplets evaporate more slowly than predicted by current models, affecting climate modeling and internal combustion engine design. The equation developed can be used to create more accurate climate models and design more efficient cooling units.
A study of over 74,000 women found that cataract surgery was associated with a 60% reduced risk of death from all causes. The researchers also noted significant reductions in deaths due to pulmonary, accidental, infectious, neurologic and vascular diseases, and cancer.
A new study confirms outpatient antibiotic use is a primary risk factor for acquiring C. difficile infection in the community, and recent emergency department visits may also pose a risk. The study found that patients with community-associated C. difficile infections were more likely to have prior health care visits and taken antibiotics.
Researchers at Indiana University discovered bacteria's 'sense of touch' by observing how they detect and cling to surfaces. The study revealed the role of ultra-thin hair-like appendages called pili in forming biofilms, which contribute to up to 65% of human infections.
I_Systems' advanced control system Leaf enables companies to forecast consumption variations and optimize air flow and fuel intake, leading to cost savings. The technology has been successfully implemented by various customers in 25 industries, including Coca-Cola and Suzano Papel e Celulose.
Researchers developed exercise recommendations for adults with spinal cord injuries, including moderate to vigorous intensity aerobic exercise and strengthening exercises. The guidelines aim to improve fitness and reduce mortality rates among people with SCI, addressing leading causes of death such as cardiovascular disease and obesity.
Researchers aim to understand why eating late disrupts natural circadian rhythms and affects weight, glucose, and hormone levels. They will conduct a randomized, long-term study on adults with obesity to compare weight and metabolic effects of daytime versus delayed eating schedules.
Thorsten Denk's device can make enough oxygen and water for 6 to 8 astronauts using a thermal solar reactor, powered by concentrated solar radiation. The process involves chemical splitting of water from lunar soil, followed by electrolysis to produce hydrogen and oxygen.
A recent analysis found that kidney transplant recipients lived longer than those who stayed on dialysis for at least 10 years. The benefit was observed after 657 days post-transplant, with a 40% lower risk of death compared to patients on dialysis.
Researchers have created a novel cell scale that enables measuring the mass of living cells with high resolution and monitoring their weight changes over time. This allows tracking of fluctuations during the cell cycle, substance influence on cell mass, and viral infection effects.
A team of UCSB researchers created a dry polymeric system that maintains its stretchiness while becoming stiffer and tougher with the addition of iron coordination bonds. The material has potential applications in coatings and impact-resistant materials.
A recent study by TGen-USC reveals that Precision Medicine in oncology is less precise for individuals with Latin American, African and Asian ancestry. A new genomic tool called LumosVar has been developed to help identify genetic variants, but more research is needed to overcome population differences.
Experts weigh in on whether keeping reptiles and amphibians as pets should be restricted due to public health and animal welfare concerns. A team from Ghent University argues that with proper information and care, these animals pose no greater burden than traditional pets.
Researchers from Kumamoto University developed a method to activate silver nanoparticle antibacterial properties at will. Pulsed laser irradiation transformed the shape of gold-coated silver nanoparticles, increasing their antibacterial activity against E. coli.
Researchers have identified two essential proteins, plasmepsin IX and X, which play critical roles in the life cycle of malaria parasites. Targeting these proteins could lead to the development of effective anti-malaria drugs.
Addressing poor nutrition in liver failure patients is vital, as it can lead to muscle wasting, weakness, and fatigue. A new review emphasizes the need for routine nutritional screening, especially in those with muscle wasting, and highlights the importance of adequate caloric and protein intake.
A systematic review by the International Osteoporosis Foundation reveals low dietary calcium intake in many Asian and Latin American countries, with the lowest average intake found among China, India, and Indonesia. The study emphasizes the need for increased calcium consumption to promote bone health in these regions.
Scientists from IBM Research developed a tiny, low-cost methane spectrometer that can detect concentrations as low as 100 parts-per-million. The device has the potential to be used in an inexpensive sensor network to autonomously monitor for natural gas leaks and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers discovered bacteria possess a 'sense of touch' enabling them to recognize surfaces and induce adhesive production in response to mechanical stimulation. This mechanism helps pathogens colonize host cells, making it crucial for understanding infectious diseases.
A study by UC San Francisco and CDPH found that lead in imported candy was the top source of food-borne contamination in California, with nearly all cases coming from Mexico, China, and India. The testing program has identified lead sources upstream, allowing for removal before poisoning can occur.
Astronomers analyzed 10 galaxy clusters using Hubble data and found their brightest cluster galaxies wobble around the center of mass, inconsistent with current dark matter models. This result may indicate new physics is at work, requiring a reevaluation of fundamental physics to solve the mystery of dark matter.
Pancreatic cancer is a deadly and lethal disease with an 8% 5-year relative survival rate. Researchers at UC San Diego Health, in partnership with other institutions, have received a $7 million grant to develop new ways to prevent the disease, which comprises 3% of all cancer cases but is the fourth leading cause of cancer death.
A recent study by scientists at the University of Exeter found that mixing diverse microorganisms from different sources can increase productivity and stability in microbial communities. This phenomenon was observed when methane-producing communities were combined, leading to a higher biogas yield.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine have developed a gene therapy that can prevent the progression of hearing loss and preserve hearing in people with Usher syndrome type III, a form of hereditary hearing loss linked to defects in sensory hair cells.
A new federally funded program aims to strengthen development of innovative pediatric medicines and devices by incorporating best practices and novel approaches. The Institute for Advanced Clinical Trials for Children will lead the initiative, which includes several other organizations committed to children's health.
A recent study found that nano-copper azole combinations cause significant harm to estuarine benthic communities. The research highlights the need for better understanding of nanomaterial stress on these ecosystems.
A proposed NASA mission employs lobster-eye optics to locate the source of gravitational waves, a key feature in understanding cosmic ripples. The Transient Astrophysics Observatory on the International Space Station aims to characterize and alert other observatories to these events.
A new test targeting cancer drug effectiveness has been identified using protein HER3 levels, helping doctors tailor treatment for patients. The test shows that patients with high HER3 levels benefit from the drug, while those with low levels experience no effect, providing a more personalized approach to bowel cancer treatment.
Researchers developed a CRISPR-based system, called REPAIR, which can edit single RNA letters in human cells. This new system has potential to treat diseases without permanently affecting the genome.
Research found a 3% decrease in assaults on Mondays after the start of Daylight Saving Time, challenging previous assumptions about sleep deprivation's impact on crime. The study suggests that increased sleep may be associated with more offending behavior, but internal biases and short-term effects are likely causes.
A new computer model, Recursive Cortical Network (RCN), has been developed that can solve CAPTCHA and identify handwritten digits with comparable accuracy to state-of-the-art deep learning approaches but using significantly less training data.
Researchers from Poland and USA develop new model of quark-gluon plasma, finding it to be much less viscous than expected. The anisotropic hydrodynamics model shows promising results, with improved accuracy in describing the phenomenon.
A new study finds that Medicaid expansion in states leads to improved health insurance coverage and routine check-ups for low-income residents. However, very low-income residents in non-expansion states face disproportionately poor access to care.
Researchers developed a dynamic catalytic converter concept that optimizes exhaust gas treatment by adjusting platinum particle size and oxidation state in response to engine operation. This improves catalytic performance and reduces noble metal consumption, increasing economic efficiency.
Flavio Donato's research uncovered how neurons in the brain work together to form a highly functional organ. His novel strategy allowed him to label populations of neurons born at specific time points, enabling closer tracking of development among a crowd of neurons.
A 5-year NYU Dentistry-funded study will compare two cavity-prevention techniques in six rural New Hampshire counties, aiming to reduce oral health disparities. The research will assess the effectiveness of simple and complex treatments.
Researchers at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center discovered a complex signaling system that triggers Th17 immune cell development, which plays a role in autoimmune disorders, inflammation, and cancer. This finding could lead to new treatments for related diseases.
The American College of Chest Physicians has introduced updated guidelines for low-dose CT lung cancer screening, focusing on asymptomatic smokers and former smokers aged 55-77 with 30 pack-years or more smoking history. The new recommendations aim to balance potential benefits and harms of screening.
Researchers at UC find that certain spadefoot toad species regulate hormone production to adapt to environmental changes, speeding up development and shortening larval periods. This process enables them to survive in warmer and drier climates.
A team of Japanese and US scientists have created a microdevice that successfully forms axon fascicles in the lab, similar to those seen in the brain. This innovation could provide insights into brain development and disease prevention by studying the formation of fascicles.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have created a new way to conceptualize electronic devices by utilizing atomic-scale interference patterns. This approach, known as moire engineering, enables the creation of single-atom thick wires capable of transmitting electricity rapidly.
Researchers Dean Falk and Charles Hildebolt question the idea that larger populations are less prone to violence. Contrary to Steven Pinker's theory, they found that war deaths scale similarly with population sizes across all levels of human society.
A research participant regained voluntary motor function, including standing and moving without stimulation, six years after a complete spinal cord injury. The recovery was achieved through extended activity-based training with epidural stimulation, challenging previous beliefs that severe injuries would not improve over time.
Researchers at Houston Methodist discovered a new pathway in cholesterol elimination, revealing that it is eliminated from the body in just two minutes, challenging the current 40-year model. This finding has significant implications for developing new drugs to lower cholesterol and improving cardiovascular health.
A study by Johns Hopkins University found that pictures of junk food are almost twice as distracting as healthy food images, even when people are focused on a task. The researchers tested this theory with participants who ate candy before completing a computer task.
A study published in Current Biology suggests that climate change may force bamboo lemurs to eat culm for longer periods, leading to potential starvation. The researchers analyzed the lemurs' feeding habits and found that a short dry season has been crucial to their survival in the past.
A University of Missouri student and army veteran is studying ISIS propaganda to help the military fight terrorism. By analyzing the organization's communication strategies, researchers can better understand their goals and develop ways to combat them.
Researchers developed a new method to create novel nanoporous materials with unique optical, magnetic, electronic and catalytic properties. The technique allows for the creation of tunable nanoporous materials with varying pore sizes by changing the composition of nanoparticles and liquids.
A Wayne State University research team has received a $1.85 million NIH grant to investigate non-Shine-Dalgarno translation initiation in bacteria. The goal is to identify new antibiotic targets effective against pathogens lacking Shine-Dalgarno sites.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that people with alexithymia, a condition marked by reduced emotional awareness, have altered physiological responses to smells. The researchers discovered that these individuals experience more intense emotional reactions to smells than others.
The study found that nonoperative management is associated with a significantly higher risk of dying during hospitalization for appendicitis. Patients receiving nonoperative management were, on average, eight years older and had more coexisting illnesses than those who underwent early operations.
University of Michigan researchers found that killer T cells use a multi-pronged attack to kill bacteria, targeting multiple processes. This discovery could lead to the development of new medications or repurposing of existing drugs to combat antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
Tropical Storm Saola continues to be affected by wind shear as it moves northwest towards the northeast, with maximum sustained winds near 45 knots. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center predicts Saola will strengthen into a typhoon.