The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center has received a $3.4 million grant from the National Science Foundation to develop novel methods for predicting a plant's phenotype and precisely manipulating plant architecture traits in maize. The project aims to enhance yield potential and address the plateaued yields in recent years.
Australian researchers have identified a gene that allows for cross-pollination in wheat, enabling the production of high-yielding hybrid wheats. This breakthrough could help meet the increased food demand predicted by 2050 and improve yield stability in challenging growing regions.
A new study reveals that C-section births in mice result in less developed gut microbiota and significant weight gain. Vaginal-born mice demonstrated a leaner body type and normal microbiome maturity, while C-section born mice showed no major changes in microbiome structure but gained 33% more weight after weaning.
A new study finds that traumatic experiences can affect vascular health and increase the risk of heart disease in women, particularly during the menopause transition. Researchers analyzed data from 272 peri- and postmenopausal nonsmoking women and found a link between higher lifetime traumatic experiences and poorer endothelial function.
Researchers found noroviruses hide in extremely rare gut cells that fail to communicate with T cells, allowing the virus to evade the immune system. The study informs vaccine development and may explain limited effectiveness of current vaccines.
Researchers found that many arts alumni do not leverage their creativity across their lives, believing their artistic training is relevant only in certain contexts. This 'creative identity' may be a key driver behind this variation, with individuals limiting themselves due to narrow senses of creativity.
University of Alaska Fairbanks researchers are collecting storm data from three erosion-plagued villages in Northwest Alaska. The goal is to improve predictions of severe winter storms and their potential impact on these communities.
A study published in Neurology found a significant increase over 10 years in the percentage of people with stroke who have high blood pressure, diabetes, and other risk factors. The prevalence of these risk factors increased from 88% to 93%, with high cholesterol and drug abuse rates doubling.
A new Panthera study reveals complex social strategies in solitary carnivores, challenging long-held assumptions about puma behavior. Pumas were found to share food, recall past interactions, and form networks of individuals with whom they co-fed, indicating a level of tolerance and cooperation.
A new analysis suggests that metal shortages will not significantly impact battery production, but short-term bottlenecks in lithium and cobalt supplies are possible. Researchers recommend monitoring supply chains to avoid disruptions and exploring alternative materials.
Researchers found Tai Chi to be safe, well-liked, and feasible for physically inactive heart disease patients. The longer program showed an increase in moderate to vigorous physical activity, suggesting potential benefits for this population.
Two Ebola vaccine candidates elicited strong and long-lasting immune responses in a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. The study found that 71% of one vaccine and 84% of another developed antibodies to the Ebola virus within a month, with antibody responses maintained for at least a year.
A team of researchers created a three-dimensional map of the gut microbiome, revealing a surprising degree of mixing among different bacterial members. The study found that the gut microbiome lacks highly organized structure, unlike other body sites like the mouth.
Researchers found that mitochondrial DNA copy number is a novel biomarker predicting cardiovascular disease risk, especially for sudden cardiac death. This could help physicians accurately predict life-threatening events and inform treatment decisions with statins.
A study published in Science Advances found that mice born by C-section gained an average of 33% more weight than those born vaginally over the course of 15 weeks after weaning. The researchers also discovered significant differences in bacterial species in their guts, with mice born by C-section having a less mature microbiome structure.
A new study assesses pandemic potential in Africa prior to outbreaks, mapping vulnerabilities to mitigate the spread of Ebola and other deadly viruses. Researchers identify high-risk locations, including parts of Central African Republic, Chad, Somalia, and South Sudan, highlighting the need for targeted preparedness activities.
Researchers found that 57 rivers worldwide contribute significantly to ocean plastic pollution, with the top 10 accounting for 88-95% of global loads. Halving plastic waste in these 10 waterways could potentially reduce total ocean contribution by 45%.
A new study published in Ecology and Society explores a conservation method that empowers indigenous peoples by focusing on their traditional skills and knowledge. By adopting an assets-based approach, researchers found that local communities can manage natural resources sustainably, protecting the rainforest ecosystem.
The University of Houston and MD Anderson are launching a program to create a more diverse pool of medical doctors and scientists. The U-HAND Program aims to address racial and ethnic disparities in the healthcare workforce and health outcomes.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that live phone calls are significantly more effective at reminding patients to complete and return at-home fecal screening tests for colon cancer. Phone calls outperformed other reminder strategies, including text messages and letters, especially among Spanish-speaking patients.
Researchers have developed a new material using asphalt and graphene to create a safer lithium-ion battery. The asphalt battery has higher conductivity than traditional lithium-ion batteries and is more than 10 times faster at recharging.
Penn State researchers have developed a flexible, biodegradable optical fiber that can deliver light into the body for medical applications. The fiber, made of citrate-based polymer, enables ultrafine tuning of refractive index differences and allows for bending and stretching without damage.
Researchers created a model, STORM, to simulate watershed rainfall under various climate change scenarios. They found that while overall rainfall is increasing, individual storms are becoming less intense and delivering less water, leading to declining runoff and affecting regional water resources. This study provides insights into the...
A new study suggests that high-fat diets can change gut fungi and potentially contribute to the development of obesity. The research shows significant differences in fungal and bacterial communities between mice fed standard and high-fat diets.
The National Institutes of Health has completed a detailed atlas documenting the stretches of human DNA that influence gene expression across various tissues and cell types. This resource will aid researchers in understanding how individual genomic variation leads to biological differences, such as healthy and diseased states.
A new study published in Nature and Nature Genetics describes a comprehensive atlas of gene expression across 42 tissue types, providing insights into the molecular origins of human disease. The study's findings allow researchers to identify genetic factors that cause changes in gene expression and relate them to human disease risk.
A team of scientists has demonstrated entanglement swapping with two independent sources 12.5 km apart using a 103-km optical fiber, increasing the experimental distance from metropolitan to inter-city levels.
A new study found that cognitive behavioral therapy significantly improves sleep quality and reduces depressive symptoms in menopausal women. The four-session intervention led to clinically meaningful improvements, regardless of the severity of depression.
Researchers found that maternal fever increases the risk of heart defects and facial deformities, with fever itself interfering with heart and jaw development. Acetaminophen may help reduce this risk if taken judiciously during pregnancy.
Researchers at Kyushu University developed a metal complex catalyst that mimics two natural energy processes, hydrogenase and photosystem II. The catalyst produces electrical power by accepting electrons from hydrogen and generates power from sunlight through oxidation of water.
Researchers found that adding nanoparticles to liquid crystals improves their mechanical performance by increasing their lubricating properties. The study used a formula to approximate mobility of dislocations and performed numerical simulations to understand how Cottrell clouds erode when dislocations move at high speed.
A new study suggests that transdermal estradiol therapy can effectively treat and prevent perimenopausal depression. Women experiencing more stressful life events showed the greatest improvements in mood. The study's findings highlight the potential of transdermal estradiol as a preventive measure for perimenopausal depression.
Researchers at Georgia Tech developed a new software called MERLIN to simulate origami behavior, allowing for faster design process and better understanding of structural performance. The software predicts how structures will bend, twist, and snap under compression forces.
A genetic mutation has been identified as a key factor in the development of intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) in short-legged dog breeds, including dachshunds and French bulldogs. The discovery provides a valuable tool for owners, breeders, and veterinarians to mitigate the risk of IVDD and related spinal cord disease.
Researchers studied dive patterns of five toothed whale species in the Bahamas and found that two beaked whale species took exceptionally long, deep dives for their size. This suggests that these whales may extend their foraging dives by shifting from aerobic to anaerobic respiration.
Researchers at Jefferson Lab lead development of next-generation software to benefit nuclear physics computation. The project aims to optimize calculations on future supercomputers, enabling better prediction and understanding of QCD at extreme temperatures and densities.
Researchers found that every captive orca examined had damaged teeth, with over 65% displaying moderate to extreme tooth wear. The study suggests that daily flushing of chemicals can lead to chronic antibiotic therapy compromising the whale's immune system. The findings raise serious concerns for the health and welfare of captive orcas.
A new study by University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna researchers reveals that Kune Kune piglets possess highly developed social learning abilities through observation. The piglets attentively observed and replicated tasks demonstrated by their mother or aunt, showcasing exceptional memory capabilities.
A group of inflammatory proteins called 'IL-36' play a significant role in the development of psoriasis and can be blocked without posing a risk to patients. The findings open up the possibility for new drugs to tackle this debilitating condition.
A new study confirms that postmenopausal women prefer less proven options to hormone therapy for treating debilitating symptoms like hot flashes. Women are more willing to use exercise and herbal supplements over hormone therapy, despite acknowledging its effectiveness.
A new study compares celebrities from People magazine's World's Most Beautiful lists in 1990 and 2017, revealing increased representation of darker skin types and older age groups. The researchers found that traditional beauty standards are evolving as people become more exposed to diverse cultures and media influences.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute discovered a protein called Bclw that protects nerves from degeneration. Adding Bclw to nerve axons before exposure to chemotherapy drugs may prevent peripheral neuropathy symptoms.
A team of WSU researchers has documented one of the Earth's largest known volcanic eruptions, which occurred in the Pacific Northwest and released massive amounts of sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere. The eruption is estimated to have been equivalent to a Mount Tambora-style eruption every day for 11-16 years.
A world-first study published in The Lancet Psychiatry suggests that basic mental health training for managers can significantly improve workers' mental wellbeing. The study found a 18% decrease in work-related sickness absence amongst those whose manager received the training, with a return on investment of $9.98 for each dollar spent.
A UTSA researcher has been awarded a grant to study microbial contaminants in southeast and south central Texas waterways following Hurricane Harvey. The research aims to provide critical information on microbiological water quality, human health risk, and remediation strategies.
Scientists have achieved a breakthrough in dry preservation of mammalian sperm cells, allowing for the possibility of preserving feline reproductive cells and expanding conservation efforts. The new method uses rapid microwave dehydration, enabling minimal DNA damage and viability.
EnterUp's AI-driven system uses spatial collaborative filtering to personalize online searches, resulting in a 25% increase in property sales conversions. The technology also extends the range of offerings by suggesting areas with similar characteristics, such as nearby shopping malls.
Researchers found that a lack of CLOCK protein is associated with excessive brain cell excitation and stronger seizures during sleep. Delivering a drug that compensates for the lack of CLOCK or its affected proteins directly in the brain may offer a new treatment approach for severe epilepsy cases.
A new study from Florida Atlantic University and the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire found that resilient children are less likely to be bullied at school or online, and experience less negative impact when bullied. The study suggests that resilience can serve as a buffer against bullying, insulating youth from its effects.
Basal progenitor cells have been identified as the 'cell of origin' for Barrett's esophagus, a condition that can lead to esophageal adenocarcinoma. The discovery promises to accelerate the development of precise screening tools and therapies.
Researchers at MIT have developed an 'air-breathing' battery that can store electricity for months, reducing costs to around $20-$30 per kilowatt hour. The battery uses sulfur and oxygen to generate charge, making it a potential solution for widespread renewable energy integration.
Recent research finds that Obamacare has reversed the trend of declining social trust in the US, as worsening health no longer negatively impacts citizens' generalized trust. The study, published in Social Science & Medicine, is based on two consecutive panel studies from the US General Social Survey.
Global scientific articles are being produced in fewer major cities, while emerging countries like China and India are gaining impact. The share of top global cities in citations has decreased, while new hubs are emerging with high-quality research.
The Columbia team will use machine learning and advanced techniques to filter out extraneous data and aid in the detection of gravitational waves. With a $1 million NSF grant, they aim to contribute to LIGO's historic breakthroughs and advance understanding of the cosmos.
A new study confirms vaginal estrogen is effective in managing sexual and urinary problems of menopause without increasing risk of serious health issues like heart disease and cancer. The WHI data review also clears the use of vaginal estrogen for genitourinary syndrome of menopause.
A new virtual reality opera experience has been created using the latest motion capture technology, allowing viewers to interact with performances in 3D. The Magic Butterfly VR Experience combines high-quality imagery and sounds from Welsh National Opera's production of Madam Butterfly and The Magic Flute.
Researchers created Expanded Potential Stem Cells (EPSCs) with greater development potential than current stem cell lines, shedding light on miscarriage and developmental disorders. The EPSCs can develop into any type of cell, offering a platform to study early embryo cells in detail.
Tropical Storm Ophelia was observed as a comma-like shape in NASA's infrared imagery, with cold cloud tops reaching -63°C. The storm is moving eastward at 3 mph and is expected to strengthen into a hurricane within the next 12 hours.
Researchers have discovered that the virus used in the early smallpox vaccine was closely related to horsepox, contradicting centuries-long assumptions that cowpox was used. The finding has significant implications for our understanding of vaccine development and its applications in modern medicine.
A review of geological evidence in the Mediterranean Sea suggests that up to 90% of tsunami events may have been misinterpreted as storm activity. The study, published in Science Advances, reevaluates 135 past events and finds that most dates for tsunamis peaked every 1500 years, coinciding with severe storms.