Researchers at ZSL's Institute of Zoology have reclassified the world's largest bird as a distinct species, Vorombe titan. The giant elephant birds, thought to be extinct for over 1000 years, had unexpected diversity across three genera and four distinct species.
Researchers found that humans can efficiently localize sounds when moving, using auditory motion parallax to estimate relative distances. This mechanism is particularly useful in noisy environments and allows for improved sound discrimination.
Researchers found that magnetite in Hadean zircons is likely a secondary deposit, formed after crystallization, precluding analysis of the Earth's earliest magnetic field. The presence of secondary magnetite indicates that a magnetic field may have existed during the Hadean Eon, but more evidence is needed to confirm this.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that canagliflozin, an SGLT2 inhibitor, is not associated with an increased risk of nonvertebral fractures among patients with type 2 diabetes. The research, which analyzed data from over 70 million patients, suggests that caution may still be necessary when prescribing canaglifloz...
Analysis of nearly 120,000 immigrants suggests that STEM specialization develops early in life, influenced by math course preferences and language skills at immigration. This pattern is more pronounced among those with lower initial English proficiency.
A new neurostimulator, WAND, can stimulate and record electric current in the brain simultaneously, potentially delivering fine-tuned treatments to patients with diseases like epilepsy and Parkinson's. This closed-loop system allows for real-time adjustments, enabling improved outcomes and accessibility.
Researchers have created an atlas of genetic factors associated with estimated bone mineral density, explaining 20% of the genetic variance linked to osteoporosis. The study identifies over 500 genetic determinants, providing promising targets for novel therapeutics to prevent or treat the disease.
Researchers urge scientists to utilize massive open-access data resources to address global biodiversity issues and forecast plant life's impact on a human-dominated planet. Big data can help make timely diagnoses and prescribe treatment plans for the planet.
The study suggests that late Proterozoic 'snowball Earth' events triggered rapid glacial erosion, transferring sediment from continents to ocean basins. This process may be linked to the formation of the Great Unconformity.
Researchers found that chemotherapy can induce tumors to release exosomes containing a protein that stimulates immune cells to attract cancerous cells, leading to metastasis. Neutralizing this protein or blocking immune cells may improve the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
Researchers have observed a warped disk around an infant protostar, suggesting that misalignment of planetary orbits could be caused by distortions in the planet-forming disk. The discovery provides new insights into how planets form and could explain why many extrasolar systems have planets not lined up in a single plane.
A new study found that patients with stage IV ALK-positive lung cancer have a median overall survival of 6.8 years, significantly higher than the 2 percent five-year survival rate for all NSCLC patients. This optimistic outlook is attributed to targeted therapies and careful surveillance.
A new study suggests that Actin, a cytoskeleton protein, plays a crucial role in regulating the genome during neuron formation. The research has potential implications for the development of personalized medicines.
Researchers found natural antibiofilm and antimicrobial peptides in bacteria, fungi, and yeast that can treat infections. The APD3 database reported 333 bacteriocin and peptide antibiotics with varying amino acid lengths and structures.
Summer surface ozone levels in China rose in four major cities between 2013 and 2017 due to decreasing particulate matter emissions. This increase can slow the natural cleanup of hydroperoxy radicals from aerosols, sparking concerns about anthropogenic ozone precursor emissions.
Researchers have discovered novel diacylglyceryl transferases that selectively assemble essential fatty acids into microalgal TAGs. By modulating the ratio of these enzymes, they created a strain bank with customized FA compositions, offering potential for 'designer' TAGs with tailored health benefits.
A new study led by Salk Institute researchers challenges the long-held view that individual brain cells operate as filters. The study found that the same neurons can prefer coarse or fine details depending on the context, and teaming up endows networks of neurons with flexibility to adapt to changing conditions.
Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science found that clearing senescent cells, which contribute to inflammation and aging, improves health outcomes in mice. The study, led by Prof. Valery Krizhanovsky and Dr. Yossi Ovadya, offers hope for potential anti-aging therapies.
High research intensity relative to published global disease burden was found for influenza, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, and tuberculosis, while paratyphoid fever had low research intensity. Certain neglected tropical diseases such as Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, and leprosy also showed high research intensity.
A team of researchers has created a metamaterial that can transport sound in unusually robust ways along its edges and localize it at its corners. This unique property may improve technologies like sonars and ultrasound devices, making them more resistant to defects.
Researchers isolated a peptide, named SP6, from spirulina extract that can dilate blood vessels and effectively lower blood pressure in animal models. The peptide acts positively on the natural mechanisms regulating endothelial function, which is often impaired in hypertensive patients.
A high-resolution ocean current model reveals significant connectivity between mangrove regions, including trans-Pacific dispersal via archipelagos. The study also highlights the importance of viable propagule time in determining effective dispersal distance.
Researchers at MIT and elsewhere have recorded the temporal coherence of a graphene qubit, demonstrating a key step forward for practical quantum computing. The qubit maintained a superposition state for 55 nanoseconds before returning to its ground state.
Researchers used mathematical modeling to understand how cells communicate effectively in highly constricted spaces like olfactory cilia. The model showed that relying on Cl- ions instead of Na+ provides advantages for odor detection, enabling reliable responses despite an unstable external environment.
Cells utilize membrane tension to regulate endocytosis and maintain homeostasis. A protein called vinculin senses changes in force and regulates the CLIC/GEEC pathway to control endocytic processes.
The study reveals that herbal cannabis THC concentrations increased by 5% annually from 2006 to 2016, while cannabis resin THC levels rose rapidly from 10% to 17% between 2011 and 2016. This shift may offset the potential therapeutic benefits of CBD.
Researchers sequenced and analyzed the plastid genomes of two species of Balanophora, a fully parasitic mushroom-like plant, revealing a nontraditional genetic code. The discovery includes a novel stop codon TAG that encodes tryptophan, and most genes involved in protein synthesis reside outside the traditional plastid genome.
A study published in PLOS ONE finds that lay provider HIV testing is an effective way to reach people at risk of HIV who have never been tested or test infrequently. The approach resulted in a high ART initiation rate of 91% and higher HIV positivity rates compared to facility-based testing.
Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed an ultra-soft electronic sensor that can closely monitor beating heart cells without affecting their behavior. This breakthrough device uses a nanomesh sensor to study cardiomyocytes in a more faithful way, paving the way for future embedded medical devices.
Scientists at the University of Illinois have developed a technique to activate large silent gene clusters in Streptomyces bacteria, yielding new natural products and potential anti-microbial drugs. By using transcription factor decoys, researchers successfully expressed genes that had previously remained dormant.
Research suggests that abdominal obesity may have evolved as a protective mechanism against infections in individuals who experienced poor fetal nutrition. This study proposes that the hallmark of obesity, visceral adipose tissue, provides immunity against abdominal infections.
A study suggests that older adults with newly diagnosed heart failure can continue to drink moderate amounts without worsening their condition. Moderate drinkers had an average survival benefit of over a year longer than abstainers.
A recent study published in JAMA Neurology found that adults with cerebral palsy are at a higher risk of developing depression and anxiety, particularly those without intellectual disabilities. The study analyzed data from over 1,700 adults with cerebral palsy and 5,100 adults without the condition.
Recent updates in stroke research focus on understanding cellular death mechanisms triggered by neuronal damage and astrocyte loss. Novel treatment alternatives, including restoration of blood flow control, are discussed as potential alternatives to existing therapies.
Researchers developed a new guideline to safely discharge patients who have received naloxone for suspected opioid overdose. The study found that most adverse events occurred in patients with normal examinations, suggesting the current one-hour observation period is sufficient.
A study found that auditory stimulation affects responses to tactile stimulation in mice and rats, highlighting the interconnectedness of senses. The findings suggest that the barrel cortex, which processes touch, also treats auditory stimuli separately, leading to enhanced detection of prey or predators in nocturnal animals.
A two-year study by researchers at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab found that ten times more trash washes up on the coast of Texas than any other Gulf state. The majority of the trash was plastic, with most occurring during spring and summer months.
A systematic review of the Yale Food Addiction Scale reveals that clinical and non-clinical samples with higher body mass and incidence of eating disorders exhibit higher scores of YFAS. The studies also suggest that food addictions differ according to population studied and sample selection methods.
Beetles have evolved a hard exoskeleton due to symbiotic bacteria producing tyrosine, essential for cuticle formation. This cooperation has contributed to the evolutionary success of beetles and their spread into new ecological niches.
A study of 393 patients found that limited alcohol consumption was associated with increased survival, with an average additional year of life at 383 days compared to abstinence. However, the optimal levels of alcohol consumption for adults with heart failure remain unknown.
A study of 2.6 million pregnant women who gave birth in 2015 found wide variation in the use of neuraxial analgesia, with rates ranging from 73% in Maine to 96% in Nevada. The reasons behind this variation are not fully understood and may be influenced by patient-level and hospital-level factors.
A study of 2,223 children found that physical aggression typically declines before elementary school but a small proportion have high problems into adolescence, increasing risk for violent crime and social maladjustment. Interventions during pregnancy and early childhood may help prevent high physical aggression in high-risk families.
Researchers propose a new structural concept for the Universe, including dark energy, which rides on an expanding bubble in an additional dimension. This model may solve the enigma of dark energy and provide insight into the creation and future fate of the Universe.
Between 1999 and 2016, nearly 9,000 children and adolescents died from opioid poisonings, with prescription opioids responsible for 73% of the deaths. The majority of deaths were among non-Hispanic white males, but the proportion of deaths among black children increased over time.
Researchers tested flashing light deterrents to protect llama and alpaca herds from pumas and found them effective but not against Andean foxes. Surface coal mining was also shown to alter or eliminate rattlesnake habitats, while small ponds acted as carbon sinks with higher rates of organic carbon burial than many other terrestrial ha...
A recent NUS study reveals that older adults make similar financial decisions for themselves and others, while younger adults take more risks when making decisions for others. This suggests that older adults care more about strangers' welfare in financial decision-making.
Researchers found that SGM patients are more comfortable with written self-report for SOGI information collection, which improved communication and patient satisfaction. The study recommends standardized collection processes to address health inequities faced by SGM individuals.
Researchers at Lobachevsky University develop theory for ultrafast photon control in integrated microchips, improving performance and contributing to the development of photon technologies. They rule out possibility of amplifying light waves by changing electron concentration in graphene.
Emergency department patients who are sexual or gender minorities report higher satisfaction with form-based information collection compared to nurse-led inquiries. The study's findings highlight the importance of addressing health disparities among these populations.
A new study of 25,000 Danes reveals that cholesterol levels are 20% higher after the Christmas break, increasing the risk of high cholesterol by six times. The research suggests that festive food may contribute to elevated cholesterol readings, highlighting the importance of monitoring cholesterol levels during the holiday season.
Researchers at Tohoku University have developed a 128Mb-density STT-MRAM with a write speed of 14 ns, setting a new world record. This technology has the potential to significantly reduce power consumption in embedded memory applications.
Surgeons perform primary targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) to reduce phantom limb and stump pain in amputees. The procedure, done at the time of initial amputation, greatly improves patient outcomes and quality of life.
Researchers have identified specific points along the DNA molecule that control replication, shedding light on a decades-old mystery. This discovery could lead to breakthroughs in understanding genetic diseases where replication timing is disrupted.
A team of researchers discovered that APOL1 risk variants, previously known to affect African and African American populations, are also found at appreciable frequencies in Caribbean and Latin American populations. This finding could help physicians tailor treatment more closely to their needs through precision medicine.
Recent research by Children's Tumor Foundation advances understanding of brain tumors affecting neurofibromatosis patients. Two large-scale studies have identified genetic, epigenetic, and metabolic alterations in NF1 gliomas, paving the way for targeted therapies.
Medical University of South Carolina researchers found that advanced glycation end products (AGEs) can hamper response to tamoxifen therapy for ER-positive breast cancer patients. Lifestyle interventions, such as exercise and dietary counseling, may help reduce AGE levels and improve treatment outcomes.
Lehigh University researchers aim to improve the safety and reliability of cyber-physical systems by developing a systematic approach to network infrastructure design. The project seeks to establish a measurement-driven analytical framework for worst-case delay analyses in non-feedforward CPS networks.
A new study found that reducing alcohol use can lower nicotine metabolite ratio in heavy drinkers trying to quit smoking. This biomarker is linked to nicotine metabolism and quitting difficulties.
Researchers found that engram neurons, responsible for long-term memory, are formed through a transcriptional cycling process involving MAPK and CREB. This discovery has implications for understanding the mechanisms of learning and improving memory, as well as developing treatments for memory impairment.
Researchers have developed a hybrid device combining two types of qubits to solve the speed bottleneck in quantum computing. By integrating different qubit architectures, they achieved rapid initialization and coherent measurements, paving the way for more scalable devices.