A 11.6-million-year-old fossil discovered in Can Mata landfill, Spain, has provided new insights into the origin and evolution of flying squirrels. The fossil, identified as Miopetaurista neogrivensis, suggests that giant flying squirrels existed even earlier than previously thought.
Researchers identified a gene mutation linked to lower risk of diabetes, obesity, heart failure, and death. Selectively blocking the SGLT-1 receptor could slow down glucose uptake to prevent or treat cardiometabolic disease.
Researchers found a significant correlation between H. pylori infections and colorectal cancer incidence, especially in African Americans. The study analyzed data from over 4,000 cases and found that antibodies to four H. pylori proteins were most often present among those with colorectal cancer.
The new project, ENTeR, will explore the future of GENI's testbed and incorporate emerging computational models into the infrastructure. Researchers aim to build a testbed that can perform computations in centralized and distributed clouds, enabling experiments on internet-of-things devices and large-scale data processing.
A new compact fusion reactor design using high-temperature superconducting magnets can effectively shed excess heat, a longstanding challenge in fusion power plants. This approach makes it possible to open the device's internal chamber and replace critical components.
Researchers at the Gladstone Institutes have developed a new method to study the earliest stages of human development, mimicking how cells self-organize into distinct populations. By silencing specific genes in human pluripotent stem cells, they created ring patterns that influence cell behavior and future identity.
A church-based program combining faith-based lifestyle change with motivational interviewing significantly lowered systolic blood pressure by 5.8 mm Hg, compared to an educational program alone. The study found that the intervention was effective in improving blood pressure control and could be a routine practice in places of worship.
A University of Michigan study found that adults with ADHD excel in creative tasks, inventing novel examples and labels, and being less constrained by traditional approaches.
The updated C-CHANGE guideline offers enhanced management of cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension and high cholesterol. The new guidelines provide a single set of best practices for physicians across Canada.
Researchers found that chewing vitamin-supplemented gum increased levels of water-soluble vitamins in saliva and plasma. The study validated the concept of gum as an effective delivery system for at least some vitamins.
Untreated sewage from New York City's CSO input turns local carbon sinks into greenhouse gas producers, with methane production enhanced over 100 times and carbon dioxide by twice the rate of control group samples. The study suggests that NYC's environmental impact extends to nearby undeveloped aquatic ecosystems.
Research reveals distinct molecular pathways underlying nearsightedness and farsightedness, providing framework for new treatment options. Myopia and hyperopia develop through different eye growth mechanisms, with potential for drug targets identified.
A study found that people generally prefer self-driving cars to stay in their lane and perform an emergency stop, even if it means risking collision with pedestrians or bystanders. The research suggests that this default action is morally acceptable, even if it doesn't minimize expected loss.
Researchers used statistical tools to analyze data from 55 studies on dietary oils and found seed oils, such as sunflower oil and flaxseed oil, perform best in improving cholesterol. However, there are caveats, including the study only measured blood lipids and may not be applicable to clinical outcomes.
A randomized clinical trial examined the timing of pushing during delivery, finding no significant difference between immediate and delayed pushing in rates of natural delivery or adverse outcomes among newborns. However, rates of hemorrhage and infection were higher among women who delayed pushing.
Researchers at the Institute of Molecular Pathology Biomarkers at the University of Extremadura have discovered a new biomarker for Alzheimer's disease of sporadic origin, protein STIM1. A deficiency in this protein has been linked to calcium ion transport abnormalities, which can lead to neurodegeneration and cell death.
Scientists have gained new insights into dynamic structural changes in light-sensitive biomolecules, revealing a universal mechanism for the transformation from dark-adapted to light-adapted states. This discovery could advance applications in agriculture and optogenetics.
Physicists develop a new theory to predict complex dynamics of spin procession in materials subjected to ultra-short laser pulses. The approach takes into account internal spin rotation forces, making it applicable to a broader set of magnetic materials.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that fewer than half of people with HIV are retained in care three years after release from incarceration. The study suggests that better access to health insurance and transitional case-management services may improve retention in HIV care and viral suppression.
A team of researchers has created an automated program to screen for malnutrition in hospitalized children, using existing patient data in electronic health records. The study found a high prevalence of malnutrition among pediatric oncology patients, with 42% overall and varying levels of severity.
In a study on Japanese great tits, researchers found that females became more promiscuous after failed breeding attempts, increasing the rate of extra-pair paternity by 40% in subsequent breeding attempts. This flexible behavior is thought to be an adaptive strategy to improve reproductive success.
The study found that participants who slept between 7 to 8 hours per night performed better cognitively than those who slept less or more. Despite age differences, sleep affected all adults equally, and too little or too much sleep had a similar impairment on cognitive function.
Researchers created flies with ancient genes to understand how mutations drove major evolutionary changes in embryonic development. The study found that two chance mutations were the major causes of a profound change in the animal's developmental processes, resulting in present-day descendants exhibiting new developmental functions.
High levels of air pollutants, especially PM2.5, may be associated with an increased risk of developing mouth cancer, according to the first study of its kind. The study found that exposure to high levels of PM2.5 was linked to a 43% heightened risk of a mouth cancer diagnosis.
Gram-negative bacteria build their outer membrane using a glycolipid called lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which can be weakened by preventing its transport. Researchers in the Kahne Lab have developed a quantitative method to monitor LPS transport rates, revealing crucial new details about its molecular mechanisms.
The Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security has identified 15 emerging technologies that could help prevent future infectious disease outbreaks from becoming catastrophic events. These technologies include genomic sequencing, drone networks, and medical countermeasure manufacturing, among others.
A Cornell University study used eBird and survey data to model the Tricolored Blackbird population decline by over 33% in 10 years. The research provided crucial evidence for the State of California's Endangered Species Act protections, approved in April.
A new study links scoliosis to the body's inability to utilize the essential dietary mineral manganese. Children with severe scoliosis are twice as likely to carry a gene variant that makes it hard for their cells to take in and use manganese, which is required for growing bones and cartilage.
A new study using carotid artery MRI shows that measurements of wall thickness can improve cardiovascular disease risk assessment. The technique offers a more accurate predictor of cardiovascular events than ultrasound-based intima-media thickness (IMT) tests, especially for stroke risk.
A new study finds that mastectomies do not completely eliminate the need for postoperative imaging and biopsy. For 10% to 15.5% of patients, subsequent imaging is required, and 6-8% undergo biopsy, with low malignancy rates.
Researchers found widespread strike-slip faulting on Ganymede, indicating complex geologic activity in the past. This discovery improves our understanding of Ganymede's tectonic history and its neighbor Europa's potential for hosting life.
Researchers from Vanderbilt University have developed atomically thin membranes with nanoscale holes, showcasing improved permeance and faster diffusion rates compared to traditional commercial membranes. This breakthrough has the potential to transform small molecule separation, fine chemical purification, and other processes.
A USC-led study of over 20,000 European youths found that children with asthma are more likely to become obese. Asthma increases the risk of obesity by 50-66%, especially in those with persistent wheezing symptoms.
A new report in the American Journal of Pathology demonstrates a link between prenatal inflammation and postnatal immune status and organ function in preterm pigs. Prenatal exposure to bacterial endotoxin induced acute fetal lung and gut immune responses, followed by systemic inflammation after birth.
A recent study by Florida Atlantic University found that 5% of middle and high school students in the US were targeted by sextortion, while 3% admitted to being involved. Males were more likely to be victims and offenders, and non-heterosexual teens were more than twice as likely to be victims.
Researchers at MIT's Picower Institute discovered that SAP102 regulates synaptic AMPAR function differently than PSD-95, with distinct effects on current decay timing. This finding may contribute to the greater cognitive capacity of mammals and other vertebrates.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have identified a previously uncharacterized structure within the human estrogen receptor that could serve as a valuable new drug target. By disrupting this interface, drugs may be able to inhibit receptor function and prevent metastasis.
University of Houston biologist Michihisa Umetani has discovered a protein partnership that protects blood vessels from danger. His work aims to target the Liver X Receptor (LXR) for new medicines to prevent atherosclerosis, offering a potential solution to severe side effects associated with current treatments.
Researchers are developing mobile apps to share and interpret genomic and microbiome data, aiming to improve user understanding and interaction. The project also includes a longitudinal study to monitor the effects of dietary changes on household members' health.
Researchers found that the order of response options on online questionnaires affects respondents' choices, with people without a degree more likely to choose the first option. The study also showed that questionnaire design can impact responses, with grid designs reducing the primacy effect.
A team of scientists has found evidence of hydrodynamic electron flow in semimetal tungsten diphosphide, a high-purity quantum material. The discovery reveals the strongly interacting nature of electrons in these materials and suggests that the conversion of energy into thermal energy is limited by quantum mechanics.
Researchers have developed an ultrafast optical fiber-based electron gun to directly observe and capture atomic motions at surfaces and interfaces. The device uses low-energy electron pulses and a streak camera to achieve subpicosecond temporal resolution, revealing the transition state during chemical processes.
Researchers discovered a micropeptide called DWORF that restores normal heart function in mice by enhancing SERCA activity and preventing calcium dysregulation. The study shows that DWORF can prevent the functional and structural effects of cardiomyopathy, making it a promising new gene therapy target for treating heart failure.
Hurricane Michael continues to strengthen with maximum sustained winds reaching near 100 mph, forecasters predict a major hurricane upon landfall in Florida. The storm's center is expected to move across the eastern Gulf of Mexico and inland over the Florida Panhandle on Wednesday.
A new study found that while polar bears relied on whale carcasses in the past, this resource will not be enough to sustain most bear populations in the future due to climate change. The Arctic is expected to become ice-free by 2040, making it difficult for bears to find alternative food sources.
A recent observational study of 626 pregnancies found that maternal Tdap immunization in the third trimester is associated with higher concentrations of pertussis antibodies in infants. Immunizing mothers earlier in the third trimester may maximize these antibody levels, but definitive immunity levels for whooping cough are unknown.
A University of Sydney study found that canine parvovirus (CPV) is more prevalent than thought, resulting in 41% euthanasia rates. The survey identified high-risk areas and suggested socioeconomic factors contribute to poor vaccination rates, leading to costly treatments.
A growing number of Australians question traditional gender boxes, with QUT research examining biological and sociological factors associated with non-binary gender identity recognition. The study found that taller female height is a statistically-relevant factor influencing self-identification as non-binary.
The Renaissance Computing Institute (RENCI) is part of a $3 million pilot project to create a model and strategic plan for NSF's largest scientific facilities. The goal is to establish a reservoir of expertise on best cyberinfrastructure practices.
Researchers found that ants wrap pupae in a silk cocoon to shield them from acidic chemicals used for nest cleaning. This practice protects the pupae from harm, reducing mortality rates. The study provides insights into ant immunopathology and its similarities with human immune responses.
Researchers found that drug treatment at a young age can reverse social impairments in mice with tuberous sclerosis, but not at an older age. The study identifies a sensitive period for reversing social deficits, with treatment initiated in young adulthood showing promise in rescuing social behaviors.
Researchers at Far Eastern Federal University have developed hybrid powder materials that decrease friction ratio in metals sevenfold, increasing durability of spare parts. The new materials offer prospects for efficient anti-friction additives, outperforming existing alternatives like Teflon.
A study by University of California - Riverside researchers found that mouth injuries caused by hook removal after catch-and-release fishing reduce feeding performance in suction-feeding fish, including bass, salmon, and trout. The study suggests that fishing-induced injuries impact a fish's ability to feed while the mouth is healing.
New research shows promise with simulated nerve agents and potentially deadly toxins - the 'molecular baskets' can find and trap them for safe removal, paving the way for future medical applications.
A commonly-used anti-psychotic drug has shown promise in treating aggressive triple negative breast cancer by inhibiting the growth and spread of cancer cells. The study found that up to 90% of cancer cells died following treatment with Pimozide, reducing tumour size and metastases.
Researchers have developed a novel method to determine the cause of catalytic activity in complex catalysts, enabling better control over metal support interactions. The approach utilizes vertically grown carbon nanotubes as 'hydrogen highways' to separate active sites and optimize catalyst performance.
A consortium led by the University of Bath aims to develop technology for chemically breaking down mixtures of plastics into their constituent molecules. This project could make a big difference in increasing plastic recycling rates, with the goal of reaching 75% in the UK by 2035.
Researchers have created designer materials that can be used in various photonic applications, outperforming individual metals like gold and silver. The materials exhibit tuned optical properties, enabling lighter load and enhanced power for Soldier devices.
Researchers have devised a novel method to block abnormal biological signals driving the rare and fatal disease Fanconi anemia. Inhibiting a regulatory protein called Sh2b3/Lnk restored bone marrow cell function and improved genome integrity in animal studies, providing hope for better treatments for children with the disease.
The University of Texas at San Antonio has acquired a two-photon holographic microscope to understand how incorrect wiring impacts brain function. This device will enable researchers to activate specific pathways in the brain and train neurons to respond to specific patterns of synaptic activity.