Astronomers used the VLBA to study the effects on radio waves coming from a distant galaxy when an asteroid passed in front of it. They measured the size and shape of the asteroid, improving the accuracy of its orbital path calculation.
Researchers at the University of Bonn have found that CCL17 influences signal transmission in the brain and may be linked to autism. The chemokine is mainly produced by neurons in the hippocampus, a structure involved in tasks such as orientation and memory formation.
The Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument is a critical hotspot of biodiversity, with an aerial survey revealing over 600 animal sightings in just four hours. The monument's protected resource status is under review by the Trump administration.
A recent study reveals that global shark catches have more than doubled since 1960, threatening almost 60% of shark species. The Hong Kong-based research highlights the need for consumers to reject shark fin products, which are often sourced from unsustainable and illegal fisheries.
Dr. Michael Mann receives AGU Climate Communication Prize for his efforts in promoting scientific literacy and fostering understanding of climate change through various media outlets and public engagement initiatives.
Researchers created ClaaTU, a new algorithm that groups gut microbes based on their ancestry and distribution across mammals, identifying conserved clades potentially playing roles in evolution. Western lifestyles may be linked to reduced gut microbiome diversity.
Scientists have discovered how bacteria, including Clostridium perfringens, pass genetic information to resist antibiotics and produce toxins. The new gene tcpK plays a critical role in this process, allowing bacteria to share genetic instructions with each other.
A new study uses weather forecasts and machine learning to predict bird migration across the United States, explaining 80% of variation in intensity. This tool helps reduce human-made threats during the migration journey, crucial for conserving migratory birds.
Researchers identified caspase-2 as a critical driver of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a chronic and aggressive liver condition. The study found that an inhibitor of caspase-2 could provide an effective way to treat or prevent NASH, possibly even reversing early symptoms.
A study found that Medicaid expansion under the ACA did not increase access to complex surgeries at high-volume hospitals among ethnic/racial minorities and low-income populations. Despite overall increased surgical care access, disparities in complex surgery utilization persisted.
A new map of daily light integrals has been created by the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, providing guidance for greenhouse managers on local light regimes and supplemental lighting requirements. The updated maps use recent solar radiation data from 1998 to 2012, offering higher resolution and more precise data.
A new study from FSU researchers indicates that common satellite imaging technologies have underestimated the number of fires in Florida. Strategically prescribed burns are proving effective against wildfires, while fire experts' reliance on faulty data may be flawed. The study found that only 25% of burned area is detected by satellites.
Researchers propose a new perspective on the Gaia hypothesis, integrating human consciousness into the planet's self-regulation system. This 'Gaia 2.0' framework suggests that humans can deliberately limit their impacts on the environment through conscious choice and technological advancements.
The International Astronomical Union has adopted the new ICRF-3 reference frame with global validity since January 2019. It provides improved precision for positioning systems like GPS and space probes, enabling accurate navigation in the sky and on Earth's surface.
Researchers found that low-dose BPA exposure can trigger an insulin response in humans, similar to animal studies showing insulin resistance. The study suggests that exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals like BPA may contribute to the development of Type 2 diabetes.
A novel, paper-based method detects metabolite levels in blood using a bioluminescent sensor protein, measuring compounds like phenylalanine in minutes. The approach shows promise for point-of-care monitoring of diseases and injuries, potentially leading to faster diagnosis and management.
An analysis of UK newspaper reporting on the NHS Cancer Drugs Fund found mostly positive but uncritical stories, potentially misleading the public about the fund's benefits. The study suggests that media coverage contributed to a strong perception that expensive new medicines are the best way to help cancer patients.
Hurricane Florence's powerful winds and storm surge are being closely monitored by NASA. The satellite images reveal a weakened eye due to southern shear, with cloud tops as cold as -80F (Celsius). This suggests potential for heavy rainfall.
Researchers found that increased antioxidant enzyme expression and decreased NADPH-oxidase activity hinder treatment efficiency. This study reveals a redox-dependent mechanism of drug resistance development in ovarian cancer cells.
Researchers at Penn State are developing a new generation of blood pumps that use computational methods to predict clot formation and design safer devices. This could enable earlier intervention for patients with congestive heart failure, reducing recovery time and improving outcomes.
Researchers at the McGill University Health Centre have identified a new cellular target that can weaken P. aeruginosa, a bacterium responsible for thousands of deaths in cystic fibrosis patients. The discovery could lead to more effective antibiotics and improve treatment outcomes for these patients.
A new study by Yale University suggests that the HIV outbreak in Scott County, Indiana, could have been drastically reduced if state officials had acted sooner on warnings. The study provides quantitative evidence that the number of undiagnosed HIV infections had already fallen substantially before a public health emergency was declared.
Researchers discover that glutamate activates a wave of calcium in plant tissues, triggering a defense response. The study uses fluorescent imaging to visualize the calcium signaling system, showing that it moves quickly through the plant to prepare distant tissues for future threats.
Researchers developed an autonomous flapping-wing robot to study demanding insect flight tasks like takeoff, landing and evasive maneuvers. The robot accurately replicated fruit fly's rapid banked turns using a passive approach to control the maneuver dynamics.
A recent study published in Journal of Internal Medicine found that adhering to an anti-inflammatory diet was associated with lower risks of dying from any cause, cardiovascular causes, and cancer. Participants who closely followed the diet had an 18% lower risk of all-cause mortality compared to those who followed it to a lesser degree.
Researchers found that simulated conservation dairy-farming systems in Pennsylvania's Spring Creek watershed reduced nutrient and sediment losses, improving water quality. By growing all their own feed and forage, using no-till planting and manure injection, these farms achieved significant pollution reductions.
In low light, retinal cells sensitive to upward movement change their behavior, firing on detecting any kind of movement. This adaptability helps the brain sense movement and may aid in designing implantable retinal prosthetics.
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have described a key immune response mechanism that determines the fate of T cells. This knowledge can aid in the development of better vaccines, treatments for infections, and moderation of autoimmune diseases.
Researchers are developing portable sensors that can detect toxic metals like manganese in a single drop of blood. The sensors will enable faster and cheaper research as well as rapid detection of neurotoxins affecting cognitive development and neuromotor function.
The study found that prescription rates for ADHD medications are still lower than diagnosis rates worldwide, highlighting disparities in clinical approaches to treating the condition. In contrast, regions like North America have higher medication use rates, but also face concerns of overdiagnosis and overmedication.
A new study reveals how KSHV protein LANA drives chromosomal instability, promoting cell proliferation and aneuploidy. The findings identify NNLS as a promising target for antiviral therapies.
NASA's Aqua satellite revealed a large eye surrounded by powerful storms in Typhoon Mangkhut, which could generate heavy rainfall due to cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 80F. The storm made landfall along the northeast coast of Luzon, Philippines on Sept. 14, with warnings already in effect.
A large study identified 67 post-treatment controllers with low viral loads for 24 weeks or longer without medication. These individuals had lower levels of intact viral DNA and smaller viral reservoirs before treatment interruption.
The article discusses clinical early warning scores as new clinical tools to predict future clinical deterioration, particularly related to sepsis. It provides a critical review of the state-of-the-art in early warning algorithms and suggests further research initiatives.
Researchers have developed a super-fast screening technology that uses bacteria in bear saliva to discover new treatments for antibiotics. They found a beneficial strain of bacteria that produces a previously known antibiotic, amicoumacin, effective against MRSA.
Tropical Depression Olivia's cloud top temperatures reached -70F (-56.6C), capable of generating heavy rainfall and life-threatening flash flooding. The depression is expected to weaken further by Friday, becoming a post-tropical remnant low.
A new study from Oregon State University found that lesbian, gay or bisexual youth are at higher risk of polysubstance use compared to heterosexual peers. They are more likely to use more than one substance than their peers.
A new study finds that emotionally stable individuals tend to spend more during the holiday season. In contrast, those with lower stress thresholds and higher neuroticism levels tend to spend less.
The study found that shark catches have increased by more than double since six decades ago, leading to almost 60% of shark species being threatened. Sustainable fishing practices are challenging to enforce in the high seas, particularly in unmanaged fisheries of less economically developed countries.
A tiny camera lens invented by ANU researchers may enable fast and reliable transfer of quantum information between quantum computers and an optical fibre network. The device uses a metasurface that controls light with functionalities outperforming traditional systems.
A new study by George Mason University researchers found links between chemicals used in personal care products and changes in reproductive hormones. The study, which analyzed 509 urine samples from 143 women aged 18-44, suggests that even low-level exposure to mixtures of chemicals may affect reproductive hormone levels.
A study found that inhibiting atypical protein kinase C reduces increased vessel permeability and blocks inflammation, potentially helping protect vision in patients with eye diseases. The therapy has therapeutic potential for diabetic retinopathy, uveitis, and retinal vein and artery occlusions.
Wind shear is affecting Tropical Storm Isaac, causing its circulation center to be displaced and potentially weakening the storm. The satellite data reveal a small area of coldest cloud top temperatures off-center, which can generate heavy rainfall.
Researchers at Washington State University found that new plastics meant to replace BPA are causing genetic abnormalities in mice, including reproductive defects. The study also highlights the risk of contamination in biological research using these plastics.
Researchers at the University of Würzburg have made a breakthrough in treating myocardial infarction, with stem cells found to exist in vascular walls and intracardiac blood vessels. These cells may be able to regenerate damaged cardiac muscle tissue in response to heart attacks.
A large study of 5.4 million adults found that high blood pressure is associated with an increased risk of developing aortic stenosis and regurgitation. The findings suggest that controlling blood pressure may be a way to prevent these conditions.
New UK reports summarize scientific evidence on Natural Capital, providing insights into valuing the nation's natural assets. The reports cover floodplains, soil, afforested peatlands, private sector assessments, and temporary rivers.
The USDA Forest Service introduces the Hot-Dry-Windy Index (HDW) to predict wildland fire danger, leveraging temperature, moisture, and wind variables. Researchers tested HDW against existing indexes and found promising results, with potential applications worldwide.
A new study published in mSphere found that FMDV carriers can transmit the virus to naïve animals under controlled conditions. The findings impact global foot-and-mouth disease management and highlight the need for better vaccines to prevent carrier states.
Researchers developed a method to predict new extremist users, identify duplicate accounts, and track network connections of suspended users. The study found that 70% of additional profiles held by extremists could be identified with only a 2% misclassification rate.
Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center have found a specific strain of Helicobacter pylori strongly correlated with stomach cancer. The study suggests that the EPIYA D variant of the cagA gene may be used to identify high-risk patients and improve screening and treatment plans.
The University of Texas at San Antonio has received a grant to develop an innovative parent-assisted treatment program for infants as young as 6 months at risk for autism spectrum disorder. The project aims to identify biomarkers correlated with later autism diagnosis through electroencephalographic (EEG) technology.
Researchers developed a flexible, wearable photostimulator that speeds up hair growth in mice, achieving significantly faster hair regrowth and wider regrowth areas compared to untreated or minoxidil-injected mice.
A DNA-based analysis can predict likelihood of disease recurrence in MDS patients after a stem cell transplant, helping doctors guide treatment decisions. The test identifies mutations before and after transplantation to detect residual cancer cells.
Attorneys general can intervene through litigation when public health is threatened, targeting issues like the opioid epidemic and excessive sugar consumption. By reducing industry manipulation of science and lobbying for policies against the public interest, attorneys general can alter the trajectory of these major public health problems
Nat Fisch, a renowned researcher at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, has received the 2018 Distinguished Career Award from Fusion Power Associates. The award recognizes his decades-long contributions to plasma science and fusion power, as well as his role in advancing education and research in the field.
Scientists have discovered that humans arrived on Madagascar more than 6,000 years earlier than previously thought. Analysis of ancient bird bones found in the island reveals cut marks and depression fractures consistent with hunting and butchery by prehistoric humans.
Researchers at the University of California - San Diego have developed a wearable ultrasound patch that can monitor central blood pressure in major arteries up to four centimeters below the skin. The device provides accurate, precise readings and has potential applications in real-time monitoring of patients with heart or lung disease.
Scientists at Scripps Research have identified rare antibodies that can bind to the Ebola virus and stop infection, potentially leading to a universal therapy. The new research reveals how these antibodies work by targeting a conserved region of the viral fusion loop.
A scientific study has found that sleep apnea can favor lung cancer growth in young individuals, suggesting that age may play a role in the disease's aggressiveness. The research team hopes to identify and prove physiopathological consequences of sleep apnea to develop personalized medicine strategies.