A new clinical trial using a tailored intervention may minimize lung cancer occurrence and mortality rates for those at higher risk. The study will compare the effectiveness of counseling, nicotine replacement therapy, and gain-framed text messaging in supporting high-risk smokers who want to quit.
Scientists estimate tens to hundreds of well sites could be needed in the UK to extract shale gas, with hundreds to thousands of wells drilled over several years. The researchers used data from the UK's milk and fuel transportation industries as a comparator for any future UK shale gas industry.
A new study found that autonomous vehicles can minimize environmental impacts with energy-efficient design and operational benefits outweighing increased energy use from sensors and computers. The study showed a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions for electric powertrains versus internal-combustion engines.
A Stanford University study found that even a 1-degree difference between the UN goal and country commitments may increase extreme weather likelihood. The researchers predict a fivefold increase in record-breaking warm nights over Europe and a threefold increase in record-breaking wet days over North America, Europe, and East Asia.
Researchers discover a previously unknown connection between seafloor weathering and the slow carbon cycle. The study reveals that fluctuations in seafloor spreading rates drive changes in ocean crust capacity to store carbon dioxide.
Researchers have developed liposomal nanoparticles that can deliver collagenase enzymes to remodel teeth in the mouth without surgery. This technology has shown promising results in pre-clinical studies, potentially leading to faster and less painful orthodontic procedures.
In a groundbreaking study, researchers from the Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute successfully reversed the formation of amyloid plaques in mice with Alzheimer's disease by gradually depleting the enzyme BACE1. This approach improved cognitive function and had significant benefits for the animals' health.
Researchers at the University of York have identified a potential link between altered sugar chains and enhanced bone formation in stem cells. By treating cells with a chemical that modifies sugar chains, they found improved bone growth processes, which could pave the way for new osteoporosis treatments.
A clinical trial demonstrates the impact of nusinersen on older patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), showing significant improvements in motor function scores. The study, known as CHERISH, enrolled 126 children aged 2-12 and found that 57% experienced an increase of at least three points in functioning scores.
A new study by Ohio State University found that adults waste significantly less food when preparing their own meals versus consuming pre-packaged, boxed lunches. In the study, participants who cooked their own meals averaged only 3.5% of plate waste compared to 40% in a lab setting.
The 'microscale magnetic tumbling robot' can traverse uneven surfaces and climb steep inclines in both dry and wet environments. Researchers developed the bot using standard photolithography techniques and explored its performance in fluid media to address unique challenges at the micro-scale.
Michael Mann, a leading climate scientist, has been recognized with the AAAS Public Engagement with Science Award for his extensive outreach efforts to communicate the science of climate change. He has collaborated on children's books, testified before Congress, and used various media to share his research.
Researchers at CNIO discovered that a gene controlling inflammation also increases pancreatic cancer risk. The study suggests new strategies for prevention and detection of the disease.
A Tel Aviv University study suggests that assigning practical, task-related assistance to newcomers can prevent burnout. This approach is more effective than encouraging emotional support or helping with personal issues. By involving new employees in providing instrumental help, managers can mitigate burnout and improve productivity.
Researchers discovered that characteristic patterns of the myelin layer are determined early on and can be adjusted by nerve cells. The team found that the speed of signal transmission through an axon is partly determined by the number and length of myelin segments.
A recent study has found that people over 65 with chronic kidney disease and atrial fibrillation are at increased risk of stroke when taking blood thinners. The researchers estimate that half a million UK adults fall into this category, highlighting the need for cautious prescribing practices.
Researchers at Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care have found that eye movements play a crucial role in storing memories, enabling the development of new diagnostic tools. Brain imaging studies identified patterns of eye movement and brain activity, revealing how our eyes help reconstruct past experiences.
Researchers found that countries with higher gender equality tend to have fewer female STEM graduates than expected, suggesting that welfare support and economic factors play a role. The study suggests targeting girls who are 'lost' from the STEM pathway could be more effective in increasing women's participation.
A study by Indiana University researchers shows that excess emissions from industrial facilities can make serious contributions to overall air pollution, causing approximately $150 million in negative health consequences annually.
The National Eye Institute is seeking innovative approaches to create functional human retina prototypes using stem cells. The goal is to develop 'mini-retinas' that can replicate the complexity of the human retina, enabling the study of underlying causes of retinal diseases and testing new drug therapies.
Researchers found that Target of Rapamycin (TOR) modulates chloroplast rRNA transcription, linking cytosolic and chloroplast ribosome biogenesis in plants. This discovery sheds light on the regulation of growth in plant cells.
Researchers have created a new mapping app to track stem cells, allowing for the analysis of cell behavior, function, and changes over time. The Web Image Processing Pipeline (WIPP) system uses video footage and high-power computation to bring cell populations under evaluation.
Researchers at Osaka City University have developed a method to harness the potential of egg whites as a substrate for producing carbon-free hydrogen. This involves using a photocatalyst to speed up the reaction and manipulating molecular components through cooperative immobilization.
A study on humpback whales' skin microbiome found that nearly all whales had six core communities of bacteria, which changed with seasonal and environmental conditions. Monitoring these microbes could aid in assessing the whales' health and detecting climate change impacts.
Researchers found that varied burning regimes increase the variety of bird and mammal species in wet savannas, allowing geographically rare birds to coexist with more common species. This study suggests that fire can be an effective tool for promoting biodiversity in conservation areas.
Researchers at WashU Medicine developed a new approach to combat cervical cancer by targeting the tumor's fuel supply. A combination of radiation and three drugs that cut off glucose metabolism effectively shuts down tumor metabolism, making it vulnerable to treatment.
A large-scale study found a possible association between highly processed food intake and an increased risk of overall cancer, breast cancer, and lower risks of other types. The study suggests that rapid consumption of ultra-processed foods may drive a growing burden of cancer in the next decades.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden have identified three molecules that effectively treat over 60 types of cancer cells without harming normal cells. These molecules target the TrxR1 enzyme, which supports cancer cell growth and protects them from oxidative stress.
Researchers found that cover crops like hairy vetch and cereal rye have different nitrogen release dynamics. Hairy vetch released almost three times as much nitrogen compared to cereal rye, while cereal rye released nitrogen slowly over multiple weeks.
Researchers found a connection between oxygen deprivation in bone cells and abnormally heavy bones, as well as low glucose levels. This discovery may lead to new treatments for conditions like osteoporosis, diabetes, and obesity.
A study of over 40,000 people in Canada found that single fathers had a higher risk of premature mortality than single mothers and partnered parents. Single fathers were more likely to lead unhealthier lifestyles, which may explain the increased risk.
Climate scientist Michael E. Mann has received the AAAS Public Engagement with Science Award for his extensive media interviews, op-eds, and public outreach on climate change. He has reached millions of people through social media and collaborations like his book with Tom Toles.
Researchers found that prescribed fire reduced bird species diversity, while mastication led to a 50% decrease in bird species and 60% reduction in total numbers of birds. The study suggests that current fire management practices harm wildlife and increase fire risk.
A study published in PLOS ONE has identified two new muscles in the horseshoe crab's pushing leg and male pedipalp using CT scans, expanding our understanding of this iconic creature's anatomy.
A study found a 60.5% reduction in mortality among recently released inmates who were on medication for addiction treatment before their release, compared to the previous year. The program, launched in 2016, linked inmates with community centers and supportive care after release.
A new study by Brigham Young University finds that running under stress protects the hippocampus, a part of the brain responsible for learning and memory. Exercise strengthens synapses, maintaining long-term potentiation levels, which are essential for optimal memory formation and recall.
Researchers created thermal blankets to absorb sunlight, melting snow three times faster than natural processes. The eco-friendly solution slashes snow-removal costs and reduces environmental contamination risks.
Researchers discovered a new badger behaviour where some males range widely across multiple territories, gaining access to more female badgers and potentially increasing disease transmission. This finding could help pinpoint areas of high risk for TB transmission, informing effective vaccination strategies.
Scientists at Imperial College London have developed an organ-on-chip technology to study the interaction of pathogens with artificial human organs. They tested the artificial liver's response to hepatitis B virus infection, revealing intricate mechanisms of immune evasion that could be exploited for future drug development.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have identified a small drug molecule that can clear HSV-1 infection in cells and works differently than current drugs. The new compound, BX795, has shown to be effective in treating resistant cases with minimal toxicity.
Researchers found that back-and-forth conversations between adults and children significantly impact brain response to language and lead to better language skills. The study suggests that parents can influence their child's language development by engaging them in interactive dialogue, not just talking to them.
North Pacific seabirds' prey preferences have shifted from fish to squid over the last 125 years, driven by commercial fishing and climate change. The findings suggest massive changes in ocean ecosystem structure, with species declining in trophic position and squid consumption increasing.
Researchers at Princeton University have successfully linked silicon spin qubits using light, enabling long-distance communication and opening the door to more complex systems. This breakthrough increases flexibility in device design and could lead to the creation of quantum computing devices from silicon.
Researchers developed a multistep process to grow single crystal, atomically thin films of tungsten diselenide on large-area sapphire substrates. The process achieved good crystal quality and improved performance by factors of 20-100 times.
Researchers have discovered that the Milky Way and Andromeda galaxies are roughly the same size, with Andromeda being 800 billion times heavier than the Sun. This finding challenges previous estimates of dark matter in the Andromeda galaxy and suggests that scientists may need to revise their understanding of the local group.
WPI researchers Raghvendra Cowlagi and Alexander Wyglinski combine their expertise in autonomy and wireless communications to create a network that enables self-driving cars to share information about traffic flow, road conditions, and accidents. This allows for safer operation on highways and congested city streets.
A new study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that implementing consistent hand hygiene measures in nursing homes can lead to lower mortality rates and reduced antibiotic prescriptions. The study assessed 26 French nursing homes and found a 30% lower mortality rate in the intervention group compared to the co...
Engineers at Iowa State University created a new smart material that stiffens by up to 300% when mechanically stressed, supporting 50 times its own weight. The material is made from liquid-metal particles that break open under stress, allowing it to reconfigure and change stiffness.
Researchers have discovered a key mechanism enabling stroke survivors to lift affected arms by tapping into 'backup' motor systems, bypassing damaged regions. This adaptive strategy involves involuntary activation of the elbow flexor muscles, which can be harnessed for improved movement control.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science has selected 15 researchers to participate in its Public Engagement Fellowship program, which aims to promote meaningful dialogue between science and society. The fellows will receive training and support to develop public engagement activities and increase capacity for leadership.
Women with asthma who use short-acting asthma relievers take longer to become pregnant than those without asthma, but using long-acting asthma preventers has no impact on fertility. The study of over 5,000 women in Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland shows a significant difference between short-acting and long-acting treatments.
A new analysis of ultracold neutron measurements imposes strict constraints on the interactions of axions with nucleons and gluons. Researchers discovered frequency changes in neutrons that could be indicative of an 'axion wind', suggesting a specific direction of movement for these hypothetical particles.
A study published in PLOS ONE reveals that nearly 60% of Anna's Hummingbirds have feather mites on their tail flight feathers, while other species show lower rates. The distribution of live mites was found to be more prevalent on outer tail feathers and often nestled between barbs.
Researchers used time-resolved spectroscopy to study the mechanism of light-dependent hydrogenation of protochlorophyllide. They found evidence of partially stepwise hydride transfer involving three discrete intermediates. This discovery sheds light on how light energy can be harnessed for chemical reactions.
A study using physics principles explains global patterns of tropical forest fragmentation, revealing critical points beyond which fragment numbers increase dramatically. The research found similar size distributions on all three continents, suggesting a universal pattern.
Varner is honored by AAAS for her public engagement in science, which empowers participants to join the entire process. She has developed citizen science programs that invite volunteers to track pika populations and study pika stress hormones.
A study found that 53% of parents questioned the accuracy of their child's BMI report card, leading to limited behavioral changes. Schools can support parents by providing resources and healthcare professional guidance to help improve children's health.
A study published in PNAS suggests that video games can complement physical therapies to overcome attention deficit disorders, which contribute to motor skills disorders in stroke patients. The researchers analyzed brain injuries in 167 patients and found a connection between attention control areas and mobility problems.
Astrophysicists develop model to test hypothesis about supermassive black holes and their impact on galaxy jets. The study suggests that part of the jet's power comes from the rotating black hole, which loses angular momentum as it emits energy. By measuring magnetic fields in jets, scientists can estimate this rotational energy loss.
Researchers at INRS develop a hydrometallurgical process to decontaminate treated wood waste, removing over 90% of contaminants. The process is environmentally friendly and cost-effective, diverting wood waste from landfills and incineration.