The special section on OCT published by SPIE Journal of Biomedical Optics highlights its continued relevance in medicine and biology. New opportunities emerge in areas like gastroenterology, dermatology, and oncology.
A Brazilian research team has discovered seven new cave-dwelling spider species in northern Brazil, named after iconic fictional characters from A Song of Ice and Fire, Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings, and more. These spiders belong to the Neotropical genus Ochyrocera and are classified as edaphic troglophile species.
An investigation by The BMJ found that researchers misrepresented the results of animal studies to gain funding and approval for human trials. Experts call for urgent action to tackle poor practice and make animal research more transparent and reliable.
A recent study has found that cancer patients given fluids at the end-of-life stage live significantly longer than those who don't receive such treatment. This results in an average of one-and-a-half more days of life, as well as better symptom control and minimal side effects.
Two meteorites found to contain both liquid water and complex organic compounds like hydrocarbons and amino acids. The study suggests dwarf planet Ceres and asteroid Hebe may be sources of rich organic matter.
Researchers developed a new approach to detecting the cause of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), the deadliest form of stroke. Combining a blood test with a brain scan can accurately spot cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), a condition linked to ICH and increased risk of further strokes and dementia.
A new app developed by researchers at University of Utah Health aims to motivate type 2 diabetes patients to increase physical activity. The interactive simulation tool helps patients understand the impact of exercise on blood sugar levels, leading to increased motivation and plans for more exercise.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that women using IVF have similar chances of having a baby with fresh or frozen embryos. The research, involving 2,157 women, showed no significant difference in live birth rates between the two groups.
Researchers have identified a key gene, Ufbp1, that helps maintain healthy Paneth cells in the small intestine, which are essential for a balanced gut microbiome. The study found that when this gene is knocked out, Paneth cells die and good bacteria levels decrease, leading to inflammatory bowel disease.
A study of 6,489 female participants found that those with higher levels of light-intensity physical activity were less likely to die than those with lower activity levels. The researchers concluded that encouraging older women to increase their daily light-intensity activity could lead to better health outcomes.
Scientists studying seawater's viscosity are investigating its impact on marine life. The two-year project aims to improve understanding of nutrient cycling and food webs in the oceans.
Researchers found that banded mongooses transmit a novel tuberculosis pathogen, Mycobacterium mungi, through olfactory secretions, infecting other animals in their social group. The study provides insight into the evolution of this unique transmission route and its implications for understanding tuberculosis.
A portable device can identify liquors and determine if they've been altered, offering a strategy for liquor quality assurance. The device uses an advanced sensor array that can detect various scotch whiskies, bourbon, rye, brandy and vodka with greater than 99 percent accuracy.
A new review of published studies suggests that levels of distress and neuroticism at cancer diagnosis are useful markers of vulnerability. However, more prospective research is needed to understand the relationship between these variables and identify psychological mechanisms maintaining distress.
Researchers found a possible genetic connection between seizures and mood disorders like depression in people with focal epilepsy, which may improve quality of life. Mood disorders were not linked to generalized epilepsy.
The Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory has detected a comet's rotation period slow by more than 10 times in just 60 days, revealing light variations associated with material recently ejected into the coma. The comet's small size and high water production suggest that more than half of its surface area contains sunlight-activated jets.
A new study found that a Mediterranean diet rich in fish, boiled potatoes, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and olive oil was associated with a lower risk of aggressive prostate cancer. The diet showed a protective effect on more aggressive tumors, but other dietary patterns had little to no correlation.
A study published in International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry suggests that smaller social networks and feelings of loneliness are significant risk factors for late-life depression. The findings also emphasize the need to detect childhood abuse in adults with depression and consider it in treatment planning.
A new study reveals that plankton body size negatively affects its dispersal scale, with smaller species being more dispersed by ocean currents. This understanding is crucial for predicting how marine ecosystems will respond to global change.
Tropical Storm Irving is experiencing severe wind shear, causing clouds to gather on one side and exposing the storm's center. The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer instrument on board NASA's Aqua satellite provided a visible image of this phenomenon.
Scientists discovered fossil evidence of deep-sea marine life burrowing up to eight meters below the seabed, which is four times deeper than previously thought. The findings suggest that deep-sea burrowing marine life may be more abundant than previously considered.
Pooled data from 14 osteoporosis clinical trials indicate that reduced bone turnover markers are associated with lower vertebral fracture risks. The findings may aid in developing anti-resorptive drugs by optimizing dose and treatment schedules.
Scientists warn of increased river flood risks worldwide due to global warming, with the need for adaptation greatest in the US, parts of India and Africa. The study finds that without additional measures, millions will be exposed to severe flooding, with devastating impacts on communities.
A new study by Hospital for Special Surgery researchers suggests that plasmacytoid dendritic cells play a key role in causing fibrosis and inflammation in scleroderma patients. The study's findings, published in Science Translational Medicine, also identify a potential target for treatment: the TLR8 receptor on the surface of these cells.
A recent study found that conflict in Africa's protected areas has led to a consistent decline in large mammal populations. Despite severe impacts, these populations rarely collapse and can recover with the right policies and resources. The research suggests that avoiding even low-level conflicts is crucial for conservation efforts.
Researchers used magnetoencephalography to study brain processing in young children with autism and delayed language development. They found significant differences in magnetic mismatch fields, indicating altered recognition of change in emotional tones. This discovery may lead to earlier diagnosis and support for these children.
A clinical trial investigates whether dietary and exercise interventions can decrease AGEs, which have been linked to cancer, in prostate cancer survivors. Preliminary data suggest that AGEs may be a better biomarker for lifestyle changes than previously used markers.
Patients react negatively to doctors explicitly stating uncertainty of diagnosis, while implicit language is preferred. Explicit expressions of uncertainty lead to decreased trust, confidence, and adherence to advice.
A recent study published in The Review of Higher Education reveals that institutional rankings have little to no relationship with student engagement, a key indicator of collegiate quality. Despite their high ranks, students at higher-profile institutions reported fewer interactions with faculty and lower levels of engagement.
A study highlights the need for better training and education in the dental community to discuss HPV prevention methods with patients. Most dentists don't address HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers due to lack of knowledge and communication skills.
The American health care system must address the stigma associated with opioid use disorder to effectively treat the nation's opioid epidemic. Opioid prevention and treatment efforts remain hindered by federal restrictions, addiction stigma, and chronic pain management limitations.
Researchers developed codes MENNDL and RAVENNA to efficiently design and train neural networks, generating and training up to 18,600 networks simultaneously. This enables the training of highly accurate networks in a fraction of the time, with applications in self-driving cars, intelligent robots, and scientific experiments.
A study published in The BMJ found that improving diet quality leads to greater weight loss in people with a high genetic risk of obesity. The research analyzed data from two large studies and found that adhering to healthy dietary patterns can attenuate the genetic association with weight gain.
Recent observations of FRB 121102 provide new data about the source of fast radio bursts, which are nearly 100 percent linearly polarized and suggest a source embedded in strong magnetic fields. The team plans to observe at higher frequencies to narrow the range of possible sources.
A study found that desmoplastic melanoma patients respond significantly to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapies, with a 70% response rate. The tumors have high levels of DNA mutations and pre-existing immune cells necessary for an immune response.
A new study published in Cancer Cell suggests that stress accelerates the development of pancreatic cancer by triggering the release of 'fight-or-flight' hormones. Beta-blockers, commonly used medications that inhibit these hormones, were found to increase survival in a mouse model of the disease.
A UK survey found that feelings of threat from immigration, distrust of politicians, and disidentification with Europe significantly impacted voting intentions for Brexit. The results suggest that perceived threats from immigration were a key factor in shaping the Brexit vote.
Researchers analyzed three weather systems to understand how aerosols influence cloud formation and development. The study highlights the complexity of aerosol-cloud-precipitation-radiation interactions, which vary on a case-by-case basis.
The discovery of eleven new stellar streams in the Milky Way confirms its role as a cosmic melting pot, with stars originating from other galaxies. The Dark Energy Survey data, made publicly available, enabled the detection of these streams, which provide evidence for the galaxy's history of migration events.
A new international study found that plankton's body size and ocean currents are crucial in determining their dispersal in the ocean. The larger the plankton, the smaller the connection between distant communities. Climate change is rapidly warming marine waters, making it essential to understand how this affects biological communities.
Researchers found that almost 500 roads were listed as completed but never built, linked to local politicians steering contracts to favored businesses in their social networks. The study suggests giving local politicians no formal role in road-building may exacerbate corruption.
A research team led by University of Tasmania and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution explored the Havre volcano using autonomous underwater vehicle and remotely operated vehicle. They found that the eruption was larger than expected, with more than 70% of volcanic activity occurring on the seafloor.
A team of researchers is conducting a five-week survey to investigate the health of southern right whales in their feeding grounds off South Georgia. The study aims to unravel the mystery of high calf mortalities and understand how environmental conditions influence breeding success.
A new genetic risk model predicts age of onset for aggressive prostate cancer, guiding screening decisions. Men with high scores are at almost three-fold greater risk of developing aggressive disease.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that bipolar I and II disorders have different biological causes, with stronger family clustering for each subtype. The research also identified distinct gender differences and genetic correlations between the subtypes.
Scientists have developed a multiresponsive nanosurfactant that can manipulate liquid droplets using magnetic fields, electric fields, and light. The droplets can be assembled into complex structures and mixed to create chemical reactions.
Scientists have developed a dry adhesive with ultra-sticky properties, comparable to that of a gecko's toe pads. The adhesive was made using a nanoimprinting technique and showed remarkable durability in repetitive attachment and detachment tests.
A recent study published in Springer's journal Sex Roles found that job ads intended to appeal to women can be flawed by stereotypical wording, discouraging them from applying. The researchers recommend using task-directed language to attract high-quality and gender-diverse applicants.
Researchers have discovered swirling gas motion in early galaxies, which spun like a whirlpool similar to the Milky Way. The galaxies, observed nearly 13 billion years ago, were found to be forming stars at a higher rate than expected, yet retaining order and appearing well-regulated despite their small size.
Researchers have discovered that primitive moths and butterflies, known as Glossata, evolved earlier than previously established - emerging during the Jurassic period. They developed physical attributes to find nutrition by drawing off water droplets from immature gymnosperm seeds.
Tropical Depression 5S formed with sustained winds of 30 knots and was consolidating off Western Australia's coast. NASA satellite data showed a band of thunderstorms with temperatures as low as -90 degrees Celsius, capable of producing heavy rainfall.
Researchers found a dramatic decline in genetic diversity of Northwest salmon, with Columbia River Chinook losing up to two-thirds of their genetic material. The study's findings provide a baseline for conservation genetics and inform discussions on restoring fish stocks.
A recent study published in The New England Journal of Medicine has found that frozen embryos can lead to the same number of live births as fresh embryos in IVF. Researchers investigated 800 infertile women and found equivalent pregnancy and live birth rates between frozen and fresh embryo groups.
Scientists at Imperial College London develop a new 3D printing technique that can replicate biological structures, paving the way for tissue regeneration and replica organs. The method uses cryogenics to create super soft scaffolds that mimic the mechanical properties of organs like the brain and lungs.
A recent study found that 70% of respondents believe the marine environment is under threat from human activities, with pollution and fishing identified as top concerns. The public also strongly supports protection of marine areas through MPAs, but rules governing these areas vary widely.
Researchers have uncovered the earliest known fossil evidence of insects from the order Lepidoptera, providing important insights into their evolutionary history. The fossils, mostly wing scales, suggest that lepidopterans likely depended first on gymnosperms before shifting to angiosperms as a primary food source.
A new humanitarian program for war-affected youth has been shown to reduce cortisol levels by 38%, a key indicator of stress. The program, Advancing Adolescents, improved the mental health of adolescents affected by the Syrian war and had a physiological benefit.
The City College of New York is leading a five-year research project on complex fluids funded by the National Science Foundation, which includes 11 partner institutions in France, Germany, and Norway. Possible outcomes include improvements in energy and process efficiency in industrial systems globally.
The Dark Energy Survey has publicly released its first three years of data, containing information on 400 million astronomical objects, including distant galaxies and stars in the Milky Way. The dataset also reveals 11 new stellar streams, remnants of smaller galaxies torn apart by the Milky Way.
A recent study published in Journal of Leukocyte Biology found that stress receptors can control immune cells' defense mechanisms, leading to allergic diseases. Mice with disabled stress receptors showed reduced disease symptoms and were protected against stress-related illnesses.