A team of international palaeontologists has discovered a giant ichthyosaur fossil in the UK, estimated to be around 25-26 meters long. The find solves a 150-year-old mystery and refutes previous identifications of dinosaur bones from the same location.
A new study reveals hostile neighbors use subversion to keep weak countries weak, impacting security, economic growth and human well-being. Lead author Melissa M. Lee's research found that bordering states or outside actors significantly affect a country's ability to govern itself.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that Medicaid expansion in Michigan did not negatively impact patient outcomes for coronary artery disease procedures. The research used data from 7,558 CABG procedures and 45,183 PCI procedures performed at various hospitals across the state.
A large study found that controlling blood pressure with antihypertensive medications can significantly reduce the risk of dementia in older African-American men and women. The research suggests that good blood pressure control at any age is crucial for preventing cognitive decline.
A new study by Bar-Ilan University researchers found that adult offspring of Holocaust survivors experience heightened anxiety and filial obligation when caring for their elderly parents. The study suggests that this trauma is transmitted across generations, affecting mental health markers such as depression and anxiety.
A study published in The Annals of Family Medicine explored the perspectives of practice leaders and facilitators on quality improvement programs. Findings suggest that targeted, practice facilitator-supported efforts can be effective in assisting small practices, rather than large-scale initiatives.
New gene editing regulations could hinder the use of CRISPR technology in food animals, potentially limiting disease resistance and beneficial traits. The FDA's proposal would impose drug-like regulatory scrutiny, but experts suggest alternative routes to approval that could accelerate benefits from conventional breeding.
A new study found that people with epilepsy in England and Wales are at a higher risk of dying from suicide and accidents. The research analyzed data from over 44,000 people with epilepsy compared to those without the condition, revealing a five-fold increase in accidental medication poisoning deaths among those with epilepsy.
A study from Indiana University finds that white flight occurs when nonwhite residents move into a neighborhood, regardless of socioeconomic factors. Once a community reaches a certain threshold of diversity, white flight becomes more likely, with areas losing an average of 40% of their white population over a decade.
Resistance training increases autophagosome content in young men's muscles, but this effect may be reduced by aging. The study found that UPR is activated by resistance exercise regardless of age, suggesting similar muscle adaptation between young and older individuals.
Researchers have identified genetic links between ALS and frontotemporal dementia, suggesting that treatments for one may also work for the other. The study found common genetic variations associated with both disorders, including those near the MAPT gene and BNIP1.
Study finds that hospital ownership positively impacts practice work environment and burnout rates for staff. Clinicians in federally qualified health centers experience a more negative work environment, highlighting differences in perception of adaptive reserve.
Slow slip events (SSEs) release seismic stress at a lower rate than large earthquakes, potentially triggering megathrust earthquake events. The study analyzed waveform data from beneath Kanto, Japan, and found that seismic activity varied in response to SSEs, through episodic cycles.
Tropical Cyclone Keni has intensified into a tropical cyclone after consolidating over Vanuatu in the Southern Pacific Ocean. NASA's Suomi NPP satellite captured its true-color image on April 9, showing the storm's center surrounded by thunderstorms.
Mice fed on high-fat or chocolate-based diets exhibit abnormal feeding behaviors such as snacking and bingeing. The study reveals that extended access to hypercaloric diets impairs control of food seeking behavior, leading to negative effects on learning, motivation, and behavioral flexibility.
A recent study found substantial variation in the use of quality improvement strategies among small- to medium-size US primary care practices. These practices may require external support to enhance their ability to implement quality improvements and adapt to new payment and delivery models.
Researchers identified two transmissible cancers in Tasmanian devils, suggesting a genetic problem with cell regulation that increases disease risk. The effective drugs discovered may also play a role in wound repair pathways, potentially linked to the devils' frequent facial injuries.
A new study published in PNAS demonstrates that a novel hormone replacement therapy can improve cognitive function and working memory capacity in patients with adrenal insufficiency. The therapy involves replicating the natural secretion patterns of cortisol, resulting in better outcomes compared to traditional constant infusion methods.
Researchers identified a seizure-triggered pathway that contributes to blood-brain barrier dysfunction in epilepsy. Blocking the activity of an enzyme called cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) prevented capillary leakage and associated changes.
Five Columbia engineering professors have received NSF CAREER Awards for their groundbreaking research. Agostino Capponi develops a framework to increase resilience of global financial markets, while Daniel Esposito creates electocatalytic materials for abundant solar fuels.
Scientists at Oregon Health & Science University have developed a new method to quickly and efficiently recognize the subtypes of cells within the body. This technology, led by Andrew Adey, allows for profiling thousands of cells simultaneously, improving our understanding of disease at the molecular level.
A study using electroencephalography found that brain activity in the precuneus region of the parietal cortex plays a crucial role in detecting changes in natural sounds. Participants who were exposed to a longer sound stimulus reacted faster and identified changes more accurately.
A recent study by Kamal Henderson et al found no association between high leadership capabilities and improved population blood pressure control. Despite this, the study highlights the need for more research due to limited patient-related factors and small sample size.
A team of researchers has found that a specific bacterium in the microbiota of leafcutter ants produces trail pheromones, which guide the ants to their nests without deviation. The pyrazine-producing bacteria were discovered by chance while investigating the ants' defense against parasitic fungi.
A promising class of drugs, known as CD40 monoclonal antibodies, could be the spark needed to light the fire in the immune system of patients who don't respond to cancer immunotherapies. These drugs activate antigen-presenting cells to prime tumor-specific T cell responses.
A new biomarker identified a 'window of opportunity' for cancer chemotherapy timing, optimizing the effectiveness of anti-angiogenic and anticancer drug combinations. The biomarker, CD109 expression in vascular endothelial cells, correlates with tumor cell growth and enables the visualization of proliferating blood vessels.
Researchers found that natural language use decreases self-centeredness and increases complexity as people mature, while informal language and impulsivity are associated with lower ego levels. The study provides new insights into understanding personality development through everyday language.
The new approach enhances audio-analysis machines to process noisy environments by combining scalograms and spectrograms with convolutional neural networks. This improves sound classification, enabling better identification of isolated sounds like gunshots and music or speech in complex scenes.
The discovery of a 90,000-year-old Homo sapiens fossil in Saudi Arabia reveals early dispersals into Eurasia were more expansive than previously thought. The finding suggests that early humans colonized a broader region of southwest Asia than previously believed.
The journal published a special issue on valvular heart disease, featuring case reports and major reviews that will contribute to the field. Key findings include challenges in managing patients with severe aortic stenosis and ischemic mitral regurgitation.
Researchers from Université de Montréal and CHU Sainte-Justine have made a major breakthrough in understanding Rasmussen's encephalitis, a rare inflammatory brain disease. Humanized mice studies have confirmed the disease is autoimmune, enabling precise diagnoses and personalized treatment.
The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) has announced its annual award lecturers, who will present at the Annual Meeting in San Diego from April 21-25. The awards recognize outstanding contributions to biochemistry and molecular biology.
Researchers from Skoltech and MIPT have developed a device for upgrading mass spectrometers, enabling the analysis of one substance from four different perspectives or multiple samples simultaneously. This improves upon conventional mass spectrometers, which analyze one substance at a time.
An independent review suggests that on-site pill testing could reduce fatalities from 'party drugs' like ecstasy and methamphetamines by providing information on their quality and purity. The author argues that pragmatic initiatives like pill testing are needed to replace criminal justice responses.
The CNRS secured 15 out of 34 French projects funded by the ERC Advanced Grants, marking a significant lead among European hosting institutions. This achievement comes at a time when the CNRS has demonstrated its expertise in various scientific domains.
Scientists at the University of Bonn and Caesar research institute built a one-wheeled vehicle using DNA rings, achieving a length of 240 nanometers on its test drive. The nanomachine uses chemical energy to rotate and is controlled by an RNA thread that grows as it moves.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE has confirmed the association of a chromosomal genetic variant with increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AFib) in Latinos. Latino individuals carrying the rs10033464 SNP at chromosome 4q25 are found to be at a 2.3-fold increased risk for developing AFib.
New research from the University of York suggests that highly mobile eyebrows may have enabled humans to express nuanced emotions, establish large social networks, and form social bonds. The study contributes to ongoing debates about the evolution of brow ridges in human ancestors.
Tropical Cyclone Iris' remnants linger in the Coral Sea as NASA's Suomi NPP satellite captures visible images of the low-pressure area. The bulk of precipitation is located in the southern and eastern quadrants due to northwesterly vertical wind shear.
Six scientists who served on the National Commission on Forensic Science are advocating for increased research and financial support of forensic science, as well as empirical testing requirements. They aim to reduce reliance on historical precedent and ensure the validity of forensic evidence to deliver justice.
Bartos' project will examine the functional role of inhibitory nerve cells in forming memory traces and controlling cognitive behavior, a process not yet fully understood.
Arthur Grossman, a Carnegie scientist, has received a $300,000 Human Frontier Science Program grant to investigate how light and metabolic signals control photosynthetic processes in algae. This research aims to develop a holistic view of photosynthetic control, spanning metabolism to epigenetics and mathematical modeling.
A large study of breast cancer patients found that radiotherapy and chemotherapy do not significantly increase the risk of heart disease. Good risk management in hospitals and short interval screenings may offset elevated risks. The study's findings are considered positive for treatment of breast cancer.
A study published in Science reveals that up to 26 percent of the nitrogen in ecosystems comes from weathering of rocks at Earth's surface. This discovery sheds light on the mysterious gap in nitrogen balance and has implications for forest growth, carbon sequestration, and conservation efforts.
A new system called MAPHEX can remove almost all phosphorus from stored livestock manure, addressing a major environmental issue in the US. The technology could have a huge impact on water quality problems if made more affordable to operate.
A study led by UC Riverside psychologist Megan Zirnstein found that bilinguals can actively predict word meanings and adapt quickly, just like monolingual peers. The research highlights the need to acknowledge variability in bilingual communities and suggests that control ability can help readers overcome prediction errors.
A UC3M study identifies inertia effects as key mechanisms controlling dynamic fragmentation in ductile metallic materials. This knowledge can improve manufacturing processes, reduce costs, and enhance the quality of protective structures used in industries such as nuclear power plants and aerospace sector.
Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory discovered that plants have a built-in brake on oil production, which can be disabled to increase biofuel and bioproduct synthesis. Disabling the gene for an inactive enzyme subunit increases oil production even under normal conditions.
Greater grip strength and physical activity are associated with reduced risk of heart attacks and stroke in individuals with a genetic predisposition for heart disease. Physical activity also reduces cardiovascular events by 49 percent among high-risk individuals.
Research highlights the dominance of car travel in school commutes, which contributes to childhood obesity, air pollution, and decreased independent mobility. Governments are advised to invest in active travel infrastructure, such as cycling and walking routes, to promote healthy lifestyles and sustainable transport.
Researchers at INRS have identified a non-pathogenic marine bacterium that can effectively degrade petroleum products in soil and water. The bacteria's enzymes have been shown to break down benzene, toluene, and xylene with high efficiency, offering an eco-friendly method for decontaminating oil sites.
A Yale-led research group has identified two olfactory receptors that respond to musk compounds, which could advance the study of the pharmacological effects of musks. The discovery may have implications for understanding how human smell works at a molecular level and its impact on behavior.
A study by University of Waterloo historians reveals that vaccine hesitancy, also known as immunization apathy, is rooted in social and political factors rather than bad parenting. The study shows how decades of misinformation and a lack of political priority on disease prevention contributed to the issue.
Researchers discovered that the apoE4 gene causes damage in human brain cells by altering its main structure and function. They found that adding a small molecule structure corrector eliminates signs of Alzheimer's disease, restores normal cell function, and improves survival in human apoE4 neurons.
Researchers found that oral sirolimus treatment significantly improved pulmonary function and reduced carcinoid tumor volume in three patients with DIPNECH syndrome. The study provides promising evidence for sirolimus as a viable treatment option for this rare condition.
A recent study found that major disruptive events, such as clinician losses and changes in ownership, frequently disrupt primary care practices in Oklahoma. These events negatively affect quality improvement efforts and patient care, highlighting the need for further research to address their root causes.
A recent study found that canine transmissible venereal tumors regress quickly due to the immune system's response, involving chemokines and host skin cells. The findings may lead to more effective therapeutic strategies for various human cancers.
A man developed excruciatingly painful episodic headaches after eating a Carolina Reaper, the world's hottest chilli pepper. His symptoms cleared up on their own, and a CT scan later showed that his affected arteries had returned to normal width.
Researchers investigated the association between angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) polymorphisms and cognitive change in late-onset Alzheimer's disease dementia. They found that ACE inhibitors slowed cognitive decline independently of blood pressure variations, particularly for APOE4- carriers with specific ACE genotypes. No function...
Recruiting small primary care practices for large-scale quality improvement initiatives is difficult and costly. Investigators should budget adequate funds to support high-touch recruitment strategies, including building trusted relationships for a year or more.