Hurricane Hector remains a Category 4 storm despite slight weakening, threatening the Big Island of Hawaii with hurricane-force winds and large swells. The storm is expected to pass 165 miles south of the island on Wednesday, bringing tropical storm force winds and potentially hazardous conditions.
Researchers analyzing a koala virus hope it can explain why humans have accumulated millions of years of 'junk' DNA. The retrovirus has infected germline cells in humans for over five million years, altering the host genetic code and that of its descendants.
Researchers on the ISS investigated complex plasma behavior, discovering that microparticles exhibit nonuniform wave patterns in response to varying electrical fields. This discovery has implications for understanding astrophysical phenomena and dusty plasmas.
Researchers developed a novel approach to predict genes susceptible to Alu/Alu-mediated rearrangements, which can cause disease. The model analyzed sequence features of Alu pairs and identified hotspots of genomic instability associated with these elements.
Researchers at the University of Exeter discovered new compounds that can reverse key aspects of human cell aging by targeting mitochondria. The findings, published in the journal Aging, show a significant reduction in senescent cells and potential therapeutic applications for anti-aging treatments.
Tropical Storm Ileana is intensifying off the coast of Mexico, with cloud top temperatures reaching minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The National Hurricane Center predicts heavy rain and flash flooding in coastal areas, with possible isolated maximum amounts of 6 inches.
Researchers found that transplantation followed by antiviral therapy cured hepatitis C in all 20 patients who received kidneys from infected donors. The treatment resulted in excellent renal function and stable to improved quality of life.
Researchers study mice living in 'Souris City' device to identify distinct personalities based on behavior differences. The study reveals that dopamine-producing neurons play a key role in shaping individuality, with mice exhibiting radically different strategies for navigating the maze.
The program will fund 80 two-year scholarships over five years for low-income students in the Cullen College of Engineering and NSM. The research aims to show that increasing access to social capital and engagement will help students be more successful.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins and Insilico Medicine discovered novel epigenetically silenced genes in ovarian cancer, including methylation of the GULP1 gene. GULP1 expression is associated with late-stage disease and poor overall survival, suggesting its potential as a biomarker.
Climate change is projected to double rain-on-snow flood risk in the Sierra Nevada, Colorado River headwaters, and Canadian Rocky Mountains by the end of this century. This could lead to a 200% increase in localized flood risk and strain existing infrastructure.
A new diagnostic test could help distinguish Kawasaki Disease from other conditions, enabling earlier diagnosis and treatment. The test targets a specific pattern of host gene expression in whole blood.
A team of paleontologists discovered dozens of hadrosaur and therizinosaur tracks in Denali National Park's lower Cantwell Formation, providing evidence that Alaska served as a gateway for dinosaur migration between Asia and North America during the Late Cretaceous period. The co-occurrence of these dinosaurs in Alaska challenges previ...
Researchers developed new magneto-plasmonic nanoscale routers and modulators for various nanophotonic functionalities. The devices exploit the propagation of surface-plasmon-polaritons in magneto-plasmonic waveguides to achieve high-contrast switching.
A study by CU Anschutz researchers found that US drug prices are not aligned with their value or net health benefits. The researchers used a forecasting model to calculate cost-effectiveness for commonly reimbursed cardiovascular drugs, revealing a wide spectrum of cost-effectiveness and varying price-to-health-gain ratios.
A clinical trial at Penn Medicine has successfully cured 20 patients of the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) after receiving kidney transplants from infected donors who were treated with an antiviral therapy. The results show that the quality and function of the transplanted kidneys are similar to those from non-HCV infected donors.
Researchers found that mice infected with hookworms produce super-killer macrophages that are efficient at killing the worms but also cause tissue damage and inflammation. The study reveals that RELMalpha, an immune protein, helps balance immunity and inflammation by downregulating inflammatory responses.
Researchers from China and the US analyzed five sulfur isotopes in aerosol, SO2, and coal samples to determine their sources. The study reveals that photochemical reactions in the stratosphere produce sulfate aerosols enriched with 33S, while biomass and fossil fuel combustion yield sulfates depleted in 36S.
A RAND Corporation study found that adolescents who view tobacco ads in convenience stores are more willing to try vaping products. Hiding the 'power wall' behind an opaque barrier reduced willingness by 15%. Researchers suggest limiting point-of-sale advertising may help reduce industry efforts on adolescent nicotine use.
Researchers found that bariatric surgery reduces the risk of nerve, kidney and eye disease in patients with type 2 diabetes. The study included over 3,900 patients who underwent bariatric surgery and compared them to a control group of over 11,000 patients who received usual medical care.
Neurons in brain's master clock exhibit regular activity cycle that is disrupted under constant light conditions. Blocking these neurons reduces the severity of shifts in daily rhythms, suggesting a potential mechanism for modern sleep disorders.
Researchers have identified key stages in the process of endogenization, by which host genomes defend against invading retroviruses. The study found that recombination between viral sequences and host genomic elements can incapacitate new viral sequences, making them less harmful.
Researchers have developed a potential new class of non-antibiotic compounds that target specific gut microbes to reduce cardiovascular risk. These compounds prevent the production of TMAO, a gut byproduct linked to heart disease, without killing beneficial gut bacteria.
A new study by the University of Leicester found that larger muscles can compensate for poor muscle quality in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients, improving physical function and strength. The research suggests that muscle size is a more important factor than muscle quality in maintaining good physical performance.
A recent study found that 8.3% of trastuzumab-treated patients developed heart failure, highlighting the need for cardiac monitoring in high-risk breast cancer patients. The study also showed a consistent increase in heart failure risk with age, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing cardiac monitoring for younger patients.
A Mayo Clinic research team has identified specific genes associated with an increased risk for developing triple-negative breast cancer. Alternations in BARD1, BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2 and RAD51D genes were linked to a high risk for this subtype of breast cancer, while mutations in BRIP1 and RAD51C genes showed a moderate risk.
Researchers used a PET tracer to identify differences in ER expression across metastases and surrounding normal tissue in breast cancer patients. The study found that approximately 50% of patients had one or more estrogen-receptor negative lesions, highlighting the heterogeneity of ER expression.
Researchers reevaluate Madjedbebe site evidence, suggesting a revised human dispersal timeline for the region; the findings have implications for understanding human migration patterns in Southeast Asia and surrounding areas.
Researchers at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University create three-dimensional porous material made of collagen and chitosan to restore bone tissue after trauma or illness. The material stimulates natural tissue growth, eliminating the need for lifelong medication.
Researchers at George Mason University propose a 12-step model to finance social determinants that could lead to significant cost savings for healthcare stakeholders. The model aims to incentivize sustainable funding for services like reliable housing, nutrition, and transportation, which are crucial for future health outcomes.
A new study finds that forest soils have been overestimated as methane sinks by up to 50% worldwide. Methane uptake by forest soils has declined globally, especially in regions with increasing precipitation.
Researchers developed a new imaging tool to visualize metabolic activities in individual cells, tracking protein, lipid, and DNA production. The technique's potential applications include tumor removal, head injury detection, and developmental disorder diagnosis.
Researchers found that fat fibrosis in subcutaneous fat is predictive of unhealthy belly fat and insulin resistance in Asian participants. This difference could help explain why Asians develop type 2 diabetes at a lower body weight than Caucasians.
A systematic review of 33 studies found that more processed starches increase the risk of cavities due to their breakdown into sugars in the mouth. Whole grain carbohydrates, on the other hand, may offer protection against gum disease and a lower risk of oral cancer.
Climate change poses significant health risks to children, including dehydration, heat stress, respiratory disease, and vector-borne diseases. Researchers propose strategies for addressing these needs, such as establishing medical protocols and best practice guidelines for climate-related event planning.
The study suggests that climate change, particularly volcanic activity and extreme weather events, contributed to the growth and decline of the ancient Turkic Khaganate. The researchers used tree-ring chronologies, ice core data, and Chinese dynastic chronicles to analyze the effects of climate change on the empire's development.
Researchers used magnetoencephalography to show that brain's ability to group sounds into sequences disappears during slow wave sleep. However, elementary associations like stimulus-reflex response can be acquired during sleep, suggesting limitations in learning capabilities.
A study published in eNeuro found a common neural signature of balance maintenance in the healthy brain, which could be used to assess balance in patients with movement disorders. The researchers used EEG and EMG to record electrical activity from the brain and muscles while participants walked or stood on a narrow beam.
A University of Wisconsin-Madison research team discovered a previously unknown mechanism for controlling cellular decisions, combining an on-and-off switch in a single protein. The protein EBS binds to two different chemical modifications on histones, promoting or preventing the transition to flowering.
Research suggests that early childhood trauma may be a risk factor for anxiety and depression in adults diagnosed with head/neck cancer. The study found that patients who experienced emotional neglect were more likely to have advanced cancer stages, while physical child abuse was linked to increased anxiety levels.
Researchers at the Advanced Science Research Center found that wetter soil decreases methane gas absorption by 53-89 percent, leading to a positive feedback loop between global warming and climate change. This study highlights the significant impact of reduced methane uptake on global warming and the need for further research.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a unique vaccine that employs an uncommon two-pronged approach to fighting the Zika virus. The single-dose vaccine proved effective in triggering an immune response that prevented later infection by Zika virus.
Researchers found that African killifish can mature and reproduce in as little as two weeks, setting a new record for the fastest maturation rate in vertebrates. The fish's lifespan is also highly flexible, with some individuals reaching sexual maturity in up to 10 weeks.
A study by University of Utah Health scientists reveals that variation in the genetic modifier Baldspot can influence disease severity in retinitis pigmentosa. The research suggests targeting genes like Baldspot could lead to effective treatments against some disorders.
Researchers from EPFL and ENS Paris have discovered that highly pressurized water in the vicinity of an earthquake can reduce its intensity. This finding contradicts previous theories and highlights the importance of considering fluid pressure in geothermal models to accurately predict earthquake behavior.
A new motion-sensing technology uses radio waves to detect a person's presence and location anywhere inside a room, even beyond the sensor's line of sight. The system works by analyzing patterns created by radio waves bouncing around the room, allowing it to distinguish between different scenarios and locate objects or people in space.
Tropical Storm John strengthened off southwestern Mexico's coast, with cloud top temperatures indicating strong storms capable of heavy rain. The storm is forecast to become a hurricane and produce life-threatening ocean conditions along the Mexican coast.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed a rapid molecular diagnostic that can determine if a tumor harbors an IDH1 or IDH2 mutation within 27 minutes. The test is coupled with a sustained release microparticle drug delivery system that provides localized treatment and prolonged survival in a mouse model.
Rice University scientists develop technology to remove specific contaminants from drinking water and wastewater, reducing energy and cost. The system uses composite electrodes that selectively pull target ions, allowing for more efficient treatment and reuse.
Researchers have successfully engineered silkworms to produce high yields of spider silk using genome editing, a breakthrough that could pave the way for mass production of this versatile material. The transgenic silkworms produced fibers with improved elasticity and extensibility compared to wild-type silkworms.
A new mobile application called Painimation uses animations to assess and monitor pain better than traditional measurement tools. The study found that over 80% of patients enjoyed using the app and it provided similar or more information about pain type and cause than existing questionnaires.
A program keeping elderly aged care residents out of hospital emergency departments has been successful in reducing demand on emergency services. The 'Hospital in the Nursing Home' program saw a 47% decrease in hospital admissions among aged care patients, with an estimated economic benefit of AU$8 million per year.
Typhoon Shanshan maintained an eye despite weakening due to NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite capture. The storm weakened on August 6, with deep convection diminishing and eyewall and rain bands becoming less organized.
Researchers found that doxorubicin targets enzymes controlling immune responses in the spleen and heart, disrupting metabolism and leading to impaired inflammation resolution. The drug also poisons specific immune cells, causing a loss of host defense and promoting chronic non-resolving inflammation.
Researchers have created all-solid-state batteries with extremely low interface resistance, enabling fast charging and discharging. The batteries showed excellent electrochemical properties, exceeding those of traditional Li-ion batteries.
Before its scientific missions, NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) caught a comet in stunning images. The comet, C/2018 N1, was located about 29 million miles from Earth and moved across the frame as it orbited the Sun.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that sleep boosts 'fitness' and future family line reproductive success, suggesting it plays a significant role in evolutionary adaptation. The research used mathematical modeling to compare the fitness of sleeping and non-sleeping strategies under various conditions.
Researchers from CNRS and Cirad have discovered that the bark of certain tree species generates forces that control tree growth and upright posture. This motor function was previously overlooked, but is now recognized as a crucial component of a tree's ability to grow vertically.
A study found that reducing NOVA1 gene activity inhibits telomerase, leading to shorter telomeres and reduced tumor growth in non-small cell lung cancer. The research provides a new approach to targeting cancer cells and may lead to more effective treatments for this prevalent form of age-related cancer.
The fox genome study identifies genomic regions associated with tame and aggressive behaviors, revealing potential links to domestication in dogs and Williams-Beuren syndrome in humans. A single gene, SorCS1, is found to be linked to specific behaviors in foxes.