Researchers found that dark-pigmented yeasts capture more heat from the sun and thrive in colder conditions than their light-colored counterparts. This 'thermal melanism' effect could help predict microbial survival at different latitudes as temperatures rise.
A randomised controlled trial found that care from peer support workers with lived experience of mental health conditions reduced the likelihood of readmission for people who had recently left acute mental health care. The study, published in The Lancet, showed a lower rate of readmission to acute care among participants who received p...
Researchers at Cornell University have developed a novel substance that can be used to power inexpensive robotic devices, enabling them to grip, expand or change rigidity. The study's findings suggest that popcorn could be used to create miniature jumping robots and edible devices for medical procedures.
Researchers discovered a new property in cuprate superconductors where resistivity scales linearly with high magnetic fields. This finding contradicts existing theories and suggests non-quasipartical mechanisms are at play.
Researchers found that fairy-wrens can learn to associate unfamiliar alarm calls with danger by listening to a chorus of familiar calls. This social learning allows birds to quickly adapt to new environments and may be relevant to conservation efforts.
A new type of airway cell, pulmonary ionocytes, has been found to express high levels of CFTR, a protein mutated in cystic fibrosis. This discovery provides promising targets for future therapeutic strategies against the disease.
Researchers found that thin liquid and insoluble films on the surface of water enhance horizontal eddy currents by interacting with surface waves. This enhances vertical vortex flows near the surface, which affects surface wave amplitude. The study's results have potential applications in materials science, geophysics, and ocean analysis.
New research suggests that non-drug approaches should be prioritised in treating agitation in people with Alzheimer's disease, ranking assessment and management of underlying causes as the top treatment. Non-pharmacological treatments such as person-centred care and tailored activity programmes are also recommended for managing symptom...
A new study found that some corals can adapt to climate change, with the mountainous star coral surviving elevated temperatures and recovering quickly. In contrast, staghorn coral was highly sensitive to heat stress, experiencing 100% mortality after just 25 days.
A new study reveals that people are capable of articulating multiple considerations when making moral decisions, including harm, welfare, individual rights, fairness, and justice. Despite the complexity of scenarios like the trolley dilemma, participants were able to provide reasons for their judgments, indicating that moral reasoning ...
Researchers used official government records to estimate a higher death toll from Hurricane Maria, with approximately 1,139 deaths surpassing the official count of 64. The study aimed to inform future weather disaster preparedness and response.
Researchers found that 'acting out' scenarios can improve prospective memory, a skill that reminds people to take action in the future. The study suggests that this technique may support individuals with mild cognitive impairment, leading to safer, more independent living.
A new study reveals that clothing, furniture, and other non-food products are significant contributors to ocean and freshwater pollution. The researchers used a modeling tool to calculate country-specific 'eutrophication footprints', which show that the EU's non-food consumption primarily generates pollution in other regions.
The study identified four fungi species with high anti-cancer potential, including polyphenols, polysaccharides, and terpenoids. These compounds show selective targeting of malignant tumors with minimal harm to healthy cells.
Researchers re-analyzed genetic data from diverse humans and Neanderthals, revealing no evidence of recent human-specific selection on the FOXP2 gene. This challenges previous theories on the origin of human language and highlights the importance of using diverse datasets in population genetics.
A new study reveals how plant-rotting bacteria obtain essential iron for survival by pirating it from host plants' iron-bearing proteins. The bacterium Pectobacterium uses a membrane channel to import the protein ferredoxin, which is then processed to release iron.
A study suggests a simple imbalance in acid-alkaline chemistry inside endosomes may lead to amyloid protein accumulation and nerve cell degeneration. Researchers found that histone deacetylase inhibitors can reverse pH problems and improve amyloid beta clearance in lab-grown mouse brain cells.
The NASA Terra satellite analyzed Hurricane Hector's cloud top temperatures, finding strongest thunderstorms as cold as or colder than minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit. These cold clouds indicate strong storms capable of creating heavy rain.
The study of Flores pygmy humans shows they have Neanderthal and Denisovan ancestry, but no direct link to Homo floresiensis. The short-statured phenotype is a result of recent polygenic selection on standing genetic variation.
A new study by Bocconi University scholars found that broadband internet access causes sleep deprivation, particularly among individuals with DSL lines. These individuals sleep 25 minutes less than those without DSL Internet and are less likely to reach the recommended amount of sleep, leading to significant economic losses in Germany.
A team of Emory scientists has identified an enzyme that removes N6-methyladenine from Drosophila DNA, crucial for neuronal development. The finding provides insights into the role of this modification in humans, particularly in relation to Polycomb proteins.
Researchers used a Pavlovian model to investigate the role of dopamine neurons in assigning value to environmental cues. They found that dopamine neurons can imbue cues with motivational value, driving actions and approach towards specific locations.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that inhibiting Jagged 1 protein can prevent colon and rectal tumour growth, even removing existing tumours. This approach may offer a promising therapeutic strategy for selectively targeting malignant stem cells in colon cancer.
Scientists have created a comprehensive atlas of the mouse genome's regulatory landscape, revealing how DNA elements regulate cell type identity and identifying potential links to human diseases. The study cataloged over 400,000 regulatory elements and assigned most patterns to specific cell types.
Researchers developed a more comprehensive method for measuring the Earth's boundary layer depth using radar, which constantly ebbs and flows. This improvement in accuracy can lead to better forecasts for severe weather events, air pollution, and wildfire forecasting.
A study discovered that plants regulate their internal 'circadian clock' using sugars from photosynthesis to stay in tune with day and night cycles. This process enables plants to match their activities to the time of day, crucial for growth, flower opening, and energy reserve management.
A team of Michigan Tech students has developed a method to recycle lithium-ion batteries using old mining technologies, resulting in inexpensive and energy-efficient processes. The process separates valuable materials like lithium, graphite, and cobalt, making them suitable for remanufacturing into new batteries.
A new stem cell model developed by City of Hope researchers provides insight into the disease pathway of Alexander disease, a rare nervous system disorder. The study found that therapies targeting CHI3L1 protein may be able to treat Alexander's disease or leukodystrophic diseases.
Researchers found that modern pygmy genomes showed no evidence of gene flow from the extinct 'hobbit' species, contradicting previous expectations. However, they did find genetic variants associated with short stature and dietary adaptations in genes involved in fatty acid metabolism.
A new field test has been developed to rapidly screen dogs for exposure to Phlebotomus pernicious sand flies, the primary vector of Leishmania infantum. The immunochromatographic test (ICT) shows high sensitivity and specificity in detecting antibodies against the fly's salivary protein.
A new therapy using Google Glass and a smartphone app has been shown to improve social skills in children with autism by helping them recognize facial expressions. The treatment, called 'Superpower Glass,' uses machine learning to identify eight core emotions and provides instant rewards for correct identifications.
Researchers assembled a high-quality soybean genome from an Asian accession, revealing large genetic variations and improving functional genomics study. The new genome enables the identification of important agronomic genes and facilitation of crop improvement.
A new study identifies a disease affecting the starfish Odontaster validus, one of the most common species on the Antarctic sea floor. The disease has afflicted up to 10% of the population, causing tissue damage and altering the natural balance in marine ecosystems.
A new carbon accounting system has been adopted by the EU to measure forest management's impact on greenhouse gas emissions. This approach reflects actual historical practices rather than projected future outcomes, providing a more credible solution to account for forest sinks and reducing GHG emissions.
Mangroves are found in tropical coastal settings worldwide and can store greater amounts of carbon than any other terrestrial ecosystem. A new study provides more accurate estimates of blue carbon storage, revealing that it has been underestimated by up to 50% in some areas and overestimated by up to 86% in others.
A new study published in Arthritis & Rheumatology reveals that cardiac magnetic resonance imaging can detect early indicators of silent heart problems in patients with newly diagnosed lupus. The study found structural and functional changes in the hearts of patients with lupus, which were related to the disease stage.
A new tool called DesignSafe is helping researchers improve their ability to predict hurricanes, move people out of harm's way, and build homes that can survive the worst nature can throw at them. The platform provides critical information about natural hazards and enables engineers to design safer structures.
Advanced inflamed vascular plaques associated with progressive liver disease, supporting systemic effects of chronic unresolved inflammation. Researchers test oral delivery of omega-3 fatty acids to treat inflammation without unwanted side effects.
Researchers observe light echoes from Eta Carinae and its surroundings to decode the extent of a historic stellar blast. The team determines that the star released almost as much energy as a typical supernova explosion, but a double-star system remained intact.
Researchers from Michigan Medicine have identified 151 genes associated with atrial fibrillation through a large genome-wide association study involving over one million individuals. The study also developed a genetic risk score that could help identify high-risk individuals and monitor them accordingly.
The study found that individuals from underrepresented communities are more likely to have positive scans and diagnosed lung cancer cases, highlighting the need for more expansive, risk-based screening guidelines. The researchers suggest considering additional factors such as a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and socio...
A new review questions the usefulness of wearable devices in providing medical insights, citing limited formal validation and potential risks of misinterpretation. The study highlights concerns about concussion detection technologies and the need for rigorous evaluation and regulation of the growing industry.
A new study estimates that up to 1,139 people died in Puerto Rico as a result of Hurricane Maria, surpassing the official death count of 64. The researchers used vital statistics records and calculated an average number of expected deaths for each month before and after the hurricane hit.
Genomic analysis reveals no evidence of archaic human DNA in Flores pygmy genomes, contradicting expectations of gene flow from Homo floresiensis. Instead, the population's short stature is attributed to natural selection on pre-existing genetic variation.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide successfully applied cell transplantation therapy to replace damaged cells in CF patients, providing a potential cure. The innovative method involves harvesting adult stem cells from the lungs, correcting them with gene therapy, and reintroducing them back into the patient.
Researchers at Université de Genève reveal the mechanism of seed germination, where proplastids differentiate into chloroplasts within 48 hours. The process is controlled by growth hormone gibberellic acid and protein TOC159, ensuring rapid transition to autonomous growth.
A recent study published in Nature Communications found that dengue immunity provides cross-protection against Zika virus in mouse models. The research shows that cytotoxic T cells mobilized by dengue infection can combat the devastating effects of Zika infection on fetal brain development.
Researchers at RIKEN Center for Brain Science discovered that male fruit flies deposit droppings as pheromone-laced landmarks to signal their presence, attracting females and increasing mating chances. This finding highlights the importance of fecal deposits in social communication among flies.
Tropical Depression Jongdari is a weak low-level circulation with small thunderstorms and shallow curved bands. NASA's Terra satellite captured an image of the depression, which is expected to make landfall just north of Shanghai, China on August 3.
Researchers found that exposure to household smoke shortens breastfeeding duration, and fathers who smoke are less likely to prefer breastfeeding. The study suggests quitting smoking before pregnancy is crucial for new mothers.
A study in Honduras found that combining conditional payments with investment in schools and clinics leads to better educational and labor market outcomes. The research suggests that this approach can have a transformative impact on individuals' lives.
A multi-year study of Nicaraguan households found that obesity extends the duration of influenza A virus shedding from infected adults by approximately 1.5 days, compared to non-obese adults. Chronic inflammation caused by obesity and increasing age are implicated as reasons for extended viral shedding.
A new study published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases suggests that obesity may play a role in how the flu spreads. Obese adults infected with flu shed the virus for a longer time than non-obese adults, potentially increasing the opportunity for transmission to others.
Researchers at Florida State University's National High Magnetic Field Laboratory have discovered that cuprates, known for their unique behavior, carry current in a non-conventional way. The study reveals that the electrons seem to cooperate as they move through the material, contradicting the widely accepted understanding of conventio...
Research led by LSU Health found that hypoxia decreases Protein S, a natural anticoagulant, increasing the risk of potentially life-threatening blood clots. The study identified the gene regulatory mechanism controlling PS production in response to oxygen levels.
The Iterative Indirect Immunofluorescence Imaging (4i) technique refines standard immunofluorescence imaging by visualizing up to 40 proteins in a single cell. A new computer program, Multiplexed Protein Maps, analyzes the data and generates maps of protein distribution, providing a systematic survey of cellular organization.
A new study using machine learning has identified four brain-based dimensions of mental health disorders, including mood, psychosis, fear, and disruptive externalizing behavior. These findings suggest that psychiatric symptoms do not neatly fall into established categories, but instead emerge from diverse clinical domains to form dimen...
Researchers analyzed genetic data from diverse humans and Neanderthals, finding no evidence for recent, human-specific selection of FOXP2. The study revises the history of how humans acquired language, highlighting the importance of using diverse datasets in population genetics.
Researchers measured isotopes of water trapped in gypsum to determine changes in rainfall and relative humidity during the Maya downfall. Annual precipitation decreased by 41-54% and relative humidity declined by 2-7%. These findings support theories that drought contributed to the Maya civilization's collapse.
A new study estimates that Hurricane Maria caused over 1,139 deaths in Puerto Rico through December 2017, exceeding the official death toll of 64. The analysis used vital statistics records to account for indirect deaths due to infectious disease outbreaks and lack of services.