The passage of Hurricanes Irma and Maria over Puerto Rico temporarily disrupted the acoustic activity of snapping shrimp, reducing their calls, while increasing fish choruses. The storms also had lasting effects on insect sounds in dry forests, with a marked reduction in sounds after Hurricane Maria.
A new study reveals genetic variations in blood vessel inflammation and drug metabolism genes increase the risk of severe dengue shock syndrome in Asians and Europeans. These genetic factors can be used to develop targeted treatments for vulnerable populations.
Researchers have developed a CRISPR-based diagnostic tool called SHERLOCK, which has been enhanced to detect multiple targets at once and show results on a paper strip. The new feature increases sensitivity 100-fold, allowing for the detection of low concentrations of genetic material in samples.
Researchers developed the DNA Endonuclease Targeted CRISPR Trans Reporter (DETECTR) system, allowing quick detection of diseases such as HPV using Cas12a. The system involves adding reagents in one reaction and uses isothermal amplification to boost target DNA cuts, resulting in a fluorescent readout.
Researchers from IOCB Prague and IP CAS demonstrate a strong converse piezoelectric effect at individual molecules of heptahelicene derivative on a silver surface. The study provides new insights into the electromechanical behavior of individual molecules, opening up possibilities for nanoscale molecular devices.
A study led by Duke Health found that a short course of the Alzheimer's drug donepezil can reverse structural and genetic brain changes caused by alcohol exposure in rats. This reverses dendritic spine density, affecting learning and memory. The research identifies a specific gene target for potential repair.
Researchers have developed a CRISPR-based method, DETECTR, to detect viral DNA, including cancer-causing HPV types. The system uses a molecular flare gun to identify specific DNA targets, enabling fast and reliable medical tests with minimal equipment requirements.
A study published in Medical Care found that the Affordable Care Act significantly reduced the uninsured rate among adult cancer survivors, with a 38% relative decrease. Cancer survivors eligible for Medicaid expansion under the ACA had the largest reduction in uninsured rate, with a 16.7 percentage point drop.
Early introduction of peanuts into the diet may prevent the development of peanut allergy in high-risk infants. Oral immunotherapy is a promising approach to allergen desensitization for children with known peanut allergies, increasing threshold amounts before experiencing reactions by at least 25 times.
A study found subtle but significant differences in perceived hospice quality among patients in different settings. Family members of patients at home rated hospice quality as excellent, while those in nursing homes reported the least. The findings suggest that tailoring communication to patient setting is crucial.
A team of researchers has mapped the biochemical networks of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, identifying key pathways that facilitate virus replication. The study's findings have significant implications for controlling mosquito-borne diseases like dengue, Zika, and chikungunya.
Nancy Kinner, a leading oil spill expert, is available to discuss new research on dispersant technology. The research indicates that smaller droplets are created by applying chemical dispersants to oil slicks, posing new challenges for protecting human health and marine habitats.
A MSU team is working to support Latino migrant farmers in Michigan by providing training and resources to improve farming practices. The project aims to increase the sustainability of small-scale farms, particularly those owned by Latino farmers, who are increasingly transitioning from industrial farms to independent land ownership.
The American Geriatrics Society has launched a new platform providing resources and tools for hospitals to implement the AGS CoCare: Ortho model, which aims to improve care and lower health costs for older adults with hip fractures. The platform offers self-directed training modules, expert mentoring, and a networking platform to help ...
A team from Lehigh University's Industrial and Systems Engineering department participated in a workshop on big data optimization algorithms, theory, applications and systems. Researchers presented their work on Interior Point Methods, machine learning methodologies, and other topics relevant to big data analytics.
Researchers developed a novel verification method to prove large-scale entanglement with only a single measurement run, significantly reducing time and resources required. This breakthrough enables the reliable benchmarking of future quantum devices with unprecedented efficiency.
Scientists have manufactured a component capable of hosting Majorana particles, which could become stable building blocks of a quantum computer. The team used platinum to assemble the topological insulator with aluminium, leading to unexpected and exciting changes in the superconductivity.
A Rutgers University study confirms that an abundance of wild bees is essential for efficient pollination in agricultural settings. The research found that over half of the observed species were necessary for pollination at one or more farms, highlighting the importance of biodiversity in maintaining ecosystem services.
Recent research by Children's Hospital Colorado found that loss of control eating impacts bariatric surgery success rates in adolescents. The study, published in Pediatrics, revealed that patients who engaged in loss of control eating after surgery experienced poorer weight loss outcomes.
Research identified gene variant ABCC2's role in eliminating chemotherapy, affecting treatment response. Variants associated with high drug elimination rates may lead to reduced treatment effectiveness.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have discovered a new CRISPR-Cas9 protein, NmeCas9, that can edit both DNA and RNA with high precision. This breakthrough could lead to new therapeutic possibilities for diseases caused by genetic mutations in RNA.
Researchers at the German Primate Center have improved DNA transfer in gene therapy by modifying viruses to produce a protein called CD9, which increases exosome production and virus efficiency. This results in an 80% infection rate, making gene therapies more efficient.
A new medical imaging technology has enabled doctors to detect bacteria deep inside patients' lungs for the first time. Early tests indicate it can diagnose harmful bacteria in less than 60 seconds, reducing unnecessary antibiotic use.
A large-scale study of genetics and smoking habits sheds new light on the complexities of controlling blood pressure, identifying potential genes of interest for new treatments. The research found surprising links between blood pressure and genes related to addiction, metabolic problems, and kidney disease.
The Intelligent Systems for Geosciences community is using AI to improve decision-making in water management. Computational tools like directed networks are helping visualize connections and patterns in datasets, enabling more informed choices.
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.