Dr. Heidi M. Sosik has made significant contributions to phytoplankton ecology and sensor development, with notable applications in monitoring harmful algal blooms and promoting ocean science education. She will be formally recognized as a Fellow of The Oceanography Society at the Ocean Sciences Meeting in February 2018.
UCLA researchers have developed a map of gene regulation in human neurogenesis, identifying factors that govern brain growth and set the stage for brain disorders. The study reveals key genes involved in neurogenesis and their roles in human cognition.
A Baylor University study found that writing down to-do lists at bedtime can aid in falling asleep. The research, which used overnight polysomnography, compared the sleep patterns of participants who wrote about future tasks versus completed activities.
A group of articles highlights the factors threatening job satisfaction and high-quality care delivery among nephrology specialists. Experts propose measures to improve professional lives, including fellowship training reform, practice transformation, and creating a stronger community of nephrologists.
A new study by Dartmouth College researchers reveals that at least 1% of U.S. voting-age adults change their partisan preference from Democrat to Republican on rainy election days, attributing this shift to a psychological behavior where voters are more averse to risk during poor weather conditions.
The new guidelines aim to improve hospital policies and reduce the spread of multi-drug resistant bacteria. Hospitals are advised to weigh factors such as patient characteristics and time elapsed since last positive culture to determine contact precautions duration.
A new study identified a key brain region controlling social behavior and found that altering its activity may contribute to social deficits in autism. Increasing activity led to social problems, while decreasing it prevented social issues.
A novel deep-learning based hematological human aging clock predicts the biological age of individual patients with high accuracy. The model outperforms chronological age in predicting all-cause mortality, highlighting population-specific patterns of aging.
Researchers discovered a subset of neurons in bat and rat hippocampi that specifically encode the spatial position of other members of the same species. These findings provide insights into how social animals navigate and interact with each other.
A Montreal team of researchers has discovered a new approach to combat tuberculosis by reprogramming immune cells. By training stem cells in the bone marrow, macrophages can be generated to kill TB-causing bacteria. The findings offer promising results for developing an effective vaccine against TB.
Research at Case Western Reserve University explores how maternal cocaine use affects behavioral problems in children, with a focus on gender differences. The study aims to better understand and address behavioral issues in boys and girls exposed to cocaine in utero, potentially informing strategies for prevention and treatment.
A new species of turkey-sized herbivorous dinosaur, Diluvicursor pickeringi, has been discovered in 113 million year old rocks in southeastern Australia. The fossilized tail and foot bones provide significant information about the diversity of small, bipedal ornithopods that roamed the Australian-Antarctic rift valley.
The passenger pigeon's massive population of five billion individuals was dwindling even before the arrival of Europeans, who contributed to its eventual collapse. Genetic analysis using PSMC method found that the species' genetic variation patterns were unusual, making it unsuitable for this technique.
Zooplankton respond to natural light cycles in the upper water column, but artificial light from research vessels disrupts this pattern. The researchers found that zooplankton migrated deeper into the water when exposed to artificial light.
Research finds Polish Agency for Health Technology Assessment has reached 'gold' transparency standard, but still lags behind in disclosing conflicts of interest and drug prices. The study suggests that increased transparency is crucial to protect public health from undue influence by big pharma.
A new study suggests a shared genetic susceptibility between epilepsy and mood disorders, particularly in individuals with focal epilepsy. The study found a significant increase in lifetime prevalence of mood disorders among people with focal epilepsy compared to those with generalized epilepsy.
A study by American Osteopathic Association finds cervical lesions progressing at different rates among Hispanic, white, Asian, and black women, affecting treatment options and risk assessment. Hispanic women progressed faster to high-grade lesions but recovered faster from them.
A study identified new drug targets and resistance genes in malaria parasites resistant to 37 diverse antimalarial compounds. The research, published in Science, revealed a complex chemogenetic landscape of the parasite's underlying biology.
Researchers have mapped podoconiosis in Cameroon, a neglected tropical disease causing leg swelling, with an overall prevalence of 0.5%. The study suggests a nationwide distribution, highlighting the need for prevention and control strategies to beat this disabling disease.
Researchers at Radboud University Medical Center discovered that mevalonate, a byproduct of cholesterol production, trains the immune system. A Western diet rich in cholesterol can also induce trained immune cells, leading to long-lasting inflammation. Statins may inhibit this training, while boosting it could help weakened immune systems
The newly discovered room in the Pyramid of Cheops contains a mysterious void, leading researchers to speculate about its function and content. The
A long-term population-based study found that teenagers who gambled at age 14 and 17 had lower academic performance. The study controlled for socio-familial risk factors and impulsivity.
Research reveals that increasing CO2 levels are causing widespread effects on freshwater ecosystems, leading to a decrease in pH and negatively affecting keystone species like Daphnia. The study found that rising pCO2 can impair the water fleas' ability to detect predators and produce defensive features.
A new study finds that warmer temperatures are turning the majority of sea turtles in the Great Barrier Reef population female, with some beaches having as few as 1% male turtles. This shift could threaten the long-term sustainability of the colony.
D. James Baker was selected as a Fellow of The Oceanography Society for his foundational role in establishing the organization and providing leadership to the nation's ocean science and policy communities. He has made significant contributions to physical oceanography, climate science, and environmental measurement technology.
A study published in Physical Review E suggests that Martian winds were capable of digging up tens of thousands of cubic kilometers of sediment from the Gale Crater over a billion years. The wind-driven movement of sediment and dust is thought to have played a key role in shaping the Martian landscape.
Researchers have developed a machine learning model to predict geothermal heat flux beneath the Greenland Ice Sheet, revealing an anomalously high heat flux in northern regions. The study uses 22 geologic variables to improve ice-mass loss and global sea-level rise predictions.
A human protein called prohibitin may play a significant role in infection of the nervous system by EV71 virus. The study found that inhibitin is required for entry and replication of the virus within cells.
A two-year study in Milan found that providing parents with information and 'nudges' to donate cord blood increased collection rates significantly. The study used behavioral science techniques to encourage expectant mothers to donate their baby's cord blood.
The study's findings offer a blueprint for designing therapeutic drugs against common forms of lung and breast cancer. Understanding the structure of DHHC20 may aid in treatment of EGFR-driven cancers.
A new study found that babies' crawling movements kick up high levels of dirt, skin cells, bacteria, pollen, and fungal spores, which can be detrimental to adult health. However, researchers suggest that this exposure may actually stimulate the immune system and reduce the risk of asthma and allergies later in life.
A national study led by Elizabeth Evans found that childhood adversity elevates men's alcohol risk and increases women's drug risk among veterans. In contrast, civilian men and women show similar risks for both disorders with increasing childhood adversity. The study highlights the need to assess and address childhood adversity in vete...
A new study found that different strains of the same bacterial species can trigger vastly different immune responses in humans. Researchers discovered that distinct genes in each strain contribute to this variability, and may help explain why individuals respond differently to the same pathogens.
Researchers at Linköping University developed the world's first complementary electrochemical logic circuits that function stably for long periods in water. This breakthrough has major consequences for many applications, including bioelectronics and printed electronics.
Researchers develop a gene promoter library to precisely tune genetic inputs and outputs, allowing for the design of probiotics that can diagnose or fight disease. The toolkit enables the creation of non-leaky promoters that turn on as much as needed, opening new doors for fighting disease.
Research finds that insufficient nurse numbers are strongly linked to unfavorable views of hospital care. Increasing registered nurses on duty may boost patient satisfaction with quality of care.
The Hall Family Foundation and Sunderland Foundation donated $150 million to accelerate pediatric research, increasing space by nearly six times. The new research institute will house top researchers and enable precise diagnoses and treatments for complex childhood diseases.
A new patient education brochure has been shown to increase proper disposal rates of unused opioids among surgical patients, with adults receiving the brochure disposing of their medications at a rate of 22 percent compared to 11 percent among those who did not receive it.
Fine aerosol particles in Beijing exhibit high growth rates, with frequent events occurring approximately every 20 hours. The study reveals that nucleation is the dominant mechanism driving these growth events, contributing to haze formation and air quality issues.
A new genetic tool predicts the age of onset for aggressive prostate cancer, guiding decisions on PSA screening. The polygenic hazard score is a highly significant predictor of age at diagnosis, estimating individual genetic risk.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory used neutron scattering to study the behavior of correlated electron systems, gaining insight into material properties. The technique allowed for accurate predictions and comparison to theoretical models, enabling a more ambitious approach to discovering new materials.
The study highlights characteristics of the dogs, including age, medical condition, preventive care, and more. Over 3,000 golden retrievers are enrolled in the study, with a median age of 14 months at enrollment.
A Rutgers University-Camden study found that urban insects are more resilient in extreme weather due to adaptations to high-stress urban environments. Arthropod diversity declined after Hurricane Sandy in New York City parks, becoming indistinguishable from street medians.
A new warm-up program for children's soccer has been shown to reduce injuries by around 50 percent. The '11 + Kids' program, developed for kids aged 7-13, involves a 20-minute warm-up with seven exercises performed at the start of training sessions.
A study by UC Davis found seven of 10 Northern spotted owls tested positive for rat poison, while 40% of 84 barred owls also contaminated with the poison. The illegal marijuana farms are contaminating the food web and posing a significant threat to the survival of these owl species.
A new antifungal compound has been shown to effectively treat drug-resistant Candida auris, a major contributor to hospital outbreaks and deadly infections. The novel mechanism of action suggests the potential for broader treatment applications across fungal species.
Researchers have created a method to rapidly align and twist carbon nanotubes on a slide, producing short, high-strength fibers. The technique reduces production time from hours to minutes, enabling quicker testing and analysis of the fibers' properties.
Researchers found that short-term treatment interruptions do not lead to permanent expansion of the HIV reservoir or irreversible immune damage. Upon resuming ART, participants' immune systems returned to normal levels.
Researchers found that women who underwent failed outpatient sterilization procedures were more likely to experience a live birth and less likely to have an ectopic pregnancy compared to those who had surgical options. The study, published in Obstetrics & Gynecology, included data from nearly 1,000 pregnancies after sterilization failure.
Researchers at the University of Luxembourg have discovered a new promising biomarker for colorectal cancer. The biomarker, MYO5B, has been found to decrease in concentration as the disease progresses, indicating lower chances of disease- and metastasis-free survival.
Scientists have identified eight locations on Mars with significant water ice deposits, providing insights into the planet's climate history and habitability. The ice is found to be cohesive and strong, with distinct layers that could help understand changes in Mars' climate over time.
A new study reveals that birds have advanced their breeding time, laying eggs on fields still to be sown, increasing the risk of nest destruction. This mismatch is likely fatal for bird nests, highlighting the need for conservation efforts and effective schemes like Agri-environment schemes.
A study led by the University of Leeds found that reactive gases emitted by forests have a net cooling effect, outweighing their warming impact. This means deforestation could lead to higher temperatures than previously anticipated, highlighting the need for better understanding of forest climate impacts.
A new species of orchid has been found to be a different identity from previously thought Lecanorchis nigricans var. patipetala. The closed-flower variety has smaller flowers and distinct petal features that set it apart from the open-flower variety.
Research found that forest density significantly affects near-ground temperatures, with dense forests creating cooler microclimates. The study's maps can aid conservation and land-use planning efforts to protect cold-adapted species.
A recent study by University of Utah Health researchers has discovered a novel protein, Arc, that resembles viral proteins and plays a significant role in cell-to-cell communication in the brain. The protein facilitates the transfer of genetic material between neurons, potentially altering our understanding of how memories are formed.
Scientists have identified two fungal genes that cause disease in corn, which could lead to the development of more resistant hybrid varieties. The discovery provides insight into how the fungus outsmarts corn's defenses and may enable researchers to create plant varieties that can detect and resist specific pathogens.
Karen Cheng, a third-year medical student at Boston University School of Medicine, has created an automated device that kills mosquito larvae in rooftop water tanks, reducing the spread of Zika and other viruses. The invention was recognized with a $3,500 award from the Clinton Global Initiative University Conference Innovation Fund.
Researchers developed the Situation awareness-based Agent Transparency model to enhance agent transparency, improving human-agent team performance. Higher levels of transparency led to better trust calibration and overall team effectiveness.
A new AI model based on convolutional neural networks (CNN) significantly improves the analysis of kidney biopsy images, enabling accurate quantification of kidney damage and prediction of life remaining in the kidney. This technology has the potential to act as a surrogate nephropathologist, particularly in resource-limited settings.