Using ALMA, two teams of astronomers have confirmed the presence of three infant planets around a young star, HD 163296. The planets are located at distances of approximately 12 billion and 21 billion kilometers from the star, and were identified using a novel technique that analyzes gas flow patterns within a protoplanetary disc.
Researchers have found a blood-based genetic biomarker, KLRD1, which determines an individual's susceptibility to the flu. Those with higher levels of this gene have better immune defenses and are less likely to fall ill.
Children and adolescents treated with antipsychotics for 12 weeks experience significant gains in body fat and decreased insulin sensitivity. Antipsychotic medications can be helpful but also have side effects involving fat gain and insulin resistance, important precursors to diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
A new study highlights the importance of educating nurses about antimicrobial stewardship and obtaining their buy-in to strengthen antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs). The research found that nurse participation leads to closer team coordination, cross-discipline collaboration, and ultimately saves lives.
Research by University of Bangor and Basque Centre on Cognition, Brain and Language finds bilingualism reduces dyslexia symptoms in adults. Bilingual individuals experience less severe problems with English reading and phonological processes compared to monolingual dyslexics.
A new teleconnection discovered by UCI scientists uses sea surface temperature anomalies near New Zealand to predict winter precipitation in California and the Southwest US. The New Zealand Index has a correlation of 0.7 with precipitation, outperforming El Niño-Southern Oscillation techniques.
Researchers at Japan's University of Tsukuba found that phosphoproteins accumulate when mice are awake and dissipate during sleep. The study identified 80 proteins, dubbed the Sleep-Need-Index-PhosphoProteins (SNIPPs), which change their phosphorylation state along with sleep need.
Exosomes in brains affected by Alzheimer's disease contain toxic aggregates of amyloid beta and tau proteins, spreading the disease to new neurons. The study opens up the possibility of diagnosing Alzheimer's disease and developing drugs that could prevent the spreading.
A new study led by University of Iowa researchers explains how ammonia is distributed in the upper atmosphere, aligning with satellite measurements. The research answers a mystery of how ammonia is absorbed and released into the air during convection, resolving a discrepancy between satellite data and scientific understanding.
A new test can identify patients in intensive care units who are at greatest risk of developing secondary infections, including those caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The test uses markers on immune cells to create a 'risk profile' for individuals, which can help target therapies and improve the success of clinical trials.
Researchers documented termites' behavior in a tiny, built-to-scale dream home, revealing key findings about their destructive nature. Termites require moisture to survive and quickly find structural weaknesses, causing damage to the foundation and walls.
A preclinical study shows a new cholera vaccine can provide long-term immune response and immediate protection within 24 hours. Mathematical modeling predicts the vaccine could save up to 20,000 infections compared to traditional vaccines.
A new study warns that Antarctica's ecosystem is under threat due to climate change, with a metre of global sea level rise predicted if drastic action is not taken. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and implementing effective regulations could mitigate this impact.
A new study suggests that many coral reefs will be unable to keep growing fast enough to keep up with rising sea levels, leading to increased erosion and flooding risk. The researchers found that growth rates for over 200 tropical western Atlantic and Indian Ocean reefs are slowing due to coral reef degradation.
Experts warn that a proposed Trump gag rule will limit federal funding for abortion counselling and provision, posing a threat to women's basic rights. The rule would prohibit clinics or programs receiving federal family planning funds from providing abortions, referring women to places that do, or counselling them on the option.
New research suggests many coral reefs will be unable to keep growing fast enough to keep up with rising sea levels, leading to increased erosion and flooding risk. Coral reefs are struggling due to combinations of coral disease, water quality deterioration, fishing pressure, and severe impacts from climate change-induced coral bleaching.
Scientists found that the West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) was smaller than it is today at some point between 14,500 and 9,000 years ago, but did not collapse. The loss of ice triggered uplift in the sea floor, leading to regrowth of the ice sheet.
A recent study published in BMJ Open found that 7.6% of Britons reported experiencing preventable harm in primary care, with doctors often failing to take concerns seriously. The survey, conducted by University of Manchester researchers, highlights a significant divide between patient and clinician perspectives.
Herbert Edelsbrunner, a renowned researcher in computational geometry and topology, has been awarded the 2018 Wittgenstein Prize. The prize will support his research, enabling him to establish Austria as a leading center for this field.
Researchers develop magnetically activated soft robots with controlled movements, enabling remote control in enclosed spaces. The new technique uses a new type of 3D-printable ink infused with magnetic particles, allowing for fast, forceful, and body-benign movement.
A possible biomarker for long-term learning has been discovered, which may lead to different educational techniques to improve retention of information. The researchers used EEG to measure students' brain responses to anatomical terms before and after an introductory anatomy class.
Researchers have developed a fast-acting cholera vaccine that protects against the deadly disease within a day, offering promise in curbing outbreaks. The vaccine, HaitiV, works by using harmless, lab-designed bacteria as a protective shield, preventing the pathogen from causing trouble.
Researchers identified plasma lipid species as signatures of healthy or unhealthy metabolic states, including fatty liver disease. They also pinpointed genetic regulators of lipid species and their physiological functions using systems genetics approaches.
Carlex Glass America has licensed Oak Ridge National Laboratory's superhydrophobic coating technology to improve driver visibility and safety in inclement weather. The coating enables water to bounce off, reducing light reflection and fingerprints.
A new study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that short-term treatment with antipsychotic medications can increase body fat and decrease insulin sensitivity in children, important early steps in the development of type 2 diabetes. Researchers used gold-standard methods to measure changes in whole body and abdominal fat as well as ins...
New research published in Nature shows that land-based sectors of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet were mostly stable throughout the Pliocene, a period with carbon dioxide concentrations similar to today's. The terrestrial segment is more resilient at current carbon dioxide levels, but marine-based ice may still contribute to sea level rise.
An interdisciplinary team investigates how individual building blocks arrange into regular patterns during embryonic development or healing processes. Researchers use high-resolution video microscopy and novel biomolecules to test findings on fruit flies and human stem cells.
A University of Guelph study found that swapping half of a portion of starchy side dishes with lentils can significantly improve the body's response to carbohydrates. Replacing potatoes with lentils led to a 35-per-cent drop in blood glucose levels.
A new analysis reveals that rural areas struggle to retain emergency physicians, while advanced practice providers like nurse practitioners provide disproportionately more emergency care. The study highlights the need for targeted training and policy changes to address these workforce gaps.
Weakening Hurricane Bud is expected to produce life-threatening flash floods and mud slides across southwestern Mexico. The storm's rainfall rates are decreasing, with moderate to heavy precipitation only present in the southeastern quadrant.
Fair classroom practices involving transparent grading rubrics, student feedback, bias awareness, and clear correction policies can eliminate the threat of evaluation retaliation. Researchers found that students perceive fairness in these processes rather than just grades, leading to improved teacher evaluations.
A recent climate assessment reveals that Antarctica's ice sheet has been losing mass at an unprecedented rate, contributing to a threefold increase in global sea level rise. The continent's ice losses have risen from 53 billion tonnes per year in the 1990s to 159 billion tonnes per year since 2012.
Researchers at Harvard University have discovered that the 'blood stem cell niche' evolved to protect blood stem cells from ultraviolet (UV) rays in sunlight. This finding has significant implications for improving the safety of blood stem cell transplants, a procedure used to treat patients with blood diseases and cancers.
Scientists have visualized the interaction between two critical components of the body's cellular communication network using cryo-electron microscopy. The near-atomic resolution images show a G-protein coupled receptor bound to an inhibitory G protein, providing a blueprint for designing more precise and selective drugs.
The University of Basel researchers have solved the mystery of how the ACC enzyme assembles into distinct filaments, revealing its impact on enzymatic activity and fatty acid production. This discovery opens up new possibilities for developing selective ACC inhibitors to combat diseases linked to metabolic syndrome.
Researchers have developed a magnetic treatment to isolate and remove unwanted substances in cabernet sauvignon wine. This technique, using polymers with magnetic nanoparticles, shows promise in removing off-tasting compounds without altering the desired flavors.
Researchers found a link between calcitriol and reduced ovarian cancer progression by blocking smad signaling in tumor cells and supportive fibroblasts. The study opens a new potential avenue for treating ovarian cancer, with calcitriol already FDA-approved for other uses.
Satellite monitoring reveals Antarctica's glaciers, ice shelves, and sea ice are changing due to climate warming, threatening sea levels with a potential increase of over 50 meters. The continent's ice sheet holds enough water to raise global seas by more than 50 metres.
Researchers recorded narwhals in East Greenland, capturing six hours of audio that revealed three types of sounds: clicks, buzzes, and calls. The study found that narwhals produce buzzes at greater depths than clicks, and that a particular fjord had high buzzing rates, suggesting a preferred feeding area.
A nationwide study found that people with religious affiliations lived nearly four years longer than those with no ties to religion. The boost was attributed to various factors, including volunteerism, social organization involvement, and stress-reducing practices such as gratitude, prayer, or meditation.
Researchers found that patients with high blood pressure are at higher risk of developing dementia and show early signs of brain damage on MRI scans. These changes can be detected before symptoms appear, allowing for earlier intervention to prevent further deterioration.
A study by Michigan Technological University researchers suggests that more than 100 nuclear weapons in a nation's arsenal can destabilize the country and lead to widespread starvation. The authors argue that maintaining such a large number of nuclear weapons is not only counterproductive but also costly.
A significant study reveals autistic adults are over-represented among the homeless population, with 12.3% showing autistic traits. The researchers call for further investigation into the link between autism and homelessness to improve support.
A recent study published in Biology of Sex Differences found no significant association between cannabis use and suicidal behavior in people with psychiatric disorders. However, the study did suggest that heavy cannabis use may increase risk of suicidal behavior in men.
A new study from the University of Waterloo found that warmer ocean water is destabilizing ice shelves, leading to their breakup and acceleration of sea level rise. This process, driven by dual mechanisms from below and above, poses a significant threat to coastal regions worldwide.
A study published in The American Surgeon found that ambulatory surgical centers who publicly listed their prices saw increased patient volume and revenue. Five of the six centers reported a 30-50% increase in revenue and patient satisfaction after implementing price transparency.
A large trial found no significant difference in long-term smoking abstinence between nicotine preloading and standard therapy, as the beneficial effect may have been masked by a concurrent reduction in varenicline use. However, if overcome, nicotine preloading could lead to increased long-term abstinence rates.
Researchers investigated brown fat cells after whitening, finding they are more likely to die than white adipocytes. Whitened fat tissue also shows increased inflammation and macrophages. The ketogenic diet regulates metabolites but not brain levels, suggesting changes in plasma metabolism may not always cross the blood-brain barrier.
Scientists successfully forecasted summer temperatures in western China using a new model, showing high correlation with observations over most regions. The predictability is linked to interannual SST variations and tropical Pacific trends.
A new, fully automated blood drawing and testing device has been created by Rutgers researchers, providing rapid results and improving hospital workflows. The device uses an image-guided robot to draw blood from veins and incorporates a centrifuge-based analyzer for highly accurate test results.
This special issue of CVIA journal presents major review articles and research findings on Adult Congenital Heart Disease, including pulmonary hypertension management, Ebstein anomaly surgery, and heart transplantation. Key topics include pregnancy in congenital heart disease and depression in adults with congenital heart disease.
Recent improvements in perovskite alternatives are moving tandem devices closer to market with efficiencies similar to commercial silicon modules. Researchers have achieved lab device efficiencies up to 26.4 percent by tinkering with material composition and encapsulating cells in protective coatings.
A study published in Pediatric Research found that parents who use digital devices to escape their child's bad behavior are making it worse. The 'technoference' can lead to more frustration, hyperactivity and tantrums in children, as well as increased stress for parents.
A new laser technology developed by Swansea University has won the Materials Science Venture Prize, allowing for real-time monitoring of molten metal furnaces without stopping production. This innovation saves steel plants up to £4.5 million a year and can be applied to various metals such as aluminium and copper.
A randomized clinical trial found that antipsychotic medications increased body fat and decreased insulin sensitivity in youths with disruptive behavior disorders. The study highlights the need for optimal monitoring of metabolic adverse effects in children and youngsters treated with these medications.
Researchers found no significant link between fluid infusion and brain injury in children with DKA, contrary to decades of clinical practice. The study provides more treatment flexibility for clinicians, but the authors continue to investigate potential causes of neurological damage.
Geologists analyzed 135 Mississippi River water samples, revealing that 75% of sulfate comes from pyrite mineral rusting, a process enhanced by human activities. This finding highlights the magnitude of human impact on natural chemical cycles and potential effects on ocean acidification.
A recent study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that mindfulness meditation and relaxation response programs have unique effects on the brain. The mindfulness program improved self-compassion and rumination, while the relaxation response program strengthened coupling between neural regions associated with deliberate control.
Researchers identified 29 Antarctic fungi with proven action against Xanthomonas citri, the bacterium causing citrus canker. The isolated compounds inhibited bacterial growth by up to 98%, offering a promising alternative to copper-based control methods.
Researchers have designed a coating infused with antimicrobial agents and mimicking the patterned diamond-like texture of shark skin. The coating effectively killed over 95% of E. coli and 80% of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria when exposed to UV light, making it a potential solution to combat hospital infections.