The UCR team's guidebook outlines three types of biosignatures that astrobiologists have proposed as markers for life on other planets. The review articles provide a comprehensive framework for scientists searching for signs of life, called biosignatures, in the data they collect from future telescope observations.
Scientists have developed a new mapping technique to identify areas where ocean fronts and eddies bring together masses of fish, fishermen, and predators, increasing the risk of entangling non-target species. This insight can help inform dynamic ocean management and reduce bycatch of protected species.
A study identified 17 new genera and 29 new species of microgastrine wasps, including those named after Crocodile Dundee and Toblerone, published in the Journal of Hymenoptera Research. The discovery highlights the megadiverse fauna of these parasitoid wasps, with many more awaiting discovery.
A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that US flight attendants have a higher prevalence of several cancers, including breast and cervical cancer, compared to the general public. The study suggests that minimizing radiation exposure and circadian rhythm disruption may help reduce the risk of cancer among cabi...
The study examines the relationship between empathy and prejudice, finding that empathy does not directly influence prejudice but can affect it through personality traits like openness to experience. An empathetic person is less likely to develop prejudices, suggesting fostering empathy is crucial in reducing prejudice.
Early music training enhances brain processing of pitch and improves speech perception in young learners, with benefits mirroring those seen in reading instruction. The study found no broad cognitive enhancements from piano training alone, suggesting a targeted impact on sound processing ability.
Researchers conducted an international survey to assess the importance of variables in climate models. They found consensus on certain variables like rainfall and evaporation but disagreement on others like surface winds. The study highlights the need for more systematic approaches to model assessment, which will aid in evaluating new ...
Developmental prosopagnosia often occurs due to a neurobiological problem in the brain affecting visual recognition broadly. The study found that DPs had reduced responses to faces but normal responses to objects, scenes, and bodies across all face-selective areas.
A new study from Durham University found that men's testosterone levels are largely determined by their environment during childhood. The research suggests that men who grew up in challenging conditions may have lower testosterone levels in later life.
Early premature birth at less than 34 weeks was associated with increased risk of symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. The association was most pronounced among girls, suggesting a potential link between prematurity and ADHD symptoms that may be influenced by genetic and environmental factors.
A large-scale genomic study found that nearly 80% of cholera transmission in Dhaka occurred between people sharing a household. Preventing this spread could significantly reduce outbreaks and save lives. Local interventions such as sanitation and hygiene improvements can help break the chain of transmission.
Researchers discovered that activating GPR139 reduces alcohol intake and restores pain sensitivity thresholds in alcohol-dependent mice. This finding suggests a potential new approach for treating alcohol use disorder.
A national study reveals significant gaps in hearing aid use among Americans over 55, with non-Hispanic whites, college-educated individuals, and those with higher incomes more likely to have a hearing aid. The cost of hearing aids is a major barrier, but having VA insurance coverage levels the playing field.
A NIH-funded study of 91 youth ages 10-19 found that neither initial treatment with long-acting insulin followed by metformin, nor metformin alone preserved the body's ability to make insulin. Metformin did show modest improvement in blood glucose levels.
The ATLAS and CMS experiments at the Large Hadron Collider discovered strong Higgs boson interactions with the heaviest elementary particle, the top quark. USTC researchers played a significant role in this discovery, contributing to detector operation, data analysis, and upgrades.
Microglia, specialized immune cells in the brain, have been found to gobble up the remnants of injured neurons, preventing damage from spreading to neighboring neurons. This discovery could lead to new strategies for boosting microglial clearance and limiting neurodegeneration after brain or spinal cord injury.
Researchers have identified the biological process of mineralization that occurs in young corals, shedding light on coral reef formation and the storage of atmospheric carbon dioxide. The discovery also holds implications for new biotechnological developments using coral extractions to regenerate human bones.
Researchers found that cancer cells produce excessive BCL-2 protein due to a ribosome defect, helping them survive chemotherapy. A drug suppressing this protein has shown promise in treating T-cell leukaemia with similar defects.
Scientists from Umeå University have discovered a new toxin, MakA, produced by Vibrio cholerae bacteria. The toxin affects both vertebrate and invertebrate hosts, causing damage to the intestinal system, and is transported through the flagellum filamentous structure.
New research has uncovered methane-producing microbial communities in fracking wells, which could have implications for energy companies and human health. The study also suggests parallels between these microbes and those found in the human gut and soil.
Researchers identified a unique mutation in a patient with transthyretin (TTR) amyloidosis, a progressive condition causing abnormal protein deposits. The study suggests that new drugs targeting different sites on the protein may be effective, offering potential breakthroughs for treatment.
A new study found that combining nanomaterials with nutrient runoff from fertilized cropland can intensify harmful algal blooms in wetlands. The nanoparticles accelerated the growth of algae, reducing dissolved oxygen levels and creating toxic conditions for aquatic organisms.
Researchers identified a key metabolic pathway allowing microbes to maintain osmotic balance, produce energy, and obtain carbon and nitrogen. Microbial metabolism significantly influences compound concentrations in shale-derived fluids.
New research on sea lamprey reveals the evolutionary roots of myelinating glia, cells responsible for insulating axons and enhancing neural communication. The study's findings suggest that myelin evolved to facilitate fast signal transmission in smaller axons of jawed vertebrates.
The new foam reacts to sound waves of high and low frequencies, cutting the level of noise transmission by 20-22 dB. The material is cheaper and easier to apply than aerogel, with improved acoustic characteristics obtained through additional impregnation with nanoparticles.
Researchers analyzed past warm periods to understand potential future climate changes. They found that ecosystems and climate zones will shift poleward or to higher altitudes, potentially releasing additional greenhouse gases and leading to sea-level rise.
A study investigating combination checkpoint immunotherapy in lethal advanced prostate cancer revealed that genetic subsets of patients with AR-V7+ prostate cancer may benefit from treatment. One-quarter of patients achieved an objective response, and at least two remain alive for over 18 months.
A significant portion of adult childhood cancer survivors are unconcerned about their future health and developing new cancers. Despite increased risk, many survivors underestimate their risks due to lack of understanding or awareness.
Researchers at Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik achieved a record-breaking fusion product with Wendelstein 7-X, lasting up to 26 seconds and reaching temperatures of 40 million degrees. The device's optimized magnetic field geometry also demonstrated improved thermal insulation and low bootstrap current.
Research by the University of Exeter warns that increased storm frequency and intensity could disrupt fish populations, destroy habitats, and affect the livelihood of fishermen. The study highlights the need for urgent research to predict where storms are likely to hit and support fishing communities' adaptation to climate change.
Immune cells called microglia are precision cleaning machines protecting the central nervous system from damage. By understanding their role, scientists can develop new treatments tailored to individual patients' needs.
Scientists have developed a biodegradable patch that sticks to the inside of the mouth, administering steroids directly to oral ulcers while creating a protective barrier. The novel plaster, called Rivelin, is effective in treating conditions such as oral lichen planus and recurrent aphthous stomatitis.
Neuroscientists discover that dislike and dehumanization are not the same thing, processed by different brain regions. Researchers used fMRI to observe participants' brain activity while rating feelings towards groups, finding that dislike and dehumanization were distinct but often overlap.
A new study finds low intakes of vitamin D among UK South Asian adults due to inadequate dietary intake and low supplementation rates. The population group is at increased risk of chronic diseases like osteoporosis, cancer, and cardiovascular disease.
A study published in JNeurosci found that activating the BLA-CeA circuit counteracted anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in rats, even without physical pain. This discovery sheds light on the complex relationship between pain and emotion, potentially leading to better treatments for chronic pain patients.
Researchers identified a protein film that forms over wounds, providing protection against bacterial infection for at least 12 hours. The biofilm has 'breathability' properties, allowing air to reach the wound while keeping bacteria out.
A new study has identified the genetic networks behind a critical catalyst called a sarpagan bridge enzyme in Indian Snakeroot, a plant used for millennia in South and South East-Asia as a tranquilizer. The discovery could lead to faster routes to treatments for abnormal heart rhythms, high blood pressure, and some mental disorders.
Researchers have found that positive social media commentary from infrequent users significantly influences the rising price of Bitcoin. The study, led by Feng Mai, shows that these silent majority users move prices up to ten times more than active users. This suggests that investors should recognize and discount biased comments.
Researchers at Harvard have developed an oral delivery method that can effectively deliver insulin to the bloodstream, overcoming the major obstacles of protein degradation and absorption. The innovative formulation uses an ionic liquid comprised of choline and geranic acid, which is released in a controlled manner once ingested.
Researchers create FluVision technology to visualize influenza infection in real-time, observing differences between highly-pathogenic H5N1 and milder H1N1 strains. The tool reveals increased damage caused by H5N1, including pulmonary leakage and immune cell activation.
A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine finds that hospital at home (HaH) care reduces length of stay, hospital readmissions, emergency department visits, and transfers to skilled nursing facilities. HaH also improves patient experience and satisfaction rates compared to traditional inpatient care.
Researchers found that extra copies of genes on chromosome 21 increase Alzheimer's-like brain pathology in a mouse model of Down syndrome. The study could lead to future medicines to prevent early onset Alzheimer's disease in people with Down syndrome.
A study by Arizona State University found that gender bias influences how people perceive an attorney's effectiveness when delivering a closing argument, particularly for women. The research suggests that showing traditionally male characteristics in court can lead to negative perceptions of female attorneys.
Researchers Corey Howard, Ralph Pudritz and William Harris use supercomputer simulations to re-create star cluster formation. The study shows that massive star clusters are the natural outcome of large gas collections, and can be used to reverse-engineer galaxy conditions.
Scientists developed an AI program to categorize volcanic ash particle shapes, helping provide information on eruptions and aid hazard mitigation. The program achieved a success rate of 92% in classifying basal shapes with probability ratios.
A novel intelligent theranostic agent was designed to target tumors, with the ability to self-assemble in the tumor microenvironment and activate for therapy guided by photoacoustic imaging. The clusters showed high selectivity to the tumor microenvironment and eliminated tumor growth without subsequent recurrence.
UCSF researchers identified a critical immune cell pathway that primes the immune system for effective response to checkpoint inhibitors. The presence of specific immune cells, such as dendritic cells and natural killer cells, in tumors predicts improved response to immunotherapy and overall survival. These findings enable clinicians t...
A Penn study found that protein fragments in semen enhance Ebola virus transmission and protect the virus from environmental stress. Researchers suggest targeting amyloids could prevent sexual transmission of the Ebola virus.
A series of setbacks can lead to an 'action crisis,' causing individuals to question the importance of their goal. New research reveals that repeated struggles and setbacks can cause people to devalue their goal, making it harder to stick to it. However, knowing ahead of time when an action crisis may occur allows individuals to prepar...
Tropical Storm Daniel formed on June 23 and strengthened into a tropical storm by June 25. NASA's analysis showed a small area of strong thunderstorms around the storm's center, indicating potential for heavy rainfall due to cold cloud tops.
Researchers identified a compound called phenylacetic acid (PAA) produced by gut bacteria linked to the early onset of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). The study suggests PAA could be used as a biological marker in the clinic to identify patients at increased risk of disease.
Researchers found contaminated surface water and unwashed produce are primary sources of transmission, while improved sanitation can significantly reduce the disease. In Fiji, people with poor sanitation facilities or damaged sewerage systems are at higher risk of contracting typhoid fever.
Scientists have successfully transferred vibrational coherence between electronic states of a molecule, overcoming a major hurdle in the study of ultrafast chemical reactions. The research builds upon earlier studies and demonstrates the importance of solvents in driving energy flow in polyatomic molecules.
A new study published in Epidemiology found no association between exposure to air pollution and increased risk of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in children aged 3-10 years. The study included data from nearly 30,000 children across seven European countries.
A new airborne remote-imaging method can identify olive tree infections caused by the devastating bacterium Xylella fastidiosa before visible symptoms appear. This detection enables rapid containment and culling of infected trees, crucial in controlling the spread of the disease across southern Europe's iconic orchards.
Researchers have developed a catalyst that converts CO2 into liquid alcohols like ethanol and propanol, offering a potential solution for renewable transportation fuels. The new catalyst design enhances CO2 reduction by incorporating sulfur atoms and copper vacancies, inspiring more efficient catalysts.
A study identified 143 species-level taxa associated with plant genotype, regardless of environmental factors. This finding suggests heritable microbes could be selected for beneficial traits in plant breeding.
A new smart probe developed by Tel Aviv University researchers can detect and visualize individual cancer cells in real-time, allowing surgeons to target specific tumor locations. The probe uses near-infrared technology to identify overproduced enzymes in cancer cells, guiding precise removal of malignant tissue.
Researchers have discovered a nearly 15.5-mile-long fault zone with two parallel master faults and hundreds of smaller cross faults at the southern tip of the San Andreas Fault. The 'Durmid Ladder' structure may be the site of the region's next major earthquake, posing an increased surface-rupture hazard.
Researchers discovered that oxygen-starved tumor cells struggle to produce aspartate, a crucial amino acid. By targeting this Achilles' heel, doctors may develop new treatments to block aspartate uptake or production.