Scientists have discovered higher levels of humanin in placentas of women who gave birth to underweight infants. This protein may play a role in protecting the fetus during placental failure. The study highlights the importance of understanding the causes of low birthweight and its potential impact on adult health.
The subduction of the Pacific plate resulted in the thinning and replacement of the lithospheric mantle in the North China Craton. The Yanshan Movement, a decratonization process, was characterized by lithospheric thinning and crustal detachment triggered by asthenospheric upwelling.
A new serological test developed by Brazilian scientists detects antibodies against Zika virus in blood serum with high specificity, outperforming existing tests. The test aims to improve prevention policies for pregnant women and provide more accurate diagnoses.
Regular meditation practice has been shown to improve sustained attention and response inhibition in older adults, with benefits partially maintained over seven years. Despite plateauing, the cognitive gains observed suggest potential long-term benefits of continued meditation practice.
A team of researchers from Colorado State University's Energy Institute has received a $1.2 million grant to study the efficiency of natural gas engines, aiming to make them as efficient as diesel engines. The research could lead to cost savings and improved air quality, with potential benefits for commercial vehicles.
Scientists link whooping cough resurgence in the US to incomplete adult vaccination and declining vaccine efficacy over time. School-aged children are identified as a key transmission hub for future vaccination efforts.
Researchers found that antibiotic use decreases native gut bacteria's ability to compete with C. difficile for nutrients like proline, creating a fertile environment for the bacterium's growth and colonization. This discovery could lead to the development of probiotics and targeted therapies to prevent C. difficile infections.
Researchers used geometric morphometrics to analyze shell shape in eastern box turtles, finding a gradient of variation that carries through to modern box turtles. The study suggests some fossils represent lost subspecies or extinct species, while others show a closer relationship to modern species.
Researchers at Wayne State University are investigating a potential new direction for treating Barth syndrome, a rare and life-threatening genetic disorder. The study aims to activate pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) and/or supplement deficient metabolites to reveal a new treatment approach.
Researchers from the University of Liverpool and Alder Hey will join a UK-wide effort to drive the development of new, targeted treatments for children and young people with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and its associated eye-inflammation condition, uveitis. The CLUSTER Consortium aims to improve the lives of children living wit...
Researchers developed an algorithm to simulate molecular dynamics of patchy particles, which are made up of a rigid body with only two charged patches. The findings provide new insights into what makes biological entities like protein/DNA combinations self-assemble.
A Bronze-Age burial mound in Cornwall has been discovered, dating back 2,000 BC. The site will be excavated to uncover its secrets and shed light on the region's prehistoric past.
Researchers at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation have made a groundbreaking discovery about colon cancer, revealing that certain hidden polyps may be responsible for up to 30-40% of cases. The study also found that these polyps are caused by a mutation in the BRAF gene and could potentially be detected through fecal samples.
A recent study concludes that natural population turnover, incomplete vaccination coverage, and waning protection from a highly effective yet imperfect vaccine explain the resurgence of whooping cough in the US. The disease's high contagiousness and potential for fatal complications make it essential to understand its causes.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have identified a key regulator of a cellular pathway that selectively targets mutant p53-R175H proteins, which promote ovarian cancer growth. The study suggests designing drugs directed at this regulator might lead to better ways to control cancer growth.
A 3-year initiative aims to develop an airflow control system based on AI sensors detecting human movement and air currents in the underground complex Santica. The goal is a 50% cut in energy and CO2 emissions.
A case-control study in the UK and USA found rare genetic mutations associated with impaired breathing muscles in children who died from sudden infant death syndrome. The study suggests a possible genetic element to the disorder, but more research is needed to understand the link and potential treatments.
Researchers propose a new approach to estimate degree of similarity between coordination polyhedra and reference polyhedra. The method is tested on over 400 crystalline structures and demonstrates its consistency with structural crystal chemistry theorems.
The Fifth International Symposium on Arctic Research was the largest of its kind held in a non-Arctic country, attracting 344 participants from 18 nations. Researchers discussed global warming impacts, climate change effects, and new research projects such as MOSAiC.
Researchers developed a new antimalarial drug that kills mosquitoes, reducing the spread of malaria. Adding high doses of ivermectin to existing drugs increased mosquito mortality by up to 61%.
A new EIT Health project, 'MoveIT', aims to analyze gait patterns and warn patients of potential falls. The project uses sensors placed on patients' shoes and upper body to gather data for further research.
Researchers found that cancer cells have extra and longer centrioles, disrupting cell division, in aggressive breast and colon cancers. This discovery may aid in classifying tumors for prognosis and predicting treatment response.
New research shows that even low-level parental conflict can have lasting damage on children's emotional development. Shy children are particularly vulnerable, with shyness exacerbating the problem. Children from high-conflict homes struggle to accurately identify neutral interactions, leading to potential instability in adulthood.
Researchers found a galaxy with almost no dark matter, challenging the long-held idea that galaxies start with dark matter halos. The team discovered 10 globular clusters in NGC1052-DF2, which could account for all the mass in the galaxy.
A University of Waterloo study found that mandatory nutrition policies in Ontario reduced sugar-sweetened beverage consumption by 16% compared to Alberta. The study suggests that schools alone may not be enough to curb adolescents' intake of sugary drinks, highlighting the need for broader environmental changes.
The USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) has awarded $4.7 million to support food safety education for producers and processors affected by the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). The funding will provide customized training to small and mid-sized farms, beginning farmers, and socially-disadvantaged farmers.
Researchers developed a model to test the cost and capabilities of a fleet of shared, automated electric vehicles in New York City. The study found that about 6,500 vehicles could be sustained on 1,500 medium-power electric vehicle chargers across Manhattan, resulting in a 33,000-ton reduction in carbon dioxide emissions per year.
Tropical Storm Jelawat is intensifying due to cold cloud top temperatures as low as minus 63 degrees Fahrenheit. The storm's maximum sustained winds strengthened to 50 knots on March 28, forecasted to reach hurricane force within 24 hours.
A team of scientists has discovered that rocks round up in the same way regardless of their origin, with a common process guiding their shape evolution. By combining mathematical models and laboratory experiments, the researchers found that collisions between particles favor the chipping off of small sediment fragments.
Researchers from TROPOS and universities of Innsbruck and Helsinki observe rapid pair production in laboratory experiments, indicating significant formation of non-volatile accretion products. This discovery is crucial for understanding the climate impact of secondary organic aerosol.
Researchers from PSU, Stanford, and USGS will investigate volcanic ash behavior to inform emergency evacuations and air traffic decisions. Using high-resolution cameras and lasers, they aim to gain a better understanding of how far volcanic particles drift and cluster.
Scientists have captured compelling evidence for Majorana quasiparticles, which are predicted to form the backbone of a type of quantum computer. The latest experiment uses ultra-thin semiconductor and superconducting aluminum to unlock the particles' presence, with results confirming theoretical predictions and demonstrating robustness.
A recent UTSW study sheds light on the mechanisms underlying Sonic Hedgehog subtype medulloblastoma development, revealing a crucial role for the G protein-coupled receptor Gpr161. The research suggests that Gpr161 acts as a tumor suppressor by preventing excessive granule cell proliferation.
New research finds that fungi in healthy adults' gut samples correspond to species present in saliva, foods, or experimental diets. These fungi pass through the GI tract as part of digestion rather than colonizing.
A study by McGill University researchers found that complex interactions among roots, fungi, and bacteria drive the degradation of hydrocarbons in polluted soil. This discovery suggests a new approach to phytoremediation, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary research.
Researchers at Monterey Bay Aquarium discovered sea turtles using their flippers to handle prey, a behavior thought to be unlikely in marine tetrapods. This 'exaptation' suggests flippers may have been adapted for novel tasks 70 million years earlier than previously thought.
Researchers discovered a simple bedside test that can diagnose neurodegenerative brain diseases, including Parkinson's and Lewy Body dementia. The test measures changes in blood pressure and heart rate after standing up, providing clues for healthcare providers to identify potential patients with synucleinopathies.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have discovered the mechanism by which holes become trapped in zinc oxide nanoparticles, a material with potential for solar energy applications. The study uses X-ray techniques to visualize hole trapping in specific regions of the nanoparticle, revealing its impact on material performance.
Researchers discovered that proteins use vibrations to direct energy across pigments in plants, allowing for efficient energy transfer. This discovery could help design better solar materials and is a classical mechanism rather than quantum effects.
Researchers have identified a new therapeutic target, OMA1, which protects cardiomyocytes from death and deterioration in heart function when the heart is under stress. Inhibition of OMA1 prevents heart failure in models of chronic tachycardia, hypertension, and myocardial ischemia with cardiac hypertrophy.
Researchers have discovered 29 human footprints in intertidal beach sediments off the coast of British Columbia, dated to around 13,000 years ago. The findings suggest that humans were present on the west coast of Canada about 13,000 years ago, as it emerged from the most recent ice age.
Researchers at U of T Engineering found that optimizing for autonomous vehicles can increase parking lot capacity by 62%. A well-designed AV parking lot can accommodate more cars than a conventional one, with square-shaped lots capable of increasing capacity up to 87%.
Researchers at Saarland University develop a sensor-free control methodology for electromagnetic valves and locks, achieving high-precision control without additional position sensors. The new technology allows devices to maintain intermediate positions and operate continuously variable systems.
Researchers used a novel barcode-based tracing method to map the projection patterns of individual neurons in the visual cortex. The study found that most primary visual cortex neurons distribute information to multiple downstream areas, rather than projecting to a single target.
A decade of fossil collecting in Tanzania and Zambia has provided new perspectives on the Triassic period, revealing regional patterns and similarities across different geographic areas. The findings highlight the presence of early dinosaurs, such as Teleocrater, and other animals that co-existed with them.
The Water Recovery X-ray rocket, WRX, will test a newly-developed X-ray spectrograph and study the X-rays from a supernova remnant in the Milky Way galaxy. The mission will provide information about the conditions in the Vela supernova remnant, including temperature, density, chemical composition, and ionization state.
The Human Frontier Science Program awarded over $34 million to 31 winning research teams in a global competition that started with 771 submissions from scientists in 50+ countries. The funding supports cutting-edge, interdisciplinary projects under the theme Complex mechanisms of living organisms.
Researchers from Brown University and Harvard Law School urge the US to allow mitochondrial replacement therapy to prevent fatal mitochondrial diseases in children. The procedure replaces mutation-bearing mitochondria with donated mutation-free ones, saving lives and alleviating human suffering.
A new technique uses engineered diamond crystals to increase the strength of magnetic field produced by molecules, increasing their signal when measured by MRI. This could enhance imaging sensitivity for patient diagnosis and personalized medicine.
The SU2C Phillip A. Sharp Innovation in Collaboration Awards aim to strengthen collaboration among scientists conducting cancer research, with five teams receiving $1.25 million to work on new projects across institutional and national lines. The grants focus on synergies among researchers from different institutions and skill sets.
Researchers at Aalto University found that El Niño and similar climate oscillations impact crop production worldwide, particularly in South Asia, Latin America, and Europe. The study highlights the potential of improved forecasting skills to improve agricultural resilience and food security.
Researchers create reconfigurable material using liquid tubes, which can be customized into reaction vessels for various uses. The material can conform to surroundings and repeatedly change shape, opening doors for new chemical synthesis and electronic applications.
A global clinical trial collaboration published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that stage III colon cancer patients can cut their chemotherapy treatments in half after surgery, reducing costs and side effects. For low-risk patients with shallow tumors and few affected lymph nodes, a three-month course is shown to be safe ...
Researchers aim to develop a new type of weed control system using genetic modification techniques. The goal is to introduce specific genetic controls that could change the sex ratio of waterhemp and Palmer amaranth populations, leading to population crashes.
David Peak, a physics professor at Utah State University, has received the national Council on Undergraduate Research-Goldwater Scholars Faculty Mentor Award. He has mentored over 30 USU undergraduates to 36 Goldwater Scholarships and Honorable Mentions.
Researchers develop new theoretical framework to describe quantum causal structures transformation. They found that continuous and reversible dynamics prevent definite causal structure from becoming indefinite, but specific circumstances can determine the causal order.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have improved the traditional design of fog nets to increase their collection capacity by threefold using a 'fog harp' system featuring vertical wire arrays. This innovative design sheds tiny water droplets faster and more efficiently, increasing overall water yield.
Researchers used fMRI to study how subjects process individual experiences into memories and found the hippocampus plays a role in conceptual memory formation. Consistency and similarity across new experiences contribute to building abstract thinking, enabling people to form coherent concepts.
Research reveals that women with rheumatic heart disease in Africa and Asia face a double danger: complications during pregnancy, and cultural pressures to become mothers. Health programs targeting the condition must prioritize female patients of childbearing age.
Researchers at the Center for BrainHealth found that a clinician-driven virtual learning platform improves social competency and socio-emotional abilities in high-functioning adults on the autism spectrum. The study reveals increased activation in the brain's socio-cognition hub, leading to improved empathy and social interaction.
Scientists have developed a paper-thin, flexible and durable liquid crystal display that can be updated rapidly like a newspaper. The new optically rewritable LCD design enables fast switching of images and text without power consumption.
Researchers at Saarland University are developing an AI-based platform to optimize potato production, providing real-time forecasts and insights to farmers and food manufacturers. The system uses data from various sources, including sensors on artificial potatoes, to predict product losses and identify optimal harvesting times.
Researchers at Delft University of Technology provide definite proof for Majorana particle existence, showcasing perfect quantization of zero-bias peak. This achievement enables exploration of Majorana quantum computing, with potential applications in topological quantum computing.
Researchers from the University of Missouri found that members of the public are more willing to pay for improved water quality than other ecosystem services. Participants in a nationwide survey consistently preferred higher monthly payments for water quality improvements over flood control and habitat protection.
A recent study found that consuming food at restaurants, fast-food outlets, or cafeterias is associated with increased levels of phthalates in the body. The study suggests that eating at home may be less likely to contain high levels of these chemicals, which are linked to fertility problems and other health issues.
A Swedish study found that weight-loss surgery is associated with changes in relationship status among obese patients. The observational study analyzed data from over 29,000 patients who underwent gastric bypass surgery and compared them to obese individuals without the procedure.
OU Professor Cameron Homeyer received a NASA Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Science grant to study the effects of storms on atmospheric composition. He aims to link ground-based radar observations with satellite data to better understand storm characteristics.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a new screening method that speeds up the search for drugs using a 35 million compound DNA-encoded chemical library. The library consists of drug candidates with a stable ring-shaped basic structure and varied attachments, allowing for highly-specific binding to proteins.
Scientists at NIDA uncovered evidence of a more complex role for GPCRs, suggesting a conceptual advance in biochemistry and pharmacology. The discovery reveals that GPCRs form part of pre-coupled macromolecular complexes that act as computing devices to gather and process information.
A new brain-mapping technology has revealed that neurons in the primary visual cortex communicate with higher visual areas of the cortex more broadly than previously believed, following specific patterns. This discovery could provide a means of linking visual information across the brain to form complex percepts.
A new study reveals that stroke survivors experience 'hidden' problems like sleep issues, depression, and fatigue, which can significantly affect their well-being. The study found that social support programs and executive function training may improve these areas.
A study by Penn State found that most people overestimated the time it takes to walk or bike to work, with faculty and staff being the worst offenders. The researchers believe that education and encouragement can help increase self-confidence and improve travel times.
Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed a model that parallels the kinetic theory of molecules, providing a solid foundation for understanding price fluctuations in stable financial markets. The study also aims to examine unstable markets vulnerable to external shocks.
To stabilize the climate, governments must undertake huge efforts of halving emissions by 2030 and achieving emission neutrality by 2050. Removing CO2 from the atmosphere through technical methods comes with risks and uncertainties.
The study found that Buša cattle account for a significant proportion of neutral genetic diversity in Bos taurus worldwide. The breed's unique genetic variation makes it an important conservation target for maintaining global genetic and functional diversity.
Patients with alcohol-related liver cancer tend to have poorer overall survival rates compared to those with non-alcohol related liver cancer. The study highlights the need for improved screening and treatment programs for patients at risk of developing cirrhosis or liver cancer, especially those who are still drinking.
Researchers have identified two biomarkers, KIM-1 and NGAL, that can detect acute and chronic kidney damage in children with cystic fibrosis. The study found that these biomarkers increase during exposure to antibiotics, even before a decline in kidney function is detected by traditional methods.
The Human Frontier Science Program has awarded $300,000 to 11 young researchers to support their frontier research projects. The recipients will return to their home countries or move to another member country to continue their work.
Scientists found that common ragweed can drastically reduce soybean yield by 76% in some cases, highlighting its potential threat to soybean production. The study suggests that early detection of weed growth is crucial to predict crop yield losses and inform pesticide application decisions.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have discovered a potential 'off-switch' for inflammation by identifying the molecule itaconate, which can block production of inflammatory factors and protect against lethal inflammation. This breakthrough could lead to new anti-inflammatory medicines for diseases such as arthritis and heart disease.
Researchers have discovered a galaxy that is almost completely devoid of dark matter, forcing them to rethink the formation of galaxies. The team found that the stars in NGC1052-DF2 can account for all its mass, leaving little room for dark matter.
Researchers at the University of New Hampshire have found a dramatic increase in flooding on coastal roads along the East Coast, with 90 percent more frequent high tide floods occurring over the past 20 years. The study estimates that tidal nuisance flooding will cause over 3.4 billion hours of delays by 2100.
Researchers at Georgia State University identified a chemical compound that effectively inhibits the replication of the Ebola virus and several other viruses. The study found benzoquinoline to be a potent antiviral agent with activity against multiple viruses, including Marburg virus and Zika virus.
Scientists identified potential biomarkers in nonhuman primates exposed to Ebola virus that appeared up to four days before fever onset. These markers could predict disease development prior to other host-based indications of infection.
Researchers at Boston University have discovered a common pattern of immune response among monkeys exposed to Ebola virus, occurring four days before the onset of fever. This finding suggests a possible biomarker for early diagnosis and could lead to better quarantine and control of outbreaks.
A genetic mutation in EPAS1/HIF2A gene is found to be the main reason for the development of adrenal gland tumors in adults with cyanotic congenital heart disease. The study also reveals that patients with this severe type of heart disease have a sixfold higher risk of developing these tumors.
Researchers have discovered a key member of the SEDS protein family, RodA, which builds bacterial walls. Altering its structure can disrupt this function, making it an attractive target for new antibiotics.
Researchers have created a rechargeable yarn battery that can be twisted, stretched, and cut into multiple pieces, each powering a device. The battery maintains its charge capacity, is waterproof, and shows promise for wearable electronics.
Researchers discovered a Fast-Evolving Luminous Transient (FELT) captured by the Kepler Space Telescope in 2015. The transient rose in brightness over just 2.2 days and faded within 10 days, with scientists attributing its cause to a 'burp' from the star before exploding.
Vanderbilt researchers are developing a new surgical planning tool to improve voice outcomes for patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis. By analyzing the aerodynamics of cicada wings, they aim to create customized implants that optimize voice production and breathing.
Researchers discovered a unique galaxy, NGC 1052-DF2, lacking most of its dark matter. The galaxy is as large as the Milky Way but contains only 1/200th the number of stars, leading to its classification as an ultra-diffuse galaxy.
A new insect fossil discovery highlights a striking resemblance between Canadian and Russian fossils from the same age period, further solidifying an ancient connection between the two regions. The similarity is remarkable, with only the wing color distinguishing the two species, Eomerope eonearctica and Eomerope asiatica.
Scientists have identified a complex signal chain involving the auxin hormone and calcium channels in plant cells. Calcium waves are used to communicate local auxin signals over long distances, influencing root architecture and differentiation processes.
Researchers discovered the crystal structure of Na2B30, a superhard boride, and found it stable under standard conditions. The study reconciled long-standing debates over its formula and properties.
New research analyzing oxygen isotopic compositions of lunar and terrestrial samples supports a high-energy collision model for the Moon's origin. Most of Earth's water is believed to have been delivered before the Moon-forming impact, contradicting previous proposals that it was added later.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that taking a standard prostate cancer drug with food can boost its impact and lower costs. By decreasing the daily dose, preventing digestive issues, and cutting costs by 75 percent, patients could save up to $300,000 per month.
Research finds drained fertile peatlands and irrigated organic soils boost nitrous oxide emission significantly. Conservation of fens and swamps is crucial to reduce climate change impact.
Researchers used satellite data to identify a major magma supply into a reservoir extending almost two miles from the crater of Masaya Volcano in Nicaragua. The findings suggest that volcanoes can be fed magma through nearby underground channels, helping explain how they erupt without warning.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab analyzed the cost, energy, and environmental implications of a fleet of self-driving electric vehicles operating in Manhattan. They found that shared automated electric vehicles could get the job done at a lower cost while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption.
Researchers using Hubble Space Telescope have discovered a galaxy with minimal to no dark matter, contradicting long-held assumptions about its presence in galaxies. The ultra-diffuse galaxy NGC 1052-DF2 contains at least 400 times less dark matter than predicted for a galaxy of its mass.
Texas A&M researchers use supercomputers to develop graphene oxide nanosheet coating that controls dendrite growth, improving cycle life and stability of lithium-metal batteries. The material is applied using a spray coating gun and has shown enhanced performance in experiments.
Researchers at Ames Laboratory have developed a CaloriSMART test system that demonstrates sustained cooling power of about 10 watts, with a 15 degree Celsius gradient, using only three cubic centimeters of gadolinium. The system enables rapid evaluation of materials in regenerators without significant investment.
Research suggests individuals who undergo bariatric surgery are more likely to find a new partner or get married compared to non-operated control subjects. However, separations and divorces may also increase slightly after surgery due to lifestyle changes.
A recent study by Penn State economists suggests that investing in public education leads to higher upward mobility and lower teen pregnancy rates. The researchers found that better school quality has nearly twice the beneficial effect on upward mobility as reducing high school dropout rates.
A study by Dartmouth College reveals that the West Greenland Ice Sheet melted at a dramatically higher rate over the last twenty years than at any other time in the modern record. The researchers attribute this unprecedented ice loss to a combination of specific weather patterns and an additional long-term warming trend associated with...
A study from Binghamton University reveals that funders on crowdfunding platforms prioritize a seller's reputation and opportunism over their competence in delivering the promised product. As product complexity increases, concerns for the seller's reputation also rise, while concerns over delivery ability decrease.
A new study published in Cephalalgia found that a single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation device can reduce the frequency of headache days by about three days per month. The device, called Spring TMS, was safe and easy to use, with 46% of patients experiencing at least 50% or less migraine attacks per month.
Scientists have found a unique galaxy that contains almost no dark matter, a finding that challenges the standard ideas of how galaxies work. The galaxy, called NGC1052-DF2, has a mass similar to that of the Milky Way but only a fraction of the expected dark matter.
Research found that women with PCOS are two to three times more likely to develop non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, regardless of their weight. High testosterone levels also increase the risk, even in normal-weight women.
A massive international study of 520,000 people has identified 22 previously unknown genetic contributors to stroke, shedding light on the complex biology of the disease. The findings suggest that stroke shares common genetic influences with other vascular conditions and may lead to personalized treatments.