A study finds that doubling the frequency of El Niño events may lead to higher population numbers and a lower chance of extinction for Brandt's cormorants. The birds' ability to cope with environmental changes is improved when El Niños are interspersed with favorable La Niña phases.
A Rutgers-led study found that the 405,000-year cycle of gravitational tugs from Jupiter and Venus has shaped our planet's climate for over 215 million years. This consistent pattern allows scientists to precisely date geological events like the spread of dinosaurs.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai will compare evidence-based approaches for treating depressive symptoms in people with advanced heart failure, aiming to improve quality of life and outcomes. The study is part of a larger effort to address the significant challenge of treating depression in heart failure patients.
A research team led by Professor Chen Zhiwei at HKU invented a single gene-encoded tandem broadly neutralizing antibody, BiIA-SG, which displays potent activity against all genetically divergent global HIV-1 strains tested. The new findings show that BiIA-SG prevents diverse live viral challenges completely in humanized mice.
Researchers at HKU and Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences have developed a novel scientific method to derive water quality criteria (WQC) of metals for protecting different marine ecosystems. The new approach considers variable temperature and salinity regimes, improving protection for tropical marine organisms.
Researchers found that humans generate significant underwater noise when swimming, kayaking, or scuba diving, affecting marine life. Different activities produce distinct sounds, with some being loud enough for animals to detect.
Researchers at Kanazawa University identified a molecule called Spred1 that supports blood-cell production during dietary stress. In contrast, Spred1 deficiency promotes HSC self-renewal and resistance to physiological stress, but also increases the risk of certain cancers.
A study found that hypertensive adults with low platelet count and high homocysteine levels reduced their risk of first stroke by 73% with folic acid supplements. The treatment was particularly effective for patients at high risk, suggesting a potential cost-effective primary prevention strategy.
Researchers have cracked the code of neural signals used by the immune system to communicate with the brain, opening doors to diagnostic and therapeutic targets for diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes. The discovery provides insight into how the nervous system regulates inflammation and immunity.
New research from the University of Notre Dame shows that firms can protect their intellectual property by operating regionally through downstream commercialization activities. This approach helps substitute weak country-level protection with complementary assets offered at the regional level, creating barriers to imitation for competi...
A study found that children hospitalized for unintentional injuries have a 63% increase in mental health diagnoses and a 155% increase in medications prescribed to treat mental illness. Children under four years old with burns and head injuries are at greatest risk.
Researchers found that certain antipsychotic medications increased the risk of gestational diabetes by 4.2% to 12% when continued during pregnancy. Women taking olanzapine and quetiapine had an increased risk compared to those who discontinued these medications.
A new study from USC Keck School of Medicine finds that exposure to loud noises damages hearing by killing sensory hair cells and filling the inner ear with fluid. Injecting a salt- or sugar-based solution into the middle ear can prevent up to 64% of neuron loss, offering hope for preserving hearing function.
Research estimates that police violence resulted in over 57,000 years of life lost in 2015-16, disproportionately affecting young people and people of color. The study uses The Counted database to track deaths and injuries due to police violence, highlighting the need for better data to inform policy.
A recent study reveals that seven of eight North China PSSD events occurred when La Niña transited to El Niño with a negative NPO phase in preceding winter. This study demonstrates that ENSO phase transition from La Niña to El Niño is one of the important precursors of North China PSSD.
A new movement monitoring system using Real Time Location System (RTLS) technology helps identify residents at risk of falling, enabling early interventions to prevent hospitalizations. By tracking wristbands with RTLS sensors, a study found that fractal dimension values can indicate long-term cognitive impairment due to dementia.
Researchers at MIT CSAIL have developed a new framework called MapLite that allows self-driving cars to navigate on unpaved country roads without detailed maps. The system combines GPS data with sensors to detect road conditions and drive autonomously, with promising results in testing.
A study published in the British Journal of Cancer found that men with testicular cancer who underwent vigorous exercise improved their energy levels and self-esteem. High-intensity interval training was particularly effective in reducing tiredness and improving overall vitality.
Hematene, a 3-atom-thick material extracted from iron ore, shows promise as an efficient photocatalyst for splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen. Its magnetic properties also make it suitable for spintronic-based devices.
A study found that providing clinicians with timely and actionable feedback on their opioid prescribing data significantly decreases future opioid prescribing among those who underestimate their baseline prescribing. This intervention may help combat the opioid epidemic by addressing inaccurate provider self-awareness.
A team of international astronomers predicts the sun will turn into a planetary nebula, marking the end of its active life. The new model shows that low-mass stars like the sun can form bright planetary nebulas, solving a long-standing scientific puzzle.
Researchers have identified a potential treatment for noise-induced hearing loss, where osmotic stabilization of fluid volume in the inner ear after exposure can prevent subsequent hearing loss. Increasing solute concentration in perilymph reduces endolymph volume and helps preserve synaptic ribbons on hair cells.
A new mechanism involved in depression has been discovered, and a potential drug targeting this mechanism shows promise as an effective treatment with fewer side effects. The research found that Elk-1, a molecule directly involved in depressive disorders, can be targeted to give quicker response times.
A study found that parenting concerns about the impact of illness on minor children have a strong negative association with health-related quality of life among women with metastatic cancer. The researchers recommend interventions to reduce psychological concerns and assess parenting concerns in patient care.
Scientists combined two microscope technologies to create a microscope that offers unparalleled look at biological processes. The new microscope enables observation of rapidly moving objects about 10 times faster than other microscopes at similar resolution.
Researchers found that brain cholesterol triggers amyloid-beta protein clusters, a key player in Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests targeting cholesterol regulation as a potential treatment approach.
A snapshot survey of over 120,500 US Airbnb rentals found that most properties had smoke detectors but fewer had fire extinguishers or first-aid kits. The study suggests that further investigation and intervention are needed to ensure adequate fire safety in these venues.
Researchers found that nursing home residents with advanced dementia who undergo surgical repair for hip fractures have a lower mortality rate compared to those managed with palliative care. These patients also experience less pain and fewer pressure ulcers.
Researchers found that a person's cross-sectional annual earnings taken at one point in time have greater predictive power of their 20-year long-term earnings, ahead of occupation-based classifications. A person's level of education also had slightly better predictive power.
Researchers identified a previously unknown mechanism, dubbed the 'tail,' which puts brakes on important cell signaling by regulating G proteins. The discovery could provide new drug targets for controlling cellular processes and more sensitive biosensors for detecting chemical agents.
A study published in PNAS found that genes regulating immune system and metabolic processes fail to adapt to new sleep patterns caused by night shifts. Eight healthy volunteers were subjected to a five-day schedule simulating night shift work, showing that almost 25% of rhythmic genes lost their biological rhythm.
Researchers at the University of Montreal have discovered a protein, AXL, that influences the occurrence of metastasis in HER2-positive breast cancers. The study found that reducing AXL levels improves survival rates, and an AXL-inhibiting drug therapy has shown promise in preventing metastases.
A new study analyzing MSHA data found that mines that comply with health regulations experience a substantially lower number of lung diseases over time. The majority of cases originated in the Appalachian region, where coal mines were 16-17.8 times more likely to report a lung disease diagnosis.
A review of nearly 500 patient cases shows that surgery can cure virtually all patients with focal congenital hyperinsulinism. Surgery also prevents complications in patients with the diffuse form, where defective insulin-producing cells occur throughout the pancreas.
Scientists have developed high-strength, super-tough carbon sheets by chemically stitching together platelets of graphitic carbon at low temperatures. The material's mechanical properties exceed those of current carbon fiber composites, offering potential cost savings and improved performance for various applications.
A University of Washington-led team discovered that the MUTE gene regulates stomatal development in plants, controlling cell division and gas exchange. The study found that MUTE activates genes that promote cell division and repressors that prevent further division, resulting in a tightly coupled sequence of activation and repression.
Researchers developed MAGESTIC to refine gene-editing process, enhancing precision and increasing cell survival rates by sevenfold. The new platform enables precise editing of genetic variants, helping uncover impact on cellular function and disease susceptibility.
A new study by Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute (SBP) researchers describes how nuclear pore component Nup210 is critical for the survival of circulating CD4+ T cells. The findings identify a new node of T cell receptor signaling and could pave the way for the development of future immunotherapies.
Researchers warn that Alaska's songbird population may suffer significant losses if the invasive common cuckoo and oriental cuckoo expands its breeding range in the region. The cuckoos, known as brood parasites, lay their eggs in nests of other species, leading to the elimination of reproductive success for hosts.
Researchers propose a link between the dawn of plate tectonics and the 'Snowball Earth' period, which sent the planet into a deep freeze lasting millions of years. The hypothesis suggests that the drastic climate change could be a consequence of the Earth's transition from single lid to plate tectonic activity.
A study found that pangasius contains high levels of mercury, exceeding European limits. Researchers recommend avoiding the fish due to its low nutritional value and potential health risks, especially in children.
A study of over 600 women found no association between hormone levels and facial attractiveness, challenging the hypothesis that women prefer more masculine mates when fertile. The findings also did not support the idea that hormonal contraceptives dampen preferences for masculine faces.
Scientists have detected an exoplanet atmosphere free of clouds, marking a pivotal breakthrough in understanding planets beyond our solar system. The 'hot Saturn' WASP-96b's clear sodium signature is the result of its cloud-free atmosphere.
A genetic 'dial' controlling body size has been discovered in pigs, with decreased size observed at varying levels of gene expression. The study found that pigs with normal gene expression were average-sized, while those with one copy expressed had a 25% reduction and those without any expressed had a 75% reduction.
A University of Houston researcher has activated a kidney cell that could prevent damage from inflammation caused by obesity. The targeted cells express the angiotensin type 2 receptor, which shows anti-inflammatory and reno-protective actions.
A new electrode material for lithium-ion batteries with high capacity has been proposed using phosphorus-encapsulated carbon nanotubes. The electrodes showed an improvement in electrochemical reactivity and reversible charge-discharge reactions, resulting in capacities two times higher than that of graphite used in commercial LIBs.
Researchers suggest that the onset of plate tectonics initiated the dramatic cool-down of the Earth's surface, resulting in 'Snowball Earth' climate changes. This theory proposes to explain 22 previously proposed mechanisms for Neoproterozoic global cooling.
Researchers have identified kidney stem cells of human origin in amniotic fluid, a promising source for cell replacement therapies. The study shows an increase in these cells with gestational time, making amniotic fluid a valuable source of fetal stem cells with regenerative potential.
Researchers created a pioneering 3D cancer model to replicate complex tumor behavior and accelerate treatment development. The model can mimic patients' tumors, allowing doctors to identify the best treatment option based on simple biopsies.
Researchers have developed a local acoustic treatment using high-back chairs and retroreflective ceilings to reduce speech distraction in open-plan offices. This novel application uses sound reflections to enhance speech communication at short distances, reducing ambient noise disturbance.
A flexible and stretchable wireless sensing system was developed to measure sodium consumption in people with hypertension. The device is designed to be comfortably worn in the mouth and can report sodium intake to a smartphone or tablet.
A recent study by University of British Columbia researchers found that the Jerusalem artichoke's ability to produce a large number of tubers is a major driver of its invasive success. The trait evolved independently multiple times in invasive populations, highlighting the potential for invasiveness to evolve repeatedly.
Scientists have identified a critical function of the PDK1 signaling pathway in cancer cells, which regulates the formation of a three-protein complex that facilitates purine production and thiamine synthesis. This discovery may lead to new insights into the causes of metastasis and potential ways to prevent it.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine's Kellogg Eye Center report cases of uveal effusions and eye inflammation caused by immunotherapy treatments. Ophthalmologists emphasize the importance of referring patients with eye problems to an ophthalmologist, while oncologists should ask about medications that may be causing symptoms.
Researchers measured DNA repair in mice treated with cisplatin over a 24-hour period, finding nearly 2,000 genes repaired according to the circadian clock. This study suggests that understanding the interaction between circadian clocks and DNA repair could lead to more effective chemotherapy regimens.
Recent studies found precision medicines are approved faster than traditional drugs, with shorter trials and fewer patients. This raises concerns about data reliability and the effectiveness of rare disease treatment incentives like market exclusivity.
Researchers at the University of Kentucky have discovered a potential target for treating epilepsy seizures: cPLA2, an enzyme that contributes to blood-brain barrier dysfunction. Blocking this enzyme may prevent changes in barrier leakage, offering new hope for patients who do not respond well to current medications.
Infants who develop autism react more strongly to sudden changes in light at 9-10 months old, according to a new study. The findings support the role of sensory processing in autism development and provide insights into early detection.
A new study by researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine identified an enzyme that helps cancer cells make the building materials they need to quickly proliferate. Inhibiting this enzyme could slow down cancer growth, leading to more effective treatments.
The HOPE in Action Multicenter Kidney Study evaluates the safety and efficacy of kidney transplants between people with HIV, following the passage of the HOPE Act of 2013. Researchers track outcomes of 160 kidney transplants, comparing recipients who received organs from HIV-positive donors to those from uninfected donors.