Researchers developed a multiscale model analyzing economic, social, and ecological tradeoffs of dam removal. The model found that large numbers of dams optimize tradeoffs among ecosystem services, river safety, and economic costs, assisting future damming decisions by considering scale and location.
A new study found that people from large Latino populations are less likely to receive CPR and survive cardiac arrests when they collapse. Bystander CPR rates were lower in these communities, with only 27% of cases receiving CPR in heavily Latino-populated neighborhoods.
A neuronal circuit in nematode worms modulates locomotion by dopamine and neuropeptide signaling, findings that may provide insights into food-motivated behavior in humans. The study suggests that similar inhibitory balancing mechanisms may be present in mammals.
Researchers at The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research used genetic tests to predict patient response to antipsychotic medication in schizophrenia patients. They found higher polygenic risk scores were associated with reduced effectiveness of conventional treatment.
Researchers found that higher lead and mercury levels in the blood were associated with increased levels of bad cholesterol and total cholesterol. The study suggests a potential link between heavy metal exposure and cardiovascular disease.
Scientists are working on a new, powerful magnet design using high-temperature superconductors to build the world's first energy-producing fusion experiment. The goal is to achieve a net energy gain by 2025 and make fusion a viable source of clean energy.
A new study by the University of Connecticut found that almost all alcohol industry social responsibility schemes lack scientific support, while benefiting the company's brand exposure. The findings suggest minimal public health benefits and potential harm from some campaigns.
Researchers created a biodegradable scaffold to transplant stem cells and deliver drugs, promising relief from central nervous system diseases and injuries. The nano-size scaffolds mimic natural tissue and show promise for advanced stem cell transplantation and neural tissue engineering.
A study of genetic variants found that morning preference reduces the risk of breast cancer by 40-48% compared to evening types. Increased sleep duration and insomnia were associated with a 20% increased risk of breast cancer.
Researchers at MIT have developed a novel chemical synthesis method that can modify antibiotics, making them more effective against drug-resistant infections. The technique uses an amino acid called selenocysteine as a 'handle' to link peptides and small-molecule drugs.
A recent study found that Canadians have good overall health, with a high level of health-adjusted life expectancy. The leading causes of death and disability are noncommunicable diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular diseases. The study also shows an aging population, with people over 65 years outnumbering younger Canadians.
A new study uses ground-penetrating radar to locate a potential mass grave site in Lithuania, shedding light on the Holocaust's dark history. The research aims to amass evidence for federal memorials and honors the victims of the Holocaust.
Using machine learning algorithms, researchers analyzed high-fidelity acoustic measurements from basketball games to identify patterns in the raw data that indicate what the crowd was doing. The study revealed six clusters corresponding to different emotions and actions, allowing for the early detection of unruly or violent behavior.
A team of researchers identified potential decisions that maximize combined ecological and economic benefits by simulating trade-offs and using machine-learning approach. They found opportunities to improve balance between certain criteria by coordinating multiple dam decisions at larger spatial scales.
Researchers analyzed data from 28 papers involving over 1,300 participants and found no evidence linking high protein diets to kidney disease in healthy individuals or those at risk of kidney disease. A high-protein diet can actually increase kidney function, making it a safe and important tool for muscle health across the lifespan.
Researchers found that nearly 330 patients continued to engage in thrill-seeking activities, with nearly 8,000 total events reported. Nine people experienced serious health effects, with four cases occurring during roller coaster riding.
A new gene therapy can reprogram brain glial cells into functioning neurons, potentially treating stroke and neurodegenerative diseases. Researchers hope the innovative technology may one day help patients with severe neurological disorders.
Researchers successfully employed microwaves to suppress Alfvén waves in plasmas, a crucial step towards harnessing clean and nearly limitless energy through fusion. The study, conducted at the DIII-D National Fusion Facility and ASDEX-Upgrade facility, demonstrates the potential of using electron cyclotron waves to control wave activity.
Researchers at Scripps Research have discovered a potential new approach to prevent influenza virus infections by tethering four antibodies together, showing cross-reactivity against all types of influenza. The therapeutic candidate has been shown to offer protection against multiple strains of the virus in mice.
A team of scientists has developed a new method for detecting specific strains of E. coli using molecular electronics, which could lead to rapid and straightforward detection of pathogens and antimicrobial resistant bacterial strains.
Researchers explore culturally distinct child-rearing practices and social interaction patterns among neighboring chimpanzee populations. Diverse study samples and methods reveal challenges to presumed universals of psychological and behavioral diversity across cultures.
A new study from Ohio State University suggests that childhood stress can contribute to mood disorders later in life by altering brain development through mast cell activity. Chronic stress was found to increase mast cell activity in the brain of stressed rats.
Researchers developed a universal light modulator to create complex structures for probing and controlling matter. This architecture generates arbitrary light structures with programmable beamlets, enabling new scientific and technological frontiers in photonics applications that require high power.
Researchers have discovered three types of attacks that can be launched using a computer's graphics processing unit (GPU) to spy on web activity, steal passwords, and break into cloud-based applications. The attacks work by exploiting vulnerabilities in the GPU's memory utilization and performance counters.
Researchers have identified a new way to target and degrade a class of proteins called zinc finger transcription factors, which play critical roles in health and disease. By modifying thalidomide analogs, scientists can selectively degrade specific zinc fingers, offering a promising lead for developing new cancer treatments.
Research found that rising violent crime rates were associated with higher odds of high blood pressure among residents living in low-crime communities, even if they weren't directly exposed to crime. The study suggests that the environment affects heart health and stress responses can vary between neighborhoods.
Scientists have used satellite gravity data from the GOCE mission to image the structure of the Earth's lithosphere, revealing large-scale tectonic features and complex patterns in ancient cratons. These findings improve our understanding of Antarctica's deep structure and its connection to the rest of the planet.
The study highlights the social and environmental costs of hydropower dams, including displacement of people and disruption of natural ecosystems. Experts propose alternative technologies like instream turbine technology to transform the hydropower sector and ensure sustainable energy.
Researchers found that targeted therapies could be more effective in treating TB, which killed an estimated 1.3 million people worldwide last year. Patients with minimal disease showed high efficacy with four-month treatments, while those with moderate or severe disease required longer treatment durations.
Researchers discovered that even tiny genetic variations between plants can significantly improve their combined yield when grown together in mixed communities. By analyzing the genetic makeup of different plant crosses, they identified key genes responsible for enhancing team performance.
Researchers used a rotating water-filled device to simulate the magnetorotational instability, which helps explain how matter falls inward to form planets in a reasonable time. The experiment confirmed the strong impact of magnetic forces on metal behavior, paving the way for a clearer understanding of accretion disk dynamics.
A team of Penn State researchers found that hot temperatures lead to changes in plant RNA structure, linked to a loss in messenger RNAs. This process may help plants cope with heat stress and drought conditions, offering insights into developing more resilient crops.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 19 studies found that people with the highest anthocyanin intake were 9% less likely to suffer from coronary heart disease. Anthocyanins have also been linked to improved risk factors for heart disease, such as cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
A study by UCR researcher Sydney Glassman explored how climate change affects the ability of microbes to recycle nutrients. The research found that specific microbial communities play an independent role in decomposition, and their response to climate change is not solely dependent on the environment they reside in.
A new MOF-based photocatalytic system has been developed to simultaneously produce hydrogen and degrade organic pollutants in water. The system utilizes nickel phosphide and demonstrates efficient photocatalysis under visible light.
Research suggests that rising CO2 levels could lead to an increase in mosquito-related diseases, as the climate continues to change. The study found a link between CO2 and mosquito evolution, but also highlights the importance of mammal diversity in driving species richness.
Researchers studied 547 sexual minority women, finding that those with increased trauma severity were more likely to experience anxiety, depression, overeating, diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure. The study suggests healthcare providers should screen for trauma as a cardiovascular disease risk factor in this population.
A study by Penn State found that adults who sleep six hours per night have significantly more concentrated urine and higher odds of dehydration compared to those who sleep eight hours. This is due to the body's hormonal system regulating hydration, particularly the hormone vasopressin.
Scientists criticize Indonesia's method of assessing management impacts on wildlife trends, highlighting a mismatch between government reports and independent data. Orangutans are facing serious threats from deforestation and killing, with populations declining by at least 25% over the past decade.
Researchers found evidence of sheep, cow, and goat milk consumption in late Bronze Age human remains from Mongolia. Genetic analysis revealed limited gene flow between western and eastern steppe populations, but cultural transmission led to the adoption of dairy herding in Bronze Age Mongolia.
Researchers identified a small molecule that activates the antioxidant response, a key mechanism to protect cells from oxidative stress. The discovery targets the glycolysis pathway, opening new strategies for treating diseases involving oxidative stress.
Researchers developed a new marker that can accurately detect cardiac injury, reducing the need for costly and invasive stress tests. The test uses high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) assays to measure troponin concentrations lower than conventional assays.
A team of scientists at RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science in Japan has discovered a gene regulator called NGA1 that allows plants to rehydrate after drought. The study found that NGA1 controls the transcription of a key gene NCED3, ultimately enabling plants to survive dehydration stress.
A Monash University study found a strong link between air pollution and the development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children. Exposure to fine particles (PM2.5) from vehicle exhausts, industrial emissions, and other sources increased the risk of ASD by up to 78%. The study adds to previous research on prenatal air pollution ex...
A new Stanford-led study supports a conservation approach that focuses broadly on ecoregions, providing evidence that these regions meaningfully divide plant and animal communities. This opens a path to more affordable and effective protection of little-known species and valuable natural services.
A new study finds that organisms with small genomes and cells are well-suited for life in hot soils, even in extreme conditions. The research reveals a link between these microbes and ancient permafrost genome sizes, sparking questions about the minimum requirements for cell and genome size.
Large dams are not sustainable due to environmental and social concerns, but in-stream turbine technology protects fish and delivers energy locally. This technology can be part of a large sustainable energy portfolio combining solar, wind, and biomass energy production.
Researchers found that US maize has seen a yield increase of around 28% since 1981 due to beneficial changes in weather and farming practices. The study attributes this growth to warmer temperatures allowing for earlier planting and more favorable conditions.
Researchers found that music-based therapy improved autistic children's social communication skills and family quality of life. The study also showed increased brain connectivity between auditory and motor regions, potentially explaining the benefits. Music intervention was effective even after only eight to 12 weekly sessions.
New studies reveal that disrupted circadian rhythms can drive anxiety and exacerbate brain disorders, highlighting the importance of regulating wake-sleep cycles. Healthy sleep habits are also found to be critical in preventing various diseases, including Alzheimer's disease and anxiety disorder.
A study of 2,346 sibling pairs found no association between general anesthesia and adverse child development outcomes. The research accounted for biological and environmental factors, but the results may not be generalizable to children with lengthy or repeat procedures.
Reducing shipping vessel speed by 10 knots may help alleviate the negative impact of noise pollution on Arctic cod, according to a study. The study found that slowing down cruise ships resulted in more substantial reductions in acoustic masking effects compared to container vessels.
A new study by the University of Washington links childhood violence to accelerated biological aging in children as young as 8 years old. The researchers found that exposure to violence in childhood can affect both epigenetic and cellular aging, as well as pubertal development.
Researchers have found that planting shrub willow and switchgrass in marginal lands reduces fertilizer nitrate levels, controlling erosion and improving water quality. This integrated land management approach also generates biomass for biofuel and supports pollinators and other wildlife.
A new study published in the Journal of Pediatrics found that screen time has a negligible effect on children's sleep. The study analyzed data from over 10,000 children and found that each hour of screen time resulted in only 3-8 fewer minutes of sleep per night.
The Amazon forest dieback hypothesis predicts a climate-driven shift of the region's rainforests, with estimated costs ranging from $957 to $3,589 billion over 30 years. Preemptive actions, such as curbing deforestation, are likely to be beneficial even in the absence of the dieback.
Preliminary research suggests opioid use increases risk of developing atrial fibrillation by 34 percent. Atrial fibrillation is a chaotic quivering of the heart's upper chambers, one of the leading causes of strokes.
The Bertarelli Foundation has awarded four collaborative research grants to scientists at Harvard Medical School to develop new therapies for debilitating sensory disorders. The grants will focus on addressing hidden hearing loss and developing gene therapy treatments for Usher syndrome.
A study of 12,708 participants found that consuming more than 30% of daily calories after 6pm was associated with a 23% higher risk of developing high blood pressure and a 19% higher risk of becoming pre-diabetic. Eating earlier in the day may be an important strategy to help lower heart disease risk.
Marley Kass, PhD, of Rutgers University, has been awarded the $2,500 Donald B. Lindsley Prize in Behavioral Neuroscience for her thesis on experience-dependent plasticity of early sensory processing in mice.