A study by an international research group found that diverse and old forests are best able to perform multiple ecosystem services, including regulating climate and storing carbon. Foresters should focus on specific forest attributes to promote desired services, as no single 'perfect forest' exists.
Researchers have discovered a previously unknown protein called TarP that helps multi-resistant bacteria evade the human immune system. This breakthrough could lead to new therapies against MRSA and other resistant pathogens.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) delivered by respiratory nurses reduced anxiety symptoms in COPD patients, leading to fewer hospital visits. The study found that CBT was more effective than leaflets alone in reducing anxiety and improving quality of life.
Researchers have provided a timeline for fossils from the Cradle of Humankind, revealing that early hominins experienced big changes in local climate, from wetter to drier conditions, at least six times between 3 and 1 million years ago. The study corrects assumptions about the relationship between East and South Africa hominin species.
The new modulator enables efficient and low-cost high-frequency microwaves transmission, covering the last mile with high data rates, and is compatible with 5G technology and future industry standards.
Researchers with NASA and UChicago institutions developed a new approach to improve crop yield predictions by incorporating planting and harvesting data into models. This method shows improved accuracy in matching observed yields, enabling more robust simulations of droughts and heat waves' impacts on food supplies and prices.
Scientists have discovered that semiconducting radicals can fabricate highly efficient OLEDs by exploiting their quantum mechanical 'spin' property, overcoming limitations of traditional materials. The new technology could lead to brighter displays and lighting technologies, including blue- and green-light radical-based diodes.
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and the Children's Museum of Houston are exploring ways to create popular programs that engage children and parents in STEM fields. The program, called Teaching Together-STEM, aims to motivate parents to help their children become interested in science and math. The study will in...
Researchers isolated antibodies from human survivors of Andes hantavirus infection that protected hamsters against the deadly disease. The antibodies shielded animals even after administration, suggesting they could be used as a preventative treatment for hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome.
A review from the Center for the Study of Itch identifies key factors contributing to the itch-scratch cycle, including immune responses and behavior. The study suggests that targeting specific molecules, such as cytokines, may be effective in treating chronic itching conditions.
Research from the University of Pittsburgh suggests that Klotho protein can rejuvenate muscle healing in old mice. By raising Klotho levels or mitigating its deficiency, researchers were able to restore functional levels of muscle regeneration in aged skeletal muscle.
A major US study has found that probiotics have no effect on symptoms in young children with gastroenteritis. The study, involving nearly 1,000 children ages 3 months to 4 years, provides evidence against the popular use of probiotics as a treatment for acute gastroenteritis.
A lab study funded by Cancer Research UK and Worldwide Cancer Research found that mannose can slow tumour growth and enhance the effects of chemotherapy in mice with multiple types of cancer. The researchers discovered a dosage of mannose that could block enough glucose to slow tumour growth in mice without affecting normal tissues.
Researchers have found that pulse oximeters can detect normal, elevated, and high blood pressure with high accuracy. The studies, conducted in the US and China, used large sample sizes and a unique mathematical program to identify electrical signatures that correlated with hypertension.
A Chinese scientist designed a DNA origami nanoplatform that carries chemotherapeutic drugs and RNA interference to target and kill multidrug-resistant cancer cells. The platform demonstrates the effectiveness of RNA interference in reducing drug resistance in cancer treatment.
A recent study found that higher unemployment rates are associated with a lower likelihood of unintended pregnancies among US women. Women with both high and low education experienced declines in unintended pregnancies as unemployment rates rose, particularly those with less than a high school degree.
A new PhD thesis from the University of Eastern Finland reveals a link between early life environmental exposures, such as farming and air pollution, and altered immune responses. The study found that farming exposure decreases the risk of allergic diseases, while air pollution increases asthma prevalence in children.
A team at Kyoto University has discovered that individual cells sense and modulate themselves to form the spherical shape of the eye through a process called self-bending. This phenomenon generates a hinge that pushes cells into the cup-like structure, resulting in the formation of an optic cup.
A new study found that anabolic steroid use is associated with a three-times higher risk of death and more hospital contacts among men. The study also revealed significant side effects such as acne, gynaecomastia, and erectile dysfunction among users.
Fruit and naturally occurring fructose have no negative impact on blood glucose levels, while sweetened drinks may pose a greater risk. Researchers analyzed 155 studies to assess the effect of different food sources of fructose sugars on blood glucose levels.
A study of European shag diet composition found a dramatic shift from sandeel to other fish species, with potential implications for survival and population trends. Climate change may be driving this shift, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to mitigate its effects.
Researchers found that antibiotic prophylaxis regimens are less effective at preventing surgical site infections following colorectal surgery. The efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis has remained unchanged for other procedures like appendectomy and cesarean section.
Brown University researchers have developed a new smart material made from alginate and graphene oxide that is stiffer and more fracture-resistant than alginate alone. The material can also become softer or stiffer in response to different chemical treatments, making it useful for dynamic cell cultures and coatings.
A study of over 143,000 female nurses found that rotating night shift work and an unhealthy lifestyle significantly increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. The risk is higher than the sum of individual factors, suggesting an interaction between the two.
A new brain-computer interface (BCI) enables people with paralysis to directly operate an off-the-shelf tablet device by thinking about making cursor movements and clicks. The participants were able to navigate through various apps, browse music selections, search for videos on YouTube, and compose emails and chats with high accuracy.
Researchers found that imagining a sound can effectively remove negative associations, with brain activity parallels seen in both real and imagined extinction conditions. This study sheds light on the power of imagination as a therapy tool for anxiety disorders.
A new study found that US tap water contains a mixture of contaminants, including pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and lead, which can harm public health. The researchers detected high levels of lead in 23 samples, exceeding the EPA's zero-lead goal.
Hunger increases risk-taking behavior in snails by altering brain control mechanisms, allowing them to ingest potentially harmful substances. The study's findings have major societal relevance, highlighting the importance of motivation in controlling feeding behavior.
The study challenges traditional understanding of brain circuits, finding that neurons in thicker areas have longer, more complex structures. This affects how individual neurons process sensory input and compare it to internal models.
A new indicator reveals that less than 3% of evaluated species are classified as 'low priority' or 'sufficiently conserved.' Wild coffee plants, Christmas trees, and chocolate's tree are among those in need of protection. The study highlights the urgent need for international conservation targets to meet ambitious goals.
A study found that individuals with cardiovascular disease experience faster functional decline than those without, especially women and those with less education. The risk factors for rapid functional decline can be used by clinicians to identify high-risk patients.
A 20-year study found that men who consumed more fruits and vegetables had better thinking and memory skills. Those who drank daily orange juice were also less likely to develop poor cognitive function, with a 47% lower risk compared to those who drank less than once a month.
This study of 2,728 teenagers found that frequent family meals were associated with eating more fruits and vegetables, and less fast food. Regular family dinners may encourage healthful eating habits in adolescents and young adults regardless of family dynamics.
Researchers found that vertebrate genomes underwent two whole genome duplications, driving the evolution of genetic characteristics. The study, published in Nature, also revealed regulatory mechanisms shared between lancelets and vertebrates, shifting our understanding of gene control along the evolutionary timeline.
Researchers at Osaka University developed a projection mapping system that virtually eliminates shadows on a projection surface even if light is blocked by an object. The technology uses a special optical system to shed light from various directions, allowing for human interaction and effective projections.
Baleen whales experienced chronic stress from whaling, ship noise, and sea-surface temperature changes over nearly 150 years. Cortisol levels peaked in the 1960s during whaling's peak and remained high after WWII, indicating a persistent impact of human activities.
Drug development stakeholders advocate for predictive, human-based nonclinical tests to prioritize safety and effectiveness. They propose increased funding, improved guidelines, and regulation to reduce waste, cost, and animal use.
A recent analysis estimates that suitable habitat for brown bears will decrease by 11 percent in Central Asia and the Asian Highlands due to climate change. This may force bears to move outside protected areas, highlighting the need for expanded protected areas and corridors.
Researchers found that overwintering Microcystis cells in sediments can seed the next year's bloom, explaining the rapid increase in Lake Erie bloom size and spatial extent. The study advances scientists' understanding of the basic biology driving the annual summer blooms.
A new study highlights the need for a shift in mental health provision based on public views and individual perspectives. Mental health professionals should adapt their practice to acknowledge patients' beliefs and preferences, rather than relying on assumed assumptions.
Bruno Jedynak, a PSU math and statistics professor, has been awarded nearly $500K to continue his research on the largest family history study of Alzheimer's disease. The study involves over 1,580 middle-aged participants and aims to understand the disease's progression by identifying biomarkers.
Women who slept less than 7-8 hours per night had a 25% increased odds of experiencing recurrent falls. Poor sleep quality, insomnia, and more sleep disturbances also associated with an increased risk.
A study examining Twitter language reveals Canadians tend to be polite, using positive words like 'great' and emoticons, while Americans are negative with words like 'hate' and emojis. The findings suggest that national stereotypes are reflected on Twitter despite the lack of accuracy in real-life personality traits.
Physicians Amir Mohareb and Louise Ivers condemn the Saudi-led coalition's attacks on healthcare facilities and services in Yemen, exacerbating outbreaks of infectious diseases and starvation. The authors stress the need for international humanitarian agencies to investigate attacks on medical personnel and facilities.
A new study by NYU neuroscientists found that humans can accurately integrate information over extended periods, contradicting predictions of existing models. The results suggest that the passage of time does not significantly impact decision-making accuracy.
Researchers discovered that Clostridium difficile toxins induce apoptosis in intestinal epithelial cells, providing a defense mechanism against the pathogen. The findings suggest that this cell death response protects the host from C. difficile infection, raising potential for therapeutic strategies to target gastrointestinal pathogens.
A Finnish study found that men who participated in the national colorectal cancer screening programme were less likely to require emergency surgery, chemotherapy, and incomplete tumour removals. The benefits of screening were particularly pronounced among male patients with left-sided colorectal cancer.
A multidisciplinary team at Penn successfully demonstrated the feasibility of 'engineered living tissue' disc replacement in a large animal model. The study showed that bioengineered spinal discs can restore native disc structure, biology, and mechanical function, offering new hope for treating spinal pain.
A University of Guelph study found that teenagers and young adults who participate in family dinners have healthier eating habits, consuming more fruits and veggies and fewer fast-food items. Family dinners also model healthful eating behaviors for parents and adolescents alike.
A new gene, slincR, discovered in zebrafish could help explain human susceptibility to chemicals. The study found that the gene regulates sox9b, a crucial gene in human development.
The study analyzes genome data from multiple species, including humans, mice, and zebrafish, to understand the evolutionary transition from invertebrates to vertebrates. The research identifies key differences in gene regulation between vertebrates and invertebrates, highlighting complex gene regulation and specialization.
A new series of studies assesses death and disability from neurological disorders between 1990 and 2016, finding one in four people worldwide suffered from headaches in 2016. Parkinson's disease has more than doubled since 1990, with motor neuron diseases causing severe disability and high fatality rates.
Researchers identified the Ikzf2 gene as a key regulator of special cells needed for hearing. Introducing a virus engineered to overexpress helios into inner ear hair cells transformed some mature inner hair cells into outer hair cells, exhibiting critical characteristics. This discovery may lead to therapies for age-related hearing loss.
A recent editorial suggests that home blood pressure monitoring is more accurate than traditional office assessments, due to the phenomenon of white coat syndrome. This can lead to misdiagnosis and inadequate treatment for patients with high blood pressure.
At 5 months, babies demonstrated the ability to recognize nested structures similar to human grammar. This basic understanding is thought to be part of what makes humans uniquely capable. The study used tone sequences and EEG measures to test infants' perception of embedded structures.
A team of McGill researchers has created a phosphorus-free anti-scaling solution based on hairy nanocellulose, providing an effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional methods. The breakthrough uses negatively charged carboxyl groups on cellulose nanoparticles to control scale formation.
A survey study of 1,000 US adults found that exposure to police violence was common, particularly among racial/ethnic and sexual minorities. The frequency of exposure was associated with increased likelihood of mental health issues, including psychological distress, suicidal thoughts, and psychotic experiences.
Researchers have created an in silico inventory of proteins on cell surfaces using machine learning, predicting the presence of over 2,900 proteins on human cell surfaces. The study reveals a wide variety of surface proteins across different cell types, with primary stem cells showing the greatest diversity.
Researchers identified protocadherin-1 as a key receptor facilitating hantavirus lung cell entry. Deleting this receptor made lab animals resistant to infection, offering potential therapeutic strategy against hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.
A large randomized controlled trial found that probiotics do not improve outcomes for children with acute gastroenteritis. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, suggests that current recommendations to use probiotics for these patients may be outdated.