The first vertebrates on Earth diversified in nearshore intertidal and subtidal environments over a period of 100 million years. Early adaptations allowed them to spread into other habitats, with more strongly built creatures remaining in shallow waters and gracile body forms colonizing deeper water.
A new species of Archaeopteryx, Archaeopteryx albersdoerferi, has been discovered with advanced flight characteristics, supporting its status as a transitional fossil between birds and dinosaurs. The study used 3D X-ray analyses to reveal skeletal adaptations that enabled the ancient bird to fly more efficiently.
A new study by University of Arizona researchers investigates whether cognitive abilities can predict a dog's success as a working dog. The study found that different skills, such as social skills and short-term memory, are crucial for assistance dogs and explosive detection dogs, respectively.
Researchers at Simon Fraser University are working to improve the efficiency of light electric vehicles by developing next-generation 'passive' cooling solutions for battery chargers. Graphite is being used to enhance thermal performance, eliminate parasitic cooling power, and decrease electromagnetic interference.
The Army Research Laboratory has granted over $130,000 to Kent State University's Blake Stringer to study propulsion systems for intermediate-sized drones. The goal is to create a drone that can serve various functions, such as supply delivery and personnel extraction.
A neural network mimics the fruit fly's visual system and distinguishes between individuals based on sight alone. The system achieved an F1 score of 0.75, surpassing human biologists' performance in a similar task.
Researchers at NIST have developed a novel metal-organic framework (MOF) that can separate ethylene from a mixture of hydrocarbons using far less energy than traditional methods. This breakthrough could reduce the environmental cost of plastic manufacturing and make it more sustainable.
A new analysis found that partially paid family leave policies in California and New Jersey increased breastfeeding rates, particularly among higher-income women. However, the benefits were modest and may not be sufficient to support low-income parents who need it most.
The study reveals that sand crabs build narrow burrows to prevent collapse, with the upper limit of stable burrow widths being around 5 cm. The researchers also found that cometary pits have a similar lower size limit, suggesting that both are governed by the same principle: the mechanics of cohesive granular matter.
Researchers use artificial intelligence to develop a quantum error correction system that can learn from experience, outperforming traditional methods. The approach enables quantum computers to solve complex tasks by correcting errors in qubit states.
A Kent State University researcher is using a $450,000 NIH grant to study how we create deeply ingrained fear memories and how to block them. He aims to target the amygdala's microglia cells, which produce cytokines associated with chronic anxiety and depression.
A study of obese women who underwent gastric sleeve or bypass surgery found that weight loss reversed precancerous tissue changes in the womb. By 12 months after surgery, high-risk changes had reversed and no further pre-cancerous changes were detected.
Researchers at Rice University have discovered a link between tiny tremors on the Cascadia margin and fluid activity deep within the Earth's crust. The study reveals that these small quakes are related to slippage in the subducting plate, which releases fluids into sediments trapped beneath the overriding plate.
A new study in fruit flies reveals that just a few drinks of alcohol can change how memories are formed at the fundamental molecular level. The research found that alcohol hijacks a conserved memory pathway and changes the proteins expressed in neurons, forming cravings.
Researchers have developed an exceptional MOF for separating gases, producing polymer-grade ethylene with high efficiency. The new iron-peroxo based MOF achieves 99.99% purity levels without multiple cycles.
A study by Ohio State University found that strong relationships between teachers, parents, and students have a significant impact on improving student learning. Social capital, the network of relationships promoting academic achievement, had a three to five times larger effect than financial capital on reading and math scores.
Research at San Diego State University discovered unique patterns of neural communication in the brains of children with autism. The study found weaker connections between the amygdala and the occipital cortex, as well as an absence of expected strengthening of connections during adolescence.
Researchers found that exposing skin to ultraviolet light every 2 days resulted in darker pigmentation with less radiation damage than daily exposure. A 48-hour cycle of melanin production was observed in both mice and human cells, suggesting a natural timing mechanism for skin protection.
A new study reveals that heat increases gastroenteritis hospital admissions by 21% and cold by 7%, while rainfall decreases risk by 26%. Temperature plays a significant role in the increase of hospital admissions due to gastroenteritis, with hot temperatures mostly affecting foodborne cases.
A team of researchers, led by Dr. El Bachir Affar and Dr. Marc Therrien, has made a groundbreaking discovery about the molecular mechanisms that prevent cancer from developing. They found that protein BAP1 works in tandem with partner ASXL2 to protect cells and keep organs cancer-free.
Scientists at the University of Tsukuba have identified a potential alternative strategy for treating insomnia by targeting adenosine A2A receptors. The study found that enhancing endogenous adenosine A2A receptor signaling induces slow-wave sleep without affecting body temperature and cardiovascular function.
Researchers found that small changes, such as virtual characters acknowledging users' presence, can have a significant positive impact on people's sense of presence in a VR news scenario. This is demonstrated by a 25% conversion rate from the VR experience to further information about the refugee crisis.
A recent study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that midlife women transitioning to menopause have a higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome. The study identified central obesity as the most common factor, but also showed that physically active women were less likely to deve...
Researchers have developed a non-invasive method to detect metallic stents and their potential structural failures through microwave spectrometry. The technique showed promise in detecting stent fractures and restenosis, highlighting the potential for new approaches to cardiovascular disease treatment.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that maintaining grip strength and protecting mental ability can prevent or delay disability. The research suggests that older adults who engage in physical and mental training may slow down their physical decline and reduce the risk of future problems.
Researchers found that consuming 30 grams of protein about 30 minutes before bed supports muscle quality, metabolism, and overall health. The study, published in the British Journal of Nutrition, provides evidence that whole foods can be as effective as protein supplements for presleep nutrition.
Researchers at Rice University have created high-powered, fast-charging lithium metal batteries using carbon nanotube films. The films effectively quench dendrite growth, allowing the batteries to retain 99.8% of their coulombic efficiency over 580 charge/discharge cycles.
Research found that people have a tendency to dichotomize data distributions and ignore differences in the degree to which instances differ from an explicit or inferred midpoint. This binary bias influences how people interpret sequences of information across various contexts and graphical displays.
A recent study found that procurement biopsies taken when kidneys are procured from donors were not reliable for determining suitability for transplantation. This lack of reliability may result in unnecessary kidney discard and reduced organ utilization, prompting a need to re-examine the role of such biopsies in organ allocation.
Two UTA social work professors, Noelle Fields and Ling Xu, have received a $459,994 NIH grant to develop an intervention program for African American dementia caregivers. The SCP Plus program aims to reduce caregiver burden and stress while increasing the well-being of caregivers.
A new study by San Francisco State University researchers found that offering job-related support and emotional support have roughly the same effect. Simply making resources available is often more consistently positive than overtly discussing it. Employers are advised to think carefully before providing support, considering whether it...
Researchers found that ecolabelling had no impact on consumer choices for sustainable seafood, instead leading to increased overall seafood sales. Social norms and price played a significant role in purchasing decisions.
A study of over 10,000 participants with type 2 diabetes found that intensive blood sugar control and targeting low blood pressure reduced the risk of macroalbuminuria, but had no impact on more significant kidney outcomes. The use of fenofibrate to lower cholesterol increased the risk for doubling of serum creatinine.
Researchers discovered a new brain mechanism underlying salience processing that facilitates associative learning and survival. The periventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT) is activated by salient stimuli, including novel stimuli and reinforcing cues.
A PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases study finds that 7.3% of Gabonese adults and teens are infected with HTLV-1, a risk factor for adult T-cell lymphoma and other diseases. The study calls for nationwide sexual health programs, blood donor screening, and pregnant woman education to combat transmission.
A new study found that older individuals, Republicans, and males are more likely to oppose the BLM movement. In contrast, Blacks and those who perceive racial bias against them are less likely to oppose it. The study also revealed a link between opposition to BLM and red states with lower voting patterns for Mitt Romney in 2012.
A phase II clinical trial found that sparsentan significantly reduces proteinuria by 45% in patients with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a rare kidney disorder. The study also suggests potential implications for other kidney diseases characterized by proteinuria.
A new study found that Medicaid expansion led to a significant decrease in mortality rates among patients with end-stage kidney disease. In states that expanded Medicaid, the number of deaths within a year of starting dialysis decreased by 0.8 percentage points compared to non-expansion states.
Researchers from UChicago used genetic analysis and CRISPR/Cas9 editing to discover a single gene that controls the white or yellow spots on the wings of Heliconius butterflies. This gene, called aristaless1 (al1), acts as a switch for color variation, with elevated expression leading to white spots.
Researchers simulated DNA movements in a cell's nucleus, proposing that molecular machines cause chromatin segments to straighten and align neighboring strands. This alignment results in a cascading effect where large patches of DNA shift in the same direction.
Researchers identified a 48-hour cycle regulating the skin's response to ultraviolet rays, revealing a tradeoff between stress response and pigmentation. The 'UV-protection timer' optimizes sun damage prevention by synchronizing natural defense mechanisms.
Researchers developed a gene-suppressing drug that, when combined with an over-the-counter gel, accelerated wound healing in mice. The treatment, tested on mice with skin excisions or burns, showed significant improvements in healing outcomes, including regeneration of hair follicles and collagen networks.
A joint research team used materials informatics to identify two new superconducting materials, SnBi2Se4 and PbBi2Te4. The newly developed method efficiently explored new materials with desirable properties, including superb thermoelectric properties.
Researchers discovered that inhibiting CDK9, a DNA transcription regulator, reactivates genes silenced by cancer. This leads to restored tumor suppressor gene expression and enhanced anti-cancer immunity. The new epigenetic drug strategy shows broad effectiveness against cancer in both in vitro and in vivo studies.
A new quantum network is being developed in the Chicago area to test unhackable communications, using principles of quantum physics to send information. The project aims to create a secure network with wide-ranging impact on communications and national security.
A systematic review of over two million patients found the newer shingles vaccine Shingrix to be 85% more effective than Zostavax in reducing cases of shingles. However, it also carried a higher risk of injection-site adverse events such as redness or swelling.
Researchers at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute studied Peters' tent-making bats and found that mothers prod their young with forearms, possibly encouraging them to fledge and wean. Bat pups' arms grew faster than the rest of their bodies, allowing them to learn to fly in just a few nights with help from their mothers.
Researchers at Stanford University have created electrochemical cells that convert carbon monoxide (CO) from CO2 into commercially viable compounds, including ethylene and acetate. The new design improves efficiency and concentration of products, making it a promising solution for capturing CO2 and mitigating climate change.
A new center will recruit and train junior scientists to study Alzheimer's disease in Native populations, with a focus on American Indian, Alaska Native, and Pacific Islander investigators. The center aims to fill knowledge gaps and promote prevention and treatment to reduce health disparities.
Aequatus provides a seamless user experience to visualize homologous genes among species, helping biologists delve into the details of genomic features. The tool supports the Ensembl REST API, improving portability and access to fine-grained information about genes and organisms.
Researchers discovered that articular cartilage degenerates specifically around injury areas due to excessive fluid flow velocity, potentially leading to osteoarthritis. The novel mechanobiological model can predict osteoarthritis in personal medicine and suggest optimal rehabilitation protocols.
A study found that smoke alarms using the mother's voice are more effective in waking children than traditional high-pitch tone alarms, waking 86-91% of kids compared to 53%. Including a child's name in the alarm message does not improve effectiveness.
Researchers used playback experiments to assess harbour porpoise echolocation click detection ranges for underwater acoustic loggers. The maximum distance captured was 566m, but effective detection ranged from just under 200m to 72m, providing valuable insights for conservation efforts.
Researchers found that playing Tetris can induce a state of 'flow', reducing worry and negative emotion in individuals waiting for uncertain news. The game's adaptive difficulty level played a key role in achieving this state, which provides a convincing link between flow and improved well-being during anxious periods.
Researchers from the Borexino collaboration confirm previous assumptions about the Sun's fusion processes using a comprehensive analysis of neutrinos from the Sun's core. The results substantiate the standard solar model and reveal an interesting clue to a previously unresolved solar mystery: high metallicity.
Exposure to neonicotinoids as tadpoles impairs wood frogs' ability to flee from predators, with affected individuals jumping or moving less. However, physical abilities like distance jumped and refuge finding remain unaffected.
A study found that angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) drugs increase the risk of lung cancer by 14% compared to angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). The risk is highest among patients using ACEIs for over five years, particularly those who use them for more than 10 years.
Researchers at RMIT University have developed a new nanophotonic device that can encode and process data using twisted light beams, increasing bandwidth by up to 100 times. This technology has the potential to revolutionize optical communications and quantum computing research.
Researchers found men with low resilience scores experience a significant increase in depressive symptoms after losing their spouse, while women's responses differ depending on resilience levels. The study suggests external resources like social networks may play a role in the gender divide.
Research reveals chronic stress impairs spatial memory through altered glucose metabolism, with susceptible individuals showing cognitive impairments.