A study published in Scientific Reports found Zika virus in dead monkeys in Brazil, indicating a potential sylvatic transmission cycle. The infected animals were more vulnerable to attack by humans, highlighting the need for further research on the role of wild animals in maintaining the urban cycle of Zika.
A long-term study found that frequent disturbances outweigh severe ones in structuring kelp forest biodiversity. Annual disruptions led to a doubling of smaller plants and 30-61% fewer fish and shellfish, highlighting the importance of resilience over severity.
Researchers found a correlation between showerhead bacteria and lung infections in areas with high pathogenic mycobacteria presence. Households with chlorinated water had higher mycobacterial abundances, highlighting the public health relevance of showerhead biofilms.
Dr. Michael Rosen, a leading biophysicist, has been recognized as UT Southwestern's first Allen Distinguished Investigator. His research focuses on protein phase transitions and biomolecular condensates in the cell nucleus.
The CRISPR genome editing technique is revolutionizing plastic and reconstructive surgery with potential advances in craniofacial malformations, therapeutic skin grafts, and rejection-free transplants. Many challenges remain, including off-target effects, FDA regulation, and high costs.
Traces of cocoa dating back 5,300 years have been discovered in the Santa Ana-La Florida archaeological site in Ecuador. The study suggests that the Mayo Chinchipe civilization consumed cocoa almost continuously from 5,300 to 2100 years before present.
Researchers at the University of Houston have developed a new environment for repairing eyes using hyaluronic acid. By creating an ideal substrate layer with high concentrations of hyaluronic acid, they aim to improve the treatment of patients with limbal stem cell deficiency, which can lead to opaque corneas.
New research finds that Halloween is linked to higher rates of pedestrian traffic fatalities, particularly among young children. The study, which analyzed data from 1975-2016, revealed an average of four additional pedestrian deaths per year during Halloween, with the greatest risk among children aged 4-8.
A study found that one month of abstinence from cannabis improved memory functions among adolescents and young adults, including the ability to learn and recall new information. Cognitive improvement occurred largely during the first week of abstinence, suggesting that abstaining from cannabis helps young people learn efficiently.
Researchers found that females without schizophrenia used more complex brain regions to identify others' mental states, while men used less complex regions. Both groups with schizophrenia showed reduced complexity in brain processing, suggesting a potential link between olfaction and emotional processing.
Researchers found high levels of tri(2,4-di-t-butylphenyl) phosphate (TDTBPP), a toxic organophosphate, in dust samples from e-waste recycling facilities and residential homes. The study highlights the need for better tracking and regulation of chemicals to understand their effects on human health.
The new law allows investigational stem cell treatments for patients with certain severe chronic diseases or terminal illnesses, sparking debate over increased access vs. unproven treatments.
A special supplement to the Journal of Political Economy honors the life and work of Nobel laureate Gary S. Becker, featuring contributions from prominent economists. The issue explores Becker's influential research on human capital, social institutions, and inequality.
A recent study published online demonstrated that Droplet Digital PCR technology can detect and quantify rare mutations in the TERT promoter region with high sensitivity. The assays detected the mutation in 78% of samples and yielded no false positives, showing its potential as a biomarker for diagnosing and monitoring patients.
A new report from the American Cancer Society highlights critical priorities for care delivery, research, education, and policy to equitably improve survivor outcomes. The report aims to minimize long-term impact by optimizing functioning, quality of life, and overall health for cancer survivors and caregivers.
A study found that nearly all smartphone and tablet apps targeted at toddlers and preschoolers have commercial content, using distracting features and potentially manipulative approaches. The research suggests that designers and app stores could take steps to develop higher-quality apps for children.
Scientists have identified three sub-types of depression using brain imaging, including one that is unresponsive to commonly prescribed serotonin boosting drugs. The study found that childhood trauma and functional connectivity patterns in the brain play a crucial role in determining treatment effectiveness.
Researchers have discovered a new and better marker, Neurofilament light (NFL), to assess the degree of brain damage after cardiac arrest. This biomarker shows promise in identifying patients with severe brain damage and could lead to more efficient healthcare decisions.
Leading scientists propose guidelines for shared standardized validation of 4D nucleome data sets and models to address rapid development of methods and increasing complexity of data. The initiative aims to ensure proper characterization, validation, and sharing of information, enhancing our understanding of genome dynamics.
Morris Animal Foundation-funded researchers successfully protected Ridgway's hawk nestlings from botfly infestations by applying an insecticide product, resulting in a 170% increase in survival rates. This treatment could be used to help save other island bird species declining due to aggressive botflies.
Researchers found corticosteroids, biologics, and immunosuppressive agents to be effective for treating urticarial vasculitis. Antihistamines and other anti-inflammatory drugs were ineffective, contrary to common practice.
Scientists have made a major advance in understanding how heroin addiction develops by studying the brain circuits that lead to its powerful addictive effects. The discovery of dopamine neurons' role in reinforcing heroin's effects could help refine addiction treatment and develop less addictive painkillers.
A large study of over 333,000 infants found that exposure to antibiotics and acid suppressants in early childhood may increase the risk of obesity by age 3. The research suggests an association between these drugs and altered gut microbiomes linked to weight gain.
A new species of insect, Propiestus archaicus, found in Burmese amber is a relative of modern flat rove beetles that lived under tree bark. The beetle's flattened body and short legs suggest it was adapted to life in the Late Cretaceous era, helping scientists understand how continents shifted millions of years ago.
Researchers created data-driven models of individual brains to understand how brain structure affects cognitive tasks, such as language demand. The study identifies potential strategies for enhancing performance through targeted brain stimulation.
A new study published in The Journal of Politics found that enacting campaign finance reform to reduce polarization would likely degrade representation quality. Citizens tend to prefer representatives with matching issue views, regardless of ideology.
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is a founding member of LaserNetUS, a national research network for high-intensity lasers. The network provides access to the country's most powerful lasers, enabling researchers to study extreme conditions and applications such as medicine and manufacturing.
Patients with drug-resistant urinary tract infections are more likely to experience worse clinical outcomes and relapses within a week. The study highlights the importance of close follow-up and proper antibiotic treatment to curb antibiotic resistance.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found a 43% increase in pedestrian deaths on Halloween compared to control days. The risk of fatal crashes is 10 times higher for children between 4-8 years old, highlighting the need for improved pedestrian safety measures.
Research by Suzana Herculano-Houzel reveals that brain neurons play a crucial role in determining human lifespan and sexual maturity. The study found that the number of neurons in the cerebral cortex predicts around 75% of longevity variation across species, contradicting previous assumptions about human uniqueness.
New reviews on symptom stability over time for bipolar disorder and psychotic disorders highlight the importance of diagnostic accuracy for prognosis and treatment. Diagnostic instability is associated with factors such as extreme age, female sex, and substance abuse, emphasizing the need for enhanced tools to quantify risk.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have successfully used genome editing to correct a genetic mutation causing a rare and deadly heart condition. The study uses CRISPR/Cas9 technology to selectively disrupt the disease-causing gene, reducing arrhythmia symptoms in mice. This breakthrough could lead to a permanent treatment for p...
A Finnish study found that consuming high amounts of fermented dairy products can lower the risk of coronary heart disease by 26%. Fermented dairy products, such as cheese and yoghurt, were associated with improved blood lipid profiles and reduced heart disease risk.
The American Association of Feline Practitioners has released a consensus statement on feline feeding programs, highlighting the importance of allowing normal feeding behaviors such as hunting and foraging to occur in the home environment. This can help alleviate or prevent stress-related issues like cystitis and obesity.
The University of Texas at Austin will be a key player in LaserNetUS, a new national network of institutions operating high-intensity lasers. UT Austin's Texas Petawatt Laser will collaborate with leading optical and plasma physics scientists from around the US to advance research.
A new molecule called TIM-3 has been identified as a potential target for immunotherapy treatments in patients with cancer and other diseases. The protein plays a key role in regulating the immune response, and its suppression or inactivity can lead to uncontrollable T cell activation and the development of rare forms of lymphoma.
Research suggests a BMI of 21-25kg/m2 is associated with the lowest risk of dying from cancer and heart disease. The study found that underweight individuals were more likely to die from various causes, including cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and dementia.
Researchers are investigating the link between blood clots and pancreatic tumors, which could lead to more effective treatments for patients with pancreatic cancer. The study aims to understand how blood clots form and contribute to tumor growth, potentially leading to new therapeutic approaches.
A study analyzing US death rates over 37 years reveals that young men are more likely to die in the summer, while older people remain more likely to die in winter, regardless of regional climate. The seasonal patterns were independent of geography, with similar trends observed across diverse climates.
A new study suggests that individual perceptions of safety and school quality play critical roles in how people define their communities. Researchers found that zip code remains the biggest predictor, but other factors have predictive power, especially for whites and Hispanics. The findings highlight the importance of considering lived...
The study used balloon-borne measurements to investigate dust particles in the free troposphere over a Chinese desert region. The findings suggest that mineral particles from desert areas have a local influence and are transported long distances, with coarse-mode particles dominating the size distribution.
Researchers found that a specific mark on RNA molecules protects them from degradation under stressful conditions, enabling plants to more effectively respond to drought and salt stress. This mechanism could be manipulated to develop more resilient crop varieties.
The economic impact of obesity and excess weight in the US has reached $1.7 trillion, according to a new study by the Milken Institute. Direct health-care costs total $480.7 billion, while lost productivity adds another $1.24 trillion.
Researchers at Empa develop high-performance watch springs through electroplating, enabling improved accuracy and long-term stability. The team's goal is to master the process of miniaturization and understand its effects on material properties.
A study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that facial asymmetry increases steadily with aging, especially in the lower two-thirds of the face. Researchers used 3D photogrammetry to measure facial symmetry in 191 volunteers, ranging from four months to 88 years old.
A world-first criterion for quantum supremacy has been established using the Tianhe-2 supercomputer, demonstrating a significant advantage over classical computing in boson sampling tasks. The research sets the stage for future quantum computing advancements and paves the way for experimental implementation of quantum devices.
A recent study led by ISGlobal identifies new antibody markers associated with the RTS,S malaria vaccine's protective effects. The research reveals that IgG1 and IgG3 antibodies provide crucial protection against disease, while IgG2 and IgG4 may increase disease risk.
The hepatitis B virus is highly stable at room temperature and can withstand temperatures of four degrees centigrade for nine months. Disinfectants are effective against the virus when applied undiluted, but their effectiveness decreases with dilution.
Researchers from Florida Atlantic University developed a machine learning model that detects Medicare fraud with high accuracy. By analyzing large datasets from Medicare Part B, they identified a unique process to map fraudulent providers, achieving a statistically significant detection rate.
A study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that higher vitamin D levels are associated with better exercise capacity and cardiorespiratory fitness. Participants with higher vitamin D levels had a 4.3-fold higher fitness level compared to those with lower levels.
Research by Norwegian University of Science and Technology found that individuals with larger brains are more likely to develop brain tumors. The study, which analyzed data from over 1,000 participants, revealed a statistically significant association between brain size and increased cancer risk.
NASA's Aqua satellite captured Typhoon Yutu as it exited Luzon and entered the South China Sea. The storm maintained its structure, with maximum sustained winds near 75 knots.
The University of Pittsburgh engineers have created a transparent flexible material by combining silk fibroins with carbon nanotubes, exhibiting desirable optical mechanical and chemical properties. This breakthrough has potential applications in wearable and implantable electronic devices, as well as sensors for biomedical use.
Researchers have identified distinct differences between heart muscle cells that fail and those that adapt to high blood pressure. Cells that adapted were thicker, needed more energy, and could keep the heart beating, while failing cells became stretched out and weak.
A new study from Université de Montréal finds that increased pain sensitivity is a key risk factor for persistent knee pain in osteoarthritis. The research identified four subgroups characterized by varying degrees of pain sensitization, with the highest degree linked to the greatest risk of developing persistent knee pain.
Researchers found that reducing overall alcohol consumption can lead to fewer people developing an alcohol disorder. The study also showed that men are at greater risk of developing a disorder and are less likely to quit.
Research finds that warming ocean temperatures and changes in the North Atlantic Oscillation are causing a significant decline in shellfish landings. Habitat degradation, including increased predation and poor water quality, is also contributing to the decline.
A new study has discovered a single protein called Dazl that regulates a network of genes essential for developing sperm to replicate and survive. This finding could lay the groundwork for future research into therapies for infertile men, offering insights into molecular events that ensure survival of germ cells.
Researchers discovered that owl brains use fewer neurons to encode multiple locations, solving the problem of selection at all possible locations. This finding applies to humans and may help understand disorders like ADHD.
A study published in PNAS found that the Mincle receptor initiates an antibacterial response to Group A Streptococcus upon recognition of MGDG, an anchor of lipoteichoic acid. The receptor plays a critical role in the immune response to GAS and may provide a therapeutic option by increasing antibacterial immunity.