A new study suggests that ancient farming practices led to a rise in atmospheric carbon dioxide and methane, altering the climate. Without human influence, the planet would have likely experienced another ice age by the start of the Industrial Revolution.
Researchers developed a simple, inexpensive technique to create large-scale sheets of two-dimensional piezoelectric material, allowing integration onto silicon chips and expansion into surface manufacturing. The method enables the production of free-standing GaPO4 nanosheets for piezo-sensors and energy harvesting applications.
A new study challenges the effectiveness of probiotics in boosting digestive health. Researchers found that many people's gut tracts prevent standard probiotics from successfully colonizing them. Additionally, taking probiotics after antibiotics may delay the return of normal gut bacteria and gene expression.
Researchers discover gene H19 has a unique protective effect against the development of overweight and related diseases. Genes from mothers primarily lead to the development of brown fat tissue, which has a protective effect against obesity.
A new grant will support research on intermittent, or not continuously flowing, streams across the southern United States. The project aims to understand how climate and biological factors affect stream ecosystems when they dry, and develop a large-scale framework to analyze environmental changes.
Researchers from the German Primate Center found that visual attention desynchronizes nerve cell activity, enabling more complex information processing. This insight may provide evidence for mechanisms underlying ADHD and autism, and sheds light on how the brain processes stimuli.
Researchers found that varenicline, a medication used to help cigarette smokers quit, had no effect on shisha smokers. Shisha smoking poses similar health risks as cigarette smoking due to inhalation of large volumes of tobacco and charcoal smoke.
Apolipoprotein A-IV increases after consuming foods high in unsaturated fats, such as olive oil, and is associated with lower cardiovascular disease rates. It acts as an inhibitory factor for platelets, reducing thrombosis risk by blocking platelet aggregation.
Researchers at Nagoya University developed a process to create high-performance materials with consistent properties. By controlling reactions, they achieved narrow molecular weight distributions and regular cross-linking, leading to responsive and stable gel networks.
Researchers found that bee venom and melittin suppress inflammation in atopic dermatitis by regulating T helper cell differentiation. The study suggests bee venom may be an effective treatment for eczema, potentially alleviating inflammatory skin diseases.
Researchers found that Google, Yelp, and Facebook ratings most accurately reflect patient experience but not quality of care or safety. They recommend using tools to search for hospitals meeting specific clinical needs.
A new study found that 37% of adult smokers who tried vaping blu products completely switched to vaping after 90 days. The study also showed a significant reduction in daily smoking and cigarettes per day.
Researchers used audio technology to analyze willow warbler migration patterns in fragmented woodlands. They found that birds arrived earlier in patches with less surrounding habitat, indicating a shift in their behavior due to habitat loss.
Researchers at LMU and Würzburg have successfully demonstrated the complete splitting of water into hydrogen fuel and oxygen using an all-in-one catalytic system. The new system, which mimics biological photosynthesis, enables the efficient generation of oxygen while minimizing damage to the nanorods.
Skin cells can detect damaged DNA in the absence of infection and trigger an immune response similar to that observed during viral infections. This discovery could lead to new cancer treatments and preventive measures against skin cancers.
Researchers from UCI have identified patterns of sugars on the surface of neural stem cells that determine their fate, affecting brain cell formation. This discovery may improve the use of stem cells in transplantation therapies to treat injury and disease.
A new study found that pregnant overweight and obese women can limit their weight gain with diet and exercise interventions, reducing complications but not impacting birth weight. The trials included diverse socioeconomic groups and showed that reduced weight gain did not result in fewer obstetrical complications.
A new study found that children carrying the ε4 variant of the APOE gene may experience adverse effects from traffic-related air pollution, including higher behaviour problem scores and slower attention capacity. The findings suggest that this genetic variant could exacerbate air pollution's impact on neurodevelopment.
The study found that more than half of Americans misused their prescription drugs in 2017, with a surge in heroin and fentanyl misuse among patients with substance use disorders. The report also highlights the growing trend of gabapentin misuse and dangerous opioid combinations.
A fully autonomous robot, Robat, utilizes a bat-like approach by emitting sound and analyzing echoes to create a detailed map of its surroundings. It successfully navigates through a new outdoor environment and classifies objects using an artificial neural network.
A new study found unpredictable and potentially harmful levels of higenamine in US weight-loss and sports/energy supplements, urging consumers to use caution. The researchers call for independent testing and certification of dietary supplements to minimize adverse health effects.
The 'Robat' uses echolocation to navigate novel environments by emitting sound and analyzing the returning echoes to generate a map of space. It is equipped with an ultrasonic speaker and two microphones that classify borders and shapes of objects encountered, avoiding obstacles.
Astronomers have detected the most-distant galactic 'wind' of molecules ever observed, seen when the universe was one billion years old. The galaxy SPT2319-55, 12 billion light-years away, shows a powerful outflow of hydroxyl (OH) molecules, which could help regulate starbirth and galaxy growth.
Researchers identified a system of communication networks that regulate metabolism, providing a detailed atlas illustrating how the body creates and uses energy. The study shows disruptions in these networks may lead to disease.
A UTA doctoral student has received a Graduate Research Fellowship Program grant to fund her research on genetic variation in whiptail lizards and its impact on the microbiome. The award will support her three-year research project using both sexually and asexually reproducing species living in sympatry.
A new study analyzed data from two UK and US centers to find that patients with advanced lung cancer often receive multiple medications that may not be beneficial. On average, these patients were prescribed 1.9-2.6 preventative medications at admission and discharge. The authors suggest developing an intervention to reduce inappropriat...
A new study published in Frontiers finds that short chromosome tips (telomeres) are an independent risk factor for age-related functional decline. Participants with the shortest telomeres were more likely to have reduced physical function, regardless of geographical location, age, sex, or weight.
Researchers at DGIST developed an artificial synaptic device that simulates the human brain's memory function. The device uses tantalum oxide to mimic synapses and has overcome durability limitations of current devices. It can store multiple values, reducing power consumption by over one-thousandth compared to digital signals.
A study by researchers from UNIGE reveals that global warming 56 million years ago had a more significant impact on the environment than currently thought, with floods increasing by a factor of eight and landscapes transforming into arid plains.
A review of 173 rhinoplasty patients found that most received opioid prescriptions, averaging 28 pills per patient, yet experienced less pain than expected. The study's results highlight the need for more research on optimal postoperative pain management from rhinoplasty
Researchers at USC and MUSC found that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) significantly improved naming exercises in stroke patients with long-term aphasia. The study shows tDCS coupled with speech therapy is a promising new treatment for these patients.
The study found that Minimum Legal Drinking Age (MLDA) laws reduce binge drinking and risky behaviors such as drunk driving, sexual activities, violence, and interpersonal problems. The analysis suggests a need to reevaluate the MLDA to determine its optimal age.
Researchers have discovered a marker that can help identify patients with severe asthma who are likely to respond well to new treatments. The marker targets inflammatory cells called eosinophils, which play a key role in the condition.
Researchers developed a new cancer vaccine that boosts the immune system's ability to fight cancers, suggesting increased chances of recovery in cases where drug therapy alone is not working. The vaccine, called Diprovocim, was shown to produce a complete response in treating melanoma and preventing recurrence.
A study by NYU School of Medicine and the Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research found that marijuana use is becoming more prevalent among middle-aged and older adults, with 9% of adults aged 50-64 and nearly 3% of adults 65+ reporting use in the past year. This trend suggests a significant increase in marijuana use over the past dec...
Researchers at UCLA have developed a new method for tracking brain chemicals, including neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. The system uses tiny artificial receptors paired with semiconductor devices that can function in living tissue.
Research found men aged 58-85 were more accepting of their outfits as they aged, unlike women who perceive a 'cut-off point' for certain items. Men also had strong negative reactions to clothing that marked a decline in masculinity, such as elasticated trousers.
The study reveals that thermodynamic forces, specifically the difference of equilibrium electro-chemical potentials between metals, drive symmetry breaking in seed-mediated growth. This allows for the creation of asymmetric bimetal nano-heterostructures with unique properties and functions.
A team of scientists from the University of Leicester has explored the long-standing mystery of mass extinctions, revealing that abrupt transitions can occur due to 'ghost attractors' and 'crawl-bys'. This knowledge could help predict upcoming ecological catastrophes and inform efficient management.
Researchers at NCATS developed a new system to accelerate the discovery of chemical compounds that inhibit NSD2, an enzyme implicated in multiple cancers. The team tested over 16,000 compounds and identified 44 promising inhibitors.
A review of published studies suggests a positive relationship between hand, foot, and mouth disease and temperature and humidity. Global warming may impact HFMD transmission throughout the year, with potential consequences for public health.
A new climate-modeling study finds that large wind and solar farms in the Sahara Desert and neighboring Sahel would increase local temperature, precipitation and vegetation. The effects are likely to benefit the region, with increased rainfall leading to a positive feedback loop of vegetation growth.
Researchers found that probiotics' effects on humans and microbiomes vary greatly from person to person. Personalized treatment was shown to have significant benefits in addressing adverse side effects of antibiotics. The study's results suggest a tailored approach to probiotic use, potentially leading to improved health outcomes.
Researchers found neural dynamics predict future speech timing based on past speech rate, influencing word comprehension. The study suggests that brain activity synchronizes to speech rhythms, affecting how we process and hear words.
A new lab-on-a-chip device developed by KU Leuven researchers can detect infections and viruses in blood with high accuracy, making it ideal for diagnosing people in developing countries. The device is simple, cheap to produce, and can be activated with a finger touch, allowing anyone to use it.
A new study from Stanford University School of Medicine identifies patterns in genetic data that can predict a person's risk for abdominal aortic aneurysm, a common and often fatal cardiovascular disease. The method uses machine learning to analyze genomic data and identify complex mutational patterns associated with the condition.
Researchers developed a data-driven approach using machine learning to interpret complex material spectra. The method enables rapid and accurate analysis of spectral features without requiring specialist expertise.
Researchers from Rutgers University discovered that lunar swirls are produced by strongly magnetized lava flows, challenging the existing understanding of the moon's geology. The study provides new insights into the moon's ancient volcanic activity and internally generated magnetic field.
A new study by University of Notre Dame researchers provides an integrated framework to identify neighborhoods that would benefit most from green roofs, aiming to reduce temperatures and alleviate heat-related climate impacts. The study found that green roofs can help populations most vulnerable to heat exposure.
Hurricane Norman's stronger storms have expanded beyond its center, with cloud top temperatures reaching minus 70 degrees Fahrenheit, capable of generating heavy rainfall. The storm is forecast to pass 200-300 miles northeast of the main Hawaiian Islands, bringing large and potentially dangerous surf.
A natural history study provides the first comprehensive clinical description of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) within Amish and Mennonite communities, correlating haplotypes and SMN2 copy number with disease severity. The study reveals differences in disease expression and survival between genotypes with varying numbers of SMN2 copies.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have developed a plasma treatment method that modifies electrode surfaces to facilitate efficient water transport in fuel cells. This innovation enables fuel cells to operate effectively without excessive moisture, improving overall performance and energy conversion rates.
Researchers at the University of São Paulo's Physics Institute have successfully entangled six light waves using an optical parametric oscillator. This achievement could lead to faster processing speeds and improve the feasibility of quantum computing by enabling the creation of systems with multiple entangled components.
A 10-year study found that bird diversity in Honduras cloud forests is moving higher in elevation, driven by globally rising temperatures and land protection limitations.
A new study reveals that wind and solar farms increase local precipitation and plant growth in the Sahara desert. The results suggest a positive impact on regional climate processes, with potential to produce minimal climate change at continental scales.
A new study finds that countries with better infrastructure, lower corruption, and higher spending on public health have lower rates of antibiotic resistance. Improving sanitation, access to clean water, and good governance are crucial in reducing antimicrobial resistance.
A study by Dr. Tom Weihmann shows that body dynamics depend strongly on the number of propulsive legs, with increasing leg numbers impeding energy recovery. This discovery could explain quadrupedal animals adopting bipedalism and potentially inform control mechanisms for fast-running robots.
Researchers found that rapidly spreading ovarian cancer cells recruit CAFs to accelerate cancer proliferation and spread by enhancing energy sources. Blocking glycogen mobilization could be a therapeutic strategy for reducing tumor dissemination.
Research suggests that living in greener neighborhoods can positively impact children's cognitive functioning, particularly in spatial working memory and mathematics performance. A study of 4758 English children found a strong association between neighborhood greenspace and improved spatial working memory.
The GPM core satellite revealed heavy rainfall rates of 50 mm/h near the eye of Hurricane Florence, with storms producing rain at a rate of 2 inches per hour. The satellite also provided estimates of storm heights using data from geostationary satellites and radar.