A study published in the BMJ found a consistent causal effect of higher BMI on lower mental wellbeing. The researchers used Mendelian randomization to rule out other factors and found that individuals with higher BMI were less happy and satisfied with their lives.
Researchers at the University of Delaware's Center for Catalytic Science and Technology have developed a novel two-step process to convert carbon dioxide into smaller molecules, increasing efficiency and producing ethylene and ethanol. The technology has the potential to drive chemical processes more affordably and environmentally-frie...
Tropical Storm Rosa is organizing in the Eastern Pacific with improved convective banding features. The storm has the capability to generate heavy rainfall due to cold cloud top temperatures near -80°F.
University of Montana researchers discovered that ecosystems' carbon balance depends on water availability and annual precipitation thresholds. The study suggests climate models need improvement to accurately predict terrestrial carbon dynamics.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are associated with increases in weight, but exercise and diet may reduce the obesogenic effects of these environmental contaminants. Lifestyle changes can fight the obesogenic action of PFAS.
The DFG is establishing nine new Research Units to tackle pressing issues in their respective fields. The new units will focus on topics such as precipitation estimation, the brain's energy supply, Tourette syndrome, and climate change impact on high alpine geosystems.
A two-year study found that indoor HEPA filters significantly reduce fine-particulate matter in the air, with a 55% reduction in PM2.5 levels when used during poor air quality days.
A study published in PLOS Biology found that infants' attention to fearful faces at seven months predicts altruistic behavior at 14 months. The analysis revealed that brain responses in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex measured through functional near-infrared spectroscopy also predicted altruistic behavior.
A study found that body mass index (BMI) alone fails to identify preschoolers with excess stomach fat, highlighting the importance of using waist-to-height ratio as a screening tool. The method is easily made and cost-effective, but needs more research for implementation in young children.
The Quadratic Phenotypic Optimization Platform (QPOP) uses AI to analyze small datasets and design optimal drug combinations based on real experimental data. This approach can optimize and personalize combination therapy for individual patients with complex diseases, such as multiple myeloma.
A new study found that an online insomnia program using digital cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) improved not only insomnia symptoms but also daytime functioning and overall health. The program, called Sleepio, was used by 1,711 participants and showed significant improvements in global health and mental wellbeing.
A new international study finds that countries with historical Protestantism have higher secondary school enrolment rates worldwide. Despite nearly two centuries of secularization, Protestantism's influence on education persists as a global phenomenon.
Stevens Institute of Technology has received $750,000 NSF RAISE-EQuIP grant funding to advance quantum communication research. Physicists Yuping Huang and Stefan Strauf will develop scalable integrated chip technology to create entangled photons for secure information networks.
The analysis found that girls and boys perform similarly in STEM subjects, with the top 10% of a class containing equal numbers of girls and boys. Girls' lower variability in academic grades may be due to stereotypical societal beliefs about what fields they are seen to be successful in, as well as subconscious biases.
A new study found that mined lands undergo dramatic increases in chemical weathering rates, melting away bedrock up to 45 times faster than unmined areas. This process releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, offsetting 20-90% of the carbon absorbed by plants.
A study published in Radiology found that minimally invasive autopsy with CT and MRI performs as well as conventional autopsy in detecting cause of death, yielding more diagnoses. The procedure provides a permanent record of the entire body that can be revisited and reanalyzed by pathologists, radiologists, clinicians, and next-of-kin.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool discovered a lung cancer drug that can degrade 'zombie' proteins linked to leukemia. The study highlights the potential for repurposing drugs to target cancer therapies, particularly in acute myeloid leukaemia and acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
Researchers found that both internal models are necessary for precise movement: learning to move and where to move. This discovery may lead to the development of new clinical tests and training methods for athletes, particularly those with cerebellar ataxia.
Researchers found that male mosquitoes amplify female wingbeats using a phantom tone, creating an auditory illusion that helps them locate mates. The study's findings could lead to the development of acoustic lures for controlling disease-carrying mosquito populations.
A study by neurobiologists at UChicago sheds light on the grim final days of a female octopus after reproduction. The researchers found that the optic gland produces distinct molecular signals that control a mother octopus' behavior, leading to its decline and eventual death.
A Phase III clinical trial is enrolling men with metastatic Stage 4 prostate cancer to compare standard systemic therapy with or without surgery or radiation therapy. The goal is to delay disease progression and improve survival.
Dr. R. David Britt received the prestigious Zavoisky Award for his groundbreaking work on enzymes and electron paramagnetic resonance. He will receive a cash prize of €5,000 and deliver a lecture on solar energy.
Researchers discovered that older mice exhibit increased tissue regeneration and decreased scar formation in skin wounds. The findings were confirmed in human studies, suggesting that aging suppresses the circulating factor SDF1, which promotes scar formation. The study's authors hope to develop a drug to prevent scarring in humans.
A microRNA called miR2111 travels from leaves to roots, downregulating a gene that would hinder root responses to symbiotic bacteria. This finding helps understand the mechanisms of efficient nitrogen-fixing symbiosis and potential ways to exploit it agronomically.
A research team at the University of Waterloo has defined gameful experience as a psychological state resulting from three characteristics: perceived achievable goals, motivation under arbitrary rules, and voluntary actions. This unifying concept aims to clarify terminology and improve gameful system design.
A new study estimates that up to a quarter of the microbes on Earth could be uncultured and dominate nearly all environments except the human body. The research, led by Karen Lloyd, used computational power to analyze 1.5 million DNA sequences and found that as many as 30 phyla of unseen microbes exist.
Scientists have discovered a connection between an antiviral protein and the maintenance of gut microbiota equilibrium. The study found that altering the gut microbiota led to increased intestinal permeability and severity of allergic skin reactions.
Vittorio Gallo, Children's Chief Research Officer, has been awarded the prestigious Senator Jacob Javits Award in the Neurosciences. The award extends federal funding for his lab for at least seven years, supporting his research on developmental delays in children who experienced neonatal brain injury.
A recent study found that urbanization is weakening the shoreline of New York City's Jamaica Bay wetlands, causing erosion and loss of vital mineral sediment. The marshes are being drained of essential sediments, leading to their gradual but dramatic disintegration.
The observatory will collaborate with the Center for Climate, Health and the Global Environment at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health to study the impact of pollution on children's health, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and brain function in children. The Observatory aims to mobilize society to see pollution as a serious threat...
A new study reveals that ancient Mars likely had an ample supply of chemical energy for microbes to thrive underground. The researchers estimate that hydrogen concentrations in the crust around 4 billion years ago would have been sufficient to support microbial life.
A study published in Circulation Journal found that increased height increases the risk of developing varicose veins, as well as genes that determine height influencing the development of the condition. Researchers also discovered a strong genetic correlation between deep vein thrombosis and varicose veins.
Researchers propose using blood-brain barrier breakdown as an early warning sign for Alzheimer's disease, which could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment. Healthy blood vessels are crucial for normal brain functioning, and damage can be detected with imaging tests such as MRI.
A new study suggests that organs affected by autoimmune disease can actively fight back by exhausting immune cells that cause damage. The research found that these cells exhibit characteristics similar to those used by cancer cells to evade the immune system.
A $929,475 project aims to understand genetic variation and its role in optimizing smoking cessation treatment choice using data from nine existing clinical trials. The research will provide unparalleled precision medicine to improve the prediction of who is more likely to quit smoking based on their genetics.
A team from Lehigh University and UC Berkeley is developing an efficient Bayesian-guided computational framework to guide the search for new materials. This approach leverages deep learning neural networks to accelerate traditional physics-based simulation methods, enabling researchers to explore previously computationally intractable ...
Researchers discover birds evolved a new vocal organ, syrinx, instead of modifying an existing one. The syrinx raises questions about changes in bird vocalization over time and sheds light on mechanisms driving new structure development.
Researchers found that listening to a speaker repeat a belief increases its believability, especially for those with existing beliefs. However, hearing accurate information overrides myths for those on the fence. The study's findings have potential implications for policymakers seeking to correct misinformation in vulnerable communities.
Researchers have successfully fabricated tiny on-chip lithium niobate modulators with ultra-high data transmission speeds and lower energy consumption. The breakthrough technology has the potential to revolutionize the optoelectronic industry by enabling high-speed, low-power, and cost-effective communication networks.
Washington State University has been awarded a five-year grant to increase the number and diversity of students from rural Washington who enter biomedical careers. The project, called HEAL, uses art-based learning to engage underrepresented communities in STEM education.
Subtropical Storm Leslie was found drifting in the North Central Atlantic Ocean by NASA's Terra satellite on September 24, 2018. The storm was characterized by patches of deep convection and organized moderate to deep convection. It is expected to strengthen by mid-week while interacting with a frontal system.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have devised a strategy to 'go after' the cause of Alzheimer's disease, targeting toxic protein oligomers. This breakthrough could lead to new drug development and treatment options for dementia.
Phase 1 and phase 2 clinical trials of entrectinib in ROS1-positive non-small cell lung cancer demonstrated a response rate of 77.4 percent and median duration of response of 24.6 months. Entrectinib also showed competitive results in patients with brain metastases and poor prognosis
A recent study published in BMJ reveals that European Union clinical trial registrations are incomplete, with universities struggling to meet regulatory requirements. Pharmaceutical companies, however, show relatively good compliance with EU regulations.
A study examining the windpipes of birds, crocodiles, salamanders, mice, and cats found deep similarities in the presence of a reinforced airway structure, suggesting that the syrinx may have evolved for structural support. This challenges the long-held assumption that the syrinx is an evolutionary odd duck.
The BIONYX trial found that the Resolute Onyx stent is safe and effective in a complex patient population, with low rates of cardiac death and target vessel-related myocardial infarction. The stent's improved radiographic visibility facilitates accurate assessment of stent expansion and apposition to the arterial wall.
Researchers at Mount Sinai discover that an antimicrobial protein in the gut can prevent graft-versus-host-disease, a common and lethal side effect of bone marrow transplants. The protein, REG3α, may lead to new treatments for inflammatory bowel disease and other GI illnesses.
Researchers affiliated with São Paulo State University have identified four extremely young asteroid families using a numerical simulation method. The newly discovered families are estimated to be less than 7 million years old and were dated using the backward integration method, which is precise for young families.
Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed a method to synthesize multimetallic clusters with precise control of size and composition, opening up new possibilities for advanced functional materials. The team successfully formed clusters composed of up to six metal elements, including platinum.
New evidence supports the idea that fruits develop eye-catching colors to attract animal dispersers. Fruits eaten by mammals have higher reflectance in the green spectrum, while those dispersed by birds reflect more in the red. The study also found a link between fruit color and environmental factors such as UV light.
The National Science Foundation has awarded $15 million in grants to researchers studying the complex interactions between humans and their environment. Projects will investigate topics such as nutrient management, wildfires, hydrology, and volcanic eruptions to better understand how people can interact with nature in a more sustainabl...
A survey of 6,082 racially/ethnically diverse high school students in California and Florida found associations between nonconforming gender expression and mental distress. The study highlights the need for more research on the topic, particularly among adolescents independent of sexual orientation.
Researchers analyzed ancient DNA from a human skeleton in Scandinavia to determine the genomic blueprint of the louse-borne relapsing fever pathogen Borrelia recurrentis. The study found that the ancient strain had fewer genes for antigenic variation and retained a regulatory gene, suggesting reductive evolution.
The ESRC-funded LuCiD Centre will explore why children develop language problems and how to identify those at risk. The research aims to inform effective interventions in early years education and healthcare.
The study revealed the atomic-level structure of TRPM2, a protein involved in regulating body temperature and mediating immune responses. The findings provide valuable details that could inform the design of therapeutic drugs to treat temperature-related diseases and prevent neuronal death.
Experts discuss the connection between impaired vision, hearing, and cognition, highlighting the need to understand their inter-related processes and develop new tools to measure sensory and cognitive impairments. The report outlines important priorities for future scholarship and clinical practice to address these health concerns.
A Northwestern University study shows that obese and overweight pregnant women can safely restrict weight gain through healthy diet and lifestyle habits guided by a smartphone app. This approach resulted in normal birth weights and reduced the risk of gestational diabetes, hypertension, and preeclampsia.
Researchers discovered that non-circulating memory T cells offer optimal protection against Salmonella infection, leading to the development of more effective and safe vaccines. The study's findings have significant implications for addressing enteric fever and invasive non-typhoidal Salmonellosis in resource-poor communities.
Melbourne researchers have discovered a way to halt the invasion of the toxoplasmosis-causing parasite into cells, depriving it of a key factor necessary for its growth. This breakthrough could lead to a vaccine or treatment for Toxoplasmosis and shed light on general processes involved in other diseases caused by related parasites.
Scientists created a comprehensive guide to the optical properties of 2D materials, enabling the design of smaller devices and polarizing filters. The research revealed surprising optical signatures in each material, with some absorbing or reflecting specific wavelengths of light.