New research maps the distribution of destructive human activities impacting threatened birds, mammals, and amphibians globally. The study identifies hotspots of human impact, including South East Asia and South America, where tropical forests are rich in biodiversity.
Researchers use photoacoustic imaging to detect placental ischemia in pregnant rats, revealing early signs of preeclampsia. The non-invasive procedure poses little risk to the fetus and may lead to better treatment outcomes.
A pilot study published in PNAS detects early-stage liver cancer in HBV carriers with high accuracy, using cell-free DNA and protein biomarkers. The HCCscreen assay achieves a 17% positive predictive value, 100% sensitivity, and 94% specificity.
Researchers Korbut observed crowds in metro-mobs to understand how they move and coordinate actions, finding that individuals follow free space minimization rules and rely on others' movements for direction. The study highlights the importance of speed control, stopping signals, and joining methods in mob organization.
Biomedical engineers at Columbia University have demonstrated that neurofeedback can modify an individual's arousal state to improve performance in sensory-motor tasks. The study used brain-computer interface technology to reduce participants' arousal levels, leading to improved task completion rates and duration.
A new study by researchers at Hospital for Special Surgery found that patients living near the hospital after joint replacement surgery are less likely to seek follow-up care in person, but instead call their surgeon with questions. This efficient use of healthcare resources is ideal, as it reduces expensive ER visits.
A comprehensive assessment of US democracy during the Trump presidency finds substantial areas of agreement among experts and citizens about critical democratic principles. However, there are concerns about the erosion of democratic norms, particularly regarding checks and balances and institutional resilience.
Researchers have pioneered a technique to analyze tiny amounts of newborn blood, providing the most detailed accounting to date. The study establishes a common developmental pathway for the first week of a newborn's life, offering insights into newborn health and the impact of vaccines.
Scientists have discovered that deleting the gene encoding ASCT2, a transporter enzyme responsible for bringing amino acids into cells, prolongs survival of mice with aggressive leukemia. The study found that ASCT2 is required for leukemia development and progression but dispensable for normal blood cell development.
A recent analysis found that giving the steroid betamethasone to pregnant women at risk of late-preterm delivery results in lower hospital stays for infants. The study estimated costs for over 1,400 mother-infant pairs and found that the average cost for those who received the drug was $4,681, compared to $5,379 for those who did not.
The researchers developed site-dependent +U correction parameters using self-consistent first principles calculations, which improves the structure of stoichiometric SrMnO3 and provides a more accurate description of defective systems. This approach can lead to lower computational cost and more precise predictions of defect energetics.
Scientists have observed that asteroid Bennu's rotation period is getting shorter by about 1 second every 100 years, a change that could lead to dramatic changes in the space rock. This acceleration is likely due to the YORP effect, which causes asteroids to spin faster or slower as sunlight hits them.
Researchers at UNH have developed a new hydrogel that deactivates matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) responsible for corneal melting by removing zinc ions. This localized treatment avoids side effects common with existing MMP inhibitors, paving the way for a potential contact lens therapy.
A recent review paper by San Francisco State University Professor Jonathon Stillman examines the potential impacts of future heat waves on humans and wildlife. The study suggests that extreme heat events could become more frequent and intense, posing significant threats to human mortality and wildlife populations.
Researchers discovered a 'snapping organ' in planthopper bugs that enables them to produce fast, rhythmic motions of their abdomen to attract mates. The mechanism involves the release of stored elastic energy, allowing the bugs to communicate effectively despite their small size.
A recent study by WVU researchers found that stroke patients' microbiomes may still be out of balance a month after the stroke has passed. The team discovered changes in the structure of their guts, including less prominent beneficial bacteria and increased inflammation.
A study published in the European Heart Journal found that air pollution is responsible for an estimated 8.8 million extra deaths globally, with Europe accounting for nearly 800,000 excess deaths annually. In Europe, air pollution causes an estimated 790,000 extra deaths and between 40-80% are due to cardiovascular diseases.
A study published in Physical Review Letters demonstrates that algorithms based on deep neural networks can better understand quantum physics phenomena. Researchers found a way to harness AI to enhance understanding of quantum behavior, potentially revolutionizing various aspects of life.
A new MRI method measures iron content to monitor recovery from stroke-related damage and track neurodegeneration in the substantia nigra. Higher iron levels are associated with worse long-term outcomes and potential therapies may slow or stop degeneration.
An international research team developed a new technique to analyze vast amounts of data from tiny amounts of newborn blood, revealing molecular changes in the first week of life. The study provides a common developmental pathway for this period, enabling further understanding of newborn health and vaccine impact.
A comprehensive review of marine mammal noise exposure has yielded new policy recommendations for regulatory agencies worldwide. The panel's report provides guidelines to avoid harm and includes species-specific criteria for noise exposure, based on the latest scientific knowledge.
A €7 million Parkinson's research project, PD-MitoQUANT, will be coordinated by RCSI to deepen understanding of the disease and develop new treatments. The project aims to increase knowledge of how cells in the brain become damaged in Parkinson's, with a focus on mitochondria.
The starry dwarf frog is the sole member of an ancient lineage classified as Astrobatrachinae. Its unique constellation-like markings and bright orange underbelly make it a fascinating discovery, providing insights into its deep evolutionary history.
Researchers have discovered that growing grasses alongside blueberry plants corrects iron deficiency, leading to increased antioxidant content and improved berry quantity. Intercropping with grass species has been shown to provide a natural source of iron chelators, comparable to synthetic treatments.
The opioid crisis is expanding globally, with Norway, Sweden, and Denmark reporting a surge in prescription opioid prescriptions for chronic non-cancer pain. The study highlights the need to curtail the use of strong painkillers like oxycodone, which can lead to overdose deaths.
AI systems often employ 'Clever Hans' strategies that are not meaningful from a human perspective, but still achieve success. Researchers have developed explainable AI technology to identify these flawed strategies and identify more intelligent problem-solving approaches.
Tropical Cyclone Idai was spotted in the Mozambique Channel by NASA's Terra satellite on March 12. The cyclone maintained a well-defined eye despite high clouds and was forecast to intensify before making landfall near Beira, Mozambique.
Researchers at GE Research and the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research have developed a non-invasive ultrasound technique to stimulate nerve features directly within target organs, reducing inflammatory markers and altering metabolism. The findings hold promise for treating various illnesses, including arthritis and IBD.
A large study of over 8,200 adults found no association between midlife diet quality and later risk of dementia. The study followed participants for nearly 25 years, but repeated assessments of diet quality during midlife didn't show any significant link to subsequent risk for dementia.
A team of scientists has found evidence that the human hippocampus is necessary for future planning and decision-making. The study, published in Neuron, revealed that individuals with epilepsy displayed inferior spatial memory and a tendency to plan less, highlighting the cognitive map's role in planning into the future.
A new study suggests that deep brain stimulation boosts the number and strength of mitochondria in brain cells, which may help reduce Parkinson's symptoms. The treatment, used for late-stage Parkinson's disease, involves surgically implanting thin wires into the brain to deliver small electric pulses.
Researchers have found that different segments of a virus genome can exist in distinct cells but still cause an infection, contradicting a long-held model. The study, published in eLife, used fluorescent probes to detect viral segments in individual cells and found that distinct segments are often found in different cells.
Researchers have identified an association between a MUC5B gene variant and systemic vasculitis, a lung disease prevalent in the Japanese population. The study found that patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis are more likely to have ILD if they carry this specific genetic variation.
Research finds that high levels of hygiene promote resistance to antibiotics, with microbiome diversity decreasing in areas with strict controls. Regular measures such as airing, houseplants, and reducing antibacterial cleaning agents may counteract this trend.
A global wildlife map identifies areas where threatened species can find refuge, but also highlights shrinking refuges and high levels of species richness threatened by human activities. The study provides a roadmap for conservation investment and mitigation strategies to save endangered species.
Researchers found that increased access to e-cigarettes containing nicotine could lead to a significant health benefit, equivalent to adding 19 healthy days to the life of each living New Zealander. The study suggests that this could result in cost savings of NZ$3.4 billion due to reduced tobacco-related diseases.
A CU Anschutz study discovered a genetic component that breaks down contraceptive hormones in some women, potentially leading to pregnancy. The research may lead to the development of more precise medical tools to tailor treatment to individual patients.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have successfully completed a Phase I trial for the Bridge-Enhanced ACL Repair (BEAR) procedure, which helps the ligament regrow itself. The study showed promising results with no graft or repair failures and similar recovery times between the BEAR group and traditional reconstruction.
A new risk model developed by researchers can predict the survival of non-metastatic prostate cancer patients and the effect of different treatment approaches on survival. The PREDICT Prostate model uses data from over 10,000 men diagnosed with non-metastatic prostate cancer and has been validated in an external cohort.
A global study reveals that modern coal-fired power stations emit more ultrafine dust particles than road traffic, modifying and redistributing rainfall patterns on local to regional scales. This can lead to extreme weather events, including intense rain and dry conditions.
University at Buffalo aerospace engineer James Chen is working on a new study that aims to solve problems associated with exceeding the sound barrier. The research focuses on Austrian physicist Ludwig Boltzmann's classical kinetic theory, which uses gas molecules to explain everyday phenomena.
A University of Montana study found that climate change limits tree regeneration following wildfires in low-elevation forests, potentially leading to abrupt forest loss. The research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, examined post-fire regeneration of ponderosa pine and Douglas fir trees.
A dollar-for-dollar matching subsidy effectively reduces hospital-acquired infections, according to a study by CDDEP and Princeton University. The researchers found that subsidies should be given to hospitals with lower transmission rates to improve infection control for both facilities.
Researchers have discovered a novel glycocin, a small antimicrobial peptide with a sugar group attached, produced by the thermophilic bacterium Aeribacillus palladius. The compound has been successfully expressed in E. coli bacteria, making it easier to produce and investigate. This breakthrough could lead to new alternatives for biofu...
A critical review of hundreds of studies reveals that time in nature improves attention, reduces stress, boosts self-discipline, and promotes physical activity and fitness. The analysis suggests that greening schoolyards and incorporating nature-based instruction can have a significant impact on children's learning and development.
A nationwide investigation found no presence of the deadly fungus Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) in UK wild newt populations. To safeguard wild and captive amphibians, private owners are urged to enforce strict biosecurity measures.
Researchers found that Drosophila species invested primarily in vision or olfaction, but not both. The study used high-resolution microscopy and reconstructed primary sensory brain structures to analyze the trade-off between vision and olfaction.
The NRG Oncology trial suggests adding docetaxel-based chemotherapy to standard treatment should be considered for men with high-risk prostate cancer. The study found improved overall survival, disease-free survival, and reduced rates of distant metastases.
A study published in Sex Education found that LGBT+ teachers who taught during the era of Section 28 were more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and self-censorship due to their sexuality. In contrast, post-2003 teachers reported higher levels of openness and inclusivity in their professional lives.
Researchers found that homeowners' desert plantings create habitat for desert specialist birds, such as verdin and cactus wren. Despite overall declines in bird diversity, these plants retained the richness of bird species in neighborhoods with higher per-capita incomes.
A global study of 1.8 billion adolescents found a growing health inequality, with more adolescents facing triple-burden diseases and unmet needs in health systems. The US is lagging behind other high-income countries in preventing injuries, obesity, and childbirth among young people.
Researchers discover that targeting a specific protein called neuraminidase (NA) in flu vaccines can induce a broader protective response against influenza type B viruses. This finding suggests a potential way to boost the efficacy of current vaccines and develop a universal flu vaccine.
During the 2014-16 marine heatwave, an unprecedented 37 tropical species were documented in California and Oregon, with many having never been seen so far north before. This shift is attributed to warmer ocean temperatures, which allowed southern species to track northward, adapting to climate change.
A three-year study will evaluate the efficacy of MyoPro to improve upper extremity motor function and activities of daily living in individuals with incomplete SCI. The study aims to provide data needed to expand rehabilitation options for veterans and lay the foundation for home-based strategies for improved recovery.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina Health Care discovered the enzyme USP21 promotes basal-like breast cancer proliferation and is upregulated in patient tumors. Targeting USP21 may sensitize cancer cells to existing therapies.
A study of over 27,000 heart attack patients found an increase in heat-induced heart attacks in recent years, particularly among individuals with diabetes or hyperlipidaemia. Climate change is suspected to be a contributing factor, but the exact mechanism behind these deaths remains unclear.
Researchers found that low-risk patients undergoing total hip replacement with a posterior approach can eliminate standard hip precautions without increasing the risk of dislocation. This could lead to improved recovery and reduced fear in patients, as they focus more on mobility rather than restrictions.
Researchers studied long-run effects of immigration in US from 1850 to 1920, finding economic benefits that lasted, including increased manufacturing output and innovation, as well as improved social capital
Scientists have developed a new, inexpensive method called Cas9n-based amplification reaction that avoids thermal cycles and complicated instruments. The technique uses components from the bacterial immune system to recognize specific DNA sequences and introduce genetic scissors.
A recent review study found that sit-stand desks can reduce sitting time and increase comfort, but physiological effects were mixed. To fully benefit from SSDs, workplaces need to understand proper usage and setup, including desk height, monitor height, and anti-fatigue mat use.