A study found that a perfect storm of events led to the decline of California's bull kelp forests, resulting in the loss of over 90% of kelp and 96% of red abalone. Purple sea urchin populations exploded, devouring all available food sources. However, researchers are exploring urchin ranching as a potential solution to restore kelp beds.
Scientists have found millimeter- to centimeter-sized wood fragments in sediment cores from the Bengal Fan, a large deposit in the Bay of Bengal. This discovery suggests that wood burial at continental margins may be a previously overlooked component of carbon sequestration.
A Dartmouth study found that healthcare providers' expectations can influence patients' perceptions of treatment effectiveness, even with placebo treatments. Patients reported less pain and indicated higher efficacy when doctors expected the treatment to work.
Researchers used plasma physics to study how volcanic ash modifies standing shock wave height, width, and lifetime. This discovery enables the tracking of standing shock waves in laboratory experiments, potentially leading to improved ash estimates and early predictions of hazardous plumes.
Researchers at TU Wien have developed a new bioprinting process that integrates living cells into fine structures created in a 3D printer, achieving high resolution and speed. This technique allows for the control of cell behavior and growth, enabling studies on tissue development and disease spread.
A major study across 195 countries found that global death rates for pancreatic cancer and incidence rates for colorectal cancer increased by 10% between 1990 and 2017. The study also reported significant increases in cases of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and a rise in obesity-related risk factors for pancreatic cancer.
The University of Virginia has earned a national grant to establish a graduate course that explores the complex ethical, legal, and policy implications of new technologies. The course, called Innovation in the Public Interest, will be offered through UVA's schools of engineering, law, and politics.
A team at DIII-D National Fusion Facility used a rugged magnetic sensor and high-performance computing to capture fast ion fluctuations. This data will help improve computer models that interpret the behavior of fast ions, enabling real-time control and efficient heating of plasma in future reactors.
A new discovery reveals that mouse X and Y chromosomes compete to produce female versus male offspring, with genes on the X favoring daughters and genes on the Y favoring sons. IVF fertilization can reverse this imbalance.
Stephan Grupp, a leading pediatric oncologist, has been elected to the National Academy of Medicine for his groundbreaking work in cell and gene therapy. He is recognized for developing an entirely novel therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia and leading the first global engineered cell therapy trial.
A new study reveals that moths evolved 'ears' millions of years before the emergence of bats, challenging the long-held hypothesis that bats drove this adaptation. Fossil analysis and genetic data confirm that flowering plants played a key role in shaping moth diversity.
A research team developed a new machine learning approach called UniRep to predict protein functions and identify optimal amino acid sequences. The method was trained on 24 million protein sequences and accurately predicted features such as protein stability and secondary structure.
Researchers discovered a two-atom catalyst that enables efficient oxygen production from water under low-light conditions. The study's findings mimic the activation of photosystem II during photosynthesis, suggesting that similar two-atom catalytic cores might be suitable for achieving efficient water splitting.
A new study of nearly 11,000 youth followed for 14 years found that adolescents who play contact sports are not more likely to experience cognitive impairment, depression, or suicidal thoughts later in life. In fact, football players were less likely to suffer from depression in early adulthood compared to other groups.
Companies can mitigate risks by strengthening every vendor handling their data, according to new research from American University. High-profile breaches have shown that even strong cybersecurity measures are not enough if vendors are weak.
Researchers discovered a mechanism behind malaria's severe complications: an immune reaction that damages the patient's own tissue. The parasite triggers an escalation of neutrophil activity, leading to organ failure and death in severe cases.
Researchers tracked the disruption of gut microbes after antibiotics, finding that some individuals experienced long-term changes to their microbiome. The study used bioinformatic tools to analyze fecal samples from 30 young adults who received single or triple antibiotic treatments.
Researchers found that even the tallest ice cliffs will support their own weight rather than collapsing catastrophically, with slower ice shelf removal leading to slow sloughing away. This challenges previous predictions of rapid sea-level rise from Antarctica.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have discovered a functional link between noncoding DNA regions called Pitx2 enhancers and the expression of the Pitx2 gene in relation to atrial fibrillation. This interaction prevents predisposition to the condition by looping and folding distant Pitx2 enhancers to make contact with the gene.
A multidisciplinary team at Argonne National Laboratory has developed a powerful technique to probe the crystalline structure of cathode materials in three dimensions. This breakthrough could lead to improved understanding and performance of next-generation batteries.
Women with anemia are at high risk of postpartum hemorrhage and other complications after cesarean delivery. Early screening for iron deficiency can help prevent these issues by prescribing oral iron supplements or IV therapy as needed, potentially reducing blood transfusions.
A major new study reveals how socio-economic migration within the UK has affected the geographic distribution of human DNA linked to traits such as education levels and health. Regional variations in human DNA have long been known to reflect distant ancestry differences.
Researchers have found that white sharks gather in large numbers at seal nurseries, forming persistent communities that persist for years. The study used photo-identification and network analysis to show that the apex predators choose who they hang with, driven by sex-dependent patterns of visitation.
Research in animals shows that chronic stress during pregnancy triggers an immune response in the brain, leading to potential changes in brain functions. The study found that stressed rats showed evidence of neuroinflammation and increased activity levels of microglia, suggesting a link between gestational stress and postpartum depress...
Researchers have identified a new mechanism by which cancer cells become resistant to ferroptosis, a type of cell death. A molecule called FSP1 acts as a lipid antioxidant, rescuing cancer cells from ferroptosis even when they are starved of GPX4.
A study by Harvard Medical School found that local researchers from sub-Saharan Africa are often excluded from first and senior author positions when collaborating with high-income country authors. This bias affects representation of local authors, particularly in top-tier universities.
The US Department of Education has awarded WPI an $8 million grant to scale and expand the ASSISTments online learning tool, proven effective in improving middle school math scores, to all 50 states. The five-year project will focus on high-needs middle school math students and their teachers in predominantly rural areas.
Researchers have developed porous polymer coatings that can reversibly switch their optical transmittance in solar and thermal wavelengths, enabling dynamic control of light and heat in buildings. The coatings can regulate indoor temperatures and light levels, making them suitable for heating, cooling, and lighting applications.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals new bonding configurations for nitrogen and oxygen atoms in graphene. Researchers found that oxygen atoms can form three bonds with carbon neighbors, contradicting the traditional understanding of their bonding behavior.
Studies of autism spectrum disorder have identified new features of the condition in the brain, including the role of placental hormones and gene editing technologies. These findings may contribute to the development of therapeutic treatments for individuals with ASD.
Researchers used supercomputer simulations to study magnetic reconnection, a process that releases kinetic energy in the universe. The simulations revealed a previously unknown role for the Biermann battery effect, which impacts magnetic reconnection in unexpected ways.
The JILA team has demonstrated a highly accurate timekeeping signal by combining data from multiple atomic clocks. The system outperforms existing hubs and offers the possibility of providing more accurate time to millions of customers worldwide.
Researchers propose a framework to understand AI decisions, incorporating interpretability into the training process. The framework improved time and accuracy without compromising performance in a proof-of-concept experiment using R-CNN.
Researchers at DIII-D National Fusion Facility demonstrated a new approach to injecting microwaves into fusion plasma, doubling the efficiency of critical technique. This method uses novel geometry to deliver substantial improvements in plasma current drive, paving the way for more efficient compact fusion power plants.
The sunshield has passed a test critical to preparing the observatory for launch, with technicians deploying and tensioning each of its five layers. The deployment simulates the conditions it will face in space, with temperatures ranging from -394°F to 230°F.
Binghamton University researchers aim to develop islet-like organoids that can produce insulin, addressing the shortage of usable islets in current treatments. The project uses induced pluripotent stem cells and oxygen-releasing materials to create microenvironments for controlled cell differentiation.
Researchers found that male deer's dark belly stains contain compounds revealing age, dominance, and physical condition. The intensity of these signals varies depending on the competitive context of the deer community.
Rat pups exposed to infant maltreatment exhibit elevated stress-hormone levels, amygdala, hippocampus, and social behavior deficits. These changes are influenced by the presence or absence of a nurturing mother, highlighting specific effects of stress and social context on brain and behavioral development.
Researchers at Osaka University have developed a new radiation therapy method that targets pancreatic cancer cells directly, reducing side effects. The treatment uses a radioactive molecule that binds to specific proteins on stroma cells surrounding tumors, delivering high-energy doses of radiation to cancer tissue.
Researchers found that nearly half of the study sites are the driest they have been for the last 1,000 years, with cutting, drainage, burning, and grazing contributing to peatland drying. The combined pressure of climate change and human impacts threatens these critical carbon-storing ecosystems.
Researchers found evidence of rapid ocean surface acidification following the Chicxulub asteroid impact, which may have contributed to the K-Pg mass extinction. The study suggests that this acidification led to a significant reduction in global marine primary productivity, lasting up to 40,000 years.
A school-based HPV vaccination program in British Columbia has significantly reduced cervical pre-cancer rates among women, with a 57% reduction found in those vaccinated as Grade 6 girls compared to unvaccinated women. Regular cervical screening is crucial in preventing cervical cancer from developing.
A randomized clinical trial in Japan investigated whether avoiding cow's milk formula supplements breastfeeding to decrease the risk of sensitization to cow's milk protein or food allergies. The study involved about 300 newborns and found that this approach may be effective in reducing the risk of these conditions.
A new study by Duke University predicts that switching to natural gas will save 12,000 billion gallons a year by 2030, while solar and wind power yield even greater savings. These reductions come despite increased water use from fracking and shale gas production.
Scientists at the University of Colorado Boulder have developed a way to create tiny schools of molecular 'fish' using liquid crystals. These deformations, which can twirl together as a group and interact with each other, could lead to new interactive display technologies.
A new study reveals that northern peatlands store 1.1 trillion tons of carbon, more than humans have emitted to the atmosphere through fossil fuels. The findings suggest that these boggy areas play a crucial role in the carbon cycle and climate change.
A study published in Current Biology found that pig-tailed macaques actively search for and hunt rats, a major pest of palm oil crops. By controlling rat populations, the macaques can reduce crop damage by up to 3%, leading to increased yield and sustainability.
A study of over 14,000 participants found associations between specific cigarette characteristics and lung cancer outcomes. Researchers analyzed data from a lung screening trial to investigate the impact of cigarette filter status, tar level, and menthol flavor on lung cancer outcomes.
A new catalyst developed by Stanford University engineers can convert carbon dioxide into fuels like ethane, propane, and butane, yielding four times more fuel than existing methods. The breakthrough could significantly reduce the near-term impact on global warming.
Researchers discovered a single nucleotide mutation in P. aeruginosa that caused rapid resistance to ceftolozane-tazobactam and partial resensitization to carbapenems and piperacilline-tazobactam. This finding may enable the use of these antibiotics in treating extremely drug-resistant P. aeruginosa cases.
The Plasma Liner Experiment is testing a novel plasma fusion concept while providing insights into the physics of colliding plasma jets. Experiments are also helping to validate simulations crucial for understanding and developing other controlled fusion schemes.
A study found that fine particulate matter increased by 5% between 2016-2018, leading to 9,700 additional premature deaths and $89 billion damages. The rise was associated with economic activity, wildfires, and decreased enforcement of the Clean Air Act.
A pilot program introducing safer mining practices in Nigerian gold mining communities has reduced blood lead levels among miners by 32%. The study, published in the British Medical Journal Occupational and Environmental Medicine, also found that women miners experienced lower reductions in lead levels. The project's success demonstrat...
Researchers at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory developed new mathematical tools to forecast when waves will cool plasma and quench fusion reactions. A second beam injected at a different angle can suppress the effect of waves, providing new methods for maintaining plasma confinement.
A team from ISGlobal developed a new statistical climate model that can predict El Niño episodes up to two-and-a-half years in advance, improving long-term forecasts. The model uses sea temperatures and winds in the tropical Pacific as predictor variables.
Columbia University researchers have captured the most detailed images yet of a temperature-sensing molecule in its open, intermediate, and closed states. The findings will help us understand the mechanics of hot and cold sensation, which could accelerate the development of drugs for inflammatory skin disease, itch, and pain.
A recent study analyzed over 4.7 million mtDNA sequences from GenBank and found fewer errors than predicted, with less than 1% of sequences mislabeled. The researchers identified potential sources of error, such as human or lab animal contamination, but overall found GenBank to be a reliable tool for environmental DNA identification.
Scientists have doubled the highest electron energy ever produced by a laser plasma accelerator, reaching 7.8 billion electron volts (GeV) in an 8-inch-long plasma. This breakthrough is crucial for building next-generation particle colliders that accelerate electrons to extreme energies.
A study found that mothers have a positive influence on adult children's health, while fathers are often seen as 'cautionary tales' about poor health behaviors. Mothers tend to be supportive and available when needed, whereas fathers may encourage unhealthy habits.
Researchers found that American Indians experience a higher risk of atrial fibrillation (AFib) than other racial and ethnic groups. The study analyzed 300,000 new cases of AFib in California residents between 2005 and 2011, revealing that American Indians had an average of 7.5 AFib cases per year per thousand patients.