A recent study found that frequent drinking is more dangerous for heart rhythm disorders, such as atrial fibrillation, than binge drinking. Drinking small amounts regularly increases the risk by 8% per week, while daily drinking poses the greatest danger.
A new method used to analyze geochemistry of planets outside our solar system implies that Earth is not unique, with rocks from asteroids and white dwarf stars showing similarities to those on Earth and Mars. The study's findings suggest that oxidation plays a significant role in shaping the chemistry of rocky planets.
University of Exeter scientists are working on a scheme to collect Sargassum seaweed, which can be converted into high-quality, low-cost fertiliser and biofuel through hydrothermal liquefaction. This process could help clear beaches in Mexico and the Caribbean, while also addressing marine plastic pollution.
Researchers have successfully created mice with hyper-long telomeres, which live longer and healthier lives without any genetic modification. This breakthrough shows that lengthening telomeres can increase longevity and delay metabolic ageing, paving the way for potential future treatments.
A new AI tool, trained on a large dataset of mammography images, accurately identified breast cancer with 90% accuracy when combined with radiologist analysis. The study suggests that AI can augment human radiologists' diagnoses, reducing false-positive and false-negative results.
Exposure to secondhand smoke has been associated with differences in choroidal thickness among children, with non-exposed kids showing healthier eyes. The study examined over 1,400 young children in Hong Kong and found significant differences in eye health between those exposed and not exposed to secondhand smoke.
New research from King's College London and The Open University discovered that old age affects memory modification by altering synaptic connections. This 'fixed' nature of memories formed in old age has implications for conditions like PTSD.
Researchers develop method to count whales from space, revolutionizing stranding detection in remote areas. The technique provides early insight into whale mortality, enabling rapid response and conservation efforts.
A recent study found a significant increasing trend of flash drought frequency over China during 1961-2005, driven by anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. The exposure risk in southern provinces with humid climates is expected to increase by up to 40% in the middle of this century.
A new meta-analysis found that fabella prevalence varies by region (Asia > Africa), age (older individuals more likely) and sex (men more likely). Fabellae can ossify in people of almost any age, from children to adults over 70.
Researchers developed lipid-based memcapacitors that mimic biological synapses, accelerating routes to neuromorphic computing. The discovery could support the emergence of biology-inspired computing networks for sensory approaches to machine learning.
A groundbreaking method allows for easy determination of the surface free energy of particles, a quantitative measure of particle hydrophobicity. This innovation has significant implications for scientific and industrial applications involving particulate matter.
Mount Sinai researchers have identified a targeted therapy called tazemetostat that can help children with neuroblastoma, a deadly pediatric nerve cancer. Tazemetostat disables an enzyme called EZH2, killing neuroblastoma cells.
Scientists at DTU Physics have created a two-dimensional lattice structure of 30,000 entangled light pulses, paving the way for less expensive and more powerful quantum computers. This breakthrough uses room-temperature materials and avoids the need for costly refrigeration technology.
A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that US residents requesting online abortion medications cited difficulty accessing clinical care and personal preferences as reasons for their requests. The demand was highest in states with restrictive abortion policies, with Mississippi leading the way.
A novel intervention integrating psychological values-based approach with coordinated care management significantly improved daily functioning for vulnerable patients. The 'values-based' approach identified patients' values and goals to engage them in appropriate care, reducing hospital costs and improving quality of life.
Researchers found that prolonged blue light exposure damages brain and retinal cells, leading to impaired locomotion in Drosophila melanogaster. Flies without eyes also showed damage, suggesting blue light's harmful effects extend beyond visual perception.
Researchers discovered unique brain cell types specific to male and female mice in the hypothalamus region, which governs aggression and mating behaviors. The study found 17 distinct cell types, with some abundant in males and others only in females.
Cotton blue disease, caused by Cotton leafroll dwarf virus, was reported in the US for the first time in Alabama in 2017. The disease affected approximately 25% of the state's cotton crop and resulted in a 4% yield loss.
Researchers found that aspirin use was associated with a lower risk of death among patients with biliary tract cancer, which includes gallbladder cancer. The observational study included nearly 3,000 patients and suggests that long-term aspirin use may be beneficial for these patients.
Researchers uncover unique tooth for preening feathers and establish distinct lineage between North American and Asian dromaeosaurids. The discovery provides valuable insight into the evolution of theropod dinosaurs around the world.
Scientists can study multiple regions in space simultaneously using sounding rockets equipped with sub-payloads and a distributed payload communications system. This technology allows for the transmission of data from multiple instruments at different altitudes, enabling new research opportunities.
A new analysis reveals that global biodiversity is undergoing a large-scale reorganization, with the greatest loss of species in tropical marine biomes. The study, published in Science, suggests that conservation efforts should be tailored to local contexts and locations.
A recent study led by Boston College researcher Nadia Abuelezam found little evidence of the 'immigrant health paradox' among Arab Americans. In contrast to previous research on Asian and Latino immigrants, first-generation Arab immigrants had poor health profiles compared to second- or third-generation immigrants.
A KAIST research team developed an advanced system to automatically analyze visual information in films and quantify gender bias. The study found that female characters are often depicted in passive emotions and surrounded by specific objects, promoting public awareness of the importance of prudence when creating characters.
A novel approach to tackle superbugs has been discovered using nanocapsules made of natural ingredients, which can prevent bacteria from attaching to stomach cells. The research aims to reduce antibiotic-resistant strains and is a potential preventative measure.
A plant-based compound closely related to resveratrol has been found to enhance gene delivery to hematopoietic stem cells, reducing antiviral restriction at endosomes. This breakthrough enables faster and more efficient treatments for diseases such as sickle cell anemia and leukemia.
Experts from the University of Surrey have found that nature-based solutions (NBS) can effectively combat climate-related natural disasters. NBS were used to combat floods and heatwaves, with hybrid solutions being the most frequently used method in Europe.
Scientists have discovered a new species of praying mantis that conspicuously mimics a wasp, offering insights into the evolutionary biology and defense mechanisms of this unique behavior. The newly described Vespamantoida wherleyi joins one previously known species within the newly erected genus Vespamantoida.
A new study is using advanced brain imaging and non-invasive brain stimulation to help patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness. The RAINDROP trial aims to improve communication and recovery rates for these patients, who remain trapped in their unresponsive bodies despite retaining higher levels of awareness.
Researchers discover a new drug that reduces inflammation and improves heart function in genetically inherited heart disease, ACM. The treatment targets the immune system's role in disease progression.
A recent study mapping global biodiversity change reveals varying rates of loss and gain in marine and terrestrial ecosystems. The research found that some regions are recovering while others are experiencing significant declines, with changes occurring faster in marine than terrestrial assemblages.
Researchers used simulations to show how supermassive black holes' powerful jets are disrupted by hot gas and galaxies, preventing gas from cooling and forming stars. The team found that this 'weather' mechanism may solve the long-standing 'cooling flow' puzzle plaguing astrophysicists.
A University of Pittsburgh study found that sexual selection alone could spark the formation of new species through imprinted behaviors. The research, which focused on strawberry poison frogs, suggests that females prefer mates with similar colors to their mothers and males become more aggressive against rivals with matching colors.
Researchers studied fossilized Moroccan Ampyx trilobites and found evidence of orderly lines during storms, suggesting ancient group behavior. This discovery implies that group behavior may have conferred an evolutionary advantage on early animals, allowing them to survive environmental stress.
A faulty signalling pathway is linked to left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC), a congenital heart condition where muscular projections fail to transform into compact heart muscle. The study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying LVNC and may lead to potential therapies.
A study published in Nature Neuroscience found that larger green areas in urban neighborhoods are associated with higher wellbeing. Participants who spent more time in green spaces showed reduced activity in the brain region responsible for processing negative emotions.
Three moth species, including the peppered moth, rely on the same gene for industrial melanism, a response to environmental change. The mutations likely occurred hundreds of years before the industrial revolution, suggesting adaptive evolution uses similar genetic machinery across deep evolutionary time.
The Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Crop Improvement will support national breeding programs in Africa, Asia, and Latin America with advanced technologies and methods. This project aims to deliver staple crops that can increase yields, enhance nutrition, and show greater resistance to pests and diseases.
A multi-institutional team led by Colorado State University aims to improve the economic and environmental sustainability of anaerobic digestion. They plan to redesign bioreactors using renewable electrons to produce valuable products such as hexanoic acid and isobutanol, reducing methane production and carbon dioxide emissions.
Researchers found that direct-to-consumer genetic tests can result in clinical false-negative results, particularly for certain populations. For example, 40% of individuals with MUTYH mutations would have been missed, while 19% of Ashkenazi Jewish individuals with BRCA1/2 mutations would also be missed.
The National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) has developed a large-scale optical switching testbed capable of handling 1 Petabit per second optical signals. This breakthrough demonstrates the feasibility of ultra-high capacity petabit-class backbone networks, which can support increasing internet services ...
Bioscientists at Rice University have created a system to form all major cell types of ectoderm in a culture dish, allowing for the most comprehensive analysis yet of signaling pathways that drive patterning. The balance between two signaling pathways, BMP and Wnt, is critical, and cells can take more than one road to get there.
The graphene nanomechanical bolometer is the fastest and most sensitive in its class, detecting nearly every color of light at high speeds. It has wide-spread use potential in astronomy, medicine, industrial manufacturing, and more.
A comprehensive analysis of the Ridgecrest Earthquake Sequence reveals a web-like network of interconnected faults, challenging standard models of large seismic events. The complexity of the rupture is only clear due to the combined data from orbiting radar satellites and ground-based seismometers.
Northwestern University researchers have developed HARP, a high-throughput 3D printer that can print large parts in hours and small parts at high resolutions. The technology bypasses heat limitations with a nonstick liquid interface, enabling fast and large-scale manufacturing without molds or warehouses.
Researchers discovered fossils of 480-million-year-old arthropods in linear formation, indicating possible collective behavior. The findings suggest that group behaviors comparable to modern animals existed as early as 480 million years ago.
Researchers from RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science have found that optimal binding energies can deviate from traditional calculations at high reaction rates. This discovery may lead to the development of novel catalysts using less expensive and environmentally friendly materials.
Researchers used a grip-force test to analyze sensorimotor function in people with the FMR1 premutation, identifying subtle symptoms and potential indicators of disease progression. The study aims to improve early diagnosis and treatment for Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) in at-risk individuals.
Researchers have isolated a potent chemical, 'schistosome paralysis factor', that can immobilize cercariae and prevent infection. This discovery could lead to new treatments for schistosomiasis, which causes devastating health problems in Africa, Asia, and parts of South America.
Researchers at MIT have created an algorithm that significantly speeds up the planning process required for robots to adjust their grasp on objects. The new approach uses motion cones to efficiently calculate feasible pushes and reposition objects in less than a second, compared to traditional algorithms that take over 500 seconds.
A team developed a way to understand how nonnative insects might behave in their new environments, using evolutionary history. The model can quickly evaluate the risk of insect invasions and help foresters predict which species will be problematic.
Researchers at Mount Sinai develop a novel vaccine using chimeric hemagglutinin, inducing broad antibody responses against human and avian influenza viruses. The study shows promise for a universal flu vaccine, but interim results indicate further work is needed.
The global demand for blood transfusions exceeds the available supply by 30 million units annually, with the largest shortages found in lower-income countries. The estimated shortfall varies sharply between countries, with some requiring up to 75 times more blood than their supply can provide.
A research collaborative aims to reduce mental health stigma among healthcare providers, improving detection of patients with mental illness in Nepal and globally. The RESHAPE program, a stigma reduction training strategy, will be implemented at various sites in the Gandaki Province of Nepal.
Researchers at OIST have constructed a new termite family tree using comprehensive RNA sequence analysis, placing a previously difficult-to-place subfamily within the Termitidae. The study reveals that comb building emerged in their common ancestor several million years after the loss of gut symbionts.
A new American Cancer Society study links health insurance literacy with medical and non-medical financial hardships among adult cancer survivors. The study found that those with health insurance literacy problems were more likely to report material and psychological hardships, as well as make non-medical financial sacrifices.
Researchers have successfully created a large-scale quantum processor made entirely of laser light, providing a scalable solution to overcome current limitations in quantum computing. The design allows for the generation of a massive two-dimensional cluster state with built-in scalability.
Scientists with the Smithsonian have documented a new species of bird, the Spectacled Flowerpecker, which is distinct from other flowerpeckers. The discovery highlights the rich biodiversity in Borneo's forests and underscores the importance of conserving these ecosystems.
The Genomics Research and Innovation Network (GRIN) will expand its data-sharing collaboration to new institutions using a multi-year federal grant. The goal is to create a larger 'federation' of medical centers equipped to share genomic information while protecting patient privacy.