A speleothem δ18O record from Klang Cave in southern Thailand shows decreased rainfall in the northern-central Indo-Pacific (NCIP) region. The study also found that anthropogenic forcing of rainfall may be indistinguishable from natural variability during certain climate periods.
A team at Colorado State University discovered that Culex tarsalis mosquitoes, a primary vector for West Nile virus, can transmit Rift Valley fever virus to livestock and humans in Colorado. The researchers found that these mosquitoes feed on both humans and livestock, making them a significant threat for potential outbreak.
Researchers at Rice University have created a genetic circuit that allows bacteria to differentiate like stem cells, forming genetically distinct communities with complex behaviors. The discovery, called asymmetric plasmid partitioning, enables the creation of diverse populations of microbes that can exhibit non-native behaviors.
Researchers discovered that amino acids can stabilize membranes against magnesium ions, enabling the first cells to encode genetic information. The study suggests that amino acids and RNA building blocks co-localized in watery environments, providing a potential mechanism for life's emergence.
A UCI study found that hookah waterpipe use poses health risks due to toxic chemicals, ultrafine particles, and carbon monoxide. The researchers discovered that even nicotine-free herbal mixtures produce high levels of toxic gases in mainstream smoke.
Research published in JNeurosci suggests that estrogen may protect movement neurons from Parkinson's disease, with brain-selective estrogen treatment reducing alpha-synuclein breakdown and severe symptoms in male mice. Female mice also showed less severe symptoms at a later age, indicating potential benefits of estrogen-based treatments.
A study reveals that mosquitoes' salivary glands contain a barrier that blocks most malaria-causing parasites from being transmitted during a bite. Researchers found that only a few parasites can pass through a narrow opening in the 'chitin wall', potentially leading to new strategies for preventing malarial infection.
Two studies found that nitrogen-bisphosphonates reduce the risk of osteoporotic fractures and premature mortality by 34% in individuals aged over 50. The treatment is particularly beneficial for those at risk of osteoporosis, with a significant reduction in bone loss contributing to the overall benefit.
Researchers report that prebiotic amino acids can stabilize prebiotic fatty acid membranes in the presence of magnesium ions or sodium chloride. The findings propose how the first cell membranes might have formed and how key cellular components might have co-localized.
A new study reveals that functioning coral reefs still exist and can be saved through three management strategies: protect, recover, and transform. These strategies aim to safeguard reef ecologies and ecosystem services into the future, prioritizing 'cool spots' with functioning coral communities.
A new study found that naproxen's degradation products are up to 15 times more toxic to southern toad larvae than the medication itself. Researchers emphasized the importance of considering the full life cycle of medications when evaluating their environmental impact.
Women with BRCA1/2 gene mutations are at high risk of developing ovarian cancer, with a lifetime risk of 39-44% for BRCA1 and 11-17% for BRCA2. A new review provides guidance on screening, preventive surgery, contraception and management of menopausal symptoms to reduce this risk.
A recent study found that ancient pigs in Europe lost their Near Eastern genetic signature due to hybridization with European wild boar. This suggests that pig management in Europe was extensive and that artificial selection had a limited impact on the development of modern European commercial pigs.
Researchers found that Asian longhorned beetle larvae can consume tree tissues that their parents cannot, allowing them to thrive on a wider range of hosts. This discovery explains how the beetle expands its range and poses a threat to vulnerable species in North American forests.
Researcher Dr Frank Ainsworth reviews international studies on parental licensing, highlighting its potential flaws and limitations. He argues that the scheme could disproportionately affect disadvantaged communities and may not be effective in addressing child neglect.
The Stanford-led study, published in Nature Climate Change, explores the capacity of trees and plants to absorb carbon dioxide. The research suggests that trees will continue to sequester carbon dioxide at generous rates through at least the end of the century, with potential increases in plant biomass by 12% by the end of the century.
Estimates suggest that non-native pests contribute to the death of approximately 5.5 TgC per year, impacting forest carbon budgets and ecosystem services worldwide. Compensatory growth of non-host trees is observed, but most pests have not yet invaded their hosts' full ranges.
A study by University of Houston researcher found that adults taking opioids for severe pain also experience increased anxiety, depression, and substance abuse issues when combining it with marijuana. This highlights the need for comprehensive assessment and treatment of chronic pain.
Engineers at the University of California San Diego have developed the world's thinnest optical device, a waveguide consisting of three layers of atoms thin. The waveguide channels light in the visible spectrum and supports electron-hole pairs, generating a strong optical response.
Stoltzfus-Dueck will develop and test models for plasma confinement, a crucial step towards harnessing fusion reactions. His research aims to increase understanding of next-generation fusion plasmas and enhance the control of edge turbulence.
A new Australian study debunks theories of sexual economics by analyzing data from over 3,000 individuals. Researchers found that older women perceive themselves as having equal bargaining power to younger women, while men with higher education qualifications believe they have a market premium.
A new study estimates that hospital harm in Ontario cost the healthcare system over $1 billion in 2015/16, with patients experiencing a significant increase in length of stay and subsequent health costs. The study found that the most common harm was medication-associated conditions, with costs ranging from $800 to $51,067.
Engineers at the University of Illinois have found a way to redirect misfit light waves to reduce energy loss during optical data transmission. By exploiting an interaction between light and sound waves, they were able to suppress backscattering in silica glass, a common material used in fiber optic cables.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that pediatricians can significantly impact parents' ability to quit smoking. The 'CEASE' program, developed by Dr. Jonathan Winickoff, shows a 2% decline in smoking rate per year among all patients, not just those who try quitting. This intervention, implemented at family practice offices acr...
A study analyzed collective memory of WWII, finding that individuals from Russia claimed their country shouldered the most responsibility for winning the war. Participants from former Axis nations collectively overestimated their role in fighting against other sides.
Researchers analyzed barium sulfate minerals to determine biosphere productivity post-Great Oxidation Event. The study found a significant decrease in biosphere size following the event, potentially driven by decreased nutrient availability.
NASA's GPM satellite detected heavy rainfall around Tropical Storm Henriette's center, with rates reaching 25 mm/hour. The storm is moving west-northwest towards Mexico, expected to weaken and degenerate into a remnant low pressure area.
A new study by the University of Birmingham found that large-scale tree deaths worldwide are responsible for more than a tenth of total tree deaths. The research used satellite observations and computational models to calculate the impact of these events on carbon storage, revealing that they account for 12% of global tree mortality.
Researchers found that female Tasmanian devils can be polyandrous, having multiple male partners, which could increase genetic diversity but also pose challenges for captive breeding programs. The study's findings offer a glimmer of hope in the fight against devil facial tumor disease, which has devastated wild populations.
A recent NIH study found that chronic active lesions in the brain, marked by dark rimmed spots, are a hallmark of more aggressive and disabling forms of multiple sclerosis. The study suggests that these lesions may play a role in progressive MS and offers hope for developing new treatments.
A new study led by Virginia Commonwealth University researchers reveals that structurally complex forests in the eastern US outperform simpler ones in carbon sequestration. The discovery suggests that a forest's arrangement of vegetation is a key factor in its ability to absorb and store carbon.
A research team from Aalto University developed a novel strategy to create virus-based materials for catalysis. The new phthalocyanine derivative was synthesised and combined with tobacco mosaic virus, resulting in a highly ordered fibrous material that remains active despite being immobilised.
A group of researchers has developed new inquiry-based models for optical states in photonic crystals, leading to breakthroughs in high-polarization-sensitive sensors. The study focuses on three-dimensional opal-like photonic crystals, which can be used to improve control over light in these systems.
Climate change is expected to exacerbate China's air pollution issues, leading to increased mortality rates. The study predicts that nearly 40% of the additional deaths could be attributed to atmospheric stagnation events and heat waves.
Research by American Psychological Association found that a poor fit between reasoning abilities and job demands can lead to premature retirement of valuable employees. Older workers who have matching abilities and demands tend to experience fewer health issues and work longer.
The American Heart Association has released new guidelines for diagnosing and treating critical limb ischemia, a condition that affects an estimated 12 million Americans. The guidelines aim to improve the precision and quality of critical limb ischemia management through non-invasive techniques and devices.
Climate change and drought are exacerbating malnutrition outcomes in children worldwide, with stunting affecting at least one-third of children in Africa and South Asia. A new study maps the effects of drought on child nutrition, identifying areas most vulnerable to climate shocks and factors influencing vulnerability.
Researchers found that pancreatic tumours produce more perlecan to remodel the environment, helping cancer cells spread and resist chemotherapy. Lowering perlecan levels improved response to treatment in mouse models.
Researchers at UC San Francisco have found that Alzheimer's disease directly attacks brain regions responsible for wakefulness during the day, leading to excessive daytime napping. This damage is associated with tau protein buildup, which contributes more directly to brain degeneration than amyloid protein.
A new study from Michigan State University found that transnational environmental crime drives social conflicts globally, threatening development and undermining peace and security. Researchers highlight potential solutions, including cooperation, engagement of local communities, and legislative reform.
A University of Arizona researcher studied motivations behind sexting and found that young women send explicit images to feel empowered or disempowered. The study highlights the complexities of sexual double standards and their impact on women's sexuality.
New research by Caltech scientists reveals that natural gas leaks from heating homes and businesses in the Los Angeles Basin contribute significantly to methane emissions. Methane concentrations peak in winter when natural gas usage is highest, with levels dropping during summer months.
A team of scientists from the University of Bristol and MIT has designed a new class of highly efficient ionic liquid electrolytes that can improve supercapacitor performance. These detergent-like electrolytes can self-assemble into sandwich-like bilayer structures on electrode surfaces, leading to improved energy storage capabilities.
NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite captured a visible image of Tropical Storm Krosa, revealing a massive storm with fragmented thunderstorms. The storm is expected to make landfall over western Shikoku, Japan in two and a half days with maximum sustained winds near 55 knots.
An international team has discovered a previously undescribed Jurassic volcanic landscape in central Australia, revealing around 100 ancient volcanoes and magma chambers. The research uses advanced subsurface imaging techniques to identify the volcanic craters and lava flows, challenging previous understanding of Earth's past processes.
A recent study in mouse neurons reveals how the protein CPEB3 primes neurons to store long-term memories. P bodies, specialized isolation chambers within neurons, contain dormant CPEB3 and transfer it to synapses, where it strengthens connections and stabilizes memories.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have discovered a new mechanism for bending metals that challenges previous understanding. By creating narrow bands with an amorphous configuration, they found that certain materials can bend without fracturing, potentially leading to stronger and more durable military vehicles.
The Lancet Group's new Diversity Pledge and No All-Male Panel Policy aim to increase the representation of women and colleagues from low-income countries among editorial advisers, peer reviewers, and authors. The policies also commit to reflecting a broader range of voices in communications activities.
A study found that financial investors in North America tend to favor white over black male-led teams, especially those with strong credentials. This bias can contribute to the lack of diversity in the investment industry, according to the authors.
A novel robotic neck brace has been developed to assist ALS patients in holding their heads and supporting range of motion. The device incorporates sensors and actuators to restore approximately 70% of the active range of motion, allowing for improved eye contact and computer control.
A study analyzed claims data from 5.4 million inpatient admissions and 13.6 million ED visits to in-network hospitals between 2010-2016. The percentage of ED visits and inpatient admissions with out-of-network bills increased, resulting in higher patient financial responsibility.
Domestic European pigs have a mix of European and Near Eastern ancestry until 6,000 years ago. After introduction to Europe, modern pigs lost their original genomic ancestry due to gene flow from wild boars.
West Virginia University is creating 40 annual scholarships to support students in cybersecurity roles. The program aims to address the growing demand for cybersecurity experts amid escalating cyber threats and unfilled positions globally.
A recent survey found that half of key hospital doctors in the UK are ill-prepared to respond to major incidents. The study, published in Emergency Medicine Journal, suggests that the situation hasn't improved since 2006, with many doctors lacking knowledge of their organization's major incident plans.
Researchers discovered highly sensitive snails can digest cellulose, form hard eggshells and pack neurotoxins in eggs. Genome sequencing revealed key adaptations enabling the invasion of freshwater wetlands.
Researchers at Rice University and UTHealth have discovered that vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) can develop resistance to daptomycin in more than one way. The study's findings provide new insights into the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance, which could lead to the development of new treatment strategies or 'co-drugs' targetin...
A new chlamydia vaccine has shown promising early signs of effectiveness in a phase 1 clinical trial, provoking an immune response in all participants. The vaccine, CTH522, demonstrated improved performance with added liposomes, producing higher antibody levels and a more consistent cell-mediated immune response.
Typhoon Lekima made landfall in China on Aug. 10, causing billions of dollars in damage and fatal outcomes. NASA's Terra satellite captured visible images of the storm's remnant clouds over the Northwestern Pacific Ocean, prompting severe weather warnings from China's National Meteorological Center.
German experimental economists conducted the largest laboratory experiment in economic research to date, refuting the theory that individuals lack motivation to participate in public goods due to negligible impact. The study found that visibility of mutual benefits is crucial for collective action in large groups. Cooperative decision-...
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 128,000 participants found a significant association between e-cigarette use and increased risk of marijuana use among adolescents and young adults. The study suggests that e-cigarette use may be a gateway to marijuana use, particularly among vulnerable populations.