Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center found impaired insulin signaling in the brain negatively affects cognition, mood, and metabolism in Alzheimer's disease. The study used a novel mouse model to demonstrate the impact of disrupting insulin and IGF1 receptors on learning, memory, and mood.
A new study published in Environmental Research found that people living in drafty homes in low-income, urban communities are at a higher risk of respiratory health issues such as asthma. The study revealed that residents in homes with the highest air-exchange rates were more likely to report chronic cough and asthma-like symptoms.
Scientists at AAAS Annual Meeting explore ways to address unintended consequences of achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting the need for interdisciplinary approaches. Researchers discuss strategies for reducing tradeoffs between human well-being, nature conservation, and resource management.
A recent study found that humans are responsible for more than 25% of vertebrate deaths globally. The research analyzed 42,755 animal deaths and found that 28% were directly caused by humans. Larger animals and adults are more likely to be killed by humans.
New research confirms that President Trump and leaders like him are part of a long-term trend towards intuitive thinking in politics. The study found that low analytic thinking and high clout are becoming more common globally, particularly in the US and Canada.
Computer simulations of planet formation suggest that the presence of radioactive elements from a massive star may have created a wet system on Earth, while also forming ocean worlds in other systems. Researchers found that without these elements, the inner terrestrial planets of our solar system could be very dry and hostile.
A study at Binghamton University found that variation on the Oxytocin Receptor gene impacts marital quality by influencing how partners provide and receive support from each other. Couples with certain genotypes, particularly those associated with social deficits, reported lower satisfaction with their marriages.
A new study explores how an individual's genetics and brain activity correlate with altruistic behaviors directed toward romantic partners. The team found that pathways related to bonding in other animals showed up in humans, suggesting a link between empathy and altruism more generally.
Researchers found that many Arctic lakes are self-contained units with low carbon emissions, contradicting previous assumptions about the region's role in global carbon cycles. The study's findings suggest that these lakes may not be significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, at least for now.
A Brazilian project aims to assess how patients awaiting kidney transplants react to porcine blood, with the goal of reducing the country's transplant waiting list. The initiative uses gene-edited pigs and CRISPR-Cas9 technology to make organs compatible with human bodies.
A WVU geographer and her team will study the movement of a westerly wind belt circling Antarctica that influences Southern Hemisphere climate, carbon, and heat uptake. The project utilizes data from tree rings in Tasmania and ice cores from Antarctica to reconstruct the history of this wind belt over the last 2,000 years.
A recent study reveals the crystal structure of diatom fucoxanthin chlorophyll a/c-binding proteins, which have exceptional light harvesting and photoprotection capabilities. The findings indicate that these proteins utilize a unique arrangement of pigments to efficiently harness blue-green light.
A new medicine under development, vamorolone, shows improved safety in treating both inflammation and heart disease in experimental models of DMD. This is significant because the current standard of care, prednisone, reduces chronic inflammation but has harsh side effects.
A study by University of Göttingen researchers found that physical attractiveness does not correlate with extraversion in women. In contrast, more muscular men were indeed more extraverted and aggressive.
Researchers from BFU and NRNU MEPhI created a tungsten oxide-based detector for hydrogen gas mixes, showing a significant increase in sensitivity. The new detector has the potential to improve the detection of hydrogen leakages, a critical issue in industries using hydrogen.
Researchers found a way to reduce telomerase activity in cancer cells by using specific oligonucleotides, which may lead to new antitumor drugs. The study showed that the combination of oligonucleotides reduced telomerase activity by 10 times within 24 hours.
A large study found that direct-acting antiviral treatment is associated with reduced risk of mortality and hepatocellular cancer, but not decompensation of cirrhosis. Patients treated with direct-acting antivirals were 52% less likely to die prematurely than those who were untreated.
A study by Harvard Medical School researchers suggests that axon growth cones can make decisions locally and function semi-autonomously without the cell body. This challenges traditional dogma about neurons, proposing a more intricate web of decision-making and the existence of semi-independent units.
Researchers found that students trained in a relaxed environment acquired microsurgical suturing and cutting skills rapidly, with performance levels comparable to seasoned surgeons. The study's results challenge traditional training doctrines, suggesting that stress-free conditions can improve skill acquisition and retention.
A recent study by Professor Thomas Götz found that students feel better in an environment with lower overall standards than in one with higher standards. The study, involving over 7,700 German school students, suggests a reciprocal effect where achievement influences emotions and emotions influence achievement.
A UCLA-led study found that administering immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab before surgery significantly extended the lives of people with recurrent glioblastoma. The study showed that those who received the drug prior to surgery lived nearly twice as long after surgery compared to those who received it afterward.
A recent study found that modern mahouts in Myanmar are younger and less experienced, leading to concerns about elephant welfare. The research team discovered a reduced traditional family connection to the profession and fewer apprenticeships, with many mahots having little training before being paired with an elephant.
Researchers found that programming autonomous vehicles in advance leads to more cooperative decisions, as people prioritize collective interests over short-term rewards. This effect generalizes beyond the domain of autonomous vehicles and has implications for shaping societal dilemmas.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that UCHL1, a brain protein, plays a critical role in nerve cell repair after stroke damage. The research found that preventing the inhibition of UCHL1 can decrease injury to axons and preserve neuron function.
Using a health exchange network can facilitate electronic disease reporting, improving compliance with public health laws and increasing completeness of reports. A novel decision support tool has been designed to automate the process of primary care clinics reporting case information to public health offices.
A study found that teacher ratings of childhood inattention were associated with lower adult earnings, while increased ratings on prosocial behavior like helping, sharing, and cooperating were linked to higher earnings. The study also found that better social skills were more valuable than intelligence and family adversity.
Researchers at MIT and international partners have developed an AI-powered method to explore the possibilities of strain-engineered materials. By applying machine learning methods, they can accurately predict how different amounts and orientations of strain would affect a material's properties.
Researchers found that psychiatric readmissions occur later in the postpartum period, with younger women and those with multiple gestations at increased risk. Obstetric care providers should be aware of these risk factors to optimize postpartum care for at-risk women.
Researchers found that elevated levels of IL-33 and Tregs trigger cancer-promoting chronic inflammation, leading to the development of skin and colon cancer. Blocking this axis can prevent cancer development in mice with chronic dermatitis.
A new study from Michigan State University suggests that finding someone who is nice and conscientious can lead to higher levels of relationship satisfaction. The research found that even among couples with similar personalities, traits like neuroticism and extroversion have a negative impact on relationship happiness
Researchers developed a model that predicts dengue incidence based on local mosquito density and climate conditions. The model accurately reproduced observed dengue data and predicted 2015 incidence, suggesting future outbreak risks can be mapped.
A proposed U.S. advisory board for research integrity could standardize protocols and practices, providing resources to assess research environments and boost integrity.
A team of researchers has identified a potential new therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease by suppressing the activity of a signaling molecule called eEF2K. This approach may improve protein synthesis capacity and alleviate cognitive and synaptic impairments associated with the disease.
A new study found that LGBTQ youths are more likely to end up in foster care or unstable housing, suffering negative outcomes such as substance abuse and mental health issues. The research, published in Pediatrics, analyzed data from over 593,000 California youths and revealed that nearly 30% of those living in foster care identified a...
A new study found that low-income boys' inattention in kindergarten is associated with lower earnings 30 years later, while prosocial behavior is linked to higher earnings. The research followed 920 boys from low-income neighborhoods and found that teachers' ratings of inattention were a significant predictor of adult earnings.
The study reveals that using a metallic substrate with higher chemical reactivity can significantly increase the phase transition yield of 2D-TMD materials. This method enables the easy achievement of structural phase transitions and opens possibilities for new device applications such as low contact resistance electrodes.
Researchers discovered a precise pathway causing neurodevelopmental disorders, including rare condition Kaufman oculocerebrofacial syndrome. Genetic sequencing revealed the buildup of protein BCKDK in the brain, leading to intellectual disability and speech loss.
Researchers developed the smallest optical frequency comb source, achieving integrated soliton microcomb with ultra-low losses and fast optical feedback. The compact device operates at 88 GHz repetition rate and offers potential for mass-manufacturable applications in LIDAR and data-centers.
A case report describes a patient who developed cardiac events after consuming potent marijuana edibles, emphasizing the importance of understanding THC's effects on the cardiovascular system. The study highlights the need for healthcare providers to educate patients with cardiovascular disease about cannabis use and its complications.
A new study links sea ice loss in the Arctic to major climate events, including rapid warming of 16 degrees Celsius in Greenland. The research, published in PNAS, used ice cores and numerical model simulations to determine that sea ice changes played a critical role in past abrupt climate change events.
Researchers used X-rays to study lithium ion transport in batteries, revealing how fast charging causes lithium plating and reduces battery performance. The study aims to improve fast-charging technologies for electric vehicles.
A study published in Academic Emergency Medicine found no association between FQHC access and lower ED use rates among uninsured and Medicaid-insured patients. The study suggests investigating additional intervention points beyond primary care access to reduce ED overuse in vulnerable populations.
Researchers found that black women are more likely to be readmitted to hospital and suffer severe maternal morbidity, even after adjusting for socioeconomic factors. Text-based monitoring of blood pressure reduced racial disparities in ascertainment.
Researchers at Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) have demonstrated how microwaves interact with matter, enabling the movement of electrons. This breakthrough may help improve quantum computing by controlling electrons with precision, leading to faster and more powerful technologies.
A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that grocery store-based nutrition counseling was effective in changing dietary habits of patients with hypertension. The program improved intake of fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats, while reducing sodium and saturated fat consumption.
A machine learning algorithm has been developed to speed up the process of discovering new medicines, identifying four new molecules that activate a protein relevant to symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia. The algorithm is twice as efficient as industry standards and can analyze vast amounts of chemical data.
A new review highlights the importance of identifying premenopausal women with elevated risk factors, such as ovarian dysfunction and pregnancy complications. These women should be screened early for cardiovascular disease and receive close follow-up and lifestyle modifications.
A 21-year longitudinal study found that family stress, maternal depression, and lack of active stimulation are significant risk factors for childhood obesity. The study, published in Childhood Obesity, identified four BMI trajectories through childhood, highlighting the importance of early intervention strategies.
Dr. Bethany Bynum has made extraordinary contributions in education, credentialing, industry, and military testing and selection. Her work improving Army Personnel Selection & Classifications systems positively affects many thousands of applicants annually.
Researchers at Rice University have created chiral polymers that can enable materials with unique properties, such as optical and sensing capabilities. The discovery could lead to the creation of metamaterials with tunable properties, including tough-but-flexible compounds with distinct functions.
A Michigan Medicine-led study found that increased hours of education related to caring for transgender patients does not correlate with improved knowledge among physicians and other providers. Transphobia was the only predictor of provider knowledge, highlighting the need for medical education to address unconscious bias.
Researchers developed a model explaining how external environmental factors drive internal airflows in termite mounds, triggering building behavior and altering mound architecture. The model sheds light on swarm intelligence and may inspire designing more sustainable human structures.
Researchers at Wyss Institute develop method to enhance kidney organoid vascularization and maturation, enabling accurate modeling of kidney diseases and drug toxicity testing. This breakthrough paves the way for new building blocks in renal replacement therapies.
Researchers identified genes encoding oxidoreductases as key attributes for characterizing global microbial communities. This approach provides a new diagnostic tool for assessing ecosystem services and developing management policies. The study sheds light on the critical role of microorganisms in planetary physiology.
Researchers have found that a new PET imaging agent, 18F-FFNP, can measure changes in progesterone receptor levels resulting from hormone therapy for breast cancer patients. This could provide an earlier indicator of therapy effectiveness and inform individualized treatment decisions.
Warren Davis, Quincy Johnson, and Olivia Underwood were honored for their work in machine learning, production engineering, and promoting diversity in STEM. They received awards at the BEYA STEM Global Competitiveness Conference for their contributions to national security and research.
A recent study found that hundreds of thousands of US women's lives have been saved by mammography and improvements in breast cancer treatment since 1989. The study estimates that cumulative breast cancer deaths averted ranged from 384,000 to 614,500 over the past three decades.
A team of scientists developed a machine-learning approach to predict the animal source of certain Salmonella outbreaks with 83% accuracy. The system identified poultry and swine sources as the top predictors, followed by bovine and wild bird sources.
A team of researchers has found a novel function for the signaling molecule TRADD, which was previously considered dispensable. Without RIPK1 protein, having two copies of the TRADD gene or no copies results in cell death, while one copy promotes survival. This discovery sheds light on regulating cell death and survival pathways.
Researchers create 3D in vitro model capable of isolating specific metastatic cells, providing platform for identifying potential therapies and screening anticancer drugs. The model also enables study of interactions between vasculature and drugs, yielding important answers.
A new £35 million research network, SUSTAIN, aims to transform the UK steel sector by making it cleaner, greener, and smarter. The project will focus on two areas: zero waste iron and steelmaking and smart steel processing.
A study of woodland star wildflowers found remarkable diversity in their scent compounds, with many species and populations producing unique floral bouquets to attract insect pollinators. The findings suggest that natural selection has shaped the biochemistry of floral scents in different ways among different populations.
Researchers have created a new breed of devices with unique properties, harnessing the power of quantum interference to fine-tune electrical conductance. By controlling quantum strangeness, they demonstrated that electrical conductance can be modulated over two orders of magnitude in single molecules.
An estimated 7.7 million American children have at least one mental health disorder, with prevalence varying widely by state. Policy efforts are needed to improve treatment for children with mental health disorders, which affects up to 72% in some states.
Researchers identified a key neural circuit involved in OCD, including connections between the basolateral amygdala and medial prefrontal cortex. Altering this circuit's activity was shown to impact OCD-like checking behavior, providing new insights into the disorder's pathophysiology.
A Yale research team found that nearly half of non-elderly adults with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease report financial hardship due to medical bills. The study reveals significant financial distress among these individuals, including cutting back on essential medications.
A new approach using environmental big data helps identify effective conservation methods for managing natural capital, including forests and ponds. The study shows that measures to reduce chemicals used by farmers will be particularly effective in protecting freshwater environments in northern Britain.
Researchers visualize two distinct meshworks in the nuclear lamina, an outer layer made of lamin B1 and an inner layer of lamin A. This discovery may lead to a better understanding of genetic diseases like ADLD and how cells can compress without damaging their nuclei.
Researchers developed a mapping tool that predicts the best locations for oyster bed reestablishment, maximizing water filtration benefits. The tool utilizes GIS tools and considers factors such as ecosystem services and population sustainability.
A new hardware platform based on isolated electron spins in a two-dimensional material was demonstrated by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania. The system utilizes defects in sheets of hexagonal boron nitride to manipulate individual quantum states, enabling potential applications in quantum technology and sensing.
Researchers analyzed blood samples from Ebola patients in Sierra Leone to understand the progression of the disease and potential treatments. The study identified a critical role for choline and microvesicles in the virus's progression, with survivors showing higher levels of phosphatidylcholines and healthy individuals having lower PS...
The Noble False Widow, a large and venomous spider, has spread rapidly across Europe, California, South America, and Central Europe. Its populations are now expanding northwards in England, posing a threat to native faunas.
A study of 959 obese pregnant women found no significant difference in birth outcomes between early and routine gestational diabetes screening. Early screening was associated with increased insulin use, a potential drawback for patients.
Researchers studied rats' brain activity while navigating an augmented reality environment, finding that their internal map of location is constantly updated on a minute-by-minute basis. This process, called path integration, involves the use of external landmarks and self-motion cues to estimate distance and speed.
Researchers surveyed known enzyme structures and found that active sites often have conflicting instructions, allowing for a balance between stability and functionality. This 'extended frustration' extends beyond the first shell of amino acids, supporting catalytic ability and enabling enzymes to modify target molecules efficiently.
Physicists at ETH Zurich have created acoustic metamaterials that interact differently with Weyl fermions of opposite chirality, a crucial aspect of particle physics. This discovery enables the manipulation of chiral channels, giving independent access to these particles in bulk systems.
Researchers capture snapshots of crystal structures in biochemical pathway that enables us to breathe, providing key insights into aerobic respiration. The study uses a new 'diffraction before destruction' method to determine the structure of an oxygen intermediate in cytochrome c oxidase.
New species of corals and animals found in Costa Rican waters, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts. The expedition highlights the importance of preserving these ecosystems before they face threats from human activities and climate change.
Michigan State University researchers have measured the nuclei of three protein-rich calcium isotopes, revealing unique patterns in their charge radii. The findings, which challenge existing theories, are attributed to a better understanding of proton interactions at large distances outside the nucleus.
A Canadian Medical Association Journal study found that women are less likely than men to receive geriatric care during hospitalization for emergency hip surgery. Women from low-income neighborhoods and those with dementia were also excluded from receiving anesthesiology consultations before surgery.
A mutant gene encoding a human brain protein linked to autism has been introduced into the brains of fruit flies, producing abnormal behaviors reminiscent of autism impairments. The study found hyperactivity, repetitive behavior, and impaired social interaction in the fruit flies.
Researchers have identified a new target protein that can inhibit Mycobacterium tuberculosis-induced cell death. Corticosteroids, already used in tuberculosis treatment, may support the healing process by inhibiting this pathway. This immunotherapy approach could reduce treatment duration and secondary complications associated with TB.
Biologist Aleksey Belikov proposes that rapid progression of age-related diseases results from vicious cycles triggered by biochemical reactions. The study highlights the importance of interrupting these cycles in preventing disease progression.
Researchers at Uppsala University and Emory University found that over a quarter of bacteria exhibit heteroresistance, making antibiotic treatment ineffective. The underlying genetic mechanism is often the spontaneous occurrence of gene amplifications, which can make it difficult to detect and study.
A new therapeutic target has been identified for aggressive pediatric cancers with few treatment options. The researchers discovered that malignant rhabdoid tumors may be sensitive to drugs that block the cancer cell's ability to dispose of misfolded proteins, and a Phase II clinical trial is underway to investigate this approach.
A study from Cornell University has identified the culprit behind decreased blood flow in the brain of people with Alzheimer's: white blood cells stuck to the inside of capillaries. This blockage leads to decreased blood flow in multiple downstream vessels, impacting cognitive function.
A new study highlights the need for contextual data collection alongside clinical trials to tailor interventions and improve their effectiveness. Researchers found that factors like local health policies, healthcare workers' concerns, and patient understanding influence adherence to antibiotic prescriptions.
Researchers have identified bacteria in Lake Erie that can degrade microcystin, a toxic toxin linked to liver cancer and other diseases. The bacteria, including Flectobacillus major and Pseudomonas lutea, can remove up to 19 parts per billion of microcystin from water supplies.
Researchers at Ohio State University have found that tau protein aggregates in Alzheimer's disease can grow by joining end-to-end, forming longer filaments. This discovery helps explain the formation of toxic aggregates and may inform the development of new drug candidates.
A previously believed pathway for sRNA production has been found to be present widely in flowering plants, evolved over 200 million years ago. This discovery could improve crop yields and breeding better varieties.
Researchers at EPFL have developed a method to create dielectric glass metasurfaces in just a few minutes, using dewetting to produce flexible and ultra-thin photonic circuits. This breakthrough enables the creation of highly sensitive sensors and flexible optics for various applications.
A new study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases found that having HPV in the hand does not increase the risk of transmitting HPV to a sexual partner. Most HPV detected in the hands likely came from a person's own genital HPV infection.
Harvard engineers create injectable sponge-like gel to enhance T-cell production and diversity after bone marrow transplantation, improving the immune system's ability to fight infections. The device reduces graft-versus-host disease and increases T-cell recovery rates.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine developed an antibody-based treatment that gently eliminates diseased blood-forming stem cells in the bone marrow. This could circumvent the need for harsh chemotherapy or radiation to prepare people for transplant, expanding the number of patients who can benefit from the procedure.
A new case study from New York University finds that face transplant surgery can significantly improve speech production in patients who have experienced severe facial trauma. The study used optical tracking technology to examine the effects of the procedure on facial movements and speech intelligibility, with remarkable results.
Oral mucositis affects nearly 40% of patients receiving chemotherapy and 80% of those receiving radiation therapy. A new study tests photobiomodulation as a non-invasive replacement for opioids to alleviate pain, promote healing, and improve quality of life for cancer patients.
A growing body of research suggests that smartphones can negatively impact face-to-face social interactions, leading to feelings of ignored, annoyed, or pushed away. The constant access to text messaging and social media makes it easier for people to disclose personal information and respond to others in their large social networks.
Research in Moorea, French Polynesia, reveals that intense herbivory is required to prevent seaweed establishment and that seaweed-dominated patch reefs are resilient to moderate disturbances. The findings suggest that preventing shifts to seaweed should be a focus of reef management.
A recent study by the University of Wisconsin-Madison reveals that mitochondrial dysfunction caused by a single mutation may be responsible for fragile X syndrome, autism, and other neural disorders. Researchers successfully reversed behavioral deficits in mice using a chemical treatment that restored mitochondria fusion.
Scientists found that Arctic cod developed their antifreeze gene by assembling tiny fragments of noncoding DNA, which were later duplicated and edited to create a functional protein. The study reveals an unexpected mechanism for the evolution of new genes.
Recent studies indicate that women and scholars from underrepresented groups often don't receive proper authorship credit, due to biases in leadership positions and collaborations. Experts will provide guidance on navigating power dynamics and promoting responsible authorship decisions at the AAAS Annual Meeting.
Use of active surveillance for low-risk localized prostate cancer increased significantly between 2010 and 2015, becoming the dominant management strategy. Surgery rates declined among men with low-risk disease, while increasing in high-risk patients.
Researchers have identified a potential economic opportunity for Greenland by exploiting its abundant river sediment, which has a market value equivalent to half of the country's GDP. Sand export could provide a new revenue stream, but it would require careful assessment of environmental impact and collaboration with local authorities.
A new model developed by the University of Illinois predicts how ground shipping will affect future human health and the environment. The study found that a carbon tax could lead to a 24% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, while enforcing truck fleet maintenance could cut particulate emissions by one-third by 2050.
A Carnegie Mellon University study found that smartphone-based mindfulness training can help individuals feel less lonely and interact with more people. Acceptance skills training was critical to improving social functioning outcomes, reducing daily life loneliness by 22% and increasing social contact by two interactions per day.
The use of active surveillance for low-risk prostate cancer nearly tripled between 2010 and 2015, with 42.1% of men adopting this strategy. This increase is associated with a favorable prognosis and reduced toxicity from treatment.
Scientists have discovered a new genus and species of mosquito in Myanmar amber dating back 100 million years, indicating that anopheline mosquitoes were present during this time period. This finding sheds light on the history of malaria and may offer clues on how its modern-day life cycle evolved.
A new experimental antibiotic AN12855 has been shown to be more effective against tuberculosis than isoniazid, a decades-old drug. In mouse studies, the new drug demonstrated a much lower tendency to develop resistance and remained in tissues where Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria reside for longer, killing them more effectively.
Scientists at the University of Manchester have created flags that can harness both wind and solar energy to generate electricity. The innovative flags use piezoelectric strips and flexible photovoltaic cells to produce power, making them suitable for powering remote sensors and small electronics.
Ancient fossils found in Gabon date back 2.1 billion years, revealing a multicellular organism that moved through the mud. The discovery pushes the history of locomotion in complex organisms to over 1.5 billion years earlier than previously thought.
A team of researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital has identified brain cells in the dorsolateral septum that regulate fearful behavior in mice. Activation of these cells predicts how an animal will behave when faced with a threatening situation, and targeting them may help treat post-traumatic stress disorder.
Researchers uncovered an unexpected pattern of HIV infection among transgender women and cisgender men in Los Angeles County. The study suggests that transgender women are at a higher risk of being in an HIV transmission network than previously thought, highlighting the need for tailored public health efforts within this community.
Researchers analyzed medical records from nearly 3,000 pregnant women to find that the ACOG criteria identifies those at highest risk for complications. The study suggests obstetric care providers need more information about the implications of 'high normal' blood pressure during pregnancy.
Researchers identified nearly 2000 novel bacterial species in the human gut using computational methods, revealing significant geographical diversity and underscoring the importance of collecting data from underrepresented populations to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the human microbiome.
A new device can accurately measure fluoride concentrations in water using a novel material that changes color when exposed to fluoride ions. This simple, on-site testing method is cheaper and more accessible than current methods, enabling virtually anyone to monitor fluoride levels in drinking water.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed smartphone-based technologies that can monitor civil infrastructure systems such as crumbling roads and aging bridges. By using various sensors on smartphones, they can determine the specific makeup and deterioration of a road's surface in real-time.
Researchers have developed a new flight strategy to land heavier vehicles on Mars by eliminating parachutes and using larger rocket engines. The approach optimizes the lift vector to minimize propellant usage, enabling vehicles to carry more payload while reducing costs.
Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center found that exercise causes dramatic changes to fat, releasing factors into the bloodstream that improve glucose tolerance. The study identified transforming growth factor beta 2 as an adipokine released from fat that has positive effects on health.
A new EU Pilot Project will monitor butterfly population trends across Europe to assess the health of the environment and inform EU biodiversity and agricultural policies. The project, ABLE, aims to build on existing data from thousands of volunteers in 11 EU countries and expand monitoring to cover at least eight additional countries.
Researchers discovered that spittlebug nymphs use their foam bubbles to breathe, but only protrude their abdomens when startled. The insects can also consume oxygen within the larger bubble chamber during their final life stage.
A new discovery by Professor Graham Lord and his team at the University of Manchester reveals a crucial molecular pathway regulated by microRNA-142, which controls Regulatory T cells. This finding has significant implications for treating autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, and cancer.
A recent study by NUS researchers found that microplastics can harbor toxic bacteria capable of causing coral bleaching and triggering wound infections in humans. The study identified over 400 types of bacteria on the plastics, including species that can degrade pollutants and others that cause harm to marine organisms.
Researchers identified six target disease genes at previously known AMD loci and three additional candidate genes, providing insights into the genetic architecture of AMD. The study used RNA sequencing data to expand on the genetic contributions to AMD.
A study funded by NIH found that a daily nutritional supplement can improve fetal growth and reduce stunted infants. The inexpensive supplement increased infant birth size by 31% and reduced small-for-gestational-age births by 22%.
A Queensland-based Research Support Network, launched in 2015, significantly increased the number of active research projects among emergency departments from 36 to 144. The program also led to a fourfold increase in collaborative projects and a tripling of research ideas aimed at patient care.
Researchers identified a new genetic cause of multi-tumor syndrome, which increases lifetime risk for patients with colorectal and breast cancers. The study found that rare NTHL1 gene mutations lead to the development of both diseases.
NASA's MAVEN mission is shrinking its Mars orbit to prepare for the upcoming Mars 2020 rover launch. The spacecraft will tighten its orbit from 3,850 to 2,800 miles above the surface, allowing it to circle Mars more frequently and communicate with rovers more often.
A Rutgers study found that facial trauma lawsuits generally favor physicians, with nearly three-fourths of cases being dismissed before trial. The study also found that patients are most successful in jury trials and in the Midwest, with outcomes favoring plaintiffs in Midwestern courts.
Nearly 3,000 maternal-fetal medicine physicians will share their expertise on preventing maternal morbidity and mortality at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine's Annual Meeting. The event also includes a partnership between SMFM and Rancho High School, where students will learn from physicians about prenatal care and childbirth.
A randomized-controlled clinical trial found that Montmorency tart cherry juice helped lower systolic blood pressure and LDL cholesterol in older adults by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress biomarkers. The participants also showed increased DNA repair activity, suggesting potential health benefits for heart health.
Mice exposed to ultrafine particles in utero show reduced immune responses and increased inflammation, indicating a possible link between prenatal pollution and respiratory health issues.
Researchers at Kent State University's Advanced Materials Institute have received an NSF grant to develop liquid crystal-nanoparticle sensors that can detect toxic gases and vapors without power. The sensors, which can be made any shape or size, offer parts-per-million level sensitivity and may help protect firefighters and other first...
A new study has shown that adults can learn a fictional writing system called HouseFont, which assigns images of houses to English phonemes. The research found increased brain activity in the visual word form area that predicted participants' reading speed, suggesting that learning a new writing system shapes the reading brain.
New research from Western University reveals that the spinal cord plays a crucial role in processing and controlling complex functions like hand positioning, challenging previous beliefs about its limitations. The study demonstrates that the spinal cord can generate responses to bumps, enabling precise hand control.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that 45.1% of adult atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) patients experience financial hardship due to medical bills. Insured and uninsured individuals, particularly those with lower incomes, are disproportionately affected.
Four articles examine racial disparities in opioid prescribing and overdose deaths, as well as county-level prescribing patterns in the US. The studies reveal significant differences in prescription rates and overdose fatality rates among various populations, highlighting pressing public health concerns.
Research found that healthy women using birth control pills are poorer judges of subtle facial expressions than non-users. OCP users were nearly 10% worse on average at recognizing the most enigmatic emotional expressions.
An international team has uncovered fossilized traces of motility in a 2.1 billion-year-old fossil deposit in Gabon, shedding light on the evolution of life on Earth. The discovery provides evidence of sophisticated multicellular organisms that could move through their mud in search of nutrients.
A new study by North Carolina State University found that aquaculture has expanded seafood production but does not contribute to fishery conservation. The research suggests that prioritizing socially sustainable seafood production and regulating industry practices are essential for advancing conservation goals.
Research published by the American Psychological Association found that people who feel shame about a secret are more likely to think about it constantly. Shame is associated with feelings of worthlessness and powerlessness, whereas guilt focuses on remorse and regret.
A new method uses machine learning to automate the process of preparing digital photos for analysis, allowing researchers to identify individual animals by their unique markings more efficiently. The system will accelerate studies on giraffe populations and can be applied to other species with similar identifying patterns.
Researchers have discovered that removing arginase 2 enzyme reduces neuron death and degeneration of nerve fibers in the retina after optic nerve injury. The study found that deleting this enzyme decreases inflammation and promotes recovery, suggesting it as a potential treatment target.
A University of Colorado study shows that low-molecular weight PAHs, commonly found in secondhand smoke and environmental exposures, can cause cancer-promoting changes in lung cells within 30 minutes.
A world-first study maps out regional variations in courage and entrepreneurship, finding that courageous regions have higher start-up rates but lower survival rates. Courage is associated with risk-taking and higher failure rates, posing a 'blind' courage that may undermine realistic evaluations of risks.
Wind shear weakened Tropical Cyclone Gelena to a tropical storm, with maximum sustained winds near 63 mph. Forecasters predict dissipation of the storm by February 14, three days from observation.
Tropical Cyclone Neil developed on February 9 with maximum sustained winds near 35 knots and dissipated by February 10. Wind shear played a significant role in weakening the storm, as observed by NASA's Aqua satellite.
Theoretical physicists at Linköping University developed a computational method to calculate the transition from one phase to another in dynamically disordered solid materials. This enables the development of eco-friendly materials for solar cells, batteries and fuel cells.
A team of Florida State University physicists has discovered a way to stabilize the color of light emitted from halide perovskites, a promising class of materials for optoelectronic technologies. The research, published in Nature Communications, uses a unique nanostructure to turn unstable materials into stable ones.
A study published in JNeurosci found that children's brains have trouble focusing on speech in noisy environments, a phenomenon known as the 'cocktail party effect'. This ability develops from childhood to adulthood and may not fully mature until the teenage years.
A Western diet characterized by low fiber and high fat and sugar content can lead to increased chronic inflammation, higher mortality rates, and more severe sepsis severity in mice. The study identifies molecular markers that could predict patients at high risk for severe sepsis or require aggressive treatment.
The newly described Mcvaughia piauhiensis highlights the diversity of the Seasonally Dry Tropical Forests biome in northeastern Brazil. The study sheds light on the unique characteristics of this recently recognized biome and its endemic plant species, crucial for conservation efforts.
Researchers create technique to monitor single cells over generations and investigate stiffness changes during cell division cycle, with potential applications for precision medicine and analyzing patient tumor responses to drugs.
Research suggests that low physical fitness, obesity, and a combination of both are strongly associated with chronic disability later in life. The study found that being physically fit is an important indicator of health regardless of BMI, reducing the risk of disability.