A new study has discovered that oscillating X-rays from consumed stars can reveal the mass and spin of a black hole. By analyzing the quasi-periodic oscillation every 131 seconds, researchers found that the signal is representative of the physical properties of the black hole itself.
A Harvard University study found that the Coca-Cola Company, through its connection with a nonprofit group, has exerted substantial influence over obesity science and policy solutions in China. The study, conducted by Susan Greenhalgh, reveals how industry funding and personal connections shaped policy decisions.
A new study reveals that children of Tutsi genocide survivors with complex PTSD exhibit more severe symptoms and self-perception issues, highlighting the intergenerational impact of trauma. Researchers found CPTSD to be a prevalent debilitating condition among Tutsi genocide survivors, affecting not only themselves but also their offsp...
A study of 17 astronauts found that long-duration spaceflight reduces paraspinal muscle size by 4.6-8.8% and increases fatty tissue content, with some changes persisting for up to four years after returning to Earth.
A large-scale study published in Neurology found a significant link between excessive body fat around the middle and reduced brain volume, specifically lower gray matter volumes. Researchers measured BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, and overall body fat in 9,652 participants and found those with higher ratios had lower brain volume.
Researchers discovered that specific pentagonal and hexagonal molecular building blocks can self-sort through geometric complementarity. This phenomenon allows for the creation of nanostructures with predictable geometries, such as tubular structures with pentagonal pores.
Researchers developed computational modeling to identify improved mixed matrix membranes for capturing CO2. The hypothetical membranes offer a more economical solution, predicting a cost of less than $50 per ton removed.
A study found that standard assessment tools can accurately determine which residents are most at risk of hospitalization or death. Residents with a history of heart failure were more likely to be hospitalized and have higher mortality rates.
A recent study at the University of Copenhagen found that VR-learning benefits vary by gender, with girls performing better when taught by virtual Marie and boys benefiting from drone-based instruction. The research aims to inform the development of effective VR-teaching methods.
Researchers found that humpback whale populations in the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans share similar song types, with males from different populations coming into contact to learn songs from each other. Over time, shared phrases and themes emerged, with similarities detected across years.
A new study finds that high-status individuals increasingly prioritize sustainable and ethical foods over traditional gourmet options. Those who consider themselves both foodies and ethical eaters tend to have higher socioeconomic status, with many earning over $100,000.
A new study of twins found that genetic factors significantly impact the body's immune defense networks. The researchers analyzed blood samples from 1835 twins and thousands of siblings to understand how effectively their bodies deploy disease-fighting molecules.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have developed a new technique to increase omega-3 fatty acid levels in the brain, with significant implications for the treatment of Alzheimer's and depression. By using a lysophospholipid form of EPA, the team was able to boost levels by 100-fold in mice, with minimal side effects.
A study comparing 100 venomous snake species found that venoms evolved to be more potent against closely related prey animals. The amount of venom also depends on size and environment, with terrestrial species having the most venom.
Scientists at UC San Diego developed a new method to control pest populations using precision-guided genetics, resulting in sterile male progeny with 100% efficiency. The 'precision-guided sterile insect technique' (pgSIT) can be applied to various insects, including disease-spreading mosquitoes.
Researchers found a single gene mutation responsible for thelytoky syndrome, a phenomenon where worker bees ignore queen orders and reproduce on their own. The dominant Thelytoky (Th) gene requires only one copy to express selfish behavior, but its partner gene is necessary for fertility.
Over two decades, medical marketing in the US has seen a dramatic increase from $17.7 billion to $29.9 billion, with TV and digital advertising driving the largest growth. However, oversight of these activities has remained limited, despite significant spending and promotional efforts by drug companies.
A new simulation technology developed by Professor Shingo Takahashi at Waseda University enables automatic analysis of human behavior leading to congestion. The system discovered four times more causes of congestion compared to expert analysis, reducing waiting time and staff required.
Scientists at Tufts University have discovered a new molecular mechanism that controls brain plasticity, which they can target to restore it in aged brains. By focusing on specific nerve cell connections, researchers may develop treatments with reduced side effects for conditions like autism and stroke.
The BRCA Exchange aggregates data on thousands of inherited variants in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes to improve cancer prevention, screening, and intervention. The resource includes expert classifications of variants, providing information for clinicians and researchers.
Scientists from the University of Colorado Boulder have developed a new technique for finding galaxy mergers, which may be crucial for building huge galaxies and forming new stars. The method was tested on data from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey and successfully identified fusing galaxies 80% of the time.
John Tilton will receive funding to develop a nanoPOD platform to deliver therapies to specific tissues in mice affected by genetic disease. The project aims to address the challenge of delivering nanoscale therapeutics to the right location inside the body.
A recent Kaiser Permanente study found that hospitalized patients who received the flu vaccine had no increased risk of outpatient visits or hospital readmission within seven days of discharge. The study also showed that vaccinating hospital patients did not increase the risk of fever or rates of laboratory evaluations for infection.
Researchers at Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona have confirmed a surprising structure of chromosome DNA using cryo-electron microscopy. The study shows that chromatin forms multilaminar plates in mitotic chromosomes, providing insight into the compact and protected structure of genomic DNA during cell division.
A new analysis reveals states adopting guideline levels lower than the US EPA's health advisory levels for PFAS, highlighting the need for enforceable federal standards. States consider additional health effects, such as developmental problems and cancer risk, in their decisions.
DJ Seo, a civil engineering professor at UTA, is working on a project to merge forecasts and metrics from multiple sources into a single, integrated forecast. This will provide emergency management officials with more accurate and understandable information to make informed decisions during major weather events.
A novel 'palette effect' mechanism allows locusts to switch between green and black coloring in response to different environments. The discovery reveals a red pigment complex acts as a switch to coordinate the insects' color changes, providing an adaptive response to population density.
Researcher Jenny Robinson studies estrogen's potential to protect menisci and regenerate damaged tissue, aiming to develop targeted therapies. The goal is to create an off-the-shelf material that could be implanted into the knee to promote repair and inhibit further degeneration.
A new study using Argo floats has gathered unprecedented data on the phytoplankton community beneath the Greenland Sea ice. The research found that half of ocean energy production occurs beneath the sea ice in late winter and early spring, with the other half occurring at the edge of the ice in spring.
After obesity surgery, new microbial strains emerged in the human fecal microbiota, changing the gut environment. The study used a novel informatics technique to identify these new strains, which were more competitive in the altered GI tract environment.
Researchers identified a mosquito-specific protein, EOF1, which plays a crucial role in eggshell formation. Blocking its expression resulted in non-viable eggs and multiple structural defects. This discovery provides a promising target for developing more effective and safer mosquito control strategies.
Researchers have discovered a new population of immune cells that respond to immunotherapy treatment, as well as a critical molecular factor required for the therapy's success. The study highlights the importance of early-stage T cells and the need for further understanding of how checkpoint blockade therapies work.
A team of RCSI researchers has developed a new treatment for tuberculosis (TB) that could be used to treat hundreds of thousands of patients. The treatment uses all-trans retinoic acid, which has shown promise in previous studies and can help reduce bacteria and lung damage.
A team of astronomers has found an intermediate-mass exoplanet, OGLE-2012-BLG-0950Lb, with a mass of 39 times that of Earth, which contradicts the current understanding of planet formation. The discovery was made using microlensing, a method sensitive to sub-Saturn planets in Jupiter-like orbits.
Researchers found that playing Tetris reduced flashbacks in patients with PTSD by 64%, offering a potential new treatment method without relying on therapists. The intervention involves writing down stressful memories and then playing Tetris to alleviate symptoms.
A recent study by Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute scientists evaluated the economic viability of PES programs in the PCW, finding that reforestation efforts have a significant impact on ship transits and dry-season water flow. The researchers also identified market clearing equilibriums for such programs, highlighting their pot...
Researchers discovered that bacteria on the ISS are adapting to survive in a stressful environment, rather than evolving into superbugs. The study's findings provide good news for astronauts and potential space tourists, but also highlight the need for precautions against illness transmission.
The sensor wraps around the healing vessel and detects changes in electric charge, allowing doctors to monitor blood flow remotely. Researchers are refining their sensitivity and exploring applications for precision health, including telemedicine and early interventions.
A recent study found that high-fat diets significantly increase blood pressure in both young male and female rats, with comparable effects on males and females. The study also showed sex differences in inflammation response, where females maintained a higher percentage of Tregs, which help decrease blood pressure.
The Mathematical Association of America (MAA) recognizes Tom Leinster for his outstanding expository article 'Rethinking Set Theory' with the MAA Chauvenet Prize. Cathy O'Neill wins the MAA Euler Book Prize for her book 'Weapons of Math Destruction', tackling data science's social and political implications.
Duke researchers will develop a new type of X-ray scanner that combines the best features of two technologies, enabling the detection of an object's molecular composition. The resulting device could one day become standard in airports worldwide.
The study examines how ocean acidification affects iron availability to phytoplankton, a critical nutrient for marine productivity. Researchers aim to develop proxies for quantifying iron availability under present and future ocean acidification conditions.
A new study using a mouse model found that pregnant mice fed a high-fat diet gained more body fat compared to control mice, but quickly lost the added weight after giving birth. However, they began gaining more fat again and weighed two-fold above levels of control mice due to excess fat mass.
Researchers have developed a novel fully synthetic and rationally designed anti-Wolbachia drug, AWZ1066S, which could potentially treat onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis. The compound has shown high specificity and potency against Wolbachia, with the potential to shorten treatment times from weeks to days.
Researchers found that Facebook users who compare themselves to others experience greater awareness of physical ailments and lower life satisfaction. Women and those experiencing anxiety or depression also report more symptoms, while high self-esteem individuals have fewer physical issues.
The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) has released new guidelines to help providers develop policies/procedures for re contacting patients after revising genomic test results. The guidelines aim to address the complex questions surrounding patient re contact, including legal, ethical, and practical issues.
A team of scientists has discovered how flies coordinate long flight bouts by releasing neuronal brakes, allowing them to conserve energy. The finding reveals that a specific circuit involving dopamine-producing neurons and GABA-producing output neurons regulates flight duration.
A new study links certain consumer behaviors, including flossing with Oral-B Glide, to elevated levels of toxic PFAS chemicals in the body. The findings suggest that consumers can limit their exposures by modifying their behavior and choosing flosses without PFAS.
A research team has identified and overcome a barrier in CRISPR gene editing that may lay the foundation for sustained treatments using the technique. By increasing the quantity of 'flags' in CRISPR, they were able to extend the effectiveness of treatment from three months to 18 months in mice with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have developed a new theory that allows thin sheets to conform to 'geometrically incompatible' shapes by developing microscopic wrinkles, reducing the need for stretching and increasing efficiency. This breakthrough has significant implications for biotechnologists working on flexible and wearable sensors f...
US immigrant children major in STEM subjects more than their US-born peers, with 36% of immigrants from non-English speaking countries pursuing these fields. They take more math and science courses, earning 20% more credits in math-intensive courses, which leads to careers in STEM fields.
Researchers have discovered a new mechanism underlying the control of gene expression in all living organisms. Transcriptional pausing by RNA polymerase provides a 'roadblock' to help regulate gene expression levels, which could aid our understanding of antibacterial drugs and future synthetic gene design.
The study found that seven states have adopted their own guideline levels for PFOA and/or PFOS, with three setting levels lower than EPA's health advisory. State guidelines vary dramatically, from 13 nanograms per liter to 1,000 nanograms per liter.
Researchers from the University of Münster have developed a novel thin-film organic phototransistor array using small-molecule 2,6-diphenylanthracene. The device shows high photosensitivity, photoresponsivity, and detectivity, outperforming state-of-the-art OPTs.
The US cancer death rate has declined by 27% since 1991, primarily due to reductions in smoking and advances in early detection and treatment. Despite this progress, socioeconomic inequalities have widened, with poorer counties experiencing a disproportionate burden of preventable cancers.
C-Path and TGen will develop a framework enabling state institutions to respond to antimicrobial resistance with a genomic surveillance system. The Prevent HAARM system aims to monitor and track antimicrobial resistant pathogens, providing rapid feedback to clinicians and public health professionals.
Scientists at University of Gættingen have developed an environmentally friendly strategy for drug and pesticide production, leveraging the properties of naturally occurring non-toxic metal manganese. The new approach reduces waste and uses water instead of toxic solvents.
Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a cuttable wireless power transfer sheet that can charge devices wirelessly and be molded or cut to fit different shapes. The innovative technology offers a potential solution for emerging fields like robotics and could lead to untangled cables and versatile charging solutions.
A new global carbon isotope negative excursion defines the Cambrian base at 539 Ma, 2 million years younger than current charts. The authors propose a revised Cambrian chronostratigraphy for China, including a new Xiaotanian Stage.
The journal features original research articles on adherence to clinical guidelines for diabetes monitoring, the relationship between glycemic control and family support among people with type 2 diabetes, and visit-to-visit variability of blood pressure in hypertensive patients. A China Focus article evaluates the efficiency of communi...