Hippos play a key role in transporting silicon from land to water through their faeces, influencing over 76% of the total silicon transported along the Mara River. This process is crucial for ecosystems like Lake Victoria, where a lack of silicon can lead to food shortages and ecosystem collapse.
Researchers identified long-term global effects on water supplies, with drying soils in North America and Eurasia, and wetter regions like the Indian subcontinent. The study suggests severe consequences for humans as warmer temperatures intensify droughts in dry regions.
A Swedish study found that preterm and early term birth are strong risk factors for the development of chronic kidney disease from childhood into mid-adulthood. Preterm birth interrupts kidney development, leading to fewer nephrons forming and an increased risk of high blood pressure and progressive kidney disease.
Researchers at Princeton University have developed a process to isolate hydrogen from industrial wastewater using sunlight and bacteria. This technique doubles the currently accepted rate for scalable technologies that produce hydrogen by splitting water.
Researchers have discovered the history of hundreds of lost WWII-era uranium cubes from Germany, which were part of a secretive and ultimately failed effort to build a working nuclear reactor. The findings highlight the differences between German and American nuclear research programs, with the former being divided and competitive.
The study proposes strategies for hotels to cope with competition from Airbnb, including abandoning seasonal pricing and adjusting rates. Hotels in cities with high demand for leisure travel and low-end options may need to re-evaluate their pricing strategies.
Scientists confirm Alaska lake seals, a distinct population from ocean-dwelling cousins, rely on freshwater food sources throughout their lives. The study provides critical baseline information for developing conservation strategies, particularly as the region faces proposed industrial developments and climate change.
A large-scale international collaboration has identified 190 genetic links to birth weight, with two-thirds discovered for the first time. Research found that a baby's genes play a substantial role in determining their birth weight, while also influencing factors in their intrauterine environment.
The updated guideline recommends adjuvant radiotherapy for patients with adverse pathologic findings, such as seminal vesicle invasion and positive surgical margins. Hormonal therapy is also recommended for patients who receive salvage radiotherapy, based on evidence from randomized controlled trials.
A University of Cincinnati expert supports raising the age limit on tobacco purchases in Ohio to combat nicotine dependence among youth. Research suggests that e-cigarette use has increased among adolescents, and banning certain flavors may have contributed to this trend.
A new study from Binghamton University found that comic book characters have exaggerated physical features, with males averaging obesity and females near underweight. The researchers argue that these traits are a reflection of supernormal stimuli, beyond human capabilities.
A randomized controlled trial found that participants who ate whole walnuts daily had lower central blood pressure and reduced cardiovascular risk factors. Walnuts were found to have additive benefits on heart health, with alpha-linolenic acid and other bioactive compounds contributing to the positive effects.
Researchers sequenced the narwhal genome, finding low genetic diversity despite the species' abundance. The findings challenge the notion that high genetic diversity is necessary for survival.
Research found that living alone is positively associated with common mental disorders across all ages and sexes. The prevalence of people living alone was linked to an increased risk of mental health issues, with loneliness explaining 84% of the association.
Researchers have identified over 100 new genes that could contribute to the development of cleft lip and palate (CL/P), a condition affecting 1 in 700 live-born babies. The study suggests that genetic variants near these genes are regulated by 'enhancers' in the genome, which play a crucial role in maintaining proper cell identity.
Researchers have identified normal cells that can transform into cancerous cells in the brain, leading to a better understanding of childhood brain tumors. The study used single-cell sequencing technology and mouse models to pinpoint these cells, which were observed much earlier in fetal development than expected.
Researchers have developed an algorithm that can predict synthetic lethal interactions between genes, which could lead to more targeted and effective cancer treatments. The Slant algorithm uses data from existing protein networks to identify patterns associated with these interactions.
Scientists have been exploring new materials to harness thermoelectric power from waste heat, with researchers at the University of Texas using supercomputers to optimize material configurations. The team has made promising initial findings, showing that certain cobalt oxides can convert heat into electricity.
A NASA study reveals that human activities have been influencing global drought patterns since the early 20th century. The research, published in Nature, used a combination of modern soil moisture measurements and tree ring-based records to identify a 'human fingerprint' in drought data.
Researchers developed protein catalyzed capture technology to improve receptor stability and manufacturability for wearable sensor applications. The technology enables real-time monitoring of Soldier health and performance, as well as sensing environmental threats.
A Rutgers University study found that depressed children admitted to the hospital for other illnesses stay longer, pay more, and are at a greater risk of death. The researchers suggest that routine screening, improved mental health programs, early diagnosis, and prompt treatment could reduce these burdens on hospitals.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia present two innovative studies on virtual reality technology for training children with autism to interact with police, and a routine developmental screening method to identify developmental deceleration. The studies show promise in improving early detection of autism spectrum disorder.
Researchers found that removing the ATDC gene from pancreatic cells prevented the development of pancreatic cancer in mice. The study identified ATDC as a key player in the reprogramming of adult cells into primitive, high-growth cell types, which can lead to cancer.
A new climate study aims to preserve the rich culture and history of Ladakh, a mountain region in India experiencing devastating effects from changing weather patterns. The 'Climate Witness: Voices from Ladakh' project collects local testimonies about resilience and adaptation strategies.
The study estimates that 538 million people worldwide suffer from myopia, resulting in a significant loss of productivity worth over US$244 billion. A one-off investment of US$20 billion could eliminate avoidable vision impairment globally.
The study provides a detailed understanding of the peanut plant's genomic history and the molecular mechanisms underlying its growth and development. Researchers have identified potential leads for improving crop resilience to diseases and pests, including geographic origin information and DNA swapping patterns.
A vaccine combining a fentanyl antigen with tetanus toxoid has been shown to reduce fentanyl choices and increase food choices in rats, with effects lasting several months. The findings suggest the vaccine may decrease dangerous drug-taking behavior and increase healthier behaviors.
Researchers from the University of Bradford have developed a facial recognition system that can accurately identify individuals even when only half or three-quarters of their face is visible. The study found that the bottom half of the face, eyes, and nose were most useful for recognition.
A new scat study provides insights into the diets of Humboldt martens, revealing a diverse range of prey species including voles, birds, and berries. The research suggests that vegetation in coastal forests offers an ideal environment for these martens, with less competition from predators.
A new Australian study aims to develop a framework for effective care to reduce cardiovascular disease in breast cancer survivors. The two-year project will create an integrated model of care, embedding cardiovascular risk management into breast cancer treatment.
Researchers have successfully grown 3D paper organs with artificial blood vessels that can be populated with cells, providing a more complex structure than traditional 2D cell cultures. The paper organs can mimic the architecture of real tissues, influencing how cells grow and respond to external stimuli.
The Xiahe mandible, discovered on the Tibetan Plateau, is at least 160,000 years old and shares anatomical features with Denisovans from Denisova Cave. The ancient proteins found in the mandible indicate a hominin population closely related to Denisovans.
A UBC researcher's study found that commercial bio-fertilizers may not improve soil quality or crop yields, raising concerns about environmental consequences. The study also highlights the need for more knowledge on the impact of these inoculants on the land and potential invasive species risks.
A team of researchers has discovered that arsenic plays a crucial role in extracting gold from hot solutions and forms large gold deposits. The study found that the concentration of arsenic directly affects the formation of giant gold deposits, with higher arsenic levels leading to more frequent gold binding with pyrite.
Researchers found that microorganisms can use arsenic as an electron acceptor to extract energy from food, a strategy thought to be a holdover from Earth's early history. The discovery opens up new avenues for studying organisms that thrive in low-oxygen environments.
Researchers used heavy ion accelerator to demonstrate nickel 78's stability, finding it maintains spherical shape like doubly magic isotope, but with a surprise: lighter isotones may lose magic nature due to deformation.
Researchers analyzed six Iberian prehistoric beads and found that some had a multilayered coating made of tree resins, likely used to imitate amber's translucence. The study suggests unscrupulous traders may have substituted fake amber for true amber in tomb sites.
A Massachusetts General Hospital study found that stressful experiences before age 3 have a greater effect on gene expression than those in later years. Adversity during this period is associated with increased DNA methylation, which reduces gene expression and may lead to mental health problems.
Researchers compare substance users and non-users with eating disorders to identify key differences. Teens with eating disorders who used substances were more likely to have bulimia nervosa or anorexia nervosa binge/purge subtype, but also had similar physical health characteristics as non-users.
Researchers identified 20 new genetic associations with bipolar disorder in a massive study of over 50,000 subjects across 14 countries. The findings highlight the complexity of the disease and its overlap with other psychiatric disorders.
Researchers at Arizona State University have detected water in samples from the asteroid Itokawa, which suggests that impacts early in Earth's history may have delivered as much as half of our planet's ocean water. The team used ASU's NanoSIMS technology to analyze tiny mineral grains and found they were enriched in water compared to o...
Researchers at CNIO describe the RUVBL1-RUVBL2 ATPases as the 'energy engine' in the co-chaperone R2TP, regulating access to ATP for energy production. The study found a gate-like structure in RUVBL2 that controls energy exchange, coupled to the assembly of mTOR complexes.
Researchers identify nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) as a key player in promoting metastasis of ovarian cancer cells. The study reveals that the stroma surrounding tumor cells, rather than the cancer itself, drives disease progression and poor outcomes.
Researchers found that omitting chemotherapy in HER2 positive metastatic breast cancer can significantly shorten progression-free survival but not overall survival. The PERNETTA trial suggests that targeted therapy alone may be safe for patients with low-to-intermediate tumour burden.
Researchers at Columbia's Data Science Institute used cellular resolution imaging to investigate changes in neuronal microstates during anesthesia. They found that anesthesia disrupts local network dynamics, leading to breakdowns in macroscale connectivity.
Researchers found that environmental pollutants can impact molecular hallmarks of aging, including mitochondrial DNA content and telomere length. Higher levels of certain pollutants were associated with decreased mitochondrial DNA content or shorter telomeres, suggesting a potential link between pollution and accelerated aging.
Researchers used genetic maps to identify genes controlling fiber length in Sealand cultivars, which improved fiber quality while maintaining or increasing yields. This breakthrough could help breeders overcome the yield vs quality challenge in cotton breeding.
Researchers found that birds have significantly lower cellular rates of energy use and antioxidant capacity compared to mammals. This may contribute to their longer lifespans, as oxidative stress is a major factor in aging. The study's authors plan to investigate the link between oxidative stress and immune defenses further.
A new study found that nasal high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (NHFOV) is superior to nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) in preventing reintubation in preterm infants with neonatal ARDS. NHFOV reduced PCO2 levels and enabled infants to leave the hospital in fewer days.
Researchers at Harvard University have developed a new storage method that uses molecules to encode information, potentially preserving the contents of the New York Public Library in a teaspoon of protein. The approach uses oligopeptides and mass spectrometry to store data in a stable and low-energy format.
Two clinical trials found that modulating the vasopressin hormone's biological pathway enhanced social functioning in adults and children with ASD. The studies showed improvements in social behavior, adaptive skills, and reduced anxiety symptoms in treated individuals.
A study found that eliminating senescent oligodendrocyte progenitor cells can reduce brain damage and inflammation, slowing cognitive decline in mice with Alzheimer's-like symptoms. The treatment, which combines two FDA-approved drugs, was shown to effectively eliminate these cells and protect against cognitive decline.
The University of Houston College of Pharmacy has opened a new center to educate providers and patients on safe controlled substance prescription use, aiming to optimize pharmacotherapy for pain management. The PREMIER Center will also support the safe disposal of unused medications through a $3.34 million grant.
A team of scientists successfully controlled induced seismicity during a deep geothermal stimulation in Finland using near-real-time monitoring. The approach allowed for prompt adjustment of pumping rates and pressure, ensuring the successful completion of the project.
A new study found that closely monitoring patients with diabetic macular edema who have good vision can be an acceptable initial strategy, with prompt treatment starting if vision worsens. The two-year study showed similar visual acuity outcomes among groups receiving aflibercept injections, laser photocoagulation, or observation.
Researchers have discovered a new genetic defect that causes intellectual disability, affecting around 3% of the global population. The newly identified gene target will help improve screening programmes and aid in accurate diagnoses worldwide.
Top doctor David Nutt and mother of Alfie Dingley Hannah Deacon argue that many children are still not getting the treatment they need. Despite a law change in 2018, access to medical cannabis remains slow due to lack of training, fear of prescribing off licence, and difficulties obtaining supplies.
Two papers by Michigan State University scientists introduce a new framework to analyze the complex interactions between global water and energy trade. The nexus approach reveals unexpected impacts, including provinces losing one resource while gaining another, and virtual energy transfers driving inequality.
Researchers have identified 34 genes associated with an increased risk of developing the earliest stages of ovarian cancer. The study uses alternative splicing analysis to pinpoint these genes, which can help identify women at high risk and pave the way for new therapies.
Laxman Gangwani's research project aims to explore the protective effects of senataxin on spinal muscular atrophy motor neurons. The goal is to identify potential therapeutic targets in humans if the research shows a positive role for senataxin in a mouse model of SMA.
Researchers have identified cranberry oligosaccharides as potential anti-adhesive compounds that could help prevent UTIs. These complex carbohydrates were detected in the urine of pigs fed dried cranberry powder and showed activity against E. coli bacteria.
A new experimental therapy has demonstrated potential in slowing the progression of a genetic form of ALS by reducing SOD1 protein levels. Patients who received the treatment showed improved breathing capacity, muscle strength, and functional abilities compared to those given a placebo.
A new study found that rates of suicide attempts by self-poisoning among adolescents have more than doubled in the US, with girls and young women being particularly affected. The study also showed an increase in severe outcomes, especially among 10- to 15-year-olds.
The study found that out-of-pocket costs for MS drugs increased 20 times between 2004 and 2016, with people in high-deductible plans paying twice as much. The annual cost of treating neurologic disorders in the US is over $500 billion.
A new study using genome re-sequencing analyzed 167 yam species and found that cultivated yam was domesticated from a forest species in the Niger River basin. This challenges previous hypotheses on African plant domestication, suggesting West Africa as a major cradle of crop domestication.
Researchers at CNIC have identified a cellular and molecular mechanism that can induce productive angiogenesis in ischemic tissues. The newly discovered mechanism suggests that manipulating it could lead to optimal therapeutic angiogenesis, which may help treat cardiovascular disease.
Researchers detected and measured specific prion forms of amyloid beta (A-β) and tau proteins in human brain tissue, strongly associated with early-onset Alzheimer's disease. The findings suggest that active A-β and tau prions could drive the disease and prompt exploration of new therapies targeting prions.
Researchers at NIST have collected accurate and comprehensive data on the fundamental aspects of laser welding, enabling better computer simulations. This improved understanding could give industries more control over laser welding processes, leading to faster production times and reduced energy consumption.
The pharmaceutical industry is embracing continuous manufacturing processes, offering reduced costs, factory space, and processing time. Companies like Janssen, Eli Lilly, and Pfizer have received approvals for drugs produced by continuous processes, paving the way for more complex chemistries.
NASA's Aqua and Terra satellites tracked Tropical Cyclone Fani as it strengthened and moved north through the Northern Indian Ocean. The storm showed signs of strong thunderstorms with cloud top temperatures as cold as -63 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating heavy rain potential.
Researchers have found that the drug Tadalafil, used to treat erectile dysfunction, slows or even reverses the progression of heart failure in sheep. The study suggests that the drug may also be effective in humans, offering new hope for treatment of this devastating condition.
A recent study by University of Kent researchers found that palm oil's potential to alleviate poverty depends on its social and environmental context. In Kalimantan, Indonesian villages experienced slower improvements in social and environmental well-being when growing oil palm compared to those without it.
A nationwide study found patients with diabetes discharged with low glucose values have a higher risk of death and rehospitalization; physicians should avoid discharging patients until glucose levels are above 100 mg/dl
Researchers analyzed postmortem brain samples from 24 people with Alzheimer's and 24 without the disease to identify cellular pathways affected by the disease. The study found that axon myelination is disrupted in patients, and gene expression patterns vary significantly between men and women, suggesting potential new drug targets.
A new study suggests that vaccination could reduce the impact of white-nose syndrome in bats by providing immunity against the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans. Bats immunized against Pd were less likely to develop WNS or die from the disease in two initial scientific trials.
Researchers investigated risk factors for melanoma dissemination and the impact of time on distant relapse. The findings provide valuable information for improving melanoma treatment outcomes.
In a touchscreen-based task, wolves behaved more prosocially towards their fellow pack members than dogs. Wolves opted to deliver significantly more food to an adjacent enclosure when it held a member of their own pack present.
A new study by University of British Columbia researchers found a correlation between excessive engagement with loot boxes and measures of problem gambling, but not problem video gaming. Loot box use was associated with risky gambling behaviours, suggesting that the feature may be contributing to gambling-like problems in gamers.
A new physical mechanism erodes seabed sediment at depths up to 20 meters, adding nutrients stirred by breaking surface waves. This process complements littoral drift and has significant implications for coastal sediment management practices like dredging.
Two new urine tests have shown promise in accurately detecting bladder cancer, determining its severity, and detecting recurrence. The tests use a gene variant called V1, which is elevated in bladder cancer, and have been found to be 90% effective at detecting the disease.
An international team of scientists has secured a five-year, $6.2 million grant to study HIV and tuberculosis (TB) coinfection in children. The researchers will investigate the disease mechanisms and explore potential therapeutic approaches using nonhuman primate experiments.
Scientists investigate how tropical species are adapting to the newly formed pass in St. Joe Bay, a critical ecosystem with seagrass meadows and diverse marine life. The research aims to understand potential changes in seagrass consumption and its impact on juvenile fish, crabs, and shrimp.
Researchers found the Great Whirl, a massive whirlpool off East Africa, is larger and longer-lived than previously thought. It can grow to over 275,000 square kilometers in area and persist for about 200 days.
The Dementia Friendly Hospital Initiative targets comprehensive training for all hospital staff to improve quality and safety for patients with dementia. The program aims to lower rates for in-hospital injuries, length of stay, and 30-day readmissions.
A study by the University of Saskatchewan found that therapy dog visits can significantly improve the comfort levels and positive feelings of hospital waiting patients. The study showed a noticeable reduction in distress levels and an increase in perceived comfort among patients, regardless of wait time duration.
Researchers discovered that tumors subvert endothelial cells' ability to form new blood vessels, using microRNA to control gene expression. Delivering this microRNA to endothelial cells in mice slowed tumor growth and reduced blood vessel formation.
A new reading of the Mesha Stele suggests that biblical King Balak may have been a historical figure, based on high-resolution images revealing three consonants in the monarch's name. The name is now believed to be 'Balak', a king of Moab mentioned in the biblical story of Balaam, rather than the previously accepted 'House of David'.
Researchers at Cornell University discovered a link between diabetes and increased risk of metastatic cancer, attributed to the glycation of collagen matrices. Elevated blood sugar levels lead to structural changes in collagen fibers, facilitating cancer cell movement through the body.
Researchers found that MDM2 interacts with a mitochondrial protein to promote cancer cell death. Nutlin-3A enhances this interaction, helping kill cancer cells.
Researchers have developed a computational approach to simulate the complex bioelectrical interaction at the tissue scale, enabling more accurate and capable virtual experiments of cell behavior. The technique has potential applications in treating cancer and accelerating combat wound healing.
Researchers from NYU Tandon School of Engineering have developed models to assess pollution exposures at the neighborhood level, but propose advancing to individual-level assessments using data from environmental sensors, mobile, and wearable devices. This could provide evidence-based arguments for change, particularly impacting indivi...
Researchers at Harvard University have developed a new tool that records and controls neural activity in real-time using genetically encoded voltage indicators. This breakthrough enables the study of complex behaviors and neural interactions with unprecedented clarity.
Researchers measured farmland nectar supplies throughout the year, revealing hungry gaps when food supply is not meeting pollinator demand. Early spring and late summer are periods of great nectar deficit on UK farmland.
A large study found that quitting cigarette smoking is associated with a reduced risk of bladder cancer in postmenopausal women. The risk continued to decrease after 10 years of quitting, but even after 30 or more years, risk remained higher for those who had smoked than never-smokers.
Researchers found a new pathway to killing cancer cells by targeting ferroptosis, a type of cell death linked to immune cells. The study suggests that combining ferroptosis sensitizer and checkpoint inhibitor treatments creates a strong immune response that fights tumors.
Research suggests that daily activities such as eating and walking are affected early in the course of rheumatoid arthritis, with most patients experiencing functional disabilities. The study also found that persistent excess in functional disability continued even after diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory developed a stretchy plant-derived material with superior adhesion properties, while also advancing additive manufacturing techniques for metal parts. Additionally, they utilized the Summit supercomputer to simulate small modular nuclear reactor designs with improved efficiency.
Researchers repurposed shrink films to make strong grippers that can encapsulate materials or be incorporated into soft robotics. The grippers were made by patterned black ink onto polystyrene sheets, which then wrapped around objects to grip them.
Researchers discovered that neutrophils can induce a previously unrecognized type of cell death in tissues, leading to the destabilization of atherosclerotic plaques. This process causes inflammation, which increases the likelihood of plaque rupture and subsequent cardiovascular events.
The largest study of its kind has identified 190 links between genetic code and birth weight, with two-thirds being discovered for the first time. Both maternal and fetal genetic effects play a role in influencing birth weight, with some genes promoting growth while others restrict it.
Researchers are developing novel derivatives of glucagon to improve rescue kits for hypoglycemia, which can be life-threatening if left untreated. The new solutions aim to enable easy delivery methods like an EpiPen-like device and potentially intranasal delivery.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a technique that facilitates precise placement of cancer drugs in the brain using positron emission technology and image-guided drug delivery. This approach shows promising results in improving treatment outcomes for difficult-to-treat brain cancers, such as glioblastoma.
Research found that nematode-infected horned passalus beetles process wood 15% faster than uninfected ones, leading to increased decomposition rates. The parasites are beneficial to the forest ecosystem, enabling the beetles to provide a more effective service
Researchers at the Montreal Clinical Research Institute have made a breakthrough in understanding how neurons navigate to their targets, potentially leading to treatments for spinal cord injuries and motor disorders. The study discovered that Sonic hedgehog molecules act like breadcrumbs to guide axons towards specific locations.