The 'Green Grass' project aims to bring back grazing livestock into pastures, using innovative technologies like virtual fences and remote sensing systems. The goal is to reduce the workload of pasture farming, cover cows' nutrient needs with fresh grass, and maintain biodiversity.
A new study describes a 2-foot long shark with jaws capable of suction feeding, 50 million years older than the earliest evidence in bony fishes. The fossil, analyzed using CT imaging and modeling software, shows that ancient sharks responded quickly to ecological opportunities after major extinctions.
The CREDO project combines data from various detectors, including smartphone cameras, to study the impact of cosmic radiation on health and potential relationships between earthquakes and cosmic ray flux. Researchers aim to verify hypotheses about these phenomena.
Research found that sulphur production by tiny marine algae decreased during glacial periods, challenging conventional wisdom. This decrease in sulphur emissions may be linked to changes in climate rather than just the amount of dust in the air, suggesting a closer relationship between phytoplankton and climate.
Researchers at Penn Medicine successfully harnessed CAR T-cell therapy to target and remove activated cardiac fibroblasts, significantly reducing cardiac fibrosis and restoring heart function in mice with heart disease. The approach demonstrates potential for treating heart disease, a leading cause of death worldwide.
A Rutgers-led study found nearly half of language-delayed children with autism had extremely delayed fine motor skills, which hindered their ability to overcome language delays. In contrast, those with less impaired fine motor skills made progress in expressive language.
Physicists detected the ringing of a newborn black hole for the first time, confirming Einstein's theory and the idea that black holes have no 'hair.' The findings support the notion that black holes are bald-faced giants with no extraneous properties.
The authors argue that space agencies should prioritize field geology training for all astronauts, including those with advanced degrees in geology. Developing new science operations strategies using emerging technologies will optimize mission productivity and unlock the full potential of scientific research on the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
Researchers detected water vapor signatures on K2-18b, a planet in the habitable zone around a small red dwarf star. The findings suggest liquid water could pool on its surface if it's terrestrial in nature.
A new US study found that preschool-age children's persistence in the face of challenges is influenced by adults' actions, successes, and failures. When adults succeed at a task, speaking about the value of effort encourages persistence in children. Conversely, failure can discourage children from persisting.
Jacques Miller's discovery of immune cells T and B cells has had a profound impact on modern medicine, underpinning innovations in vaccine development, organ transplants, and cancer treatment. The Lasker Award recognizes his seminal work, which has also been recognized as a predictor of Nobel Prize success.
Scientists have identified a new strain of Streptococcus pyogenes causing more serious Strep A infections, including invasive diseases like bloodstream infections. The emm1 clone, M1UK, produces nine times more toxin than other strains, and its increased production may contribute to the severity of these infections.
A pipeline program called Saturday Academy at NYU College of Dentistry has shown to increase interest in the health professions, particularly dentistry, among underrepresented high school students. The program exposes students to the field through instruction and hands-on learning, mentoring them through the college application process.
Researchers have found the earliest direct evidence of milk consumption in human teeth dating back 6,000 years to Neolithic Britain. The discovery suggests that dairy products were a widespread dietary practice among ancient farmers.
A new clinical trial, EAZ171, is recruiting black women with breast cancer to investigate and treat taxane-induced neuropathy. The study seeks to identify the most effective chemotherapy regimen for African American women, who are disproportionately affected by this debilitating side effect.
Researchers at the University of Rhode Island have discovered a link between prenatal HIV exposure and reduced infant immunity. The study found two clusters of HIV-exposed but uninfected infants, one with a significantly reduced immune repertoire, which may explain their increased risk of morbidity.
Research highlights existing studies and recommended areas for further investigation into cannabis use among older adults, addressing concerns about public health policy and potential harms. Insights from five articles explore topics such as cannabis use disorders, co-occurring substance use disorders, and related comorbidities.
Dr. Qing Gu is researching a new technology using optical signals to transport data on microchips, aiming to increase speed and efficiency. Her goal is to develop nanoLEDs as a better alternative to nanolasers for chip-scale data transportation.
A new study published in Psychological Science found that children as young as 4 years old exhibit a strong tendency to retaliate against those who wrong them, rather than showing gratitude towards their benefactors. Researchers discovered that kids readily punish the thieves but struggle to reciprocate kindness.
A team of researchers found that the amino acids, a fundamental set of life's building blocks, may have special properties that helped bootstrap themselves into their modern form. The study suggests that each time a modern amino acid was discovered and embedded in biology's toolkit during evolution, it provided an adaptive value unusua...
Researchers have identified a novel biomarker for dementia, IGFBP-2, which is associated with an increased risk of all-cause dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Elevated circulating levels of IGFBP-2 significantly improved dementia risk classification when added to traditional risk factors.
A team of researchers, led by Sean Ryan, documents the invasive history of the small cabbage white butterfly, which they attribute to human activities such as trade and migration. The study uses DNA analysis from over 3,000 submitted butterflies to reveal the butterfly's spread across Europe, Asia, Siberia, North America, and New Zealand.
A new blood test detects early cancer cells in the bloodstream, predicting aggressive prostate cancer with high accuracy. Combining this test with the current PSA test reduces unnecessary biopsies and overtreatment of benign conditions.
A study of nearly 1.5 million patients found that receiving dialysis at for-profit facilities was linked to lower likelihoods of being placed on the kidney waiting list and receiving a transplant. The authors suggest that more research is needed to understand this association.
A new study by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers has identified slowing brain rhythms as a biomarker for detecting delirium and predicting poor clinical outcomes. The study found that generalized EEG slowing was associated with longer patient hospitalizations, worse functional outcomes, and increased mortality.
Researchers found functional mosaicism, where individual cells use different protein molecules to carry out the same function, which could explain antibiotic resistance and cancer relapse. This discovery suggests that therapeutic treatments may not be effective against all cells of the same type.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism has awarded $3.1 million to the Medical University of South Carolina to continue testing medications that could help individuals with alcohol use disorder. The goal is to reduce vulnerability to relapse and improve treatment options for those affected by alcohol misuse.
Researchers discovered how breastfed babies absorb large amounts of calcium, building healthy bones. This mechanism could be key to treating osteoporosis and other bone diseases later in life.
A new University of Maryland School of Medicine study examines the impact of food insecurity among children from birth to age four, finding a steady rise in obesity rates as they grow. Despite food insecurity, toddlers are more likely to experience poor overall health and developmental problems.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have developed a universal screening approach for vaginal microbiota transplantation (VMT) donors to ensure only beneficial microbes are transferred. The pilot study found that 35% of participants might be eligible VMT donors, and the success rate may depend on a small number of willing 'super donors'.
Researchers investigate Mediator complex's function in transcription, shedding light on its conserved role across evolution. The study reveals the complex's involvement in developmental regulation and provides insights into gene expression.
A national survey of primary care physicians reveals significant knowledge gaps about prediabetes risk factors, diagnostic criteria, and management practices. The study highlights the need for improved healthcare education and reimbursement systems to prioritize preventive measures over treatment.
The $4.28 million grant will fund the W2R Scholars program, supporting at least 150 transfer students in math, life sciences, physical sciences, engineering, and computer sciences. The program aims to increase participation of low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented students in STEM fields.
A new study found that Japanese-American adults with a normal body mass index have a significantly higher risk of developing diabetes compared to their non-Hispanic white counterparts. The study revealed that younger respondents, never smokers, and those with higher education levels were less likely to have diabetes.
A nurse-led follow-up service has improved patient care for those with early-stage lung cancer by increasing clinic capacity, reducing waiting times, and ensuring continuity of care. The service also promotes junior medical training and is well-received by patients and the multidisciplinary team.
Researchers created a virtual 300,000-year-old fossil skull with relatively modern features, similar to some fossils only 100,000 years old. The study suggests that the species Homo sapiens arose through hybridization of South and East African populations, contradicting previous theories.
Researchers found that bus drivers who received a serving of fresh fruit in addition to their box lunch experienced significantly decreased depression levels and increased self-efficacy. These small gestures can make a big difference in improving worker performance and health.
A narrative review highlights the crucial role of caregivers in managing patients' cardiovascular health, but also exposes them to poor health outcomes. A couples-based intervention has shown promise in reducing caregiver stress and improving relationships.
Research by Oregon State University found that stricter arsenic standards have led to a significant decrease in public water system violations, dropping from 1.3% in 2008 to 0.55% in 2017. This translates to nearly 1 million fewer people exposed to out-of-arsenic-compliance water.
Scientists from Tomsk Polytechnic University have developed a concept for an 'optical vacuum cleaner' that can manipulate and capture nanoparticles using optical properties. This technology has the potential to improve air purification in lab-on-a-chip operations and clean rooms.
Research at a bonobo community found that female-female sex increased oxytocin levels, promoting social bonding and cooperation. This suggests that same-sex interactions may play a crucial role in maintaining high levels of cooperation among female bonobos.
Bengio will discuss recent successes and limitations of deep learning, as well as research directions for building human-level AI. The event is part of the Heidelberg Laureate Forum, a networking event bringing together young researchers and award recipients.
A study found that most European expedited approvals for new medicines are based on non-validated surrogate endpoints instead of proven clinical outcomes, casting doubt on their effectiveness.
Researchers developed a reconfigurable electronic platform that can morph into three different shapes, including quatrefoils, stars, and irregular ones. This innovation opens doors to new engineering challenges and opportunities for biomedical technologies such as drug delivery, health monitoring, and implants.
A new study from Finland found that adolescents with higher levels of physical activity performed better in school during a two-year follow-up period. However, the results also showed that increasing physical activity did not necessarily result in improved academic performance, and may even lead to lower grades for some participants.
Researchers at Michigan Technological University discovered a long-lost parody of Gilbert and Sullivan's 'The Mikado' that pokes fun at the rigors of math class in Victorian college culture. The parody, titled 'The Mathematikado,' offers insights into student experiences and gender dynamics.
The INTERfaces project, funded by the EU's Horizon 2020 programme, aims to replicate natural bioprocesses for use in the chemical industry. Researchers will mimic nature's metabolism to produce pure and sustainable chemical products.
A new study from the University of Technology Sydney reveals that heat is a greater killer in Australia than cold, with up to 9% of deaths linked to heat in warmer regions. The elderly are particularly vulnerable to heat-related mortality.
The 2019 Lasker Awards recognize Max D. Cooper and Jacques Miller for their discovery of the function of B and T cells in the adaptive immune system. The awards also honor H. Michael Shepard, Dennis J. Slamon, and Axel Ullrich for their development of Herceptin, a monoclonal antibody therapy that targets HER2-positive breast cancer.
Tropical Storm Faxai has transitioned to an extra-tropical storm in the Pacific Ocean, characterized by a strong gale-force cold core low-pressure area. The system is expected to continue tracking through the Northern Pacific Ocean over the next several days with weakening winds.
A team of researchers has developed a new volcano eruption forecasting technique using the Kalman filtering method, which captures the unique unrest patterns of the Okmok volcano in Alaska. The study reveals that past eruptions are key to understanding the likelihood of future volcanic activity.
Research by University of Kansas plant biologists reveals that abandoning one pollinator for another compromises a flower's long-term survival. The study found that hummingbird-pollinated species are less likely to form new species, while insect-pollinated species tend to be more successful in speciating and resisting extinction.
Researchers studying the Ross Ice Shelf's paleo-pinning points aim to understand how and why it unpinned from Ross Bank. The study focuses on a crucial 30-year period, with data collection set for January 2021 in Antarctic waters.
A new study found that children are interested in politics and can provide information about candidates, but have gaps in their knowledge. The researchers argue that children need more input and guidance from adults to learn about politics and government.
The study found a decline in vaccine-type oral HPV infections among unvaccinated men, suggesting herd protection. However, the prevalence of oral HPV infections remained unchanged in unvaccinated women, possibly due to low statistical power.
Researchers from the GLOBE Institute found that massive fluctuations in ocean oxygen levels during the Cambrian explosion were influenced by animal behavior. The discovery suggests that animals may have controlled their own development through adjustments to oxygen levels, shedding light on Earth's 'heartbeat' and its impact on life.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) has received a $25 million award from the US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Army Research Laboratory to advance 3D printing technology. The new technique, called cold spray, can repair metal parts or make new ones by layering metal powders in a process known as additive manufacturing.
A study on foot painters reveals they have finely tuned toe maps in their brains, which were previously thought to exist only in non-human primates. The findings suggest a critical period for brain plasticity early in life and raise questions about how humans adapt to limb loss or changes.
A study published in PLOS Biology has identified conserved proteins and pathways in four major animal models and humans, revealing unique sets of proteins mutated in human disease states. This discovery allows researchers to select the most appropriate model systems for studying cardiac development and investigating diseases.
Lataisia C. Jones, a postdoctoral fellow at Children's National Hospital, has been selected as an AAAS IF/THEN Ambassador to serve as a STEM role model for middle school students. She will share her passion for research and science with young people near and far, inspiring them to pursue their own STEM dreams.