Researchers used tree-ring dating to determine when trees were cut down for construction and what the forests were like before European immigration. They found evidence of forest regrowth after Native American population decreases, shedding light on a previously poorly understood period in history.
Geographers at University of Cincinnati found a tipping point in deforestation where forests disappear quickly after being cut in half. The study used satellite images to analyze landscape changes across the globe and discovered that nature abhors mixed landscapes, favoring homogeneous blocks over time.
A multidisciplinary inpatient team improved viral suppression rates by 30% and increased engagement in care after discharge by 30% for hospitalized HIV patients. The intervention addressed social and medical barriers, reducing future infection rates.
The study found a significant increase in cesarean delivery rates in China between 2008 and 2018, with a total rise of 15%. This trend is attributed to various factors including improved maternal mortality care and increased accessibility to healthcare services.
Researchers at Osaka University have developed a new method for generating nuclear fusion power using ultra-intense laser light, which improves upon current 'fast ignition' methods. This approach shows promise for achieving consistent nuclear fusion and potentially cheaper and emission-free energy production.
A randomized clinical trial examined the effects of daily folic acid and zinc supplementation on semen quality and live births among 2,300 couples. The study found that folic acid and zinc supplementation improved semen quality and increased the chances of conception.
Researchers at University College London have identified a subset of immune cells that can kill cancerous cells, opening the door to new and more effective cancer treatments. The discovery builds on previous research and provides evidence for utilizing Blimp-1 to enhance anti-tumor activity in CD4+ T cells.
Researchers found genetic signs of Borna disease virus in brain tissue from patients with unknown cause of encephalitis, indicating a potential link to severe and deadly cases. The study suggests clinicians should test for BoDV-1 more often in patients with rapidly evolving central or peripheral nervous system disorders.
Scientists at Linköping University and SweGaN have developed a new method to fit together layers of semiconductors, resulting in high-breakdown thin GaN transistors. The transistors can withstand high voltages due to the gradual absorption of strain between layers.
A new University of Toronto study reveals that seven in ten Canadians with a history of generalized anxiety disorder are free from the condition, with 40% achieving excellent mental health. Social support and spiritual coping also play significant roles in recovery.
A study on wild chimpanzees found that offspring who lost their mother after weaning had less muscle mass, while mothers of high social status produced offspring with higher muscle mass. Even without direct provisioning, mothers' presence and influence food consumption in their offspring's lives.
Astronomers have discovered a flock of young stars on the outskirts of the Milky Way, suggesting that material from nearby dwarf galaxies, the Magellanic Clouds, is forming new stars. The discovery implies that a stream of gas extending from the galaxies is closer to crashing into the Milky Way than previously thought.
A new study has recalculated the magnitude of the Great Lisbon Earthquake from 8.5 to 9.0 to 7.7 using macroseismic data from Portugal, Spain, and Morocco. The analysis suggests that the earthquake's epicenter was offshore the southwestern Iberian Peninsula and may have involved faulting onshore.
A recent meta-analysis published in Cephalalgia highlights the predictors of chronic migraine, including depression, which increases the risk by 58%, and high-frequency attacks, which raises a permanent debate surrounding the diagnostic criteria. The study also found medication overuse to increase the odds of developing chronic migrain...
A study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that federal data undercounted overdose deaths caused by opioids and cocaine, with benzodiazepines underreported by 45% and amphetamines by 17%. The study suggests that the use of different reporting methods may be contributing to the disparity.
A recent study analyzed the gut microbiomes of over 900 species, revealing that birds and bats have surprisingly similar gut bacteria, contrary to expectations. The researchers believe that flying may be the reason for this unique relationship, as it would allow animals to allocate resources more efficiently.
A UNIGE physicist proposes altering the mathematical language of classical physics to allow for indeterminism and randomness, resolving contradictions with quantum physics. This shift would enable a more intuitive approach to understanding the world, closer to our everyday experience.
Researchers have identified a repeating Fast Radio Burst source in a nearby spiral galaxy, which is radically different from previous studies. The discovery challenges assumptions about the origin of these mysterious radio pulses and may indicate that FRBs are produced in a large zoo of locations across the Universe.
A new study reveals that peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) increase the risk of blood clots and bloodstream infections in children. Children with a prior history of VTE, larger caliber catheters, or leukemia are more susceptible to these complications.
A team of researchers at Dartmouth's Norris Cotton Cancer Center has collected real-time data to show that light is produced inside the eye during head and neck radiation therapy, elicitng a visual sensation. This evidence supports the idea that Cherenkov light emission from the eye can cause a visual effect.
The university aims to provide unique research opportunities for undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds, tackling big data sciences challenges. The three-year program will integrate students from Virginia Tech and partnering colleges, offering experiential learning and diversity.
Astronomers at Harvard University have discovered a giant, wave-shaped gaseous structure made up of interconnected stellar nurseries in the Milky Way galaxy. The 'Radcliffe wave' stretches over trillions of miles and challenges traditional views of nearby stellar nurseries as an expanding ring.
Researchers found that by prioritizing more effective 'umbrella' species, Australia's conservation efforts could be improved by a factor of seven. Different choices in the country could provide more assistance for threatened species, including koalas and red goshawks.
Researchers at Uppsala University used a computer algorithm to identify a promising new treatment for neuroblastoma, a form of childhood cancer. The new treatment targets the CNR2 receptor protein, which was discovered using massive amounts of genetic and pharmacological data.
Researchers have successfully developed a new production method for single-walled carbon nanotubes, addressing the issue of variability in nanotube sources. The new process, led by Swansea University and NoPo Nanotechnologies, has shown favorable comparisons to historically available materials.
Researchers from the University of Malaga have developed a software to improve cognitive abilities in athletes, particularly soccer players. The study found that computerized training enhances their selective attention, enabling them to focus on specific stimuli and make creative decisions during games.
A new study found that patients on dialysis who experience cardiac arrest while in the hospital have similar survival rates to those not on dialysis. However, they had lower scores for resuscitation quality and were less likely to receive defibrillation within 2 minutes.
A Virginia Tech professor is leading a study on STEM-based environmental education programs to determine how to promote positive learning outcomes for students. The research, funded by the National Science Foundation, will observe 500 single-day field trips and analyze their characteristics to identify factors linked to better outcomes.
The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine has released new evidence-based recommendations on the benefits and risks of bedsharing for breastfeeding mothers. Safe bedsharing is now considered a positive practice, but parents should be educated on hazards such as tobacco exposure, preterm birth, and impaired adult behavior.
The study found significant tumor shrinkage in two out of three patients with salivary gland tumors treated with T-DM1. The benefit lasted for at least two years in one patient, suggesting a promising activity for this rare cancer type.
A Cornell study identifies a key pathway in gastric SCJ cancers that provides a promising target for future study and therapy. Large pools of immature Lgr5-CD44+ cells, rather than Lgr5+ stem cells, promote cancer in areas where two stomach tissues meet.
Researchers found that relaxin upregulates sodium channels, improving electrical signaling in the heart, and reverses age-related reductions in cell adhesion molecules. This discovery may lead to new therapeutic potential for cardiovascular disease treatment.
Professor Georg Woltersdorf has been appointed as a Max Planck Fellow to investigate dynamic phenomena in novel electronic materials using optical methods. The research aims to develop ultrafast logic devices and information storage, leveraging expertise from the Max Planck Institute for Microstructure Physics.
A new study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that New Yorkers are being treated sooner after HIV infection, with a median time of 0.2 years (~2.4 months) for those diagnosed in 2015. This reduction coincides with expanded testing and treatment efforts in the city.
Researchers at San Diego State University have discovered two new planetary systems similar to Tatooine from Star Wars, including TOI-1338 b and KOI-3152 b. These circumbinary planets were found using NASA's TESS mission data and provide insight into the population of such systems.
The NSF Vera C. Rubin Observatory will conduct a vast astronomical survey, mapping the Milky Way and probing dark energy and dark matter. Vera Rubin's groundbreaking work uncovered the existence of dark matter, making this observatory a fitting tribute to her legacy.
A clinical trial is testing an experimental stem cell treatment against the best available biologic therapies for severe forms of relapsing multiple sclerosis. The trial aims to determine whether autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) is an effective and durable treatment option for people with severe relapsing MS w...
Scientists at Iowa State University restored much of the cardiac function in middle-aged flies, which experience many of the same heart maladies as middle-aged humans. By boosting a key genetic pathway called mTORC2, researchers almost fully restored heart function, showing promise for treating human heart disease.
A recent Kansas State University study found large increases in nitrate levels in shallow wells of the Great Bend Prairie Aquifer, a part of the High Plains Aquifer. The study, which compared water chemistries over 40 years, revealed that twenty of 21 wells had increased nitrate concentrations, with seven exceeding EPA standards.
NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) has discovered the first planet to orbit two stars, TOI 1338 b. The exoplanet orbits a binary system consisting of a larger and smaller star, with the latter being only one-third the mass of our Sun.
Tropical Storm Blake is moving south and is expected to make landfall near Wallal Downs early Wednesday morning. The storm's center was located just off shore from Bidyadanga, with maximum sustained winds of 75 kph (47 mph) on January 7.
Researchers found that only 57.5% of falls were accounted for in Nursing Home Compare's ratings, with racial disparities and higher rates for long-term stays. The study suggests that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services should change their evaluation criteria to use objective sources like claims data.
A single dose of antibody-based treatment can prevent HIV transmission from mother to baby, according to new research. The study found that administering a combination of two antibodies 30 hours after viral exposure prevented SHIV infection in rhesus macaque newborns.
Astronomers have identified overlapping bubbles of hydrogen gas ionized by the stars in early galaxies, providing direct evidence for the reionization of the universe. The earliest detected stars formed around 680 million years after the Big Bang and began to light up the cosmic dark ages.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that children exposed to high levels of air pollution during childhood are at a higher risk of developing schizophrenia. The study showed an increased risk of approximately 20% for every 10 μg/m3 increase in daily average air pollution.
A new study conducted at University of Utah Health found that zinc and folic acid supplements did not improve sperm counts or pregnancy rates in men. The researchers also noted a higher proportion of broken DNA in sperm among those who took the supplements, which could contribute to male infertility.
Research published in Injury Prevention found that US states with comprehensive regulations for open water swim sites have significantly lower drowning death rates. States with stricter regulations tend to have lower drowning rates, particularly among high-risk groups such as people of non-white ethnicity and children/teens.
Scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys have discovered a new way to boost the immune system's ability to fight cancer. The study found that a PD-1 inhibitor can be used to treat tumors that currently do not respond to this therapy, when administered in mice lacking the Siah2 gene.
LSU astronomers predict that binary star V Sagittae will become the brightest in the Milky Way galaxy, outshining Sirius and Venus, around 2083. The star is currently faintly visible but will brighten rapidly due to its rapid orbital decay.
A US$1 dollar increase in the minimum wage is linked to a significant fall in suicide rates, with an estimated reduction of 3.5-6%. The effect is strongest during periods of high unemployment, suggesting that economic interventions can have a positive impact on mental health outcomes.
A Yale University study has identified six genetic variants linked to anxiety in approximately 200,000 military veterans. The research provides the first convincing molecular explanation for the coexistence of anxiety and depression, suggesting shared genetic risks.
A new study on brain tumors has identified mutations that are particular to different tumor types, enabling precision medicine approaches. The research also lists licensed drugs that could be used as combination therapies to target specific mutations in the future.
A study evaluated various commercial products to recover cotton plants from reduced dicamba and 2,4-D rates. No recovery treatments regained yields compared to untreated plots for either herbicide, with inconsistent trends from year to year.
Researchers have uncovered how histone chaperones use chemical energy to assemble chromatin, a critical process in gene expression regulation. The discovery sheds light on the misregulation of chromatin structures and their role in developmental disorders and cancers.
A study of 2.7 billion-year-old micrometeorites reveals that the early atmosphere likely contained between 25-50% CO2, leading to a cooler climate with evidence of glaciation. This finding suggests lower nitrogen levels in the ancient atmosphere, allowing for a modest greenhouse effect.
A new poll suggests that while older adults use online physician ratings, they are cautious in their approach, prioritizing factors such as wait time and doctor experience over the number of stars. Meanwhile, only a small percentage of those polled have actually posted reviews or ratings of doctors online.
Researchers at KAUST have developed a stretchy and self-healing thermoelectric material that can generate electricity using body heat. The material has been shown to be robust enough to withstand daily stress and strain, making it a promising candidate for powering wearable technologies.
Researchers from over 70 countries develop a comprehensive road map to address the pressing issue of declining insect populations, driven by human-induced stress factors such as habitat loss and climate change. The plan outlines immediate, mid-term, and long-term actions to prioritize conservation efforts and restore ecosystems.
A new study shows that brief daily mindfulness training facilitates extinction of conditioned fear reactions, producing lasting reductions in threat-related arousal responses. Mindfulness appears to have a specific effect on extinction retention, which could improve treatment effects for anxiety and trauma-related disorders.
Researchers found that young children who exhibit less fear and desire for social connection are at risk of developing callous-unemotional traits, which can lead to antisocial behavior. These traits are characterized by a lack of empathy and sensitivity to others' emotions.