A new monograph published in PhytoKeys reveals details about the 425 New World species in the largest genus of morning glories, including six new species and nine new subspecies. The study found that most plants originated from two large centers: South America and the Caribbean Islands.
Researchers at Max Delbrück Center have identified protein EHD2 as a key regulator of fatty acid uptake in fat cells. The study found that people with normal weight produce more EHD2 than those who are overweight, suggesting a correlation between EHD2 levels and fat metabolism.
A new study suggests a nuclear conflict anywhere on Earth would lead to a decade of global cooling and a severe decline in crop production, compromising global food security. The study found that the sudden change in climate would cause significant crop losses, particularly in northern breadbasket regions.
A limited nuclear war could lead to severe losses in agricultural production and disrupt global trade, causing a food system shock unprecedented in documented history. The study found that major breadbasket regions would cut exports, leaving countries worldwide short of supplies.
Researchers at Princeton University have created a framework to understand and compare cities' food systems and their effects on climate change, water use, and land use. The study highlights the impacts of differences in meat consumption between Indian and U.S. cities, as well as differences in food processing.
Researchers have engineered silkworms to produce different variants of E-selectin, a critical adhesion molecule involved in inflammation, cancer, and disease processes. The study found that the connecting arm of E-selectin is crucial for binding, while longer armed proteins are better at tethering blood stem cells.
A new study published in The Lancet Public Health found that having gender-affirming documents improves mental health among transgender adults. The research, conducted by Drexel University researchers, analyzed data from 22,286 adults and found that those with their preferred name and gender on all identification documents were less li...
A study with 5,794 participants shows that starting veracity statements at the top does not increase honest reporting, contradicting earlier results. The findings challenge assumptions about the impact of statement order on self-reported honesty.
A study of over 20,000 American trans adults found that having access to identification documents reflecting their identified gender is associated with reduced psychological distress and lower rates of suicidal thoughts. The authors suggest policy changes to increase access to gender-concordant IDs, including reducing fees and administ...
A new framework understanding how light and noise pollution impacts wildlife has been developed by worldwide experts in ecology and physiology. Sensory danger zones have been identified as areas where sensory pollutants influence animal activity, posing a threat to imperiled species and urban wildlife.
A noblewoman from the Tang Dynasty was buried with her donkeys, indicating she wanted to continue playing her favorite sport, Lvju, after death. Researchers found donkey bones in Cui Shi's tomb, providing the first physical evidence of donkey polo in Imperial China.
A team of scientists has identified a triple-helix structure in calcium acetate hemihydrate, a compound formed on an ancient artwork through corrosion. The structure is similar to that found in collagen proteins and may have potential applications for bioinorganic chemistry.
Research reveals environmental reservoir dynamics play a crucial role in white nose syndrome's impact on bat populations. High levels of fungal pathogens in the environment lead to earlier, more severe infections and increased mortality in North America, whereas low levels result in delayed, less severe infections across Eurasia.
Researchers analyzed giant clam shell biogeochemical records from the South China Sea and found pulsed changes matched extreme weather events. The study suggests Tridacna shells could be used to record paleoweather patterns.
Research by the American Psychological Association finds that middle-aged and older adults who disengage from mentally stimulating activities after retirement may be at increased risk of cognitive decline. Women are more likely to experience this decline than men, according to the study.
Researchers demonstrated mathematically that low-dimensional embeddings fail to capture important properties of social networks and other complex networks. This flaw leads to significant structural aspects being lost in the embedding process, resulting in inaccurate predictions and recommendations.
Researchers have found that Giant Clam shells from the western Pacific have clear and continuous daily growth bands, allowing them to record past extreme weather events. These ultra-high resolution records can provide valuable information on Paleoweather occurrences in days or even hours and minutes.
A study on Amazon road expansion projects found that implementing all proposed roads would lead to deforestation of at least 2.4 million hectares and 17% legal violations related to environmental statuses or indigenous rights. Focusing on the lowest-impact projects could generate $4 billion in net gain while avoiding significant losses.
Research on ancient hornwort genomes has identified genes that boost carbon dioxide concentration, increasing yield, and those promoting symbiosis with bacteria for nitrogen acquisition. This discovery may lead to more efficient crops requiring less fertilizer.
A study analyzing data from 155 trans women and 55 trans men found that gender dysphoria typically starts in adolescence or early adulthood. The researchers identified a correlation between the age of onset and the likelihood of seeking genital gender-affirming surgery.
A study using time-resolved EEG data found that neural representations of moving objects are activated earlier than visual input, suggesting the brain uses predictive neural mechanisms to compensate for lag times. This compensation enables faster processing of real-time events.
A study by Neil Mehta et al reveals that stagnant US life expectancy is largely attributed to a stalled decline in cardiovascular deaths. The analysis from CDC and WHO data challenges the prevailing narrative that drug overdoses are the primary cause of stagnation.
Researchers have created a new tool called CHyMErA that enables simultaneous editing of multiple genes and genomic fragments in the same cell. The method uses a combination of Cas9 and Cas12a enzymes to systematically target DNA at multiple positions, allowing for comprehensive analysis of gene cooperation and function.
Researchers have found that Madagascar's forest cats are domestic cats from the Arabian Sea region, potentially introduced hundreds of years ago via trade ships. This discovery raises concerns about the impact on native species and ecosystems, particularly the fossa, a forest predator facing extinction.
A substance found in breast milk appears to prevent the migration of pathogenic Escherichia coli from the gut to the bloodstream of newborn mice. Donated breast milk collected closer to birth may provide increased protection against late-onset sepsis.
Researchers at the University of York found that some commercial password managers may be vulnerable to cyber-attacks by fake apps. The study suggests that weak criteria for identifying an app and username/password suggestions can be exploited by hackers.
A new low-cost approach detects building deformations with extreme precision, measuring small displacements from 10 meters away. The method uses a camera-based system that can be attached after construction and operates in real-time to detect fast deformations.
Nonmedical opioid prescription use is common among transgender girls and young women, linked to history of trauma and mental health struggles. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions and support services to address this critical public health issue.
Scientists developed a hybrid approach combining machine learning with nano-indentation techniques to improve the accuracy of material testing. The new method predicts samples' yield strength up to 20 times more accurately than existing methods.
Scientists developed a new CRISPR screen technology to target RNA, enabling accurate and fast detection of specific RNA targets. The technology uses Cas13 enzymes to identify key genes involved in various diseases, including cancer and sickle-cell anemia.
A new study highlights that appendicitis is often missed in emergency department visits, with a diagnosis rate of 3.8% to 15% in children and 5.9% to 23.5% in adults. The study found factors such as symptoms mislabeling, patient demographics, and diagnostic tests played a role in the missed diagnoses.
A recent experiment published in Frontiers in Psychology found that following a motivational Instagram account increased participants' enjoyment of exercise. The researchers tested how social media can help with training and found that targeted motivation via Instagram postings had a significant positive effect, relying on scientific p...
Researchers estimate that LEGO bricks can endure for anywhere between 100 and 1,300 years in the marine environment. The study found that weathered LEGO bricks had smoothed and discolored, with some structures having fractured and fragmented.
A case report published in HeartRhythm Case Reports describes a patient whose e-cigarette caused magnetic reversion in their implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, interrupting its ability to detect heart rhythm problems. The incident highlights the importance of keeping electronic devices away from medical-grade implants.
A national survey conducted by Baylor University researchers found that a majority of participants opposed separating immigrant families and charging parents as criminals. The study also identified factors associated with support for the zero-tolerance policy, including conservative ideology and social dominance orientation.
NASA's Aqua satellite captured a visible image of Tropical Cyclone Herold with a well-developed hurricane and powerful thunderstorms surrounding its eye. The storm is forecast to turn southeast and strengthen to 90 knots before becoming subtropical.
A study on US public perceptions of energy mixes found that most participants underestimated oil and gas contributions and overestimated wind and solar energy. Participants showed a strong preference for a steep increase in solar and wind energy and a decrease in fossil fuels by 2050.
Research reveals a new mechanism for controlling DNA methylation in cells, involving the ubiquitination of PAF15, which is crucial for maintaining DNA methylation and inhibiting cancer cell proliferation. The discovery has significant implications for the development of new inhibitors of DNA methyltransferase
Research from the University of Cambridge found a link between inflammation and protein build-up in various types of dementia. The study suggests that neuroinflammation is a common factor across different neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease.
Researchers have discovered that ancient human communities survived the harsh European Ice Age by using charred wood and plants for fuel, medicine, and food. The oldest known circular structure, Kostenki 11, contains remains of mammoths and other animals, suggesting a high degree of adaptation and knowledge of their environment.
Dr. Scott M. Brooks has been recognized as a Fellow of the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) for his outstanding contributions to the field. His work focuses on translating scientific concepts into practical application through creative storytelling and visual approaches.
A new paper suggests an 'axiogenesis' mechanism to explain the imbalance of matter and antimatter in the Universe. The proposed theory involves a rotation of the axion field, which could provide new research avenues for model building and studies of associated phenomenology.
A team from the University of Illinois has developed a new method to quickly screen thousands of plants for key traits related to photosynthesis. This breakthrough technology uses hyperspectral cameras to analyze light reflected off plant surfaces and estimate trait values, allowing researchers to identify promising plants for further ...
New research suggests that 86% of COVID-19 infections in China were undocumented prior to travel shutdowns, with these cases being highly contagious. The study highlights the importance of increased awareness and personal protective measures in reducing the spread of the virus.
A new study examines energy inequality across 86 countries, revealing extreme disparities in energy footprints and consumption patterns. The research shows that the top 10% of consumers consume roughly 20 times more energy than the bottom 10%, with significant inequalities in transport, heating, and electricity.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics examined the association between proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use and risk of fracture in children, analyzing data from Sweden. The research found a significant association between PPI use and increased risk of fracture in children.
The study reveals arginine vasotocin increases aggression, while isotocin boosts egg care, offering insight into vertebrate behavior. The findings have implications for understanding parental care and behavior across the animal kingdom.
Researchers found that harvest slots can outperform classic minimum-length limits in maximizing kilogram yields while protecting large spawning fish and maintaining ecosystem diversity. This approach stabilizes population dynamics without causing loss in yields, increasing the average size of catch fish.
A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology suggests that severe acne can lead to depression and anxiety, especially in females. The research highlights the importance of optimal acne management, including isotretinoin treatment, to mitigate these risks.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has begun a Phase 1 clinical trial for an investigational COVID-19 vaccine in the Seattle area. The trial is evaluating different doses of the mRNA-1273 vaccine for safety and immune response in healthy adult volunteers.
A new study finds that soft corals in the US Virgin Islands have recovered from Category 5 storms, but stony coral populations are declining dramatically. The resilience of soft corals is an important development, but they cannot replace the hard physical structure of reefs.
Researchers have found a new mechanism for long-lasting pain relief through the production of endogenous opioids by immune cells. The discovery uses cytokine interleukin-4 to induce M2 macrophages, which produce opioids and reduce pain, offering potential alternative pain management options.
Researchers used electroencephalography to monitor brain activity while participants made decisions. Weaker alpha waves indicated resisting the bias, while stronger waves signaled succumbing to it. This study demonstrates that neural signals can predict individual biases in perception.
Research reveals demographic differences in environmental issue conceptualization by race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Lower-income and racial minority groups prioritize human factors over ecological issues, suggesting a holistic approach to addressing interconnected social and environmental concerns is necessary.
A study of almost 800 children found that those who get the fewest hours of sleep are at greatest risk of developing psychiatric difficulties later. Children's sleep was measured with motion sensors every night for a week, and clinical interviews were conducted to measure mental health difficulties.
A new study by Virginia Tech researchers found that pathogen levels in the environment play a major role in white-nose syndrome. The team discovered that contaminated environments, or 'hot spots,' result in higher disease impacts. By understanding this relationship, environmental sanitization can be used to reduce epidemic potential.
A gene switch, excessive number of floral organs (eno), plays a crucial role in boosting fruit size during tomato domestication. Analysis reveals that mutations in eno result in larger flowers and fruits, leading to higher yields.
Researchers found that breast milk with higher levels of epidermal growth factor can activate intestinal cells to keep harmful gut bacteria from migrating into the bloodstream. This could provide a potential new tool to combat late-onset sepsis in premature babies.
A new study benchmarks the technology, finding it effectively detects early arm swelling associated with lymphedema in breast cancer patients. The detection technology improves not only physical health but also peace of mind and finances.
A panel of experts outlines priorities for handling COVID-19 cases, including early detection, limiting virus exposure, safety precautions, and training. Radiology departments must continue to plan and prepare for future outbreaks and pandemics.