A recent study found that zoledronic acid, a common osteoporosis drug, not only slows bone loss but also increases levels of sclerostin, a biomarker that inhibits bone formation. This suggests that combination treatments may be needed to effectively treat osteoporosis and increase bone mass.
Researchers visualize retinoic acid distribution for the first time in a live zebrafish embryo, observing two opposing concentration gradients along the head-to-tail axis. This discovery confirms retinoic acid as a morphogen, essential for understanding tissue development and regenerative medicine.
A new study by Purdue University researchers shows that clean-air regulations have reduced acid rain in the US, Europe, and Japan over the past 30 years, but the opposite is true in fast-growing East Asian megacities due to lax antipollution rules or lack of enforcement. The effects of acid rain can propagate through aquatic ecosystems...
A new study found that taking folic acid supplements from four weeks before conception to eight weeks into pregnancy can lower the risk of childhood autism by 40%. The study, based on data from Norway's Mother and Child Cohort Study, suggests that this prevention method is simple, inexpensive, and effective.
Women who took folic acid supplements from four weeks before conception to eight weeks into pregnancy had a 40 per cent lower risk of giving birth to children with childhood autism. The findings only apply to a lower risk of childhood autism, the most severe form of autism.
A study of 85,000 Norwegian children found that prenatal folic acid supplementation was associated with a lower risk of autistic disorder. The research suggests that maternal use of folic acid supplements before and early in pregnancy may protect against the development of autism spectrum disorders.
A Norwegian study found that mothers who took folic acid supplements during early pregnancy had a 40% reduced risk of having children with autistic disorder. The timing of the supplements was critical, with the greatest reduction in risk observed when taken between 4 weeks before to 8 weeks after the start of pregnancy.
A meta-analysis of large randomised trials found no significant increase in cancer risk among those taking daily folic acid for 5 years or less. The study provides reassurance about the safety of folic acid intake, particularly in countries where fortification is mandatory.
Researchers discovered that mutation of a critical folic acid enzyme causes neural tube defects in mice. Folic acid supplementation reduces neural tube defects, but the exact mechanism is still unclear.
A new scoring system developed by researchers identifies independent risk factors associated with gastrointestinal bleeding in non-ICU hospital patients. The system enables clinicians to selectively use acid-suppressive medications when needed, saving costs and avoiding side effects.
Scientists at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute have discovered that carnosic acid, a component of rosemary, promotes eye health and protects retinas from degeneration. The findings suggest a possible new approach for treating age-related macular degeneration.
Tropical Depression 26W is threatening islands within Micronesia with heavy rain and strong winds. NASA's TRMM satellite imagery showed large, fragmented thunderstorms containing heavy rain and towering convective towers indicating intensification.
Tropical Storm Prapiroon was found to have intense rain bands dropping rain at a rate of about 30-40 mm/hour in the southern quadrant. The storm is expected to move northeast on Oct. 17 and become extra-tropical thereafter.
Typhoon Prapiroon brought light-to-moderate rainfall throughout, with a small area of heavy rain near the storm's center. The satellite detected rain rates between .78 to 1.57 inches/20 to 40 mm per hour in this region.
A study of 5,442 female health professionals found that combined folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 supplements did not reduce the risk of colorectal adenomas. No association was seen between supplement intake and cancer risk despite previous observational studies suggesting potential protective effects.
Some desert plant species adapt well to climate change, benefiting from fluctuating weather conditions. This is contrary to predictions by climate models, which forecast unfavorable effects on ecosystems. Researchers found that these plants have a unique physiology allowing them to thrive in arid regions.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center discovered a molecule necessary for producing nylon using genetic changes found in cancer tumors. This breakthrough enables environmentally friendly adipic acid production from cheap sugars.
Scientists have discovered an enzyme in a bacterium that can catalyse an aromatic nitration reaction, potentially reducing the use of corrosive chemicals like nitric acid. The enzyme, TxtE, could be used to create environmentally-benign biocatalysts for industrial production.
Typhoon Sanba caused severe flooding and landslides in South Korea on September 17, 2012. The TRMM satellite captured data showing intense rain bands with rates of over 90 mm per hour, and powerful thunderstorms reaching heights of up to 14km
NASA's TRMM satellite observed intense rain falling at 3 inches per hour around Super Typhoon Sanba, with powerful hot towering thunderstorms near its center. The storm is expected to make landfall on South Korea's south coast on September 17.
Research using satellite data found convective precipitation is more common over dry regions, suggesting a different mechanism than previously thought. The study's findings challenge existing computer models and highlight the need for further research to understand this phenomenon.
A study by the University of Leeds finds that tropical forests produce significantly more rain than vegetation, with the Amazon and Congo forests maintaining rainfall over surrounding areas. This could have catastrophic consequences for people living thousands of kilometres away if these forests are destroyed.
A new study finds that the frequency of extreme shifts in the South Pacific rain band will almost double in the next 100 years, resulting in increased floods and droughts. The warming atmosphere and oceans will also intensify these events, causing massive droughts, severe food shortages, and coral reef mortality.
A phase III study published in Clinical Cancer Research found that denosumab reduced skeletal-related events by 31% compared to zoledronic acid, while also maintaining health-related quality of life. Treatment with denosumab also showed fewer acute reactions and adverse events.
Tropical storm Kai-tak is causing more rain in the Philippines as it passes over northern Luzon, with Public storm warning signals in effect for several provinces. The storm has dropped extreme amounts of rainfall, including intense precipitation of over 100mm/hr, affecting the island of Luzon and neighboring areas.
TRMM satellite data reveals areas of intense rainfall, with powerful convective thunderstorms dropping rain at a rate greater than 50mm/h, potentially intensifying the storm. Heavy rainfall is expected to cause flash floods and mudslides in affected regions, with up to 15 inches of rain predicted in some areas.
A CU-Boulder-led research team has discovered a new chemical compound in Earth's atmosphere that reacts with sulfur dioxide to form sulfuric acid, which impacts climate and human health. The newly found oxidant affects the atmospheric sulfur cycle and may explain recent cooling trends in parts of the southeastern United States.
Two hurricanes, Daniel and Emilia, are being tracked by NASA's TRMM satellite, which showed intense rainfall in Emilia's northwestern quadrant. Hurricane-force winds extend only 25 miles from the center of both storms, with Emilia expected to intensify further
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University's Robotics Institute have developed a smart headlight system that reduces glare caused by rain and snow. The system uses a camera to track raindrops and adjusts the light projection accordingly, eliminating 70-80% of visible rain during heavy storms.
Tropical Storm Debby caused widespread flooding and heavy rain in Florida, with the highest rainfall totals exceeding 380 mm (~15 inches). The storm's effects were felt well away from its center, resulting in an outbreak of tornadoes over central and southern Florida.
TRMM satellite data shows Debby's heaviest rains were falling at a rate of over 2 inches per hour, with numerous reports of 6-10 inches of rain already reported. The storm is expected to bring very heavy rains to northern and central Florida.
A new study by University of Iowa researchers shows that a natural substance found in apple peel can partially protect mice from obesity and some of its harmful effects. Ursolic acid increases muscle and brown fat in mice on a high-fat diet, leading to increased calorie burning and reduced obesity, pre-diabetes, and fatty liver disease.
A new study by UC Davis researchers suggests that folic acid consumption during the first month of pregnancy may reduce the risk of autism in offspring. Women who take prenatal vitamins or supplements containing folic acid are found to have a lower risk of having a child with autism.
Researchers discovered a novel trapping mechanism in Nepenthes gracilis pitcher plants, where heavy rain acts as a springboard to catch insects. The unique mechanism involves a thin film of water on the wettable rim, causing insects to slip and fall into the digestive fluid.
A recent study found that rain affects waterbird communities in urban estuaries, influencing their populations and diversity. Heavy rainfall leads to increased nutrient runoff, reducing small invertebrate populations and changing the dynamics of waterbird communities.
Researchers at Georgia Tech discovered that mosquitoes can fly through rain due to their strong exoskeleton and low mass. The insect's ability to absorb impact forces from raindrops allows it to survive collisions, with the help of its legs and wings.
A new study found that folic acid fortification of foods may lower the incidence of certain types of childhood cancer in the US. Incidence reductions were found for Wilms' tumor and primitive neuroectodermal tumors, two types of cancer previously associated with neural tube defects.
Tropical Depression 03W is expected to strengthen as it approaches Guam, with NASA's TRMM satellite detecting a hot tower at 15 kilometers high. The storm will bring rain and gusty winds to the island over the next couple of days.
Scientists have discovered a biological marker in marine animals that indicates low-level exposure to domoic acid, a potentially toxic substance produced by certain algae. This finding has the potential to create reliable blood tests for assessing the effects of chronic exposure on humans and wildlife.
Data from UD researchers in Lewes, Del., shows a 60% decrease in precipitation acidity since the 1990s, a significant improvement attributed to pollution controls. However, fish populations and vegetation have been slow to respond, highlighting the need for continued monitoring.
Researchers found that teenagers with abnormally high uric acid levels were twice as likely to have high blood pressure. Elevated uric acid persisted even after adjusting for other factors, suggesting it may be an independent driver of high blood pressure.
Scientists from NASA's Precipitation Measurement Missions discovered that light rain makes up 50-60% of total precipitation in the region, contributing to freshwater resources. The study used satellite data and ground-based instruments to validate measurements and make new discoveries.
A new study finds that bile plays a critical role in the development of Barrett's esophagus, a precursor to rare and deadly esophageal cancer. Bile shuts off genes responsible for normal esophageal lining and turns on genes producing intestine-like tissue.
Researchers from New York University and the Max Planck Institute reveal that phosphoric acid fuel cells transfer protons in a more streamlined fashion than water-based solutions. This process involves temporary 'proton wires' formed by multiple phosphoric acid molecules, allowing for high proton conductivity.
The study reveals that gut microbiota modulates bile acid synthesis by altering the bile acid pool composition, reducing FXR inhibition in the small intestine.
Tropical Storm Pakhar strengthened rapidly, with maximum sustained winds increasing from 35 knots to 60 knots in 12 hours. The storm is expected to make landfall in central Vietnam on March 31, bringing rough surf, gusty winds, and heavy rainfall.
A new NIH-funded study found that treating silent acid reflux does not improve asthma control in children. Researchers found that acid reflux medication, such as lansoprazole, can actually increase the risk of respiratory problems like sore throats and bronchitis.
Scientists found that rain and wind contributed significantly to reducing pollution levels in Beijing during the 2008 Summer Olympics. Emission controls implemented by Chinese officials were complemented by natural factors, highlighting the importance of regional-scale controls to achieve long-term reductions.
Researchers discovered the African naked mole-rat's ion channel is altered, making it insensitive to acid-induced pain. The mutation allows for profound impairment of signal transduction, providing a survival advantage in high CO2 habitats.
A new study reveals that acid rain's impact on Great Lakes sugar maples goes beyond soil acidification. Excess nitrogen from acid rain slows microbial decay of dead leaves, creating a physical barrier for seedlings. This mechanism is expected to worsen as nitrogen deposition increases by the end of the century.
A groundbreaking study by University of Miami researcher Shimon Wdowinski reveals a strong temporal relationship between tropical cyclones and large earthquakes. The study found that very wet tropical cyclone events can induce landslides and severe erosion, releasing stress loads and encouraging movement along faults.
The addition of zoledronic acid to adjuvant endocrine therapy increased bone mineral density and reduced disease recurrence among postmenopausal women with early hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Immediate zoledronic acid use also improved survival outcomes, particularly in women who were truly menopausal at diagnosis.
A recent Van Andel Research Institute study found that decanoic acid acts as a modulator of PPAR receptors, which play a key role in glucose and lipid metabolism. The findings suggest that decanoic acid could be used to design better and safer PPARγ-based drugs for diabetes treatment.
TRMM data revealed a narrow line of moderate to very heavy rainfall associated with the cold front, accompanied by tornadoes and strong winds. The analysis showed the area of heavy rain was confined to a specific region, highlighting the severity of the storm.
A new report proposes science-based strategies to monitor and set limits for air pollution, aiming to protect and restore U.S. ecosystem health. The authors review current pollution evaluation criteria and propose critical loads of pollutants to design policy and manage ecosystems.
Dr. Eric Hassall cautions against over-diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in infants under one year old, as most symptoms can be attributed to physiological reflux or normal developmental phenomena. Non-pharmacological measures such as dietary changes and reassurance are often sufficient to resolve the issue.
A study found that mothers who took folic acid supplements from 4 weeks before to 8 weeks after conception reported a significantly lower prevalence of severe language delay in their children at age 3. Researchers analyzed data from the Norwegian pregnancy cohort MoBa, which included over 38,000 children.
A Norwegian study found that folic acid supplements during early pregnancy significantly reduce the risk of severe language delay in children at age 3. The study followed over 38,000 children and found no association with gross motor skills delays.
A new study has found that zoledronic acid can prevent and treat bone loss in postmenopausal breast cancer patients taking aromatase inhibitors. The five-year study showed significant increases in bone density when the drug was administered upfront, but also found that initiating treatment even after bone loss developed was beneficial.
A new trial suggests that zoledronic acid may extend survival in postmenopausal breast cancer patients by boosting disease-free survival rates. However, the drug's effects on younger women are less clear-cut, with some studies indicating a possible adverse impact on recurrence rates outside bone.