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.
A significant benefit of zoledronic acid was found for post-menopausal women with stage II/III breast cancer, with an overall survival rate of 85%. The drug may alter the balance of substances in the bone marrow micro-environment, potentially preventing cancer cells from spreading.
A new study found that rain-index insurance can have ecological consequences if farmers adopt unsustainable grazing practices. The study suggests that insurance payouts in periods of moderate drought may incentivize farmers to abandon sustainable management strategies, leading to overgrazing and increased soil erosion. To mitigate thes...
Lee's surface circulation absorbed by a large extratropical low pressure area near the Tennessee/Virginia border. Heavy rainfall expected from central Appalachians into New England, with totals up to 10 inches until week's end.
The TRMM satellite captured images of Tropical Storm Katia's moderate to heavy rain and banding patterns, indicating a cyclonic circulation. The storm is expected to strengthen into a hurricane as it encounters warmer waters and reduced wind shear, posing a threat to the Leeward Islands.
The TRMM satellite captured detailed images of Hurricane Irene, revealing a lack of eye formation and organized circulation. Rainbands indicated low-pressure circulation, with areas of intense rain near the center, suggesting potential for strengthening.
Soil nitrogen can remove pollutants from the atmosphere by forming hydroxyl radicals, which oxidize and wash out pollutants. The amount of nitrous acid released depends on soil acidity and water content.
Researchers found that Salmonella cells use a beta form of amino acid lysine to cause illness, making it an attractive drug target. Deleting genes involved in this process or inserting alpha lysine instead renders the bacteria non-virulent and sensitive to antibiotics.
The RainGain project aims to provide detailed precipitation and flooding data on an urban scale. TU Delft will utilize rain radar technology to measure local precipitation patterns in Rotterdam and other partner cities, enabling more effective urban water management and flood protection strategies.
Researchers developed a model that mimics three predator-prey modes to understand cloud-rain interactions, finding that aerosols affect cloud formation and precipitation. The study provides new insights into the complex relationships between clouds, rain, and aerosols, shedding light on climate patterns and human-induced changes.
The March of Dimes suggests fortifying corn masa flour with folic acid to lower the rate of neural tube defects among Hispanics. Studies show that folic acid supplements before conception and early pregnancy can prevent these birth defects.
Researchers identified a natural compound in apple peels as a promising new treatment for muscle wasting. Ursolic acid enhanced insulin signaling and corrected gene signatures linked to atrophy, promoting muscle growth and reducing blood levels of glucose and cholesterol.
Researchers have discovered a potential treatment for muscle wasting disorders using a compound found in apple peel called ursolic acid. The study found that ursolic acid promoted muscle growth and reduced muscle atrophy in mice, while also lowering body fat, blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and triglycerides.
Women with early-stage hormone receptor-sensitive breast cancer who received zoledronic acid alongside standard hormone therapy had a significantly lower risk of cancer returning (32%) compared to those on hormone therapy alone. The treatment's anticancer benefit persisted even after stopping treatment for over two years.
A new study found that folic acid supplements given to mother rats significantly protect their offspring from developing colorectal cancer. The research suggests that folic acid may have different effects on cancer development in different organs, and more studies are needed.
Researchers discovered isocyanic acid, a chemical linked to cataracts and inflammation, in smoke-related environments. The findings highlight the need for more extensive measurement of HNCO in tobacco smoke and indoor biomass burning.
A study examining the absorption rates of folic acid from softgel capsules and standard tablets found that bioavailability was similar between the two formulations. The rate of absorption from softgels was slower than tablets, but the average levels of total folate in the blood were similar.
Researchers at Ohio State University used mass spectrometry to discover that pyrrolysine is produced through a simple series of chemical reactions involving two lysine molecules. The finding provides a more complete understanding of how amino acids are made and offers new insights into the biosynthesis pathway.
Researchers found that early treatment within an hour of injury reduced mortality by over 30% compared to placebo, while delayed treatment beyond 3 hours showed no benefit and possible harm. Tranexamic acid's benefits were also observed in patients who received treatment between one and three hours post-injury.
The Cassini spacecraft has observed methane rain on Titan's equatorial deserts, revealing the first current evidence of rain soaking Titan's surface at low latitudes. This finding suggests that recent weather on Titan is similar to Earth's tropical regions.
Researchers discovered that zoledronic acid can prevent lung cancer metastases from recruiting new blood vessels. The drug showed a statistically significant reduction in VEGF and b-FGF levels, suggesting potential anti-angiogenic effects.
A phase 3 study shows that denosumab delays and prevents bone events in men with castration-resistant prostate cancer, improving outcomes compared to zoledronic acid. Denosumab reduces the risk of bone fractures and other complications by inhibiting osteoclast activity.
A recent study found that gastrointestinal bleeding in non-ICU patients is rare, regardless of medication use. The authors conclude that the risks of acid suppressive agents may outweigh the benefits for average hospital inpatients.
A study found that female rats given folic acid supplements before conception and during pregnancy had higher rates of breast cancer, with twice as many tumours and faster-growing tumours. The researchers stress the need for more research to determine whether this applies to humans.
Researchers have developed a new catalyst that efficiently converts lactic acid into acrylic acid at lower temperatures, offering a sustainable alternative for producing essential industrial materials. This breakthrough could lead to reduced fuel consumption and decreased environmental impact.
Research found that folic acid lowers homocysteine in the blood, which should reduce heart attack risk. However, clinical trials showed no extra benefit due to high aspirin use by participants. The study suggests folic acid may still be beneficial for those not taking aspirin.
A rogue weather system triggered flooding in Pakistan by pouring heavy rain on the barren mountainsides, which then ran into the Indus River. The World Health Organization estimated that as many as 10 million people had to drink unsafe water, causing structural damage of over $4 billion.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found a strong correlation between uric acid levels and severity of knee osteoarthritis in a study of 159 participants. The study suggests that lowering uric acid levels may slow the progression of osteoarthritis.
Researchers from Innsbruck and Vienna have isolated gas-phase carbonic acid, a molecule previously thought to be non-existent. The team used infrared spectroscopy to characterize the molecules and found that they exist in at least three different species.
A natural substance in dairy fat, trans-palmitoleic acid, has been identified as a potential factor in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. The compound is found in milk, cheese, yogurt, and butter and may mimic the normal biologic role of its produced counterpart, cis-palmitoleic acid.
A systematic review found that one in every 200 inpatients taking acid suppressive medications developed pneumonia. The study suggests that deaths from hospital-acquired pneumonia could be caused by these medications.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that satellite data can significantly improve forecast accuracy for thunderstorms, which can bring intense rain, hail, lightning, and tornadoes. By incorporating upper atmosphere conditions into storm prediction models, scientists can better anticipate severe weather events.
Researchers found less than 1% of Canadians had folate deficiencies, while 22% of women of childbearing age were below safe levels for preventing neural tube defects. The study suggests that high folic acid consumption may not be as effective in reducing birth defects as previously thought.
The AZURE trial, involving 3,360 patients, explores the effects of zoledronic acid on disease-free survival and secondary outcomes in Stage II/III breast cancer. The results will provide valuable insights into the benefits of combining zoledronic acid with adjuvant endocrine therapy.
Researchers are improving rain gardens to reduce runoff and filter pollutants, keeping toxic metals out of storm drains. Scientists have found that biochar-activated carbons can attract heavy metals, leading to more effective filtration.
A new study reveals that adenosine tri-phosphate (ATP) works in synergy with lactic acid to sense muscle pain. The researchers found that ATP increases the sensitivity of acid sensing channel #3 (ASIC3) on sensory neurons, helping to explain why acid alone is unable to trigger ischemic pain.
A meta-analysis of eight clinical trials found that folic acid supplements did not reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, cancer, or death over a five-year period. The study showed a significant reduction in homocysteine levels with folic acid supplementation but no corresponding benefit for cardiovascular health.
Tropical Storm Nicole brought heavy rain and flooding to the US East Coast, with rainfall totals reaching up to 550 mm in Jamaica and 500 mm in North Carolina. The storm caused significant damage and loss of life, with 4 deaths reported in North Carolina and 12 in Jamaica.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that pooled nucleic acid amplification testing is not cost-effective at recommended antibody testing intervals, except for clinics serving men who have sex with men. However, decreasing the antibody testing interval to 6 months or 5 years made it cost-saving in all settings.
Typhoon Fanapi brought very heavy rain to the Pacific Northwest Ocean, with rainfall rates exceeding 2 inches per hour. The storm made two landfalls, one in Taiwan and another in eastern China, causing significant flooding and damage.
A randomized controlled trial found that cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen resulted in a 49% cure rate for common warts, compared to 15% for salicylic acid and 8% for the wait-and-see approach. Cryotherapy caused more side effects but patients were most satisfied with this treatment.
System 97L is developing into a system with intense rainfall, affecting Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Hispaniola. NASA satellite data shows strong thunderstorms and cold cloud tops, indicating potential for a tropical cyclone.
Researchers at UMass Medical School have found valproic acid to halt vision loss in patients with retinitis pigmentosa, a severe neurodegenerative disease that causes blindness. The study suggests that low-dose valproic acid could be an effective treatment for photoreceptor loss associated with RP.
NASA's Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission Satellite data reveals heavy rainfall in northeastern Mexico, with estimated totals exceeding 10 inches in various locations. The satellite imagery also shows the hurricane's well-defined eye containing powerful thunderstorms that dropped extreme amounts of rain as it made landfall.
Researchers linked kynurenic acid to cognition and found that reducing its levels in mice improved their cognitive function. The study suggests a promising strategy for enhancing memory and treating brain diseases such as Alzheimer's and schizophrenia.
A study of 12,064 survivors of heart attack found that folic acid and vitamin B12 supplementation did not lower the risk of heart attack, coronary death, or stroke. The researchers also found that folic acid supplementation did not increase the risk of cancer.