A new study found that low-dose exposure to domoic acid during fetal brain development can lead to epileptic seizures and behavioral abnormalities in California sea lions. The toxin is produced by harmful algal blooms, which are increasingly common in the sea lions' habitat.
Research highlights importance of distinguishing between tropical cyclones and extra-tropical storms, with a focus on raindrop size distribution. This distinction can help weather forecasters better estimate rainfall intensity and reduce flash flooding.
The Carnegie Institution's Department of Global Ecology is developing a database of plant chemical and remote sensing signatures for tropical forest species with a $1.8 million MacArthur grant. This 'Spectranomics Project' will enable large-scale inventory and tracking of rainforest vegetation globally, enhancing satellite observations.
Scientists use A-Train sensors to find that polluted clouds in South America produce less rain during dry season. The study suggests aerosol pollution suppresses rainfall due to smaller ice particles not growing large enough to fall as rain.
Research suggests patients with metabolic syndrome disorders may be more likely to develop uric-acid stones. The study also found that patients presenting with uric acid stones could benefit from additional health screenings to identify related arteriosclerotic diseases.
Women at high risk for cardiovascular disease did not experience a reduced rate of cardiovascular events after taking folic acid and vitamin B supplements for seven years. The study found significant lowering of homocysteine levels, but no difference in cardiovascular event rates between the treatment and placebo groups.
Bubonic plague bacteria produce excessive aspartic acid due to missing enzyme, contributing to its high lethality. Researchers found that a single genetic mutation in Yersinia pestis leads to this imbalance.
Researchers found a signature to detect rain-on-snow events in satellite microwave imagery, which can prevent mass starvation of native people's livestock. The method could provide a realistic chance of getting food to herds affected by the devastating weather event.
A study found that elevated uric acid levels can precede significant changes in urine albumin levels, suggesting a potential early sign of diabetic kidney disease. Higher uric acid levels are associated with lower kidney function in patients with type 1 diabetes.
Researchers at the University of Granada have found that maslinic acid, a compound present in olive skin wax, has anti-cancer properties. The compound regulates cell growth and is selective in its action on carcinogenic cells.
Researchers found that topical application of alpha-linolenic acid significantly decreased clinical signs of dry eye syndrome in animal models. The study suggests a potential new treatment approach for this common condition, which affects millions of people worldwide.
A study published in Dermatologic Surgery found that chemical peels using alpha-hydroxy acid or beta-hydroxy acid are highly effective in reducing facial acne lesions. Both types of treatments yielded similar results, with BHA having slightly fewer side effects and longer-lasting results.
Researchers at the University of Leipzig successfully produce kilogram quantities of isocitric acid from sunflower oil using a combination of biotechnology and chemical steps. This achievement opens up new avenues for synthesizing complex natural products and chiral building blocks.
New seismic images of the Chicxulub crater suggest the asteroid that killed the dinosaurs landed in deeper water than previously thought. This led to a larger release of water vapor into the atmosphere, which could have exacerbated the effects of acid rain and climate change.
Researchers found that lipoic acid supplements reduced atherosclerotic lesion formation by 55% in mice, lowered triglycerides, and helped normalize metabolic processes. The supplements may be useful as a preventive mechanism before advanced cardiovascular disease develops.
A new Folic Acid for a Healthy Pregnancy seal will help women easily identify grain products with folic acid. The seal aims to increase consumption of the essential nutrient among women of childbearing age, reducing neural tube defects by 26% since 1998.
Scientists are developing a novel treatment strategy to target the key enzyme responsible for tooth decay in Streptococcus mutans bacteria. By disrupting this enzyme, researchers hope to render the bacteria more vulnerable to acid damage and prevent the formation of cavity-causing acid.
A group of UK doctors call on the government to implement folic acid fortification in flour to prevent neural tube defects, which could save around 400 pregnancies annually. They argue that two studies cited as a delay do not support a link between folic acid and colorectal cancer.
Researchers from UCL and EPA discover that brown water color change is indicative of reduced acid rain, leading to more organic matter in rivers. The study's findings suggest that waters are returning to a pre-industrial state, but further research is needed on the implications for freshwaters.
Researchers found that zebrafish embryos regulate levels of retinoic acid within a certain range, using an enzyme called Cyp26a1 to degrade excess acid and proteins like fibroblast growth factors (Fgfs) to slow down degradation when levels drop too low. This regulation helps maintain a robust gradient of retinoic acid.
A study by UC Irvine researchers has revealed how human embryos regulate levels of retinoic acid, a derivative of Vitamin A, to avoid birth defects. The study found that cells regulate retinoic acid within a certain range, using enzymes and proteins to maintain optimal levels.
Researchers developed a method to accelerate removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in oceans for centuries, mimicking nature's natural weathering process. This new technology may counteract acidification of oceans threatening coral reefs and provide a feasible solution for reducing global warming.
Scientists question mandatory folic acid fortification in flour, citing risks of unmetabolised folic acid entering the bloodstream and causing problems for people with certain medical conditions. The study suggests that even low doses of folic acid could lead to overconsumption and health issues.
The study found that TCPOBOP stimulation of CAR induced genes involved in fatty acid microsomal omega-oxidation and beta-oxidation pathways, reducing hepatic steatosis. This research offers a potential pharmacologic treatment for NASH by enhancing hepatic fatty acid oxidation.
A new study suggests that urban areas and roadways could be major contributors to nitrate pollution, which can harm aquatic ecosystems and human health. The research found that stationary sources, such as power plants, are the primary source of nitrate in urban areas.
Researchers found acid reflux was a significant factor in patients experiencing serious chest pain and persistent cough. A cost-effective diagnostic tool may help determine which patients benefit from anti-reflux surgery.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that folic acid supplements can dramatically lower blood arsenic levels by up to 14 percent. Folate deficiency is common in Bangladesh, where the study was conducted, and supplementation enhanced detoxification of arsenic.
New research from Cardiff University reveals that acid rain recovery is much slower than anticipated, with many UK streams still highly acidified. Biological recovery has been particularly poor, harming fish and other aquatic life.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center created a mouse model of autism, exhibiting poor social skills but enhanced mental abilities, akin to Rain Man's character traits. The study reveals an imbalance in inhibitory brain action and suggests focusing on this aspect for treatment.
Scientists detected a long-term increase in tropical rainfall, with the rainiest years since 2001. The increase is attributed to a warming trend, which enhances evaporation and allows more moisture to form clouds.
Nitric acid is less reactive when exposed to air on water's surface, unlike its strong acidic behavior in bulk solutions. This finding has implications for understanding the role of nitric acid in the atmosphere and environment.
Researchers found that acid reflux disease can lead to Barrett's esophagus, a condition where normal skin-like cells turn into tougher, more acid-resistant cells. This transformation may increase the risk of cancer, particularly adenocarcinoma of the esophagus.
A regional study of Peru's Amazon found that land-use policies have kept large-scale rain forest damage in check, but recent disturbances increased near roads, with forests protected by the government being more secure than those without conservation designations.
UB researchers discover that certain solvents can significantly impact acid-base interactions, strengthening chemical bonds between molecules. The study suggests a new tool for initiating these interactions in important biological enzymes.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that adding folic acid to flours significantly reduced congenital neural tube deformation cases in Canada. The incidence dropped from 1.58 per 1,000 births between 1993 and 1997 to 0.86 between 2000 and 2002.
Researchers can now predict where tropical storms and hurricanes will dump the most rain — even days after — and hundreds of miles away from landfall. The new tools, developed by Corene Matyas, use geographical information systems (GIS) to model rainfall patterns based on storm intensity, distance inland, and landscape topography.
Researchers at LIAI demonstrated that retinoic acid regulates inflammation in laboratory mice, affecting pro-inflammatory T cell lineages. This finding suggests a new avenue of therapies using retinoic acid to treat autoimmune diseases.
A new study found that taking folic acid supplements does not reduce the risk of developing precancerous colon tumors and may even increase it. Researchers also suggest that fortification of grain-based foods with folic acid may be a contributing factor to increased risk.
Long-term monitoring programs help society understand environmental issues like acid rain, clean air, and global warming. The absence of monitoring hinders evaluation of environmental policies and contributes to the development of appropriate experimental design.
New research suggests folic acid supplementation does not decrease colorectal tumor risk and may actually increase it. The study found that participants receiving folic acid had higher rates of advanced adenomas and multiple adenomas compared to those in the placebo group.
A study by Frank de Paoli and colleagues reveals that lactic acid and adrenaline work together to protect muscles from potassium ion imbalance. This finding contradicts the long-held idea that lactic acid causes muscle fatigue.
A meta-analysis of eight trials found folic acid supplementation lowers the concentration of homocysteine in the blood, reducing stroke risk by an average of 18%. The study also revealed greater reductions in risk when treatment lasted over 36 months or reduced homocysteine levels by more than 20%.
A large-scale study found that coffee consumption is associated with lower uric acid levels, which appears to be due to components other than caffeine. The researchers suggest that decreased insulin levels and improved insulin sensitivity may contribute to the observed effect.
Researchers found that thale cress responds differently to various plant pests and microorganisms, with specific hormone compositions leading to unique gene expressions.
Researchers find that consuming folic acid from fortified flour at current mandated US levels and double this amount is probably safe at average intakes. However, long-term surveillance is needed to assess potential safety implications of accumulated folic acid in the population.
Researchers use a new technique to analyze rainfall trends, finding systematic patterns in heavy and light rain, but no consistent trend in moderate rain. The study resolves the challenge of detecting long-term global rainfall trends, providing insight into climate change's impact on weather events.
Researchers found that hyaluronic acid injections induce type 1 collagen production in photo-damaged skin, suggesting potential benefits for facial skin as well. This mechanism may involve mechanical stretching of fibroblasts, stimulating growth factors and inhibiting collagen breakdown.
A new study found that folic acid supplements can substantially reduce the risk of isolated cleft lip with or without cleft palate in babies. Researchers discovered that taking 0.4 milligrams of folic acid per day during pregnancy can lower this risk by one-third.
A new study published in The Lancet found that folic acid supplementation can improve memory and information processing speed in older adults. Researchers randomly assigned participants to receive either 800 micrograms of folic acid daily or a placebo for 3 years, with significant improvements observed in those receiving the supplement.
Researchers analyzed interaction between individual raindrops and soil particles, dispelling a 50-year-old misconception about how rain-splash transport works. The study provides a theoretical model for the transfer of momentum carried by raindrops to sand grains.
A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that men with high blood pressure can safely consume one or two drinks per day without increasing their risk of heart attack. Additionally, a three-year study discovered that daily folic acid supplementation slowed the decline in hearing for low-frequency sounds among older adu...
Researchers found that high-normal uric acid levels are linked to lower scores in tests of mental processing speed, verbal memory, and working memory. Older adults with high-normal uric acid levels may experience slow information processing and failures in verbal and working memory.
A long-term ecological study of stream chemistry in Appalachians shows unexpected changes due to reduced sulfur emissions from acid rain. Researchers are seeing rising amounts of dissolved carbon dioxide in streams, which could impact the forest ecosystem and carbon balance.
A meta-analysis of 12 randomized clinical trials found that folic acid supplementation does not decrease the risk of coronary heart disease or stroke among people with a history of vascular disease. The study suggests that alternative strategies, such as smoking cessation and lipid reduction, are more effective in preventing cardiovasc...
Researchers discovered that biofilms in caves increase the rate of cave formation by using sulfur for energy, producing strong acid. Cave biofilms also provide food for various cave creatures and have similarities to dental biofilms and steel ship hull corrosion.
A recent study found that individuals with higher levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in their blood had a significantly lower risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease. DHA is an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid found in fish, which appears to affect dementia risk and proper functioning of the central nervous system.
A British drug discovery company is teaming up with a Brazilian firm to search for new medicines in the Amazonian and Atlantic rain forests. The partnership aims to combat diseases such as tuberculosis, avian flu, and tropical illnesses like hepatitis C and Chagas disease.
Researchers have characterized the genome sequences of nine different lactic acid-producing bacteria, encoding diverse genes for efficient carbon and nitrogen acquisition. This study will increase understanding of their role in industrial food production, leading to optimized production schemes and new bioproducts.
A recent study found that acid exposure triggers an enzyme, NOX5-S, leading to increased hydrogen peroxide production and DNA damage in cells. This process may contribute to the development of esophageal cancer.
Researchers at Iowa State University successfully developed a new soybean oil with elevated oleic acid content, eliminating the need for hydrogenation and reducing trans fats. The oil has been adopted by the food industry for various products, including cereal, energy bars, and non-dairy creamers.