A new $1 million project at UCF aims to understand how raindrops interact with hypersonic shock waves. Researchers will use computer simulations and experiments to predict conditions for safe hypersonic travel. The knowledge gained could prevent damage and improve rocket launch accuracy.
Researchers found that macrophages feed on lactic acid produced by cancer cells, paralyzing killer immune cells and weakening tumour immunity. This discovery highlights the need to curb lactic acid production in tumours to improve immunotherapy outcomes.
Researchers discover Amazon basin as main mechanism for precipitation in Atacama Desert, accounting for 40-80% of total precipitation. The findings reveal a new pathway of water supply for the driest region on Earth, aside from summer rain, through moist easterly winds and winter storms.
Researchers introduce silica into catalyst design to prevent phosphoric acid loss and improve stability, leading to enhanced oxygen reduction reaction efficiency. This results in improved power density at high temperatures.
Researchers found that people with ALS have higher levels of arachidonic acid, a lipid involved in inflammation, and that tampering with this pathway can reduce muscle-weakening symptoms. The study suggests that targeting the arachidonic acid pathway may offer potential new therapies for Lou Gehrig's disease.
The Mountain Rain or Snow project collects observations of rain, snow, and mixed precipitation from across mountainous regions. Volunteers can submit their own reports via smartphone or computer to improve satellite monitoring and model predictions, leading to better weather forecasts, skiing conditions, and avalanche risk assessments.
A diet rich in palmitic acid makes tumor cells more aggressive and increases their metastatic capacity, a process that is responsible for 90% of cancer deaths. Exposure to palmitic acid leads to permanent epigenetic modifications in tumor cells, allowing them to conserve metastatic capacity even after the fatty acid is removed.
Researchers discovered palmitic acid promotes metastasis in oral carcinomas and melanoma skin cancer, with epigenetic changes allowing cancer cells to communicate and spread. New therapies targeting this process are being developed, with a clinical trial expected to start in the next couple of years.
Researchers found that during hothouse periods, Earth may have experienced cycles of dryness followed by massive rain storms. This unexpected atmospheric state sheds light on Earth's distant past and far-flung future, potentially helping to understand climates of exoplanets.
A study by Veronika Somoza's team found that gallic acid stimulates gastric cells to secrete acid via the bitter receptor TAS2R4. The plant substance affects acid secretion regardless of whether it is added to water or red wine. This discovery provides new insights into the functions of bitter receptors in food ingredients.
A new technique using in situ synchrotron X-ray microtomography has been developed to study the effects of acid on teeth. The technique enabled researchers to build clear 3D images of dentine's internal structure with sub-micrometre resolution, revealing that acid dissolves minerals at different rates in different structures of dentine.
Researchers from the University of Tsukuba have identified a soil microorganism that initiates the breakdown of carminic acid, a natural red dye extracted from insects. The discovery provides insight into the chemical reaction and its occurrence in nature.
Scientists found that rain-borne microbes can successfully colonize plants' aboveground microbial communities, protecting them from stressors. The study suggests that rain is a potentially important reservoir for phyllosphere bacteria, which could be used to improve plant health.
Researchers uncover how cancer cells make lactic acid to thrive in low-oxygen environments, a process enabled by the PRL-3 protein. This discovery holds promise for developing inhibitors to disrupt this survival mechanism.
A study published in the Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Medicine found that alginic acid improves artificial bones by increasing porosity, compressive strength, and setting time. The addition of alginic acid to calcium phosphate cement enhances its mechanical properties, allowing for more effective bone replacement.
Researchers have developed novel approaches to resolve low-level vision in videos caused by rain and night-time conditions, as well as improve 3D human pose estimation in videos. These techniques can be used to enhance the quality of night-time videos and rain videos, addressing visibility issues during these environmental factors.
A new method developed by Institute for Systems Biology allows researchers to show how fatty acids are absorbed by single cells. The study reveals that fatty acid uptake is differentially regulated by two downstream effectors of the mTOR pathway in brain cancer cells, uncovering a novel combination therapy to block tumor growth.
A new study by NIH-funded researchers found that a diet higher in fatty fish and lower in vegetable oils can reduce the number of migraines and intensity of pain. Participants experienced a 30-40% reduction in headache hours per day compared to those on a control diet.
The study suggests that the tropical rain belt's latitudinal oscillation range contracted, resulting in reduced rainfall in Brazil's Northeast region. This finding can help predict the region's future climate and inform strategies for managing food and water security.
Researchers found that stormwater can carry high concentrations of microplastic particles, including microscopic fibers and black rubbery fragments, into water bodies. A proof-of-concept experiment showed that a rain garden can capture up to 98% of these microparticles, suggesting a potential solution to reduce microplastic pollution i...
A team of researchers has discovered the dominant mechanism behind the formation of formic acid in the atmosphere, a key contributor to air acidity. The study reveals that formaldehyde reacts with water molecules to produce methanediol, which then oxidizes to form formic acid.
A Mount Sinai study of over 40,000 patients reveals that tranexamic acid use in high-risk patients does not increase complications such as deep vein blood clots or strokes. The study confirms prior findings and provides new insights into the safety of the drug when used in high-risk patients undergoing hip and knee replacement surgeries.
Scientists have discovered a new type of coronal rain forming along open magnetic structures on the Sun, which is facilitated by interchange magnetic reconnection between open and closed magnetic structures. This mechanism triggers thermal instability, leading to cooling and condensation of hot coronal plasma, resulting in coronal rain.
Researchers at KAIST successfully produced carminic acid from glucose in engineered Escherichia coli, overcoming the need for complex purification processes and protein contaminants. The development of a generally applicable C-glucosyltransferase also enables the production of other valuable natural products.
Researchers from WMG, University of Warwick found that LiDAR sensors' effectiveness decreases in heavy rain, hindering object detection. The study simulated real-world roads and weather using the WMG 3xD simulator to test LiDAR sensor performance.
A new study published in Frontiers in Earth Science uses citizen science data to identify the temperature cutoff between rain and snow in winter storms in the Lake Tahoe region of the Sierra Nevada. The results show that a warmer temperature threshold of 39.5°F may be more accurate for predicting precipitation in this region.
Researchers studied iodine oxoacid formation from ocean vapors, finding rapid conversion to aerosol particles that affect climate and human health. Iodic acid was identified as a key vapor, while iodous acid played a stabilizing role in neutral particle formation.
New research links the shape and size of precipitation areas on radar to rainfall intensity. Studies in the Tibetan Plateau show that square-shaped precipitation areas have the highest rain rate, while linear ones have the lowest. This discovery has potential for forecasting precipitation and verifying numerical models.
Researchers from Hokkaido University have found that ultraviolet light reacts with nitrophenol to produce atmospheric nitrous acid, a key component of photochemical smog. This decomposition process occurs in real-time and involves the distortion of the nitrophenol molecule's shape under extreme UV light.
A Swedish study found that administering a new supplement combining various fatty acids halves the risk of severe retinopathy of prematurity, which can cause blindness. The study showed significant reductions in severe retinopathy among extremely premature babies.
Domoic acid exposure increases southern sea otters' risk of fatal heart disease by 1.7-fold, with prime-age adults particularly vulnerable. Climate change projections indicate rising toxic blooms and domoic acid levels, posing a long-term threat to the species.
A study published in Nature Climate Change finds that climate change will alter the position of the Earth's tropical rain belt, with a northward shift expected in the Eastern Hemisphere and a southward shift in the Western Hemisphere. This shift may lead to increased drought stress in some regions and intensified flooding in others.
Researchers identified key gene networks controlling sugar and organic acid metabolism in watermelon fruit, shedding light on its sensory quality. The study's findings have important implications for improving watermelon breeding levels in China and the development of the watermelon industry.
Rice University engineers have created a process that converts carbon monoxide directly into acetic acid, a widely used chemical agent. The electrochemical process uses nanoscale copper cubes and solid-state electrolytes to produce highly purified acetic acid with up to 98% purity.
A three-year study in Del Mar, California has uncovered the relationship between wave impacts and coastal cliff erosion, with waves affecting the base of cliffs and rain impacting the upper region. The findings provide a new opportunity to improve forecasts and predict cliff retreat.
An international research team proposes a 'glocal' approach to better predict and prevent flooding disasters by combining global forecasting with local observations. The proposed system, GHS-F, aims to provide highly detailed and consistent rain-flood information, which could help avoid some flooding damage.
Researchers at KAUST developed a high-frequency rainfall model using new rain gauges that measure rainfall drop by drop, providing unprecedented insight into minute-to-minute rainfall dynamics. The model captures the 'skewness' of high-frequency precipitation data and generates synthetic precipitation data for water management.
Biologists from RUDN University identified polymorphisms in six genes that determine flaxseed oil's fatty acid composition and shelf life. The study found specific gene variations that extend the shelf life of flaxseed oil, improving genetic selection for new flax breeds.
A novel engineered C. glutamicum strain can produce high-level glutaric acid from glucose, breaking the record for the highest titer ever reported. The new strategy employs systems metabolic engineering strategies, including introducing Pseudomonas putida genes and optimizing culture conditions.
A team of researchers has developed a model for acid-tolerant yeast that can produce succinic acid, a precursor for industrial polymer production. The model uses gene editing and computational tools to identify the optimal genetic modifications required to maximize succinic acid production.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that women with epilepsy who take valproic acid during pregnancy are at double the risk of having children with autism spectrum disorder and nearly double the risk of ADHD. The research used data from over 14,000 children born to mothers with epilepsy between 1996 and 2011.
Research led by University of Hawai'i at Mānoa scientists reveals that rain from hurricanes and Kona storms is a key source of fresh water for Hawaii's groundwater. The study analyzed rainfall and stable isotopes to determine the origin of water in aquifers, finding significant amounts of rainwater recharging groundwater.
Researchers found that excessive folic acid intake during pregnancy can have detrimental effects on the brain development of embryos. The study suggests a 'Goldilocks effect,' where too little or too much folic acid is harmful, and more investigation is needed to determine the optimal dosage for pregnant women.
Researchers successfully synthesized hetero-steroid-amino acid conjugates using microwave-assisted Ugi-4-CR reactions. This method improves yields and reaction rates, offering a promising approach for synthesizing novel hybrid molecules.
Researchers found a connection between amino acid metabolism and joint hypermobility in autistic children, with increased levels of hydroxyproline linked to joint issues. The study suggests that amino acid balance may be an additional tool for ASD therapy.
A team at KAIST developed an E. coli strain that can grow up to 11-fold higher cell density using CO2 and formic acid as sole carbon sources. The engineered strain shows promise for producing chemicals from these carbon sources, a crucial step forward in biorefinery production.
Researchers explore ascorbic acid's role in organic synthesis, revealing its potential as a catalyst for diverse reactions and its unique mechanistic pathways. This study contributes to green chemistry by demonstrating the versatility of ascorbic acid in environmentally benign processes.
Researchers detected nitrous acid levels two to four times higher than expected in wildfire plumes globally, driving increased ozone pollution and air quality harm. The chemical accelerates the formation of lung-damaging ozone pollution downwind of fires, with significant variations depending on ecosystem type.
Scientists from the University of Edinburgh developed a sustainable method to produce adipic acid, a key component of nylon, using genetically modified bacteria grown in liquid solutions containing guaiacol. This approach produces adipic acid without emitting nitrous oxide greenhouse gases.
A clinical trial by Oregon State University found that lipoic acid supplements caused significant weight loss and fat reduction in overweight but otherwise healthy participants. The study also showed improvements in inflammation markers and oxidative stress, with notable benefits for women and heaviest participants.
Research suggests that fertilizer and pesticide applications on croplands are the largest source of sulfur in the environment, exceeding peak levels seen during acid rain days. This increase poses risks to mercury levels, soil degradation, and asthma rates in agricultural areas.
A new study reveals that fertilizer and pesticide applications on croplands are now the primary source of sulfur emissions, outpacing fossil fuel emissions. This increase in sulfur use has detrimental effects on agricultural soils and downstream waters, similar to acid rain.
Tropical Storm Isaias is causing flooding in South and North Carolina due to heavy rain. The storm is expected to produce life-threatening flash flooding along the I-95 corridor and a risk of tornadoes from southeast Virginia to New Jersey.
A recent study reveals that Hurricane Lane's extreme weather conditions, combining heavy rainfall and fire hazards, exacerbated the storm's impact on the Hawaiian Islands. The research highlights the importance of considering both environmental and socioeconomic factors in assessing population vulnerability to natural hazards.
A study found that heavy rainfall can lead to massive fish kills in lakes suffering from oxygen depletion, triggered by labile organic matter. Researchers released breeding stock to help recover lake Filsø's pike population, which has never fully recovered after the event.
Post-tropical cyclone Cristobal is soaking the Great Lakes, triggering watches and warnings for heavy rain, gusty winds, and tornadoes. Rainfall rates reached 1 inch per hour in some areas, with minor to moderate river flooding expected.
Heavy rainfall rates of up to 1 inch per hour were observed north of Tropical Storm Cristobal, leading to large amounts of rain on the ground. The National Hurricane Center predicts storm total rainfall accumulations of 5-10 inches across portions of the Gulf Coast.
A new study found that high uric acid levels protect female lung function from decline with age or disease. Women with lower female hormone levels are more likely to benefit from this antioxidant effect.
Scientists at Bielefeld University have created a method to produce a biologically significant precursor of jasmonic acid, a hormone that helps plants defend against predators. The new approach mimics how plants naturally produce the hormone, using enzymes as plant catalysts in a synthetic process.
Researchers found that tree pollen fragments remain airborne for up to 11 hours after spring rains, posing a risk to allergy sufferers. The study advises people to stay indoors during and after rain events, especially thunderstorms, to minimize respiratory impacts.