Researchers used 3-D genetic sequencing data to study the evolution of wheat from wild tetraploid wheat (Triticum turgidum) to domesticated wheat. They found two gene clusters that lost their function, leading to changes in spike morphology and grain development.
A study in Jakarta found that ending a carpooling policy increased morning rush-hour travel times by 46%, while evening travel times surged by 87%. The research suggests the policy helped reduce overall cars on the road, but had negative effects on traffic flow.
Scientists developed a method to compare climate model sensitivities with historical data, showing good agreement. Accounting for slow mode feedback, the temperature range of climate sensitivity from historical data is consistent with climate models, implying a higher sensitivity to carbon dioxide emissions.
Researchers have adapted a diagnostic test for malaria to predict post-treatment anemia risk with 89% sensitivity and 73% specificity. The BinaxNOW malaria kit measures HRP2 remnants on red blood cells, offering a potential alternative to mandatory monitoring for high-risk patients.
The expansion of agriculture has led to a decline in burned areas globally, particularly in tropical savannas and grasslands. Long-term declines were more associated with transitions from natural to managed landscapes.
A new study by AAAS predicts climate change will have a devastating impact on certain US counties, with losses exceeding 20% of gross county product in some areas. Southern and midwestern populations are projected to suffer the largest economic damage due to increased cyclone intensification and sea level rise.
Two large-scale field studies reveal that neonicotinoids harm bees by reducing reproductive success and survival, with effects varying by environment. Neonicotinoid exposure also impairs worker bee life expectancy and queen colony stability.
Petunias use volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to attract pollinators and defend against herbivores and pathogens. A newly identified protein helps transport these compounds across cell membranes.
Modified human crania from Göbekli Tepe provide the first evidence for a new form of Neolithic skull cult, featuring intentional deep incisions and drilled holes. These findings suggest that ancient individuals may have venerated ancestors or displayed recently dispatched enemies on display.
A new study suggests that genetic predisposition to type 1 inflammation protects against NAFLD, but type 2 inflammation actually worsens the condition. Targeted treatments for metabolic syndrome may need reevaluation due to this unexpected finding.
Research analyzing over 49,000 bird eggs reveals that unique flight adaptations drive variations in egg shape. The study found a correlation between egg shape and hand-wing index, indicating flight efficiency, contradicting previous theories on life history and nesting habits.
Spicules are violently driven jets of plasma that occur thousands of times per day, yet their origin is poorly understood. The new model resolves this mystery by explaining how magnetic fields and solar plasma interact to generate spicules.
Researchers developed a personalized exoskeleton system that reduces energy expenditure during walking by 24%, on average. The system subtly changes its pattern of assistance based on individual energy expenditure patterns, leading to further reductions in energy expenditure with repeated use.
The article highlights the need for science to inform policies addressing addiction, citing technological advances that have contributed to increasing rates of addictions. Science can also be used to counteract addictions through better drug regulation and programs addressing long-term brain changes.
Three distinct parasite strains show varying ability to infect human liver cells, with some causing more severe symptoms. Future antimalarial vaccine trials should use multiple strains to accurately predict efficacy.
A new study reveals that large-scale water cycles in California have a modest impact on small-scale earthquake activity. Slight changes in ground stress associated with snow accumulation, snowmelt, runoff, and irrigation for agriculture influence earthquake likelihood.
A new study reveals that marine invertebrate predators have increased in size over the past 500 million years, while their prey has remained relatively constant. The 'escalation hypothesis' is supported by the findings, which show a significant increase in predator-prey size ratio driven by changes in marine ecosystems.
Researchers used a satellite-based system to transmit entangled photons across vast distances, overcoming previous transmission limitations of 100 km. The successful transmission holds implications for quantum teleportation and communication networks.
Researchers created a system that uses continuous flow technology to produce pharmaceutical compounds, improving safety and yield. The new approach yielded 24 kilograms of chemotherapy agent prexasertib over three days, demonstrating its effectiveness.
A new study found that concentrated broccoli sprout extract can significantly reduce fasting blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes patients. The researchers used a computational approach to identify compounds that could counter disease-associated gene expression changes associated with the condition.
Scientists have developed a method to tune the optical and electrical properties of synthetic polymer analogs similar to melanin, a natural pigment affecting skin color. The study reveals that adjusting peptide sequences can produce noticeably different colors, ranging from beige to brown-black.
A new study suggests that comets may have delivered up to 22% of the element xenon found in Earth's atmosphere. The finding is based on analysis of spectrometry data from the Rosetta spacecraft, which detected isotopic signatures of cometary xenon that closely match those on Earth.
A new clinical study found that genetic defects in mismatch repair (MMR) pathway tumors can indicate successful response to PD-1 blockade immunotherapy. The trial showed pembrolizumab controlled disease in 66 patients and caused complete tumor disappearance in 18, with no recurrence for an average of 8.3 months.
Researchers linked brain connectivity changes to ASD diagnosis in 11 of 59 high-risk infants, predicting symptoms up to two years old. Early detection could significantly improve quality of life for people with autism spectrum disorder.
Scientists have successfully observed a white dwarf star using the bending of distant starlight by gravity, allowing them to determine its mass for the first time. This observation demonstrates a way to measure the masses of objects that cannot be easily measured by other means.
Researchers developed a technique called entanglement distillation to enhance quantum entanglement, confirming its effectiveness across two meters. The approach accounts for interactions between particles and environment, enhancing the connection by iterating on raw states.
A recent study found that specific types of vaginal bacteria, such as Gardnerella vaginalis, can rapidly break down the active form of an HIV prevention medication, tenofovir. This degradation renders the drug less effective in preventing HIV acquisition among women.
A new study has resolved a long-standing debate on coral skeletal development by discovering a biologically controlled process. The research, published in Science, used advanced imaging techniques to reveal that coral skeletons form from organic matter and immature aragonite particles.
A new study identifies key genes linked to the Galapagos cormorant's loss of flight, which shares similarities with human developmental disorders. The research suggests that shorter wings may have been advantageous during diving, reducing buoyancy and increasing survival.
Researchers discovered a new GPCR, substance P neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R), that signals from the inside of neurons to sustain excitation and transmit pain. Targeting NK1R internalization alleviated pain in rats using modified compounds, offering prolonged pain relief.
A global assessment reveals that increased leaf abundance in boreal areas warms the environment while in arid regions it cools. The study suggests a buffering effect of greening on warming in about 60% of vegetated areas, but amplifies warming in boreal zones.
The publication of rare species' location data can inadvertently contribute to poaching and further species declines. Biologists must reevaluate their publishing culture to protect endangered species.
Researchers discovered a brain subgroup that triggers binge-like eating when activated, leading to weight gain. Stimulation of this area with specific neurons or hormones increased food intake, but reduced it after stimulation stopped.
The Juno mission has revealed cyclones on Jupiter's poles with diameters up to 1,400 kilometers across. The spacecraft also detected a massive magnetic field that is substantially stronger than models predicted, potentially powering the planet's huge aurorae.
A new study finds that countries most affected by weather-related disasters do not necessarily spend more on commercial weather and climate information services. Developing countries actually commit a higher percentage of their GDP to these services, recognizing their value in mitigating risks.
A study tracked microbial community composition in a newly opened hospital, finding patients initially acquire bacteria from the environment before their own microbiota influences what's present. The research provides context for future studies of hospital-acquired infections.
A neural explanation for 'monkey see, monkey do' involves a specialized circuit in primates analyzing social interactions like grooming and fighting. The study found that brain networks associated with visual features are highly active when observing these interactions, similar to the human brain's social interaction systems.
Researchers analyzed drainage patterns on three planets, revealing that long-wavelength features dominate the layout of river networks. The study suggests that short-wavelength features like mountains can divert rivers, leading to poor correlation between river flow directions and large-scale landscape topography.
A new study models herbivore arthropods across six continents and finds that predation rates decrease with increasing latitude and elevation. The research suggests that caterpillars may have evolved shorter development times to counteract increased predation at lower latitudes.
Researchers identified a gene variant DUP4 that protects against severe malaria by altering receptors used by the malarial parasite. This variant was found to reduce the risk of severe malaria by 40% in certain African populations, particularly those of East African descent.
Researchers have developed a novel gene therapy method that utilizes microbubbles and ultrasound to promote bone growth and healing in nonunion fractures. The technique, which involves injecting genetic material for a bone growth factor into the affected area, has been shown to completely heal broken bones in pigs within eight weeks.
Researchers tracked orangutan nursing patterns and found some infants suckling until age 8, exceeding known non-human primate weaning ages. Barium testing in teeth revealed cyclical periods of high and low milk consumption.
A new estimate suggests that dryland forests, which cover 40% of the Earth's land surface, are more extensive than previously thought, with an additional 467 million hectares reported. This increase in forest area increases current estimates of global forest cover by at least 9%
Researchers have developed a new battery system using electrodes with porous graphene scaffolding, showing substantial improvement in energy storage. By fine-tuning nanopore size, they achieved high mass loading and power capability while maintaining charge transport.
Astronomers have found clear signs of water in the atmosphere of HAT-P-26b, a Neptune-sized exoplanet. The presence of water suggests that the planet's gaseous envelope formed late in its formation process, with little to no pollution by impacting debris.
A recent review by John McGann suggests that humans' ability to detect certain scents is superior to other animals, such as dogs. The study highlights the importance of smell in human communication and mate choice, challenging the long-held notion that humans have an inferior sense of smell.
Researchers discovered that tumor-associated macrophages steal checkpoint blockade antibodies from T cells, leading to improved responses in mouse models. Blocking FcγR receptors allows checkpoint inhibitors to effectively target cancer cells.
Researchers have developed a versatile, oil-based microgel material that can mimic aqueous microgels and eliminate instabilities between printed materials and their support. This innovation enables the precise 3-D printing of silicon materials in various shapes, including biocompatible materials like silicone.
Researchers analyzed 548,055 single nucleotide polymorphisms to model Bantu-speaking peoples' migration paths and gene variations. They found that BSPs acquired adaptive genes from other African populations, including immune-related genes, and retained western RHG ancestry in modern African Americans.
A new study analyzing human and fruit fly genomes reveals that higher mutation loads lead to increased declines in relative fitness due to synergistic epistasis. The research helps explain why sex and genetic recombination are advantageous, and provides insights into the processes driving these effects.