News on early, curiosity-driven science that opens new directions. Covers materials discovery, AI-guided research, pediatric research standards, and energy science.
The study designs a trial to identify differences between groups with high statistical power while minimizing costs. A small number of schools are included in the trial, allowing for more precise analysis and better understanding of how interventions affect pupils within each school.
McGill researchers have found the oldest rocks on Earth, dating back to around 4.28 billion years ago. The discovery provides new insights into the early separation of Earth's mantle and crust, shedding light on the planet's mysterious beginnings.
A recent study published in Geophysical Research Letters shows that small coastal glaciers in Greenland are responsible for the majority of the island's recent ice loss. Researchers found that these smaller glaciers account for three times more ice loss than their larger counterparts.
A study reveals that less than half of European osteoporosis patients take both calcium and vitamin D supplements with their treatment. The majority claim to miss doses due to lack of understanding or inadequate physician guidance. Improved patient education is crucial to maximize the benefits of combination therapy.
A DNA-based study has found that the last woolly mammoths had exclusively North American roots, contradicting previous assumptions. The research used ancient DNA from Siberian and North American specimens to reconstruct the evolutionary history of the species.
The NIH has funded a network of nine centers to use high-tech screening methods to identify small molecules as probes to investigate cell functions and develop new therapies. The goal is to increase the pace of development and use of chemical probes, which have become invaluable tools for exploring biologic processes.
A team of academics argues that academic health centers (AHCs) can lead the development of best practices for establishing a data sharing culture. AHCs are urged to adopt seven recommendations, including recognizing data sharing contributions and educating staff on responsible data sharing.
Researchers at Uppsala University have discovered a new signal path for a growth factor that is crucial for the survival and growth of cancer cells. This finding has significant implications for the treatment of advanced cancers, such as breast and prostate cancer.
Researchers at the University of Georgia discovered that 25% of genes in Neurospora crassa are under control of the biological clock, a much higher rate than previously reported. This finding has significant implications for understanding various biological processes, including cell cycling and ribosome biogenesis.
Researchers found two distinct species of grouper in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, despite their identical physical appearance. The study reveals that the Pacific grouper is a separate species from the Atlantic goliath grouper.
Research found obesity in older people increases mobility problems and everyday task difficulties, but doesn't significantly impact mortality rates. The study highlights the need for healthcare professionals to advise older adults on weight management and encourage physical activity to reduce disability burden.
The Academy of Natural Sciences has received a $99,000 grant from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to digitize approximately 9,000 sheets of mostly Latin American and African type plant specimens. This will enable researchers to access these valuable resources online, complementing their research in large herbaria and libraries.
Researchers monitoring daily satellite images of Greenland's glaciers have discovered break-ups at two of the largest glaciers, including Petermann and Jakobshavn. The expected disintegration of the Northern hemisphere's longest floating glacier will continue within the next year.
Researchers at the University of Glasgow found that cultural differences influence how people look at faces, with Westerners focusing on specific features like eyes and mouths, while Easterners focus on the nose or centre of the face. This study provides insight into why non-verbal communication between people from different cultures c...
Biologists at the University of Virginia discovered a switching mechanism in the eye that regulates sleep/wake cycles in mammals. The finding demonstrates that light receptor cells play a key role in setting the brain's primary timekeeper, leading to potential new treatments for sleep disorders and visual impairments.
The American Chemical Society has inducted 25 scientists into its Heroes of Chemistry hall of fame, including Bruce Roth, inventor of Lipitor, the world's largest selling drug. The honorees are being recognized for their groundbreaking research and contributions to humanity.
Researchers found that the brain processes another person's face more efficiently when their gaze is straight ahead. This study, funded by the Academy of Finland, sheds light on emotional reactions to human faces and may aid in diagnosing mental disorders.
Researchers identify a type of synesthesia in which individuals hear sounds when they see things move or flash, suggesting an enhanced form of visual processing. The four synesthetes outperformed nonsynesthetes on a test involving rhythmic patterns of flashes and beats.
Researchers at OHSU discovered males from a strain of mice called MRL/MpJ have the innate ability to repair their own knee cartilage. Cartilage injuries heal poorly in humans, leading to osteoarthritis, which affects one quarter of the adult population by 2020.
The new resource allows users to view, store, and edit biological pathway information, leveraging collective expertise to facilitate content collection and curation. WikiPathways provides a wealth of annotated information, maximizing the value of biological data and supporting future hypotheses and discoveries.
A study published in the Journal of Motor Behavior found that golfers who keep their heads still during putting may actually hinder their game. The research, led by McMaster University's Tim Lee, discovered that even expert golfers move their heads slightly during putts, contrary to conventional wisdom.
Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery by studying the interaction between two electrons in a carbon nanotube, paving the way for a quantum mechanical bit. The breakthrough could lead to the creation of a revolutionary quantum computer capable of solving complex calculations much faster than current computers.
The NIAID Vaccine Discovery Branch aims to remove fundamental obstacles to achieving a safe and effective HIV vaccine by focusing on the development and sharing of new knowledge. The branch will monitor scientific developments, identify gaps in knowledge, and promote research collaborations.
Researchers found that unverifiable observations can lead to the overestimation of rare species' ranges and abundance. A 'sliding scale' of evidentiary standards was developed to help managers determine the suitability of evidence in conservation decisionmaking, prioritizing physical evidence for extinct or highly rare species.
Researchers have discovered that apolipoprotein E enhances the degradation of amyloid beta protein in the brain, which may lead to a powerful new treatment for Alzheimer's disease. The study found that activating liver X receptors increases lipidated ApoE levels, resulting in reduced A? plaque levels and improved memory.
A study by California Polytechnic State University researchers has linked Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite typically associated with cats, to marine mammal deaths worldwide. The team discovered that northern anchovies may be spreading the parasite through the ocean's filter-feeding mechanism, posing a potential transmission risk to mammals.
A new study uses a graph-based approach to understand consumer preferences for over-the-counter pain relievers. The model identifies three distinct segments: price-conscious consumers, the athletic segment, and anti-medication users.
The Gerobatrachus fossil provides key evidence for the evolution of modern amphibians from one ancient group, resolving a long-standing controversy. It suggests that frogs and salamanders separated around 240-275 million years ago, contrary to previous estimates.
Researchers found evidence of a large ornithopod dinosaur and a herd of 11 sauropods walking together along a Mesozoic coastal mudflat in Yemen. The discovery provides insight into dinosaur herding behavior, with the trackways preserved in rocks likely dating back to the Late Jurassic period.
Researchers found evidence of a large ornithopod dinosaur and a herd of 11 sauropods walking together at the same speed. The site preserved footprints that provide insights into dinosaur herding behavior, a rare example of social behavior for reptiles.
Researchers discovered the Ashwell receptor's essential role in reducing coagulation abnormalities during infection and sepsis, significantly improving survival. The receptor triggers a protective response, limiting lethal side effects by removing pro-coagulation factors from circulation.
Scientists have discovered conclusive evidence of Alzheimer's-like neurofibrillary brain tangles in an aged nonhuman primate, a breakthrough that could help understand why humans develop neurodegenerative diseases. The finding also paves the way for new treatments and therapies targeting beta-amyloid protein.
Dr. Stephen Reynolds and his team discovered the youngest known supernova remnant G1.9+0.3, estimated to be around 100-140 years old, using Chandra X-Ray Observatory images from 2007 and 1985. The discovery suggests that a supernova explosion occurred relatively recently, providing insights into the life cycle of galaxies.
A review of 28 studies found that 90% of participants wanted to receive study results, citing clinical importance and respect for participants. While sharing results can cause negative emotions, the majority reported feeling it was important to receive them.
A study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that men are overrepresented in research on conditions affecting both sexes, while women are underrepresented. The authors recommend standardizing mechanisms for sex-specific reporting and analysis in publications.
Research found that subordinate fish go on a diet to avoid provoking fights, maintaining social hierarchy in coral reef groups. This discovery challenges traditional views on dominant individuals retaining their position through size and intimidation.
Foldit, a computer game, harnesses players' skills to predict protein folding, a crucial step in understanding biological mysteries. Researchers aim to identify 'protein-folding prodigies' who can speed up the process and potentially find cures for diseases like HIV.
A new technique from Carnegie Mellon University speeds up critical steps in automated biological screening methods, improving accuracy and reducing time requirements. The method also enhances the efficiency of the belief propagation algorithm, applicable to fields beyond biology.
Researchers from Conservation International discovered 14 new species in the Cerrado, a biodiversity hotspot threatened by deforestation and urbanization. The finds include a legless lizard and a tiny woodpecker, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts in this region.
A new type of anesthetic, ethyl carbamate or urethane, has been found to induce the full spectrum of natural sleep stages, including slow-wave sleep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. This breakthrough discovery allows researchers to fine-tune sleep medications and anesthetics, ultimately benefiting patients with sleep disorders.
Researchers have identified KLF4 as a key player in the early stages of fat formation, connecting the dots between molecular processes that lead to adipogenesis. By understanding how KLF4 influences C/EBPß activity and drives fat production, scientists may be able to intervene and alter fat development.
A study by McMaster University finds that most errors are repeated due to the act of making a mistake constituting learning. Testing 30 students, researchers found that those who spent longer time trying to retrieve words were more likely to repeat the same error state.
Jim Hutchison, a chemist and materials scientist at UO, emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary teams to address nanomaterial safety concerns. He advocates for green chemistry approaches to reduce byproducts and simplify purification, accelerating data collection on material hazards.
Dr. Joe Z. Tsien's research identifies critical memory genes and manipulates them to enhance or impair memory in mice, shedding light on the molecular basis of learning and memory. His work also explores the role of teamwork and neural activity in intelligence, with potential applications for treating diseases like Alzheimer's.
A consensus statement provides guidance for whole-genome research participants regarding informed consent, withdrawal, results return, and data public release. The authors emphasize the need for robust governance and oversight mechanisms to protect participants' privacy and autonomy.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have discovered that Bardet-Biedl syndrome and Meckel-Gruber syndrome share the same molecular underpinnings, suggesting a continuum of one disease. This finding could lead to more accurate diagnoses and improved patient management.
Researchers at Uppsala University have made a breakthrough in treating eating disturbances, including obesity and anorexia, by targeting the melanocortin system. The system regulates energy balance and appetite, and tiny imbalances can lead to major changes.
Researchers at the University of Maryland are applying a new approach, Science 2.0, which integrates hypothesis-based inquiry with social science methods to study human use of computers and digital networks. This method aims to improve applications in homeland security, medical care, and the environment.
A genome-wide association study on Parkinson's disease has made its raw data available to researchers through the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) and the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). The study, funded by the Michael J. Fox Foundation, provides valuable insights into the genetic factors underlyi...
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have discovered that riboflavin is responsible for much of the energy produced by Shewanella bacteria. This finding increases the power output by 370%, opening up possibilities for innovations in renewable energy and environmental clean-up.
An open-source clinical trial data-management system could save money and empower researchers in resource-poor settings. The system would eliminate the need for expensive database software systems, making high-standard research more accessible.
The initiative aims to bring team-based science to bear on major cancer research questions, integrating expertise and resources to solve the most challenging problems. Twelve proposals were reviewed by an external scientific advisory panel, and four Keystone Programs were awarded $5 million in funding over five years.
Researchers analyzed genetic sequences of influenza A H5N1 virus to understand its migration patterns. The study showed that certain provinces in southern China and neighboring countries shared evolutionary history with the virus.
BMC Research Notes is launching to publish scientifically sound research, including updates, software tools, and negative results. This initiative aims to increase data sharing and accelerate future advances in science.
Researchers are facing the challenge of balancing computing power and storage technology in high-performance computing (HPC) environments, as noted by Virginia Tech's Ali R. Butt. Modern scientific computations require powerful computing resources and manage large amounts of data, with terabyte speeds becoming increasingly common.
Researchers Monica Olvera de la Cruz and Graziano Vernizzi from Northwestern University discovered a new mechanism for charged molecules to organize into complex shapes, potentially leading to the design of functional nanostructures.
Researchers have discovered a neutron star that undergoes a dramatic transformation from a pulsar to a magnetar, providing insight into the evolutionary connection between these two types of ultradense objects. The discovery was made using data from NASA's Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer and Chandra X-ray Observatory satellites.
Researchers at University of York characterize mechanism used by bacteria to evade the human immune system, using an 'invisibility cloak' to move about the body without risk of attack. The discovery of a novel enzyme and its role in capturing sialic acid offers hope for developing novel antimicrobials against these bacteria.
Researchers developed a new treatment strategy for serious Staph infections by blocking the production of a golden pigment that allows Staph to evade immune cells. The compound, BPH-652, is a cholesterol-lowering agent that targets a similar enzyme in humans.
Deep-sea coral samples reveal ancient ocean conditions and carbon dioxide absorption, shedding light on past climate change. Scientists urge protection from harvesting and deep-sea fishing.