Fractal analyses of networks of integrate-and-fire stochastic spiking neurons :: Although there is increasing evidence of criticality in the brain, the processes that guide neuronal networks to reach or maintain criticality remain unclear. The present research examines the role of neuronal gain plasticity in time-series of simulated neuronal networks composed of integrate-and-fire stochastic spiking neurons, and the utility of fractal methods in assessing network criticality.
4 ways to find meaning in life :: In her book, The Power of Meaning, Emily Esfahani Smith details the four pillars of meaning, arguing that they're much more important than chasing happiness. Read More
Are we really still eating egg whites? :: New research shows protein synthesis is 40 greater post-workout when eating the whole egg. Read More
How Sound and Smell Cues Can Enhance Learning While You Sleep :: Neuroscientists are now starting to put TMR to work. Read More
What do you really believe? Take the Truth-Demon Test :: Do we really believe everything we say? Are you always trying to establish the truth when you argue? This thought experiment will help answer these questions. Read More
Whatever You Think, You Don’t Necessarily Know Your Own Mind :: People think that stereotypes are true but also that it is not acceptable to admit this and therefore say they are false. Moreover, they say this to themselves too, in inner speech. Read More
Why Collective Narcissists Are so Politically Volatile :: Research from my PrejudiceLab at Goldsmiths, University of London shows that people who score high on the collective narcissism scale are particularly sensitive to even the smallest offences to their group’s image. Read More
Everything you should know about happiness in one infographic :: According to science, you can control about 40% of your happiness. Read More
Scientists Explain Love at First Sight :: 56% of Americans believe in love at first sight, and every third person reports that he or she has experienced it. Read More
Mixing magic mushrooms and meditation has long-term benefits, Johns Hopkins study finds :: The benefits of controlled psilocybin use and spiritual practice on people's well-being long outlast the high, researchers find. Read More
3Q: D. Fox Harrell on His Video Game for the #Metoo Era :: Three questions for the designer of a video game in line with the times. Read More
France will close all its coal power stations by 2021 :: French president Emmanuel Macron recently announced plans to close all of the country's coal-fired power plants two years ahead of schedule. Read More
SpaceX's Falcon Heavy rocket passes crucial test, launch date imminent :: Tickets are on sale to view the launch of SpaceX's largest rocket, the Falcon Heavy, which carries with it humanity's ambition to land astronauts on the surface of Mars. Read More
Five stark and glaring facts about income inequality from a major new report :: "We can have democracy in this country, or we can have great wealth concentrated in the hands of a few, but we can't have both." – Former US Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis Read More
So who is really affected by the new tariffs on solar panels and washing machines from China? :: New tariffs enacted on solar panels and washing machines are coming under fire from some around the globe, while others are calling the move a positive step for jobs in the United States. Read More
The Doomsday Clock is set to 2 minutes to midnight amid global tensionsDoomsday Clock D. TrumpCiting political tensions and climate change, the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientist have moved their symbolic Clock to its highest point since 1953 Read More
Why this Bitcoin investment philosophy is a 4-letter meme :: The term “hodl” originated in a drunken post about Bitcoin from 2013, but it’s evolved into a movement in the cryptocurrency community. Read More
Why the U.S. just fell off the list of top 10 most innovative countries :: It’s the first time the U.S. has fallen off the top 10 list since Bloomberg began its index. Read More
Traders now regularly do $100 million deals on mobile apps :: A new survey indicates that large financial institutions are relaxing restrictions around mobile trading, increasing the volume of deals done via mobile apps 31% in 2017 from the year before. Read More
Why this government shutdown was unlike any other :: The U.S. government has shut down 18 times in the past four decades, but this most recent instance has proven unique. Read More
Elon Musk must make Tesla a $650 billion company, or forfeit his paycheckTesla Elon MuskCEO pay is based on…well, I don't really know what. But it's almost never based on performance, and many CEOs fail miserably while collecting a huge paycheck. Not Elon Musk. Read More
Scientists unlock the axolotl genome, the largest to ever be sequenced :: You see a gorgeous salamander. Science sees the key to regrowing limbs, eyes, and even bones. Read More
10 quotes on scientific issues from 2018 political candidates :: Science Debate asks 2018 candidates to discuss their views on 10 vital scientific policy issues. Read More
A chunk of North America found sticking to Australia :: Researchers find that an ancient chunk of North America is now a part of Australia, shedding light on Earth's first supercontinent Nuna. Read More
Dark matter killed the dinosaurs, says a noted cosmologist :: Harvard's theoretical physicist Lisa Randall links the extinction of the dinosaurs to the mysterious "dark matter". Read More
The 3 Biggest Mistakes Made by Einstein :: Despite his famous successes, Einstein also had some failures. Read More
Why North Korean 'ghost ships' are washing up on Japan's shores :: Over a 100 North Korean ships have washed up on Japan's shores since the start of 2017. Read More
Why cutting-edge braneworld theories say our universe began in a white hole :: Cosmologists behind braneworld theories see our universe as being a part of a complex inter-dimensional world. Read More
Chinese scientists successfully clone two monkeys—and the implications are vastMonkeys Human Hua HuaThis latest breakthrough allows for a limitless production of clones. Read More
Does Taking Photos for Social Media Enhance or Degrade an Experience? :: It all surrounds your outlook on the self-presentation process. Read More
Life Is Common in the Universe, New Analysis of Meteorites Suggests :: Meteorites could be sowing life throughout the galaxy. Read More
Stop feeding your pets raw meat, scientists urge the public :: Researchers now believe raw-meat-based pet food should be labeled extremely dangerous. Read More
New Breakthrough in Organic Cells Will Make Solar Glass a Reality :: These findings will revolutionize power production, lighting, semiconductors, and informational displays. Read More
Winter Olympics 2018: How South Korea Learned the Hard Way Not to Mess with North Korea :: Could the upcoming Winter Olympics stand as a turning point, or will it be more of the same? Read More
China is the world's new science superpower, topping the U.S. in publications :: A new report finds China is now the leading nation in the publication of science and engineering research. Read More
Facebook introduces the flick, a new unit of timeFacebook News CompanyFacebook announces a new unit of time called the “flick” that simplifies the creation of VR content. Read More
Frozen in a Swamp, Fearsome Ancient Warrior’s Hidden Tomb Is Revealed :: Archeologists find the largest frozen Scythian burial site ever found in Siberia. Read More
Real acoustic tractor beams hold objects in the air with sound waves :: University of Bristol scientists find a way to levitate large objects with sound waves. Read More
Study: Guys With More Testosterone Don’t Like "Sophisticated" Music :: A new study find a connection between having more testosterone and not liking classical, jazz, or avant-garde music. Read More
Should You Invest in these 10 Cryptocurrencies? :: Bitcoin started at $.008, and today is worth over $12,000. What's the deal with other cryptocurrencies? We're here to help. Read More
Want to fall asleep faster? Try this 5-minute technique :: Before you reach for another glass of warm milk, read this. Read More
What it's like to shop at Amazon Go's futuristic convenience store :: Amazon has opened a new store in Seattle, one that may represent the future of what the retail giant is calling 'Just Walk Out' shopping. Read More
Geneticists reverse engineer DNA of the first black Icelander, who left no remains :: Scientists can now virtually reconstruction certain long-dead individuals, without the need for DNA samples from physical remains. Read More
Welcome to Muskworld, a map of Elon's interestsElon Musk Boring CompanyMusk is about more than Teslas and rockets. Read More
Daniel Alarcón – There's No Such Thing as Glamor, Really – Think Again – a Big Think Podcast #131 :: The stories we wrap around ourselves, our neighbors. our children. The invisible stories we struggle against. Read More
Addons: Player Scripts in Eyewire :: A few wonderful Eyewire players have created scripts that add features and improve Eyewire. These scripts are so great that we’ve built a feature to make it easier to add them to your game, as well as a new set of menu options that will enable several of the best scripts by default. These Eyewire-hosted addons are toggled ON by default: Scripts by @crazyman4865: DLC (Downloadable Content) tabbed
Comets vs. Asteroids: Out of This World :: Don’t worry, this isn’t a disaster movie! Starting at 11 AM EST on 1/25 and going for 24 hours, we’ll just be going on a little outer space adventure. Fancy a jaunt on one of these fast-flying puppies? Choose your favorite SSSB (that’s what astronomers call a Small Solar System Body). Comets Ice is nice! Comets are made of rock, dust, frozen water, and various frozen gases like CO2 and methane. W
January Marathon: Results! :: Very nicely done, Eyewirers. This month’s first cell took 12 hours 45 minutes to complete and the second took 6 hours 45 minutes, which is a NEW RECORD! It sure is an auspicious start to our new marathon system. Pat yourselves on the back and enjoy those bonuses… oh, and did you know it’s been two years since we began the Dig? Wow!
Sign up for the first marathon of 2018! :: Now that the winter holidays are past and the new year has been rung in, what better than a marathon? Warm up, sign up, and let’s see how fast we can go! Think we’ll break a new record? The January Marathon will start at 8 PM EST on 1/24 , and for the first official time, you’ll have 24 hours to grow and complete up to two cells. Note that we’re also going back to an evening marathon start time f
Science Communication: Dana Resources :: In the past decade, I’ve seen more and more scientists step outside their labs—or invite people in—to share how science affects our daily lives and why basic and translational research is important. Spreading the science love isn’t just the purview of reporters and PR people anymore, and interest is high. Groups like the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) have included ple
120 millioner kroner til to SUND forskningsprojekter i big data :: To forskningsprojekter fra SUND modtager til sammen 120 millioner kroner fra Novo Nordisk Fondens Challenge…
Prøve på vej for ansøgere i kvote 2 :: Københavns Universitet håber, at Uddannelsesministeriet vil tillade, atuniversitetet indfører…
Hele verden fulgte Puigdemonts besøg på Københavns Universitet :: TV-seere og Facebook-brugere i hundredetusindevis så med, da den spanske politiker og leder af…
Massiv pengestøtte til nyskabende forskning :: Hvordan sikrer vi vores vand bedre fremover? Kan vi blive klogere på fortidens og nutidens epidemier…
Top Vets Reject Homeopathic Treatment for Animals as Primary Care :: The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons issued a statement to remind its members of their fundamental obligation to science-based medicine and animal welfare. Read More
What If You Could Recall Forgotten Memories? :: New research from MIT is shedding light on how our brain forms and recalls memories. Read More
The Bilingual Brain: Why One Size Doesn’t Fit All :: There is more than one type of bilingualism. Read More
This Ancient Mnemonic Technique Builds a Palace of Memory :: Imagined memory palaces are still used by memory champions and the few who practice the memory arts, but they are best known from Greco-Roman times. Read More
You May Be Using This Flying Taxi in Two Years :: Bell Helicopter has just premiered its electric, self-piloting air taxi design at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Read More
4 Ways Blockchain, the Technology behind Bitcoin, Can Transform Education :: A new study highlights how blockchain technology can be a game-changer in education. Read More
How the Mediterranean Diet Can Help You Live Live Longer and Think Better :: New studies support the benefits of the Mediterrean Diet. Read More
NASA Discovers Clean-Water Ice Just Below Mars' Surface :: The thick sheets of ice at these eight sites could provide the reservoir of water necessary for human expeditions to Mars. Read More
U.S. Government Has a Top-Secret Airline That Flies to Area 51 and It's Hiring :: A top-secret government airline that flies to locations like Area 51 is put in a spotlight by a recent ad and an unexpected connection to the Las Vegas shooting. Read More
Why a “Genius” Scientist Thinks Our Consciousness Originates at the Quantum Level :: Do our minds have quantum structures that give rise to consciousness? Sir Roger Penrose, one of the world's most famous scientists, believes this and can explain how it works. Read More
You Can Watch Carl Sagan's 'Cosmos' Marathon Right Now, For Free :: You can watch the Cosmos marathon right now, for free! Read More
Does the Story of Adam & Eve Work Scientifically? :: How much genetic diversity is actually needed to keep a population healthy? Read More
Hints of the 4th Dimension Have Been Detected by Physicists :: What would it be like to experience the 4 th dimension? Read More
Life Is Common in the Universe, New Analysis of Meteorites Suggests :: Meteorites could be sowing life throughout the galaxy. Read More
Women Are More Likely to Survive a Crisis Than Men :: Girl babies may have one distinct advantage over boy babies. But what is it? Read More
Google's Latest Acquisition? Sound Without SpeakersGoogle IT SupportGiven the premium placed on slender, lightweight mobile technology, the removal of speakers could free up space inside Google devices. No speakers necessary. Read More
Stunning New Paper Explains How Inequality in America Keeps Growing :: Comprehensive new study of economic history paints a frightening future. Read More
Your Facebook News Feed Is about to Undergo a Massive ChangeFacebook News FeedThe social media behemoth wants you to use their platform less, not more, than before. Read More
From Ho Chi Minh Street to Boris Nemtsov Plaza: a History of the Undiplomatic Street Name Change :: Street names can cause diplomatic offence – and sometimes, that's exactly why they're there. Read More
Mark Epstein, MD – I, Me, Mine – Think Again – a Big Think Podcast #130 :: While the unchecked ego might be popular at parties, it can get us into all kinds of trouble. Mark Epstein, MD combines psychotherapy and Buddhism to help people live with the self. Read More
A tale of two cultures
News at a glance
Critics see only risks, no benefits in horsepox paper
Heavy-lift rocket poised to boost space science
In thousands of brain scans, group seeks clues to diseases
Crackdown threatens science in Turkey
Australian state forecasts deadly thunderstorm asthma
Muon's magnetism could point to new physics
The light fantastic
Using nature to understand nurture
Perovskite solar cells must come of age
When did modern humans leave Africa?
Complexity in targeting membrane proteins
Conserving honey bees does not help wildlife
Toward a silicon-based quantum computer
Engaging over data on fracking and water quality
Investigating the afterlife
How shall we save the planet?
Clean Meat: How Growing Meat Without Animals Will Revolutionize Dinner and the World
Conscious machines: Defining questions
Conscious machines: Robot rights
Response
U.S. policy on Cuba obstructs crucial medical breakthroughs
Results of the 2017 election of AAAS officers
Call for nomination of 2018 Fellows
Corals wrapped in plastic
Having your longevity and eating too
How to get two bonds for the price of one
A reaction screen in flowing solvent
Nanoscale chiral valley-photon interface
A framework for more ductile magnesium
Building an essential quantum component
Earliest modern humans out of Africa
The neuronal population is the key unit
Honey bees put pressure on wild pollinators
Indicative integrins in HIV
A new way into the ER
Committing to cytotoxicity
A drug to fight two lupus symptoms
Tuning the atomic pairing
Bilayer microbot powered by humidity
Up with ultrafine aerosol particles
Genetic variants provide a nurturing environment
Libratus versus humans
Shaping of human brains and behavior
Restrictions on roaming
Certification of oil palm production
Reviving a quantum spin chain
Reawakening your X
Regulation through the core
Clocking the dynamics of effective mass
Guiding forces
Boron sneaks polarity into polystyrene
Substantial convection and precipitation enhancements by ultrafine aerosol particles
Superhuman AI for heads-up no-limit poker: Libratus beats top professionals :: No-limit Texas hold’em is the most popular form of poker. Despite artificial intelligence (AI) successes in perfect-information games, the private information and massive game tree have made no-limit poker difficult to tackle. We present Libratus, an AI that, in a 120,000-hand competition, defeated four top human specialist professionals in heads-up no-limit Texas hold’em, the leading benchmark a
The nature of nurture: Effects of parental genotypes :: Sequence variants in the parental genomes that are not transmitted to a child (the proband) are often ignored in genetic studies. Here we show that nontransmitted alleles can affect a child through their impacts on the parents and other relatives, a phenomenon we call "genetic nurture." Using results from a meta-analysis of educational attainment, we find that the polygenic score computed for the
A platform for automated nanomole-scale reaction screening and micromole-scale synthesis in flow :: The scarcity of complex intermediates in pharmaceutical research motivates the pursuit of reaction optimization protocols on submilligram scales. We report here the development of an automated flow-based synthesis platform, designed from commercially available components, that integrates both rapid nanomole-scale reaction screening and micromole-scale synthesis into a single modular unit. This sy
Synthesis of partially and fully fused polyaromatics by annulative chlorophenylene dimerization :: Since the discovery by Ullmann and Bielecki in 1901, reductive dimerization (or homocoupling) of aryl halides has been extensively exploited for the generation of a range of biaryl-based functional molecules. In contrast to the single-point connection in these products, edge-sharing fused aromatic systems have not generally been accessible from simple aryl halides via annulation cascades. Here we
Resonantly driven CNOT gate for electron spins :: Single-qubit rotations and two-qubit CNOT operations are crucial ingredients for universal quantum computing. Although high-fidelity single-qubit operations have been achieved using the electron spin degree of freedom, realizing a robust CNOT gate has been challenging because of rapid nuclear spin dephasing and charge noise. We demonstrate an efficient resonantly driven CNOT gate for electron spi
Nanoscale chiral valley-photon interface through optical spin-orbit coupling :: The emergence of two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenide materials has sparked intense activity in valleytronics, as their valley information can be encoded and detected with the spin angular momentum of light. We demonstrate the valley-dependent directional coupling of light using a plasmonic nanowire–tungsten disulfide (WS 2 ) layers system. We show that the valley pseudospin in WS 2 co
Mechanistic origin and prediction of enhanced ductility in magnesium alloys :: Pure magnesium exhibits poor ductility owing to pyramidal dislocation transformations to immobile structures, making this lowest-density structural metal unusable for many applications where it could enhance energy efficiency. We show why magnesium can be made ductile by specific dilute solute additions, which increase the cross-slip and multiplication rates to levels much faster than the deleter
High-temperature pairing in a strongly interacting two-dimensional Fermi gas :: The nature of the normal phase of strongly correlated fermionic systems is an outstanding question in quantum many-body physics. We used spatially resolved radio-frequency spectroscopy to measure pairing energy of fermions across a wide range of temperatures and interaction strengths in a two-dimensional gas of ultracold fermionic atoms. We observed many-body pairing at temperatures far above the
The earliest modern humans outside AfricaAfrica Human FossilTo date, the earliest modern human fossils found outside of Africa are dated to around 90,000 to 120,000 years ago at the Levantine sites of Skhul and Qafzeh. A maxilla and associated dentition recently discovered at Misliya Cave, Israel, was dated to 177,000 to 194,000 years ago, suggesting that members of the Homo sapiens clade left Africa earlier than previously thought. This finding changes o
Plastic waste associated with disease on coral reefs :: Plastic waste can promote microbial colonization by pathogens implicated in outbreaks of disease in the ocean. We assessed the influence of plastic waste on disease risk in 124,000 reef-building corals from 159 reefs in the Asia-Pacific region. The likelihood of disease increases from 4% to 89% when corals are in contact with plastic. Structurally complex corals are eight times more likely to be
Learning and attention reveal a general relationship between population activity and behavior :: Prior studies have demonstrated that correlated variability changes with cognitive processes that improve perceptual performance. We tested whether correlated variability covaries with subjects’ performance—whether performance improves quickly with attention or slowly with perceptual learning. We found a single, consistent relationship between correlated variability and behavioral performance, re
Moving in the Anthropocene: Global reductions in terrestrial mammalian movements :: Animal movement is fundamental for ecosystem functioning and species survival, yet the effects of the anthropogenic footprint on animal movements have not been estimated across species. Using a unique GPS-tracking database of 803 individuals across 57 species, we found that movements of mammals in areas with a comparatively high human footprint were on average one-half to one-third the extent of
The ER membrane protein complex is a transmembrane domain insertase :: Insertion of proteins into membranes is an essential cellular process. The extensive biophysical and topological diversity of membrane proteins necessitates multiple insertion pathways that remain incompletely defined. Here we found that known membrane insertion pathways fail to effectively engage tail-anchored membrane proteins with moderately hydrophobic transmembrane domains. These proteins ar
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Cheating on my mentor
Spermidine in health and disease :: Interventions that delay aging and protect from age-associated disease are slowly approaching clinical implementation. Such interventions include caloric restriction mimetics, which are defined as agents that mimic the beneficial effects of dietary restriction while limiting its detrimental effects. One such agent, the natural polyamine spermidine, has prominent cardioprotective and neuroprotecti
Comment on "Precipitation drives global variation in natural selection" :: Siepielski et al . (Reports, 3 March 2017, p. 959) claim that "precipitation drives global variation in natural selection." This conclusion is based on a meta-analysis of the relationship between climate variables and natural selection measured in wild populations of invertebrates, plants, and vertebrates. Three aspects of this analysis cause concern: (i) lack of within-year climate variables, (i
Response to Comment on "Precipitation drives global variation in natural selection" :: The comment by Myers-Smith and Myers focuses on three main points: (i) the lack of a mechanistic explanation for climate-selection relationships, (ii) the appropriateness of the climate data used in our analysis, and (iii) our focus on estimating climate-selection relationships across (rather than within) taxonomic groups. We address these critiques in our response.
Cloned monkeys: First primate clones are created in labMonkeys Human Hua HuaTwo monkeys named Zhong Zhong and Hua Hua have become the first primates to be cloned.
The man risking his life to save pink dolphins :: Fernando Trujillo works in dangerous areas of the Amazon to save the rare species.
ISS cosmonaut does 'test flight' on a vacuum cleaner :: Russian cosmonaut Anton Shkaplerov said he had many questions from people asking if it was possible.
Antarctica's Weddell Sea 'deserves protected status' :: Scientists have called for special status to protect coral, penguins and other wildlife in Antarctica.
NTAs: David Attenborough on Blue Planet II's Impact :: Sir David Attenborough's impassioned speech at the NTAs was all about protecting "our beautiful world".
App shows water refill stations to tackle plastic waste :: Thousands of water stations are being installed to tackle plastic use – with users able to find them via an app.
Mount Mayon: Philippines volcano spews out lava :: Volcanologists say a "hazardous explosion" could be imminent, as thousands flee the area around Mount Mayon in the Philippines.
Wallaby gives police slip on Sydney Bridge :: The unusual sight of a wallaby bounding across the Sydney Harbour Bridge has surprised early-morning motorists.
Boris Johnson: Mummy is distant ancestor :: Researchers have taken two years to identify a lady who lived 230 years ago.
First monkey clones created in Chinese laboratoryHuman Monkeys Hua HuaTwo monkeys cloned using the 'Dolly the sheep' technique could bring the world a step closer to human cloning.
New Caledonian crows show how technology evolves :: Clever, tool-making crows show scientists the first foundations of technological development.
Falcon Heavy: Big SpaceX rocket lights 27 enginesFalcon Heavy SpaceXUS firm SpaceX conducts a key test ahead of the debut flight of its new rocket – the Falcon Heavy.
Hubble scores unique close-up view of distant galaxy :: The Hubble telescope has scored an unprecedented close-up view of one of the Universe's oldest galaxies.
The human-elephant conflict in India's tea state Assam :: How expanding tea plantations in India's Assam state are putting humans in conflict with elephants.
Hope for threatened 'little tiger cat' :: Habitat fragmentation is a bigger threat to Chile's wildcat than human persecution, say conservationists.
Nasa removes US astronaut from ISS mission :: Jeanette Epps would have been the first African-American astronaut on the space station crew.
Why you can't judge a zebra by its stripes :: Looking at a zebra's stripes may not be a good way to tell different types apart, say scientists.
How to escape from a lion or cheetah – the science :: Scientists work out how prey can escape much faster predators when hunting in the African savannah.
Antarctica's Weddell Sea 'deserves protected status' :: Scientists dive into Antarctic waters to build the case for a vast new marine protected area.
'Disco ball' put into space from NZ :: US start-up Rocket Lab says its recent launch put a reflective sphere in orbit.
Most UK bat species 'recovering or stable' :: Volunteer data on the country's 18 resident bat species suggests a positive outlook for the animals.
Modern humans left Africa much earlierAfrica Human FossilResearchers identify the remains of the earliest known modern humans to have left Africa.
Scapa Flow microplastics levels 'similar to Forth and Clyde' :: Researchers at Heriot-Watt University took more than 100 sediment samples from 13 Orkney beaches.
Sound waves 'can help' early tsunami detection :: People in high-risk tsunami areas could be helped by an alarm system devised by Cardiff scientists.
Boris Johnson 'is descendant' of mummified Basel woman :: A Swiss woman who died in 1787 after contracting syphilis is identified as an ancestor of the politician.
Jordan urged to end animal mistreatment at Petra site :: Donkeys, horses and camels are beaten and forced to carry tourists in extreme heat, a group says.
Donald Trump's 'hatred of sharks' benefits conservation charities :: Shark conservationists see donations rise after claims the US president hates the animals.
Drug trio aims at two cell types in pancreatic cancer :: A three-drug combination can simultaneously target pancreatic cancer cells, as well as the other harmful, inflammatory cells within tumors, according to new research. “People with pancreatic cancer don’t have 10 years to wait for the next new drug…” The research may define a more personalized approach to treating pancreatic cancer. Ultimately, physicians could use information from the pancreas tu
Aerosols don’t all affect weather the same way :: Different kinds of aerosols released into the atmosphere can affect cloud formations and influence weather patterns, report researchers. The team found that not all aerosols act alike and different types produce variances in cloud formation, strength, and duration. “Aerosols indirectly affect cloud development. Since they serve as the basis of cloud droplet formation, they can influence cloud dro
Tools that test for life in Arctic could work on Mars :: Existing miniature low-cost, low-weight instruments could detect and analyze micro-organisms in extreme environments like those on Mars and other places in the solar system, research in the Canadian high Arctic shows. By avoiding delays that come with having to return samples to a laboratory for analysis, the methodology could also detect and identify pathogens on Earth during epidemics in remote
‘Feedback loop’ with mom turns baby babble into language :: Babies organize mothers’ verbal responses, which promotes more effective language instruction, and infant babbling is the key, new research shows. It’s long been known that babies modify their sounds to become more speech-like in response to feedback from their caregivers, and that they learn things have names because caregivers name objects. But how do specific types of babbling elicit particula
Babies do stuff in bursts but actually learn over time :: While babies often amaze their parents when they seemingly learn new skills overnight—how to walk, for example—but new research suggests that their brains were probably prepping for those tasks long before those first steps occurred. “…it looks like (kids) learn all these words overnight, but they’ve been listening and thinking and processing for a long time.” Researchers used new statistical ana
Babies know that other languages are for communicating :: Infants recognize that speech in a language not their own is used for communication, a new study indicates. The results offer new insights into how language is processed at a young age. “By their first birthday, babies understand that foreign languages can communicate information between people, even though the babies themselves don’t understand the foreign language,” explains Athena Vouloumanos,
Longer lives for obese patients after bariatric surgery :: In a new study, obese, middle aged men and women who had bariatric surgery had half the death rate of patients who had traditional kinds of treatment over a 10-year period. “We showed that a long-term effect of bariatric surgery is a longer life for obese patients,” says coauthor Philip Greenland, professor of preventive medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. “They had h
Varied diets mean more new kinds of bats :: Omnivorous New World noctilionoid bats, whose diets include both plant and animal materials, produce more generations in the long run than specialized vegetarian or insectivorous species, a new study indicates. Past research has shown that when species evolve from being a predator or insectivore to being a vegetarian, the rate at which new species arise increases. Study coauthor Liliana Dávalos,
Too much noise really stresses birds out :: Birds exposed to noise pollution created by natural gas compressors show symptoms similar to those humans exhibit when suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, researchers report. In a new study, researchers found that adults and nestlings of three species showed multiple signs of chronic stress caused by noise pollution, including skewed stress hormone levels, possibly due to increased anx
Blood test screens for 8 common kinds of cancer :: Researchers have developed a single blood test that screens for eight common cancer types and helps identify the location of the cancer. The test, called CancerSEEK, is a unique noninvasive, multianalyte test that simultaneously evaluates levels of eight cancer proteins and the presence of cancer gene mutations from circulating DNA in the blood. The test is aimed at screening for eight common can
Map reveals paths to and from brain’s ‘sadness center’ :: A new, finely detailed map depicts the neural pathways leading to and from the “sadness center” of the brains of nonhuman primates. In the early 1900s, German neurologist Korbinian Brodmann began to study the architecture of the human brain. He divvied up the cerebral cortex—the outer, convoluted brain region that plays a key role in higher functions like memory, attention, and consciousness—into
Neural ‘tug-of-war’ may explain Fragile X learning issues :: Mice with the genetic defect that causes Fragile X syndrome (FXS) learn and remember normally, but show an inability to learn new information that contradicts what they initially learned, a new study shows. FXS is the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability and autism. “These findings suggest that neural circuits in FXS may be fundamentally intact but improperly tuned, which results
Tiny dino may have used rainbow feathers to wow mates :: A newly-discovered bird-like dinosaur fossil from China offers evidence that could add a new accessory to the list of amazing dinosaur adornments: a shaggy ruff of bright rainbow feathers. Researchers dubbed the fossil Caihong juji —a name that means “rainbow with the big crest” in Mandarin—and think the dino used its flashy neck feathers and a bony crest on its snout to attract mates. “Iridescen
New cellulose could cut fuel costs and treat infections :: Researchers have discovered a new type of cellulose in bacteria that has properties that could make it an improvement over traditional cellulose for fuels and other materials, or for better understanding and treating bacterial infections. Produced by plants, algae, and some bacteria, cellulose is an abundant molecule involved in the production of hundreds of products, from paper to fabrics to ren
Light-bending gel makes holograms much cheaper :: Inexpensive nanoparticles in a gel can replace traditional materials used to create holograms at a much lower cost, researchers report. Holograms can be created by using magnetic fields to alter the path of light, but the materials that can do that are expensive, brittle, and opaque. Some only work in temperatures as cold as the vacuum of space. The new approach, which works at room temperature,
Hungry? You could eat (and digest) an insect :: Almost all primates today, including people, can still eat and digest insects, the food choice for our early primate ancestors, thanks to an enzyme that can break down insect exoskeletons, a new study indicates. Insects are part of the traditional diet of 2 billion people around the world, but some people can’t imagine letting a cricket, grasshopper, or beetle get anywhere near their dinner table
People report the most stress about this climate worry :: While some people have little anxiety about the Earth’s changing climate, others are experiencing high levels of stress, and even depression, based on their perception of the threat of global climate change, according to new research. “People who worry about animals and nature tend to have a more planetary outlook and think of bigger picture issues…” Significant research has explored the environm
There’s finally an option for soothing some colicky babies :: The probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri may help treat colicky breastfed babies less than 3 months old, report researchers. An international study has found that a specific probiotic group is twice as likely as a placebo to reduce crying by 50 percent after three weeks of treatment for colicky babies who are exclusively breastfed. While we don’t know what causes colic, we do know it can be hard to ha
We say these relationships are our most difficult :: Participants surveyed for a new study were more apt to report that the most difficult people in their lives were female family members such as wives, mothers, and sisters, researchers report. “With female relatives, it can be a two-sided thing. They may be the people you most depend on, but also the people who nag you the most.” Close female kin may be disproportionately named as difficult becaus
DNA is key ingredient in color-changing metamaterial :: Researchers have developed a technique for creating new kinds of optical materials and devices that could lead to light-bending and cloaking devices. “Chemists and physicists will be able to build an almost infinite number of new structures with all sorts of interesting properties…” Using DNA as a key tool, the team took gold nanoparticles of different sizes and shapes and arranged them in two an
Hydrogels for future drug delivery use Boolean logic :: Scientists have long sought specificity in drug delivery systems: A package that can encase a therapeutic and will not disgorge its toxic cargo until it reaches the site of treatment—be it a tumor, a diseased organ, or a site of infection. Researchers have now built and tested a new biomaterial-based delivery system—known as a hydrogel—that will encase a desired cargo and dissolve to release its
Energy-efficient LEDs are just a few atoms thick :: Scientists have developed energy efficient, ultra-thin light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for next-generation communication technologies. Light sources that reliably convert electrical to optical signals are of fundamental importance to information processing technologies. Energy-efficient and high-speed LEDs that can be integrated onto a microchip and transmit information are one of the key elements i
Our eardrums move in sync with our eyes :: Simply moving our eyes triggers our eardrums to move too, a new study suggests. Researchers discovered that keeping the head still but shifting the eyes to one side or the other sparks vibrations in the eardrums, even in the absence of any sound. Surprisingly, these eardrum vibrations start slightly before the eyes move, indicating that motion in the ears and the eyes are controlled by the same m
New strategy for finding alien life goes beyond oxygen :: Researchers have found a new recipe for providing evidence that a distant planet harbors life, one that might be more promising than just looking for oxygen. “…our suggestion is doable, and may lead to the historic discovery of an extraterrestrial biosphere in the not-too-distant future…” “This idea of looking for atmospheric oxygen as a biosignature has been around for a long time. And it’s a go
Head injury, not concussion, may cause CTE :: Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) results from head injuries, not concussions, new research suggests. The research explains why 20 percent of athletes who exhibited the early stages of the progressive brain illness postmortem never had a diagnosed concussion. “It’s the hits to the head, not concussion, that trigger CTE,” says study coauthor Lee Goldstein, an associate professor of psychiatry
Faster, more accurate HIV test just needs spit :: A new HIV test combines the convenience of spitting in a cup with the reliability of blood tests, researchers report. “The earlier you can detect, the better, because people can infect other people.” Currently, public health officials have a tough choice to make when it comes to screening people for HIV: administer a reliable blood test that can detect infections early on, but that few people wil
Bigger honey bee colonies create less buzz :: When honey bee colonies get larger, common sense suggests it would be noisier with more bees buzzing around. But a new study reports that bigger honey bee colonies actually have quieter combs than smaller ones. “The surprising result was that—and at first I thought something must be wrong—when there are more bees on the comb, the vibrations are actually reduced,” says Michael Smith, a doctoral st
Juvenile justice system may miss mental health issues :: A tool used by many jurisdictions within the juvenile justice system to help recognize and assess the effects of adversity and trauma in children’s lives may not be the best way to evaluate mental health issues faced by at-risk youth, a new study indicates. “While the adverse childhood experience tool has done wonderful things… there is still room for improvement…” The research, which lead author
What does the law say about homeschooling? :: Last week, law enforcement officials in Riverside County, California discovered 13 siblings, malnourished and allegedly held captive, living in squalid circumstances in their parents’ home. The father had registered his home as a school and the children were reportedly homeschooled. “…many states do not require any assessments or have any means of ensuring that children are taught the required co
Will state or federal pot laws come out on top? :: The doors to recreational pot dispensaries opened in California this month, bringing the number of states that have legalized recreational use of the drug to eight. More than 30 states allow for medical marijuana use. But in early January, US Attorney General Jeff Sessions rescinded an Obama-era policy that, in effect, allowed state laws regarding marijuana use, for medical and commercial, to tru
Future astronauts could get water from ice on Mars :: Researchers have found eight sites where thick deposits of ice beneath the surface of Mars are exposed in faces of eroding slopes. These eight scarps, with slopes as steep as 55 degrees, reveal new information about the internal layered structure of previously detected underground ice sheets in Mars’ middle latitudes. The researchers located and studied the scarp sites with the HiRISE, or High Re
Math model simulates growing melanoma :: Cancer cells’ ability to tolerate crowded conditions may be key to understanding how tumors form and grow, applying a mathematical model to cancer cell growth reveals. The model can replicate patterns of melanoma cell growth seen in laboratory experiments by controlling the “exclusion area”—the amount of space required—around two types of simulated cells as they grow and spread. “When our collabo
Submit your pics for ‘forever’ storage in DNA :: Researchers are looking to collect 10,000 original images from around the world to preserve them indefinitely in synthetic DNA, which holds promise as a revolutionary storage medium that lasts much longer and is many orders of magnitude denser than current technologies. What would you pick? A picture of your family, an endangered landscape, a page of poetry, or a snapshot that sends a message to
Most ancient methane doesn’t escape Arctic Ocean depths :: New research pinpoints a source of methane in the Arctic Ocean—and finds that ancient methane trapped deep below the surface isn’t escaping into the atmosphere. “…we found that this ancient methane signal largely disappears and is replaced by a different methane source the closer you get to the surface waters.” Ocean sediments are a massive storehouse for the potent greenhouse gas methane. Trappe
Buckyballs give huge boost to see-through solar cells :: Researchers have found a way to get electrons to travel much farther than was previously thought possible in materials for organic solar cells. This advance could make these solar cells much more useful than inorganic alternatives. “For years, people had treated the poor conductivity of organics as an unavoidable fact, and this shows that that’s not always the case,” says research leader Stephen
Planets don’t get bigger than this :: Planets can be no bigger than about 10 times the mass of Jupiter, a new paper concludes. “While we think we know how planets form in a big-picture sense, there’s still a lot of detail we need to fill in…” Of course, that’s pretty massive. Jupiter carries almost 318 times the mass of Earth, making the most massive planets possible the equivalent of nearly 3,200 Earths. Most of the public controver
‘Legos of life’ stack together to build proteins :: After smashing and dissecting nearly 10,000 proteins to understand their component parts, scientists have discovered the “Legos of life”—four core chemical structures that can be stacked together to build the myriad proteins inside every organism. The four building blocks make energy available for humans and all other living organisms, according to a new study describing the discovery, which appe
Dirt from ocean floor could boost quake prediction :: Ocean floor sediment could offer a way to better predict future undersea earthquakes, new research suggests. Geologist Michael Strasser, who until 2015 was an assistant professor for sediment dynamics at ETH Zurich and is now a professor at the University of Innsbruck, traveled with colleagues to Japan to study dynamic sediment remobilization processes triggered by seismic activity. At a depth of
This enzyme squashes inflammation in ‘white’ fat :: New research suggests that an enzyme called SNRK suppresses inflammation in obesity-related “white fat” while increasing metabolism in heat-producing “brown fat.” The human body has two primary kinds of fat—white fat, which stores excess calories and is associated with obesity, and brown fat, which burns calories in order to produce heat and has garnered interest as a potential means of combating
How your classmates’ DNA could affect your education :: Our classmates’ DNA may play a role in how far we go in school, a new paper suggests. “We examined whether the genes of your peer groups influenced your height, weight, or educational attainment. We didn’t find a correlation to height or weight, but did find a small one with how far you go in school,” says Ben Domingue, assistant professor at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Education and
Once we geoengineer the climate, we can’t stop abruptly :: In the future, should we try to fight climate change by spraying sulfur dioxide into the upper atmosphere to form a cloud that cools the Earth (a process called geoengineering), ending that plan abruptly could have severe, planet-wide effects on animals and plants, researchers argue in a new paper. “Imagine large droughts or floods around the world that could be blamed on geoengineering, and dema
Beads from sub-Saharan Africa upend history of glassmaking :: Direct evidence that people produced glass in sub-Saharan Africa centuries before the arrival of Europeans represents a “new chapter in the history of glass technology,” report researchers. Lead author Abidemi Babatunde Babalola, a recent graduate of Rice University with a PhD in anthropology and a visiting fellow at Harvard University, came across evidence of early glassmaking during archaeologi
How subpoenas work in the Russia investigation :: Investigations by Congress and special counsel Robert Mueller looking into whether the Russian government interfered with the 2016 US presidential election took a dramatic turn last week when Steve Bannon, former chief strategist to President Trump, refused to comply with a subpoena from the US House Intelligence Committee to answer questions about his time in the White House. Here, David Sklansk
Synthetic neurons may reveal clues to herpes infection :: Researchers have optimized a new method to create synthetic neurons, neuron-like cells created from a readily available cell line. They also used these cells to investigate a core enzyme involved in the synthesis of purines—a component of DNA that is involved in many other cellular and metabolic processes—and how the enzyme might change during infection by herpes simplex virus. An early version o
Light controls variants of active ingredient in cannabis :: Chemists have synthesized several variants of THC, the active ingredient in cannabis. The ability to alter its structure with light has led to a new tool for more effectively studying the body’s own cannabinoid system. When many people hear the abbreviation THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), they immediately think of smoking marijuana and intoxication. But the substance is also of interest to medicine—w
Tidal cycles may warn us about volcanoes ready to erupt :: Signals associated with tidal cycles could potentially provide advanced warning of certain types of volcanic eruptions. “…tides could provide a probe for telling us whether or not a volcano has entered a critical state…” A new study shows that just before a surprise eruption of New Zealand’s Ruapehu volcano in 2007, seismic tremors near its crater became tightly correlated with twice-monthly chan
Chameleon-like material could unleash more powerful computers :: Researchers have made advances in understanding a material that could be key to the next generation of computers, more powerful than today’s silicon-based machines. “…if you think about those two phases as being analogous to a zero and a one, you can come up with some interesting new ways of information processing.” The existing paradigm of silicon-based computing has given us a range of amazing
In This Issue [This Week in PNAS] :: Perineuronal nets and recall of distant fear memories PNN (green) around a parvalbumin-expressing inhibitory neuron (red) in rat V2L. Perineuronal nets (PNN) are gauzy, carbohydrate-rich structures that envelop subsets of neurons in the central nervous system, forming a long-lived extracellular matrix that stabilizes synaptic connections between neurons. PNNs are thought…
Opinion: Measuring how countries adapt to societal aging [Social Sciences] :: Across the developed world, large increases in life expectancy over the past century, often coupled with decreasing fertility rates, have created older, top-heavy societies. The United Nations projects that by 2050 the world population of “oldest-old” aged 80 years and above will triple to 434 million (1). In the United…
Profile of David M. Sabatini [Profile] :: As a young doctoral candidate at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, David M. Sabatini was allowed to choose his own research project for his thesis. He chose to investigate the molecular mechanism of rapamycin, a compound with antifungal, antitumor, and immunosuppressant properties. The decision was pivotal, because Sabatini…
Profile of Joachim Frank, Richard Henderson, and Jacques Dubochet, 2017 Nobel Laureates in Chemistry [Profile] :: In 2017, the Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to three key pioneers in the birth and development of cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM): Jacques Dubochet, Joachim Frank, and Richard Henderson. As a starting graduate student in England, moving from physics to biology and the study of macromolecular structure, I had the…
Microbial proteins for organic material degradation in the deep ocean [Ecology] :: Organic material is synthesized in the sunlit surface layer of the oceans and that is where most of it is decomposed back to carbon dioxide and other inorganic constituents. However, a small fraction escapes immediate degradation and makes its way into deeper waters, some as far as the bottom thousands…
Endless skulls most beautiful [Evolution] :: The amazing disparity of living birds is self-apparent, yet immensely challenging to fully quantify. After all, birds are represented by nearly 11,000 living species, comprising a mind-boggling spectrum of shapes, sizes, and colors (1). This incredible variability manifests in an incalculable number of ways (from habitat type to diet to…
Searching for the neural causes of criminal behavior [Neuroscience] :: All behavior is proximally caused by the brain, but the neural causes of most complex behaviors are still not understood. Much of our ignorance stems from the fact that complex behavior depends on distributed neural control. Unlike a reflex, where the arc from sensation to action can be traced through…
Hypoxia-induced transcription factor signaling is essential for larval growth of the mosquito Aedes aegypti [Developmental Biology] :: Gut microbes positively affect the physiology of many animals, but the molecular mechanisms underlying these benefits remain poorly understood. We recently reported that bacteria-induced gut hypoxia functions as a signal for growth and molting of the mosquito Aedes aegypti. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that transduction of a…
Graphene-based bimorphs for micron-sized, autonomous origami machines [Applied Physical Sciences] :: Origami-inspired fabrication presents an attractive platform for miniaturizing machines: thinner layers of folding material lead to smaller devices, provided that key functional aspects, such as conductivity, stiffness, and flexibility, are persevered. Here, we show origami fabrication at its ultimate limit by using 2D atomic membranes as a folding material. As…
Evolution of real contact area under shear and the value of static friction of soft materials [Applied Physical Sciences] :: The frictional properties of a rough contact interface are controlled by its area of real contact, the dynamical variations of which underlie our modern understanding of the ubiquitous rate-and-state friction law. In particular, the real contact area is proportional to the normal load, slowly increases at rest through aging, and…
Silk-based multilayered angle-ply annulus fibrosus construct to recapitulate form and function of the intervertebral disc [Medical Sciences] :: Recapitulation of the form and function of complex tissue organization using appropriate biomaterials impacts success in tissue engineering endeavors. The annulus fibrosus (AF) represents a complex, multilamellar, hierarchical structure consisting of collagen, proteoglycans, and elastic fibers. To mimic the intricacy of AF anatomy, a silk protein-based multilayered, disc-like angle-ply construct..
Unraveling submicron-scale mechanical heterogeneity by three-dimensional X-ray microdiffraction [Engineering] :: Shear banding is a ubiquitous phenomenon of severe plastic deformation, and damage accumulation in shear bands often results in the catastrophic failure of a material. Despite extensive studies, the microscopic mechanisms of strain localization and deformation damage in shear bands remain elusive due to their spatial−temporal complexities embedded in bulk…
Localizing softness and stress along loops in 3D topological metamaterials [Physics] :: Topological states can be used to control the mechanical properties of a material along an edge or around a localized defect. The rigidity of elastic networks is characterized by a topological invariant called the polarization; materials with a well-defined uniform polarization display a dramatic range of edge softness depending on…
When linearity prevails over hierarchy in syntax [Psychological and Cognitive Sciences] :: Hierarchical structure has been cherished as a grammatical universal. We use experimental methods to show where linear order is also a relevant syntactic relation. An identical methodology and design were used across six research sites on South Slavic languages. Experimental results show that in certain configurations, grammatical production can in…
Novel concept of the smart NIR-light-controlled drug release of black phosphorus nanostructure for cancer therapy [Applied Biological Sciences] :: A biodegradable drug delivery system (DDS) is one the most promising therapeutic strategies for cancer therapy. Here, we propose a unique concept of light activation of black phosphorus (BP) at hydrogel nanostructures for cancer therapy. A photosensitizer converts light into heat that softens and melts drug-loaded hydrogel-based nanostructures. Drug release…
Structure of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase cleaving RNA in an RNA/DNA hybrid [Biochemistry] :: HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) contains both DNA polymerase and RNase H activities to convert the viral genomic RNA to dsDNA in infected host cells. Here we report the 2.65-Å resolution structure of HIV-1 RT engaging in cleaving RNA in an RNA/DNA hybrid. A preferred substrate sequence is absolutely required to…
Slow domain reconfiguration causes power-law kinetics in a two-state enzyme [Biophysics and Computational Biology] :: Protein dynamics are typically captured well by rate equations that predict exponential decays for two-state reactions. Here, we describe a remarkable exception. The electron-transfer enzyme quiescin sulfhydryl oxidase (QSOX), a natural fusion of two functionally distinct domains, switches between open- and closed-domain arrangements with apparent power-law kinetics. Using single-molecule FRET…
Folding of maltose binding protein outside of and in GroEL [Biophysics and Computational Biology] :: We used hydrogen exchange–mass spectrometry (HX MS) and fluorescence to compare the folding of maltose binding protein (MBP) in free solution and in the GroEL/ES cavity. Upon refolding, MBP initially collapses into a dynamic molten globule-like ensemble, then forms an obligatory on-pathway native-like folding intermediate (1.2 seconds) that brings together…
Identification of a ubiquitin-binding interface using Rosetta and DEER [Biophysics and Computational Biology] :: ExoU is a type III-secreted cytotoxin expressing A2 phospholipase activity when injected into eukaryotic target cells by the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The enzymatic activity of ExoU is undetectable in vitro unless ubiquitin, a required cofactor, is added to the reaction. The role of ubiquitin in facilitating ExoU enzymatic activity is…
CDC42 binds PAK4 via an extended GTPase-effector interface [Biophysics and Computational Biology] :: The p21-activated kinase (PAK) group of serine/threonine kinases are downstream effectors of RHO GTPases and play important roles in regulation of the actin cytoskeleton, cell growth, survival, polarity, and development. Here we probe the interaction of the type II PAK, PAK4, with RHO GTPases. Using solution scattering we find that…
Cargo navigation across 3D microtubule intersections [Biophysics and Computational Biology] :: The eukaryotic cell’s microtubule cytoskeleton is a complex 3D filament network. Microtubules cross at a wide variety of separation distances and angles. Prior studies in vivo and in vitro suggest that cargo transport is affected by intersection geometry. However, geometric complexity is not yet widely appreciated as a regulatory factor…
Aridity weakens population-level effects of multiple species interactions on Hibiscus meyeri [Ecology] :: Predicting how species’ abundances and ranges will shift in response to climate change requires a mechanistic understanding of how multiple factors interact to limit population growth. Both abiotic stress and species interactions can limit populations and potentially set range boundaries, but we have a poor understanding of when and where…
High fire-derived nitrogen deposition on central African forests [Environmental Sciences] :: Atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition is an important determinant of N availability for natural ecosystems worldwide. Increased anthropogenic N deposition shifts the stoichiometric equilibrium of ecosystems, with direct and indirect impacts on ecosystem functioning and biogeochemical cycles. Current simulation data suggest that remote tropical forests still receive low atmospheric N deposition…
Developmental origins of mosaic evolution in the avian cranium [Evolution] :: Mosaic evolution, which results from multiple influences shaping morphological traits and can lead to the presence of a mixture of ancestral and derived characteristics, has been frequently invoked in describing evolutionary patterns in birds. Mosaicism implies the hierarchical organization of organismal traits into semiautonomous subsets, or modules, which reflect differential…
Noncanonical agonist PPAR{gamma} ligands modulate the response to DNA damage and sensitize cancer cells to cytotoxic chemotherapy [Medical Sciences] :: The peroxisome-proliferator receptor-γ (PPARγ) is expressed in multiple cancer types. Recently, our group has shown that PPARγ is phosphorylated on serine 273 (S273), which selectively modulates the transcriptional program controlled by this protein. PPARγ ligands, including thiazolidinediones (TZDs), block S273 phosphorylation. This activity is chemically separable from the canonical activation..
Cross-genus rebooting of custom-made, synthetic bacteriophage genomes in L-form bacteria [Microbiology] :: Engineered bacteriophages provide powerful tools for biotechnology, diagnostics, pathogen control, and therapy. However, current techniques for phage editing are experimentally challenging and limited to few phages and host organisms. Viruses that target Gram-positive bacteria are particularly difficult to modify. Here, we present a platform technology that enables rapid, accurate, and…
Motion parallax in electric sensing [Biophysics and Computational Biology] :: A crucial step in forming spatial representations of the environment involves the estimation of relative distance. Active sampling through specific movements is considered essential for optimizing the sensory flow that enables the extraction of distance cues. However, in electric sensing, direct evidence for the generation and exploitation of sensory flow…
The prodrug of 7,8-dihydroxyflavone development and therapeutic efficacy for treating Alzheimer’s disease [Chemistry] :: The BDNF mimetic compound 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF), a potent small molecular TrkB agonist, displays prominent therapeutic efficacy against Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, 7,8-DHF has only modest oral bioavailability and a moderate pharmacokinetic (PK) profile. To alleviate these preclinical obstacles, we used a prodrug strategy for elevating 7,8-DHF oral bioavailability and brain…
Conserved features of the primate face code [Neuroscience] :: A recent paper demonstrated that the pattern of firing rates across ∼100 neurons in the anterior medial face patch is closely related to which human face (of 2,000) had been presented to a monkey [Chang L, Tsao DY (2017) Cell 169:1013–1028]. In addition, the firing rates for these neurons can…
Somatostatin and parvalbumin inhibitory synapses onto hippocampal pyramidal neurons are regulated by distinct mechanisms [Neuroscience] :: Excitation–inhibition balance is critical for optimal brain function, yet the mechanisms underlying the tuning of inhibition from different populations of inhibitory neurons are unclear. Here, we found evidence for two distinct pathways through which excitatory neurons cell-autonomously modulate inhibitory synapses. Synapses from parvalbumin-expressing interneurons onto hippocampal pyramidal neuro
Detection of synchronous brain activity in white matter tracts at rest and under functional loading [Neuroscience] :: Functional MRI based on blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) contrast is well established as a neuroimaging technique for detecting neural activity in the cortex of the human brain. While detection and characterization of BOLD signals, as well as their electrophysiological and hemodynamic/metabolic origins, have been extensively studied in gray matter (GM),…
Lesion network localization of criminal behavior [Neuroscience] :: Following brain lesions, previously normal patients sometimes exhibit criminal behavior. Although rare, these cases can lend unique insight into the neurobiological substrate of criminality. Here we present a systematic mapping of lesions with known temporal association to criminal behavior, identifying 17 lesion cases. The lesion sites were spatially heterogeneous, including…
Removal of perineuronal nets disrupts recall of a remote fear memory [Neuroscience] :: Throughout life animals learn to recognize cues that signal danger and instantaneously initiate an adequate threat response. Memories of such associations may last a lifetime and far outlast the intracellular molecules currently found to be important for memory processing. The memory engram may be supported by other more stable molecular…
Estrogen-dependent epigenetic regulation of soluble epoxide hydrolase via DNA methylation [Physiology] :: To elucidate molecular mechanisms responsible for the sexually dimorphic phenotype of soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) expression, we tested the hypothesis that female-specific down-regulation of sEH expression is driven by estrogen-dependent methylation of the Ephx2 gene. Mesenteric arteries isolated from male, female, ovariectomized female (OV), and OV with estrogen replacement (OVE)…
Engineering posttranslational proofreading to discriminate nonstandard amino acids [Systems Biology] :: Incorporation of nonstandard amino acids (nsAAs) leads to chemical diversification of proteins, which is an important tool for the investigation and engineering of biological processes. However, the aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases crucial for this process are polyspecific in regard to nsAAs and standard amino acids. Here, we develop a quality control system…
Action of steroids and plant triterpenoids on CatSper Ca2+ channels in human sperm [Biological Sciences] :: The sperm-specific Ca2+ channel CatSper (cation channel of sperm) controls the intracellular Ca2+ concentration and, thereby, the swimming behavior of sperm. Human CatSper is activated by progesterone (1, 2), an oviductal hormone, which stimulates Ca2+ influx and motility responses. By patch-clamp recording from human sperm, Mannowetz et al. (3) studied…
Reply to Brenker et al.: The plant triterpenoid pristimerin inhibits calcium influx into human spermatozoa via CatSper [Biological Sciences] :: In the letter by Brenker et al. (1), the authors assessed actions of various steroids toward the human calcium channel of sperm (CatSper). The experiments, carried out with calcium imaging, are minimally supplemented by electrophysiology. The authors show that all tested steroids activate CatSper with different efficiencies. However, the plant…
Considering hypertonicity in the interpretation and analysis of cell type-specific gene expression pattern in the collecting duct [Biological Sciences] :: The different parts of the renal nephron have different functions that are related to reabsorption or secretion processes. This is mediated by genes that show a distinct expression pattern along the renal nephron segments (1). The majority of the segments contain only one epithelial cell type. However, the collecting duct…
Reply to Edemir: Physiological regulation and single-cell RNA sequencing [Biological Sciences] :: Tacitly, Edemir (1) points to an important issue in the interpretation of data from single-cell RNA-sequencing experiments. Any given cell can exist in a variety of regulatory states that are affected both by extracellular signals and the prior history of the cell. Consequently, data from single-cell RNA sequencing, such as…
Dynamics and mechanisms of intracellular calcium waves elicited by tandem bubble-induced jetting flow [Engineering] :: One of the earliest events in cellular mechanotransduction is often an increase in intracellular calcium concentration associated with intracellular calcium waves (ICWs) in various physiologic or pathophysiologic processes. Although cavitation-induced calcium responses are believed to be important for modulating downstream bioeffects such as cell injury and mechanotransduction in ultrasound therap
Creation of disease-inspired biomaterial environments to mimic pathological events in early calcific aortic valve disease [Engineering] :: An insufficient understanding of calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) pathogenesis remains a major obstacle in developing treatment strategies for this disease. The aim of the present study was to create engineered environments that mimic the earliest known features of CAVD and apply this in vitro platform to decipher relationships relevant…
Migration-based selections of antibodies that convert bone marrow into trafficking microglia-like cells that reduce brain amyloid {beta} [Applied Biological Sciences] :: One goal of regenerative medicine is to repair damaged tissue. This requires not only generating new cells of the proper phenotype, but also selecting for those that properly integrate into sites of injury. In our laboratory we are using a cell-migration–based in vivo selection system to generate antibodies that induce…
Atomic mutagenesis of stop codon nucleotides reveals the chemical prerequisites for release factor-mediated peptide release [Biochemistry] :: Termination of protein synthesis is triggered by the recognition of a stop codon at the ribosomal A site and is mediated by class I release factors (RFs). Whereas in bacteria, RF1 and RF2 promote termination at UAA/UAG and UAA/UGA stop codons, respectively, eukaryotes only depend on one RF (eRF1) to…
Computational modeling of three-dimensional ECM-rigidity sensing to guide directed cell migration [Biophysics and Computational Biology] :: Filopodia have a key role in sensing both chemical and mechanical cues in surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM). However, quantitative understanding is still missing in the filopodial mechanosensing of local ECM stiffness, resulting from dynamic interactions between filopodia and the surrounding 3D ECM fibers. Here we present a method for characterizing…
Organic matter processing by microbial communities throughout the Atlantic water column as revealed by metaproteomics [Ecology] :: The phylogenetic composition of the heterotrophic microbial community is depth stratified in the oceanic water column down to abyssopelagic layers. In the layers below the euphotic zone, it has been suggested that heterotrophic microbes rely largely on solubilized particulate organic matter as a carbon and energy source rather than on…
Pairwise comparisons across species are problematic when analyzing functional genomic data [Evolution] :: There is considerable interest in comparing functional genomic data across species. One goal of such work is to provide an integrated understanding of genome and phenotype evolution. Most comparative functional genomic studies have relied on multiple pairwise comparisons between species, an approach that does not incorporate information about the evolutionary…
Induced GnasR201H expression from the endogenous Gnas locus causes fibrous dysplasia by up-regulating Wnt/{beta}-catenin signaling [Genetics] :: Fibrous dysplasia (FD; Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man no. 174800) is a crippling skeletal disease caused by activating mutations of the GNAS gene, which encodes the stimulatory G protein Gαs. FD can lead to severe adverse conditions such as bone deformity, fracture, and severe pain, leading to functional impairment and…
Expression of an active G{alpha}s mutant in skeletal stem cells is sufficient and necessary for fibrous dysplasia initiation and maintenance [Genetics] :: Fibrous dysplasia (FD) is a disease caused by postzygotic activating mutations of GNAS (R201C and R201H) that encode the α-subunit of the Gs stimulatory protein. FD is characterized by the development of areas of abnormal fibroosseous tissue in the bones, resulting in skeletal deformities, fractures, and pain. Despite the well-defined…
Antagonistic regulation of trafficking to Caenorhabditis elegans sensory cilia by a Retinal Degeneration 3 homolog and retromer [Genetics] :: Sensory neurons often possess cilia with elaborate membrane structures that are adapted to the sensory modality of the host cell. Mechanisms that target sensory transduction proteins to these specialized membrane domains remain poorly understood. Here, we show that a homolog of the human retinal dystrophy gene Retinal Degeneration 3 (RD3)…
Cyclic AMP-dependent plasticity underlies rapid changes in odor coding associated with reward learning [Genetics] :: Learning and memory rely on dopamine and downstream cAMP-dependent plasticity across diverse organisms. Despite the central role of cAMP signaling, it is not known how cAMP-dependent plasticity drives coherent changes in neuronal physiology that encode the memory trace, or engram. In Drosophila, the mushroom body (MB) is critically involved in…
SRC1 promotes Th17 differentiation by overriding Foxp3 suppression to stimulate ROR{gamma}t activity in a PKC-{theta}-dependent manner [Immunology and Inflammation] :: Th17 cells are major players in multiple autoimmune diseases and are developmentally contingent on reciprocal functionality between the transcription factor Retineic acid receptor-related orphan nuclear receptor gamma (RORγt) and Forkhead box protein P3 (Foxp3). Here we deciphered a previously unappreciated role of Steroid receptor coactivator 1 (SRC1) in defining the…
Affinity purification mass spectrometry analysis of PD-1 uncovers SAP as a new checkpoint inhibitor [Immunology and Inflammation] :: Programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) is an essential inhibitory receptor in T cells. Antibodies targeting PD-1 elicit durable clinical responses in patients with multiple tumor indications. Nevertheless, a significant proportion of patients do not respond to anti–PD-1 treatment, and a better understanding of the signaling pathways downstream of PD-1 could provide…
Lymphocytes eject interferogenic mitochondrial DNA webs in response to CpG and non-CpG oligodeoxynucleotides of class C [Immunology and Inflammation] :: Circulating mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is receiving increasing attention as a danger-associated molecular pattern in conditions such as autoimmunity, cancer, and trauma. We report here that human lymphocytes [B cells, T cells, natural killer (NK) cells], monocytes, and neutrophils derived from healthy blood donors, as well as B cells from chronic…
Distinctive roles of age, sex, and genetics in shaping transcriptional variation of human immune responses to microbial challenges [Immunology and Inflammation] :: The contribution of host genetic and nongenetic factors to immunological differences in humans remains largely undefined. Here, we generated bacterial-, fungal-, and viral-induced immune transcriptional profiles in an age- and sex-balanced cohort of 1,000 healthy individuals and searched for the determinants of immune response variation. We found that age and…
Gene regulation and suppression of type I interferon signaling by STAT3 in diffuse large B cell lymphoma [Medical Sciences] :: STAT3 is constitutively activated in many cancers and regulates gene expression to promote cancer cell survival, proliferation, invasion, and migration. In diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), activation of STAT3 and its kinase JAK1 is caused by autocrine production of IL-6 and IL-10 in the activated B cell–like subtype (ABC)….
Viral discovery and diversity in trypanosomatid protozoa with a focus on relatives of the human parasite Leishmania [Microbiology] :: Knowledge of viral diversity is expanding greatly, but many lineages remain underexplored. We surveyed RNA viruses in 52 cultured monoxenous relatives of the human parasite Leishmania (Crithidia and Leptomonas), as well as plant-infecting Phytomonas. Leptomonas pyrrhocoris was a hotbed for viral discovery, carrying a virus (Leptomonas pyrrhocoris ostravirus 1) with…
Biphasic functions for the GDNF-Ret signaling pathway in chemosensory neuron development and diversification [Neuroscience] :: The development of the taste system relies on the coordinated regulation of cues that direct the simultaneous development of both peripheral taste organs and innervating sensory ganglia, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, we describe a novel, biphasic function for glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF)…
KLU suppresses megasporocyte cell fate through SWR1-mediated activation of WRKY28 expression in Arabidopsis [Plant Biology] :: Germ-line specification is essential for sexual reproduction. In the ovules of most flowering plants, only a single hypodermal cell enlarges and differentiates into a megaspore mother cell (MMC), the founder cell of the female germ-line lineage. The molecular mechanisms restricting MMC specification to a single cell remain elusive. We show…
Motor dexterity and strength depend upon integrity of the attention-control system [Psychological and Cognitive Sciences] :: Attention control (or executive control) is a higher cognitive function involved in response selection and inhibition, through close interactions with the motor system. Here, we tested whether influences of attention control are also seen on lower level motor functions of dexterity and strength—by examining relationships between attention control and motor…
Preservation of the genetic diversity of a local common carp in the agricultural heritage rice-fish system [Sustainability Science] :: We examined how traditional farmers preserve the genetic diversity of a local common carp (Cyprinus carpio), which is locally referred to as “paddy field carp” (PF-carp), in a “globally important agricultural heritage system” (GIAHS), i.e., the 1,200-y-old rice–fish coculture system in Zhejiang Province, China. Our molecular and morphological analysis showed…
Correction for Alonso-Mora et al., On-demand high-capacity ride-sharing via dynamic trip-vehicle assignment [Correction] :: COMPUTER SCIENCES, SOCIAL SCIENCES Correction for “On-demand high-capacity ride-sharing via dynamic trip-vehicle assignment,” by Javier Alonso-Mora, Samitha Samaranayake, Alex Wallar, Emilio Frazzoli, and Daniela Rus, which was first published January 3, 2017; 10.1073/pnas.1611675114 (Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 114:462–467). The authors note that Fig. 5D, mean travel distance, in the…
Correction for Boxell et al., Greater Internet use is not associated with faster growth in political polarization among US demographic groups [Correction] :: ECONOMIC SCIENCES Correction for “Greater Internet use is not associated with faster growth in political polarization among US demographic groups,” by Levi Boxell, Matthew Gentzkow, and Jesse M. Shapiro, which was first published September 19, 2017; 10.1073/pnas.1706588114 (Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 114:10612–10617). The authors wish to note the following:…
Retraction for Chanmanee et al., Solar photothermochemical alkane reverse combustion [Retractions] :: CHEMISTRY Retraction for “Solar photothermochemical alkane reverse combustion,” by Wilaiwan Chanmanee, Mohammad Fakrul Islam, Brian H. Dennis, and Frederick M. MacDonnell, which was first published February 22, 2016; 10.1073/pnas.1516945113 (Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 113:2579–2584). The authors wish to note the following: “We have now demonstrated that our results in…
In This Issue [This Week in PNAS] :: Gene variants tied to human facial features Average faces for 14 East Asian females (A); upper 10% (more East Asian) (B) and lower 10% (more European) (C) extremes. Facial similarities tend to run in families, and genetically identical twins raised together or apart exhibit striking facial resemblance, suggesting strong genetic…
Science and Culture: Painting with invasive pigments [Environmental Sciences] :: In the abandoned lots of the Bushwick neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY, dandelion, black nightshade, and dozens of other weedy plants thrive. Although some see hotbeds of invasive species, artist and Brooklyn local Ellie Irons sees a vibrant urban ecosystem. She also sees the makings of a unique color palette. Artist…
Profile of Scott W. Lowe [Profiles] :: As a graduate student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Scott Lowe became interested in cancer genetics. The phenomenon that drew his interest was called oncogene cooperation—the idea that it takes multiple oncogenes working together to turn a normal cell into a tumor cell. “That was an exciting concept because…
Partitioning aggression [Anthropology] :: Human Nature: Nasty or Nice? Have aggression and violence been ramped up in human evolution or dialed down? This sounds like a question that empirical research might have settled long ago, but it remains strangely contentious. In PNAS, Richard Wrangham (1) proposes that debates persist because too many evolutionary anthropologists…
Predicting tipping points in complex environmental systems [Ecology] :: Ecologists have long recognized that ecosystems can exist and function in one state within predictable bounds for extended periods of time and then abruptly shift to an alternate state (1–5). Desertification of grasslands, shrub expansion in the Arctic, the eutrophication of lakes, ocean acidification, the formation of marine dead zones,…
Future of nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors [Pharmacology] :: The nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase (RT) inhibitors (NNRTIs) are small molecules that bind to HIV-1 RT at a site distinct from the DNA polymerase active site of the enzyme and block retroviral reverse transcription via an allosteric mechanism of action (1). Nevirapine (NVP) was the first NNRTI approved in 1996 by…
Toward a unifying theory of biodiversity [Ecology] :: Ecologists have long agreed that to coexist species must be sufficiently different (1, 2). This worldview was challenged when Stephen Hubbell published his neutral theory of biodiversity showing that species that are essentially equal should also be able to evade competitive exclusion (3). Although this neutral theory inspired a fresh…
Development and retention of a primordial moonlighting pathway of protein modification in the absence of selection presents a puzzle [Biochemistry] :: Lipoic acid is synthesized by a remarkably atypical pathway in which the cofactor is assembled on its cognate proteins. An octanoyl moiety diverted from fatty acid synthesis is covalently attached to the acceptor protein, and sulfur insertion at carbons 6 and 8 of the octanoyl moiety form the lipoyl cofactor….
Ion dissolution mechanism and kinetics at kink sites on NaCl surfaces [Applied Physical Sciences] :: Desolvation barriers are present for solute–solvent exchange events, such as ligand binding to an enzyme active site, during protein folding, and at battery electrodes. For solution-grown crystals, desolvation at kink sites can be the rate-limiting step for growth. However, desolvation and the associated kinetic barriers are poorly understood. In this…
Chemical encoding of risk perception and predator detection among estuarine invertebrates [Systems Biology] :: An effective strategy for prey to survive in habitats rich in predators is to avoid being noticed. Thus, prey are under selection pressure to recognize predators and adjust their behavior, which can impact numerous community-wide interactions. Many animals in murky and turbulent aquatic environments rely on waterborne chemical cues. Previous…
In situ detection of live-to-dead bacteria ratio after inactivation by means of synchronous fluorescence and PCA [Chemistry] :: The determination of live and dead bacteria is of considerable significance for preventing health care-associated infection in hospitals, field clinics, and other areas. In this study, the viable (live) and nonviable (dead) bacteria in a sample were determined by means of their fluorescence spectra and principal component analysis (PCA). Data…
Dynamics of charged excitons in electronically and morphologically homogeneous single-walled carbon nanotubes [Chemistry] :: The trion, a three-body charge-exciton bound state, offers unique opportunities to simultaneously manipulate charge, spin, and excitation in one-dimensional single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) at room temperature. Effective exploitation of trion quasi-particles requires fundamental insight into their creation and decay dynamics. Such knowledge, however, remains elusive for SWNT trion states, du
Unified description of H-atom-induced chemicurrents and inelastic scattering [Chemistry] :: The Born–Oppenheimer approximation (BOA) provides the foundation for virtually all computational studies of chemical binding and reactivity, and it is the justification for the widely used “balls and springs” picture of molecules. The BOA assumes that nuclei effectively stand still on the timescale of electronic motion, due to their large…
Single-crystal metal growth on amorphous insulating substrates [Engineering] :: Metal structures on insulators are essential components in advanced electronic and nanooptical systems. Their electronic and optical properties are closely tied to their crystal quality, due to the strong dependence of carrier transport and band structure on defects and grain boundaries. Here we report a method for creating patterned single-crystal…
Power law tails in phylogenetic systems [Physics] :: Covariance analysis of protein sequence alignments uses coevolving pairs of sequence positions to predict features of protein structure and function. However, current methods ignore the phylogenetic relationships between sequences, potentially corrupting the identification of covarying positions. Here, we use random matrix theory to demonstrate the existence of a power law…
Testing the impact and durability of a group malleability intervention in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict [Psychological and Cognitive Sciences] :: Fostering perceptions of group malleability (teaching people that groups are capable of change and improvement) has been shown to lead to short-term improvements in intergroup attitudes and willingness to make concessions in intractable conflicts. The present study, a field intervention involving 508 Israelis from three locations in Israel, replicated and…
The social genome of friends and schoolmates in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health [Social Sciences] :: Humans tend to form social relationships with others who resemble them. Whether this sorting of like with like arises from historical patterns of migration, meso-level social structures in modern society, or individual-level selection of similar peers remains unsettled. Recent research has evaluated the possibility that unobserved genotypes may play an…
Modeling lethal X-linked genetic disorders in pigs with ensured fertility [Applied Biological Sciences] :: Genetically engineered pigs play an indispensable role in the study of rare monogenic diseases. Pigs harboring a gene responsible for a specific disease can be efficiently generated via somatic cell cloning. The generation of somatic cell-cloned pigs from male cells with mutation(s) in an X chromosomal gene is a reliable…
Reverse chemical ecology approach for the identification of an oviposition attractant for Culex quinquefasciatus [Applied Biological Sciences] :: Pheromones and other semiochemicals play a crucial role in today’s integrated pest and vector management strategies. These semiochemicals are typically discovered by bioassay-guided approaches. Here, we applied a reverse chemical ecology approach; that is, we used olfactory proteins to lead us to putative semiochemicals. Specifically, we used 7 of the…
Glycoengineering of antibody (Herceptin) through yeast expression and in vitro enzymatic glycosylation [Biochemistry] :: Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have been developed as therapeutics, especially for the treatment of cancer, inflammation, and infectious diseases. Because the glycosylation of mAbs in the Fc region influences their interaction with effector cells that kill antibody-targeted cells, and the current method of antibody production is relatively expensive, efforts have been…
Functional characterization of the mucus barrier on the Xenopus tropicalis skin surface [Biochemistry] :: Mucosal surfaces represent critical routes for entry and exit of pathogens. As such, animals have evolved strategies to combat infection at these sites, in particular the production of mucus to prevent attachment and to promote subsequent movement of the mucus/microbe away from the underlying epithelial surface. Using biochemical, biophysical, and…
Contrasting responses of functional diversity to major losses in taxonomic diversity [Ecology] :: Taxonomic diversity of benthic marine invertebrate shelf species declines at present by nearly an order of magnitude from the tropics to the poles in each hemisphere along the latitudinal diversity gradient (LDG), most steeply along the western Pacific where shallow-sea diversity is at its tropical maximum. In the Bivalvia, a…
Lumpy species coexistence arises robustly in fluctuating resource environments [Ecology] :: The effect of life-history traits on resource competition outcomes is well understood in the context of a constant resource supply. However, almost all natural systems are subject to fluctuations of resources driven by cyclical processes such as seasonality and tidal hydrology. To understand community composition, it is therefore imperative to…
Host and parasite thermal ecology jointly determine the effect of climate warming on epidemic dynamics [Ecology] :: Host–parasite systems have intricately coupled life cycles, but each interactor can respond differently to changes in environmental variables like temperature. Although vital to predicting how parasitism will respond to climate change, thermal responses of both host and parasite in key traits affecting infection dynamics have rarely been quantified. Through temperature-controlled…
Ecological and evolutionary dynamics of interconnectedness and modularity [Applied Mathematics] :: In this contribution, we develop a theoretical framework for linking microprocesses (i.e., population dynamics and evolution through natural selection) with macrophenomena (such as interconnectedness and modularity within an ecological system). This is achieved by developing a measure of interconnectedness for population distributions defined on a trait space (generalizing the notion…
Emergence of cooperation and division of labor in the primitively eusocial wasp Ropalidia marginata [Evolution] :: In most primitively eusocial wasps new nests are initiated by a single female or by small groups of females. To study the emergence of division of labor (DOL) among the nest foundresses and to determine its possible effect on nest productivity we maintained newly eclosed females of Ropalidia marginata in…
DNA double-strand break response factors influence end-joining features of IgH class switch and general translocation junctions [Genetics] :: Ig heavy chain (IgH) class switch recombination (CSR) in B lymphocytes switches IgH constant regions to change antibody functions. CSR is initiated by DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) within a donor IgH switch (S) region and a downstream acceptor S region. CSR is completed by fusing donor and acceptor S region…
Structure of the C1r-C1s interaction of the C1 complex of complement activation [Immunology and Inflammation] :: The multiprotein complex C1 initiates the classical pathway of complement activation on binding to antibody–antigen complexes, pathogen surfaces, apoptotic cells, and polyanionic structures. It is formed from the recognition subcomponent C1q and a tetramer of proteases C1r2C1s2 as a Ca2+-dependent complex. Here we have determined the structure of a complex…
PfCDPK1 is critical for malaria parasite gametogenesis and mosquito infection [Microbiology] :: Efforts to knock out Plasmodium falciparum calcium-dependent protein kinase 1 (PfCDPK1) from asexual erythrocytic stage have not been successful, indicating an indispensable role of the enzyme in asexual growth. We recently reported generation of a transgenic parasite with mutant CDPK1 [Bansal A, et al. (2016) MBio 7:e02011-16]. The mutant CDPK1…
Golgi stress response reprograms cysteine metabolism to confer cytoprotection in Huntington’s disease [Neuroscience] :: Golgi stress response is emerging as a physiologic process of comparable importance to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondrial stress responses. However, unlike ER stress, the identity of the signal transduction pathway involved in the Golgi stress response has been elusive. We show that the Golgi stressor monensin acts via the…
Influence of anterior midcingulate cortex on drinking behavior during thirst and following satiation [Neuroscience] :: In humans, activity in the anterior midcingulate cortex (aMCC) is associated with both subjective thirst and swallowing. This region is therefore likely to play a prominent role in the regulation of drinking in response to dehydration. Using functional MRI, we investigated this possibility during a period of “drinking behavior” represented…
Melanopsin- and L-cone-induced pupil constriction is inhibited by S- and M-cones in humans [Neuroscience] :: The human retina contains five photoreceptor types: rods; short (S)-, mid (M)-, and long (L)-wavelength–sensitive cones; and melanopsin-expressing ganglion cells. Recently, it has been shown that selective increments in M-cone activation are paradoxically perceived as brightness decrements, as opposed to L-cone increments. Here we show that similar effects are also…
GBA1 deficiency negatively affects physiological {alpha}-synuclein tetramers and related multimers [Neuroscience] :: Accumulating evidence suggests that α-synuclein (α-syn) occurs physiologically as a helically folded tetramer that resists aggregation. However, the mechanisms underlying the regulation of formation of α-syn tetramers are still mostly unknown. Cellular membrane lipids are thought to play an important role in the regulation of α-syn tetramer formation. Since glucocerebrosidase…
Suppression of frontal eye field neuronal responses with maintained fixation [Neuroscience] :: The decision of where to make an eye movement is thought to be driven primarily by responses to stimuli in neurons’ receptive fields (RFs) in oculomotor areas, including the frontal eye field (FEF) of prefrontal cortex. It is also thought that a saccade may be generated when the accumulation of…
Pyruvate induces torpor in obese mice [Physiology] :: Mice subjected to cold or caloric deprivation can reduce body temperature and metabolic rate and enter a state of torpor. Here we show that administration of pyruvate, an energy-rich metabolic intermediate, can induce torpor in mice with diet-induced or genetic obesity. This is associated with marked hypothermia, decreased activity, and…
Demography and mating system shape the genome-wide impact of purifying selection in Arabis alpina [Plant Biology] :: Plant mating systems have profound effects on levels and structuring of genetic variation and can affect the impact of natural selection. Although theory predicts that intermediate outcrossing rates may allow plants to prevent accumulation of deleterious alleles, few studies have empirically tested this prediction using genomic data. Here, we study…
Questioning the inevitability of aging [Biological Sciences] :: Paul Nelson and Joanna Masel (1) are the most recent theorists to bypass evolution and seek an abstract answer to the question, “What is the cause of aging?” Their mathematics is not in question, but the process of somatic evolution that they model bears no obvious relation to aging as…
Reply to Mitteldorf and Fahy: Aging is still inevitable [Biological Sciences] :: We stand by our claim that aging is inevitable in multicellular organisms. However, our model of somatic evolution uses sign arguments and so does not inform the rate of aging nor the extent to which aging can be delayed. While we use the term “somatic mutation,” we explicitly define this…
Uncovering an electrically heterogeneous cardiomyocyte by FRAP-quantified diffusion in the T-tubules [Biological Sciences] :: A recent elegant study in PNAS by Scardigli et al. (1) provides a subcellular look at the electrical properties within the cardiomyocyte transverse T-tubular system [transverse-axial tubular system (TATS)] by extrapolation from FRAP-based diffusion measurements of fluorescent dextran and geometric considerations. It was shown that the disarray of the T-tubules…
Reply to Entcheva: The impact of T-tubules on action potential propagation in cardiac tissue [Biological Sciences] :: Since our observation that T-tubules can fail to propagate action potentials in diseased hearts (1), our studies have focused on understanding the consequences of these electrical defects for local Ca2+ release (2) and force production (3). More recently, we have started to explore the causes of electrical defects (4), focusing…
Fitness landscape of the human immunodeficiency virus envelope protein that is targeted by antibodies [Biophysics and Computational Biology] :: HIV is a highly mutable virus, and over 30 years after its discovery, a vaccine or cure is still not available. The isolation of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) from HIV-infected patients has led to renewed hope for a prophylactic vaccine capable of combating the scourge of HIV. A major challenge…
Freshwater salinization syndrome on a continental scale [Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences] :: Salt pollution and human-accelerated weathering are shifting the chemical composition of major ions in fresh water and increasing salinization and alkalinization across North America. We propose a concept, the freshwater salinization syndrome, which links salinization and alkalinization processes. This syndrome manifests as concurrent trends in specific conductance, pH, alkalinity, and…
Impact and cost-effectiveness of snail control to achieve disease control targets for schistosomiasis [Economic Sciences] :: Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease that affects over 240 million people globally. To improve population-level disease control, there is growing interest in adding chemical-based snail control interventions to interrupt the lifecycle of Schistosoma in its snail host to reduce parasite transmission. However, this approach is not widely implemented, and given…
Preferences for moral vs. immoral traits in others are conditional [Psychological and Cognitive Sciences] :: The preference for morality in others is regarded as a dominant factor in person perception. Moral traits are thought to foster liking, and immoral traits are thought to foster disliking, irrespective of the context in which they are embedded. We report the results of four studies that oppose this view….
Structural basis of STAT2 recognition by IRF9 reveals molecular insights into ISGF3 function [Biochemistry] :: Cytokine signaling through the JAK/STAT pathway controls multiple cellular responses including growth, survival, differentiation, and pathogen resistance. An expansion in the gene regulatory repertoire controlled by JAK/STAT signaling occurs through the interaction of STATs with IRF transcription factors to form ISGF3, a complex that contains STAT1, STAT2, and IRF9 and…
Troy+ brain stem cells cycle through quiescence and regulate their number by sensing niche occupancy [Cell Biology] :: The adult mouse subependymal zone provides a niche for mammalian neural stem cells (NSCs). However, the molecular signature, self-renewal potential, and fate behavior of NSCs remain poorly defined. Here we propose a model in which the fate of active NSCs is coupled to the total number of neighboring NSCs in…
Dysregulation of cotranscriptional alternative splicing underlies CHARGE syndrome [Developmental Biology] :: CHARGE syndrome—which stands for coloboma of the eye, heart defects, atresia of choanae, retardation of growth/development, genital abnormalities, and ear anomalies—is a severe developmental disorder with wide phenotypic variability, caused mainly by mutations in CHD7 (chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 7), known to encode a chromatin remodeler. The genetic lesions responsible…
ALKALs are in vivo ligands for ALK family receptor tyrosine kinases in the neural crest and derived cells [Developmental Biology] :: Mutations in anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) are implicated in somatic and familial neuroblastoma, a pediatric tumor of neural crest-derived tissues. Recently, biochemical analyses have identified secreted small ALKAL proteins (FAM150, AUG) as potential ligands for human ALK and the related leukocyte tyrosine kinase (LTK). In the zebrafish Danio rerio, DrLtk,…
Predicting tipping points in mutualistic networks through dimension reduction [Ecology] :: Complex networked systems ranging from ecosystems and the climate to economic, social, and infrastructure systems can exhibit a tipping point (a “point of no return”) at which a total collapse of the system occurs. To understand the dynamical mechanism of a tipping point and to predict its occurrence as a…
Chronic anthropogenic noise disrupts glucocorticoid signaling and has multiple effects on fitness in an avian community [Ecology] :: Anthropogenic noise is a pervasive pollutant that decreases environmental quality by disrupting a suite of behaviors vital to perception and communication. However, even within populations of noise-sensitive species, individuals still select breeding sites located within areas exposed to high noise levels, with largely unknown physiological and fitness consequences. We use…
Dual evolutionary origin of insect wings supported by an investigation of the abdominal wing serial homologs in Tribolium [Evolution] :: The origin of insect wings is still a highly debated mystery in biology, despite the importance of this evolutionary innovation. There are currently two prominent, but contrasting wing origin hypotheses (the tergal origin hypothesis and the pleural origin hypothesis). Through studies in the Tribolium beetle, we have previously obtained functional…
A mixed modality approach towards Xi reactivation for Rett syndrome and other X-linked disorders [Genetics] :: The X-chromosome harbors hundreds of disease genes whose associated diseases predominantly affect males. However, a subset, including neurodevelopmental disorders, Rett syndrome (RTT), fragile X syndrome, and CDKL5 syndrome, also affects females. These disorders lack disease-specific treatment. Because female cells carry two X chromosomes, an emerging treatment strategy has been to…
Genetics of the human face: Identification of large-effect single gene variants [Genetics] :: To discover specific variants with relatively large effects on the human face, we have devised an approach to identifying facial features with high heritability. This is based on using twin data to estimate the additive genetic value of each point on a face, as provided by a 3D camera system….
Signaling by the Epstein-Barr virus LMP1 protein induces potent cytotoxic CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses [Immunology and Inflammation] :: The B-lymphotropic Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), pandemic in humans, is rapidly controlled on initial infection by T cell surveillance; thereafter, the virus establishes a lifelong latent infection in the host. If surveillance fails, fatal lymphoproliferation and lymphomagenesis ensue. The initial T cell response consists of predominantly CD8+ cytotoxic T cells and…
CFH and ARMS2 genetic risk determines progression to neovascular age-related macular degeneration after antioxidant and zinc supplementation [Medical Sciences] :: We evaluated the influence of an antioxidant and zinc nutritional supplement [the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) formulation] on delaying or preventing progression to neovascular AMD (NV) in persons with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AREDS subjects (n = 802) with category 3 or 4 AMD at baseline who had been…
Impaired lymphoid extracellular matrix impedes antibacterial immunity in epidermolysis bullosa [Medical Sciences] :: Genetic loss of collagen VII causes recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB), a skin fragility disorder that, unexpectedly, manifests also with elevated colonization of commensal bacteria and frequent wound infections. Here, we describe an unprecedented systemic function of collagen VII as a member of a unique innate immune-supporting multiprotein complex in…
Ibuprofen alters human testicular physiology to produce a state of compensated hypogonadism [Medical Sciences] :: Concern has been raised over increased male reproductive disorders in the Western world, and the disruption of male endocrinology has been suggested to play a central role. Several studies have shown that mild analgesics exposure during fetal life is associated with antiandrogenic effects and congenital malformations, but the effects on…
Phenotypic selection as the biological mode of epigenetic conversion and reversion in cell transformation [Medical Sciences] :: Exposure of certain cell lines to methylcholanthrene, X-rays, or physiological growth constraint leads to preneoplastic transformation in all or most of the treated cells. After attaining confluence, a fraction in those cells progress to full transformation, as evidenced by their ability to form discrete foci distinguishable from the surrounding cells…
Tolerogenic nanoparticles restore the antitumor activity of recombinant immunotoxins by mitigating immunogenicity [Medical Sciences] :: Protein-based drugs are very active in treating cancer, but their efficacy can be limited by the formation of neutralizing antidrug antibodies (ADAs). Recombinant immunotoxins are proteins that are very effective in patients with leukemia, where immunity is suppressed, but induce ADAs, which compromise their activity, in patients with intact immunity….
Fenofibrate prevents skeletal muscle loss in mice with lung cancer [Medical Sciences] :: The cancer anorexia cachexia syndrome is a systemic metabolic disorder characterized by the catabolism of stored nutrients in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue that is particularly prevalent in nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Loss of skeletal muscle results in functional impairments and increased mortality. The aim of the present study…
Linking secondary metabolites to gene clusters through genome sequencing of six diverse Aspergillus species [Microbiology] :: The fungal genus of Aspergillus is highly interesting, containing everything from industrial cell factories, model organisms, and human pathogens. In particular, this group has a prolific production of bioactive secondary metabolites (SMs). In this work, four diverse Aspergillus species (A. campestris, A. novofumigatus, A. ochraceoroseus, and A. steynii) have been…
Faulty neuronal determination and cell polarization are reverted by modulating HD early phenotypes [Neuroscience] :: Increasing evidence suggests that early neurodevelopmental defects in Huntington’s disease (HD) patients could contribute to the later adult neurodegenerative phenotype. Here, by using HD-derived induced pluripotent stem cell lines, we report that early telencephalic induction and late neural identity are affected in cortical and striatal populations. We show that a…
TRPM4 and TRPM5 are both required for normal signaling in taste receptor cells [Neuroscience] :: Peripheral taste receptor cells use multiple signaling pathways to transduce taste stimuli into output signals that are sent to the brain. Transient receptor potential melastatin 5 (TRPM5), a sodium-selective TRP channel, functions as a common downstream component in sweet, bitter, and umami signaling pathways. In the absence of TRPM5, mice…
Structural heterogeneity and intersubȷect variability of A{beta} in familial and sporadic Alzheimer’s disease [Neuroscience] :: Point mutations in the amyloid-β (Aβ) coding region produce a combination of mutant and WT Aβ isoforms that yield unique clinicopathologies in familial Alzheimer’s disease (fAD) and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (fCAA) patients. Here, we report a method to investigate the structural variability of amyloid deposits found in fAD, fCAA, and…
Mechanism-specific assay design facilitates the discovery of Nav1.7-selective inhibitors [Pharmacology] :: Many ion channels, including Nav1.7, Cav1.3, and Kv1.3, are linked to human pathologies and are important therapeutic targets. To develop efficacious and safe drugs, subtype-selective modulation is essential, but has been extremely difficult to achieve. We postulate that this challenge is caused by the poor assay design, and investigate the…
From in silico hit to long-acting late-stage preclinical candidate to combat HIV-1 infection [Pharmacology] :: The HIV-1 pandemic affecting over 37 million people worldwide continues, with nearly one-half of the infected population on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Major therapeutic challenges remain because of the emergence of drug-resistant HIV-1 strains, limitations because of safety and toxicity with current HIV-1 drugs, and patient compliance for lifelong,…
IKK{alpha} inactivation promotes Kras-initiated lung adenocarcinoma development through disrupting maȷor redox regulatory pathways [Pharmacology] :: Lung adenocarcinoma (ADC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are two distinct and predominant types of human lung cancer. IκB kinase α (IKKα) has been shown to suppress lung SCC development, but its role in ADC is unknown. We found inactivating mutations and homologous or hemizygous deletions in the CHUK locus,…
Growth is required for perception of water availability to pattern root branches in plants [Plant Biology] :: Water availability is a potent regulator of plant development and induces root branching through a process termed hydropatterning. Hydropatterning enables roots to position lateral branches toward regions of high water availability, such as wet soil or agar media, while preventing their emergence where water is less available, such as in…
Women live longer than men even during severe famines and epidemics [Population Biology] :: Women in almost all modern populations live longer than men. Research to date provides evidence for both biological and social factors influencing this gender gap. Conditions when both men and women experience extremely high levels of mortality risk are unexplored sources of information. We investigate the survival of both sexes…
Correction for Liu et al., Earliest hydraulic enterprise in China, 5,100 years ago [Corrections] :: ANTHROPOLOGY, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES Correction for “Earliest hydraulic enterprise in China, 5,100 years ago,” by Bin Liu, Ningyuan Wang, Minghui Chen, Xiaohong Wu, Duowen Mo, Jianguo Liu, Shijin Xu, and Yijie Zhuang, which was first published December 4, 2017; 10.1073/pnas.1710516114 (Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 114:13637–13642). The authors note that on…
Correction to Supporting Information for Carlson et al., Effect of oil palm sustainability certification on deforestation and fire in Indonesia [SI Correction] :: SUSTAINABILITY SCIENCE, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES Correction to Supporting Information for “Effect of oil palm sustainability certification on deforestation and fire in Indonesia,” by Kimberly M. Carlson, Robert Heilmayr, Holly K. Gibbs, Praveen Noojipady, David N. Burns, Douglas C. Morton, Nathalie F. Walker, Gary D. Paoli, and Claire Kremen, which was first…
Questioning AI: does artificial intelligence need an off switch? – Science Weekly podcast :: Our final mini-series episode asks what impact might AI have on society – and who decides when to turn it off?
The Infinite Optimism of Physicist David Deutsch :: The quantum theorist thinks we’ll solve war, global warming and consciousness—and that will be just the beginning — Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
222 Bird Species Worldwide Are Now Critically Endangered :: And according to the latest IUCN Red List update, a dismaying 13 percent of species are endangered — Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
For Florida Panthers, Extinction Comes on 4 Wheels :: 2017 was another deadly year for the panthers. How much longer can this critically endangered species survive? — Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
Squirrel Sex Is Complicated :: Only 35 Mount Graham squirrels remain in the wild, but five captive squirrels could hold the key to their long-term survival—if we can get them to breed — Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
Illusions from the National Archives in New York City :: National Archives of New York City archivist Christopher Zarr reveals how deeply the art form of camouflage was pursued 100 years ago during World War I — Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
The Medusaceratops Mystery :: Old bones raise new questions about an enigmatic horned dinosaur — Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
A Meditation on the Anatomy Lab :: A medical student notes how the white coat can normalize an exceptional amount of violence — Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
Bees Gone Wild :: Feral honeybees pose a danger to native bees and the ecosystems that depend on them — Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
I Am a Roboticist in a Cheese Factory :: You probably think them AI-driven, autonomous humanlike machines, but that's far too limited a view — Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
More Than Meets the Eye: The Evolution of Personality Testing :: A new generation of personality tests taps into what we humans are best at: visual processing — Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
Our Coastlines Are Eroding, Along with Our Democratic Norms and Institutions :: Civility and decency are crumbling on a daily basis, undercut and weakened by language emanating from the White House — Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
Preparing for the Next Influenza Pandemic :: A better flu vaccine is crucial, but so is a robust seasonal immunization program in all countries — Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
Quantum Epistemology for Business :: To truly understand data, we need to rethink what we mean by "measurement" — Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
Ursula K. Le Guin, 1929–2018 :: Her work was that of a complete person of letters and an important public intellectual — Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
What Americans Think of Body–Modification Technologies :: A new study from AARP Research shows that although some kinds of modification are acceptable, many people worry about how widespread adoption could affect society — Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
The Data behind the Women's Movement :: Charts highlight some of the key issues Women’s March activists are fighting for — Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
Gone in 2017: 12 Trailblazing Women in STEM :: A tribute to a dozen trailblazers who made the world a better place through their discoveries, advancements, and inventions. — Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
The Soul of My Pedagogy :: A biologist teaches students to believe they can be better than they ever imagined — Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
Trump's New "Treatment Refusal" Rule Puts Discrimination Ahead of Patients' Health :: A new proposed regulation from the Trump Administration is trying to elevate the personal beliefs of providers above the command to “do no harm”—and above civil rights laws — Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
#Detkuhaværetmig-læger utilfredse med ministersvar :: Lægerne bag #detkuhaværetmig-kampagnen sender nyt brev til Ellen Trane Nørby. Sundhedsministeren forstår ikke kernen i problemet, mener lægerne.
Diabetescenter får ny forskningsleder :: Paul Bloch er udnævnt som ny forskningsleder på Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen.
Flyvbjerg: Danish Diabetes Academy skal holde højt internationalt niveau :: Danish Diabetes Academys nye femårige millionbevilling skal gå til at støtte diabetesforskning at international karat, siger bestyrelsesformand Allan Flyvbjerg. »Vi prøver at blive endnu mere internationale,« siger han.
Frede Olesen: Opgør med automatreaktioner fra det politiske system :: Systemet dukker hovedet for meget og halshugger de enkelte individer, mener Frede Olesen.
Har du tid i uge 27 og en smule forstand på fodbold? :: Så har du mulighed for at komme på lægernes landshold, som skal kæmpe om VM-guld i Prag. Ambitionerne går mest på at skabe en god stemning i omklædningsrummet.
Hjerteafdeling får ny ledende overlæge :: Overlæge Ida Gustafsson skal sammen med den ledende oversygeplejerske stå i spidsen for Hjerteafdelingen på Bispebjerg og Frederiksberg Hospital.
Holbæk Sygehus får professor i hjerte-forebyggelse :: Overlæge Michael Hecht Olsen ansat som professor i hypertension og kardiovaskulær forebyggelse på Holbæk Sygehus.
Homo- og biseksuelle drenge får gratis HPV-vaccine :: Nu bliver homo- og biseksuelle drenge i en bestemt aldersgruppe også tilbudt gratis HPV-vaccine. Det sker på grund af øget risiko for analkræft.
Intensivlæge: Langt størstedelen af de ting, vi gør, er ikke testet :: Anders Perner, der er professor og overlæge i intensiv medicin ved Rigshospitalet advarer om, at en stor del af hospitalernes arsenal af udstyr og interventioner ikke er afprøvet i gode forsøg før brug.
Jeg vil behandle Vangsted med respekt på døgnvagten :: I morgen vil jeg vise styrelseschefen den kliniske virkelighed og den ægte patientsikkerhed. Den, som ikke kan nedskrives i cirkulærer på Islands Brygge.
Jesper Fisker bliver ny direktør for Kræftens Bekæmpelse :: »Det er en fantastisk spændende udfordring,« siger departementschef Jesper Fisker om sit nye job som direktør for Kræftens Bekæmpelse. Han går til opgaven med ydmyghed.
Karin Friis Bach: Fagligt organ bør kunne uddele penge til forskning :: Medicinrådet – eller et andet fagligt organ – bør ifølge den kommende formanden for regionernes sundhedsudvalg, Karin Friis Bach, få hjemmel og midler til at iværksætte forskning, som kan levere den evidens, man i dag mangler for en stribe behandlinger.
Nu kommer der skub i forhandlinger om overenskomst :: Overenskomstforhandlingerne mellem de offentligt ansatte herunder læger og arbejdsgiverne kan nu gå gang efter at have stået på standby.
Læger: IT-system øger markant risikoen for medicinfejl :: Medicinmodulet i Sundhedsplatformen er langsommeligt at arbejde, og fejl i systemet kan føre til, at patienterne kan få forkert medicin, skriver overlæge fra Køge i klage til sygehusledelsen.
Lægerne ruster sig til overenskomstkonflikt :: Alt er næsten på plads, hvis ok-forhandlingerne ender i konflikt, siger Lisbeth Lintz, formand for Overlægeforeningen. Hun håber dog, at de kommer over knasterne og får en aftale i hus uden en konflikt.
Lægevagter kan vente med at betale gebyr :: Mens vi venter på en løsning på organisering af lægevagtordningen, kan virksomheder, der tilbyder lægevagt, vente med at betale vagtlægegebyret til Styrelsen for Patientsikkerhed.
Markant flere piger får HPV-vaccine i 2017 :: Dobbelt så mange piger blev HPV-vaccineret i 2017 som i 2016, viser nye tal. Statens Serums Institut tror, at det øgede tilslutning skyldes flere positive effektstudier og en kampagne.
Medens vi venter på praksis- og sundhedsklynger :: Praksisklynger er første skridt mod et fagligt styret, ambitiøst arbejde med at sikre faglig og organisatorisk kvalitet.
»Min vigtigste opgave er at knække koden for ulighed i sundhed« :: Ny Sundheds- og omsorgsborgmester i København, Sisse Marie Welling (SF), er glad for sin nye post, hvor hun kan påvirke københavnernes sundhed. Hun vil lægge vægt på at bekæmpe ulighed i sundhed og skabe bedre vilkår for mental sundhed.
Mundtlige ordinationer og alternative fakta fra STPS :: Enten benægter Anne-Marie Vangsted åbenlyse fakta, eller også har hun ikke den fornødne klinisk sundhedsfaglige indsigt til at forstå, hvad hun har været vidne til.
Nordjylland ansætter direktør for diabetescenter :: Poul Erik Jakobsen er ansat som centerdirektør for Steno Diabetes Center Nordjylland.
Ny forskning gør det muligt at vaccinere målrettet mod meningitis :: Nyt studie fra Hvidovre Hospital viser, at børn med kroniske sygdomme har en øget risiko for at få meningokok-infektioner. Vaccination af denne gruppe vil efter alt at dømme kunne mindske risikoen for at blive ramt af den frygtede infektion, siger hun.
Nye kurser skal gøre yngre læger klogere på journalføring :: For at give en større forståelse for bl.a. regler om journalføring afholder Yngre Læger og Styrelsen for Patientsikkerhed en række kurser landet over om sundhedsjura. Første kursus finder sted i dag.
Odense-læger: Rørbæks forsømmelser ligner dem, Svendborg-lægen blev dømt for :: Den oprørske læge Kristian Rørbæk Madsen og flere af hans mest markante kolleger skærper nu deres udlægning af begivenhederne på den vagt, som styrelsesdirektør Anne-Marie Vangsted fulgte. Rørbæk begik op imod 4.500 ulovligheder, hvoraf de fleste minder om dem, Svendborg-lægen blev dømt for, siger de nu.
Per Kjær bliver professor i ryg- og nakkeforskning :: Syddansk Universitet og University College Lillebælt styrker ryg- og nakkeforskning med nyt professorat.
Praktiserende læger: Ny digital strategi har for lidt fokus på patienters samtykke :: Regeringens nye digitale strategi for sundhedssektoren har generelt stort fokus på primærsektoren og bygger på dialog med PLO, roser medlem af it-udvalg. Til gengæld er der ikke tilstrækkeligt fokus på inddragelse af patienten i spørgsmålet om deling af data.
Rebelsk overlæge holder pressemøde efter døgnvagt med styrelseschef :: Kristian Rørbæk Madsen vil berette om døgnvagten og overrække underskrifter fra mindst 9.200 læger, som protesterer mod Styrelsen for Patientsikkerhed.
Syddanmark fordeler udvalgsformænd :: Politikerne i Region Syddanmark har ovenpå valget fordelt udvalgsformandsposterne mellem sig.
Regionerne giver tre bud på bedre samarbejde med kommunerne :: Formand og næstformand for Danske Regioner kommer med tre løsninger til bedre sammenhæng på tværs af sektorer.
Rigsrevisionen kritiserer SSI’s vaccinefrasalg :: Beslutningsgrundlag, forberedelse og gennemførelse af salget af vaccineproduktionen på Statens Serum Institut var meget utilfredsstillende, mener Rigsrevisionen. Sundhedsministeriet er uenig i store dele af kritikken.
Samarbejde med hospital skal styrke diabetesindsats i København :: Københavns Kommune og Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen indgår aftale om styrke forebyggelsen og behandlingen af diabetes.
Skal vi lave syge børn? :: Er det ud fra en risikoberegning velbegrundet at forbyde barnløshedsbehandling af beslægtede?
Styrelse giver svar på spørgsmål om journalføring :: Styrelsen for Patientsikkerhed har lagt en række spørgsmål og svar om journalføring på sin hjemmeside for at skabe klarhed om reglerne.
Styrelsesdirektør skal på døgnvagt med bagmand til underskriftindsamling :: Anne-Marie Vangsted fra Styrelsen fra Patientsikkerhed takker ja til at tage med overlæge Kristian Rørbæk Madsen på døgnvagt på intensivafdelingen på Odense Universitetshospital
Tænketank vil have danskernes sundhedsoplysningerne samlet ét sted :: En central enhed bør samle alle danskernes sundhedsdata – også dem de selv indsamler, lyder en af hovedanbefalingerne til regeringen fra tænketank.
YL-formand: Styrelsens svar om journalføring er uklare :: Styrelsen for Patientsikkerhed har lagt en række svar på tvivlsspørgsmål om journalføringspligt på sin hjemmeside. Men svarene er ikke tilstrækkeligt klare, mener YL-formand.
Gear Up for Brain Awareness Week 2018! :: With Brain Awareness Week 2018 (March 12-18) only a few short months away, it is time for BAW Partners to kick their planning into high gear and to take advantage of the resources we have to offer on the BAW website ! What is Brain Awareness Week , you might ask? BAW is the global campaign to increase public awareness about the progress and benefits of brain research. Around the world, BAW Partne
Med genbrug og småindkøb har DTU bygget sin egen fusionsreaktor :: Plasmafysikgruppen på DTU Fysik har nu fået gang i en simpel fusionsreaktor, der først og fremmest skal anvendes til undervisning af studerende i plasmafysik.
I 2040 skal alle korte norske flyruter være elektriske :: Den norske satsning på elbiler skal nu kopieres i luftfarten. Den offentlige ejer af de norske indenrigslufthavne forventer, at alle korte flyruter i 2040 kan betjenes af elektriske fly.
For Andreas er lav løn en investering :: Når civilingeniør ­Andreas Hoé Bergstrand forhandler løn med sig selv, er det firmaet, der vinder. Men ønsket om at gøre det, han brænder for, og drømmen om en fremtidig gevinst er en god gulerod.
Australsk megabatteri har indtjent millioner på få dage :: Udsving i elpriser i Australien har på få dage givet ejeren en million-indtægt på det Tesla-producerede megabatteri i provinsen South Australia. Dansk netoperatør tror, at batterier også kan bruges i Danmark, men med noget lavere profit.
Benzin- og dieselbiler kan blive forbudt i Oslo allerede om 6 år :: Et forbud mod benzin- og dieselbiler i Oslo kan være en realitet allerede om seks år. Oslos byråd undersøger nu, hvordan området inden for Ring 3 kan blive fossilfrit i 2024.
Bilgiganter investerer i teknologi-gurus ‘Jesus-batteri’ :: Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi investerer milliarder i nye teknologier.
Blå partier: Staten skal ikke have penge i Københavns Letbane :: Flertal vil undgå problemerne med Aarhus Letbane, hvor staten først trak sig ud, efter at projektets økonomi var løbet løbsk.
Brændeovne forurener fire gange mere, end de er godkendt til :: Europæisk typetest er for urealistisk og lader brænde­ovne på markedet udlede mere i virkeligheden end i laboratoriet. I Danmark er typetesten gyldig, men bruges sjældent alene.
Chip-producenten Qualcomm får gigantisk EU-bøde :: EU-Kommissionen har givet chipproducenten en bøde på 997 millioner euro for at misbruge sin dominerende markedsposition inden for produktion af LTE baseband-chips til smartphones og tablets.
Dansk elsystem kørte uden store kraftværker i sammenlagt 41 døgn :: For to år siden frygtede Energinets folk i kontrolrummet et døgns drift uden de store kraftværker til at stabilisere nettet. I 2017 klarede systemet sig nemt uden i en hel uge
Dansk forsker observerer ny eksotisk partikel med superfokuseret lys :: Søren Ulstrup fra Aarhus Universitet har ved hjælp af en ny metode været i stand til at observere en såkaldt trion, som kan blive et springbræt inden for spintronics.
Danske mutant-tomater rykker tættere på din tallerken :: Planteforædling med dna-saksen er rykket et skridt nærmere. Er det manipulation, når man bare fjerner nogen gener?
Domstol: Nej til slutdepot for Forsmarks højradioaktive atombrændsel :: Svensk Kärnbränslehanterings har i dag fået et nej fra den svenske miljødomstol om godkendelse til at deponere højradioaktivt affald i kobberkapsler langt under jordoverfladen. Domstolen mener ikke, at myndigheden tilstrækkeligt har bevist, at der ikke vil opstå korrosion i kobberkapslerne.
DTU-tal afslører voldsom forurening fra gammelt giftdepot i Grindsted :: Nye målinger viser, at der hvert år siver 100 kg kræftfremkaldende stoffer ud i Grindsted Å. En af Danmarks værste forureningssager, siger forskerne bag tallene.
Endnu værre end frygtet: Salg af vaccineproduktion kostede statskassen ca. 1,5 milliarder :: Rigsrevisionen retter hård kritik af Sundhedsministeriet for at fumle gevaldigt med salget af Statens Serum Instituts vaccineproduktion. Det endte som en økonomisk katastrofe for staten.
Erhvervsminister fremlægger plan: Teknologipagt skal øge engagement og motivation :: Brian Mikkelsen har nu fremlagt planen for en Teknologipagt, hvor uddannelser, virksomheder, interesseorganisationer og det offentlige går sammen om at promovere de tekniske og naturvidenskabelige uddannelser.
Fast radio bursts er svære at få fat på :: Fast radio bursts blev opdaget med de store gamle radio­teleskoper. Nu sættes en ny type radioteleskop ind.
Første gang: Kinesiske forskere kloner primater :: Kloning af mennesker rykker – teknisk set – et skridt nærmere, idet forskere for første gang kloner en primat.
Forsker: Elektromagnetisk stråling tredobler risikoen for at abortere :: Resultatet står i direkte modstrid med langt hovedparten af forskningen i elektromagnetisk stråling i de doser, som vi alle bliver udsat for til hverdag
FRB 121102: Et ekstremt underligt signal fra rummet :: Såkaldte fast radio bursts er meget atypiske signaler, og blandt disse skiller et enkelt sig ud i særlig grad.
Frynsegoder er blevet en selvfølge :: Frokostordning, sundhedsforsikring, bonus, frugt, kaffe, mobiltelefon, internet­adgang, fitness og massage. De privatansatte ingeniører har masser af personale­goder – de tager dem faktisk for givet.
Gaslæk lukker en del af det centrale London :: Årsagen til, at en gasrørledning i nat sprang læk i London, er stadig ukendt. Den centrale Charing Cross Station er lukket.
Havfruen er den nye dataforbindelse mellem USA og Esbjerg :: Havfruen er et nyt transatlantisk fiberkabel mellem New Jersey og Danmark, og det skal transportere 108 terabits pr. sekund. Hun får snart selskab af Midgårdsormen.
Hør ugens podcast om global opvarmning, nye batteriteknologier og liv i universet :: Ingeniørens ugentlige podcast, Transformator, sætter i denne uge fokus på ny og mere præcis viden om den såkaldte klimafølsomhed, som angiver relationen mellem CO2-koncentration og temperaturstigning. Ingeniørernes løn er også på programmet sammen med ‘The Jesus Battery’ og en meteorit med bygges…
Hollandsk godstog skal køre 100 km, uden at føreren rører en finger :: Toggiganten Alstom skal teste førerløs kørsel med godstog i Holland. Forventningen er øget kapacitet på strækningen og lavere energiforbrug. Der er dog lang vej, til lokomotivføreren kan undværes helt.
Hologrammer får kamp til stregen – og på savannen vinder den stærkeste ikke altid :: Blandt højdepunkterne i ugens videnskabelige nyhedstrøm finder vi en ny 3D-billedteknik, studier af løvers og geparders jagt samt en forslag til, hvilke gasser man skal lede efter på exoplaneter, som tegn på liv – og nej det er ikke ilt.
Kinesiske myndigheder frygter miljøkatastrofe efter sunket tankskib :: Søndag sank det 247 meter lange tankskib Sanchi i det Østkinesiske hav. Nu frygter landene omkring en miljøkatastrofe.
Den kinesiske olietanker brændte i en uge – nu vil Norge lære af rekordudslippet :: Erfaringerne er begrænsede med den type olieudslip, som skete i januar sidste år i Kina.
Kronik: Dagbodssystemet kan gøres meget mere simpelt
Krystal indikerer tidligt liv i rummet :: Banebrydende analyse af gammel meteorsten, der indeholder krystal med både vand og organisk materiale, giver ny næring til teori om liv i solsystemets barndom.
Lavere løn og færre goder demotiverer offentlige ingeniører :: Løngabet mellem offentligt og privatansatte IDA-medlemmer vokser. Samtidig forsvinder nogle af de goder, der retfærdiggør en forskel, mener IDA.
Leder: Overvågning af borgerne må ikke overlades til embedsmændene
Mikrokapsler fra DTU skal levere sunde bakterier til tarmen :: DTU Nanotech er i gang med at udvikle beholdere på størrelse med sukkerkorn, som skal føre probiotika sikkert forbi mavesyren.
Miljøstyrelsen strammer kravene til sprøjtemidler :: Nu skal producenter af sprøjtemidler fortælle om produkternes konsekvenser for arveanlæggene.
Minister: Handicappede skal have bedre adgang til bygninger :: Reglerne for handicappedes adgang til byggerier bliver ofte brudt. Nu er bedre information, flere anvisninger og stikprøvekontrol på vej.
Nu skal der findes en løsning på vindmøllernes værste fejl :: Små indre revner i lejerne har kostet verdens vindmølleproducenter milliarder af kroner. Innovationsfonden investerer nu i et nyt forskningsprojekt, der skal forsøge at finde en løsning på problemet.
Ny aftale tilskynder landmænd til at brænde gylle af: »Det er noget miljøsvineri« :: De grønne organisationer er oppe i det røde felt, fordi en ny aftale, der skal redde vandmiljøet, tillader landmænd at afbrænde den tørre fiberfraktion fra gylle. På den måde bliver det vanskeligt for planterne at optage værdifuld fosfor.
Ny minesøger lader soldater se under jorden :: Ny håndholdt minesøger erstatter de traditionelle metaldetektorers lydsignaler med et visuelt display.
OK18-krav: Væk med skæv lønregulering :: Parallel lønudvikling for ­offentligt og ­privatansatte er et af IDAs mål i overenskomstforhandlingerne på det offentlige område.
Passagerfly sætter verdensrekord over Atlanten :: På en tur over Atlanten i mandags fangede et Norwegian-fly en aldeles gunstig jetstrøm, som bar flyet fra New York til London på lidt over fem timer. Selvom hastigheden nåede 1.248 km/t, brød det aldrig lydmuren.
Pentagon-rapport afslører 1.000 mangler og nye forsinkelser for F-35 :: Nye forsinkelser bringer færdiggørelsen af de første kampklare F-35 snublende tæt på leveringen af de første danske fly i 2021. Der går dog mange år, før Danmark rent faktisk skal bruge flyet i kamp.
Rente-manøvre redder økonomien for Københavns første letbane :: Forsinkelser og dyre entreprenørkontrakter betød, at der manglede godt 300 millioner kroner til at bygge en letbane langs Ring 3 i forstæderne. Men den lave rente gør, at ejerne slipper for at skulle til lommerne.
Sådan bliver det nye radiohus :: Hvert studie får sit eget fundament for at opnå den bedst mulige lydisolation i Statsradiofoniens nye radiohus på Rosenørns Allé.
SIRI-kommissionen: Bedre brug af sundhedsdata og mere AI, tak :: Flere kronisk syge og færre sengepladser nødvendiggør bedre udnyttelse af patientdata og kunstig intelligens, lyder det i nyt udspil fra tænketanken SIRI-kommissionen.
Smuthul for genredigerede fødevarer får både tilhængere og modstandere til at gå agurk :: Ifølge en rådgiver for EU-domstolen er der intet juridisk til hinder for at europæiske bønder begynder at dyrke genredigerede grøntsager. Både tilhængere og kritikere af genredigering mener, at udmeldingen underminerer markedet for fødevarer i hele Europa.
Spørg Scientariet: hvorfor skummer te fra mikroovnsvand? :: Vores læser vil gerne vide, hvad det gør ved vandet at blive opvarmet i hhv. mikroovn eller elkoger. Det svarer professor fra KU på.
Statens vagthunde i oprør: Minister nægter ansvar for vaccine-fadæsen :: Sundhedsministeren og hendes ministerium afviser som noget helt enestående den væsentligste kritik af salget af Statens Serum Instituts vaccineproduktion. Chokerede statsrevisorer kalder det »uhørt« og vil reagere.
Swipe med øjnene: Handicappede styrer mobilen med blikket :: En ny type eye tracking kombineret med mobiltelefoner og moderne smart home-udstyr skal gøre livet lettere for handicappede, mener de DTU-studerende bag teknologien.
To stationer lukket i London: Gamle rørledninger årsag til stort gaslæk :: Britisk forsyningsselskab arbejder fortsat på at isolere naturgaslæk i det centrale London.
Transportminister: For dyrt at forhindre stenkast med hegn :: Hvis danske motorvejsbroer skal sikres mod stenkast, kræver det tre meter høje hegn i særligt stærkt materiale. Og det vil tage 60 år at få dem op.
Underbetalte ingeniører i det offentlige kan blive dyrt for samfundet :: Offentligt ansatte ingeniører er blevet hægtet af i lønkapløbet med ansatte i det private erhvervsliv, viser lønstatistik fra IDA. Men det kan koste samfundet dyrt, og konsekvensen kan blive dårligere myndigheds­behandling pga. medarbejderflugt, mener forskere.
Virksomhedsleder: Industri 4.0 er for meget snak og for få løsninger :: Udstyrsleverandørerne skal køre mere open source, og deres udstyr skal kunne fungere samme med ældre produktionsudstyr, hvis den digitale fabrik skal blive til realitet, påpeger direktøren for KP Komponenter.
Video: Se James Webb-rumteleskopet blive sat på frost :: Se Nasas time lapse-video af det store James Webb-rumteleskop, der er blevet testet ved minus 260 grader.
Eksperter: Tre tip til at få job via LinkedIn :: LinkedIn er en central del af jobsøgeres værktøjer. Jobfinder fortæller, hvordan du bruger LinkedIn til at udvide dit netværk og blive fundet af dit drømmefirma uden selv at søge jobbet.
Fire småting, der kan løfte din karriere :: Det kræver meget at sparke din karriere fremad, men enkelte hverdagsaktiviteter kan fremme din karriere uden meget arbejde. Jobfinder giver dig fire småtricks, som kan bringe din professionelle karriere fremad.
Prisvindende virksomhed: Ledere skal være servicemedarbejdere :: Tre gange er det svenske konsulentfirma kåret til den bedste arbejdsplads i Europa og fire gange til Sveriges bedste. Den administrerende direktør i Cygni, Jon Persson, leverer fire råd til at løfte niveauet for ledelse.
Sådan konfronterer du din chef :: Som medarbejder skal du vide, hvordan du håndterer din leder, når personen tager fejl eller presser dig for meget. Jobfinder giver dig tre tips til at tackle din chef i en konfrontation.
Topchef i Rambøll: Fire lektier unge ingeniører skal lære på universitetet :: Arbejdsmarkedet udvikler sig konstant. Det samme gør de kompetencer, der er brug for. Studerende såvel som erfarne folk bør derfor få styr på særligt fire ting, mener Rambølls administrerende direktør.
Stort behov for projektledere: Find job hos Sweco, Rambøll eller Ørsted :: Nogle af de mest eftertragtede kandidater lige nu er projektledere. Find dit drømmejob på dagens liste.
21st Century Fox/Sky takeover thrown into doubt by UK regulator :: Britain's competition regulator provisionally ruled Tuesday that a planned takeover of pan-European satellite TV giant Sky by Rupert Murdoch's 21st Century Fox entertainment group was "not in the public interest".
Accurate estimation of biodiversity is now possible on a global scale :: We know remarkably little about the diversity of life on Earth, which makes it hard to know with any certainty whether we're succeeding in our efforts to conserve it. The goal of the Intergovernmental Panel on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) is to provide policymakers with objective scientific assessments about the status of the planet's biodiversity and its services to people. The Con
Researchers use sound waves to advance optical communication :: Illinois researchers have demonstrated that sound waves can be used to produce ultraminiature optical diodes that are tiny enough to fit onto a computer chip. These devices, called optical isolators, may help solve major data capacity and system size challenges for photonic integrated circuits, the light-based equivalent of electronic circuits, which are used for computing and communications.
Advances in lasers get to the long and short of it :: Since lasers were first developed, the demand for more adaptable lasers has only increased. Chiral nematic liquid crystals (CLCs) are an emerging class of lasing devices that are poised to shape how lasers are used in the future because of their low thresholds, ease of fabrication, and ability to be tuned across wider swaths of the electromagnetic spectrum. New work on how to select band-edge mode
Integration of AI and robotics with materials sciences will lead to new clean energy technology :: Materials are the foundation of essentially all clean energy technologies including advanced batteries, solar cells, low-energy semiconductors, catalysts for capturing and storing CO2, and more. But discovering new materials is currently a time consuming and expensive process: to determine whether they will be useful, newly discovered molecules are run through simulation, synthesis, and testing in
AI can read! Tech firms race to smarten up thinking machines :: Seven years ago, a computer beat two human quizmasters on a "Jeopardy" challenge. Ever since, the tech industry has been training its machines even harder to make them better at amassing knowledge and answering questions.
Air quality is leading environmental threat to public health, EPI report shows :: The 2018 Environmental Performance Index (EPI) finds that air quality is the leading environmental threat to public health. Now in its twentieth year, the biennial report is produced by researchers at Yale and Columbia Universities in collaboration with the World Economic Forum. The tenth EPI report ranks 180 countries on 24 performance indicators across 10 issue categories covering environmental
Alaska earthquake prompts tsunami warning :: A magnitude 8.2 earthquake off Alaska's Kodiak Island prompted a tsunami warning for a large swath of coastal Alaska and Canada's British Columbia while the remainder of the U.S. West Coast was under a watch.
Alaska quake shows complexity of tsunami warningsAlaska Tsunami EarthquakeThe powerful earthquake that struck beneath the Gulf of Alaska early Tuesday generated a tsunami, but before gauges could show that it was very small, warnings went out to a vast swath of the state and British Columbia, while a lower-level alert targeted the rest of the West Coast.
Harmful algal blooms can become airborne :: Waves lapping against the shoreline is always a pretty scene, but it may also be a way for toxins from harmful algal blooms to become airborne.
Algorithm proves voter ID law's discriminating intent :: In 2011, the Texas state legislature passed a bill requiring that residents present certain types of identification before being allowed to vote. The U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against Texas, arguing that the intent and effect of the bill was to discriminate against minority voters.
Study sheds light on alternative, more convenient method of cell preservation :: Researchers at Oregon State University have taken an important step toward a more convenient, less expensive means of preserving mammalian cells for in vitro fertilization, species conservation, cell therapy and other purposes.
Amazon opens store with no cashiers, lines or registers :: No cashiers, no lines, no registers—this is how Amazon sees the future of in-store shopping.
Amazon raises monthly Prime membership fees by 20 percent :: Amazon is raising the price of its Prime membership monthly plan by nearly 20 percent. The fee of $99 for an annual membership will not change, the company said Friday.
Amazon's potential HQ2 sites leaves many cities disappointedAmazon Prime SubscriptionAmazon's move to whittle its list for a second headquarters leaves more than 200 municipalities disappointed. Here are statements from some of the places that didn't make the tech giant's cut to 20 contenders:
American Airlines earnings dip on higher costs :: American Airlines reported a dip in fourth-quarter profits Thursday due to higher costs as it projected stronger-than-expected 2018 profits because of strong demand.
American lobsters feeling the heat in the northwest Atlantic :: Rising temperatures along the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean will force American lobsters farther offshore and into more northern waters, a new study finds.
Ancient Eurasian DNA sequencing is revealing links with modern humans :: Until recently, very little was known about the genetic relationship between modern humans of the Upper Paleolithic age (the period of time between 50,000 and 10,000 years ago, also called the Late Stone age) and today's populations. But with direct DNA sequencing, researchers are discovering unexpected genetic connections between individuals on opposing sides of Eurasia. These suggest a complex h
Ancient rice heralds a new future for rice production :: Wild rice growing in northern Australia's crocodile-infested waters could help boost global food security, say University of Queensland researchers who have mapped its genetic family tree.
How animals follow the stars :: The stars have fascinated humankind throughout history, and we have developed ever more sophisticated means of interpreting them and using their positions to guide us (at least in a navigational, rather than an astrological capacity). A number of night-active animals also use the stars as a compass reference, ranging from songbirds and seals to dung beetles and moths. While it is now established t
Apple says delayed HomePod speaker ready to goApple HomePod SpeakerApple said Tuesday its HomePod speaker, the digital assistant device challenging rivals from Amazon and Google, was now ready after a delay of several months.
Apple will give users control over slowdown of older iPhones :: Apple's next major update of its mobile software will include an option that will enable owners of older iPhones to turn off a feature that slows the device to prevent aging batteries from shutting down.
Ariane 5 rocket puts European GPS satellites into orbit :: An Ariane 5 rocket put four GPS satellites into orbit on Tuesday for Europe's Galileo navigation project, Arianespace said.
Arsenic and permafrost microbes help hunt for life on Mars :: Studying environments that are similar to Mars, and their microbial ecosystems, could help prepare biologists to identify traces of life in outer space.
Artificial agent designs quantum experiments :: On the way to an intelligent laboratory, physicists from Innsbruck and Vienna present an artificial agent that autonomously designs quantum experiments. In initial experiments, the system has independently (re)discovered experimental techniques that are standard in modern quantum optical laboratories. This shows how machines could play a more creative role in research in the future.
Artificial intelligence predicts corruption :: Researchers from the University of Valladolid (Spain) have created a computer model based on neural networks that calculates the probability in Spanish provinces of corruption, as well as the conditions that favor it. This alert system confirms that the probabilities increase when the same party stays in government for more years.
Artificial sweetener could someday provide cancer treatments with fewer side effects :: Artificial sweeteners are used in diet drinks and foods but also could someday be used as treatments targeting carbonic anhydrase IX (CA IX), a protein associated with aggressive cancers. Although several drugs have been approved that target similar forms of CA, they aren't selective and may cause side effects, including vomiting and fatigue. Now researchers report in ACS' Journal of Medicinal Che
Engineers design artificial synapse for 'brain-on-a-chip' hardware :: When it comes to processing power, the human brain just can't be beat.
Asocial media :: The incidence of abusive commentary on social media is rising. Media specialists Carsten Reinemann and Christoph Neuberger are exploring the grounds for this development, and have invited journalist Dunja Hayali to discuss the issue.
Astronauts go spacewalking to give new hand to robot arm :: Spacewalking astronauts gave a hand to the International Space Station's big robot arm Tuesday.
Astronomers conduct detailed chemical analysis of eleven globular clusters :: Astronomers have performed abundance measurements for 11 globular clusters in the galaxies NGC 147, NGC 6822, and Messier 33. The new study, presented January 9 in a paper published on arXiv.org, could improve our knowledge about chemical composition of stellar populations in the universe.
Astronomers produce first detailed images of surface of giant star :: An international team of astronomers has produced the first detailed images of the surface of a giant star outside our solar system, revealing a nearly circular, dust-free atmosphere with complex areas of moving material, known as convection cells or granules, according to a recent study.
A new 'atmospheric disequilibrium' could help detect life on other planets :: As NASA's James Webb Space Telescope and other new giant telescopes come online they will need novel strategies to look for evidence of life on other planets. A University of Washington study has found a simple approach to look for life that might be more promising than just looking for oxygen.
Atomically resolving images of beam-sensitive materials using transmission electron microscopy :: Staff members at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) have devised a methodology for the procurement of atomically resolved images of beam-sensitive materials using transmission electron microscopy. They published their findings as a first release in Science on January 18, 2018.
Australia offers cash for Great Barrier Reef rescue ideas :: Australia is calling on the world's top scientific minds to help save the Great Barrier Reef, offering hundreds of thousands of dollars to fund research into protecting the world's largest living structure.
Shedding light on Australia's polar dinosaurs :: Dinosaurs that lived in what is now known as Victoria more than 120 million years ago would have dealt with prolonged periods of darkness and below freezing temperatures, a new study reveals.
Automation, robots and the 'end of work' myth :: Can you imagine travelling to work in a robotic "Jonnycab" like the one predicted in the cult Arnold Schwarzenegger movie Total Recall? The image from 1990 is based on science fiction, but Mercedes Benz does have a semi-autonomous Driver Pilot system that it aims to install in the next five years and Uber is also waging on a self-driving future. Its partnership with Volvo has been seen as a boost
Bacterial biofilm cellulose found to differ from plant cellulose :: A team of researchers with members from the U.S., Germany and Sweden has discovered that the cellulose found in bacterial biofilms differs from the cellulose in plants. In their paper published in the journal Science, the group describes how they found the difference and what their findings might mean for developing new ways to combat bacterial infections. Michael Galperin with NIH in the U.S. and
The bacterial 'Game of Thrones' :: Much like animals and to a degree humans, bacteria enjoy a good fight. They stab, shove and poison each other in pursuit of the best territory. While this much is clear, little is known about the tactics and strategy that bacteria use during their miniature wargames.
Study uncovering multiple new, unusual bacterial immune defense mechanisms could pave the way toward new biotech tools :: Until a decade ago, scientists were not aware that bacteria had complex immune systems – ones that could keep up with the pace of evolution in viruses called phages that infect bacteria. That changed with the discovery of what is now the most famous bacterial immune mechanism: CRISPR. Scientists realized that CRISPR is a natural gene editor, and it has revolutionized the world of biological resear
A bacterial powder for quickly stabilizing gravel surfaces :: EPFL's Laboratory of Soil Mechanics has developed an easily reproducible technique using bacteria and urea to reinforce sandy or gravelly terrain. A series of chemical reactions lead to the rapid formation of mineral crystals that bind the ground particles together.
Battery research to super-charge electric vehicle revolution :: The University of Bath is part of a consortium of academic and industry partners awarded Government funding to conduct research aimed at overcoming battery challenges to accelerate the electric vehicle (EV) revolution.
Beaches open after sewage spill on California Central Coast :: Eight beaches on California's Central Coast reopened after nearly five million gallons of sewage spilled into the ocean over the weekend, official said Tuesday.
New 'big-armed fly' species named after Arnold Schwarzenegger :: New species can be named for all types of attributes, but Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County entomologist Brian Brown knew exactly what name to give a bizarre new fly species he discovered in the Brazilian Amazon.
The next big breakthrough in robotics :: While drones and driverless cars dominate the headlines, another breakthrough—robot dexterity—is likely to have an even greater impact in both business and everyday life.
Big cats in evolutionary arms race with prey: study :: Lions and cheetah are faster, stronger and no less agile than their prey, but zebras and impalas compensate with a surprising tactic, researchers said Wednesday: slow down, and keep the big cats guessing.
Big energy savings: Researchers build the world's smallest electro-optic modulator :: Researchers at Oregon State University have designed and fabricated the world's smallest electro-optic modulator, which could mean major reductions in energy used by data centers and supercomputers.
Big pay package for Musk, with even bigger goals for TeslaTesla Elon MuskElon Musk will remain at Tesla Inc. under a 10-year, all-or-nothing pay package that demands massive growth.
The big picture of Great Lakes mercury pollution :: Mercury is a widespread environmental toxicant and pollutant that travels up the food chain onto people's dinner plates. Although a global issue, mercury regulations vary worldwide. Depending on where one lives in relation to mercury emissions, regional remediation makes minimal impacts for local fish consumption advisories. This is particularly true in a sensitive landscape like Michigan's Upper
Bio-renewable process could help 'green' plastic :: When John Wesley Hyatt patented the first industrial plastic in 1869, his intention was to create an alternative to the elephant tusk ivory used to make piano keys. But this early plastic also sparked a revolution in the way people thought about manufacturing: What if we weren't limited to the materials nature had to offer?
Biochemists investigate the transport of large proteins through bacterial cell membranes :: Every cell is surrounded by a membrane, which ensures the internal biochemical milieu and regulates the exchange of substances with its surroundings. In every cell membrane, there are a large number of transporters that allow only one sort of molecule to pass through. In the case of very small molecules, such as water, the responsible transporters form tiny pores in the membrane, which disappear i
Conserving our biodiversity—priorities for well-connected protected areas :: The Joint Research Centre (JRC), the European Commission's science and knowledge service, has measured progress and shortfalls in the connectivity of protected areas in countries across the world, identifying the main priorities to sustain or improve connectivity in each country.
Biologists' new peptide could fight many cancers :: MIT biologists have designed a new peptide that can disrupt a key protein that many types of cancers, including some forms of lymphoma, leukemia, and breast cancer, need to survive.
Biomarkers helped solving the mystery of 500-million-year-old macroorganisms :: Researchers have conducted chemical analysis of biomarkers remaining after the decomposition of the genus Beltanelliformis. These organisms populated the Earth in the Ediacaran period (about 575-541 million years ago), and their position on the evolutionary tree was unknown. The data show that Beltanelliformis were colonies of cyanobacteria. The results of the work were published in Nature Ecology
New biosensor could monitor glucose levels in tears and sweat :: Constantly tracking a person's glucose levels through their tears or sweat could be one step closer to providing people with diabetes an improved monitoring tool. Researchers report in the journal ACS Nano the development of an ultra-thin, flexible sensor that could be incorporated into contact lenses or on the backs of watches for real-time glucose tracking.
When birds collide with high-speed rail :: If a high-speed train runs at 185 mph through small urbanized areas, it is possible that some animals will be surprised in their path, including magpies, pigeons, crows and buzzards. These collisions have not been scientifically analyzed or quantified to date. A new study now reports obtaining the first estimates in Spain.
Bitcoin bombs, cryptocoins crash on regulation fears :: Bitcoin, the best known of hundreds of 'virtual' coins, slumped Tuesday to a six-week low below $12,000 as analysts blamed a rush by various jurisdictions to regulate the sector.
Bitcoin prices fall as South Korea says ban still an option :: Prices of bitcoin and other digital currencies have skidded after South Korea's top financial policymaker said Tuesday that a crackdown on trading of crypto currencies was still possible.
Bitcoin wallet devices vulnerable to security hacks, study showsBitcoin Stripe CryptocurrencyDevices used to manage accounts on the innovative payment system Bitcoin could be improved to provide better protection against hackers, research suggests.
New research challenges existing models of black holes :: Chris Packham, associate professor of physics and astronomy at The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), has collaborated on a new study that expands the scientific community's understanding of black holes in our galaxy and the magnetic fields that surround them.
Blast, impact simulations could lead to better understanding of injuries and body armor :: Sandia National Laboratories is developing specialized computer modeling and simulation methods to better understand how blasts on a battlefield could lead to traumatic brain injury and injuries to vital organs, like the heart and lungs.
Developing bots that talk more like people :: Before coming to MIT, Jeff Orkin SM '07, Ph.D. '13 spent a decade building advanced, critically acclaimed artificial intelligence (AI) for video games.
BP hit by new $1.7bn Gulf oil spill charge :: British energy giant BP said Tuesday it will take an additional charge of $1.7 billion (1.4 billion euros) in the fourth quarter of 2017 linked to the Gulf of Mexico oil spill disaster in 2010.
Brain chemical differences suggest possible reason for humans having social edge over other primates :: A team of researchers affiliated with several institutions in the U.S. has found some key differences in brain chemicals between humans and other primates. In their paper published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the group suggests these differences could explain the social edge humans have over other primates.
Breakthrough study shows how plants sense the world :: Plants lack eyes and ears, but they can still see, hear, smell and respond to environmental cues and dangers—especially to virulent pathogens. They do this with the aid of hundreds of membrane proteins that can sense microbes or other stresses.
Brexit costs Britain data center for Europe's satnav system :: Officials have decided to move a data center for the European Union's new satellite navigation system out of Britain because of Brexit.
Brexit is one of the greatest threats to women's rights: study :: Brexit is one the greatest threats to women's rights and social inclusion, a new study in the Journal of Social Policy and Society reports.
Have Brexit and the US presidential election made you more radical? :: Political disillusionment leads to more extreme political views, according to studies carried out by researchers at University of Limerick (UL), Ireland.
Britain urges global regulation of bitcoin :: The British government called Thursday for global regulation of controversial virtual currency bitcoin, adding that the G20 would address the topic in March.
All the buzz—bigger honeybee colonies have quieter combs :: When honeybee colonies get larger, common sense suggests it would be noisier with more bees buzzing around.
New Caledonian crows extract prey faster with complex hooked tools :: Biologists at the Universities of St Andrews and Edinburgh have discovered why some crows 'craft' elaborate hooked tools out of branched twigs.
California congressman wants to ask Intel, AMD and ARM about Meltdown and Spectre :: A California congressman wants to meet with the Top 3 microchip makers to better understand the implications of two security flaws that affect almost all computing devices in the world.
Nearly half of California's vegetation at risk from climate stress :: Current levels of greenhouse gas emissions are putting nearly half of California's natural vegetation at risk from climate stress, with transformative implications for the state's landscape and the people and animals that depend on it, according to a study led by the University of California, Davis.
Canada limits crab fishing to save right whales :: Snow crab fishing in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence will be curtailed to protect endangered right whales from tangling in fishing gear, a Canadian official said Tuesday.
Cancer tumours could help unravel the mystery of the Cambrian explosion :: Could tumours help us explain the explosion of life of Earth? Scientists have typically explained the period of history when large animal species became much more diverse very quickly as the result of the planet's rising oxygen levels. But my colleagues and I have developed a new idea that the change might have started within animals' own biology, based on evidence from proteins found in tumours.
New catalyst for hydrogen production is a step toward clean fuel :: A nanostructured composite material developed at UC Santa Cruz has shown impressive performance as a catalyst for the electrochemical splitting of water to produce hydrogen. An efficient, low-cost catalyst is essential for realizing the promise of hydrogen as a clean, environmentally friendly fuel.
Cells lacking nuclei struggle to move in 3-D environments :: University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center researchers have revealed new details of how the physical properties of the nucleus influence how cells can move around different environments – such as "soft" tissue like brain and fat, or "stiff" tissue like cartilage or bone.
New study shows producers where and how to grow cellulosic biofuel crops :: According to a recent ruling by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, 288 million gallons of cellulosic biofuel must be blended into the U.S. gasoline supply in 2018. Although this figure is down slightly from last year, the industry is still growing at a modest pace. However, until now, producers have had to rely on incomplete information and unrealistic, small-scale studies in guidi
Centenarian elm falls in Seattle park, closing a chapter of history :: It stood for about a century, right at the center of this vast green sward, but a windstorm at the stub end of the year took it down, felling one of the biggest American elms left in Seattle's city parks.
Century of data shows sea-level rise shifting tides in Delaware, Chesapeake bays :: The warming climate is expected to affect coastal regions worldwide as glaciers and ice sheets melt, raising sea level globally. For the first time, an international team has found evidence of how sea-level rise already is affecting high and low tides in both the Chesapeake and Delaware bays, two large estuaries of the eastern United States.
Children's career aspirations limited by gender stereotypes and background :: Children's career aspirations are too often based on gender stereotypes, socio-economic backgrounds and TV, film and radio, according to a report involving UCL academics.
How chimp DNA techniques turned us into jungle detectives :: Finding wild chimpanzees is not easy. In the first ten years we spent scouring the remote woodlands of western Tanzania in search of them, we caught only fleeting glimpses and brief views of their shadows avoiding our very presence. Chimpanzees are naturally clever and elusive. They seem to know where you will go before you known yourself. And they have an amazing way of blending into the forest o
China's birthrate dropped despite allowing 2-child families :: The birthrate in China fell last year despite the country easing its family planning policies and allowing all couples to have two children, a result parents say of the stresses of urban life.
Chinese national sentenced to prison for stealing software code :: A Chinese national was sentenced to five years in prison on economic espionage charges in connection with the theft of proprietary software code from a US technology company, officials said Friday.
SK Hynix posts record quarterly net profit :: The world's second-largest memory chipmaker SK Hynix saw profits nearly double to hit a record in the fourth quarter on strong demand, it said Thursday.
Christa McAuliffe's lost lessons finally taught in space :: Christa McAuliffe's lost lessons are finally getting taught in space.
Researchers identify a new chromatin regulatory mechanism linked to SirT6 :: Researchers from the Epigenetics and Cancer Biology Program of the Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), led by Dr. Àlex Vaquero, have proposed a new regulation mechanism of the NF-κB pathway, which is associated with accelerated cellular aging, based on the analysis of the function of the SirT6 protein. The results of their work, published in Nature Communications, indicate a double
Maybe next time: Cities see failed Amazon bids as trial runsAmazon Prime SubscriptionFor some of the 200-plus cities knocked out of the running for Amazon's second headquarters, the effort may turn out to be a trial run for other opportunities. But they're advised not make the same kind of promises to just anyone.
Citigroup reports steep Q4 losses tied to US tax reform :: Citigroup on Tuesday reported steep fourth-quarter losses driven by a one-time charge from the recent US tax cuts.
Citigroup says women have a pay gap of 1% compared to men :: Under pressure to provide data on pay equity, US financial giant Citigroup said Tuesday its female and minority employees face a pay gap of just one percent compared to men.
What makes a classic song? The economics of the Hottest 100 :: This year's Triple J Hottest 100 promises to be a memorable one, and not just because of the youth network's controversial recent decision to move the countdown of the world's largest annual online music poll away from Australia Day. A record 2,386,133 votes have been cast and it's a chance for the songs of 2017 to make their pitch for posterity.
Classroom to boardroom – how to turn a school science project into a business :: When, as a 16-year-old, Adam Noble began measuring nanosilver pollution in his local river, he could hardly have foreseen that it would make him CEO of a 40-strong company before his 24th birthday.
Clever simulation scheme helps identify the most promising compositions of two-dimensional materials :: A high-throughput scan of possible compositions for a new class of materials known as MXenes gives researchers invaluable direction for picking the best candidate from the millions of possible material recipes. The simulation study by researchers from the A*STAR Institute of High Performance Computing is a significant advancement in the field of MXenes, which have exciting potential in next-genera
Click, tap, buy: Holiday shoppers spent record amount online :: Shoppers spent a record amount online during the holiday season.
Climate change linked to more flowery forests, study shows :: New research from a Florida State University scientist has revealed a surprising relationship between surging atmospheric carbon dioxide and flower blooms in a remote tropical forest.
Climate engineering, once started, would have severe impacts if stopped :: Facing a climate crisis, we may someday spray sulfur dioxide into the upper atmosphere to form a cloud that cools the Earth, but suddenly stopping the spraying would have a severe global impact on animals and plants, according to the first study on the potential biological impacts of geoengineering, or climate intervention.
Climate change and snowmelt—turn up the heat, but what about humidity? :: It's said on sticky summer days: "It's not the heat, it's the humidity." That holds true in the winter too, and could hold the key to the future of snowpack and water resources in the American West.
Climate change as seen from space :: The French National Centre for Space Research recently presented two projects for monitoring greenhouse gas emissions (CO2 and methane) using satellite sensors. The satellites, which are to be launched after 2020, will supplement measures carried out in situ.
How climate change weakens coral 'immune systems' :: If this winter finds you stressed out and fighting a sinus infection, then you know something of what coral will endure in the face of climate change.
Climate change and weather extremes—both heat and cold can kill :: Climate change is increasing the frequency and strength of some types of extreme weather in the United States, particularly heat waves. Last summer the U.S. Southwest experienced life-threatening heat waves, which are especially dangerous for elderly people and other vulnerable populations.
How secure is your data when it's stored in the cloud? :: As cloud storage becomes more common, data security is an increasing concern. Companies and schools have been increasing their use of services like Google Drive for some time, and lots of individual users also store files on Dropbox, Box, Amazon Drive, Microsoft OneDrive and the like. They're no doubt concerned about keeping their information private – and millions more users might store data onli
Calculating the CO2 emissions of biofuels is not enough :: A new EU regulation aims to shrink the environmental footprint of biofuels starting in 2021. But an EPFL scientist thinks we should go one step further and take into account all compounds produced at biorefineries, not just biofuel. And he has developed a model for doing just that.
Combating data breach fatigue :: If you shop online or swipe a credit or debit card when out to eat, you've likely received a notice your personal information was compromised in a data breach. And if you're like most consumers, chances are you did nothing in response, says an Iowa State University researcher.
Researchers combine spintronics and nanophotonics in 2-D material :: Spintronics is an emerging field in which the spin of electrons, rather than the charge, is used to process data. Unfortunately, the spin only lasts for a very short time, making it difficult to exploit in electronics. Researchers from the Kavli Institute of Nanoscience at TU Delft, working with the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research's AMOLF institute, have now found a way to convert
Combined nutrients and warming massively increase methane emissions from lakes :: Shallow lakes in agricultural landscapes will emit significantly greater amounts of methane, mostly in the form of bubbles (ebullition) in a warmer world, which is a potential positive feedback mechanism to climate warming.
Comcast hopes for a TV windfall from Super Bowl, Olympics :: Comcast's NBC is airing both the Super Bowl and the Olympics in February, a double-whammy sports extravaganza that the company expects to yield $1.4 billion in ad sales, helping it justify the hefty price it's paying for both events.
How comet dust reveals the history of the solar system :: We are not used to considering dust as a valuable material – unless it comes from space. And more precisely, from the comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. An analysis of its dust has provided valuable information about this celestial object, and, more generally, on the history of the solar system.
Companies that pay more tax deliver shareholders better returns, says study :: Treasurer Scott Morrison is quick to spruik the shareholder benefits of cutting corporate tax rates further, as the usual logic goes that if a corporation pays less tax, shareholders should get a greater return.
Contest for second Amazon HQ heats up as finalists named :: With billions of dollars and tens of thousands of jobs at stake, Amazon's quest for a second North American headquarters has thrust 20 cities into a cutthroat "Hunger Games" style contest—but at what cost?
Coping with climate stress in Antarctica :: Some Antarctic fish living in the planet's coldest waters are able to cope with the stress of rising carbon dioxide levels the ocean. They can even tolerate slightly warmer waters. But they can't deal with both stressors at the same time, according to a study from the University of California, Davis.
Coyotes and red foxes may coexist within urban landscapes :: Coyotes and red foxes may select different types of habitats for their home ranges, helping them to coexist in urban environments, according to a study published January 24, 2018 in the open-access journal PLOS ONE by Marcus A. Mueller from the University of Wisconsin, USA, and colleagues.
Cranky employees more likely to violate cybersecurity policies :: As professionals return to work after holidays, their moods are undoubtedly affected by the emotional impact of their holiday experiences, but these moods may be more critical to workplace cybersecurity than previously realized.
Craving carbs? Blame your brain, Japan study finds :: Under pressure and gobbling pizza or chocolate? It may not be your fault, according to Japanese researchers who have isolated the neurons that drive a craving for carbs.
Cryo-EM reveals critical protein-modifying complex and potential drug target :: Scientists have revealed the atomic-level structure of a molecular complex responsible for modifying proteins, possibly paving the way for the development of new medications for cancer and a host of other diseases.
CubeSats for hunting secrets in lunar darkness :: Imagine sending a spacecraft the size of an airline cabin bag to the moon – what would you have it do? ESA issued that challenge to European teams last year, and two winners have now been chosen.
3-D printing improves cell adhesion and strength of PDMS polymer :: Combining two different polymer forms can switch manufacturing of silicone parts from molding, casting and spin coating of simple forms to 3-D printing of complex geometries with better mechanical characteristics and better biological adhesion, according to a team of Penn State researchers.
Researchers use 3-D microtube platform to study lumen formation :: A team of scientists from Singapore and France, led by Professor Lim Chwee Teck, Principal Investigator at the Mechanobiology Institute, Singapore and the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the National University of Singapore, has described a novel 'microtube'-based platform to study how tubular organs, such as the heart and the kidneys, form under the various topographical restrictions comm
Daimler struggling with European emissions standards :: The chief executive of Daimler said Monday at the Detroit auto show that his company cannot currently guarantee it can meet tougher European CO2 emissions standards taking effect in several years.
Dallas-based Skratch app helps busy teens find jobs in their neighborhoods :: Miranda Alfaro said she's had a difficult time finding a part-time job that fits her busy academic schedule.
Chasing dark matter with the oldest stars in the Milky Way :: Just how quickly is the dark matter near Earth zipping around? The speed of dark matter has far-reaching consequences for modern astrophysical research, but this fundamental property has eluded researchers for years.
Deadly California mudslides show the need for maps and zoning that better reflect landslide risk :: Scenic hill slopes can be inspiring – or deadly, as we are seeing after the disastrous debris flows that have ravaged the community of Montecito, California in the wake of heavy rains on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018. At least 20 people are dead, and four remain missing. More than a hundred buildings have been destroyed or damaged by moving walls of mud and boulders that rumbled down creeks and canyons in
New study debunks the theory of 'war-like' business competition in financial markets :: The perception of competition in business is often negatively skewed, with images of Wolf of Wall Street types running greedy firms who are out to win at any cost. In this world, competition is seen as war and retaliation, and financial markets are battlegrounds.
Declining trust in facts, institutions imposes real-world costs on US society, report finds :: Americans' reliance on facts to discuss public issues has declined significantly in the past two decades, leading to political paralysis and collapse of civil discourse, according to a RAND Corporation report.
Decoding the Axolotl genome :: A team of researchers led by scientists in Vienna, Dresden and Heidelberg has decoded the entire genetic information of the Mexican salamander axolotl. The axolotl genome, which is the largest genome ever to be sequenced, will be a powerful tool to study the molecular basis for regrowing limbs and other forms of regeneration.
Digging deep into distinctly different DNA :: A University of Queensland discovery has deepened our understanding of the genetic mutations that arise in different tissues, and how these are inherited.
Identifying structural defects during driving electronic devices :: A research team from Korea has discovered the blocking phenomenon of electrons generated during high-speed driving of oxide semiconductors and proved its causes for the first time in the world. It is expected to be used for the commercialization of next-generation intelligent electronic devices.
Drying and dehydration—solutions to address global food shortage :: In the University of Nottingham Malaysia, a team of chemical and food engineers from the Food and Pharmaceutical Engineering Research Group are investigating drying and dehydration of various food materials using advance dryers.
Diamonds' flaws hold promise for new technologies :: Despite their charm and allure, diamonds are rarely perfect. They have tiny defects that, to assistant professor Nathalie de Leon, make them ever so appealing. These atom-sized mistakes have enormous potential in technologies for high-resolution imaging and secure communication lines.
Dietary fiber protects against obesity and metabolic syndrome, study finds :: Consumption of dietary fiber can prevent obesity, metabolic syndrome and adverse changes in the intestine by promoting growth of "good" bacteria in the colon, according to a study led by Georgia State University.
Two dimensional circuit with magnetic quasi-particles :: Whether smart phone, computer or dialysis machine – there is no electronic device without chips and their electronic components inside. The individual circuit elements are therefore often wired using three dimensional so called bridge constructions. Currently, physicists at Technische Universität Kaiserslautern (TUK) are working on a more efficient variation, where specific quasiparticles named ma
Disco nights? Rocket Lab launches glinting sphere into orbit :: Look into the night sky at the right time and you might see what amounts to a giant disco ball shimmering and glinting back.
Surprising discovery links sour taste to the inner ear's ability to sense balance :: Scientists at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences have discovered an entirely new class of ion channels. These channels let protons (H+ ions) into cells, are important in the inner ear for balance, and are present in the taste cells that respond to sour flavors.
New discovery could improve organic solar cell performance :: While there is a growing market for organic solar cells—they contain materials that are cheaper, more abundant, and more environmentally friendly than those used in typical solar panels – they also tend to be less efficient in converting sunlight to electricity than conventional solar cells.
Discrepancies between satellite and global model estimates of land water storage :: Research led by The University of Texas at Austin has found that calculations of water storage in many river basins from commonly used global computer models differ markedly from independent storage estimates from GRACE satellites.
Study of distant galaxies challenges the understanding of how stars form :: The most massive galaxies in our neighbourhood formed their stars billions of years ago, early in the history of the universe. At the present day, they produce very few new stars. Astronomers have long believed that is because they contain very little gas – a key ingredient necessary to produce stars. But our new study, published in Nature Astronomy, is now challenging this long held view.
New DNA database at Rutgers-Camden to strengthen forensic science :: Forensic DNA evidence is a valuable tool in criminal investigations to link a suspect to the scene of a crime, but the process to make that determination is not so simple since the genetic material found at a crime scene often comes from more than one person.
Hunting dogs as possible vectors for the infectious disease tularaemia :: Tularaemia is an infectious bacterial disease that is life-threatening for rodents, rabbits and hares, but which can also infect humans and dogs. While contact with contaminated blood or meat makes hunters a high-risk group, the frequency of infections among hunting dogs has not been much studied. Researchers from Vetmeduni Vienna have now confirmed a relevant prevalence of infections in Austrian
Don't automate the fun out of life :: Imagine you are about to go on vacation. You have been looking forward to it for some time. But your robotic personal assistant has other ideas. It calmly explains to you that it will be cheaper, safer and more efficient for it to take your place on the holiday trip.
Don't want to bother with cat litter? Japan offers robots :: Japan, home of the "kawaii" cult of cute, has always had a soft spot for companion robots, in contrast to the more industrial or mechanical types used for assembly lines, surgeries and military missions. The Associated Press spent some time recently with three relatively affordable home robots from Japanese makers that target the elderly, kids and hard-working salarymen pressed for time. Unlike re
'Dreamers' could give US economy – and even American workers – a boost :: Earlier this month, hopes were high that a bipartisan deal could be reached to resolve the fate of the "Dreamers," the millions of undocumented youth who were brought to the U.S. as children.
Drones take off in agriculture industry :: Could the newest farmhand be a drone?
Drones learn to navigate autonomously by imitating cars and bicycles :: All today's commercial drones use GPS, which works fine above building roofs and in high altitudes. But what, when the drones have to navigate autonomously at low altitude among tall buildings or in the dense, unstructured city streets with cars, cyclists or pedestrians suddenly crossing their way? Until now, commercial drones are not able to quickly react to such unforeseen events.
Drones confirm importance of Costa Rican waters for sea turtles :: Hundreds of thousands of sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs during mass-nesting events at Ostional National Wildlife Refuge on Costa Rica's Pacific coast, making it one of the most important nesting beaches in the world.
Drought-stricken Cape Town faces dry taps by April 21 :: As Cape Town suffers its worst drought in a century, residents were warned by the mayor on Tuesday that they face losing piped water to their homes by April 21.
Dutch shocked by call to ban EU electric pulse fishing :: The black clouds hanging over the boats in Dutch ports Friday were not the remnants of wild winter gales, but harbingers of another devastating storm brewing for Dutch fishermen.
Dutch turning off quake-zone gas for 200 firms :: The Dutch government has ordered more than 200 of the country's biggest businesses to stop using gas from the quake-prone northern Groningen region, Europe's largest gasfield, officials confirmed Tuesday.
Dutch robots help make cheese, 'smell' the roses :: It might be one small move for a robot, but it could prove an important step for Dutch cheesemakers. Moonlander, invented by students, is here to help take the hard work out of curds and whey.
e-Genie tool could grant energy saving wishes for businesses :: A new monitoring tool for businesses has been developed by researchers at the University of Nottingham to help reduce energy use and cut costs.
Early Trump support climbed in areas with recent Latino population growth: study :: Donald Trump announced his presidential candidacy in June 2015 with a bold, double-edged promise: that he would build a "great wall" on the border separating the United States and Mexico, and that he would make Mexico pay for it.
Earth's core and mantle separated in a disorderly fashion :: Plumes of hot rock surging upward from the Earth's mantle at volcanic hotspots contain evidence that the Earth's formative years may have been even more chaotic than previously thought, according to new work from a team of Carnegie and Smithsonian scientists published in Nature.
What would happen if the Earth were actually flat? :: Welcome to the new year, 2018. The Earth has yet again made a revolution about the sun. But not so fast. If you subscribe to the idea of a flat Earth, then you'd believe that no such thing happened, because the sun rotates in a circle around the sky.
Ecologist unearths the foothill yellow-legged frog's past in order to inform its future :: Once abundant in Southern California, the foothill yellow-legged frog inexplicably vanished from the region sometime between the late 1960s and early 1970s. The reasons behind its rapid extinction have been an ecological mystery.
Edmunds recommends 15 used cars for under $15K :: Depreciation may be the bane of new-car buyers, but it's also the reason so many shoppers buy used. We scoured our annual Edmunds New Car Buying Guides from years past to see what cars we loved back in the day can now be had for $15,000 or less. For each vehicle, we've provided a range of years offering the best selection and value. In certain cases, getting an even older model is a viable option,
Effective Space signs deal with satellite company to use drones to lengthen life of satellites in orbit :: Representatives for Effective Space, a U.K. based space technology company, have announced to the press that a deal has been struck between their company and a well-known satellite operator to provide satellite support in orbit. The support, in this case, will involve placing two drones on a rocket, sending them into space and then using them to rescue two satellites that are about to run out of f
Information engine operates with nearly perfect efficiency :: Physicists have experimentally demonstrated an information engine—a device that converts information into work—with an efficiency that exceeds the conventional second law of thermodynamics. Instead, the engine's efficiency is bounded by a recently proposed generalized second law of thermodynamics, and it is the first information engine to approach this new bound.
Researchers develop more efficient conversion method for solar energy :: Researchers at the University of Twente's MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology have made significant efficiency improvements to the technology used to generate solar fuels. This involves the direct conversion of energy from sunlight into a usable fuel (in this case, hydrogen). Using only earth-abundant materials, they developed the most efficient conversion method to date. The trick was to decouple
Egypt places colossus of Ramses II at new museum's entrance :: Egypt's Antiquities Ministry says it has placed the ancient colossus of famed pharaoh Ramses II at the entrance of a museum under construction near the country's famed pyramids outside the capital Cairo.
Using electric fields to manipulate droplets on a surface could enable high-volume, low-cost biology experiments :: MIT researchers have developed hardware that uses electric fields to move droplets of chemical or biological solutions around a surface, mixing them in ways that could be used to test thousands of reactions in parallel.
Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility delivers beam to all four of its experimental areas simultaneously :: Just months after completing a nine-year construction project to upgrade its research capabilities, the Department of Energy's Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility has delivered its next technological success: For the first time, the Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility (CEBAF) has delivered electron beams simultaneously to all four experimental halls. This achievement maximizes
Charge order and electron localization in a molecule-based solid :: Charge ordering in mixed-valence compounds, which usually contain positively charged cations in more than one formal charge state, is of crucial importance for materials science. Many functional properties of materials like magnetism, magnetoresistance, ionic conductivity and superconductivity are found in mixed valence compounds.
How the Elwha dam removals changed the river's mouth :: For decades, resource managers agreed that removing the two dams on the Elwha River would be a big win for the watershed as a whole and, in particular, for its anadromous trout and salmon. The dams sat on the river for more than 100 years, trapping approximately 30 million tonnes of sediment behind their concrete walls. As the dams were removed between 2012 and 2014, much of this sediment was rele
Emerging 5G networks – new opportunities for drone detection? :: Researchers from Aalto University and Tampere University of Technology in Finland have addressed new possibilities for efficient detection of drones by relying on future 5G communication systems. There, mmWave base stations may act as multistatic radar system receivers, thus acquiring the reflected signal from nearby flying drones.
Emissions of volatile organic compounds higher than previously assumed :: In the scientific journal PNAS, researchers from Innsbruck, Austria, present the world's first chemical fingerprint of urban emission sources of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Accordingly, the abatement strategy for organic solvents is having an effect in Europe. At the same time, the data suggest that the total amount of man-made VOCs globally is likely to be significantly higher than previou
Over 100 endangered turtles hatch in Singapore :: Over 100 baby turtles have hatched on a Singapore beach before being released into the sea, authorities said Tuesday, in a boost for the critically endangered creatures.
Endangered woodpeckers persist, but still struggle, on private land :: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service started the Safe Harbor program in North Carolina in 1995 to reduce conflict between landowners and conservation officials and to encourage private landowners to take steps to benefit endangered Red-cockaded Woodpeckers on their land. The program has successfully reduced conflict over conservation and reduced the abandonment of nest clusters, but a new study from
An enzyme with a surprising dual function :: Scientists at the University of Bonn have clarified a surprising dual function of ceramide synthase. The enzyme not only catalyzes a central step of the production of vital lipids, it also has the ability to turn genes involved in lipid metabolism on or off. The study is published in Cell Reports.
New Eocene fossil data suggest climate models may underestimate future polar warming :: A new international analysis of marine fossils shows that warming of the polar oceans during the Eocene, a greenhouse period that provides a glimpse of Earth's potential future climate, was greater than previously thought.
Ericsson to write down 1.4 billion euros in fourth quarter :: Swedish telecoms equipment maker Ericsson on Tuesday said it would write down 14.2 billion kronor (1.4 billion euros, $1.8 billion) in assets as the troubled company struggles to compete in a rapidly changing sector.
Ethiopia could be sitting on one of world's great untapped gold deposits :: To the west of Ethiopia near the Sudanese border lies a place called the Asosa zone. This may be the location of the oldest gold mine in the world. Dating back some 6,000 years, it provided a key source of gold to the ancient Egyptian empire, whose great wealth was famous throughout the known world. It may even have supplied the Queen of Sheba with her lavish gifts of gold when she visited King So
Trust in ethnically diverse areas is improving, but there is more work to be done :: In modern Australia, trust sometimes seems to be a short supply. But our research shows there may be some cause for optimism.
EU top court rules privacy campaigner can go after Facebook :: The European Union's top court says that Austrian privacy campaigner Maximillian Schrems can bring a case against Facebook Ireland as an individual but there cannot be a class action suit.
EU fines chipmaker Qualcomm 1 bn euros for Apple dealQualcomm Apple EUThe EU on Wednesday hit US chipmaking giant Qualcomm with an antitrust fine of 997 million euros ($1.2 billion) for paying Apple to use its chips exclusively in iPhones and iPads.
EU parliament calls for ban on electric pulse fishing :: The European Parliament called Tuesday for a ban on electric pulse fishing in the European Union, defying Brussels which wants the experimental practice in the North Sea done on a larger scale.
EU sets 2030 target for recyclable plastic packaging :: The European Union unveiled plans Tuesday for all plastic packaging in Europe to be recyclable by 2030 and phase out single-use plastic like coffee cups to fight pollution.
Europa and other planetary bodies may have extremely low-density surfaces :: Spacecraft landing on Jupiter's moon Europa could see the craft sink due to high surface porosity, research by Planetary Science Institute Senior Scientist Robert Nelson shows.
Europe brings on charm and blue skies to lure Chinese tourists :: Chinese tourists are big spenders and with the numbers visiting Europe set to soar by nearly 70 percent over the next five years, the countries of the Old Continent are rolling out the red carpet to make the guests feel welcome.
European-Russian space mission steps up the search for life on Mars :: In 2013, the European Space Agency and Roscosmos—the Russian governmental body responsible for space research—agreed to cooperate on ExoMars, the first joint interplanetary mission between ESA and Russia. This project now involves scientists from 29 research organizations, including MIPT and the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, which is the leading contributor of hardwa
Study shows first evidence of winds outside black holes throughout their mealtimes :: New research shows the first evidence of strong winds around black holes throughout bright outburst events when a black hole rapidly consumes mass.
The evolution of the Australian accent :: Australia Day; it's snags on the barbie, mozzies, long necks, Akubra hats and that all Aussie sun blazing through our SPF 50+.
Ex-racing driver Lauda back at the controls of his airline Niki :: Austrian former racing driver Niki Lauda has been selected to buy the assets of Niki, the budget airline he founded in 2003, the administrators of the former Air Berlin subsidiary said Tuesday.
Excavations show remote Greek islet was early industrial hub :: Excavations next to the uninhabited Greek islet of Keros, already identified as the enigmatic hub of a forgotten religion, have now revealed traces of intense industrial activity more than 4,500 years ago, Greece's Culture Ministry said Wednesday.
US approves land exchange for road through Alaska refugeAlaska Tsunami EarthquakeInterior Secretary Ryan Zinke signed a land trade agreement Monday that could lead to construction of a road through a national wildlife refuge in Alaska, portraying the exchange as a people-versus-wildlife issue.
Expert behind new MH370 search hopeful of find within a month :: After years of futile efforts, a fresh hunt for MH370 has set off for the remote Indian Ocean—and the top Australian scientist who helped pinpoint the new search zone is hopeful the missing jet can be found within weeks.
Explorer 1—the beginning of American space science :: Sixty years ago next week, the hopes of Cold War America soared into the night sky as a rocket lofted skyward above Cape Canaveral, a soon-to-be-famous barrier island off the Florida coast.
Brief exposure to charismatic career women inspires female students to pursue same field :: A low-budget field experiment to tackle the lack of women in the male-dominated field of economics has been surprisingly effective, says the study's author, an economist at Southern Methodist University, Dallas.
New for three types of extreme-energy space particles: Theory shows unified origin :: New model connects the origins of very high-energy neutrinos, ultrahigh-energy cosmic rays, and high-energy gamma rays with black-hole jets embedded in their environments.
How to achieve extreme productivity :: Robert Pozen is a very productive person: An MIT Sloan senior lecturer, he served as the former president of Fidelity Investments, executive chairman of MFS Investment Management, and as an associate general counsel of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. His latest book is "Extreme Productivity: Boost Your Results, Reduce Your Hours," and he teaches the MIT Sloan executive education cours
Facebook acknowledges social media's risks to democracy :: Facebook acknowledged Monday that widespread use of social media can be harmful to democracy, while pledging to work to minimize these risks.
Facebook top choice for Philippines wildlife traders: monitorFacebook Mark ZuckerbergFacebook has emerged as the top site for wildlife trafficking in the Philippines, a watchdog said Friday, with thousands of endangered crocodiles, snakes and turtles illegally traded in just three months.
Facebook 'fix' needed, early investor Roger McNamee saysFacebook Mark ZuckerbergRoger McNamee, founding partner of Elevation Partners and an early investor in Facebook, is making lots of noise about how to "fix" Facebook.
Facebook wins EU court fight against class action lawsuit :: The EU's top court on Thursday dismissed a bid by an Austrian activist to bring a class action against Facebook for privacy breaches, although he can sue the US social media giant on a personal basis.
Facebook to let users rank 'trust' in news sourcesFacebook Mark ZuckerbergFacebook announced Friday it will ask its two billion users to rank their trust in news sources, in its latest attempt to combat the spread of misinformation on the social network.
A new family of aerodynamic configurations for hypersonic airplanes :: Hypersonic vehicles, which fly at Mach values larger than five (flight velocity more than 6000 km/h), could provide more convenient and efficient transportation than present subsonic airplanes for long-distance journeys in future. Typically, it only takes a couple of hours to fly from Beijing to New York at hypersonic speeds. Recent interest in these vehicles has grown, and various innovative desi
Fanconi anemia: Insight from a green plant :: Fanconi anemia is a human genetic disorder with severe effects, including an increased risk of cancer and infertility. Work in animal systems has identified many factors involved in Fanconi anemia and showed that these factors function in repair of DNA. However, despite extensive analysis in mammalian somatic cell lines, in-depth studies on the germ cells, which make egg and sperm cells, have been
Fast computer control for molecular machines :: Scientists at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) have developed a novel electric propulsion technology for nanorobots. It allows molecular machines to move a hundred thousand times faster than with the biochemical processes used to date. This makes nanobots fast enough to do assembly line work in molecular factories. The new research results will appear as the cover story on 19th January in
Fat cat? Here's how much to feed to lose weight :: Does your cat lay around all day, only getting up to eat and visit the litter box? Chances are, he's overweight. Maybe you've switched to the "diet" cat food or tried feeding him less, but you might have noticed it's not easy to get that weight off. A new study from the University of Illinois explains what it takes to get kitty to slim down.
Federal safety board is investigating Tesla freeway crash :: The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the California crash of a Tesla Model S electric car that may have been operating under its semi-autonomous "Autopilot" system.
Federal report shows punch of last year's Hurricane Harvey :: The official numbers for last year's Hurricane Harvey are in, and they go beyond the 68 dead and $125 billion in damage.
Researchers discover that female cats are more likely to be right-handed :: Researchers at Queen's University Belfast have found that female cats are much more likely to use their right paw than males.
Working in female-dominated workplaces means worse access to flexible working arrangements :: Workers in female-dominated workplaces have worse access to flexible working arrangements than those in gender-neutral and even male-dominated workplaces, new research from the University of Kent has found.
Fiat Chrysler nearly doubles profits in 2017 :: Italian-US carmaker Fiat Chrysler said Thursday that its net profit nearly doubled in 2017, outpacing analysts' expectations, but it downgraded its sales target for the current year.
The Fields Medal fallacy: Why this math prize should return to its roots :: The Fields Medal, whose origins date back to the 1930s, will be issued again this year in August to up to four of the world's most accomplished mathematicians under the age of 40. In a commentary for Nature, Michael Barany, a Society of Fellows post-doctoral fellow in history at Dartmouth, proposes that the Fields Medal return to its roots as a tool intended to shape the future of mathematics, rat
New filters could enable manufacturers to perform highly-selective chemical separation, cutting costs and emissions :: A team of chemical and biological engineers has developed highly selective membrane filters that could enable manufacturers to separate and purify chemicals in ways that are currently impossible, allowing them to potentially use less energy and cut carbon emissions, according to findings published in print today in the journal ACS Nano.
Is it time for a new financial services tribunal? :: A new article published in Capital Markets Law Journal argues that consumers and banks could benefit from the creation of a quick and inexpensive financial services tribunal, modeled on the Employment Tribunals, to resolve substantial disputes between banks and small and medium sized companies.
The Finnøy polar bear :: Imagine you are 12,400 years in the past. Much of Norway is covered with ice and the present-day island of Finnøy exists as only two small islets. The sea is 40 metres above the current level. A polar bear embarks on a long swim through the icy waters and never reaches land. Some 12,400 years later, the skeleton of that same polar bear is discovered under a basement floor in the village of Judaber
From flagship to spaceship—two experiments pushing the frontier of graphene's potential :: Due to its distinctive properties graphene has been held out as a game-changing material for a range of industries and applications. The Graphene Flagship initiative was set up as Europe's biggest ever multi-stakeholder research initiative, to quite literally shape the future of the technology.
Flawed US-led world order to blame for American political crises at home and abroad :: America's attempts to navigate challenges to its global leadership are hampered by a foreign policy mindset that is "Eurocentric, elitist and resistant to change", according to a new paper from a City, University of London academic.
Flexibility and arrangement—the interaction of ribonucleic acid and water :: Ribonucleic acid (RNA) plays a key role in biochemical processes that occur at the cellular level in a water environment. Mechanisms and dynamics of the interaction between RNA and water were now revealed by vibrational spectroscopy on ultrashort time scales and analyzed by in-depth theory.
Engineers develop flexible, water-repellent graphene circuits for washable electronics :: New graphene printing technology can produce electronic circuits that are low-cost, flexible, highly conductive and water repellent.
Flourishing under an abusive boss? You may be a psychopath, study shows :: When you hear the term "psychopath," you probably picture Charles Manson or Jeffrey Dahmer. Psychologists, however, define it as a personality trait, and we all fall somewhere along a scale from low to high levels of psychopathy.
Forensic researchers find more accurate way to estimate age of deceased :: Forensic researchers at North Carolina State University have found a more accurate way to assess an individual's age at death, based on the bone mineral density of the femur. The technique could be used to help identify human remains.
French carmaker PSA says global sales up 15% in 2017 :: French carmaker PSA Peugeot Citroen said Tuesday that its global sales rose by 15.4 percent last year, powered by the first-time consolidation of the newly-acquired Opel and Vauxhall brands, while sales in China and Southeast Asia plunged.
A new model of frequency combs in optical microresonators :: A team from the Faculty of Physics of the Lomonosov Moscow State University, together with scientists from the Russian Quantum Center, have developed a new mathematical model that describes the process of soliton occurrence in optical microresonators. In the future, this could lead to universal optical oscillators and other advancements. The work was published in Optics Express.
New study shows freshwater input route from melting ice led to rapid cooling :: Scientists have long known that a reduction in Atlantic Ocean currents bringing warm water to the Northern Hemisphere from the tropics created abrupt cooling known as the Younger Dryas cold period nearly 13,000 years ago, but the cause of this phenomenon has not been proved.
Frozen in time: Glacial archaeology on the roof of Norway :: Climate change is one of the most important issues facing people today and year on year the melting of glacial ice patches in Scandinavia, the Alps and North America reveals and then destroys vital archaeological records of past human activity.
Function of protein 'smallish' unraveled :: To make a fully grown organism in the right shape, the forms of many cells need to be changed in a coordinated way. Researchers from the Cluster of Excellence for Aging Research (CECAD) in Cologne identified a gene that is in charge of the shape of the cell. Their results have been published in the Journal of Cell Biology.
Gabon says major ivory trafficking ring dismantled, 10 held :: Gabon says a major trafficking ring that smuggled six tons of ivory out of the country in 2017 has been dismantled, in a victory against poachers who have killed large numbers of forest elephants in the Central African country.
The structure of an active galactic nucleus :: The nuclei of most galaxies host supermassive black holes containing millions to billions of solar-masses of material. The immediate environments of these black holes typically include a tori of dust and gas and, as material falls toward the black hole, the gas radiates copiously at all wavelengths. Although the models for these active galactic nuclei (AGN) work reasonably well, it is difficult to
Researchers propose new gas-solid reaction for high-speed perovskite photodetector :: A recent paper published in Nano showed the gas-solid reaction method provides a full coverage of the perovskite film and avoids damage from the organic solvent, which is beneficial for light capture and electrons transportation, resulting in a faster response time and stability for perovskite photodetectors.
GDP: Gross Domestic Problem? :: It can topple governments, confer international bragging rights and pretty much obsessed the government of China once the country began its long march back to economic prowess.
GE reports 4Q loss of $9.8 bn on insurance, tax charges :: General Electric reported a $9.8 billion fourth-quarter loss Wednesday due to hefty charges linked to its insurance business and US tax reform.
GE takes one-off hit of $6.2 bn linked to insurance activities :: General Electric said Tuesday it would book a one-off charge of $6.2 billion on its accounts for the fourth quarter of 2017, following a review of its insurance businesses.
More genes are active in high-performance maize :: When two maize inbred lines are crossed with each other, an interesting effect occurs: The hybrid offspring have a significantly higher yield than either of the two parent plants. Scientists at the University of Bonn have now investigated a number of genetically distinct hybrids. They showed that the offspring had many more active genes than the original parents. These results may help in the cult
Genetic study of plains zebra finds that six subspecies made by appearance-only do not match genetic evidence :: A team of researchers with members from Denmark, the U.S., Portugal and France has found that the six subspecies classifications currently used to categorize plains zebras living in Africa do not match with genetic evidence. In their paper published in the journal Nature Ecology & Evolution, the group describes their DNA analysis of zebras living in several parts of Africa and what they found by d
First complete genome assembly of planarian flatworm reveals treasure trove on the function and evolution of genes :: The planarian flatworm Schmidtea mediterranea is an extraordinary animal. Even when cut into tiny pieces, each piece can regenerate back into a complete and perfectly proportioned miniature planarian. Key to this ability are fascinating adult stem cells, a single one of which can restore a complete worm. But how Schmidtea mediterranea achieves these feats is so far poorly understood. An important
Giant tortoises on Aldabra Atoll may have been had to ward off crocodiles during the late Pleistocene :: An international team of researchers has found evidence that suggests the giant tortoises living on the Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles may have once had to watch out for crocodile attacks. In their paper published in the journal Royal Society Open Science, the group describes fossil evidence they found on the atoll that suggests crocodiles large enough to cause harm may have once feasted on the g
Global warming decreases the reliability of weather forecasting tools :: For Californians from Crescent City to Chula Vista, the second week of 2018 brought rain showers. Was it merely a fluke in the middle of an ongoing dry spell, or does it mean we're on the verge of another wet winter, similar to last year's? The answer, according to a UC Irvine climatologist, is up in the air—literally and figuratively.
For global invasion, Argentine ants use chemical weapons :: From their native home on the banks of South America's Paraná River, Argentine ants have conquered six continents and many oceanic islands. Their success is explained by several factors: they have more than one queen per colony, making them difficult to eradicate, and they adapt to changes in their environments by living transiently rather than building permanent nests.
Global temperature targets will be missed within decades unless carbon emissions reversed: new study :: New projections by researchers from the Universities of Southampton and Liverpool, and the Australian National University in Canberra, could be the catalyst the world has sought to determine how best to meet its obligations to reduce carbon emissions and better manage global warming as defined by the Paris Agreement.
Record jump in 2014-2016 global temperatures largest since 1900 :: Global surface temperatures surged by a record amount from 2014 to 2016, boosting the total amount of warming since the start of the last century by more than 25 percent in just three years, according to new University of Arizona-led research.
GM takes $7 bn charge due to US tax reform, sees solid 2018 :: General Motors announced Tuesday it will take a $7 billion hit due to the US tax reform but expects earnings this year to be comparable to the solid results in 2017.
Waving goodbye to slash-and-burn :: The first time I flew into Punta Gorda, a town on the edge of the Maya Golden Landscape in southern Belize, I was struck with how intact the forest remained compared to adjacent Guatemala and Honduras. Where Belizean forests were a rolling green landscape of tall tropical forest canopy Guatemala was nearly the opposite: blocks of intact forest surrounded by extensive clearing, smoke and fire.
Google to open AI research centre in Paris :: Google on Monday announced it will open a research centre in Paris devoted to artificial intelligence, following a meeting between the tech giant's boss and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Google 'cloud' grows with new undersea data cables :: Google on Tuesday said it is adding three new undersea data cables as it continues to bulk up its ability to power cloud services around the world.
Google Lunar X Prize competition ends without a winner :: Millions of dollars offered in the Google Lunar X Prize competition will go unclaimed despite a decade of work.
Google parent tops big spenders on Washington lobbyists :: Google parent Alphabet Inc. outspent all other companies on lobbying Washington bureaucrats and politicians in 2017, a year in which it and other tech giants were hauled before legislators probing Russian influence in the 2016 election.
Google, Tencent eye collaboration on new technologies :: Internet titans Google and Tencent on Friday signalled possible future collaboration on developing new technologies as the US and Chinese firms announced a long-term patent-sharing agreement.
Rates of great earthquakes not affected by moon phases, day of year :: There is an enduring myth that large earthquakes tend to happen during certain phases of the Moon or at certain times during the year. But a new analysis published in Seismological Research Letters confirms that this bit of earthquake lore is incorrect.
Great scat! Bears—not birds—are the chief seed dispersers in Alaska :: It's a story of bears, birds and berries.
Breaking new ground in hurricane modeling :: Climate scientists at Columbia University have developed a new, global hurricane model for estimating the long-term hazard of rare, high impact storms under different climate scenarios. The model uses a novel approach to efficiently simulate a large number of storms around the world, especially those that rapidly intensify, such as Hurricanes Maria, Irma and Harvey. The researchers hope the new sy
Research helps break ground to clean up land :: Researchers at Swansea University's Complex Flow Lab have been exploring the intricate shapes that emerge when air is injected into soil. Published in Physical Review Applied, these findings could one day be used to speed up the decontamination of industrial brownfield sites—which the United Kingdom currently has over 400,000 hectares of.
Guru-turned-entrepreneur targets India's online market :: Baba Ramdev, the popular yoga guru-turned-entrepreneur behind one of India's biggest brands, said Tuesday he was tying up with Amazon to target the country's $1 billion online market for consumer goods.
Gut instinct makes animals appear clever :: Animals, including humans, can make surprisingly good decisions just based on the food in their stomach, new research suggests.
Habitat fragmentation a bigger threat to Chile's güiña wildcat than persecution by humans :: Research by conservationists at the University of Kent has found that habitat fragmentation, and the subdivision of large farms into smaller ones, are the biggest threats facing the güiña wildcat in Chile.
Using haptic feedback joysticks to fly drones :: A new joystick developed by startup MotionPilot lets users fly drones with just one hand in a fun, intuitive way. One version of this device includes a haptic feedback mechanism that gives users a sense of the drone's position as it moves through the air. Drone aficionados were recently impressed by a prototype, and the device could hit the market soon.
Using Hawkeye from the Avengers to communicate on the eye :: Pop culture figures like Iron Man, Captain America and Hawkeye can provide a unique and engaging platform for the communication of difficult scientific concepts. In the classroom, these characters can be used to communicate learning objectives to students in an interesting, accessible manner by taking advantage of student familiarity with these superhero characters. Barry Fitzgerald of Delft Unive
Want to eat healthy? Try an eco-friendly dietDrone Australia RescueFollowing our annual Christmas overindulgence, many of us have set ambitious goals for the year ahead. But eating healthy shouldn't just mean cutting down on snacks; given the environmental impact of food production, a more sustainable diet should feature high on everyone's list of New Year's resolutions.
Healthy to eat, unhealthy to grow—Strawberries embody the contradictions of California agriculture :: Agricultural abundance is a pillar of the California dream. In 2016 the state turned out more than US$45 billion worth of meat, milk and crops. Long before nutritionists agreed that fresh fruits and vegetables should be the center of American diets, California farmers had planted much of their land in these products, and today they produce half of the nation's fruits, vegetables and nuts.
Study describes structure of herpes virus linked to Kaposi's sarcoma :: UCLA researchers have provided the first description of the structure of the herpes virus associated with Kaposi's sarcoma, a type of cancer.
High-resolution imaging gives an unparalleled view of how fungi grow :: Fungi are a diverse group of organisms that are ever-present in daily life; from the yeast used to ferment beer and the mushrooms at the supermarket to the pathogen responsible for athlete's foot. Many species of fungus grow by secreting enzymes-a process that can be co-opted as a biotechnology to make industrial and medical products.
Realizing highly efficient quantum dot LEDs with metallic nanostructures at low cost :: KAIST researchers have discovered a technology that enhances the efficiency of Quantum Dot LEDs. Professor Yong-Hoon Cho from the Department of Physics and his team succeeded in improving the efficiency of quantum dot (QD) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) by designing metallic nanostructure substrates.
Hippo-y birthday to Fiona! The popular preemie is turning 1 :: Some days, it's more like being a Hollywood star's agent than a communications official for the zoo. That's what happens when your prematurely born hippopotamus becomes a global celebrity.
Historical migrations left genetic footprints on the Irish genome :: A genome-wide study of the people of Ireland reveals a previously hidden genetic landscape, shaped through geography and historical migrations. Ross Byrne and Russell McLaughlin of Trinity College Dublin in Ireland report their findings January 25th, 2018 in PLOS Genetics.
A better HIV test :: Public health officials have a tough choice to make when it comes to screening people for HIV: administer a reliable blood test that can detect infections early on, but that few people will volunteer for, or give people a convenient test using saliva that is less reliable during the first stages of infection.
Better than holograms: A new 3-D projection into thin air :: One of the enduring sci-fi moments of the big screen—R2-D2 beaming a 3-D image of Princess Leia into thin air in "Star Wars"—is closer to reality thanks to the smallest of screens: dust-like particles.
Owning a home may not be in the cards for many millennials :: In the mid-20th century, it was a common expectation that just about every working 20-something could purchase a home.
Homicides committed by women are motivated by either gain or love, study finds :: Most homicides committed by women are motivated by either gain or love, a new analysis of homicide motives matched with certain victim and offender characteristics has found.
Think of honeybees as 'livestock,' not wildlife, argue experts :: The 'die-off' events occurring in honeybee colonies that are bred and farmed like livestock must not be confused with the conservation crisis of dramatic declines in thousands of wild pollinator species, say Cambridge researchers.
Honeycomb maze offers significant improvement over current spatial navigation tests :: A powerful new tool for the study of spatial memory was today described in Nature as a significant improvement over the current gold standard, the Morris Water Maze. The novel Honeycomb Maze design allows for systematic analysis of the decisions an animal makes during navigation.
Slow 'hot electrons' could improve solar cell efficiency :: Photons with energy higher than the band gap of the semiconductor absorbing them give rise to what are known as hot electrons. The extra energy in respect to the band gap is lost very fast, as it is converted into heat and does not contribute to the voltage. University of Groningen Photophysics and Optoelectronics Professor Maria Antonietta Loi has now found a material in which these hot electrons
Hot weather is bad news for bird spermDrone Australia RescueA new study led by Macquarie University and spanning Sydney and Oslo has shown that exposure to extreme temperatures, such as those experienced during heatwave conditions, significantly reduces sperm quality in zebra finches, an iconic Australian bird adapted to life in arid environments. These findings, published today in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B, suggest that rising global temperat
Study finds a third of households—double previous estimates—struggle to get food :: The struggle to get enough nutritious food could be far worse than previously understood, according to a new study examining the intersection between hunger and the types of foods found at nearby stores.
How plants see light :: Plants react sensitively to changes in their surroundings and possess the ability to adapt to them. They use the photoreceptor protein phytochrome B to see light and then regulate processes such as seed germination, seedling development, longitudinal growth and flower formation. A team led by Prof. Dr. Andreas Hiltbrunner from the Institute of Biology II at the University of Freiburg has recently
HSBC in $100 million forex fraud settlement :: British financial giant HSBC has agreed to pay more than $100 million to US authorities after admitting to defrauding clients during multi-billion-dollar foreign exchange transactions, the Justice Department announced Thursday.
Hubble weighs in on mass of three million billion suns :: In 2014, astronomers using the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope found that this enormous galaxy cluster contains the mass of a staggering three million billion suns—so it's little wonder that it has earned the nickname of "El Gordo" ("the Fat One" in Spanish)! Known officially as ACT-CLJ0102-4915, it is the largest, hottest, and brightest X-ray galaxy cluster ever discovered in the distant Universe
New study suggests human fleas and lice were behind Black Death, not rodents :: A team of researchers with the University of Oslo has found evidence that suggests human fleas and lice, not rodents, were behind the spread of the plague that killed millions of people over the course of several centuries. In their paper published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the group reports using mathematical models from mortality records to demonstrate how the plague wo
Human skin pigmentation recreated—with a 3-D bioprinter :: A new method for controlling pigmentation in fabricated human skin has been developed by researchers from A*STAR's Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech) and the Singapore Centre for 3D Printing (SC3DP) at Nanyang Technological University.
Study says humans can digest bugs, assuming they want to :: The thought of eating an insect makes most people cringe – at least those who live in America, Canada and Europe, a minority of the world's population who would not let a cricket, grasshopper or beetle near their dinner table.
Spotted hyena returns to Gabon park after 20 years: researchers :: A spotted hyena has been sighted in a Gabon national park for the first time in 20 years, conservationists said Friday, the latest large predator to have returned to a region where many had gone locally extinct.
Novel hypothesis on why animals diversified on Earth :: Can tumors teach us about animal evolution on Earth? Researchers believe so, and now present a novel hypothesis of why animal diversity increased dramatically on Earth about a half-billion years ago. A biological innovation may have been key.
Hyundai Motor 2017 net profit sinks 20.5% :: South Korea's biggest automaker Hyundai saw profits slump last year, it said Thursday, as it was battered by tougher competition and Chinese retaliation over the deployment of a US missile system.
This is ice in Antarctica, flowing in slow motion like water going through river rapids :: One of the benefits of the Space Age is the way it has allowed human beings to see Earth in all of its complexity and splendor. In addition, it has allowed us to conduct studies of Earth's surface and atmosphere from orbit, which helps us to see the impact we have on our the planet. It is with this purpose in mind that NASA's Earth Observation Program has been monitoring the Arctic and Antarctic f
Image: Columbus module to scale :: The focus of this image is the suspended European Columbus module being moved onto a work stand in a cleanroom at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, USA.
Image: Copernicus Sentinel-2A satellite captures northern Brazil's Marajó island :: The Copernicus Sentinel-2A satellite takes us over part of northern Brazil's Marajó island in Pará state.
Image: ESA centrifuge :: A decade ago, as Europe's Columbus laboratory module was attached to the International Space Station for microgravity research, ESA's Large Diameter Centrifuge began offering lengthy experiments in hypergravity.
Image: Signs of ships in the clouds :: Ships churning through the Atlantic Ocean produced this patchwork of bright, criss-crossing cloud trails off the coast of Portugal and Spain. The narrow clouds, known as ship tracks, form when water vapor condenses around tiny particles of pollution that ships emit as exhaust or that form from gases in the exhaust. Ship tracks typically form in areas where low-lying stratus and cumulus clouds are
Image: Space weather effects :: Space weather refers to the environmental conditions in space as influenced by solar activity.
The impact of relatedness on grandmothers' desire to care for their grandchildren :: Historically, the help provided by grandmothers has increased grandchild survival during times of high child mortality. However, there have been signs that in many populations, the impact of maternal grandmothers and paternal grandmothers on their grandchildren has been different. A recent study conducted at the University of Turku, Finland, shows that X-chromosome relatedness between grandmothers
Impact of religion and racial pride on classroom discrimination :: Two important factors seem to explain black American adolescents' experiences with teacher-based racial discrimination – religiosity and racial pride, finds a new study from the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis.
Implantable medical devices bolstered by next-gen surface modification :: A discovery by University of Sydney researchers could underpin a new class of implantable devices that provide biological signals to surrounding tissue for better integration with the body and reduced risk of infection.
India's Reliance posts 25% rise in profits, Jio turns profitable :: Indian oil-to-telecom conglomerate Reliance Industries on Friday beat analyst estimates to post a 25 percent rise in consolidated net profit, aided by its telecom start-up Jio turning profitable within 17 months of its launch.
New study: Industry conservation ethic proves critical to Gulf of Maine lobster fishery :: A new study, led by scientists at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute and colleagues at the University of Maine and NOAA, demonstrates how conservation practices championed by Maine lobstermen help make the lobster fishery resilient to climate change.
Insects took off when they evolved wings :: The evolution of wings not only allowed ancient insects to become the first creatures on Earth to take to the skies, but also propelled their rise to become one of nature's great success stories, according to a new study.
Instagram, Google+ join EU group fighting hate speech :: Facebook's Instagram and the Google+ social network have agreed to join an EU-sponsored group of US internet giants to combat online extremism, EU officials said Friday.
Insulating bricks with microscopic bubbles :: The better a building is insulated, the less heat is lost in winter—and the less energy is needed to achieve a comfortable room temperature. The Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) regularly raises the requirements for building insulation.
Intel halts chip flaw fix due to problem with patchesIntel Spectre MeltdownIntel on Monday called for a halt in deployment of patches for a troubling vulnerability in its computer chips because they could cause "unpredictable" problems in affected devices.
Interacting Antarctic glaciers may cause faster melt and sea level contributions :: A new study shows that a large and potentially unstable Antarctic glacier may be melting farther inland than previously thought and that this melting could affect the stability of another large glacier nearby – an important finding for understanding and projecting ice sheet contributions to sea-level rise.
Internet use at home soars to more than 17 hours per week :: Since the internet became mainstream less than 20 years ago, faith in traditional institutions and consumption of traditional media has also been displaced by faith in newer, digital institutions and consumption of newer, digital media, according to the 15th annual Digital Future Report recently produced by the USC Annenberg Center for the Digital Future.
Internet use may prompt religious 'tinkering' instead of belief in only one religion :: Internet use may decrease the likelihood of a person affiliating with a religious tradition or believing that only one religion is true, according to a Baylor University study.
Study shows invading toads adjusting rapidly to different environmental conditions :: A new paper published in Conservation Physiology examines the thermal tolerance of Cane Toads in Hawaii and Australia and finds that some of them are adapting very quickly to lower temperatures. This has serious implications for the spread of the toad within Australia, a major and persistent ecological problem.
Inverse-design approach leads to metadevices :: Imagine wafer-thin eyeglasses or a smartphone camera so small it is invisible to the naked eye.
Study shows investors lose, insiders win when IPOs involve analysts :: When equity analysts are more involved in a firm's initial public offering, investors who purchase stock based on these analysts' reports lose more than 3 percent of their investment, according to a new study from the University at Buffalo School of Management.
Japan's latest overtime example? Xiang Xiang the panda :: By popular demand, Tokyo's new panda cub Xiang Xiang is working extra hours from Tuesday, the latest example of overtime in a country famous for its hard-working "salarymen."
Research shows first jet from massive young star detected outside our galaxy :: In a significant astronomical discovery, a University of Canterbury (UC) scientist has made the very first detection of a jet from a very young, massive star in a galaxy that is not our own.
JUICE ground control gets green light to start development of Jupiter operations :: ESA's Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer – JUICE – passed an important milestone, the ground segment requirements review, with flying colours, demonstrating that the teams are on track in the preparation of the spacecraft operations needed to achieve the mission's ambitious science goals.
Key player in cell metabolism identified :: Researchers from the Genomic Instability and Cancer Laboratory at Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona) have identified a key role for EXD2 in protein production in the mitochondria, the cellular organelles responsible for the majority of energy generation.
Lab-grown horns and tusks could stop poaching—or not :: Scientists are making mimics of rhino horns and elephant tusks, hoping to drive down the prices of these items on the black market and discourage poaching. But many conservation groups argue that it could have the opposite effect, according to an article in Chemical & Engineering News (C&EN), the weekly newsmagazine of the American Chemical Society.
Lab-made hormone may reveal secret lives of plants :: A lab-designed hormone may unlock mysteries harbored by plants.
Large volcanic island flank collapses trigger catastrophic eruptions :: New research, published today in Nature Scientific Reports, not only implies a link between catastrophic volcanic eruptions and landslides, but also suggests that landslides are the trigger.
Largest Nordic bank Nordea bans employees' bitcoin trade :: Nordea, the Nordic region's biggest bank, said Monday it would bar employees from trading in bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as of February 28 due to the unregulated nature of the market.
Latest Alphabet 'moonshot' aims to thwart cyber attacksChronicle Alphabet GoogleGoogle parent Alphabet's "moonshot" lab unveiled a new "graduate" on Wednesday which aims to make a business out of preventing cyber attacks.
Latvia's e-health system hit by cyberattack from abroad :: Latvia said its new e-health system was on Tuesday hit by a large-scale cyberattack that saw thousands of requests for medical prescriptions pour in per second from more than 20 countries in Africa, the Caribbean and the European Union.
How the legacy of dirty coal could create a clean energy future :: Energy from coal is now being linked to global warming and pollution on a global level. In fact, it has been estimated that coal contributes to 25% of green house gases.
Why Lego could be the key to productive business meetings :: It's 60 years since Lego patented their little plastic blocks and since then over 600 billion bricks have been produced. These bricks have been used to build cars, death stars and a multitude of creations born in the imagination of "legoists" all over the world.
'Legos of life': Deep dive into the 3-D structures of proteins reveals key building blocks :: Rutgers scientists have found the "Legos of life" – four core chemical structures that can be stacked together to build the myriad proteins inside every organism – after smashing and dissecting nearly 10,000 proteins to understand their component parts.
Is the origin of life just cosmic dust in the wind? :: "The cosmos is within us. We're made of star stuff." Thanks to a new study, this famous phrase by iconic astronomer Carl Sagan, now has some more support.
Lifelike robots made in Hong Kong meant to win over humans :: David Hanson envisions a future in which AI-powered robots evolve to become "super-intelligent genius machines" that might help solve some of mankind's most challenging problems.
Lifespan of fuel cells maximized using small amount of metals :: Fuel cells are a key future energy technology emerging as eco-friendly and renewable energy sources. In particular, solid oxide fuel cells composed of ceramic materials can directly convert fuels such as biomass, LNG, and LPG to electric energy. KAIST researchers have described a new technique to improve the chemical stability of electrode materials that can extend the lifespan by employing minima
Enhancer adoption changes limb morphology :: The difference between webbed toes and distinct digits may result from how genes regulate genetic information. Researchers at the National Institute of Genetics, Research Organization of Information and Systems (ROIS) in Japan found that a small, non-specific tweak to a mammal's DNA can potentially cause specific physical changes. The scientists recently published the results of their study in the
Separation line :: For patients in need of blood, it's fatally important that they receive the right type. That's why doctors will often give emergency room patients universal donor blood, rather than waiting for the results of a blood test. Blood tests take a long time to process, are expensive, and leave room for human error—putting a vial of blood in the wrong rack, mislabeling it, or sending the chart to the wro
Detect locally, protect globally :: When infectious diseases strike, the World Health Organization acts swiftly, coordinating with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and its foreign counterparts to contain the threat. But there is no equivalent international organization similarly dedicated to identifying and mitigating a cyberattack.
Los Angeles Zoo puts baby okapi on display :: The Los Angeles Zoo has put on display a baby okapi (oh-KAH-pee), a reclusive species that in the wild is found deep in the now-vanishing dense rainforests of central Africa.
Sticking to the schedule was difficult for Apollo astronauts :: No one plans like NASA, and when it came to exploring the moon, the Apollo program was no different. However, even despite their best efforts, the astronauts consistently demonstrated the challenges of keeping to schedule.
Lyosomes and mitochondria chat each other up in cell :: Northwestern Medicine scientists have discovered that two key cellular structures, called mitochondria and lysosomes, come into direct contact with each other in the cell to regulate their respective functions. This rare discovery has implications for the research of many diseases, including Parkinson's and cancer, as well as for the understanding of normal aging.
Machine intelligence on the ISS :: Artificial intelligence already helping astronauts on the International Space Station is also providing a promising approach for solving crimes. In an era of security concerns across Europe, the smart use of police data is critical for uncovering leads.
'Magic pools' approach can hurry studies of novel bacteria :: To characterize the genes of newly identified bacteria, microbiologists often introduce mutations within the bacteria using mobile DNA segments called transposons to study the impact of these mutations.
5.8 magintude quake strikes 100 miles off California coast :: A 5.8 magnitude earthquake struck 100 miles (164 kilometers) off the coast of Northern California.
Magnetic liquids improve energy efficiency of buildings :: Climate protection and the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions have been on top of global development agendas. Accordingly, research and development projects have been conducted on national and international levels, which aim for the improvement of the CO2-footprint in diverse processes. Apart from particularly energy-intensive sectors of the industry, the building sector in particular is among
Humans get in the way of mammal movement :: Humans modify natural landscapes in a variety of ways, from constructing expansive cityscapes to fencing off otherwise untouched rangeland. A new study, co-authored by biologists at the University of Maryland, describes the extent to which highly modified landscapes impede the movement of 57 land-based mammal species from around the world. On average, these mammals cover about a third to half of t
Marine scientists steer trawlers away from sensitive sea floors :: Bottom trawling, where fishing boats drag a heavy net along the seafloor, can devastate marine habitats and cause fish stocks to plummet, but scientists have developed new eco-friendly techniques to support the sustainability of an industry employing tens of thousands of people.
Marine vegetation can mitigate ocean acidification, study finds :: Marine plants and seaweeds in shallow coastal ecosystems can play a key role in alleviating the effects of ocean acidification, and their robust population in shoreline environments could help preserve declining shellfish life, according to a study by University of California, Irvine ecologists.
Mass starvation as a political weapon :: Mass starvation killed more than three million people in Stalin-era Ukraine in the 1930s and more than 18 million in China during Mao Zedong's Great Leap Forward in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Yet by the start of this century, famines like those were all but eliminated, Alex de Waal says in his new book, Mass Starvation: The History and Future of Famine. The number of people dying in famines a
How massive can neutron stars be? :: Astrophysicists at Goethe University Frankfurt set a new limit for the maximum mass of neutron stars: They cannot exceed 2.16 solar masses.
Material surface mimics natural antimicrobial surfaces by binding and breaking bacterial cells open :: A powerful solution to the global spread of antimicrobial resistance could soon become available, thanks to A*STAR researchers, who have come up with a physical and green alternative to biochemically active antibacterial agents.
Math can predict how cancer cells evolve :: Applied mathematics can be a powerful tool in helping predict the genesis and evolution of different types of cancers, a study from the University of Waterloo has found.
Mathematicians develop model for how new ideas emerge :: Researchers from Queen Mary University of London have developed a mathematical model for the emergence of innovations.
Memory gene goes viral :: Two independent teams of scientists from the University of Utah and the University of Massachusetts Medical School have discovered that a gene crucial for learning, called Arc, can send its genetic material from one neuron to another by employing a strategy commonly used by viruses. The studies, both published in Cell, unveil a new way that nervous system cells interact.
Mesoporous interface mitigates the impact of defects in perovskite solar cells :: The nominal cell operating life of perovskite solar cells is strongly influenced by their inner architecture. This was shown by two scientists at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin and the Technical University of Munich. They combined experiments with numerical simulations in order to explain this observation.
Metal-reducing bacteria offer a greener route for producing copper catalysts :: Copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs) have a wide range of applications as catalysts, in scientific fields as diverse as drug discovery and materials science. The natural abundance of copper, and its relatively low cost, makes it a viable alternative to catalysts made from rare and expensive precious metals, such as platinum and palladium. However, the synthesis of Cu-NPs usually involves high temperature
Metals in taps and water pipes can dissolve into drinking water :: Significant amounts of nickel, lead and copper can dissolve into the water from the water pipes and taps in buildings. This was revealed in the master's thesis of Meri Sipilä, who graduated recently from Aalto University. Tap water samples were taken from 30 buildings in different parts of Finland in her study.
Meteorite hunters find first fragments of Michigan meteor :: Meteorite hunters who flocked to Detroit from across the U.S. after a meteor exploded are finding the fragments.
Computational method speeds hunt for new antibiotics :: A team of American and Russian computer scientists has developed an algorithm that can rapidly search massive databases to discover novel variants of known antibiotics—a potential boon in fighting antibiotic resistance.
New method measures rare traces of a volatile gas :: The gas nitrogen monoxide (NO) belongs to the group of nitrogen oxides, infamous as toxic emissions in urban agglomerations. But NO is also produced in nature and plays a role in the nitrogen cycle, which is essential for most organisms. However, in the ocean, Earth's largest ecosystem, NO levels were not known. Researchers from the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel and the Collabora
Communication methods do not work equally across diverse teams :: More recent thought on how to reach consensus among members of diverse teams for the best outcome has been to use text rather than face-to-face communication, but new research from the University of Michigan shows it's not that simple.
Novel methods of synthesizing quantum dot materials :: For quantum dot (QD) materials to perform well in devices such as solar cells, the nanoscale crystals in them need to pack together tightly so that electrons can hop easily from one dot to the next and flow out as current. MIT researchers have now made QD films in which the dots vary by just one atom in diameter and are organized into solid lattices with unprecedented order. Subsequent processing
Mexico shaken by 6.3 magnitude earthquake :: Tourist hotspots in Mexico's Baja California Peninsula were shaken Friday by a 6.3 magnitude earthquake—but no injuries or damage were reported, authorities said.
Microbes may help astronauts transform human waste into food :: Human waste may one day be a valuable resource for astronauts on deep-space missions. Now, a Penn State research team has shown that it is possible to rapidly break down solid and liquid waste to grow food with a series of microbial reactors, while simultaneously minimizing pathogen growth.
Microbial communities demonstrate high turnover :: When Mark Twain famously said "If you don't like the weather in New England, just wait a few minutes," he probably didn't anticipate MIT researchers would apply his remark to their microbial research. But a new study does just that.
Microsoft, Alibaba AI programs beat humans in a Stanford reading test :: First, they beat us at chess. Then it was Go. Now it's basic reading comprehension.
Microsoft to open 4 data centres in France :: Microsoft is to open four data storage centres in France to meet strong customer demand for cloud computing, the head of the software giant's French operations told AFP on Tuesday.
100 million dead trees in the Sierra are a massive risk for unpredictable wildfires :: To drive through parts of the Sierra Nevada these days is to witness a morbid reminder of California's extreme drought: Vast landscapes of standing dead trees, a brown tide sweeping across the green landscape. It's more than eerie; it's a dangerously combustible situation, argues a new publication from Berkeley fire scientists.
$60 million to save the Great Barrier Reef is a drop in the ocean, but we have to try :: The Great Barrier Reef has never faced such a dire future. Amid increasingly doom-laden headlines, the federal government this week unveiled a recovery package aimed at securing the reef's prospects. The question is whether this is indeed a rescue, or just a smokescreen of false hope.
New 508-million-year-old bristle worm species from British Columbia's Burgess Shale wiggles into evolutionary history :: Researchers at the Royal Ontario Museum and the University of Toronto have described an exceptionally well-preserved new fossil species of bristle worm called Kootenayscolex barbarensis. Discovered from the 508-million-year-old Marble Canyon fossil site in the Burgess Shale in Kootenay National Park, British Columbia, the new species helps rewrite our understanding of the origin of the head in ann
What's a mind without a body? New research adds physiology to computer models :: Though computers are becoming better programmed to process information like our brains do, the power of the human mind is unmatched. But what's the mind without a body?
Missouri offered about $2.5 billion in incentives to Amazon :: The state of Missouri offered Amazon nearly $2.5 billion in incentives spread over 10 years in its failed bid to lure the company's second headquarters to the state, according to figures released Friday by the state Department of Economic Development.
Mitigation techniques fall short of preventing electrocution of golden eagles on power poles :: Despite efforts to retrofit power poles and to build new poles to avian-friendly standards, electrocution remains a substantial cause of death for the golden eagle. The global conservation problem results in an estimated 504 eagles electrocuted annually in North America alone. A new Journal of Wildlife Management article examines the risk factors and mitigation techniques from literature published
Do our mitochondria run at 50 degrees C? :: Our body temperature is held at a fairly steady 37.5°C, and the assumption has always been that most of our physiological processes take place at this temperature. The heat needed to maintain this temperature in the face of a colder environment is generated by tiny subcellular structures called mitochondria. But a new study publishing January 25 in the open access journal PLOS Biology by INSERM an
Mobility patterns influence the spread and containment of an epidemic :: Contrary to expectations, recurring mobility between different cities or districts of a large city (for example, work-home commutes) can minimise the spread of an epidemic. This is the finding of research carried out by researchers from the Universitat Rovira i Virgili (Àlex Arenas) and the University of Zaragoza (Jesús Gómez and David Soriano) and which has just been published in the journal Natu
Modern human brain organization emerged only recently :: Researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany, reveal how and when the typical globular brain shape of modern humans evolved. Their analyses based on changes in endocranial size and shape in Homo sapiens fossils show that brain organization, and possibly brain function, evolved gradually within our species and unexpectedly reached modern conditions onl
Modern math sheds new light on long-standing debate about Viking-age Ireland conflict :: Modern mathematical techniques – similar to those used to analyse social-networking websites – have allowed academics to shed new light on a centuries old debate surrounding the Viking age in Ireland and the famous battle of Clontarf in 1014.
Modifications enhance fish passage on San Francisquito Creek :: Fish passage in nearby San Francisquito Creek has been enhanced, thanks to modifications Stanford made to a concrete roadway creek crossing in the Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve.
Double trouble: Moisture, not just heat impacts sex of sea turtle hatchlings :: Alarming results from a recent gender ratio study revealed that 99 percent of young green turtles from Australia's Northern Great Barrier Reef are female and that male sea turtles are disappearing. Closer to home, researchers from Florida Atlantic University have documented a similar trend in sea turtle hatchlings in southeast Florida. Since 2002, they have studied sea turtles in Palm Beach County
Do moon phases produce big earthquakes? Study debunks that idea :: Huge earthquakes are not significantly influenced by the moon, a new study says.
The moral value of wilderness :: Let us imagine that humanity has almost died out and only a few people remain. Out of resentment or despair, the survivors cater to their destructive urges by destroying as much of the natural world as they can. They poison rivers and lakes, drop napalm on forests, set off a few nuclear warheads. They are at ease with their conscience because no one will ever be in the position to use or appreciat
Mosquitoes remember human smells, but also swats, researchers find :: Your grandmother's insistence that you receive more bug bites because you're 'sweeter' may not be that far-fetched after all, according to pioneering research from Virginia Tech scientists.
Better predicting mountains' flora and fauna in a changing world :: Climbing a mountain is challenging. So, too, is providing the best possible information to plan for climate change's impact on mountain vegetation and wildlife. Understanding how plant and animal species in mountainous areas will be affected by climate change is complicated and difficult.
Multifaceted design of the mantis shrimp club is inspiring advanced composite materials for airplanes, football helmets :: Smart boxers bind their hands with strips of cloth to avoid injury when they pack a punch. Millions of years ago, the "smasher" mantis shrimp, one of nature's feistiest predators, figured out a similar way to protect the hammer-like club it uses to pulverize prey with incredible speed and force.
The multitasking catalyst :: Professor Takashi Ooi and his team of researchers from Nagoya University, Japan, have designed a catalyst that performs two tasks during the course of the reaction.
Music firms sue to keep hit songs off fitness streaming app :: Some of the nation's largest recording studios have joined forces in an effort to stop a music streaming service aimed at fitness enthusiasts from using songs by Beyonce, Justin Bieber, Green Day and other stars.
Music really is a universal language :: Every culture enjoys music and song, and those songs serve many different purposes: accompanying a dance, soothing an infant, or expressing love. Now, after analyzing recordings from all around the world, researchers reporting in Current Biology on January 25 show that vocal songs sharing one of those many functions tend to sound similar to one another, no matter which culture they come from. As a
Mystery solved for mega-avalanches in Tibet :: An international scientific effort determined the cause of a highly unusual and deadly glacier avalanche in Tibet in 2016, a new Nature Geoscience paper says.
A nanophenomenon that triggers the bone-repair process :: Researchers of the ICN2 Oxide Nanophysics Group led by ICREA Prof. Gustau Catalan have resolved one of the great unknowns in bone remodelling: how the cells responsible for forming new bone tissue are called into action. Their work reveals the possible role of an electromechanical phenomenon at the nanoscale, flexoelectricity, not only in stimulating the cell response, but in precisely guiding it
NASA tests new alloy to fold wings in flight :: NASA has successfully applied a new technology in flight that allows aircraft to fold their wings to different angles while in the air.
NASA bumps astronaut off space station flight in rare move :: NASA has bumped an astronaut off an upcoming spaceflight, a rare move for the space agency so close to launch.
NASA GOLD Mission to image Earth's interface to space :: On Jan. 25, 2018, NASA launches Global-scale Observations of the Limb and Disk, or GOLD, a hosted payload aboard SES-14, a commercial communications satellite. GOLD will investigate the dynamic intermingling of space and Earth's uppermost atmosphere—and is the first NASA science mission to fly an instrument as a commercially hosted payload.
NASA honors 7 killed on space shuttle Columbia 15 years ago :: NASA is honoring the seven astronauts killed aboard shuttle Columbia 15 years ago, with a special musical tribute by the son of Israel's first astronaut.
NASA's next Mars lander spreads its solar wings :: NASA's next mission to Mars passed a key test Tuesday, extending the solar arrays that will power the InSight spacecraft once it lands on the Red Planet this November.
NASA poised to topple a planet-finding barrierNASA Space TrumpNASA optics experts are well on the way to toppling a barrier that has thwarted scientists from achieving a long-held ambition: building an ultra-stable telescope that locates and images dozens of Earth-like planets beyond the solar system and then scrutinizes their atmospheres for signs of life.
NASA sees Tropical Cyclone Berguitta heading toward Mauritius :: NASA's Terra satellite passed over the Southern Indian Ocean and saw Tropical Cyclone Berguitta moving southwest toward the island of Mauritius. A tropical cyclone alert class 2 is in effect for Mauritius.
NASA covers wildfires from many sources :: NASA's satellite instruments are often the first to detect wildfires burning in remote regions, and the locations of new fires are sent directly to land managers worldwide within hours of the satellite overpass. Together, NASA instruments, including a number built and managed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, detect actively burning fires, track the transport of smoke fr
Native forest habitats promote pollinators and fruit production of Açaí palm in the Amazon river delta :: Low-impact farming methods benefit both pollinators and açaí fruit production, scientists from Embrapa and other Brazilian institutions have found. In a new study published in the Journal of Applied Ecology, they show that diverse forest habitats provide safe havens for important pollinators and contribute to the environmental sustainability of this native Amazonian crop.
Nature-inspired soft millirobot makes its way through enclosed spaces :: Scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems invented a magnetically controlled soft robot only four millimeters in size, that can walk, crawl or roll through uneven terrain, carry cargo, climb onto the water surface, and even swim in it. The inspiration comes from soft-bodied beetle larvae and caterpillars, and even jellyfishes posed as biological models. One day, this small-sca
Nature provides more to people than material benefits :: The role of culture and diverse knowledge systems needs to be recognized when assessing nature's contributions to people, a new policy forum paper in Science states. Alexander van Oudenhoven and thirty global experts present a new approach that will increase the effectiveness and legitimacy of policies and decisions relating to nature and environmental change.
Negative media attention during election campaign does not harm party leaders: study :: Positive media attention for politicians has a far larger effect on citizen's voting behaviour than negative media reporting. Interestingly: negative attention during an election campaign has no negative consequences whatsoever for party leaders. Loes Aaldering discovered this during her research "Images with Impact. The Electoral Consequences of Party Leader Portrayal in the Media." The researche
Netflix lifted by 'beautiful' quarterly reportNetflix US ContentNetflix shares raced higher in after-hours trade Monday as the streaming television giant reported better-than-expected gains in its global subscriber base and a quarterly profit that nearly tripled from a year ago.
Networking urban water to adapt to a changing climate :: "When it comes to sustainability, I think the train left the station. We didn't do it. So now I'm more concerned with resilience and adaptation."
Neutrons reveal hidden secrets of the hepatitis C virus :: The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a blood born virus that causes liver disease and cancer, with more than 300,000 people dying each year and 71 million people living with a chronic infection worldwide . While antiviral medicines are currently used, there is no vaccination currently available and side effects can results in a wrong diagnosis.
Noise pollution forces Canadian songbirds to change their tunes :: Some Canadian songbirds have to change their tunes because noise pollution from things like oil and gas drilling equipment otherwise drowns out important parts of their songs, University of Manitoba researchers have found.
Novartis says profit up 15% in 2017 :: Swiss pharmaceuticals giant Novartis said Wednesday that strong sales of two of its main blockbuster drugs enabled it to turn in a "good operational performance" in 2017.
Nuclear concerns push 'Doomsday Clock' closer to midnight :: Mounting concerns about the possibility of a nuclear war along with US President Donald Trump's "unpredictability" have pushed the symbolic "Doomsday Clock" to two minutes before midnight, the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists said Thursday.
Melted nuclear fuel seen inside second Fukushima reactor :: The operator of Japan's crippled Fukushima nuclear plant said Friday that a long telescopic probe successfully captured images of what is most likely melted fuel inside one of its three damaged reactors, providing limited but crucial information for its cleanup.
NY decrees net neutrality for web firms with state contracts :: New York state will require internet providers to observe net neutrality or risk losing eligibility for state contracts under an executive order issued Wednesday by Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
Octapeptin: 'Forgotten' antibiotic offers hope against worst superbugs :: An antibiotic overlooked since its discovery 40 years ago could help develop new drugs against life-threatening infections caused by some of the world's most dangerous superbugs.
Opinion: Australia's 'electric car revolution' won't happen automatically :: Electric cars might finally be having their moment in Australia, after British billionaire Sanjeev Gupta approached the South Australian government about retooling Adelaide's defunct Holden factories into a new manufacturing hub.
Opinion: Don't shoot the climate change messenger :: Today, when our weather forecasters tell us a heatwave is coming, we can be quietly confident of the time it will arrive and the temperatures that will be reached. When western Sydney broke records on January 7, hitting 47 degrees, the Bureau of Meteorology had warned us, enabling individuals and organisations to prepare. While analysis of this event is ongoing, researchers at the Australian Resea
Researchers develop transportable optical atomic clock :: Atomic clocks are no longer based on a microwave transition in cesium, instead operating with other atoms that are excited using optical frequencies. Some of these new clocks are portable. At its QUEST Institute, PTB is currently developing a transportable optical aluminum clock in order to measure physical phenomena outside a laboratory. A prerequisite for this is that the required lasers are abl
Optical nanoscope images quantum dots :: Physicists have developed a technique based on optical microscopy that can be used to create images of atoms on the nanoscale. In particular, the new method allows the imaging of quantum dots in a semiconductor chip. Together with colleagues from the University of Bochum, scientists from the University of Basel reported the findings in the journal Nature Photonics.
Optimizing recycling of scrap car parts yields big savings :: Sorting scrap car parts into just eight classes could increase recycling rates of alloy elements to over 97% in Japan, according to a study by Tohoku University researchers and their colleagues. Their analysis found that optimizing recycling could save Japanese steelmakers 31.6 billion yen ($287 million USD) on raw materials, and cut greenhouse gas emissions associated with obtaining new material
Palestinians get 3G internet after decade-long row :: Palestinians in the occupied West Bank began receiving 3G mobile telecommunications services on Tuesday, after years of wrangling with the Israeli authorities.
Panic and blame as Cape Town braces for water shut-off :: For some residents of drought-stricken Cape Town, the prospect of the taps running dry is almost too much to bear.
Particle receivers to get first commercial trial—in Saudi Arabia :: A new solar technology is twice as efficient, cutting the cost of solar thermal energy, by raising operating temperatures to 1,000°C, almost twice the 565°C molten salt temperature in current concentrated solar power (CSP) tower plants.
Pathway opens to minimize waste in solar energy capture :: Researchers at the ARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science have made an important discovery with significant implications for the future of solar cell material design.
Pearly material for bendable heating elements :: The iridescent shimmer of a string of pearls may one day be more than pretty adornment. Scientists now report in ACS Applied Nano Materials a hybrid material consisting of imitation pearl combined with silver nanowires that works as a heater, with the added benefit of high flexibility, suggesting a potential role in wearable devices.
The Pentagon built with mineralized microbes predating dinosaurs :: A new study led by The Australian National University (ANU) has found that some of the building blocks of the Pentagon and Empire State Building were made by microbes that lived up to 340 million years ago, predating the dinosaurs.
Want people to work together? Familiarity, ability to pick partners could be key :: The key to getting people to work together effectively could be giving them the flexibility to choose their collaborators and the comfort of working with established contacts, new research suggests.
Permafrost in continuous motion :: ETH researchers have identified a rock glacier in canton Valais that is degrading and moving very quickly. Fortunately, it does not present an immediate threat to people and infrastructure.
Pharmaceuticals and other contaminants force fish to work much harder to survive :: Pharmaceuticals and other man-made contaminants are forcing fish that live downstream from a typical sewage treatment plant to work at least 30 per cent harder just to survive, McMaster researchers have found.
Pheasant project has potential to advance land management research :: A new web-based application from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will allow the state's wildlife managers to examine how virtually manipulating land cover in a region could affect pheasant populations—and how much such efforts might cost.
Philippine volcano spews lava fountains, 40,000 people flee :: The Philippines' most active volcano continued to spew fountains of red-hot lava and massive ash plumes Tuesday in a dazzling but increasingly dangerous eruption that has sent 40,000 villagers to shelter in evacuation centers.
Philippines braces for long emergency as volcano erupts :: An erupting Philippine volcano belched red-hot lava and clouds of ash and debris at least four times Wednesday, prompting the number of displaced villagers to swell to more than 74,000 and causing officials to brace for a humanitarian emergency they fear could last for months.
Philippines plans forced evacuations around erupting volcano :: Philippine authorities who have declared a no-go zone around an erupting volcano said Thursday they will remove all holdouts, by force if necessary, to avoid casualties after tens of thousands of other residents fled to safety.
Phosphorus pollution reaching dangerous levels worldwide, new study finds :: Man-made phosphorus pollution is reaching dangerously high levels in freshwater basins around the world, according to new research.
Physicists celebrate as vital component of global neutrino experiment arrives at CERN :: Liverpool physicists are celebrating after a vital component of the global neutrino experiment – the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) – which they have helped construct has been delivered to CERN for testing.
Physicists create self-directed molecular motors that walk on tracks :: Molecular cargo transportation is an ongoing and vital undertaking in every cell of the human body. However, Nature does not use wheeled vehicles to perform this task. Instead, Nature transports intracellular cargos using bipedal molecular motors that walk along a mesh of molecular filaments called cytoskeletons. By mimicking Nature, the development of artificial track-walking molecular motors (na
US pickups craze all about toughness, luxury :: When it came time to revamp the Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck, designers at General Motors knew they needed to beef up the look of the vehicle.
Researchers discover a piece of America in northern Australia :: Curtin University researchers have discovered rocks in northern Queensland that bear striking similarities to those found in North America, suggesting that part of northern Australia was actually part of North America 1.7 billion years ago.
Protecting piping plovers :: Visitors to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore are often treated to tiny scurrying beachcombers – piping plovers. Future visitors, however, could see fewer of these celebrated shorebirds.
Study shows pitfalls of using the term middle class :: Middle class describes an economic tier between rich and poor. It implies upward mobility and a break from poverty.
A 'marine motorhome for microbes': Oceanic plastic trash conveys disease to coral reefs :: For coral reefs, the threat of climate change and bleaching are bad enough. An international research group led by Cornell University has found that plastic trash – ubiquitous throughout the world's oceans – intensifies disease for coral, adding to reef peril, according to a new study in the journal Science.
Research determines integration of plug-in electric vehicles should play a big role in future electric system planning :: An influx of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) charging without coordination could prove challenging to the nation's electric grid, according to research conducted by the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
How policymakers should approach AI :: Artificial intelligence poses a range of challenges to policymakers. As a technology that is now pervasive, it is impacting on democracy, security and the global economy in ways that are not yet well-known to publics around the world – and, being covert, these impacts are generally not balanced against strong political will to shape them with effective policymaking. Equally, it is a field of techn
How light pollution lures birds into urban areas during fall migration :: On their fall migration south in the Northern Hemisphere, scores of birds are being lured by artificial light pollution into urban areas that may be an ecological trap, according to the University of Delaware's Jeff Buler.
Building a better polyethylene :: Each year more than eight million tons of plastics pollute the ocean, forming mammoth, so-called "garbage patches" via strong currents. Even with new collection methods, only 0.5 percent out of that volume is currently removed from the seas. One solution to this growing crisis is to prevent plastic from becoming waste to begin with – and researchers from the University of Pittsburgh's Swanson Scho
Polymer movement: key to next-generation coatings :: Researchers in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Texas A&M University, led by doctoral student Victor Selin and Dr. Svetlana Sukhishvili, are making headway in understanding fundamental principles that will help to create the next generation of biomedical coatings.
Research challenges the popular belief that biofuels are better for the environment :: The European Union is raising the bar for renewable energy goals, but some climate change experts say the new targets could do more harm than good.
New population of world's rarest fish discovered off Tasmanian coast :: A team of divers from IMAS and the citizen science project Reef Life Survey (RLS) have discovered a new population of what is believed to be the world's rarest fish.
Poverty is not a life sentence in Australia :: Researchers say almost half of Australian families tracked in a 30-year study have experienced poverty at least once.
Pulling power reveals new insights into membrane dynamics in human cells :: Organelles are the functional units of a cell. Like different parts of a production line in a factory, they perform specialised functions but depend on and interact with each other.
Predator control can have unintended consequences :: Introduced predators pose threats to biodiversity and are implicated in the extinction of many native species. A new Mammal Review analysis of published studies highlights unintended outcomes of predator control programs that are implemented to mitigate these effects.
Can insurance premiums ensure we get through climate change in one piece? :: Insurance companies get a bad rap.
A primer for understanding climate science :: Climate science and threats from climate change have been hot topics of conversation amongst the public as well as business and political leaders. And despite the fact that more than 90 percent of climate scientists attribute the majority of global mean temperature increase over the last few decades to human activity and warn that continued warming poses risks for mankind, doubt and misconceptions
Primordial oceans had oxygen 250 million years before the atmosphere :: Research by a University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) graduate student Mojtaba Fakhraee and Associate Professor Sergei Katsev has pushed a major milestone in the evolution of the Earth's environment back by about 250 million years. While oxygen is believed to have first accumulated in the Earth atmosphere around 2.45 billion years ago, new research shows that oceans contained plentiful oxygen long be
Princesses and action heroes are for boys and girls :: Given the chance, young boys will try out dolls, and girls will play with cars and building blocks. It's even possible to encourage the two sexes to play together without too much moaning, says Lauren Spinner of the University of Kent in the UK, lead author of a study in Springer's journal Sex Roles. She believes that if children's magazines could use more diverse photographs and articles, this co
Solving the problem of surgical stainless steel :: Stainless steel is widely used in surgical medicine: for medical devices such coronary stents, hip-implant stems and spinal-disc replacements, and for a variety of surgical tools such as scalpels and forceps, as well as operating tables.
Plants increase flower production within a day of soil nutrient application :: The molecular mechanisms enabling plants to quickly adapt their rate of flower production in response to changing nutrient levels in soil have been revealed by researchers at the Sainsbury Laboratory.
Proton transport in graphene shows promise for renewable energy :: Researchers at The University of Manchester have discovered another new and unexpected physical effect in graphene – membranes that could be used in devices to artificially mimic photosynthesis.
Psychologist Jordan Peterson says lobsters help to explain why human hierarchies exist – do they? :: Hierarchies are everywhere. It is often argued that they are a social construct, invented to allow certain people (such as white men) to have power over others. But not everyone agrees. While promoting his new book, 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos, psychology professor Jordan Peterson, of the University of Toronto, has sparked debate by arguing that hierarchies are in fact natural to some
Puzzling finding raises new questions about atmospheric physics of giant planets :: The hottest point on a gaseous planet near a distant star isn't where astrophysicists expected it to be – a discovery that challenges scientists' understanding of the many planets of this type found in solar systems outside our own.
Strong quake rocks Jakarta, 6.0 magnitude: USGS :: Indonesia's capital Jakarta was rocked Tuesday by a strong earthquake which forced some buildings to be evacuated, but there was no immediate tsunami threat or reported injuries, a government agency said.
First quantifiable observation of cloud seeding :: A University of Wyoming researcher contributed to a paper that demonstrated, for the first time, direct observation of cloud seeding—from the growth of the ice crystals through the processes that occur in the clouds to the eventual fallout of the ice crystals that become snow—and how the impacts could be quantified.
Quantum physics scientist named 'Australian of Year' :: A groundbreaking quantum physics professor was named "Australian of the Year" on Thursday for her work heralded as ushering in a new era for computer science.
Quan­tum physics turned into tan­gi­ble re­al­ity :: ETH physicists have developed a silicon wafer that behaves like a topological insulator when stimulated using ultrasound. They have thereby succeeded in turning an abstract theoretical concept into a macroscopic product.
Quantum race accelerates development of silicon quantum chip :: A team of TU Delft scientists led by Professor Vandersypen seeks to create better and more reliable quantum processors. In a neck-and-neck race with competitors, they showed that quantum information of an electron spin can be transported to a photon in a silicon quantum chip. This is important in order to connect quantum bits across the chip and to scale up to large numbers of qubits. Their work w
Radioactivity from oil and gas wastewater persists in Pennsylvania stream sediments :: More than seven years after Pennsylvania officials requested that the disposal of radium-laden fracking wastewater into surface waters be restricted, a new Duke University study finds that high levels of radioactivity persist in stream sediments at three disposal sites.
Rare Australian rodents under attack from all sides :: The continued survival of one of Australia's rarest rodents, the water mouse, could hinge on significantly increasing the size of development buffer zones around their habitats.
Rare 450-million-year-old 'cone-shaped' fossil discovery :: Researchers from the University of Leicester, working with an international team of geologists, have discovered an enigmatic fossil of a 450 million year-old creature resembling a tiny ice-cream cone.
Real-world intercontinental quantum communications enabled by the Micius satellite :: A joint China-Austria team has performed quantum key distribution between the quantum-science satellite Micius and multiple ground stations located in Xinglong (near Beijing), Nanshan (near Urumqi), and Graz (near Vienna). Such experiments demonstrate the secure satellite-to-ground exchange of cryptographic keys during the passage of the satellite Micius over a ground station. Using Micius as a tr
On the rebound :: Our bodies have a remarkable ability to heal from broken ankles or dislocated wrists. Now, a new study has shown that some nanoparticles can also "self-heal" after experiencing intense strain, once that strain is removed.
Recycling and reusing worn cathodes to make new lithium ion batteries :: Nanoengineers at the University of California San Diego have developed an energy-efficient recycling process that restores used cathodes from spent lithium ion batteries and makes them work just as good as new. The process involves harvesting the degraded cathode particles from a used battery and then boiling and heat treating them. Researchers built new batteries using the regenerated cathodes. C
Glowing red lava causes more to flee from Philippine volcano :: Glowing-red lava spurted in a fountain and flowed down the Philippines' most active volcano on Tuesday in a stunning display of its fury that has sent more than 34,000 villagers fleeing to safety and prompted police to set up checkpoints to stop tourists from getting too close.
Researcher refutes theory regarding the dispersal of humans in Europe :: In a newly published study in the Journal of Paleolithic Archaeology, Senckenberg scientist Professor Dr. Ralf-Dietrich Kahlke, in conjunction with an international team of renowned Stone Age experts, refutes a recent publication regarding the dispersal of humans in Europe. This publication postulates that the first humans occurred in Northern and Central Europe as early as about one million years
Religion isn't the enemy of science: it's been inspiring scientists for centuries :: Take notice of any debate in the media and you'll see that science and religion are, and always were, at loggerheads. Science is about evidence-based fact, religion is about faith-based belief.
Engineer says new study forces researchers to rethink how elderly break their bones :: To better understand why many elderly people are prone to break a bone in a fall (known as bone fragility fractures), perhaps doctors and researchers should look at the human skeleton in much the same way civil engineers analyze buildings and bridges, according to a new study from a University of Utah mechanical engineering professor.
Rethinking environmental legislation to include the conservation ideas of tomorrow :: Rewilding has potential to help address the current global biodiversity crisis, but its impact will be limited unless agreed definitions can be reached, backed by further scientific research and helped by a policy backdrop that enables greater integration with current environmental legislation. These are the key findings of a new study into the controversial technique, led by international conserv
Retrospective test for quantum computers can build trust :: Tech companies are racing to make commercial quantum computers. A new scheme from researchers in Singapore and Japan could help customers establish trust in buying time on such machines—and protect companies from dishonest customers.
Researchers reveal high performance CNT catalyst relating to its electroconductivity :: Recent research published in a report in Nano showed biofuels were obtained from Jatropha Oil using carbon nanotube (CNT) catalyst, which showed efficient cracking activity. The performance was activated by the high stability, metal sites, acid sites, electroconductivity, and coking tolerance of CNT. Two cracking circulations were found in the hydroprocessing. The sulphur-free process was also eco
Researchers reveal how microbes cope in phosphorus-deficient tropical soil :: A team led by the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory has uncovered how certain soil microbes cope in a phosphorus-poor environment to survive in a tropical ecosystem. Their novel approach could be applied in other ecosystems to study various nutrient limitations and inform agriculture and terrestrial biosphere modeling.
Researchers reveal sexual prowess of older males not to be underestimated :: Quality sperm, good genes, and courtship knowledge are just a few reasons why females might benefit from mating with older males.
Maps reveal the truth about population density across Europe :: It's often said that England is the most densely populated large country in Europe – typically in discussions about the nation's rising population, and the growing strain on public services. But it's not true.
Research revealed the first-ever crystal structure of the dopamine 2 receptor bound to an antipsychotic drug :: Although antipsychotic drugs are among the most widely prescribed medications, individuals with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and autism-spectrum disorders often experience severe side effects because the drugs interact with dozens of other brain receptors. Now, scientists at the UNC School of Medicine and UC San Francisco (UCSF) have solved the first high-resolution crystal structure of the dop
Study reveals reasons behind big drop in British young people driving cars since 1990s :: Sweeping changes to social-economic conditions and living circumstances are the main factors behind a marked drop in car ownership among young people over the past 25 years, academics from the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) and the University of Oxford have concluded in a study for the Department for Transport.
Study reveals perceived gender bias against women is dominant factor in college major choice :: College-bound women are not less likely to enter specific fields because more math or science is required, but rather because of the gender discrimination they are likely to encounter in those fields, finds a new nationally representative longitudinal study published in the American Educational Research Journal.
Research reveals swaths of Asia inhabited by surprisingly related 'Lizards of the Lost Arcs' :: A new paper appearing in Proceedings of the Royal Society B shows a varied collection of lizards throughout Asia to be unexpectedly close cousins of beach-dwelling mourning geckos, all descended from a common ancestor species that thrived along an ancient archipelago in the West Pacific that served as a "superhighway" of biodiversity.
Research reveals that wealth may drive preference for short-term relationships :: In a new study titled 'Mating strategy flexibility in the laboratory: Preferences for long- and short-term mating change in response to evolutionarily relevant variables', the research team captured the relationship preferences of 151 heterosexual male and female volunteers (75 men and 76 women) by asking them to look at pictures of 50 potential partners, and to indicate whether they would prefer
Revolutionizing drug discovery with RNA in the spotlight :: The rise of antibiotic resistance among common infectious bacteria is a worrisome health threat that has many scientists looking for a solution. Jennifer Hines, Ph.D., professor of chemistry and biochemistry at Ohio University, is one of the few looking to ribonucleic acid (RNA) structures for new drug discovery. Her research group is studying a key regulator for bacterial gene expression made up
On the road again: Vehicle ownership, miles driven continue to rise :: Ownership of cars and light trucks are on the upswing, says a University of Michigan researcher.
How robot math and smartphones led researchers to a drug discovery breakthrough :: For us humans, a healthy brain handles all the minute details of bodily motion without demanding conscious attention. Not so for brainless robots – in fact, calculating robotic movement is its own scientific subfield.
Robots to the rescue: Saving lives with unmanned vehicles :: Last week's sea rescue of Australian swimmers by an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) is just the start of a robotics revolution.
The role of cranial modification in identity formation :: Before the expansion of the Inka empire, the Late Intermediate Period was marked by political upheaval and the emergence of new cultural practices. In "Ethnogenesis and Social Difference in the Andean Late Intermediate Period (AD 1100-1450): A Bioarchaeological Study of Cranial Modification in the Colca Valley, Peru," published in Current Anthropology, Matthew C. Velasco examines how the prevalenc
Root microbiome valuable key to plants surviving drought :: Just as the microorganisms in our gut are increasingly recognized as important players in human health and behavior, new research from the University of Toronto Mississauga demonstrates that microorganisms are equally critical to the growth and health of plants. For example, plants that are able to recruit particular bacteria to their root microbiomes are much more drought resistant than their fel
Rupert Murdoch says Facebook should pay for 'trusted' news :: Media tycoon Rupert Murdoch said Monday that large online platforms like Facebook should pay "trusted" news organizations as part of efforts to improve credibility and stem misinformation.
Russian experts submit 'impenetrable' smartphone protection system :: The team of the Institute of Laser and Plasma Technologies at the National Researcj Nuclear University MEPhI has developed a system of continuous authentication of mobile device users based on behavioral biometrics. The research results have been presented in several international conferences and published in an article titled "Mobile authentication over hand-waving".
Is your sandwich bad for the environment? :: Do you take a packed lunch to work or buy a sandwich from the shop? The carbon footprint of your sandwich could be having a major impact on greenhouse gas emissions according to new research.
SAP unveils big push into French tech start-ups :: Europe's biggest software company SAP on Monday said it will spend up to two billion euros investing in and nurturing French start-ups as part of its push into cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence.
Satellites paint a detailed picture of maritime activity :: ESA has helped coastal authorities to track up to 70% more ships and pick up nearly three times more ship positions via satellite than was possible before.
US to overtake Saudi as crude oil producer: IEA :: The United States are set to overtake Saudi Arabia as the world's number two oil producer this year, as shale companies, attracted by rising prices, ramp up drilling, the International Energy Agency said on Friday.
Scholars develop new technology to decode gene transcription facilitating discovery of targeted therapy drugs :: A research team from the School of Chinese Medicine (SCM) of Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) has developed the world's first model framework and "LogicTRN" algorithm to accurately establish a gene regulatory route to analyse the genetic function and understand the biological processes that are responsible for the development of organs, progression of diseases and other complex biological event
School climate and diversity may affect students' delinquent behaviors :: In a Journal of School Health study, race, sex, perceived peer inclusion, and teacher discrimination were predictors of students' delinquent behaviors.
How scientific evidence can be a powerful tool for insight, accountability and change :: The organisation Sense about Science advocates for openness and honesty about research, and works to ensure that the importance of sound science and evidence is recognised in public debates and policymaking.
Scientist proposes new definition of a planet :: Pluto hogs the spotlight in the continuing scientific debate over what is and what is not a planet, but a less conspicuous argument rages on about the planetary status of massive objects outside our solar system. The dispute is not just about semantics, as it is closely related to how giant planets like Jupiter form.
Scientists suggest way to predict the behavior of invasive weeds :: Is it possible to predict which nonnative plant species will become invasive weeds and when? According to research featured in the journal Invasive Plant Science and Management, the answer is "hopefully yes." And those predictions can lead to more effective and cost-efficient weed management.
Scientists culture human placenta stem cells for first time :: In a milestone achievement for better understanding the development and function of the human placenta, scientists have derived and grown trophoblast stem cells for the first time.
Scientists decipher key principle behind reaction of metalloenzymes :: What enables electrons to be transferred swiftly, for example during photosynthesis? An interdisciplinary team of researchers has worked out the details of how important bioinorganic electron transfer systems operate. Using a combination of very different, time-resolved measurement methods at DESY's X-ray source PETRA III and other facilities, the scientists were able to show that so-called pre-di
Scientists achieve high power with new smaller laser :: An international team of scientists has produced the first high-powered, randomly polarised laser beam with a "Q switch" laser, which typically emits pulses of light so brief that they're measured in nanoseconds. Lasers are a critical part of modern technology—they're used in everything from our automobiles to medical equipment to the satellites orbiting Earth. Now, researchers are broadening the
Scientists create high-speed coding system :: Scientists of the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI (Russia) have proposed a scheme for optical encoding of information based on the formation of wave fronts, and which works with spatially incoherent illumination. This scheme is effective in creating highly secure, high-speed coding systems. Security is provided by the two-dimensionality of dynamically replaced coded keys. The study is p
Scientists home in on a potential Anthropocene 'golden spike' :: The international working group, which includes geologists Jan Zalasiewicz, Mark Williams and Colin Waters, from the University of Leicester's School of Geography, Geology and the Environment and archaeologist Matt Edgeworth has, since 2009, been analysing the case for formalisation of the Anthropocene, a potential new epoch of geological time dominated by overwhelming human impact on the Earth.
Scientists developing new, low-cost tool for detecting bacteria in food and water :: Food scientist Lili He and colleagues at the University of Massachusetts Amherst report that they have developed a new, rapid and low-cost method for detecting bacteria in water or a food sample. Once commercially available, it should be useful to cooks using fresh fruits and vegetables, for example, and aid workers in the field responding to natural disasters, He says.
Scientists discover material ideal for smart photovoltaic windows :: Smart windows that are transparent when it's dark or cool but automatically darken when the sun is too bright are increasingly popular energy-saving devices. But imagine that when the window is darkened, it simultaneously produces electricity. Such a material – a photovoltaic glass that is also reversibly thermochromic – is a green technology researchers have long worked toward, and now, scientist
Scientists develop method to test fluorescent biosensors before they're synthesized :: Rice University scientists have effectively quenched a debate over the mechanism behind a fluorescent biosensor that monitors neurons by sensing changes in voltage.
Scientists suggest a new method for synthesizing a promising magnetic material :: Scientists from Siberian Federal University (SFU) and the Russian Academy of Sciences have used a new method for synthesizing iron-dysprosium garnet. Magnetic materials of this class are used in microwave and magnetic photon equipment. Iron-dysprosium garnet is understudied and may have previously unknown properties. The article was published in Materials Science and Engineering.
Scientists discover oldest known modern human fossil outside of AfricaAfrica Human FossilA large international research team, led by Israel Hershkovitz from Tel Aviv University and including Rolf Quam from Binghamton University, State University of New York, has discovered the earliest modern human fossil ever found outside of Africa. The finding suggests that modern humans left the continent at least 50,000 years earlier than previously thought.
Scientists study optical biopsy tool that detects disease in seconds :: Today, it is standard practice to detect many diseases through MRIs, PETs, X-rays, or CAT scans. But all of these medical imaging methods include some risk of radiation and take hours – if not days – to get results. Most importantly, the level of information they provide is lacking because it is not at the molecular level.
Scientists find oxidized iron deep within the Earth's interior :: Scientists digging deep into the Earth's mantle recently made an unexpected discovery.
Scientists develop quantum metamaterial from complex twin qubits :: An international team consisting of Russian and German scientists has made a breakthrough in the creation of seemingly impossible materials. They have created the world's first quantum metamaterial that can be used as a control element in superconducting electrical circuits.
Scientists reveal the fundamental limitation in the key material for solid-state lighting :: For the first time an international research group has revealed the core mechanism that limits the indium (In) content in indium gallium nitride ((In, Ga)N) thin films – the key material for blue light emitting diodes (LED). Increasing the In content in InGaN quantum wells is the common approach to shift the emission of III-Nitride based LEDs towards the green and, in particular, red part of the o
Scientists are breeding super-nutritious crops to help solve global hunger :: An incredible 155m children around the world are chronically undernourished, despite dramatic improvements in recent decades. In view of this, the UN's Sustainable Development Goals include Zero Hunger. But what do we understand by the word hunger?
Scientists use vibrations within cells to identify their mechanical properties :: Scientists at Université de Montréal have developed a unique technique to map, on a scale of milliseconds, the elasticity of the components inside a cell.
Crying off script in workplace can ruin women's careers, researcher finds :: As sexual harassment allegations against well-known men in entertainment, media and politics make news, everyday office dynamics are under the microscope. Professor Kimberly Elsbach of the Graduate School of Management at the University of California, Davis, has been examining workplace behavior for more than a decade.
Sea butterflies repair shell damage from ocean acidification :: A new study of tiny marine snails called sea butterflies shows the great lengths these animals go to repair damage caused by ocean acidification. The paper, led by researchers at British Antarctic Survey, is published this month in the journal Nature Communications.
SEC letter shows bitcoin funds won't happen soon, if ever :: It may be a while, if ever, before investors can buy an exchange-traded fund made up of bitcoin and other digital currencies.
The seemingly unremarkable crystals that could help predict volcanic eruptions :: They may look inconspicuous and unremarkable, and most people wouldn't notice them, but small crystals in volcanic rocks, such as lava, may hold the key to better understanding advance warnings of volcanic eruptions.
More self-driving tech in VW's next-generation Golf :: The world's biggest carmaker Volkswagen said Friday it would stuff even more technology into the next generation of its top-selling Golf model, bringing so-called "connected driving" deeper into the mainstream.
Seniors want to know whom they can trust online :: Seniors have grown so concerned about their safety online that some avoid even low-risk activities such as online banking and shopping that could make their lives easier, a U of T study has found.
New sensor for measuring electric field strength :: Accurately measuring electric fields is important in a variety of applications, such as weather forecasting, process control on industrial machinery, or ensuring the safety of people working on high-voltage power lines. Yet from a technological perspective, this is no easy task.
Rise in severity of hottest days outpaces global average temperature increase :: While our planet's average annual temperature has increased at a steady pace in recent decades, there has been an alarming jump in the severity of the hottest days of the year during that same period, with the most lethal effects in the world's largest cities.
Shale gas is one of the least sustainable ways to produce electricity, research finds :: Shale gas is one of least sustainable options for producing electricity, according to new research from The University of Manchester.
Shape-shifting organic crystals use memory to improve plastic electronics :: Researchers have identified a mechanism that triggers shape-memory phenomena in organic crystals used in plastic electronics. Shape-shifting structural materials are made with metal alloys, but the new generation of economical printable plastic electronics is poised to benefit from this phenomenon, too. Shape-memory materials science and plastic electronics technology, when merged, could open the
New study suggests shark declines can lead to changes in reef fish body shapes :: Scientists studying nearly identical coral reef systems off Australia discovered something unusual on the reefs subjected to nearly exclusive fishing of sharks—fish with significantly smaller eyes and tails. The study is the first field evidence of body shape changes in fish due to human-driven shark declines from overfishing. These findings shed new light on the cascading effects the loss of the
Saving sharks with trees: researchers aim to save key branches of shark and ray tree of life :: To shine light on and conserve rare shark, ray, and chimaera species (chondrichthyans), SFU researchers have developed a fully-resolved family tree and ranked every species according to the unique evolutionary history they account for.
Silicon nanoblock arrays create vivid colors with subwavelength resolution :: Until now, the metamaterials used to create tunable color from structural geometry have been based on metals. Although effective in achieving high resolutions, metallic materials suffer from inherent energy losses at visible wavelengths, which makes optimizing color purity challenging. By comparison, the resonance of silicon materials enables high reflectance and purity.
A simple new approach to plastic solar cells :: Humankind is in the midst of a massive drive to harness solar energy to power our homes, gadgets, and industry. Plastic solar cells, based on blends of conducting organic polymers, are of interest for making lightweight and cheap solar cells. The problem with these kinds of solar cells is that their solar power efficiencies are very closely related to the way the different types of materials mix a
Simulations show how atoms behave inside self-healing cement :: Researchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) have developed a self-healing cement that could repair itself in as little as a few hours. Wellbore cement for geothermal applications has a life-span of only 30 to 40 years. When the cement inevitably cracks, repairs can easily top $1.5 million dollars per well. Scientists are developing cement that fixes itself, sidestepping enormously
Researchers use simulations to study brain damage from bomb blasts and materials for space shuttles :: Explosions produce unique patterns of injury seldom seen outside combat. They have the potential to cause life-threatening injuries and take a particular toll on the brain.
How single-cell archaea determine what direction to swim :: Dr. Tessa Quax has identified the structure of a central protein used by archaea to determine the direction to swim. Archaea are single-cell life forms without a nucleus. She also studied which molecular mechanisms are involved in the transmission of signals from the archaea's environment to its motility structure. Quax, who is a researcher in the lab of Prof. Dr. Sonja-Verena Albers at the Instit
Skeleton teeth and historical photography are retelling the story of the plague :: New portraits of the evolution of some of history's deadliest pandemics have been created through analysis of thousands of skeletons and new collections of historical photographs—and the results could indicate how similar diseases may evolve in the future.
16 skiers hurt by flying rocks, avalanche on Japan volcano :: At least 16 people skiing on the slopes of a volcano in central Japan were injured by flying rocks during a surprise eruption and a subsequent avalanche Tuesday, and one person later died.
Sky delivers profits surge awaiting takeover by Fox :: Sky, the pan-European TV giant, announced Thursday a 40-percent increase in first-half net profit on higher revenues, while awaiting a takeover by Rupert Murdoch's 21st Century Fox.
New process could slash energy demands of fertilizer, nitrogen-based chemicals :: Nitrogen-based synthetic fertilizer forms the backbone of the world food supply, but its manufacture requires a tremendous amount of energy. Now, computer modeling at Princeton University points to a method that could drastically cut the energy needed by using sunlight in the manufacturing process.
Small hydroelectric dams increase globally with little research, regulations :: Hydropower dams may conjure images of the massive Grand Coulee Dam in Washington state or the Three Gorges Dam in Hubei, China—the world's largest electricity-generating facility.
Smart speakers could be the tipping point for home automation :: One of the biggest trends of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas this year was companies taking digital smart assistants – think Apple's Siri, Google's Assistant and Amazon's Alexa – and incorporating them into more and more consumer devices.
Smartphones come in handy for the rare cosmic particles search :: Researchers from the Laboratory of Methods for Big Data Analysis (LAMBDA) at the Higher School of Economics have improved their method of analyzing ultra-high energy cosmic rays (UHECR) with the use of mobile phones. The work has been carried out as part of the CRAYFIS experiment and the results were presented at the 22nd International Conference on Computing in High Energy and Nuclear Physics.
How smelly is your rubbish? :: According to some estimates, every year, over 8 billion tonnes of urban waste are generated worldwide, and there is every reason to believe that this figure will increase in coming years due to population growth. Compositing, by which organic waste is converted into fertiliser, is a process that provides a use for part of this huge amount of waste.
The origin of snakes—new evolutionary scenario presented :: The early evolution of snakes happened from surface-terrestrial to burrowing in the lizard-snake transition suggests a research group at the University of Helsinki.
Snapshot of DNA repair :: DNA is like the computer code of the body, and it must be preserved for our bodies to survive. Yet, as cells grow and change, DNA is vulnerable to defects, especially double strand breaks (DSBs). In fact, DSBs regularly occur throughout one's lifetime. The DNA is protected, however, by DNA repair machinery. A new study from scientists at Osaka University and The University of Tokyo describes the c
Two new snout moth genera and three new species discovered in southern China :: New members have joined the ranks of the snout moths – one of the largest groups within the insect order known formally as Lepidoptera, comprising all moths and butterflies.
New research holds promise of predicting snowpack even before the snow falls :: As farmers in the American West decide what, when and where to plant, and urban water managers plan for water needs in the next year, they want to know how much water their community will get from melting snow in the mountains.
Researchers identify 'social place cells' in the brain that respond to the locations of others :: Whether we're playing a team sport or just strolling with our family through the park, we're continually aware of the positions of those around us – and where each is heading. Scientists have, in recent decades, pinpointed neurons called "place cells" in our brains that encode our own location in the environment, but how our brains represent the positions of others has been a mystery. New Weizmann
Long sought-after form of cubic, semiconducting titanium nitride synthesized :: A team of experimental and computational scientists led by Carnegie's Tim Strobel and Venkata Bhadram have synthesized a long sought-after form of titanium nitride, Ti3N4, which has promising mechanical and optoelectronic properties.
South Korea to start real-name trading of crypto currency :: South Korea plans to require local banks to launch a real-name system for crypto currency trading that will make the up-to-now anonymous transactions be traceable as the country seeks to curb speculation and criminal activities.
Two US spacewalkers replace latching end of robotic arm :: Two US astronauts floated outside the International Space Station on Tuesday for a seven-hour, 24-minute spacewalk to repair the orbiting outpost's aging robotic arm, NASA said.
Spacewalking from the comfort of your armchairVR Game TrainingMeet the Aussies behind a virtual reality application that is really out of this world.
SpaceX fires engines on big new rocket in launch pad test :: SpaceX has fired up its newest, biggest rocket in a critical launch pad test.
Spanish use is steady or dropping in U.S. despite high Latino immigration :: Hidden just beneath the surface of the ongoing heated debate about immigration in the United States lurks an often unspoken concern: language. Specifically, whether immigration from Spanish-speaking countries threatens the English language's dominance.
Is species richness increasing? Insight into an intense ecological debate :: Scientists are debating whether and why it appears that the number of species at sites worldwide is holding steady (even increasing at many), as biodiversity declines globally.
Study spotlights cultural barriers to student financial success :: Portland State study spotlights cultural barriers to student financial success
Dust on snow controls springtime river rise in West :: A new study has found that dust, not spring warmth, controls the pace of spring snowmelt that feeds the headwaters of the Colorado River. Contrary to conventional wisdom, the amount of dust on the mountain snowpack controls how fast the Colorado Basin's rivers rise in the spring regardless of air temperature, with more dust correlated with faster spring runoff and higher peak flows.
Stable, self-disrupting microbubbles as intravenous oxygen carriers :: Severe oxygen deficiency eventually leads to cardiac arrest. If the blood's oxygen content cannot be rapidly re-established, the patient may die within minutes. In the journal Angewandte Chemie, American scientists have introduced air-filled microbubbles that could be used as an intravenous oxygen carrier to increase the survival rate of such patients. Because they rapidly dissolve in blood, the r
Named after Stanley Kubrick, a new species of frog is a 'clockwork orange' of nature :: Two new treefrog species were discovered in the Amazon Basin of Bolivia, Peru, and Brazil. Both had been previously misidentified as another superficially identical species.
Star-gazing on the reef: First evidence that brittle stars may 'see' with their skin :: Scientists have discovered the first evidence that brittle stars living in vibrant coral reefs use thousands of light sensors to navigate their way through their complex environments.
State of US science enterprise report shows US leads in S&E as China rapidly advances :: According to the National Science Foundation's (NSF) Science and Engineering Indicators2018 report released today, the United States is the global leader in science and technology (S&T). However, the U.S. global share of S&T activities is declining as other nations—especially China—continue to rise.
The state of the U.S. solar industry :: On Jan. 22, 2018, the Trump administration announced plans to impose punitive duties on solar panels imported from abroad. This decision came in response to a complaint filed by two solar companies, but much of the industry opposes the action, which trade groups say will increase the cost of solar projects and depress demand. To illustrate what's at stake, energy scholar Joshua Rhodes provides som
A stopwatch for nanofluids: NIST files provisional patent for microflowmeter :: The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has filed a provisional patent application for a microflow measurement system, about the size of a nickel, that can track the movement of extremely tiny amounts of liquids—as small as nanoliters (nL, billionth of a liter) per minute. If water were flowing at that rate from a 1-liter bottle of water, it would take about 200 years to drain.
Storm caused 90 mn euros in damage: Dutch insurers :: Dutch insurers said Friday that fierce storms that whipped across The Netherlands caused 90 million euros ($111 million) in devastation, as the country's train service slowly creaked back into gear.
Dust storms linked to gas escape from Martian atmosphere :: Some Mars experts are eager and optimistic for a dust storm this year to grow so grand it darkens skies around the entire Red Planet. This type of phenomenon in the environment of modern Mars could be examined as never before possible, using the combination of spacecraft now at Mars.
Study may improve strategies for reducing nutrient runoff into Mississippi River :: Every summer, the Gulf of Mexico is flooded with excess nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater treatment plants and farm fields along the Mississippi River basin. And every summer, those nutrients create a "dead zone" in the Gulf. To address the issue, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency formed a task force and required 12 states to develop strategies to reduce agricultural runoff.
When it comes to keeping streams cool, buffer strips help but geology rules :: Leaving a strip of trees along headwater streams during logging operations helps to keep the water cool, but researchers have now shown that the downstream impacts of such practices have more to do with geology than with the presence or width of buffer strips.
Imagining a successful future can help students overcome everyday difficulties :: Having a clear picture in mind of what their future will look like can motivate students to keep going despite the challenges of college life. This strategy seems to be particularly effective for female students from relatively low socioeconomic status (SES) backgrounds says Mesmin Destin of Northwestern University in the US. He is the lead author of a study in Springer's journal Motivation and Em
Three 'super-Earths' orbiting a cool dwarf star discovered :: Using NASA's prolonged Kepler mission, known as K2, astronomers have found three new "super-Earth" exoplanets. The newly detected alien worlds orbit the cool dwarf star designated LP415-17. The finding is reported January 18 in a paper published on the arXiv pre-print server.
Superconducting X-ray laser takes shape in Silicon Valley :: An area known for high-tech gadgets and innovation will soon be home to an advanced superconducting X-ray laser that stretches 3 miles in length, built by a collaboration of national laboratories. On January 19, the first section of the machine's new accelerator arrived by truck at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory in Menlo Park after a cross-country journey that began in Batavia, Illinois, at
'Superfast' internet cable to cross Mediterranean sea :: A Cypriot company says its new sub-sea internet cable that will connect Israel with Spain will be powerful enough to handle up to 60 percent of the world's internet traffic at peak time.
Survival mode in a tiny worm's brain :: Caenorhabditis elegans, or C. elegans, are tiny worms with tiny brains—their whole bodies are the width of a pencil tip and contain only 302 neurons. These nematodes live out their two-week-long lifespans in rotting vegetation, eating bacteria, and avoiding predators. However, C. elegans does not always live such a simplistic lifestyle. Under environmental stress—such as when overcrowding leads to
In sweet corn, workhorses win :: When deciding which sweet corn hybrids to plant, vegetable processors need to consider whether they want their contract growers using a workhorse or a racehorse. Is it better to choose a hybrid with exceptional yields under ideal growing conditions (i.e., the racehorse) or one that performs consistently well across ideal and less-than-ideal conditions (i.e., the workhorse)? New research from the U
Synthetic virus to tackle antimicrobial resistance :: The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) and UCL (University College London) have engineered a brand new artificial virus that kill bacteria on first contact, as published in Nature Communications.
Tall tail: Morocco casts doubt on Mexico 'dinosaur' fragment :: Authorities in Morocco said Monday they doubt the authenticity of an alleged dinosaur tail sold in Mexico, after launching a probe to see if it had been illegally exported from the North African country.
Team takes a deep look at memristors :: In the race to build a computer that mimics the massive computational power of the human brain, researchers are increasingly turning to memristors, which can vary their electrical resistance based on the memory of past activity. Scientists at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have now unveiled the long-mysterious inner workings of these semiconductor elements, which can act
Research team determines how electron spins interact with crystal lattice in nickel oxide :: Researchers at UC Riverside used an unconventional approach to determine the strength of the electron spin interactions with the optical phonons in antiferromagnetic nickel oxide (NiO) crystals.
Team develops new semiconductor processing technology :: Extremely fine porous structures with tiny holes, resembling a kind of sponge at nano level, can be generated in semiconductors. This opens up new possibilities for the realization of tiny sensors or unusual optical and electronic components. There have already been experiments in this area with porous structures made from silicon. Now, researchers at TU Wien have developed a method for the contro
New technology standard could shape the future of electronics design :: Scientists at the University of Southampton have discovered a way of enhancing the capabilities of an emerging nanotechnology that could open the door to a new generation of electronics.
Changing technology and viewing habits could jeopardize Super Bowl advertising :: The Super Bowl, coming Feb. 4, has been an advertising showcase for decades now. But advertising professor Mike Yao, who studies digital media, says changes in technology and viewing habits are also changing the game for advertisers. He explained how with News Bureau social sciences editor Craig Chamberlain.
New study sheds light on teenagers' online habits :: Teenagers are far more critical users of social media than we give them credit for, and need to be better supported in reaping the benefits social media can have.
Temperature swings could cause pothole problems for drivers :: Motorists enjoying days of above-freezing temperatures after shivering through frigid single digits may encounter a jarring reality by spring.
Warming temperatures may cause birds to shrink :: Biologists have known for a long time that animals living in colder climates tend to have larger bodies, supposedly as an adaptation to reduce heat loss. However, understanding how temperature affects animals has gained new importance thanks to climate change. A new study from The Auk: Ornithological Advances uses European House Sparrows, which have spread into a variety of climates in Australia a
Temporary 'bathtub drains' in the ocean concentrate flotsam :: An experiment featuring the largest flotilla of sensors ever deployed in a single area provides new insights into how marine debris, or flotsam, moves on the surface of the ocean.
Do terrorist attacks affect ethnic discrimination in the labor market? :: Terrorist attacks are known to influence public opinion, but do they also change behaviour? A new British Journal of Sociology study that addressed this question found that Pakistanis in Norway still experience the same level of discrimination, despite claims that Norwegians have become more positive about migrants after the far-right, anti-migrant terrorist attacks of 2011.
Balancing work and tertiary study is harder now than in 2012, says study :: Students know completing a university degree gives them a better chance of landing a high-paying job, often after surviving financial hardship while studying. But striking a balance between life, work and study appears to be getting tougher.
Researchers develop thin, transparent and lightweight touchscreen pressure sensor arrays :: Touchscreens on mobile handheld devices can detect if and where a user is touching the screen, but standard technology cannot determine how much pressure is being exerted. Now, researchers at the University of California San Diego and the University of Texas at Austin have demonstrated a new technology for 'force sensing' that can be added to any type of display, including flexible devices, and po
Thoughts of God make fear-based advertising less effective :: A burglar can be a powerful image to help sell an alarm system, but not if the viewer is thinking about God, according to new research from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business.
Thousands more flee erupting Philippine volcano :: Thousands more have fled an erupting volcano in the Philippines, relief workers said Wednesday, as foreign tourists arrived to watch the flaming lava and giant cauliflower clouds spurting from its crater.
Tidal cycles could help predict volcanic eruptions, study suggests :: Just before a surprise eruption of New Zealand's Ruapehu volcano in 2007, seismic tremor near its crater became tightly correlated with twice-monthly changes in the strength of tidal forces, a new study has found. The research, published in the journal Scientific Reports, suggests that signals associated with tidal cycles could potentially provide advanced warning of certain types of volcanic erup
Tiny particles have outsize impact on storm clouds, precipitation :: Tiny particles fuel powerful storms and influence weather much more than has been appreciated, according to a study in the Jan. 26 issue of the journal Science.
Engineers invent tiny vision processing chip for ultra-small smart vision systems and IoT applications :: A team of researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS) has developed a novel microchip named EQSCALE that can capture visual details from video frames with extremely low power consumption. The video feature extractor uses 20 times less power than existing best-in-class chips, so it only requires a tiny battery. It could reduce the size of smart vision systems down to the millimetre
How many toes on a horse? More than you think :: Seabiscuit, Secretariat and every nag to ever pull a plough had five toes on each foot, says a study released Wednesday that stomps on the notion modern horses only have one toe.
New tool visualizes employment trends in biomedical science :: Scientists looking for jobs after completing their training may soon have a new tool that helps them evaluate various career paths. The new tool uses a method that was developed by scientists at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), part of the National Institutes of Health. The method differs from others in that it separates employment trends in biomedical science by se
Developing tools for climate-conscious investment :: Professor Sir John Beddington of the Oxford Martin School explains the Oxford Martin Principles for Climate-Conscious Investment:
Toxin in centipede venom identified :: A team of researchers from several institutions in China has identified the toxin in golden head centipede venom. In their paper published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the group describes how they found the toxin that makes the venom so deadly to prey and also identified a possible antidote for it.
Tracking wastewater's path to wells, groundwater :: We often "flush it and forget it" when it comes to waste from toilets and sinks. However, it's important to be able to track this wastewater to ensure it doesn't end up in unwanted places. A group of Canadian scientists has found an unlikely solution.
TRAPPIST-1 system planets potentially habitable :: Two exoplanets in the TRAPPIST-1 system have been identified as most likely to be habitable, a paper by PSI Senior Scientist Amy Barr says.
So much depends on a tree guard :: In a big city, trees, like people, like their space. In a new study, researchers at Columbia University found that street trees protected by guards that stopped passersby from trampling the surrounding soil absorbed runoff water more quickly than trees in unprotected pits. The results are published online in the journal Ecological Engineering.
Detecting tsunamis :: Mathematicians have devised a way of calculating the size of a tsunami and its destructive force well in advance of it making landfall by measuring fast-moving underwater sound waves, opening up the possibility of a real-time early warning system.
Why wind turbines annoy residents and how to reduce the problem :: When falling asleep, relaxing or undertaking recreational activities, nearly a third of residents living near a wind farm report that they are not at all annoyed, or only slightly annoyed by the noise of wind turbines. One in 10 people experience symptoms of stress, such as irritability or difficulty falling asleep. However, noise is not the only problem for those affected, according to psychologi
Twitter Operating Chief Anthony Noto resigns :: Twitter's chief operating officer is leaving the social media giant to lead another company.
Uber limits driver hours in Britain to 10Uber UK DriversUS ride-hailing app Uber on Tuesday said it would cap the number of hours its drivers can work in Britain from next week in a bid to increase safety after heavy criticism of its business practices.
UK retail sales slide in December after Black Friday boost :: British retail sales slid 1.5 percent in December from the previous month after consumers had brought forward their Christmas shopping, official data showed Friday.
Ultralow power consumption for data recording :: A team of researchers at Tohoku University, in collaboration with the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) and Hanyang University, has developed new phase change material with electrical characteristics different from those of conventional materials. This new material allows a drastic reduction in power consumption for data recording in non-volatile random access
Unique injector creates bunches of electrons to stimulate million-per-second X-ray pulses :: Every powerful X-ray pulse produced for experiments at a next-generation laser project, now under construction, will start with a "spark" – a burst of electrons emitted when a pulse of ultraviolet light strikes a 1-millimeter-wide spot on a specially coated surface.
Research shows with unprecedented accuracy what happens to soap as it spreads on water :: A bowl of water sprinkled with pepper flakes sits ready on Mahesh Bandi's kitchen countertop. Bandi, a professor of physics at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST), wets the tip of a chopstick with liquid soap, amusement written on his face, and asks his dinner guests their predictions: what will the flakes do when the soap meets the water's surface?
Does the urban morphology have influence on the noise levels provoked by aircrafts? :: A team of researchers from UPM and CNR has conducted a study of acoustic measurements in places with aircraft noise exposure. This study aims to determine any significant differences among the sound levels measured on the different façades according to their orientation regarding the flight trajectory, the type of road where the facade is found and the fraction of the flight path in direct transmi
User experiment at BESSY II—complex tessellations, extraordinary materials :: An international team of researchers lead by the Technical University of Munich (TUM) has discovered a reaction path that produces exotic layers with semiregular structures. These kinds of materials are interesting because they frequently possess extraordinary properties. In the process, simple organic molecules are converted to larger units which form the complex, semiregular patterns. With exper
UV laser photolyses to enhance diamond growth :: Energy influences the rates of chemical reactions dramatically. Simply heating a gas-phase reaction system deposits energy indiscriminately in internal and translational motions of precursor and intermediate molecules.
New UVa data center part of $200M microelectronics venture :: A new, multimillion-dollar center at the University of Virginia will bring together researchers to eliminate a data bottleneck built into computer systems 70 years ago.
Video: Artificial leaves to produce fuel on Earth and, one day, Mars :: Call it "liquid sunlight." With the right technology, the gas station of the future will make its own fuel directly from sunlight, in the process sucking up carbon and producing oxygen.
How to stop violence against women in India—it starts with training police officers :: From the Woman's Marches in the US to the global #MeToo campaign, the issue of women's rights has well and truly permeated society's consciousness.
Viral probe gives ringside view of cell-to-cell combat :: A fascinating blow-by-blow account of the arms struggle between plants and viral pathogens, is revealed in new research.
New type of virus found in the ocean :: A type of virus that dominates water samples taken from the world's oceans has long escaped analysis because it has characteristics that standard tests can't detect. However, researchers at MIT and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine have now managed to isolate and study representatives of these elusive viruses, which provide a key missing link in virus evolution and play an important role in
Visa joins other major credit cards in getting rid of signature requirement :: The days of signing the receipt after a credit card purchase are numbered.
Vitamin C in the body can be tracked by fluorescence :: Vitamin C is best known as a nutrient. In high enough doses, however, vitamin C also shows potential against many cancers, according to recent studies. To successfully develop vitamin C (chemically named ascorbic acid) as a medication, it is crucial to probe its concentration in the body, thus ensuring safe and effective doses.
At least 16 hurt in volcano eruption near Japan ski resort :: A volcanic eruption Tuesday injured at least 16 people at a ski resort in central Japan, including six soldiers hit by an avalanche during ski training, officials said.
Volcano in Papua New Guinea little known, hard to predict :: People in Papua New Guinea are being warned that an eruption of a volcano in the South Pacific nation could also cause a local tsunami.
Experiment into how voters think shows that they go with their guts :: Experts were famously made unwelcome in the final run up to the Brexit referendum of 2016. Leave campaigner Michael Gove said people had had enough of them.
2017 was the warmest year on record for the global ocean :: 2017 was the warmest year on record for the global ocean, according to an updated ocean analysis from Institute of Atmospheric Physics/Chinese Academy of Science (IAP/CAS).
Five ways the arts could help solve the plastics crisis :: It is becoming more and more obvious that we need to drastically change how we use plastics. While we need improve our recycling infrastructure, we also need to help communities reduce plastic packaging waste and plastic litter.
There are better ways to foster solar innovation and save jobs than Trump's tariffs :: President Donald Trump's decision to impose punitive duties on imported solar panels and related equipment is rankling most of the industry.
Weather anomalies accelerate the melting of sea ice :: In the winter of 2015/16, something happened that had never before been seen on this scale: at the end of December, temperatures rose above zero degrees Celsius for several days in parts of the Arctic. Temperatures of up to eight degrees were registered north of Svalbard. Temperatures this high have not been recorded in the winter half of the year since the beginning of systematic measurements at
Researchers use wild rice to predict health of Minnesota lakes and streams :: By studying wild rice in lakes and streams, a team of researchers led by the University of Minnesota has discovered that sulfate in waterways is converted into toxic levels of sulfide and increases other harmful elements. This includes methylmercury, the only form of mercury that contaminates fish.
Wild Sri Lankan elephants retreat from the sound of disturbed Asian honey bees :: For the first time, researchers have shown that Asian elephants in Sri Lanka are scared of honey bees, much like their African counterparts.
Winter is off to late start in normally frigid rural Alaska :: Winter is off to a late start in parts of rural Alaska.
How winter temps can affect your spring fishing :: Cold winter weather can play a key role in what you're allowed to fish for next spring. That point was driven home when low temperatures in early January led North Carolina to temporarily bar fishing for spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus), one of the most popular targets for recreational anglers.
What would it have been like to witness the beginning of the universe? :: Something wonderful happened about 13.8 billion years ago. Everything in the universe was created in an instant as an infinitesimally small point of energy: the Big Bang. We know that this event happened, as the universe is constantly expanding and galaxies are moving away from us. The more we peer into the past, the smaller it gets – that's how we know it must have once been infinitesimally small
A race against pine: Wood-boring wasp in North America threatened by a Eurasian invader :: Invasive species have diverse impacts in different locations, including biodiversity loss, as a result of native species being outcompeted for similar resources. A U.S. research team, led by Dr. Ann Hajek, Cornell University, studied the case of an aggressive Eurasian woodwasp that has recently established in North America and poses a threat to a native species. Their study is published in the ope
Workers at Apple supplier complain of unsafe conditions :: For the second time in three months, Apple is facing questions about working conditions at its Chinese suppliers.
World's largest sea turtle could come off 'endangered' list :: Federal ocean managers say it might be time to move the East Coast population of the world's largest turtle from the United States' list of endangered animals.
X-rays reveal chirality in swirling electric vortices :: Scientists used spiraling X-rays at the Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) to observe, for the first time, a property that gives handedness to swirling electric patterns – dubbed polar vortices – in a synthetically layered material.
New data yields deeper understanding of poverty in India :: A new international study led by UvA researchers Peter Sloot and Michael Lees has yielded extensive data on slums in Bangalore and provides a detailed insight into the problem of poverty in India. The highly granular data, which was collected through a field survey of 36 slums, could lead to a better understanding of poverty and to more effective strategies for managing and improving conditions fo
Your phone may soon know when you're stressed – and help you cope :: European businesses lose hundreds of work hours each year to stress-related absences, but an app that monitors stress levels and a device to teach relaxation exercises could help provide an answer.
Meet Zhong Zhong and Hua Hua, the first monkey clones produced by method that made DollyHuman Monkeys Hua HuaThe first primate clones made by somatic cell nuclear transfer are two genetically identical long-tailed macaques born recently at the Chinese Academy of Sciences Institute of Neuroscience in Shanghai. Researchers named the newborns Zhong Zhong and Hua Hua—born eight and six weeks ago, respectively—after the Chinese adjective "Zhonghua," which means Chinese nation or people. The technical mileston
Fake News About Margarine :: An alarmist email is circulating with misinformation about margarine. A little fact-checking shows that both margarine and butter can be part of a healthy diet.
Georgian College’s Homeopathy Program: Magical Thinking Presented as Fact :: Georgian College in Ontario, Canada is now offering a 3-year advanced diploma in the pseudoscience of homeopathy.
Legislative Alchemy 2017: Acupuncture :: Acupuncture is nothing more than a theatrical placebo. Yet acupuncturists, defined as primary care practitioners in some states, are succeeding in licensing and practice expansion efforts in state legislatures.
Mental Illness Denial :: This is really hard, and we have limited knowledge, but we have accumulated enough knowledge about mental health and illness to take a practical approach to many patients and to help them improve their lives. This should include the full range of options available, including medication and counseling. To deny the role of medication can do great harm to those who may need it.
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The 'science' of linking skull shape to personality has finally been tested, and boy is it as stupid as we thought :: Science Neuroscientists examine the dubious theory of phrenology. Neuroscientists put the dubious theory of ‘phrenology’ through rigorous testing for the first time…
Fluefarmeren Lasse: Sorte soldaterfluer skal ændre vores indgroede spisevaner :: Insekter kan være løsningen på både klimaforandringer og forurenende fødevareproduktion.
Folk der jævnligt går til koncerter har et godt helbred :: En undersøgelse viser en sammenhæng mellem et godt helbred og det at have et aktivt forhold til musik.
Menneskets bedste ven er klimaets fjende: Gør Fido til vegetar :: Det koster i CO2-regnskabet, når de firbenede skal fodres. Men hunde kan sagtens leve uden kød, lyder det fra eksperter
NASA: 2017 er det næstvarmeste år siden 1880 :: 2016 var det varmeste. Og ifølge NASA ville 2017 være det varmeste år, hvis man så bort fra klimafænomenerne El Niño og La Niña.
Ti millioner kroner for at redde verdens største koralrev: "Problemet er enormt" :: Forskere, der kan redde Great Barrier Reef, kan se frem til ti millioner kroner, lover australsk minister.
Blodprøve kan afsløre kræft: 'Det er den hellige gral vi har fundet' :: Forskningsgruppe har haft held med at opspore kræft med blodprøver.
Dit blodsukker-niveau afgør, hvad du skal spise for at tabe dig :: Sundhedsmagasinet fulgte seks kvinder på en slankekur tilrettelagt efter deres blodsukker. Og det ser ud til at virke.
Ekspert: Sundhed handler ikke om at være tynd :: Det er faktisk sundere at være fysisk aktiv, kvitte smøgerne og have lidt sul på kroppen – end at være tynd, lyder det fra ekspert.
Kræftens Bekæmpelse kalder ny kræftscreening 'overbevisende' og 'fantastisk' :: Forskerhold på et amerikansk universitet har lavet en blodprøve, der kan opspore kræft.
Teenagedruk kan give leversygdomme som voksen :: Selv et lille forbrug af alkohol i teenage-årene kan føre til leversygdomme senere i livet, viser nyt stort studie.
Soya-, ris- og havredrik: Traditionel komælk får nu kamp til stregen :: Flere danskere vælger at købe erstatningsmælk som soya- og risdrikke, oplyser virksomheder.
Chipproducenten Intel fraråder eget sikkerheds-fix :: Den løsning der skulle eliminere kritisk fejl i firmaets processorer, skaber nye problemer, lyder det fra firmaet selv.
Facebook-chef: Bedre overblik over dine private data er på vej :: Ny EU-lovgivning tvinger Facebook til at give brugerne mere kontrol over deres private oplysninger.
Facebook under beskydning: “Skal reguleres som cigaret-industrien” :: Sociale medier er afhængighedsskabende og skadelige som cigaretter, mener direktør for den store amerikanske virksomhed Salesforce.
Hundedyr iPhone går som varmt brød :: Nye tal viser, at iPhone X er den bedst sælgende telefon i verden netop nu.
Salget af smarte højttalere eksploderer i USA :: Hver sjette amerikaner har nu en højttaler, der lytter til alt, hvad de siger. 25 procent af brugerne er stødt til i løbet af julen.
‘Smart-jakke’ vil oplade din telefon, mens du er på farten :: En jakke med indbygget trådløs mobiloplader vil løse problemet med telefoner, der løber tør for strøm.
Engang var Jorden og Mars ens: Hvorfor blev vores røde nabo livløs? :: Til manges skuffelse har al søgen efter liv på Mars indtil videre vist, at Jordens røde nabo er en kold, død sten. Men der er håb endnu.
Find din dobbeltgænger i klassisk kunst :: Det er dragende, men ikke altid nemt at se ligheden i Googles seneste eksperiment.
Internettet er frit for alle – hvis du har altså har teknisk snilde :: Hvad jagten på at få adgang til en sjov app, fortæller om vores komplicerede teknologilandskab.
Mand får epileptisk anfald i virtual reality-verden :: Verdenens andre beboere iler til undsætning, men står magtesløse
Mars: Rød udenpå, men hvad er der indeni? :: Årets største Mars-mission, InSight, skal gøre forskerne klogere på Mars’ indre.
Mobilafhængige unge er mindre lykkelige :: Brug af mobilen falder sammen med unges følelse af lykke, viser ny amerikansk undersøgelse.
Ny spiller sender unik raket i kredsløb :: Rocket Lab sender tre nanosatellitter i kredsløb om Jorden efter kun anden testflyvning med deres Electron raket.
Tidslinje: Her er de nuværende – og næste 20 års Mars-missioner :: Udforskningen af vores røde naboplanet fortsætter med et hav af nye missioner. Få et overblik her.
VIDEO Danske forskere bygger på den næste Mars-robot :: I 2020 sendes den næste store Mars-robotbil afsted. Om bord er instrumenter bygget delvist af danske hænder.
Politics this week
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Business this week
Billions of plastic items are sickening coral reefs :: A new study estimates that 11.1 billion plastic items are lodged along coral reefs across the Asia-Pacific, and that their presence increases the risk of coral disease from 4 to 89 percent, in some cases.
'Smart' contact lenses monitor glucose levels in tears :: A soft, flexible contact lens can monitor glucose levels in tears and deliver sensing results through the lens display, according to a new report, alerting the user if glucose levels are too high by turning off a tiny embedded LED light. The authors say their approach, tested in rabbits, is the first to apply the display pixel into a soft contact lens to visualize glucose sensing.
Even the tiniest aerosol particles can kick up a storm :: A new study suggests that tiny aerosol particles from pollution plumes have a greater influence on stormy weather over pristine regions of the world, such as oceans and large forests, than previously believed.
Oldest human fossil outside of Africa discovered, with tools nearby :: A human fossil found in Israel substantially shifts the estimated timeframe for when humans first left Africa, suggesting they did so approximately 40,000 to 50,000 years sooner than previously thought.
Tracking down T cell targets to tamp down HIV infection :: Scientists have narrowed in on a group of gut-residing immune cells that might predispose women to increased HIV infection risk and more severe disease.
Where humans set up camp, animals roam much shorter distances :: In areas with high levels of human activity, mammal movements can be reduced by as much as three-fold, a new study reports.
Drug may help those with dementia with Lewy bodies :: New help may be on the way for people with dementia with Lewy bodies, which is the second most common neurodegenerative type of dementia after Alzheimer's disease. The disease can cause movement problems and issues such as hallucinations in addition to thinking and memory problems. But the drug used to treat the movement problems can also exacerbate the hallucinations, delusions and other psychiat
Guidelines support telemedicine as an effective tool for allergists :: A position paper by the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology provides guidance to allergists interested in providing telemedicine care to their patients.
Overall in-hospital cardiac arrest survival improves, lower survival on nights, weekends :: Overall survival has improved for the approximately 200,000 patients experiencing in-hospital cardiac arrest in the US each year, but patients who arrest during nights or weekends continue to experience lower survival compared to patients who arrest during daytime hours. Survival to discharge in patients who arrested during 'off-hours' was an absolute 3.8 percent lower compared to patients who arr
Plastics linked to disease in coral :: An international team led by a JCU scientist has found that contact with plastic waste massively increases the chance of disease in corals.
Pathway opens to minimize waste in solar energy capture :: Researchers at the ARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science have made an important discovery with significant implications for the future of solar cell material design.
Postoperative wound monitoring app can reduce readmissions and improve patient care :: A new smartphone app called WoundCare is successfully enabling patients to remotely send images of their surgical wounds for monitoring by nurses.
Artificial sweetener could someday provide cancer treatments with fewer side effects :: Artificial sweeteners are used in diet drinks and foods but also could someday be used as treatments targeting carbonic anhydrase IX (CA IX), a protein associated with aggressive cancers. Although several drugs have been approved that target similar forms of CA, they aren't selective and may cause side effects, including vomiting and fatigue. Now researchers report in ACS' Journal of Medicinal Che
Do low-carb diets really do anything? (video) :: Some fads never die. Low-carb diets were a thing in the late '90s and they're still a thing now. But why does this fad have staying power? Is it because the touted benefits are real? Or is that greasy, low-carb burger fried in snake oil? Learn about the surprising medical benefits of ketogenic diets in this video from Reactions.
New biosensor could monitor glucose levels in tears and sweat :: Constantly tracking a person's glucose levels through their tears or sweat could be one step closer to providing people with diabetes an improved monitoring tool. Researchers report in the journal ACS Nano the development of an ultra-thin, flexible sensor that could be incorporated into contact lenses or on the backs of watches for real-time glucose tracking.
Pearly material for bendable heating elements (video) :: The iridescent shimmer of a string of pearls may one day be more than pretty adornment. Scientists now report in ACS Applied Nano Materials a hybrid material consisting of imitation pearl combined with silver nanowires that works as a heater, with the added benefit of high flexibility, suggesting a potential role in wearable devices.
The only video you'll ever need to watch about gluten (video) :: Bakers on TV are always talking about whether their goodies have enough gluten. But the masses on Twitter act like gluten is some kind of monster hiding in your bread. So what gives? Is gluten good, or is it bad? This video from Reactions explains what gluten is, how it leads to tasty bread, and the health risks it holds for certain groups of people: https://youtu.be/-JVO62Vzhqc.
Previously unknown ocean virus family may also populate the human gut :: A newly discovered family of viruses appears to play a major role in killing marine bacteria and maintaining the ocean's ecology. Preliminary evidence suggests that related bacterial viruses also occur in the human gut. The study, by researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), was published online today in the journal Nature.
Remains of earliest modern human outside of Africa unearthed in Israel :: A jawbone complete with teeth recently discovered at Israel's Misliya cave by Tel Aviv University and University of Haifa researchers has now been dated to 177,000-194,000 years ago. The finding indicates that modern humans were present in the Levant at least 50,000 years earlier than previously thought.
Beyond drugs for IBD: Improving the overall health of IBD patients :: 1.6 million Americans suffer from IBD. Identifying the best medical treatment leads to improved disease management, but IBD patients also experience mental, emotional and other physical side effects that need to be understood and managed to improve the overall health of IBD patients. Research presented at the Crohn's & Colitis Congress™ helps health care providers understand how to better manage t
New drugs for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) :: 1.6 million Americans suffer from IBD. There is no cure for these chronic, life-long conditions. While several effective treatments are available, 40 to 55 percent of patients have no response to current therapies. There is a dire need for new drugs for all patients that are highly safe and effective. Based on research being presented at the Crohn's & Colitis Congress™, we are hopeful that future
New strategies to improve the quality of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) care :: 1.6 million Americans suffer. As with many chronic conditions, IBD patients often require frequent hospital visits due to rapid changes in their illness and can struggle with finding the balance between their health and their work/social life. Doctors and researchers will come together at the Crohn's & Colitis Congress™ to explore new strategies to improve the care provided to IBD patients, which
Can training improve memory, thinking abilities in older adults with cognitive impairment? :: A new, first-of-its-kind study was published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society by scientists from research centers in Montreal and Quebec City, Canada. They designed a study to learn whether cognitive training, a medication-free treatment, could improve MCI. Studies show that activities that stimulate your brain, such as cognitive training, can protect against a decline in your men
Personality changes during transition to developing mild cognitive impairment :: Personality changes and behavior problems that come with Alzheimer's disease are as troubling as memory loss and other mental difficulties for caregivers and those living with the condition. Mayo Clinic researchers wondered if personality changes that begin early, when MCI memory loss becomes noticeable, might help predict Alzheimer's disease at its earliest stages. The researchers created a study
Phosphorus pollution reaching dangerous levels worldwide, new study finds :: Man-made phosphorus pollution is reaching dangerously high levels in freshwater basins around the world, according to new research.
Better insurance access hasn't eliminated cost barriers to post-stroke meds :: Despite federal programs to improve the availability of medical insurance, drug costs still keep more than one in ten stroke survivors from obtaining their recommended medications, putting them at risk of another stroke, according to preliminary research presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2018, a world premier meeting dedicated to the science and treatme
Combining drugs that lower blood pressure and cholesterol could do more to prevent stroke :: Combining medication that lowers blood pressure with medication that lowers cholesterol reduced first-time strokes by 44 percent. For those with very high blood pressure — readings 143.5 mm Hg or higher — taking two types of blood pressure-lowering drugs together every day reduced stroke by 42 percent.
More stroke patients may receive crucial treatments under new guideline :: A new guideline for treating acute ischemic stroke recommends an increased treatment window for mechanical clot removal from six hours to up to 24 hours in certain patients with clots in large vessels. New recommendations also mean more patients will have access to a clot-dissolving drug proven to lower chances for disability.
Many stroke survivors don't receive timely rehab :: Whether they are referred to home-based or outpatient rehabilitation after hospital discharge, many stroke patients don't receive rehabilitation services, according to preliminary research presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2018, a world premier meeting dedicated to the science and treatment of cerebrovascular disease for researchers and clinicians.
Prompt clot-grabbing treatment produces better stroke outcomes :: Clot removal may be beneficial up to 24 hours following stroke in carefully selected patients, but every hour delayed after symptoms begin may be associated with more disability, according to preliminary research presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2018, a world premier meeting dedicated to the science and treatment of cerebrovascular disease for research
Rare type of stroke increasing among pregnant women :: Strokes caused by various reasons including a ruptured vessel on the brain's surface are increasingly being recognized among pregnant women.African-American women and those age 20-29 had the highest proportion of this rare stroke known as spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Advances in lasers get to the long and short of it :: Chiral nematic liquid crystals are an emerging class of lasing devices that are poised to shape how lasers are used in the future. New work on how to select band-edge modes in these devices, which determine the lasing energy, may shine light on how lasers of the future will be tuned, and researchers have demonstrated a technique that allows the laser to electrically switch emission between the lon
The Pentagon built with mineralized microbes predating dinosaurs :: A new study led by The Australian National University (ANU) has found that some of the building blocks of the Pentagon and Empire State Building were made by microbes that lived up to 340 million years ago, predating the dinosaurs.
Endangered woodpeckers persist, but still struggle, on private land :: The US Fish and Wildlife Service's Safe Harbor was established to encourage private landowners to take steps to benefit endangered Red-cockaded Woodpeckers on their land. The program has reduced conflict over conservation and the abandonment of nest clusters, but a new study shows that while the program may have raised landowners' awareness of and tolerance for their feathered neighbors, it has la
Warming temperatures may cause birds to shrink :: Biologists have known for a long time that animals living in colder climates tend to have larger bodies, supposedly as an adaptation to reduce heat loss. However, a new study of European House Sparrows in Australia and New Zealand shows that this trend in birds might actually be due to the effects of high temperatures during development — raising new alarms about how populations might be affected
Cutting edge technology reveals how to dig :: Musculoskeletal modeling applied to horticultural workers engaged in digging to predict risk of injury.
'Magic pools' approach can hurry studies of novel bacteria :: To characterize the genes of newly identified bacteria, microbiologists often introduce mutations within the bacteria using mobile DNA segments called transposons to study the impact of these mutations.
Decision support systems may improve quality of patient surgical care :: New research published in the February issue of Anesthesiology, the peer-reviewed journal of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), illustrates how physician anesthesiologists are investigating the challenges and opportunities of integrating patient data, to aid clinicians in patient management, through clinical decision support technologies.
Tracking wastewater's path to wells, groundwater :: We often 'flush it and forget it' when it comes to waste from toilets and sinks. However, it's important to be able to track this wastewater to ensure it doesn't end up in unwanted places. Tracing where this water ends up is hard to measure: What's something found in all wastewater that will allow us to account for all of it? The answer, of all things, is artificial sweeteners.
Fanconi anemia: Insight from a green plant :: Fanconi anemia is a human genetic disorder with severe effects, including an increased risk of cancer and infertility. Research in plants helps us understand the disease in humans, showing how a key protein functions in the exchange of genetic material.
Energy storehouses in the brain may be source of Alzheimer's, targets of new therapy :: In a new study, researchers at the ASU-Banner Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center examine the effects of the disease on the functioning of mitochondria — structures performing a variety of essential tasks, including supplying cells with energy.
Study shows a potential new approach to opioid crisis :: In a six-month study recently concluded, a research unit affiliated with two hospital institutions and a university in Ottawa found that a reduction in the number of cigarettes smoked daily also reduced a smoker's dependence on opioids.
Combined nutrients and warming massively increase methane emissions from lakes :: Shallow lakes in agricultural landscapes will emit significantly greater amounts of methane, mostly in the form of bubbles (ebullition) in a warmer world, which is a potential positive feedback mechanism to climate warming. Submerged plants are key predictors of methane ebullition. The combination of warming with the loss of plants appears to transform shallow lakes into methane bubbling machines.
Danish researchers reveal how the MRSA bacterium handles stress :: An international team of researchers has revealed a fundamental mechanism responsible for handling stress in staphylococci when they are exposed to antibiotics. It is expected that the research results eventually can be used to develop new antibiotics that circumvent such stress mechanisms.
New research can put an end to allergic reactions :: Scientists from Denmark and Germany have discovered an antibody, which through a complex biochemical process prevents the human allergy antibody (IgE) from attaching to cells, thus keeping all allergic symptoms from occurring.
Cases of certain type of eyelid cancer have risen steadily over past 15 years in England :: New cases of a particular type of eyelid cancer (squamous cell carcinoma) have risen steadily over the past 15 years in England, reveals research published online in the British Journal of Ophthalmology.
Just one cigarette a day carries greater risk of heart disease and stroke than expected, warn expert :: Smoking just one cigarette a day has a much higher risk of developing coronary heart disease and stroke than expected — about half the risk of smoking 20 per day — concludes a review of the evidence published by The BMJ today.
Simple breathing training with a physiotherapist before surgery prevents postoperative pneumonia :: Pneumonia, and other serious lung complications, after major abdominal surgery were halved when patients were seen by a physiotherapist before surgery and taught breathing exercises that the patient needed to start performing immediately on waking from the operation, finds a trial published by The BMJ today.
Substantial inequalities in cesarean births persist in many countries :: A study published by The BMJ today shows that cesarean section rates have increased in most countries during the past decade, particularly among the richest fifth, indicating an increase in wealth related inequality over time.
Sugar tax on soft drinks might drive up alcohol consumption :: A sugar tax levied on soft drinks might have the unintended consequence of driving up alcohol consumption, but the picture is mixed, finds research published online in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health.
Use evidence to inform Isle of Man draft abortion bill debate, urge researchers :: The most up to date evidence shows that women in the Isle of Man need full spectrum, accessible abortion services, free of any age or timing restrictions, conclude researchers in an editorial, published online in BMJ Sexual and Reproductive Health.
Women taking probiotics during pregnancy might have lower pre-eclampsia and premature birth risk :: Probiotics taken during pregnancy might help lower the risks of pre-eclampsia and premature birth, suggests observational research in the online journal BMJ Open. But timing may be crucial, the findings indicate.
Updated guideline for molecular testing and targeted therapies in lung cancer :: A panel of leading experts in molecular pathology has issued new recommendations and updates to guidelines for molecular diagnostic testing of patients with lung cancer. They are intended to help guide the treatment of patients around the world, and help oncologists and pathologists match patients with the most effective therapies.
Cancer researchers hit a bullseye with new drug target for Ewing sarcoma :: Kimberly Stegmaier of Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center and collaborators have found that Ewing sarcoma cells die if an enzyme called CDK12 is knocked out genetically or chemically inhibited. What's more, when a CDK12 inhibitor is combined with another drug, called a PARP inhibitor, the two drugs double down to deliver a lethal punch to Ewing sarcoma cells.
Length of opioid prescription spell highest risk for misuse after surgery :: With opioid overdoses now a leading cause of nonintentional death in the United States, data show most of these deaths can be traced back to an initial prescription opioid. A new study led by investigators at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) and Harvard Medical School (HMS) sheds light on the possible link between physicians' opioid prescription patterns and subsequent abuse.
European cities could avoid up to 10,000 premature deaths by expanding cycling networks :: A study led by researchers from the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) has found that expanding designated cycling networks in cities could provide considerable health and economic benefits.
A new therapeutic avenue for Parkinson's disease :: Systemic clearing of senescent astrocytes prevents Parkinson's neuropathology and associated symptoms in a mouse model of sporadic disease, the type implicated in 95 percent of human cases. Publishing in Cell Reports, researchers in the Andersen lab at the Buck Institute provide a new potential therapeutic avenue for the incurable, progressive neurological disorder that affects up to one million A
Housing instability negatively affects the health of children and caregivers :: When families don't have stable housing, their risk of struggling with poor health outcomes and material hardships, such as food insecurity, increases, according to a new study from Children's HealthWatch. Researchers surveyed over 22,000 families and found that one third of low-income renters were housing unstable, which was associated with negative impacts on their health.
Scientists identify genes implicated in the high regenerative capacity of embryos and ESCs :: Researchers at Insilico Medicine , AgeX Therapeutics and the Biogerontology Research Foundation have published a landmark study titled 'Use of deep neural network ensembles to identify embryonic-fetal transition markers: repression of COX7A1 in embryonic and cancer cells' in the journal Oncotarget.
Scientists identify genes implicated in the high regenerative capacity of embryos and ESCs :: Researchers at Insilico Medicine, AgeX Therapeutics and the Biogerontology Research Foundation have published a landmark study titled 'Use of deep neural network ensembles to identify embryonic-fetal transition markers: repression of COX7A1 in embryonic and cancer cells' in the journal Oncotarget.
Internet use may prompt religious 'tinkering' instead of belief in only one religion :: Internet use may decrease the likelihood of a person affiliating with a religious tradition or believing that only one religion is true, according to a Baylor University study. The research is published in the Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion.
People with tetraplegia gain rapid use of brain-computer interface :: A new approach to calibrating the pioneering BrainGate brain-computer interface allowed three clinical trial participants with tetraplegia to gain control of a computer cursor after just one simple calibration step.
Scientists discover oldest known modern human fossil outside of Africa :: A large international research team, led by Israel Hershkovitz from Tel Aviv University and including Rolf Quam from Binghamton University, State University of New York, has discovered the earliest modern human fossil ever found outside of Africa. The finding suggests that modern humans left the continent at least 50,000 years earlier than previously thought.
Tidal cycles could help predict volcanic eruptions, study suggests :: A study of a New Zealand volcano suggests that a volcanic system's response to tidal forces could provide a tool for predicting a certain type of eruption.
Thirty years of innovation pays off as oligonucleotide therapeutics come to market :: The recent approval of SpinrazaTM (nusinersen), jointly developed by Ionis Pharmaceuticals and Biogen, marks the arrival of a new class of biological products — oligonucleotide therapeutics. A recent publication from the Center for Integration of Science and Industry at Bentley University shows that the thirty year path from the initiation of research on oligonucleotides as therapeutics to the em
Air pollution linked to irregular menstrual cycles :: The air your teenage daughter breathes may be causing irregular menstrual cycles. Well documented negative health effects from air pollution exposure include infertility, metabolic syndrome and polycystic ovary syndrome. This study is the first to show that exposure to air pollution among teen girls (ages 14-18) is associated with slightly increased chances of menstrual irregularity and longer tim
BU: Marijuana use does not lower chances of getting pregnant :: Marijuana use — by either men or women — does not appear to lower a couple's chances of getting pregnant, according to a new study led by Boston University School of Public Health (BUSPH) researchers.
BU: Young men who have sex with men receive less HIV education :: Young men who have sex with men (MSM) are at much higher risk of HIV infection compared to their peers, but a new study led by a Boston University School of Public Health (BUSPH) researcher suggests young MSM are less likely to receive school-based HIV education than young men who only have sex with women.
Direct patient care experience necessary for better transgender care :: 'There are simply are not enough physicians comfortable with treating transgender patients,' according to Joshua D. Safer, M.D., F.A.C.P., associate professor of medicine at Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM). To begin to address this issue, BUSM has created a medical school elective that combines the standard approach of teaching about transgender medical topics with sensitivity and appr
Better than a hologram: Research produces 3-D images floating in 'thin air' :: In the original Star Wars film, R2D2 projects an image of Princess Leia in distress. The iconic scene includes the line still famous 40 years later: 'Help me Obi Wan Kenobi, you're my only hope.'BYU electrical and computer engineering professor and holography expert Daniel Smalley has long had a goal to create the same type of 3-D image projection. In a paper published this week in Nature, Smalley
Let's make a deal: Could AI compromise better than humans? :: BYU researchers developed an algorithm that teaches machines not just to win games, but to cooperate and compromise — and sometimes do a little trash-talking too.
Adipose tissue depots compromise heart health :: Researchers from the Institute of Pharmacology of the Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin have shown that the release of fatty acids from body fat has a major impact on heart health. By interfering with the body's lipid metabolism, the researchers successfully reduced the risk of heart failure. The results of this study have been published in the journal PLOS Genetics.
Do western societies promote narcissism? :: Researchers from Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin have been able to show that people who grew up in the former western states of Germany have higher levels of narcissism than those whose socialization took place in the former eastern states. According to research published in the journal PlosOne*, the reunification of Germany ushered in a gradual re-balancing of the distribution of these trait
How metal scaffolds enhance the bone healing process :: In cooperation with colleagues from the Wyss Institute at Harvard, researchers from the Julius Wolff Institute, the Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies, and Charité's Center for Musculoskeletal Surgery have shown how mechanically optimized constructs known as titanium-mesh scaffolds help optimize bone regeneration. The researchers' findings have been reported in the current issue
Hedgehog signaling proteins keep cancer stem cells alive :: Researchers from Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin have discovered that the survival of cancer stem cells is dependent on the 'Hedgehog signaling pathway.' Targeting this pathway had previously shown no effect on the growth of colorectal cancer. Now, Charité scientists have demonstrated that using different drugs to target a specific aspect of the pathway may yield better treatment outcomes for
Climate change affects fish reproductive phenology in plateau area: Study :: The Research Group of Biological Invasion and Adaptive Evolution (BIAE; PI: CHEN Yifeng) at Institute of Hydrobiology (IHB) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences recently answered how reproductive phenology of Gymnocypris selincuoensis, an endemic fish in Lake Selicuo in Tibetan Plateau, associated with climate changes.
Genes contribute to biological motion perception and its covariation with autistic traits :: Dr. JIANG Yi, Dr. WANG Ying and their colleagues from the State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Institute of Psychology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences have conducted a behavioral genetic study to find out the sources underlying the individual differences in biological motion perception.
Novel body structure likely tied to mating in new extinct insect species :: Based on 2-D and 3-D data of several morphological features, researchers scanned all specimens with different μ-Ct devices at Institute of Zoology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing Synchrotron Radiation Facility (BSRF) and Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility (SSRF).
Redshift space distortions measured by quasars in scientific first :: The eBOSS team released its latest results on Jan. 10, 2018: a measurement of redshift space distortions (RSD) with high significance has been successfully accomplished using observations of quasars distributed 6.8 to 10.5 billion light years away from Earth (with redshifts 0.8 to 2.2). This is the first probe of cosmic structure growth using quasars.
Cleveland Clinic researchers find new gene variant linked to deadly prostate cancer :: Cleveland Clinic researchers have confirmed for the first time a mechanistic link between the gene HSD17B4 and deadly, treatment-resistant prostate cancer. The research, led by Nima Sharifi, M.D., Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Department of Cancer Biology, shows that men who lack a certain subtype of the gene may be more susceptible to aggressive prostate cancer that does not respond
CCNY IUSL scientists study optical biopsy tool that detects disease in seconds :: A recent IUSL paper published in the Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology reports how Resonance Raman spectroscopy, a tool previously used to provide molecular information in science, is now being used in medicine and biomedicine to provide an optical biopsy that offers more detailed, faster detection.
Cognitive training helps regain a younger-working brain :: Researchers at the Center for BrainHealth at The University of Texas at Dallas say their research could provide new hope for extending our brain function as we age. In a randomized clinical study involving adults age 56 to 71 that recently published in Neurobiology of Aging, researchers found that after cognitive training, participants' brains were more energy efficient, meaning their brain did no
Genome architecture's surprising role in cell fate decisions :: New study led by researchers at the Centre for Genomic Regulation in Barcelona, shows unexpected and crucial role of genome architecture in determining cell fate. The work represents an important advance in our understanding of gene regulation and reveals a new layer of complexity that needs to be studied to properly interpret genomics and gene expression in the future. An example of how risky fun
Retrospective test for quantum computers can build trust :: Researchers in Singapore and Japan describe in Physical Review Letters two approaches that offer 'post-hoc verification' of quantum computations.
Integration of AI and robotics with materials sciences will lead to new clean energy technology :: The proposed integrated Materials Acceleration Platforms could cut the average time for developing a useful new material from 20 years down to one or two years.
Earth's core and mantle separated in a disorderly fashion :: Plumes of hot rock surging upward from the Earth's mantle at volcanic hotspots contain evidence that the Earth's formative years may have been even more chaotic than previously thought, according to new work from a team of Carnegie and Smithsonian scientists published in Nature.
Prediction of titanic nitride proved unsinkable :: A team of experimental and computational scientists led by Carnegie's Tim Strobel and Venkata Bhadram have synthesized a long sought-after form of titanium nitride, Ti3N4, which has promising mechanical and optoelectronic properties.
UV laser photolyses to enhance diamond growth :: Researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, USA, reported on a new laser-enabled synthesis route to explore the advantages of laser photochemistry in practical material synthesis in a recent article in Light: Science & Applications. In this work, it is demonstrated that UV laser photolysis of hydrocarbon species altered the flame chemistry to promote the diamond growth rate and film quality
Analysis shows lack of evidence that wearable biosensors improve patient outcomes :: Wearable biosensors have grown increasingly popular as many people use them in wristbands or watches to count steps or track sleep. But there is not enough proof that these devices are improving patient outcomes such as weight or blood pressure, according to a study by Cedars-Sinai investigators published in the new Nature Partner Journal, npj Digital Medicine.
Study provides new guidelines for assessing severity of head and neck cancers :: Cedars-Sinai investigators have developed a new, more accurate set of guidelines for assessing the severity of head and neck cancers and predicting patient survival. The new guidelines, outlined in a study recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, center around counting the number of malignant lymph nodes found in each patient.
Computational method speeds hunt for new antibiotics :: A team of American and Russian computer scientists has developed an algorithm that can rapidly search massive databases to discover novel variants of known antibiotics — a potential boon in fighting antibiotic resistance. In just a few hours, the algorithm identified 10 times more variants of peptidic natural products (PNPs) than all previous PNP discovery efforts combined, the researchers report
A new strategy induces the regression of advanced lung tumors in mice :: A study conducted by researchers at the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO) shows how the elimination of the c-Raf kinase by genetic manipulation causes the regression of Kras oncogene-driven advanced lung tumors in a genetically designed mouse model. It has also been shown that the elimination of the c-Raf protein produces very tolerable toxic effects. This opens a new possibility for
Finding the root cause of bronchiolitis symptoms :: 'By treating all bronchiolitis patients with a single agent, we could be comparing apples with oranges,' says Robert J. Freishtat, M.D., M.P.H., chief of emergency medicine at Children's National Health System. The necessary treatment may differ, depending on the underlying cause: Respiratory syncytial virus, rhinovirus or another virus.
Prescription drug labels provide scant dosing guidance for obese kids :: Despite the US Congress providing incentives to drug manufacturers to encourage the study of medications in children, few approved drugs include safe dosing information for obese kids.
T-cells engineered to outsmart tumors induce clinical responses in relapsed Hodgkin lymphoma :: A research team that includes Children's National Health System clinician-researchers has validated a way to outfox tumors. They engineered T-cells, essential players in the body's own immune system, to strip tumors of their self-preservation skill and were able to hold Hodgkin lymphoma at bay in patients with relapsed disease for more than four years.
Ancient Eurasian DNA sequencing is revealing links with modern humans :: Until recently, very little was known about the genetic relationship between modern humans of the Upper Paleolithic age (the period of time between 50,000 and 10,000 years ago, also called the Late Stone age) and today's populations. But with direct DNA sequencing, researchers are discovering unexpected genetic connections between individuals on opposing sides of Eurasia. These suggest a complex h
Developing a roadside test for marijuana intoxication isn't as easy as it sounds :: As marijuana legalization gains momentum in the United States, researchers worry about keeping the public safe, particularly on the roads. Recent studies have identified new biomarkers that can be used to estimate a person's recent cannabinoid intake. But, using those markers to judge cognitive and behavioral impairment is complex, say toxicologists in a commentary published on Jan. 25 in a specia
If you swat mosquitoes, they may learn to avoid your scent :: Most of us surely don't think of mosquitoes as being especially adept at learning. But researchers reporting in Current Biology on Jan. 25 now show that mosquitoes can in fact learn to associate a particular odor with an unpleasant mechanical shock akin to being swatted. As a result, they'll avoid that scent the next time.
Music really is a universal language :: Songs serve many different purposes: accompanying a dance, soothing an infant, or expressing love. Now, after analyzing recordings from all around the world, researchers reporting in Current Biology show that vocal songs sharing one of those many functions tend to sound similar to one another, no matter which culture they come from. As a result, people listening to those songs could make accurate
Meet Zhong Zhong and Hua Hua, the first monkey clones produced by method that made Dolly :: The first primate clones made by somatic cell nuclear transfer are two genetically identical long-tailed macaques born recently at the Chinese Academy of Sciences Institute of Neuroscience in Shanghai. Researchers named the newborns Zhong Zhong and Hua Hua after the Chinese adjective 'Zhonghua,' which means Chinese nation or people. The technical milestone, presented in the journal Cell, makes it
Are amoebae safe harbors for plague? :: Amoebae, single-celled organisms common in soil, water and grade-school science classrooms, may play a key role in the survival and spread of deadly plague bacteria. New Colorado State University research shows that plague bacteria, Yersinia pestis, not only survive, but thrive and replicate once ingested by an amoeba. The discovery could help scientists understand why plague outbreaks can smolder
A 'marine motorhome for microbes': Oceanic plastic trash conveys disease to coral reefs :: For coral reefs, the threat of climate change and bleaching are bad enough. An international research group led by Cornell University has found that plastic trash — ubiquitous throughout the world's oceans — intensifies disease for coral, adding to reef peril, according to a new study in the journal Science.
All the buzz — bigger honeybee colonies have quieter combs :: When honeybee colonies get larger, common sense suggests it would be noisier with more bees buzzing around. But a study recently published in Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology reports that bigger honeybee colonies actually have quieter combs than smaller ones.
Could underwater sound waves be the key to early tsunami warnings? :: Mathematicians have devised a way of calculating the size of a tsunami and its destructive force well in advance of it making landfall by measuring fast-moving underwater sound waves, opening up the possibility of a real-time early warning system.
Energy drink use in teens has adverse effects :: A Chapman University faculty member has published new research showing why many teenagers consume energy drinks, how often, the age they started and what influences their choice of brands.
Modern math sheds new light on long-standing debate about Viking-age Ireland conflict :: Modern mathematical techniques — similar to those used to analyze social-networking websites — have allowed academics to shed new light on a centuries old debate surrounding the Viking age in Ireland and the famous battle of Clontarf in 1014.
So much depends on a tree guard :: In a big city, trees, like people, like their space. In a new study, researchers at Columbia University found that street trees protected by guards that stopped passersby from trampling the surrounding soil absorbed runoff water more quickly than trees in unprotected pits. The results are published online in the journal Ecological Engineering.
Flawed US-led world order to blame for American political crises at home and abroad :: America's attempts to navigate challenges to its global leadership are hampered by a foreign policy mindset that is 'Eurocentric, elitist and resistant to change,' according to a new paper from a City, University of London academic.Published in the Chatham House journal International Affairs, the paper also argues the United States' efforts to remain the dominant international power are causing po
New study debunks the theory of 'war-like' business competition in financial markets :: A new study, 'Toward a Social Practice Theory of Relational Competing' shows that the perception of war-like competitiveness is flawed and misleading. The research demonstrates that firms within syndicated financial markets, such as reinsurance, are just as likely to take a relational approach to competition, incorporating collaboration and reciprocity, contributing to and creating value for many
Alzheimer's drug targeting soluble amyloid falls short in a large clinical trial :: A paper published today in the New England Journal of Medicine reports that solanezumab, a monoclonal antibody-based treatment for Alzheimer's disease developed by Eli Lilly that targets amyloid plaques, did not significantly slow cognitive decline.
Air pollution may shorten telomeres in newborns — a sign of increased health risks :: A study conducted before and after the 2004 closure of a coal-burning power plant in Tongliang, China, found children born before the closure had shorter telomeres than those conceived and born after the plant stopped polluting the air.
Use of dirty heating oil in NYC concentrated uptown :: Residential buildings that continued to burn residual fuel oil were concentrated in Northern Manhattan and the Bronx, as of late 2015. Compared to cleaner heating sources such as natural gas, these dirty fuels produce high levels of particulate matter, exposure to which is linked to asthma, obesity, developmental delays, and other health problems.
Scientists suggest way to predict the behavior of invasive weeds :: Is it possible to predict which nonnative plant species will become invasive weeds and when? According to research featured in the journal Invasive Plant Science and Management, the answer is 'hopefully yes.' And those predictions can lead to more effective and cost-efficient weed management.
Researchers borrow from AIDS playbook to tackle rheumatic heart disease :: Billions of US taxpayer dollars have been invested in Africa over the past 15 years to improve care for millions suffering from the HIV/AIDS epidemic; yet health systems on the continent continue to struggle. What if the investments and lessons learned from HIV could be used to improve care for those with other serious chronic conditions?
New discovery could improve organic solar cell performance :: Scientists who are members of a new energy materials-related science center based at Berkeley Lab have solved a mystery that could lead to gains in efficiency for organic solar cells.
Scientists discover material ideal for smart photovoltaic windows :: Researchers at Berkeley Lab discovered that a form of perovskite, one of the hottest materials in solar research currently due to its high conversion efficiency, works surprisingly well as a stable and photoactive semiconductor material that can be reversibly switched between a transparent state and a non-transparent state, without degrading its electronic properties.
X-rays reveal 'handedness' in swirling electric vortices :: Scientists used spiraling X-rays at Berkeley Lab to observe, for the first time, a property that gives left- or right-handedness to swirling electric patterns — dubbed polar vortices — in a layered material called a superlattice.
The Fields Medal fallacy: Why this math prize should return to its roots :: The Fields Medal, whose origins date back to the 1930s, will be issued again this year in August to up to four of the world's most accomplished mathematicians under the age of 40. In a commentary for Nature, Michael Barany, a Society of Fellows post-doctoral fellow in history at Dartmouth, proposes that the Fields Medal return to its roots as a tool intended to shape the future of mathematics, rat
Study provides first systematic survey of metabolites across tumor types :: In an advance reminiscent of the earliest maps of genomic mutations in cancer, investigators at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center have completed the first systematic survey of the products of biochemical reactions within cancer and their relation to the progress of the disease. The products, known as metabolites, arise from the myriad chemical reactions that k
Tiny particles have outsize impact on storm clouds, precipitation :: Tiny particles fuel powerful storms and influence weather much more than has been appreciated, according to a study in the Jan. 26 issue of the journal Science. While scientists have known that aerosols may play an important role in shaping weather and climate, the new study shows that the smallest of particles have an outsize effect. The tiny pollutants — long considered too small to have much i
New hope for critically endangered Myanmar snub-nosed monkey :: Scientists and conservation teams from Fauna & Flora International (FFI), Dali University and the German Primate Center just published a comprehensive conservation status review of one of the world's most threatened primate species, the critically endangered Myanmar snub-nosed monkey (also known affectionately as the 'snubby' by scientists, and as the black snub-nosed monkey in China), Rhinopithe
NREL research determines integration of plug-in electric vehicles :: An influx of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) charging without coordination could prove challenging to the nation's electric grid, according to research conducted by the US Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
Researchers reveal how microbes cope in phosphorus-deficient tropical soil :: A team led by the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory has uncovered how certain soil microbes cope in a phosphorus-poor environment to survive in a tropical ecosystem. Their novel approach could be applied in other ecosystems to study various nutrient limitations and inform agriculture and terrestrial biosphere modeling.
Drones confirm importance of Costa Rican waters for sea turtles :: A new drone-enabled population survey — the first ever on sea turtles — shows that larger-than-anticipated numbers of turtles aggregate in waters off Costa Rica's Ostional National Wildlife Refuge. Scientists from Duke and UNC-Chapel Hill estimate turtle densities may reach up to 2,086 animals per square kilometer. The study underscores the importance of the Ostional habitat; it also confirms th
Radioactivity from oil and gas wastewater persists in Pennsylvania stream sediments :: More than seven years after Pennsylvania officials requested that the disposal of radium-laden fracking wastewater into surface waters be restricted, a new Duke study finds that high levels of radioactivity persist in stream sediments at three disposal sites. Radioactivity at these sites is 650 times higher than at unaffected sites upstream. The contamination comes from conventional, or non-fracke
When the eyes move, the eardrums move, too :: Simply moving the eyes triggers the eardrums to move too, even in the absence of sound, says a new study by Duke University neuroscientists. The findings, which were replicated in both humans and rhesus monkeys, provide new insight into how the brain coordinates what we see and what we hear. It may also lead to new understanding of hearing disorders, such as difficulty following a conversation in
Pregnant women in NC exposed to less secondhand nicotine after 'smoking ban' :: A new study from Duke Health has found pregnant women experienced less secondhand smoke exposure since the 2009 passage of the 'smoking ban' in North Carolina, which outlawed smoking inside public places such as bars and restaurants.
Researchers identify new way to unmask melanoma cells to the immune system :: A research team at the Duke Cancer Institute has found a new way to keep the immune system engaged, and is planning to test the approach in a phase 1 clinical trial.
Quantum race accelerates development of silicon quantum chip :: In a neck-and-neck race with their competitors, a team of TU Delft scientists led by Professor Vandersypen showed that quantum information of an electron spin can be transported to a photon, in a silicon quantum chip. This is important in order to connect quantum bits across the chip and allowing to scale up to large numbers of qubits.
Researchers from TU Delft combine spintronics and nanophotonics in 2-D material :: Researchers from the Kavli Institute of Nanoscience at TU Delft, working with the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research's AMOLF institute, have found a way to convert the spin information into a predictable light signal at room temperature. The discovery brings the worlds of spintronics and nanophotonics closer together and might lead to the development of an energy-efficient way of pro
Cannabis abuse alters activity of brain regions linked to negative emotion :: Young people with cannabis dependence have altered brain function that may be the source of emotional disturbances and increased psychosis risk that are associated with cannabis abuse, according to a new study published in Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging. The alterations were most pronounced in people who started using cannabis at a young age. Findings reveal potenti
Is species richness increasing? Insight into an intense ecological debate :: Could biodiversity be remaining steady at locations around the world, even as species go extinct and biodiversity declines globally? This question has created a stir among conservation biologists and ecologists that has lasted for 15 years. New insights into the debate are critically reviewed in an editorial by the editors of the international scientific journal Biological Conservation, and a sepa
Conserving our biodiversity: Priorities for well-connected protected areas :: The Joint Research Centre (JRC), the European Commission's science and knowledge service, has measured progress and shortfalls in the connectivity of protected areas in countries across the world, identifying the main priorities to sustain or improve connectivity in each country.
Tactic for controlling motor symptoms of advanced Parkinson's disease :: Standard drug treatment for Parkinson's disease can over time induce motor complications that reduce the effectiveness of restoring mobility. These complications include abnormal involuntary movements known as dyskinesias. In a nonhuman primate model of Parkinson's, scientists have been probing the origin of these abnormal responses to treatment, particularly dyskinesias, and have successfully tes
Bile acids fire up fat burning :: EPFL scientists have discovered a novel role for bile acids: converting energy-storing white fat depots into energy-expending beige fat. The study is published in Nature Communications.
Boosting cancer therapy with cross-dressed immune cells :: Researchers at EPFL have created artificial molecules that can help the immune system to recognize and attack cancer tumors. The study is published in Nature Methods.
Feedback enhances brainwave control of a novel hand-exoskeleton :: EPFL scientists are developing a lightweight and portable hand exoskeleton that can be controlled with brainwaves. The device enhances performance of brain-machine interfaces and can restore functional grasps for the physically impaired.
Leprosy's drug resistance and origin revealed by genome analysis :: Scientists led by EPFL have isolated leprosy bacteria directly from human samples, and analyzed the purified genomes to identify mutations that confer drug resistance to the bacterium, as well as gain insights into the origins of the disease. The study is published in Nature Communications, just ahead of the World Leprosy Day, Jan. 28, 2018.
Four in 10 cardiomyopathies — a major cause of sudden death in young people — are genetic :: Four in 10 cardiomyopathies — a major cause of sudden cardiac death and heart failure in young people — are genetic, according to a European Society of Cardiology (ESC) study published today in European Heart Journal. Family screening is urgently needed to prevent early death in apparently healthy relatives, the paper says.
Algorithm increases employment opportunities for refugees :: A data-driven approach could help increase employment levels for asylum seekers in Switzerland from 15 to 26 percent. Social scientists from Switzerland and the US, in collaboration with ETH's Public Policy Group, reached this conclusion in the journal Science.
Weather anomalies accelerate the melting of sea ice :: ETH researchers reveal why Arctic sea ice began to melt in the middle of winter two years ago — and that the increased melting of ice in summer is linked to recurring periods of fair weather.
Quantum cocktail provides insights on memory control :: Experiments based on atoms in a shaken artificial crystal made of light offer novel insight into the physics of quantum many-body systems — which might help in the development of future data-storage technologies.
Flexibility and arrangement — the interaction of ribonucleic acid and water :: Ribonucleic acid (RNA) plays a key role in biochemical processes which occur at the cellular level in a water environment. Mechanisms and dynamics of the interaction between RNA and water were now revealed by vibrational spectroscopy on ultrashort time scales and analyzed by in-depth theory.
Scientists reveal the fundamental limitation in the key material for solid-state lighting :: For the first time an international research group has revealed the core mechanism that limits the indium content in indium gallium nitride thin films — the key material for blue light emitting diodes (LED).
International study identify the process of rock formed by meteors or nuclear blasts :: Scientists from Brazil, China and Italy have reached a model to map out the phases in which silica (SiO2) transforms into coesite rock, by analyzing how the inelastic scattering of light among molecules changes according to pressure variation. Computer simulation was required in the study of coesite, found on a crater produced by a comet or asteroid that hit Mexico and led to extinction of the din
'Rainbow' dinosaur had iridescent feathers like a hummingbird :: Scientists discovered a dinosaur fossil with feathers so well-preserved that they were able to see the feathers' microscopic color-bearing structures. By comparing the shapes of those feather structures with the structures in modern bird feathers, they're able to infer that the new dino, Caihong juji ('rainbow with the big crest') had iridescent rainbow feathers like a hummingbird.
Humans take up too much space — and it's affecting how mammals move :: A study recently published by Science found that, on average, mammals living in human-modified habitats move two to three times less far than their counterparts in areas untouched by humans.
New Eocene fossil data suggest climate models may underestimate future polar warming :: A new international analysis of marine fossils shows that warming of the polar oceans during the Eocene, a greenhouse period that provides a glimpse of Earth's potential future climate, was greater than previously thought.
Climate change linked to more flowery forests, FSU study shows :: New research from a Florida State University scientist has revealed a surprising relationship between surging atmospheric carbon dioxide and flower blooms in a remote tropical forest.
A weak heart due to metabolic change :: The heart derives its energy primarily from fatty acids. However, if a metabolic shift to other energy sources takes place, this can result in congestive heart failure, scientists from the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Heidelberg University Hospital have now discovered. This underscores the role of metabolism in heart failure. In addition, these findings are relevant for the use of cert
Starving tumors: New target discovered :: Actively growing tumors have a high demand for oxygen and nutrients. Therefore, they stimulate the growth of blood vessels. This process is called angiogenesis. If tumor-associated angiogenesis is suppressed, this may limit tumor growth. Scientists from the German Cancer Research Center and the European Center for Angioscience at Heidelberg University have now discovered a new target for anti-angi
Using epigenetic signatures and machine learning to improve diagnosis :: Greenwood Genetic Center (GGC) researchers in collaboration with scientists from Canada have identified unique epigenetic signatures for nine neurodevelopmental disorders lending to a better method of diagnosis for disorders with much clinical overlap. The epigenetic signatures were developed through methylation array analysis and were reported in the January issue of The American Journal of Human
Study ends debate over role of steroids in treating septic shock :: The results from the largest ever study of septic shock could improve treatment for critically ill patients and save health systems worldwide hundreds of millions of dollars each year.Researchers at The George Institute for Global Health studied whether the use of steroids as an additional treatment to septic shock — a severe life threatening infection — would improve survival.
New study: Industry conservation ethic proves critical to Gulf of Maine lobster fishery :: A new study demonstrates how conservation practices championed by Maine lobstermen help make the lobster fishery resilient to climate change.
Astronomers produce first detailed images of surface of giant star :: An international team of astronomers has produced the first detailed images of the surface of a giant star outside our solar system, revealing a nearly circular, dust-free atmosphere with complex areas of moving material, known as convection cells or granules, according to a recent study.
Dietary fiber protects against obesity and metabolic syndrome, study finds :: Consumption of dietary fiber can prevent obesity, metabolic syndrome and adverse changes in the intestine by promoting growth of 'good' bacteria in the colon, according to a study led by Georgia State University.
Nanoparticle vaccine offers universal protection against influenza A viruses, study finds :: Researchers have developed a universal vaccine to combat influenza A viruses that produces long-lasting immunity in mice and protects them against the limitations of seasonal flu vaccines, according to a study led by Georgia State University.
Mammals move less in human-modified landscapes :: On average, mammals move only half to one third of the distance in human-modified landscapes than they do in the wild. These findings have been published today by an international team lead by researchers at the Senckenberg Nature Research Society and Goethe University Frankfurt in the journal Science.
Researchers find latent HIV reservoirs inherently resistant to elimination by CD8+ T-cells :: A research team at GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences found that latent HIV reservoirs exhibit resistance to elimination by CD8+ T-cells.
Perovskite solar cells: Perfection not required :: Metal-organic perovskite layers for solar cells are frequently fabricated using the spin coating technique on industry-relevant compact substrates. These perovskite layers generally exhibit numerous holes, yet attain astonishingly high levels of efficiency. The reason that these holes do not lead to significant short circuits between the front and back contact has now been discovered by a HZB team
User experiment at BESSY II: Complex tessellations, extraordinary materials :: An international team of researchers lead by the Technical University of Munich (TUM) has discovered a reaction path that produces exotic layers with semiregular structures. These kinds of materials are interesting because they frequently possess extraordinary properties. In the process, simple organic molecules are converted to larger units which form the complex, semiregular patterns. With exper
Rare traces of a volatile gas :: Nitrogen monoxide (NO) belongs to the group of nitrogen oxides which are infamous as toxic emissions in urban agglomerations. But NO is also produced in nature and plays a role in the nitrogen cycle. However, from earth's largest ecosystem, the ocean, we have hardly any NO measurements. Marine Scientists from Kiel (Germany) now have published new marine NO concentration data in the journal Deep-Se
Study: Pulsating dissolution found in crystals :: When German researchers zoomed in to the nanometer scale on time-lapse images of dissolving crystals, they found a surprise: Dissolution happened in pulses, marked by waves that spread just like ripples on a pond.
Virtual reality goes magnetic :: The success of Pokémon GO made many people familiar with the concept of 'augmented reality': computer-generated perception blends into the real and virtual worlds. So far, these apps largely used optical methods for motion detection. Physicists from HZDR, IFW Dresden and the University Linz have now developed an ultrathin electronic magnetic sensor that can be worn on skin. Just by interacting wit
Lab-made hormone may reveal secret lives of plants :: A new synthetic hormone promises to tease apart the many different roles of the plant hormone auxin and could lead to a new way to ripen fruit.
HKBU scholars develop new technology to decode gene transcription :: A research team from the School of Chinese Medicine (SCM) of Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) has developed the world's first model framework and 'LogicTRN' algorithm to accurately establish a gene regulatory route to analyse the genetic function and understand the biological processes.
Discount distortions :: A 25-year-old drug discount program aimed at boosting resources for hospitals treating low-income patients did not deliver on its promise to enhance care for the needy, according to research from Harvard Medical School and the NYU School of Medicine.
Medicaid expansion linked with better, more timely surgical care :: The Affordable Care Act's Medicaid expansion was linked to better access to surgery and higher quality surgical care, according to a new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The study will be published online Jan. 24, 2018 in JAMA Surgery.
The more competitive, the more passionate in romantic relationships :: Americans are more passionate toward their romantic partners than Japanese people are because Americans live in social environments in which people have greater freedom to choose and replace their partners, a team of Japanese researchers suggest.
Adaptive immune response: New cofactor of roquin identified :: Roquin has a key role in the adaptive immune response. It controls the activation and differentiation of T cells and thus helps to make the decisions whether or not and which type of immune response will be mounted. Now, a team of scientists of Helmholtz Zentrum München in cooperation have identified NUFIP2, a protein with a previously unknown function, as cofactor of Roquin and discovered that NU
Leading medical organizations update lung cancer guideline :: Rapid advancements in the molecular diagnostic testing of lung cancer have led to new treatments and greater hope for patients battling lung cancer, the most common cause of cancer death worldwide.To ensure that clinicians stay apace and provide optimal patient care, three leading medical societies– the College of American Pathologists (CAP), the International Association for the Study of Lung Ca
IDIBELL researchers successfully test a new combination therapy in sarcomas :: Researchers of the Sarcoma group of the Oncobell program — Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL) have successfully tested a new combined therapy for the treatment of this rare, aggressive tumor type, which affects children and adults.
Premature births linked to changes in mother's bacteria :: Changes to the communities of microbes living in the reproductive tract of pregnant women could help to spot those at risk of giving birth prematurely.
Only 1 in 10 patients with anxiety disorders receives the right treatment :: The results of an international study commissioned by the World Mental Health with a sample of more than 51,500 individuals from 21 different countries, reveals that 10 percent of people suffer anxiety. Of these, only 27.6 percent have received some type of treatment, and this was considered appropriate in only 9.8 percent of the cases. It is the first time a study has described the treatment gap
Obesity and overweight multiply the risk of suffering cancer and heart disease :: Obese women are 12 times more like to get cancer than those of a normal weight. Obese men are twice as likely to develop this disease. The data is the result of the largest Spanish study ever in this field, involving a 10-year follow up of 54,000 people from seven autonomic communities. Only 26 percent of those taking part had a normal weight. The rest were either obese or overweight.
Scientists find mechanisms to avoid telomere instability found in cancer and aging cells :: Researchers from Instituto de Medicina Molecular (iMM) João Lobo Antunes have found that a functional component of telomeres called TERRA has to constantly be kept in check to prevent telomeric and chromosomal instability, one of the underlying anomalies associated with cancer.
Key player in cell metabolism identified :: Published in Nature Cell Biology (NCB), the study shows that the EXD2 protein is critical for the mitochondria, the cell's powerhouses, to produce energy. This protein was previously thought to be located in the cell nucleus and to be involved in DNA repair. The results contribute to our basic understanding of mitochondria and suggest that EXD2 could be important for fertility and represent a pote
Researchers identify a protein that keeps metastatic breast cancer cells dormant :: A study headed by ICREA researcher Roger Gomis at the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona) has identified the genes involved in the latent asymptomatic state of breast cancer metastases. The work sheds light on the molecular basis underlying how the expression of certain genes facilitates the spread of metastatic lesions.
Viral gene therapy could improve results from breast reconstruction after cancer treatment :: A new treatment helps healthy tissue protect itself from radiotherapy damage.Viral therapy reduced damage to skin and underlying tissues in rats — and improved their outcomes from treatment.A new type of gene therapy delivered using a virus could protect healthy tissues from the harmful side-effects of radiotherapy after cancer treatment, a new study reports.In the future, the treatment could be
FRAX intervention and assessment thresholds for seven Latin American countries :: Newly published Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX®) -based intervention thresholds for the following seven Latin American countries represent a substantial advance in the detection of individuals at high risk of fracture: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, Mexico and Venezuela.
Vitamin C in the body can be tracked by fluorescence :: A Japanese research team led by The University of Tokyo's Institute of Industrial Science bio-imaged vitamin C in mice. A probe chemical emitted red fluorescent light after reacting with vitamin C in the mice's bloodstream. When a dose of exogenous vitamin C was injected, it accumulated in vital organs. This is the first bioimaging of vitamin C in living tissue, showing high sensitivity and good s
Human skin pigmentation recreated — with a 3-D bioprinter :: A new method for controlling pigmentation in fabricated human skin has been developed by researchers from A*STAR's Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech) and the Singapore Centre for 3-D Printing (SC3DP) at Nanyang Technological University.
Engineers develop flexible, water-repellent graphene circuits for washable electronics :: Jonathan Claussen and the nanoengineers in his research group continue to find new ways to use graphene printing technology. A new research paper describes how they're treating printed graphene with lasers to create electronic circuits that repel water. That could lead to washable electronics and better biological sensors.
'Nanobulb' helps see subwavelength-size objects with ordinary microscope :: Scientists from ITMO University have proven that a silicon-gold nanoparticle can act as an effective source of white light when agitated by a pulse laser in IR band. One such "nanobulb" was integrated into a standard probe microscope, which allowed the researchers to overcome the diffraction limit and examine subwavelength-size objects. The new technology makes modern near-field microscopy cheaper
New record at ultracold neutron source in Mainz :: Researchers at Mainz University installed an update to their ultracold neutron source. Now the prerequisites are in place that are needed to begin the more sensitive measurements required to determine the lifetime of the free neutron.
A method to measure diagnostic errors could be key to preventing disability and death from misdiagnosis :: In an effort to reduce patient misdiagnoses and associated poor patient outcomes from lack of prompt treatment, a Johns Hopkins Armstrong Institute for Patient Safety and Quality researcher is helping to lead the way in providing hospitals a new approach to quantify and monitor diagnostic errors in their quality improvement efforts. The approach, called Symptom-Disease Pair Analysis of Diagnostic
Evening hours may pose higher risk for overeating, especially when under stress, study finds :: Experiments with a small group of overweight men and women have added to evidence that 'hunger hormone' levels rise and 'satiety (or fullness) hormone' levels decrease in the evening. The findings also suggest that stress may increase hunger hormone levels more in the evening, and the impact of hormones on appetite may be greater for people prone to binge eating.
Racial and ethnic disparities in live donor kidney transplants :: Despite efforts over the past two decades to increase the number of black and Hispanic patients receiving kidney transplants from related or unrelated living donors, these racial/ethnic minority patients are still much less likely to undergo such transplants than white patients, Johns Hopkins researchers report. In fact, the investigators say, the disparities have worsened in the last 20 years.
Researchers offer new model for uncovering true HIV mortality rates in Zambia :: A new study that seeks to ascertain HIV mortality rates in Zambia could provide a model for improved national and regional surveillance approaches and, ultimately, more effective HIV treatment strategies.
Scientists create a 3-D model of molecules in yeast linked to enzyme that lengthens chromosome tips :: Through the haze of a sonogram screen, an expectant mother catches a glimpse of the growing baby within her. The outline of a nose, chin and head, instantly recognizable as a tiny human, brings to life what parents, until then, could only imagine. Biologists, too, aim to bring their scientific discoveries to life by creating three-dimensional models–at the atomic level–of the inner workings of c
Targeting bladder cancer's Achilles heel: stem cells :: Two different proteins work separately as well as synergistically to feed a small pool of stem cells that help bladder cancer resist chemotherapy, research led by a Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center scientist suggests. The finding, published online in Cancer Research, could lead to new targets to fight this deadly disease and potentially other cancers as well.
Johns Hopkins scientist proposes new limit on the definition of a planet :: A planet can be no bigger than about 10 times the size of Jupiter, an astrophysicist has calculated.
Prosecuting background check and straw purchase violations depends on state laws :: Study examined prosecutions following tougher sentencing for 'straw arm' purchases in Pennsylvania and a Maryland court decision that redefined private firearm transfers.
Viral probe gives ringside view of cell-to-cell combat :: A fascinating blow-by-blow account of the arms struggle between plants and viral pathogens, is revealed in new research.
ACA's Medicaid expansion associated with greater likelihood of patients receiving optimal care for serious surgical conditions :: Bottom Line: The Affordable Care Act's (ACA's) Medicaid expansion was associated with significant increases in insurance coverage among patients with serious surgical conditions such as appendicitis or aortic aneurysm, and a greater likelihood of these patients receiving timely, optimal care.
Does benefit of weight-loss surgery for patients with diabetes persist over time? :: Obese adults with type 2 diabetes who underwent gastric bypass surgery continued to improve after five years at meeting a target for blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure control but that improvement seemed to lessen over time.
Is breastfeeding longer associated with lower risk for later diabetes among mothers? :: Longer duration of breastfeeding was associated with lower risk of diabetes among mothers later in life.
Outcomes after deep brain stimulation for uncontrolled Tourette syndrome :: Deep brain stimulation was associated with some symptom improvement in a small group of patients with uncontrolled Tourette syndrome but also some adverse events.
Study compares risks between methods of sterilization :: Hysteroscopic sterilization, a non-surgical procedure that involves placing small implants in the fallopian tubes to render a woman infertile, was associated with an increased risk of gynecological complications (most notably sterilization failure with subsequent pregnancy) compared to surgical sterilization, but there were no differences between the two approaches in medical outcomes.
What effect did the ACA have on out-of-pocket and premium spending? :: The Affordable Care Act (ACA) two years after implementation was associated with reduced out-of-pocket spending overall, particularly among low-income Americans, but spending on premiums also increased.
Weight-loss surgery associated with lower rate of death :: Obese patients who underwent weight-loss surgery had a lower rate of death from any cause compared with obese adults who received nonsurgical care to manage their obesity.
Enzyme from briny deep resurrected in the lab :: Genomes of single microbial cells isolated from the Red Sea could yield a goldmine for biotechnology.
Making waves for ultrahigh definition displays :: Wavy transistors that vertically gain width without increasing their on-chip footprint could drive future flexible displays.
Racism linked to uptake of smoking in young people :: Adolescents who have experienced some form of racism between the ages of 11 and 23 are more likely to take up smoking than those who have not, according to a new study led by King's College London.
Factor that doubles the risk of death from breast cancer identified :: Researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden have discovered that the risk of death from breast cancer is twice as high for patients with high heterogeneity of the oestrogen receptor within the same tumour as compared to patients with low heterogeneity. The study, published in The Journal of the National Cancer Institute, shows that the higher risk of death is independent of other known tumour m
Oxysterols guide gut immune cells and are involved in inflammatory bowel disease :: Researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden report that cholesterol metabolites cause specific immune cells in the large intestine to move, which lies behind the formation of the immune system's important lymphoid tissue in the intestine. The study, published in the journal Immunity, paves the way for a new possible treatment for patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
Thirty-year study shows women who breastfeed for 6 months or more reduce their diabetes risk :: In a long-term national study, breastfeeding for six months or longer cuts the risk of developing type 2 diabetes nearly in half for women throughout their childbearing years, according to new Kaiser Permanente research published Jan. 16 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Kaiser Permanente study finds cognitive behavioral therapy is cost-effective :: Cognitive behavioral therapy (or CBT) delivered in a primary care setting is a cost-effective way to treat adolescents with depression who decline or quickly stop using antidepressants, according to a Kaiser Permanente study published today in the journal Pediatrics.
Study finds black children face higher risk of death post surgery :: A recent study, Race, Preoperative Risk Factors, and Death After Surgery, has found that black children are more than twice as likely to die following surgery than white children and describes race-specific models to predict surgical outcomes. The study is published in the February 2018 issue of Pediatrics.
Novel genomic tools provide new insight into human immune system :: La Jolla Institute researchers provide new insights into how so-called CD4 cytotoxic T cells arise in humans and thus could facilitate improved vaccine design to protect against chronic viral infections such as cytomegalovirus, HIV, and hepatitis C.
Zoology: Luminescent lizards :: Chameleons are known to communicate with conspecifics by altering their surface coloration. Munich researchers have now found that the bony tubercles on the heads of many species fluoresce under UV light and form impressive patterns.
Biomarkers helped solving the mystery of 500-million-year-old macroorganisms :: A postgraduate student of the Faculty of Geology of MSU, working with an international scientific group, participated in chemical analysis of biomarkers — compounds that remained after the decomposition of organic remains of the genus Beltanelliformis. These organisms populated the Earth in the Ediacaran period (about 575-541 million years ago), and their position on the evolutionary tree was unk
Scientists developed a new model of frequency combs in optical microresonators :: A team from the Faculty of Physics of the Lomonosov Moscow State University together with the scientists from the Russian Quantum Center developed a new mathematical model that describes the process of soliton occurrence in optical microresonators. After the physicists understand the existing effects and learn to predict new ones, they will be able to create high-precision devices and universal op
How cells are able to turn :: Researchers have long wondered how our cells navigate inside the body. Two new studies, in which Lund University researcher Pontus Nordenfelt has participated, have now demonstrated that the cells use molecular force from within to steer themselves in a certain direction. This knowledge may be of great significance in the development of new drugs.
The HLF gene protects blood stem cells by maintaining them in a resting state :: The HLF gene is necessary for maintaining our blood stem cells in a resting state, which is crucial for ensuring normal blood production. This has been shown by a new research study from Lund University in Sweden published in Cell Reports.
Warning follows report into online child sexual abuse risk :: If the public are serious about wanting to protect children from online sexual abuse more investment in skilled professionals is needed now.The stark warning comes from researchers following publication of a new report commissioned by the Independent Inquiry on Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) which coincided with the first day of the public hearing into online child sexual abuse.
'Explosive evolution' of techniques to restore blood flow to the brain :: Recent decades have seen an 'explosive evolution' of techniques to restore blood flow to areas of the brain endangered by stroke or clogged arteries, according to a report by Loyola Medicine neurologists and neurosurgeons.
A new genome for regeneration research :: The first complete genome assembly of planarian flatworm reveals a treasure trove on the function and evolution of genes.
Decoding the axolotl genome :: The sequencing of the largest genome to date lays the foundation for novel insights into tissue regeneration.
Modern human brain organization emerged only recently :: Homo sapiens fossils demonstrate a gradual evolution of the human brain towards its modern globular shape.
3-D-printed underwater vortex sensor mimics whiskers of sea animal :: A new study has shown that a fully 3-D-printed whisker sensor made of polyurethane, graphene, and copper tape can detect underwater vortexes with very high sensitivity.
Early results reported on e-health tool to prevent opioid overdose :: The new ORION e-health psychoeducational tool, designed to help opioid-dependent individuals prevent an overdose, can impart new knowledge and impact a person's intention to change opioid abuse behavior, but it did not improve overall self-efficacy in overdose prevention.
Gene delivery of drugs directly into arthritic joints is making the leap to patients :: Localized gene delivery to diseased joints to achieve sustained drug production at the site of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis is gaining momentum, with clinical trials underway in the US and the first arthritis gene therapy recently approved in Korea.
Heparan sulfate biomaterials retain structure and function after gamma irradiation :: A new study has shown that heparan sulfate, a desirable natural material for use in bioengineered tissues and orthotic implants, can withstand the stress of gamma irradiation for sterilization and retain its structure, binding ability, and biological function.
New molecular probes to allow non-destructive analysis of bioengineered cartilage :: A new study describes novel probes that enable non-invasive, non-destructive, direct monitoring of the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in real-time during the formation of engineered cartilage to replace damaged or diseased tissue.
Progress toward an HIV cure in annual special issue of AIDS Research & Human Retroviruses :: Researchers have shown that despite effective combined antiretroviral therapy (cART), HIV can hide in the spleen of patients with no detectable HIV in their blood.
Research test identifies BRCA2 gene mutations that lead to breast, ovarian cancers :: A new test developed by researchers at Mayo Clinic shows which mutations in the BRCA2 gene make women susceptible to developing breast or ovarian cancers. The research behind the test was published today in the American Journal of Human Genetics.
Scientists block the siren call of two aggressive cancers :: Aggressive cancers like glioblastoma and metastatic breast cancer have in common a siren call that beckons the bone marrow to send along whatever the tumors need to survive and thrive.
Combination chemotherapy may significantly improve treatment for deadly brain tumor :: A team led by Massachusetts General Hospital investigators has found that adding the chemotherapy drug hydroxyurea to the current chemotherapy protocol for glioblastoma significantly increased survival in animal models.
How wind turbines annoy residents and how to reduce it :: When falling asleep, relaxing or undertaking recreational activities, nearly a third of residents living near a wind farm are not at all annoyed or only slightly annoyed by the noise of wind turbines. One in ten people experience symptoms of stress. However, noise is not the only problem. In particular, a critical attitude towards a wind farm stimulates the experience of stress.A better informatio
Viral replication discovery could spur new broad-spectrum antivirals :: Scientists at the Morgridge Institute for Research have discovered a new Achilles heel in the replication process of positive-strand RNA viruses, a class responsible for health threats such as Zika, polio, chikungunya and hepatitis C.
European-Russian space mission steps up the search for life on Mars :: In 2013, the European Space Agency and Roscosmos — the Russian governmental body responsible for space research — agreed to cooperate on ExoMars, the first joint interplanetary mission between ESA and Russia. This project now involves scientists from 29 research organizations, including MIPT and the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, which is the leading contributor of
A new approach to rechargeable batteries :: A new battery technology developed at MIT, based on a metal-mesh membrane and electrodes made of molten sodium, could open the way for more intermittent, renewable power sources on the grid.
'Programmable droplets' could enable high-volume biology experiments :: MIT researchers have developed hardware that uses electric fields to move droplets of chemical or biological solutions around a surface, mixing them in ways that could be used to test thousands of reactions in parallel.
Engineers design artificial synapse for 'brain-on-a-chip' hardware :: Engineers at MIT have designed an artificial synapse in such a way that they can precisely control the strength of an electric current flowing across it, similar to the way ions flow between neurons. The team has built a small chip with artificial synapses, made from silicon germanium. In simulations, the researchers found that the chip and its synapses could be used to recognize samples of handwr
New type of virus found in the ocean :: Researchers at MIT and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine have identified a new type of virus that is abundant in the world's oceans but has escaped detection until now. The unusual characteristics of these bacteria-killing viruses could lead to evolutionary insights, the researchers report in a new study.
Ultrathin needle can deliver drugs directly to the brain :: MIT researchers have devised a miniaturized system that can deliver tiny quantities of medicine to brain regions as small as 1 cubic millimeter. This type of targeted dosing could make it possible to treat diseases that affect very specific brain circuits without interfering with the normal function of the rest of the brain.
New blood test for diagnosing heart attacks: A 'big deal,' with caveats :: A longtime blood test that measures the likelihood of a cardiac event has become more sensitive and more precise. Why doctors and patients should be cautiously optimistic.
Parent misconceptions may hinder child organ donation :: Parents' major concerns about child organ donation often included misunderstandings about medical care, potential suffering and cost.
Plotting the downward trend in traditional hysterectomy :: Fewer women are getting hysterectomies in every state across the country.
Who might benefit from immunotherapy? New study suggests possible marker :: New research finds that PDL-1 expressed in antigen presenting cells — macrophages and dendritic cells found in the tumor microenvironment and in the nearby lymph nodes — is a better indicator than PDL-1 in the tumor of who will respond to immunotherapy drugs.
Charge order and electron localization in a molecule-based solid :: Charge ordering in cationic mixed-valence compounds is of crucial importance for materials science. The prototypic example for a transition from a charge-disordered to a charge-ordered state has been magnetite, Fe3O4, where Evert Verwey observed a sudden jump in resistivity near -150°C. In the journal Science Advances now a research team of scientists from Germany and Slovenia reports a Verwey-typ
Deaf children learn words faster than hearing children :: Each year many deaf children get a cochlear implant to connect to the world of sounds. So far, it was not clear which processes take place in these children when they start to learn language — and why they differ in the level of language they achieve. Now, the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences found that deaf children with a cochlear implant learn words even faster than
Miles Davis is not Mozart: The brains of jazz and classical pianists work differently :: A musician's brain is different to that of a non-musician. Making music requires an interplay of abilities which are also reflected in more developed brain structures. Scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences in Leipzig have discovered that these capabilities are embedded in a much more finely tuned way than assumed: The brain activity of jazz pianists differs
Better predicting mountains' flora and fauna in a changing world :: Climbing a mountain is challenging. So, too, is providing the best possible information to plan for climate change's impact on mountain vegetation and wildlife. In PLOS ONE, Michigan State University scientists show that using several sources of climate measurements when modeling the potential future distributions of mountain vegetation and wildlife can increase confidence in the model results and
Protecting piping plovers :: Visitors to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore are often treated to tiny scurrying beachcombers — piping plovers. Future visitors, however, could see fewer of these celebrated shorebirds. A Michigan State University study reveals that the endangered shorebird population could decline over the next 10 years and changes in management strategies are needed. The authors demonstrate that current c
The big picture of Great Lakes mercury pollution :: A transdisciplinary team examined regulatory impacts on Great Lakes mercury, focusing on an Upper Peninsula tribal community with high fish consumption.
A 'hot Jupiter' with unusual winds :: The hottest point on a gaseous planet near a distant star isn't where astrophysicists expected it to be — a discovery that challenges scientists' understanding of the many planets of this type found in solar systems outside our own.
Being bilingual may help autistic children :: Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) often have a hard time switching gears from one task to another. But being bilingual may actually make it a bit easier for them to do so, according to a new study which was recently published in Child Development.
New technique for finding life on Mars :: Researchers demonstrate for the first time the potential of existing technology to directly detect and characterize life on Mars and other planets. The study, published in Frontiers in Microbiology, used miniaturized scientific instruments and new microbiology techniques to identify and examine microorganisms in the Canadian high Arctic — one of the closest analogs to Mars on Earth.
Pharmaceuticals and other contaminants force fish to work much harder to survive :: Pharmaceuticals and other man-made contaminants are forcing fish that live downstream from a typical sewage treatment plant to work at least 30 percent harder just to survive, McMaster researchers have found.
Previous influenza virus exposures enhance susceptibility in another influenza pandemic :: New data analysis suggests that people born at the time of the 1957 H2N2 or Asian Flu pandemic were at a higher risk of dying during the 2009 H1N1 Swine Flu pandemic as well as the resurgent H1N1 outbreak in 2013-2014. And it is not the first time this has happened.
Aspiration as good as stent retrievers for removing large-vessel clots in stroke patients :: ADAPT, an aspiration technique pioneered at the Medical University of South Carolina, is non-inferior to stent retrievers for mechanical thrombectomy in stroke patients with large-vessel clots, according to the preliminary results of the COMPASS trial reported at the International Stroke Conference on Jan. 25, 2018.
Novel device and staff education lead to lower blood culture contamination rates :: A Medical University of South Carolina study found that use of a mechanical initial specimen diversion device (ISDD®) and staff education led to a nearly four-fold decrease in contaminated blood cultures that was sustained over 20 months.
New report one of the most comprehensive studies on health effects of e-cigarettes :: A new congressionally mandated report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine takes a comprehensive look at evidence on the human health effects of e-cigarettes. Although the research base is limited given the relatively short time e-cigarettes have been used, the committee that conducted the study identified and examined over 800 peer-reviewed scientific studies, reachi
Forensic researchers find more accurate way to estimate age of deceased :: Forensic researchers have found a more accurate way to assess an individual's age at death, based on the bone mineral density of the femur. The technique could be used to help identify human remains.
Placental accumulation of flame retardant chemical alters serotonin production in rats :: An NC State-led research team has shown a connection between exposure to a widely used flame retardant chemical mixture and disruption of normal placental function in rats, leading to altered production of the neurotransmitter serotonin.
Persistent photoconductivity used to stimulate neurotypic cells :: Researchers have, for the first time, used a material's persistent photoconductivity to stimulate neurotype cells. The technique, which is relatively simple, should facilitate future research on using charge to influence cellular behavior.
New NOAA research holds promise of predicting snowpack even before the snow falls :: As farmers in the American West decide what, when and where to plant, and urban water managers plan for water needs in the next year, they want to know how much water their community will get from melting snow in the mountains.This melting snow comes from snowpack, the high elevation reservoir of snow which melts in the spring and summer. New NOAA research is showing we can predict snow levels in
New study offers insights on genetic indicators of COPD risk :: Researchers have discovered that genetic variations in the anatomy of the lungs could serve as indicators to help identify people who have low, but stable, lung function early in life, and those who are particularly at risk for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) because of a smoke-induced decline in lung function.
Flu infection study increases understanding of natural immunity :: People with higher levels of antibodies against the stem portion of the influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) protein have less viral shedding when they get the flu, but don't have fewer or less severe signs of illness, according to a new study. This NIAID study is the first of its kind to evaluate pre-existing levels of these antibodies as a predictor of protection against influenza. The findings co
Study links gut-homing protein levels with HIV infection risk, disease progression :: For the first time, scientists have shown a relationship between the proportion of key immune cells that display high levels of a gut-homing protein called alpha-4 beta-7 at the time of HIV infection and health outcomes. Previous research illustrated this relationship in monkeys infected with a simian form of HIV.
A new architecture for miniaturization of atomic clocks :: NICT developed a simple miniaturized atomic clock system, which does not require a complicated frequency multiplication, as an outcome of a collaboration with Tohoku University and Tokyo Institute of Technology. We propose a new microwave generator that exploits thickness extensional vibration in a piezoelectric thin film to miniaturize an atomic clock. By transferring this technology into practic
Brain-scan guided emergency stroke treatment can save more lives :: Advances in brain imaging can identify a greater number of stroke patients who can receive therapy later than previously believed, according to a new study. The results of the Endovascular Therapy Following Imaging Evaluation for the Ischemic Stroke (DEFUSE 3) trial demonstrated that physically removing brain clots up to 16 hours after symptom onset in selected patients led to improved outcomes co
Memory gene goes viral :: Two independent teams of scientists from the University of Utah and the University of Massachusetts Medical School have discovered that a gene crucial for learning, called Arc, can send its genetic material from one neuron to another by employing a strategy commonly used by viruses. The studies, both published in Cell, unveil a new way that nervous system cells interact.
Thanks for the memory: NIST takes a deep look at memristors :: Scientists at the National Institute of Standards and Technology have now unveiled the long-mysterious inner workings of these semiconductor elements, which can act like the short-term memory of nerve cells.
Who uses phone apps to track sleep habits? Mostly the healthy and wealthy in US :: The profile of most Americans who use popular mobile phone apps that track sleep habits is that they are relatively affluent, claim to eat well, and say they are in good health, even if some of them tend to smoke.
Will supplements help your workout or diet routine? :: The new year is a time to set new goals, and for many people this means losing weight and improving fitness. Many people may turn to dietary supplements for a boost to their routines. To help cut the confusion, the Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) at the National Institutes of Health has two new resources to help people understand what is known about the effectiveness and safety of many ingredi
How expectations impact actual exam scores :: Confidence in good results is related to academic progress, as confirmed by the results of a study conducted by researchers from the Higher School of Economics, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Tinbergen Institute.
Survival strategies for women in a youth-centric world :: The idea of aging well assumes that a mature individual remains active, healthy, and attractive. Society places this demand on women in particular. Researchers from the Higher School of Economics have published an article in Ageing & Society that looks at the strategies women over 50 choose.
Cloud seeding for snow: Does it work? Scientists report first quantifiable observations :: For the first time, scientists have obtained direct, quantifiable observations of cloud seeding for increased snowfall — from the growth of ice crystals, through the processes that occur in clouds, to the eventual snowfall.
New, forward-looking report outlines research path to sustainable cities :: In 1950, fewer than one-third of the world's people lived in cities. Today more than half do. By 2050, urban areas will be home to some two-thirds of Earth's human population.
State of US science enterprise report shows US leads in S&E as China rapidly advances :: According to the National Science Foundation's Science and Engineering Indicators 2018 report released today, the United States is the global leader in science and technology (S&T). However, the US global share of S&T activities is declining as other nations — especially China — continue to rise.
Hubble weighs in on mass of 3 million billion suns :: In 2014, astronomers using the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope found that this enormous galaxy cluster contains the mass of a staggering three million billion suns. Known officially as ACT-CLJ0102-4915, it is the largest, hottest, and brightest X-ray galaxy cluster ever discovered in the distant universe.
NASA covers wildfires from many sources :: NASA's satellite instruments are often the first to detect wildfires burning in remote regions, and the locations of new fires are sent directly to land managers worldwide within hours of the satellite overpass.
NASA GOLD Mission to image Earth's interface to space :: On Jan. 25, 2018, NASA launches Global-scale Observations of the Limb and Disk, or GOLD, a hosted instrument aboard SES-14 that will inspect the dynamic intermingling of space and Earth's uppermost atmosphere.
NASA sees Tropical Cyclone Berguitta heading toward Mauritius :: NASA's Terra satellite passed over the Southern Indian Ocean and saw Tropical Cyclone Berguitta moving southwest toward the island of Mauritius. A tropical cyclone alert class 2 is in effect for Mauritius.
2-D tin (stanene) without buckling: A possible topological insulator :: An international research team led by Nagoya University synthesized planar stanene: 2-D sheets of tin atoms, analogous to graphene. Tin atoms were deposited onto the Ag(111) surface of silver. The stanene layer remained extremely flat, unlike in previous studies wherein stanene was buckled. This leads to the formation of large area, high quality samples. Stanene is predicted to be a topological in
Bariatric surgery prolongs lifespan in obese :: Obese, middle-age men and women who had bariatric surgery have half the death rate of those who had traditional medical treatment over a 10-year period, reports a study that answers questions about the long-term risk of the surgery. Previous studies looking at this question were indefinite because follow-up data was limited due to high costs and patients dropping out.
Inverse-design approach leads to metadevices :: A Northwestern University research team used inverse design principles and a 3-D printer to create highly efficient broadband metadevices at millimeter-wave frequencies that could prove revolutionary for consumer products, defense, and telecommunications.
Lyosomes and mitochondria chat each other up in cell :: Northwestern Medicine scientists have discovered that two key cellular structures, called mitochondria and lysosomes, come into direct contact with each other in the cell to regulate their respective functions. This rare discovery has implications for the research of many diseases, including Parkinson's and cancer, as well as for the understanding of normal aging.
Number of older people with four or more diseases will double by 2035, say researchers :: A study published today in Age and Ageing, the scientific journal of the British Geriatrics Society, reports that the number of older people diagnosed with four or more diseases will double between 2015 and 2035.
Confined movements: How cells form tubes in confined spaces :: A team of scientists from Singapore and France, led by Professor Lim Chwee Teck, Principal Investigator at the Mechanobiology Institute, Singapore and the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the National University of Singapore, has described a novel 'microtube'-based platform to study how tubular organs, such as the heart and the kidneys, form under the various topographical restrictions comm
How very low birth weight affects brain development :: Children born with very low birth weights are at an increased risk of cognitive, emotional and behavioral problems throughout their lives. But what exactly happens in the brain to cause these problems?
Quantum control :: An international team consisting of Russian and German scientists has made a breakthrough in the creation of seemingly impossible materials. They have managed to create the world's first quantum metamaterial which can be used as a control element in superconducting electrical circuits.
Scientists synthesize nanoparticle-antioxidants to treat strokes and spinal cord injuries :: An international science team has developed an innovative therapeutic complex based on multi-layer polymer nano-structures of superoxide dismutase (SOD). The new substance can be used to effectively rehabilitate patients after acute spinal injuries, strokes, and heart attacks.
Researchers pose revolutionary theory on horse evolution :: While it is largely believed that horses simply evolved with fewer digits, researchers at New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYITCOM) pose a new theory that suggests remnants of all five toes are still present within the hooves of the horse.
Infants recognize foreign languages as a form of communication :: Infants recognize that speech in a language not their own is used for communication, finds a new psychology study. The results offer new insights into how language is processed at a young age.
Older adults are increasingly identifying — but still likely underestimating — cognitive impairment :: An increasing number of older adults are reporting cognitive impairment in their families over the past two decades, according to a new study led by researchers at NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing and East Carolina University's Brody School of Medicine.
Study reveals perceived gender bias against women is dominant factor in college major choice :: College-bound women are not less likely to enter specific fields because more math or science is required, but rather because of the gender discrimination they are likely to encounter in those fields, finds a new nationally representative longitudinal study published in the American Educational Research Journal.
Using social and risk networks helps identify people undiagnosed with HIV :: Conducting HIV testing among the social and risk networks of those recently diagnosed with HIV helps identify undiagnosed cases of HIV at significantly higher rates and at a lower cost than other testing approaches, finds a new study conducted in Ukraine by an international research team.
A superficial relationship: Soap on water :: New research shows with unprecedented accuracy what happens to soap as it spreads on water.
Big energy savings: OSU researchers build the world's smallest electro-optic modulator :: Researchers at have designed and fabricated the world's smallest electro-optic modulator, which could mean major reductions in energy used by data centers and supercomputers.
Great scat! Bears — not birds — are the chief seed dispersers in Alaska :: In southeastern Alaska, brown and black bears are plentiful because of salmon. Their abundance also means they are the primary seed dispersers of berry-producing shrubs, according to a new study.
How climate change weakens coral 'immune systems' :: Researchers at The Ohio State University and their colleagues have demonstrated how two separate effects of climate change combine to destabilize different populations of coral microbes — that is, unbalance the natural coral 'microbiome.'
Study finds a third of households — double previous estimates — struggle to get food :: The struggle to get enough nutritious food could be far worse than previously understood, according to a new study examining the intersection between hunger and the types of foods found at nearby stores.
Study sheds light on alternative, more convenient method of cell preservation :: Researchers have taken an important step toward a more convenient, less expensive means of preserving mammalian cells for in vitro fertilization, species conservation, cell therapy and other purposes.
Want people to work together? Familiarity, ability to pick partners could be key :: The key to getting people to work together effectively could be giving them the flexibility to choose their collaborators and the comfort of working with established contacts, new research suggests.
Zebrafish study provides new insights into autism spectrum disorder research :: Exposure to a compound used to treat migraines and seizures causes characteristics associated with autism, groundbreaking research with zebrafish has demonstrated.
A simple new approach to plastic solar cells :: Osaka University researchers built on their previous work to develop new advanced organic polymer. When applied in the solar cells, the polymers formed as amorphous films, which maintained high power conversion efficiency. Typical solar cells require special treatments to make the polymer films crystalline. These new devices could offer a way toward simpler and more cost-effective printing of sola
Clarifying the interplay between bone cells in bone remodeling :: Bone homeostasis is regulated by communication between bone-forming mature osteoblasts (mOB) and bone-resorptive mature osteoclasts (mOC). However, the interaction between them in vivo remains unclear. A team of Osaka-centered researchers developed an intravital two-photon microscopy technique which reveals mOB and mOC functions are regulated via direct cell-cell contact between these cell types.
Mechanism of familial Parkinson's disease clarified in fruit fly model :: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder, in which 15 percent of cases are linked to genetic mutations. The DNAJC13 gene has been linked to a hereditary form of PD called PARK21, although the gene's role in PD is unclear. Researchers found that expression of mutant DNAJC13 caused defective cell transport, accumulation of toxic αSYN, neuronal death, and impaired motor functio
Silicon nanoblock arrays create vivid colors with subwavelength resolution :: Osaka University researchers demonstrated a range of highly tunable vivid color pixels controlled by the geometry of a monocrystalline silicon metamaterial surface. The pixels created showed dual-color response dependent on the polarization of the light source, as well as subwavelength resolution. These materials have potential applications in high-resolution printing, particularly for anti-counte
Snapshot of DNA repair :: Osaka University scientists, in collaboration with The University of Tokyo, describe the crystal structure of RNF168 bound to ubiquitin chains, a crucial interaction for DNA repair, to find a unique interaction.
Is it time for a new financial services tribunal? :: A new article published in Capital Markets Law Journal argues that consumers and banks could benefit from the creation of a quick and inexpensive financial services tribunal, modeled on the Employment Tribunals, to resolve substantial disputes between banks and small and medium sized companies.
Study shows invading toads adjusting rapidly to different environmental conditions :: A new paper published in Conservation Physiology examines the thermal tolerance of Cane Toads in Hawaii and Australia and finds that some of them are adapting very quickly to lower temperatures. This has serious implications for the spread of the toad within Australia, a major and persistent ecological problem.
Coyotes and red foxes may coexist within urban landscapes :: Coyotes and red foxes may select different types of habitats for their home ranges, helping them to coexist in urban environments, according to a study published Jan. 24, 2018 in the open-access journal PLOS ONE by Marcus A. Mueller from the University of Wisconsin, USA, and colleagues.
C-sections linked to long-term risks and benefits :: Compared to vaginal deliveries, caesarean deliveries are associated with a decreased risk of urinary incontinence and pelvic prolapse, but an increased risk of miscarriage or placenta previa in future pregnancies. Those are just some of the conclusions on a large literature review on the long-term risks and benefits associated with caesarean delivery, by Sarah Stock from the MRC Centre for Reprodu
Do our mitochondria run at 50 degrees C? :: A new study publishing Jan. 25 in the open-access journal PLOS Biology by INSERM and CNRS researchers at Hôpital Robert Debré in Paris led by Dr. Pierre Rustin (and their international collaborators from Finland, South Korea, Lebanon and Germany) presents surprising evidence that mitochondria can run more than 10 degrees C hotter than the body's bulk temperature, and indeed are optimized to do so.
Gestational diabetes points toward heightened risk of heart disease :: Women who have gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) during pregnancy have a higher than usual risk of developing type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and ischemic heart disease in the future, according to a retrospective cohort study published this week in PLOS Medicine by Krishnarajah Nirantharakumar from the University of Birmingham, UK, and colleagues.
Historical migrations left genetic footprints on the Irish genome :: A genome-wide study of the people of Ireland reveals a previously hidden genetic landscape, shaped through geography and historical migrations. Ross Byrne and Russell McLaughlin of Trinity College Dublin in Ireland report their findings Jan. 25, 2018, in PLOS Genetics.
Mice immunized with synthetic horsepox protected against vaccinia virus :: Immunization with a synthetic horsepox virus offers mice similar protection to immunization with vaccinia virus against a lethal dose of vaccinia, according to a study published Jan. 19, 2018, in the open-access journal PLOS ONE by Ryan Noyce from the University of Alberta, Canada, and colleagues.
Polio labs equipped to study rare tropical diseases :: In 1988, the World Health Organization set out to eradicate polio and established a network of 145 labs around the world that are designed to process polio tests. Now, those labs are well-equipped to help tackle neglected tropical diseases, researchers report in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases.
Study finds genetic link between thinner corneas and increased risk of glaucoma :: Genetic studies in mice point to a protein called POU6F2, which can modulate corneal thickness, as a possible risk factor for glaucoma in humans, report Eldon Geisert of Emory University, and colleagues, Jan. 25 in PLOS Genetics.
Spontaneous labor progression for vaginal births is slower than expected in many women :: Cervical dilatation during labor for vaginal births can progress more slowly than the widely accepted benchmark of 1 cm/hour in many women, according to a new data published this week in PLOS Medicine.
tRNA fragments in mosquitos may play role in spreading disease :: tRNA fragments — small sections of transfer RNA molecules — have recently been discovered to play active roles in the biology of diverse organisms. Now, these tRNA fragments (tRFs) have been found to have important functions in the mosquito Aedes aegypti, according to a new paper published this week in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases.
Transportable laser :: PTB physicists have developed a frequency-doubling unit for transportable, optical atomic clock that will even continue to operate when it has been shaken at three times the Earth's gravitational acceleration. The results have been published in the current issue of the Review of Scientific Instruments.
Distinct brain rhythms, regions help us reason about categories :: The brain's ability to categorize based on straightforward resemblance or on a more abstract similarity arises from its use of distinct rhythms, at distinct times, in distinct parts of the prefrontal cortex. Gamma in one region handles sensory comparisons, but beta in another region considers the less obvious ways things go together.
Lifting the veil on 'valence,' brain study reveals roots of desire, dislike :: Focusing on a particular section called the basolateral amygdala, researchers at MIT's Picower Institute for Learning and Memory show how valence-processing circuitry — which determines whether we assign good or bad feelings about stimuli — is organized and how key neurons in those circuits interact with others.
A race against pine: Wood-boring wasp in North America threatened by a Eurasian invader :: Invasive species have diverse impacts in different locations, including biodiversity loss, as a result of native species being outcompeted for similar resources. A US research team studied the case of an aggressive Eurasian woodwasp that has recently established in North America and poses a threat to a native competitor species. In their paper, published in the open-access journal Neobiota, the sc
Named after Stanley Kubrick, a new species of frog is a 'clockwork orange' of nature :: Two new frog species were discovered in the Amazon Basin. Both had been previously misidentified as another superficially identical species. One of them received a name translating to 'demon' or 'devil' in allusion to the horn-like projections visible on its eyelids. The second one was named in honor of famous American filmmaker Stanley Kubrick, because of his masterpiece A Clockwork Orange. The a
New 'big-armed fly' species named after former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger :: A new fly species with bulging forelegs is named after former California governor and famous bodybuilder and actor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Measuring 0.395 mm in body length, it is also now the smallest known fly. Entomologist Brian Brown explains he named it for Schwarzenegger, apart from its 'bulging legs,' in tribute to the inspirational role the celebrity had in the scientist's teenage years. Hi
Two new snout moth genera and three new species discovered in southern China :: New members have joined the ranks of the snout moths — one of the largest groups within the insect order known formally as Lepidoptera, comprising all moths and butterflies. Recently, a team of four taxonomists from the Institute of Zoology at the Chinese Academy of Sciences described two genera and three species previously unknown to science. Their study is published in the open access journal Z
3-D printing improves cell adhesion and strength of PDMS polymer :: Combining two different polymer forms can switch manufacturing of silicone parts from molding, casting and spin coating of simple forms to 3-D printing of complex geometries with better mechanical characteristics and better biological adhesion, according to a team of Penn State researchers.
Century of data shows sea-level rise shifting tides in Delaware, Chesapeake bays :: The warming climate is expected to affect coastal regions worldwide as glaciers and ice sheets melt, raising sea level globally. For the first time, an international team has found evidence of how sea-level rise already is affecting high and low tides in both the Chesapeake and Delaware bays, two large estuaries of the eastern United States.
Learning to make healthy choices can counter the effects of large portions :: Penn State researchers have found that after going through a training program designed to help people control portion sizes, participants still ate larger portions but chose healthier foods, lowering their calorie intake.
Microbes may help astronauts transform human waste into food :: Human waste may one day be a valuable resource for astronauts on deep-space missions. Now, a Penn State research team has shown that it is possible to rapidly break down solid and liquid waste to grow food with a series of microbial reactors, while simultaneously minimizing pathogen growth.
New for three types of extreme-energy space particles: Theory shows unified origin :: One of the biggest mysteries in astroparticle physics has been the origins of ultrahigh-energy cosmic rays, very high-energy neutrinos, and high-energy gamma rays. Now, a new theoretical model reveals that they all could be shot out into space after cosmic rays are accelerated by powerful jets from supermassive black holes. The model may set a new milestone on the path toward solving the half-cent
New neuron-like cells allow investigation into synthesis of vital cellular components :: A new method to create synthetic neurons allows researchers to investigate how the human brain makes metabolic building blocks essential for the survival of all living organisms. A new study describes a core enzyme involved in the synthesis of these building blocks, called purines, and how the enzyme might change during infection by herpes simplex virus.
Pennsylvania deer, like mammals worldwide, move less in human-modified landscapes :: In the big woods of Pennsylvania's Northern Tier, the home range of the average white-tailed deer is more than twice as large as that of a deer in urban or agricultural areas of the state. Penn State researcher Duane Diefenbach documented that phenomenon early on in his work, but it did not occur to him it might be representative of many different mammal species around the globe.
Weather patterns, farm income, other factors, may be influencing opioid crisis :: The overprescribing of opioid-based painkillers may be the main driver of the increased abuse of opioids in rural America, but economists say that other factors, including declining farm income, extreme weather and other natural disasters, may affect a crisis that is killing thousands of citizens and costing the country billions of dollars.
Portland State study shows pitfalls of using the term middle class :: Middle class describes an economic tier between rich and poor. It implies upward mobility and a break from poverty. But a recent article co-authored by Portland State University anthropologist Charles Klein shows that the term does little to shine a light on the real lives of people who make it into this social classification.
Portland State study spotlights cultural barriers to student financial success :: The college financial aid process ignores the cultural needs of minority students, causing many of them to not receive adequate financial aid and dropping out because they've run out of money, according to a Portland State University study.
Chasing dark matter with the oldest stars in the Milky Way :: Just how quickly is the dark matter near Earth zipping around? The speed of dark matter has far-reaching consequences for modern astrophysical research, but this fundamental property has eluded researchers for years. In a paper published Jan. 22 in the journal Physical Review Letters, Princeton researchers provided the first clue: The solution to this mystery, it turns out, lies among some of the
New process could slash energy demands of fertilizer, nitrogen-based chemicals :: Nitrogen-based synthetic fertilizer forms the backbone of the world food supply, but its manufacture requires a tremendous amount of energy. Now, computer modeling at Princeton University points to a method that could drastically cut the energy needed by using sunlight in the manufacturing process.
Heart cells sense stiffness by measuring contraction forces and resting tension simultaneously :: Researchers from Queen Mary University of London have identified a new mechanism in which adhesive structures within the cells of the heart sense stiffness through muscle contractions and resting tension at the same time.
Long-term health conditions drive A&E visits, not lack of GP services :: Rising accident and emergency attendance rates are driven by patients' long term health conditions, and are not related to lack of GP provision, according to a study by Queen Mary University of London of more than 800,000 patients in east London.
Mathematicians develop model for how new ideas emerge :: Researchers from Queen Mary University of London have developed a mathematical model for the emergence of innovations.
Queen's University scientist unlocks gamma ray burst secrets :: A Queen's University Belfast scientist has recreated the first ever mini version of a gamma ray burst in a laboratory, opening up a whole new way to investigate their properties and potentially unlocking some of the mysteries around alien civilization.
Researchers discover that female cats are more likely to be right-handed :: Researchers at Queen's University Belfast have found that female cats are much more likely to use their right paw than males.
Feelings determine from which side we embrace each other :: In emotionally charged situations, we tend to hug each other from the left side more often than in neutral contexts. Biopsychologists at Ruhr-Universität Bochum (RUB), headed by Julian Packheiser, Noemi Rook and assistant professor Dr. Sebastian Ocklenburg, established this fact by evaluating more than 2,500 hugs. They attribute this ratio to the way emotions are processed in the respective brain
Researchers from Basel and Bochum achieve resolutions in the 30 nanometer range :: Objects smaller than half the wavelength of the utilised light cannot be viewed with the aid of traditional light microscopes. A research team from Ruhr-Universität Bochum (RUB) and the University of Basel has succeeded in enhancing the resolution for microscopic analysis of solid state systems to 1/31 of the wavelength of the utilised light. To this end, the researchers used quantum dots which th
Declining trust in facts, institutions imposes real-world costs on US society, RAND report finds :: Americans' reliance on facts to discuss public issues has declined significantly in the past two decades, leading to political paralysis and collapse of civil discourse.
Kicking an old can of worms — the origin of the head in annelids :: Researchers at the Royal Ontario Museum and the University of Toronto have described an exceptionally well-preserved new fossil species of bristle worm called Kootenayscolex barbarensis. Discovered from the 508-million-year-old Marble Canyon fossil site in the Burgess Shale in Kootenay National Park, the new species helps rewrite our understanding of the origin of the head in annelids, a highly di
Enhanced evolution: Scientists find genetic swap changes physical expression :: The difference between webbed toes and distinct digits may be the result of not just genetic information, but of how the genes regulate that information. Researchers at the National Institute of Genetics, Research Organization of Information and Systems in Japan found that a small, nonspecific tweak to a mammal's DNA can potentially cause specific and significant physical changes. The scientists r
Climate engineering, once started, would have severe impacts if stopped :: Facing a climate crisis, we may someday spray sulfur dioxide into the upper atmosphere to form a cloud that cools the Earth, but suddenly stopping the spraying would have a severe global impact on animals and plants, according to the first study on the potential biological impacts of geoengineering, or climate intervention.
Eating insects might seem yucky, but they are nutritious and there is no reason you can't :: Almost all living primates still have working versions of the gene needed to produce a stomach enzyme that breaks down exoskeletons. This means that the 'yuck' factor when it comes to eating insects has nothing to do with nutrition, digestion or evolution.
New DNA database at Rutgers-Camden to strengthen forensic science :: A new database at Rutgers University-Camden is now available to help to bring more reliability to the interpretation of complex DNA evidence. This innovative new resource was developed by a research team led by Rutgers University-Camden professors Catherine Grgicak and Desmond Lun, and Ken Duffy of the University of Ireland at Maynooth.
Proteins' fluorescence a little less mysterious :: Rice University scientists use simulations to understand the mechanism behind a popular fluorescent protein used to monitor signals between neurons. Their work could lead to a practical screening tool for designing fluorescent proteins.
Rutgers scientists discover 'Legos of life' :: Rutgers scientists have found the 'Legos of life' — four core chemical structures that can be stacked together to build the myriad proteins inside every organism — after smashing and dissecting nearly 10,000 proteins to understand their component parts. The four building blocks make energy available for humans and all other living organisms, according to a study published online today in the Pro
MIND diet may slow cognitive decline in stroke survivors :: A diet created by researchers at Rush University Medical Center may help substantially slow cognitive decline in stroke survivors, according to preliminary research presented on Jan. 25, at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2018 in Los Angeles. The finding are significant because stroke survivors are twice as likely to develop dementia compared to the general popula
Free online access to millions of documents on chemical toxicity made possible through ToxicDocs :: Millions of pages of internal corporate and trade association documents relating to the introduction of new products and chemicals into the workplace and commerce have been compiled into a free searchable online database called ToxicDocs. The history and future outlook for this database is now the subject of a free to view special section in the Journal of Public Health Policy which is a Palgrave
Imagining a successful future can help students overcome everyday difficulties :: Having a clear picture in mind of what their future will look like can motivate students to keep going despite the challenges of college life. This strategy seems to be particularly effective for female students from relatively low socioeconomic status (SES) backgrounds says Mesmin Destin of Northwestern University in the US. He is the lead author of a study in Springer's journal Motivation and Em
Princesses and action heroes are for boys and girls :: Given the chance, young boys will try out dolls, and girls will play with cars and building blocks. It's even possible to encourage the two sexes to play together without too much moaning, says Lauren Spinner of the University of Kent in the UK, lead author of a study in Springer's journal Sex Roles.
Researchers find link between breast cancer and two gene mutations :: Individuals with Lynch syndrome, a genetic condition that has long been known to carry dramatically increased risk of colorectal cancer and uterine cancer, now also have an increased risk of breast cancer. This is the conclusion of a study in the journal Genetics in Medicine which is published by Springer Nature.
Thin is in? Think again :: Models used in social media postings, or more than a decade's worth of Miss USA beauty pageant winners tell us that thin female bodies are still rated as attractive. However, US women's perceptions of what constitutes the perfect female figure have evolved in recent years to a 'thin and toned' ideal. This is according to Frances Bozsik of the University of Missouri-Kansas City in the US, who led a
A new family of aerodynamic configurations of hypersonic airplanes :: How to design an advanced aerodynamic configuration of the next generation hypersonic airliners? Recently, a family of novel configurations named 'Hypersonic I-shaped Aerodynamic Configuration' is proposed. This kind of configurations can produce a high lift-to-drag value as well as a high lift coefficient simultaneously. In addition, it also holds a large volumetric efficiency.
NMRCloudQ: A quantum cloud experience on a nuclear magnetic resonance quantum computer :: Cloud-based quantum computing is the most useful form for public users to experience with the power of quantum. Recently, a joint team led by G. Long at Tsinghua University, B. Zeng at University of Guelph and D. Lu at SUSTech launched a new cloud quantum computing service-NMRCloudQ which is based on 4-qubit nuclear magnetic resonance and aims to be freely accessible to either amateurs that keep p
Live tissue vs synthetic tissue training for critical procedures: No difference in performance :: Training on the synthetic training model (STM) or live tissue (LT) model does not result in a difference in subsequent performance for five of the seven critical procedures examined: junctional hemorrhage wound packing, tourniquet, chest seal, nasopharyngeal airway, and needle thoracostomy.
Insulating with microscopic bubbles :: Better thermal insulation means lower heating costs — but this should not be at the expense of exciting architecture. A new type of brick filled with aerogel could make thin and highly insulating walls possible in the future — without any additional insulation layer.
The ins and outs of Area 25 :: Neuroscientists have charted the incoming and outgoing connections of a brain region located deep within the monkey prefrontal cortex that has important roles in emotion and memory processes. The comprehensive, high-resolution map reported in JNeurosci provides new insight into how emotional regulation may become disrupted in psychiatric disorders.
Civic engagement in adolescence and young adulthood beneficial for adult development :: A new study sought to determine whether civic engagement during adolescence and young adulthood promotes better health, education, and income over the course of adulthood. The study found a pattern of positive associations of voting and volunteering with these important aspects of adult development, but a mix of positive and negative outcomes in adulthood for activism as a form of civic engagement
Children view people's behavior, psychological characteristics as shaped by environments :: A new study has found that 5- to 6-year-olds view people's environments, not their skin color, as the most important determinant of their behavior and psychological characteristics. These findings contradict the idea that views of race that are known to lead to prejudice such as believing that race naturally divides the world into distinct kinds of people's inevitably develop early in childhood.
A Russian scientist improved nanofluids for solar power plants :: An associate of Siberian Federal University (SFU) teamed up with his foreign colleagues to increase the efficiency of the heat transfer medium used in solar power plants. The results of the study were published in Renewable Energy journal.
Physicists have learned to change the wavelength of Tamm plasmons :: Scientists from Siberian Federal University (SFU) and the L. V. Kirensky Institute of Physics (SB RAS) conducted theoretical studies of hybrid Tamm plasmons. Using numerical calculations, they were able to predict the structure in which it is possible to control the wavelength of these quasiparticles by means of an external electric field or heating. The study is presented in the Journal of the Op
Researchers aim to save key branches of shark and ray tree of life :: New study identifies conservation priorities based on evolutionary history and biogeography.
Siberian scientists suggested a new method for synthesizing a promising magnetic material :: Scientists from Siberian Federal University (SFU) together with their colleagues from the Institute of Chemistry and Chemical Technology of Siberian Department of Russian Academy of Sciences and Kirensky Institute of Physics of Siberian Department of Russian Academy of Sciences used a new method for synthesizing iron-dysprosium garnet. Magnetic materials of this class are used in microwave and mag
'Hijacker' drives cancer in some patients with high-risk neuroblastoma :: Researchers in Memphis and Boston have collaborated to show c-MYC is an oncogene that drives neuroblastoma in some high-risk patients; the findings help set the stage for much-needed precision medicines.
Rethinking environmental legislation to include the conservation ideas of tomorrow :: Rewilding has potential to help address the current global biodiversity crisis, but its impact will be limited unless agreed definitions can be reached, backed by further scientific research and helped by a policy backdrop that enables greater integration with current environmental legislation. These are the key findings of a new study into the controversial technique, led by international conserv
Brief exposure to charismatic career women inspires female students to pursue same field :: A simple, low-cost experiment to encourage women to enter the male-dominated field of economics was surprisingly effective, says economist Danila Serra, Southern Methodist University, Dallas. Top female college students were inspired to pursue economics when exposed very briefly to charismatic, successful women in the field, says co-author Serra. The successful results suggest that exposing young
Study: Cells of 3 advanced cancers die with drug-like compounds that reverse chemo failure :: Researchers at Southern Methodist University, Dallas, report in the Nature journal Scientific Reports that they have discovered three drug-like compounds that successfully reverse chemotherapy failure in three of the most commonly aggressive cancers — ovarian, prostate and breast. The molecules were first discovered computationally via SMU's ManeFrame high-performance supercomputer. Now their eff
Discovery may advance neural stem cell treatments for brain disorders :: New research from SBP reveals a novel gene regulatory system that may advance stem cell therapies and gene-targeting treatments for neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and mental health disorders that affect cognitive abilities.
TSRI researchers identify gene responsible for mesenchymal stem cells' stem-ness' :: Researchers at The Scripps Research Institute recently published a study in the journal Cell Death and Differentiation identifying factors crucial to mesenchymal stem cell differentiation, providing insight into how these cells should be studied for clinical purposes.
Rates of great earthquakes not affected by moon phases, day of year :: There is an enduring myth that large earthquakes tend to happen during certain phases of the Moon or at certain times during the year. But a new analysis published in Seismological Research Letters confirms that this bit of earthquake lore is incorrect.
Interacting Antarctic glaciers may cause faster melt and sea level contributions :: Two of the most rapidly changing glaciers in Antarctica, which are leading contributors to sea-level rise, may behave as an interacting system rather than separate entities, according to a new analysis of radar data.
Insects took off when they evolved wings :: Now buzzing and whizzing around every continent, insects were mysteriously scarce in the fossil record until 325 million years ago — when they first took flight and, according to a new study, evolutionarily took off.
A better HIV test :: Stanford researchers have developed a reliable, hassle-free HIV test — just what public health officials need to screen large numbers of people and head off potential outbreaks.
Accurate estimation of biodiversity is now possible on a global scale :: Policymakers are often concerned with the preservation of biodiversity at national, continental or global scales, but most biodiversity monitoring is conducted at very fine scales. This mismatch between the scales of our policies and of our data creates serious challenges, especially when assessing biodiversity change. In a new study, published in Ecological Monographs today, nearly the entire glo
Research reveals that wealth may drive preference for short-term relationships :: According to new research by psychologists at Swansea University, resource-rich environments may cause people to favor short-term relationships.
Saarland University bioinformaticians compute gene sequences inherited from each parent :: In the analysis of the human genome, one question researchers have so far left unanswered is how to differentiate the variants of a gene inherited from the mother and father. Such information would increase the likelihood of treating certain diseases successfully. The so-called third generation of sequencing technologies is now making this possible.
Swansea University research helps break ground to clean up land :: Researchers at Swansea University's Complex Flow Lab have been exploring the intricate shapes that emerge when air is injected into soil. Published in Physical Review Applied, these findings could one day be used to speed up the decontamination of industrial brownfield sites?which the United Kingdom currently has over 400,000 hectares of.
Positive attitude toward math predicts math achievement in kids, Stanford study finds :: For the first time, scientists have identified the brain pathway that links a positive attitude toward math to achievement in the subject. In a study of elementary school students, researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine found that having a positive attitude about math was connected to better function of the hippocampus, an important memory center in the brain, during performance
Stanford-led clinical trial shows broader benefits of acute-stroke therapy :: A 38-center clinical trial sponsored by the National Institutes of Health and led by researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine has shown that far more people than previously thought can benefit from an emergency procedure for acute ischemic stroke.
MMV malaria box phenotyped against plasmodium and toxoplasma :: A Singapore-India collaborative research project between the Singapore University of Technology & Design (SUTD) and CSIR-National Chemical Laboratories (NCL) completed phenotypic screening of a large collection of potent chemical inhibitors (known as MMV Malaria Box), against pathogenic parasites toxoplasma gondii and plasmodium falciparum, causative agents of human toxoplasmosis and malaria. This
Honeycomb maze offers significant improvement over current spatial navigation tests :: A powerful new tool for the study of spatial memory was today described in Nature as a significant improvement over the current gold standard, the Morris Water Maze. The novel Honeycomb Maze design allows for systematic analysis of the decisions an animal makes during navigation.
The seemingly unremarkable crystals that could help predict volcanic eruptions :: Small crystals that form inside magma change in composition as they are transported from depth to the surface. Reading the historical 'memories' in these crystals may lead to more effective volcanic hazard monitoring, including for dormant volcanoes.
PCOS may reduce gut bacteria diversity :: Women who have a common hormone condition that contributes to infertility and metabolic problems tend to have less diverse gut bacteria than women who do not have the condition, according to a new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
The eye is not immune to immunity :: Contrary to long-established dogma, the eye can host an active immune response that could both heal injury and contribute to loss of vision.
Realizing highly efficient quantum dot LEDs with metallic nanostructures at low cost :: KAIST researchers have discovered a technology that enhances the efficiency of Quantum Dot LEDs.Professor Yong-Hoon Cho from the Department of Physics and his team succeeded in improving the efficiency of Quantum Dot (QD) Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) by designing metallic nanostructure substrates.
Protein YAP in early life influences adult spinocerebellar ataxia pathology :: YAP and its neuronal isoform YAPdeltaC are involved in expression and regulation of genes. A team of Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU)-centered researchers found expression of YAPdeltaC during development, but not adulthood, stopped neurodegenerative disease spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) in mice. Notably, YAPdeltaC supplementation overcame the toxic effect of mutant Atxn1 protein i
Aspiration as good as stent retrievers for large vessel clot removal in stroke patients :: Results of COMPASS trial are presented at the International Stroke Conference by J. Mocco, M.D., Vice Chair of Neurosurgery for the Mount Sinai Health System.
Mount Sinai researchers identify protein involved in cocaine addiction :: Mount Sinai researchers have identified a protein produced by the immune system — granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) — that could be responsible for the development of cocaine addiction.
Speech analysis software predicted psychosis in at-risk patients with up to 83 percent accuracy :: Computer-based analyses of speech transcripts obtained from interviews with at-risk youths were able to predict which youths would later develop psychosis within two years, with an accuracy of up to 83 percent. In two independent cohorts of young people at risk for psychosis, a disturbance in the flow of meaning when speaking, otherwise known as being tangential or going off track, predicted who w
Biomechanical mapping method aids development of therapies for damaged heart tissue :: Researchers have developed a new way to capture the detailed biomechanical properties of heart tissue. The high-resolution optical technique fills an important technology gap necessary to develop and test therapies that might eventually be used to heal heart damage after a heart attack.
Don't sweat it: Bikram yoga is no more effective than yoga practiced at room temperature :: Bikram yoga, a hot yoga style, is no more effective at improving health than the same yoga postures at room temperature — that's what research published in Experimental Physiology and carried out by Texas State University and the University of Texas at Austin, USA, has found.
Thorium reactors may dispose of enormous amounts of weapons-grade plutonium :: Scientists from Tomsk Polytechnic University are developing a new technology for multipurpose application of large amounts of weapons-grade plutonium accumulated in Russia and across the world. Instead of expensive storage of this nuclear material, TPU physicists propose to burn weapons-grade plutonium in reactors with thorium fuel, converting it into power and thermal energy. The units are capabl
New filters could enable manufacturers to perform highly selective chemical separation :: A team of chemical and biological engineers from Tufts University has developed highly selective membrane filters that could enable manufacturers to separate and purify chemicals in ways that are currently impossible, allowing them to potentially use less energy and cut carbon emissions, according to findings published in print today in the journal ACS Nano.
Optimizing recycling of scrap car parts yields big savings :: Detailed sorting of scrap car parts could boost recycling rates to over 97 percent, saving billions and slashing greenhouse gas emissions.
Scientists culture human placenta stem cells for first time :: Scientists have derived and grown trophoblast stem cells for the first time, which will lead to better understanding of the human placenta.
Ultralow power consumption for data recording :: Researchers have made a discovery that could see a drastic reduction in power consumption for data recording.
The innate immune system can also be trained :: Researchers of the Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus of the TU Dresden identified that precursors of immune cells in the bone marrow can be trained to respond better to future challenges.
More evidence of link between severe gum disease and cancer risk :: A new study adds to accumulating research that gum disease is associated with some cancer risk. It reports a 24 percent increase in the risk of cancer among participants with severe gum disease. The highest risk was observed in cases of lung cancer, followed by colorectal cancer.
Power stations in cells may protect brain against Parkinson's :: Impairment in mitochondria may actually protect the brain in Parkinson's disease.
Piecework at the nano assembly line :: Scientists at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) have developed a novel electric propulsion technology for nanorobots. It allows molecular machines to move a hundred thousand times faster than with the biochemical processes used to date. This makes nanobots fast enough to do assembly line work in molecular factories. The new research results will appear as the cover story on 19th January in
Infant mortality rates in Texas vary dramatically from one zip code to the next :: Infant mortality rates in Texas vary dramatically even across neighboring zip codes, according to a new analysis and mapping tool from researchers at The University of Texas System and UT Health Northeast. The analysis and searchable map, which are the first of their kind in Texas, use data from Texas Vital Statistics Linked Birth and Death Records from 2011-2014.
Scientists achieve high power with new smaller laser :: An international team of scientists has produced the first high-powered, randomly polarised laser beam with a 'Q switch' laser, which typically emits pulses of light so brief that they're measured in nanoseconds. Lasers are a critical part of modern technology–they're used in everything from our automobiles to medical equipment to the satellites orbiting Earth. Now, researchers are broadening the
Scientists elucidate molecular basis of myostatin activation, key process in muscle health :: For the first time, this new study defines at the molecular level the structural changes that take place in the protein during the activation process of myostatin. Myostatin (or GDF8) is a key signaling protein involved in regulation of muscle mass and function. The research elucidated the central role of the tolloid enzyme in generating active myostatin. These insights enable the targeting of myo
Scientists discover stem cells that build a fly's nervous system :: Scientists at Columbia's Zuckerman Institute have uncovered new insights into how stem cells transform into brain cells that control leg movements. The surprising details of this process, observed in the brains of fruit flies, could shed light on how the human brain develops — and what happens when problems arise. By providing key insight into how stem cells develop and mature, this research shou
Study shows investors lose, insiders win when IPOs involve analysts :: When equity analysts are more involved in a firm's initial public offering, investors who purchase stock based on these analysts' reports lose more than 3 percent of their investment, according to a new study from the University at Buffalo School of Management.
A discovery about the behavior of heat in electronic devices can improve their performance :: Researchers at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), in collaboration with Purdue University (USA), have shown that heat flow behaves similarly to a viscous fluid when studied at nanoscale. The discovery, published in Nature Communications, paves the way to a better thermal management in electronic devices.
A nanophenomenon that triggers the bone-repair process :: Researchers at the Institut Català de Nanociència i Nanotecnologia have resolved one of the great unknowns in bone self-repair: how the cells responsible for forming new bone tissue are called into action. Their work reveals the role of an electromechanical phenomenon at the nanoscale, flexoelectricity, as a possible mechanism for stimulating the cell response and guiding it throughout the fractur
Scientists emulate the human blood-retinal barrier on a microfluidic chip :: A team of scientists in Barcelona has developed a microfluidic device that mimics the human blood-retinal barrier. It enables to test molecules in vitro and to study diseases such as diabetic retinopathy.
A video database for cellular tracking created, useful in the fight against cancer :: Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M), the University Hospital Gregorio Marañón (HGUGM) and Universidad de Navarra have, together with other international institutions, developed a video database for cellular tracking that can be used to determine alterations involved in illnesses such as cancer.
Improving vaccines for the elderly by blocking inflammation :: By identifying why skin immunity declines in old age, a UCL-led research team has found that an anti-inflammatory pill could help make vaccines more effective for elderly people.The study, published today in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, found that an excessive inflammation reaction in older people can obstruct the immune system.
A new ecosystem approach to fight antibiotic resistance :: The World Health Organization has deemed antibiotic resistance to be one of the greatest threats to human health, as bacteria become increasingly resistant and too few treatments are being developed to combat them. The research project DRIVE-AB, a consortium managed by the University of Geneva and AstraZeneca, has determined that a market entry reward of $1 billion per antibiotic globally could si
The Down syndrome 'super genome' :: Only 20 percent of fetuses with trisomy 21 reach full term. But how do they manage to survive the first trimester of pregnancy despite this heavy handicap? Researchers from UNIGE and UNIL have found that children born with Down syndrome have an excellent genome — better than the average genome of people without the genetic abnormality. It is possible that this genome offsets the disabilities caus
Cells lacking nuclei struggle to move in 3-D environments :: A study led by UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center researchers and published in the Journal of Cell Biology examined the role of the physical structure of the nucleus in cell movement through different surfaces.
UNIST provides new insights into underwater adhesives :: An international team of researchers, affiliated with South Korea's Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) has succeeded in developing a new type of underwater adhesives that are tougher than the natural biological counterpart.
Augmented reality system lets doctors see under patients' skin without the scalpel :: New technology is bringing the power of augmented reality into clinical practice. The system, called ProjectDR, allows medical images such as CT scans and MRI data to be displayed directly on a patient's body in a way that moves as the patient does.
Record jump in 2014-2016 global temperatures largest since 1900 :: Global surface temperatures surged by a record amount from 2014 to 2016, boosting the total amount of warming since the start of the last century by more than 25 percent in just three years, according to a new University of Arizona-led paper. The research is the first to quantify the record temperature spike of an additional 0.43 degrees F (0.24 C) in just three years and to identify the fundament
Scientists find oxidized iron deep within the Earth's interior :: Scientists digging deep into the Earth's mantle recently made an unexpected discovery. Five hundred and fifty kilometres below the Earth's surface, they found highly oxidized iron, similar to the rust we see on our planet's surface, within garnets found within diamonds. The result surprised geoscientists around the globe because there is little opportunity for iron to become so highly oxidized dee
Study shows first evidence of winds outside black holes throughout their mealtimes :: New research shows the first evidence of strong winds around black holes throughout bright outburst events when a black hole rapidly consumes mass. The study, published in Nature, sheds new light on how mass transfers to black holes and how black holes can affect the environment around them. The research was conducted by an international team of researchers, led by scientists in the University of
Breakthrough study shows how plants sense the world :: Plants lack eyes and ears, but they can still see, hear, smell and respond to environmental cues and dangers. They do this with the aid of hundreds of membrane proteins that sense microbes or other stresses. Researchers now have created the first network map for 200 of these proteins. The map shows how a few key proteins act as master nodes critical for network integrity, and the map also reveals
Enzyme inhibitor combined with chemotherapy delays glioblastoma growth :: In animal experiments, a human-derived glioblastoma significantly regressed when treated with the combination of an experimental enzyme inhibitor and the standard glioblastoma chemotherapy drug, temozolomide.
Creation of synthetic horsepox virus could lead to more effective smallpox vaccine :: UAlberta researchers created a new synthetic virus that could lead to the development of a more effective vaccine against smallpox. The discovery demonstrates how techniques based on the use of synthetic DNA can be used to advance public health measures.
Computer-aided facial analysis helps diagnosis :: In rare diseases, the computer-aided image analysis of patient portraits can facilitate and significantly improve diagnosis. This is demonstrated by an international team of scientists under the leadership of the University Hospital Bonn and the Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin on the basis of so-called GPI anchor deficiencies. Using data on genetic material, cell surface texture and typical f
Enzyme with surprising dual function :: Scientists at the University of Bonn have clarified a surprising dual function of ceramide synthase. The enzyme not only catalyzes a central step of the production of vital lipids. It also has the ability to turn genes involved in lipid metabolism on or off. The study is being published in the renowned journal Cell Reports.
New study sheds light on teenagers' online habits :: Teenagers are far more critical users of social media than we give them credit for, and need to be better supported in reaping the benefits social media can have.
Optical nanoscope allows imaging of quantum dots :: Physicists have developed a technique based on optical microscopy that can be used to create images of atoms on the nanoscale. In particular, the new method allows the imaging of quantum dots in a semiconductor chip. Together with colleagues from the University of Bochum, scientists from the University of Basel's Department of Physics and the Swiss Nanoscience Institute reported the findings in th
Study of 3,000 drinkers' attempts to cut down produces sobering results :: January is a popular month for people trying to reduce their alcohol intake but how successful are they in doing so? A new study by the University of Bristol in the UK that assessed data on the drinking patterns of nearly 3,000 drinkers who reported that they were planning to reduce their alcohol consumption found that very few managed it when followed up six months later.
Women who have gestational diabetes in pregnancy are at higher risk of future health issues :: Women who have gestational diabetes mellitus during pregnancy have a higher than usual risk of developing type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and ischemic heart disease in the future.
Researchers overcome obstacle for future stem cell therapies :: Researchers have discovered a new technique that overcomes one of the major challenges of stem cell therapy.A drug, co-created by UBC researchers, might overcome one of the major challenges of stem cell therapy — their tendency to differentiate, becoming specific tissue cells too early and too quickly.
Algorithm identifies 10 times more naturally occurring antibiotics :: In a paper published in Nature Microbiology on Jan. 22, a team of American and Russian computer scientists described a new algorithm that identified an order of magnitude, or roughly 10 times more, naturally occuring antiobiotics than all previous studies.
Curcumin improves memory and mood, new UCLA study says :: Daily consumption of a certain form of curcumin — the substance that gives Indian curry its bright color — improved memory and mood in people with mild, age-related memory loss,
Coping with climate stress in Antarctica :: Some Antarctic fish living in the planet's coldest waters are able to cope with the stress of rising carbon dioxide levels the ocean. They can even tolerate slightly warmer waters. But they can't deal with both climate change stressors at the same time, according to a study from the University of California, Davis.
Discovery offers new genetic pathway for injured nerve regeneration :: Researchers on the hunt for genes involved in regenerating critical nerve fibers came away with a surprise: the discovery of a new genetic pathway that carries hope for victims of traumatic injuries — from stroke to spinal cord damage. Although no cures exist for many nervous system injuries, if the damaged neurons do not die, 'there is hope to find ways to make them stronger and help them regrow
Early Trump support climbed in areas with recent Latino population growth :: According to three political scientists from the University of California, Riverside, Donald Trump's promise to build a 'great wall' spanning the border separating the United States and Mexico, as well as subsequent remarks describing Mexican immigrants as 'criminals' and 'rapists,' had a galvanizing effect on his voter base in the initial stages of his campaign, particularly in areas of the count
For global invasion, Argentine ants use chemical weapons :: In a paper published today in Scientific Reports, researchers at the University of California, Riverside show how Argentine ants use chemical secretions as weapons in their interactions with harvester ants, which are native to California. The findings could help in the development of new pest control strategies.
How mantis shrimp pack the meanest punch :: In research published today in Advanced Materials, a group of researchers led by UC Riverside's David Kisailus has identified a unique structure that wraps around the mantis shrimp's club to protect it from self-inflicted damage as it crushes hard-shelled prey. The finding will help Kisailus' team develop ultra-strong materials for the aerospace and sports industries.
Missing in action :: A UCSB ecologist unearths the foothill yellow-legged frog's past in order to inform its future.
Mysteries of a promising spintronic material revealed :: Researchers at UC Riverside used an unconventional approach to determine the strength of the electron spin interactions with the optical phonons in antiferromagnetic nickel oxide (NiO) crystals.
Marine vegetation can mitigate ocean acidification, UCI study finds :: Marine plants and seaweeds in shallow coastal ecosystems can play a key role in alleviating the effects of ocean acidification, and their robust population in shoreline environments could help preserve declining shellfish life, according to a study by University of California, Irvine ecologists.
New approach attacks 'undruggable' cancers from the outside in :: Cancer researchers have made great strides in developing targeted therapies that treat the specific genetic mutations underlying a patient's cancer. However, many of the most common cancer-causing genes are so central to cellular function throughout the body that they are essentially 'undruggable'. Now, researchers at UC San Francisco have found a way to attack one of the most common drivers of lu
New catalyst for hydrogen production is a step toward clean fuel :: A nanostructured composite material developed at UC Santa Cruz has shown impressive performance as a catalyst for the electrochemical splitting of water to produce hydrogen. An efficient, low-cost catalyst is essential for realizing the promise of hydrogen as a clean, environmentally friendly fuel.
Nearly half of California's vegetation at risk from climate stress :: Current levels of greenhouse gas emissions are putting nearly half of California's natural vegetation at risk from climate stress. However, cutting emissions so that global temperatures increase by no more than 2 degrees Celsius could reduce those impacts by half, with about a quarter of the state's natural vegetation affected, according to UC Davis study.
Recycling and reusing worn cathodes to make new lithium ion batteries :: Nanoengineers at the University of California San Diego have developed an energy-efficient recycling process that restores used cathodes from spent lithium ion batteries and makes them work just as good as new. The process involves harvesting the degraded cathode particles from a used battery and then boiling and heat treating them. Researchers built new batteries using the regenerated cathodes. C
Repurposed drug found to be effective against Zika virus :: In both cell cultures and mouse models, a drug used to treat Hepatitis C effectively protected and rescued neural cells infected by the Zika virus — and blocked transmission of the virus to mouse fetuses. Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine, with colleagues in Brazil and elsewhere, say their findings support further investigation of using the repurposed drug as a
Rise in severity of hottest days outpaces global average temperature increase :: While our planet's average annual temperature has increased at a steady pace in recent decades, there has been an alarming jump in the severity of the hottest days of the year during that same period, with the most lethal effects in the world's largest cities.
UCLA study could explain link between high-cholesterol diet and colon cancer :: UCLA scientists discovered that boosting mice's cholesterol levels spurred intestinal stem cells to divide more quickly, enabling tumors to form 100 times faster. The study identifies a molecular pathway that could serve as a new drug target for colon cancer treatment.
UCLA study describes structure of herpes virus tumor linked to Kaposi's sarcoma :: UCLA team shows in the laboratory that an inhibitor can be developed to break down the herpes virus. Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpes virus, or KSHV, is one of two viruses known to cause cancer in humans.
Using virtual reality to identify brain areas involved in memory :: Virtual reality is helping neuroscientists at UC Davis get new insight into how different brain areas assemble memories in context.
Wisdom at the end of life :: In a paper publishing Jan. 24 in the journal International Psychogeriatrics, researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine asked 21 hospice patients, ages 58 to 97 and in the last six months of their lives, to describe the core characteristics of wisdom and whether their terminal illnesses had changed or impacted their understanding of wisdom.
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome have less bacterial diversity in gut :: Women who have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common hormone condition that contributes to infertility and metabolic problems, such as diabetes and heart disease, tend to have less diverse gut bacteria than women who do not have the condition, according to researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine, in collaboration with colleagues at Poznan University of Medical Sci
Frozen in time: Glacial archaeology on the roof of Norway :: Artefacts revealed by melting ice patches in the high mountains of Oppland shed new light on ancient high-altitude hunting.
Function of protein 'smallish' unraveled :: To make a fully grown organism in the right shape, the forms of many cells need to be changed in a coordinated way. Researchers from the Cluster of Excellence for Aging Research (CECAD) in Cologne identified a gene that is in charge of the shape of the cell. Their results have been published in the Journal of Cell Biology.
How smelly is your rubbish? :: A new method is being developed to assess the odorous impact of composting.
Letting silenced genes speak :: Stem cell researchers at UConn Health have reversed Prader-Willi syndrome in brain cells growing in the lab. The discovery provides clues that could lead to a treatment for Prader-Willi, a genetic disorder that silences genes necessary for normal brain function. Prader-Willi occurs in about one out of every 15,000 births, and is the most common genetic cause of life-threatening childhood obesity.
Married veterans more at risk of suicide than single soldiers :: Among recently returned veterans, a new study says those who are married or living with a partner are at higher suicide risk than soldiers who are single, and older married female veterans are at the greatest risk.
National school lunch program aces safety test :: The National School Lunch Program's (NSLP) strict safety standards work, according to a new University of Connecticut study that found food safety standards for ground beef supplied to the program are highly effective in keeping harmful bacteria out of school lunches nationwide. However, ground beef that fails NSLP inspection can be sold to other vendors, eventually making its way onto consumers'
Researchers disprove one of the most widespread assumptions among geneticists regarding DNA :: A study by a Córdoba research team, just published in Proceedings of the USA National Academy of Sciences, shows that spontaneous DNA gaps are not — as hitherto believed — equivalent to those produced during DNA repair.
Think of honeybees as 'livestock,' not wildlife, argue experts :: Contrary to public perception, die-offs in honeybee colonies are an agricultural not a conservation issue, argue Cambridge researchers, who say that manged honeybees may contribute to the genuine biodiversity crisis of Europe's declining wild pollinators.
Changes to nursing home quality ratings system caused consumers to choose better providers :: Health care report cards and quality ratings are intended to give consumers more information when choosing a care provider like a hospital or nursing home. Health economist Marcelo Perraillon of the Colorado School of Public Health at CU Anschutz evaluated whether a simplified rating system used by the website Nursing Home Compare motivated consumers to choose better-rated nursing homes.It has bee
Microbiome predicts blood infections in pediatric cancer patients :: Patients who developed bloodstream infections had significantly reduced microbiome diversity than patients who remained free of infection.
Mortality of surgery vs. targeted radiation in early lung cancer patients :: Among patients older than 80 years, 3.9 percent receiving surgery passed away within the 30-day post-treatment window, compared with 0.9 percent of patients receiving focused radiation.
Powerful food-derived antioxidant can halt, prevent fatty liver disease in mice :: As obesity continues to rise in the US, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become a major public health issue, increasingly leading to cancer and liver transplants.
Researchers illustrate how muscle growth inhibitor is activated, could aid in treating ALS :: Researchers at the University of Cincinnati (UC) College of Medicine are part of an international team that has identified how the inactive or latent form of GDF8, a signaling protein also known as myostatin responsible for limiting muscle, is activated.
The role of cranial modification in identity formation :: It has long been recognized that the Inka incorporated diverse peoples into their empire, but how these ethnic groups developed historically during the political upheaval of the preceding Late Intermediate Period (LIP; AD 1100-1450) is only now receiving commensurate attention.
City lights setting traps for migrating birds :: A University of Delaware study has examined how light pollution lures birds into urban areas during fall migration, a trend that poses risk for the fowl that often fly into buildings and has increased with the addition of brighter LED lights. The researchers were interested in seeing what factors shape the birds' distributions and why they occur in certain areas.
Bitcoin wallet devices vulnerable to security hacks, study shows :: Devices used to manage accounts using Bitcoin could be improved to provide better protection against hackers, according to research by University of Edinburgh scientists.
Gut instinct makes animals appear clever :: Animals, including humans, can make surprisingly good decisions just based on the food in their stomach, new research suggests.
Pulling power reveals new insights into membrane dynamics in human cells :: Scientists have now discovered how the movement and membrane dynamics of a specific organelle — called peroxisomes — are mediated.
Study shows how Olympic Games affect the stock market :: New research reveals how global sports events such as the Olympic Games can affect stock market activity. The study, by academics at the University of East Anglia (UEA) and Nottingham Trent University (NTU), finds that when a country wins many Olympic medals, national stock market activity in terms of trading volume decreases. However, stock market returns appear to be largely unaffected.
Lifestyle changes prevent cognitive decline even in genetically susceptible individuals :: Enhanced lifestyle counselling prevents cognitive decline even in people who are carriers of the APOE4 gene, a common risk factor of Alzheimer's disease, according to a new study published in JAMA Neurology.
Energy supply channels :: Freiburg scientists elucidate the mechanism for inserting protein molecules into the outer compartment of mitochondria.
How plants see light :: The proteins PCH1 and PCHL help plants adapt to their surroundings.
Incentive to move :: A researcher from the University of Freiburg demonstrates how single-cell archaea determine what direction to swim.
Microbial signal recognition stems from existing building blocks :: Freiburg biochemists show how evolution combines a nutrient sensor from existing elements.
Opening the cavity floodgates :: Freiburg biochemists investigate the transport of large proteins through bacterial cell membranes.
Slow 'hot electrons' could improve solar cell efficiency :: Photons with energy higher than the 'band gap' of the semiconductor absorbing them give rise to what are known as hot electrons. The extra energy is lost very fast, as it is converted into heat so it does not contribute to the voltage. University of Groningen Professor of Photophysics and Optoelectronics Maria Antonietta Loi has now found a material in which these hot electrons retain their high e
Study warns of enormous impact of evictions on mental health :: A study led by the University of Granada reveals that among individuals who have been evicted, 88 percent suffer from anxiety and 91 percent from depression.
Oral health may have an important role in cancer prevention :: The bacteria that cause periodontitis, a disease affecting the tissues surrounding the teeth, seems to play a part also in the onset of pancreatic cancer.
The origin of snakes — new evolutionary scenario presented :: The early evolution of snakes happened from surface-terrestrial to burrowing in the lizard-snake transition suggests a research group at the University of Helsinki.
Artificial agent designs quantum experiments :: On the way to an intelligent laboratory, physicists from Innsbruck and Vienna present an artificial agent that autonomously designs quantum experiments. In initial experiments, the system has independently (re)discovered experimental techniques that are nowadays standard in modern quantum optical laboratories. This shows how machines could play a more creative role in research in the future.
The scent of the city :: In the scientific journal PNAS, researchers from Innsbruck, Austria, present the world's first chemical fingerprint of urban emission sources of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Accordingly, the abatement strategy for organic solvents is having an effect in Europe. At the same time, the data suggest that the total amount of man-made VOCs globally is likely to be significantly higher than previou
A new theory on reducing cardiovascular disease risk in binge drinkers :: A new study shows that binge drinkers have increased levels of a biomarker molecule — microRNA-21 — that may contribute to poor vascular function.
Researchers use sound waves to advance optical communication :: Illinois researchers have demonstrated that sound waves can be used to produce ultraminiature optical diodes that are tiny enough to fit onto a computer chip. These devices, called optical isolators, may help solve major data capacity and system size challenges for photonic integrated circuits, the light-based equivalent of electronic circuits, which are used for computing and communications.
Shape-shifting organic crystals use memory to improve plastic electronics :: Researchers have identified a mechanism that triggers shape-memory phenomena in organic crystals used in plastic electronics. Shape-shifting structural materials are made with metal alloys, but the new generation of economical printable plastic electronics is poised to benefit from this phenomenon, too. Shape-memory materials science and plastic electronics technology, when merged, could open the
Fat cat? Here's how much to feed to lose weight :: Does your cat lay around all day, only getting up to eat and visit the litter box? Chances are, he's overweight. Maybe you've switched to the 'diet' cat food or tried feeding him less, but you might have noticed it's not easy to get that weight off. A new study from the University of Illinois explains what it takes to get kitty to slim down.
In sweet corn, workhorses win :: When deciding which sweet corn hybrids to plant, vegetable processors need to consider whether they want their contract growers using a workhorse or a racehorse. Is it better to choose a hybrid with exceptional yields under ideal growing conditions (i.e., the racehorse) or one that performs consistently well across ideal and less-than-ideal conditions (i.e., the workhorse)? New research from the U
New study shows producers where and how to grow cellulosic biofuel crops :: A new multi-institution report provides practical agronomic data for five cellulosic feedstocks, which could improve adoption and increase production across the country.
Study may improve strategies for reducing nutrient runoff into Mississippi River :: Every summer, the Gulf of Mexico is flooded with excess nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater treatment plants and farm fields along the Mississippi River basin. And every summer, those nutrients create a 'dead zone' in the Gulf. To address the issue, the US Environmental Protection Agency formed a task force and required 12 states to develop strategies to reduce agricultural runoff.
Humans limit animal movements :: Humans change entire landscapes — by building cities and roads, by farming land and by exploiting natural resources. What effects does this have on animals and their habitats? Using the GPS location data of more than 800 animals, a team of scientists was able to prove a reduction in animal movements in areas with a high human footprint.
Research reveals swaths of Asia inhabited by surprisingly related 'Lizards of the Lost Arcs' :: A varied collection of lizards throughout Asia are unexpectedly close cousins of beach-dwelling mourning geckos, all descended from a common ancestor species that thrived along an ancient archipelago in the West Pacific that served as a 'superhighway' of biodiversity.
Working in female-dominated workplaces means worse access to flexible working arrangements :: Workers in female-dominated workplaces have worse access to flexible working arrangements than those in gender-neutral and even male-dominated workplaces, new research from the University of Kent has found.
When the 'guardian' and the 'caretaker' of the genome join forces :: Achievement in the field of cancer research: Biologists and chemists at the University of Konstanz decipher a molecular mechanism of the cell with relevance for the development of cancer and the fight against that disease.
Have Brexit and the US presidential election made you more radical? :: New Irish research suggests that political disillusionment leads to more extreme political views. The research, published this week in Social Psychological and Personality Science, found that the experience of disillusionment is likely to occur when people's political goals are not realised or their strong convictions are proved inaccurate or false. The authors warn that the rise of political pola
Rare 450-million-year-old 'cone-shaped' fossil discovery :: An international team including University of Leicester researchers discover unique fossil of mysterious creature from the Ordovician period.
Scientists home in on a potential Anthropocene 'Golden Spike' :: Anthropocene Working Group led by University of Leicester scientists and invited specialists review the potential settings where a global reference section for the Anthropocene might be searched.
Specific protein plays key role in the spread of breast cancer :: Researchers from the University of Liverpool have found an explanation for how breast cancer spreads to the lungs, which could potentially hold the key to preventing the progression of the disease.
Discovery of the 'pioneer' that opens the genome :: Researchers explain a cell differentiation mechanism in Nature Genetics.
Humans get in the way of mammal movement :: A new study, co-authored by biologists at the University of Maryland, describes the extent to which highly modified landscapes impede the movement of 57 land-based mammal species from around the world. On average, these mammals cover about a third to half of the distance they would otherwise travel in wild, unmodified landscapes. An international team of more than 100 co-authors published its find
Is your sandwich bad for the environment? :: The carbon footprint of your sandwich could be having a major impact on greenhouse gas emissions according to new research.Researchers at the University of Manchester have carried out the first ever study looking at the carbon footprint of 40 sandwich varieties, both homemade and pre-packaged.
Link found between genes in mosquitos and the spread of diseases :: Researchers at the University of Missouri have found a link between genetic molecules in mosquitos and dengue fever. The results of the study, conducted by Susanta K. Behura and his colleagues, could lead to future breakthroughs in combating destructive tropical diseases like dengue fever, Zika virus and yellow fever. The researchers focused their efforts on a single species of mosquito, Aedes aeg
Primordial oceans had oxygen 250 million years before the atmosphere :: Research by a University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) graduate student Mojtaba Fakhraee and Associate Professor Sergei Katsev has pushed a major milestone in the evolution of the Earth's environment back by about 250 million years.
Researchers use wild rice to predict health of Minnesota lakes and streams :: By studying wild rice in lakes and streams, a team of researchers led by the University of Minnesota has discovered that sulfate in waterways is converted into toxic levels of sulfide and increases other harmful elements. This includes methylmercury, the only form of mercury that contaminates fish.
Shale gas is one of the least sustainable ways to produce electricity, research finds :: Shale gas is one of least sustainable options for producing electricity, according to new research from The University of Manchester.
Food scientists are developing a low-cost tool for detecting bacteria in food, water :: Food scientist Lili He and colleagues at the University of Massachusetts Amherst report that they have developed a new, rapid and low-cost method for detecting bacteria in water or a food sample. Once commercially available, it should be useful to cooks using fresh fruits and vegetables, for example, and aid workers in the field responding to natural disasters, He says.
Cellular seismology: Putting vibrations on the map :: Using a unique technology called 'cell quake elastography,' scientists can now map to the millisecond the elasticity of components vibrating inside a cell. This discovery published in PNAS this week by Guy Cloutier and his team from CRCHUM, Université de Montréal and INSERM, opens up a whole new field of research in mechanobiology, opening the door to many practical applications in medicine.
New study suggests shark declines can lead to changes in reef fish body shapes :: Scientists studying nearly identical coral reef systems off Australia discovered something unusual on the reefs subjected to nearly exclusive fishing of sharks–fish with significantly smaller eyes and tails. The study is the first field evidence of body shape changes in fish due to human-driven shark declines from overfishing. These findings shed new light on the cascading effects the loss of the
Cystic fibrosis bacterial burden begins during first years of life :: Cystic fibrosis shortens life by making the lungs prone to repeated bacterial infections and inflammation. UNC School of Medicine researchers have now shown for the first time that the lungs' bacterial population changes in the first few years of life as respiratory infections and inflammation set in. This research offers a way to predict the onset of lung disease in children with CF and suggests
Scientific breakthrough could lead to better antipsychotic drugs :: 'If we want to create better medications, the first step is to see what the D2 receptor looks like in high-resolution detail when it's bound tightly to a drug,' said senior author Bryan L. Roth, M.D., Ph.D., at the UNC School of Medicine. 'We now have the structure, and we're exploring it to find new compounds we hope can help the millions of people in need of better treatments.'
Study links low carbohydrate intake to increased risk of birth defects :: Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant may want to avoid diets that reduce or eliminate carbohydrates, as they could increase the risk of having babies with neural tube birth defects, according to a new study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Flourishing under an abusive boss? You may be a psychopath, study shows :: According to research from Notre Dame, certain types of 'psychopaths' actually benefit and flourish under abusive bosses.
Star-gazing on the reef :: Scientists have discovered the first evidence that brittle stars living in vibrant coral reefs use thousands of light sensors to navigate their way through their complex environments.
The bacterial 'Game of Thrones' :: Much like animals and to a degree humans, bacteria enjoy a good fight. While their aggressive characteristics are broadly known, their approach to conflict is less understood.In research published in Current Biology, researchers at the University of Oxford have shed light on this area of bacterial behavior, revealing that they approach conflict in much the same way as a human platoon, responding t
Wild Sri Lankan elephants retreat from the sound of disturbed Asian honey bees :: A new study using playbacks, has for the first time shown that Asian elephants in Sri Lanka are scared of honey bees, much like their African counterparts.The study, led by Dr. Lucy King, a Research Associate with the Department of Zoology at Oxford University, showed that Asian elephants responded with alarm to the bee simulations. They also retreated significantly further away and vocalized more
Europe's lost forests — study shows coverage has halved over 6,000 years :: Research led by the University of Plymouth shows more than half of the forests across Europe have been lost over the past 6,000 years.
Insurance company requirements place heavy administrative burden on physicians seeking to prescribe new cholesterol-lowering drugs :: A rare glimpse into the prior authorization requirements implemented by public and private insurance providers across the country has found substantial administrative burden for a new class of medications for patients with high cholesterol that places them at high risk for heart attack or stroke, according to new research.
Large study finds higher rates of early substance use among children with ADHD :: Children with ADHD engaged in substance use at a younger age and had a significantly higher prevalence of regular marijuana and cigarette use as adults.
Penn researchers identify new treatment target for melanoma :: Researchers in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania have identified a new therapeutic target for the treatment of melanoma. For decades, research has associated female sex and a history of previous pregnancy with better outcomes after a melanoma diagnosis. Now, a research team from Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania says it may have determine
Short-course treatment for combat-related PTSD offers expedited path to recovery :: Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be debilitating and standard treatment can take months, often leaving those affected unable to work or care for their families. But, a new study demonstrated that many PTSD sufferers can benefit from an expedited course of treatment. In the first study of its kind, prolonged exposure (PE) therapy was found to be as effective when administered o
Understanding emotional responses to traumatic injury key to planning & treatment efforts :: Injuries are a major public health problem in the United States, accounting for nearly 60 percent of all deaths among Americans between the ages of 1 and 44 years. Survivors of traumatic injuries often face significant physical and mental health challenges, including depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Ancient rice heralds a new future for rice production :: Growing in crocodile infested billabongs in the remote North of the country, Australia's wild rice has been confirmed as the most closely related to the ancient ancestor of all rices. The unique genetics of the Australian rice may help breed disease resistance and climate adaptation into rice modern production species.
Digging deep into distinctly different DNA :: A University of Queensland discovery has deepened our understanding of the genetic mutations that arise in different tissues, and how these are inherited.Researchers from UQ's Queensland Brain Institute, led by Dr. Steven Zuryn, found the rates of genetic mutations in mitochondrial DNA vary across differing tissue types, with the highest rate occurring in reproductive cells.
'Forgotten' antibiotic offers hope against worst superbugs :: An antibiotic overlooked since its discovery 40 years ago could help develop new drugs against life-threatening infections caused by some of the world's most dangerous superbugs.
Reviled animals could be our powerful allies :: Animal carnivores living in and around human habitation are declining at an unprecedented rate — but they may provide crucial benefits to human societies. An international review led by University of Queensland researchers has revealed that predators and scavengers ranging from bats to leopards and vultures are valuable to human health and well-being.
Scientists unleash power of genetic data to identify disease risk :: Massive banks of genetic information are being harnessed to shed new light on modifiable health risks that underlie common diseases. University of Queensland researchers have pioneered a method to integrate data from multiple large-scale studies to assess risk factors such as body mass index (BMI) and cholesterol levels, and their association with diseases including type two diabetes and heart dis
Tiny crystals could help predict volcanic eruptions :: They can be as small as a grain of salt, but tiny crystals that form deep in volcanoes may be the key for advance warnings before volcanic eruptions.University of Queensland volcanologist Dr. Teresa Ubide said the research provided new information that could lead to more effective evacuations and warning communications.
Brexit is one of the greatest threats to women's rights :: Brexit is one the greatest threats to women's rights and social inclusion, a new study in the Journal of Social Policy and Society reports.
Global temperature targets will be missed within decades unless carbon emissions reversed :: In their latest paper, published in the February issue of Nature Geoscience, Dr Philip Goodwin from the University of Southampton and Professor Ric Williams from the University of Liverpool have projected that if immediate action isn't taken, the earth's global average temperature is likely to rise to 1.5°C above the period before the industrial revolution within the next 17-18 years, and to 2.0°C
Implantable medical devices bolstered by next-gen surface modification :: A discovery by Australian researchers could underpin a new class of implantable devices that provide biological signals to surrounding tissue for better integration with the body and reduced risk of infection. The team has developed low-cost, practical techniques to guide and attach peptides to surfaces. Medicine increasingly relies on biomedical devices but their effectiveness is often limited be
New technology standard could shape the future of electronics design :: Scientists at the University of Southampton have discovered a way of enhancing the capabilities of an emerging nanotechnology that could open the door to a new generation of electronics.
Vitamin D supplements could ease painful IBS symptoms :: Vitamin D supplements could help to ease painful Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms, a new study from the University of Sheffield has found.Scientists from the University's Department of Oncology and Metabolism reviewed and integrated all available research on vitamin D and IBS — a condition which affects two in 10 people in the UK.
Crows 'hooked' on fast food :: Biologists at the universities of St. Andrews and Edinburgh have discovered why some crows 'craft' elaborate hooked tools out of branched twigs.
Real-world intercontinental quantum communications enabled by the Micius satellite :: A joint China-Austria team has performed quantum key distribution between the quantum-science satellite Micius and multiple ground stations located in Xinglong (near Beijing), Nanshan (near Urumqi), and Graz (near Vienna). Such experiments demonstrate the secure satellite-to-ground exchange of cryptographic keys with ?kHz rate during the passage of the satellite Micius over a ground station. Using
How breast cancer survivors can increase their reduced life expectancy :: A USC study suggests regular exercise could add to the life expectancy of breast cancer survivors because it lowers their heightened risk of cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes and possibly breast cancer recurrence. 'Many people don't know the No. 1 cause of death for breast cancer survivors is heart disease, not cancer,' said Christina Dieli-Conwright, lead author of a study published in the
Occupational therapy improves health, quality of life of young adults with diabetes :: New results from a University of Southern California-led research study demonstrates the distinct value of occupational therapy for improving the health and quality of life of young adults living with diabetes. Research participants who completed the occupational therapy intervention program significantly improved their average blood glucose levels, diabetes-related quality of life and habits for
Surprising discovery links sour taste to the inner ear's ability to sense balance :: Scientists at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences have discovered an entirely new class of ion channels. These channels let protons (H+ ions) into cells, are important in the inner ear for balance, and are present in the taste cells that respond to sour flavors.
Study: Patients receive most opioids at the doctor's office, not the ER :: A close examination of federal survey data shows that while many settings including ERs cut back on prescribing opioids for more than a decade, physicians' offices continued to prescribe them.
New meta-analysis: Recreational football is broad-spectrum medicine :: The most popular sport in the world is much more than entertainment: football is broad-spectrum medicine against lifestyle diseases. A new meta-analysis of 31 scientific studies provides strong evidence that short-term football training improves aerobic fitness, blood pressure, resting heart rate, fat percentage, LDL cholesterol and muscle strength for several patient groups.
An eNose is able to sniff out bacteria that cause soft tissue infections :: A recent study conducted at the University of Tampere, Tampere University of Technology, Pirkanmaa Hospital District and Fimlab in Finland has concluded that an electronic nose (eNose) can be used to identify the most common bacteria causing soft tissue infections.
Drought defense :: Just as the microorganisms in our gut are increasingly recognized as important players in human health and behavior, new research from the University of Toronto Mississauga demonstrates that microorganisms are equally critical to the growth and health of plants. For example, plants that are able to recruit particular bacteria to their root microbiomes are much more drought resistant than their fel
High-res imaging gives an unparalleled view of how fungi grow :: Many fungus species grow through a process of vesicle secretion that can be applied in a biotechnology setting to make commercial or medical products. However, the details of this process are unclear. Researchers at the University of Tsukuba (Japan) used a high-speed imaging technique to visualize hyphal growth in the fungus Aspergillus nidulans. Several new features were uncovered, including the
Increasing number of adolescents receive a psychiatric or neurodevelopmental diagnosis :: According to a national register study comparing Finnish birth cohorts from 1987 and 1997, an increasing number of adolescents receive a psychiatric or neurodevelopmental diagnosis. The number of diagnosed adolescents increased especially for girls in the younger cohort. The results of the study conducted by the University of Turku, Finland, and the National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL)
New study on the impact of relatedness on grandmothers' desire to care for grandchildren :: Historically, grandmothers have been important to their grandchildren, and the help provided by grandmothers has increased grandchild survival during the times of high child mortality. However, there have been signs that in many populations, the impact of maternal grandmothers and paternal grandmothers on their grandchildren has been different. A recent study conducted at the University of Turku,
Blast, bubble and brain injury :: Researchers from the University of Texas at Arlington used supercomputers at the Texas Advanced Computing Center to simulate how bubbles caused by explosions may damage neurons in the brain. Using similar methods, the team reported in the Journal of the American Ceramic Society how nanoparticles affect the fragility of ceramic materials used in space shuttles. They found that the conventional wisd
Discrepancies between satellite and global model estimates of land water storage :: Research led by The University of Texas at Austin has found that calculations of water storage in many river basins from commonly used global computer models differ markedly from independent storage estimates from GRACE satellites.
New research collaboration with UTSA professor challenges existing models of black holes :: Chris Packham, associate professor of physics and astronomy at The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), has collaborated on a new study that expands the scientific community's understanding of black holes in our galaxy and the magnetic fields that surround them.
Researchers devise decoy molecule to block pain where it starts :: For anyone who has accidentally injured themselves, Dr. Zachary Campbell not only sympathizes, he's developing new ways to blunt pain. Campbell, who researches pain on the molecular level at the University of Texas at Dallas, recently published a study in the journal Nature Communications that describes a new method of reducing pain-associated behaviors with RNA-based medicine, creating a new clas
Tiny dinosaur may have dazzled mates with rainbow ruff and a bony crest :: Ancient dinosaurs were adorned in some amazing ways, from the horns of the triceratops to the plates and spikes of the stegosaurus. A newly discovered, bird-like dinosaur fossil from China contains evidence that could add a new accessory to the list: a shaggy ruff of rainbow feathers.
Climate change and snowmelt — turn up the heat, but what about humidity? :: Changes in humidity may determine how the contribution of snowpack to streams, lakes and groundwater changes as the climate warms. Surprisingly, cloudy, gray and humid winter days can actually cause the snowpack to warm faster, increasing the likelihood of melt during winter months when the snowpack should be growing, the authors report. In contrast, under clear skies and low humidity the snow can
Reaching the breaking point :: To better understand why many elderly people are prone to break a bone in a fall (known as bone fragility fractures), perhaps doctors and researchers should look at the human skeleton in much the same way civil engineers analyze buildings and bridges, according to a new study from a University of Utah mechanical engineering professor.
Anemia discovery offers new targets to treat fatigue in millions :: UVA has discovered an unknown biological process that controls the production of vital cells that carry oxygen throughout the body. The discovery could help doctors develop new treatments for anemias that affect millions of people.
Hunting dogs as possible vectors for the infectious disease tularaemia :: The zoonosis Tularaemia is life-threatening for rodents, rabbits and hares, but which can also infect humans and dogs. While contact with contaminated blood or meat makes hunters a high-risk group, the frequency of infections among hunting dogs has not been much studied. Researchers from Vetmeduni Vienna now confirmed a relevant prevalence of infections in Austrian hunting dogs. This could intensi
Adding graphene girders to silicon electrodes could double the life of lithium batteries :: New research led by WMG, at the University of Warwick has found an effective approach to replacing graphite in the anodes of lithium-ion batteries using silicon, by reinforcing the anode's structure with graphene girders. This could more than double the life of rechargeable lithium-ion based batteries and also increase the capacity delivered by those batteries.
A new 'atmospheric disequilibrium' could help detect life on other planets :: A new study has found a simple approach to look for life that might be more promising than just looking for oxygen.
A 'touching sight': How babies' brains process touch builds foundations for learning :: A new study from the University of Washington Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences provides one of the first looks inside the infant's brain to show where the sense of touch is processed — not just when a baby feels a touch to the hand or foot, but when the baby sees an adult's hand or foot being touched, as well. Researchers say these connections help lay the groundwork for the developmental
Bio-renewable process could help 'green' plastic :: Plastics are often derived from petroleum, contributing to reliance on fossil fuels and driving harmful greenhouse gas emissions. To change that, Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC) scientists are trying to take the pliable nature of plastic in another direction, developing new and renewable ways of creating plastics from biomass.
Clockwork under the microscope :: Circadian clocks regulate the behaviour of all living things. Scientists from the University of Würzburg have now taken a closer look at the clock's anatomical structures and molecular processes in the honeybee.
Math can predict how cancer cells evolve :: Applied mathematics can be a powerful tool in helping predict the genesis and evolution of different types of cancers, a study from the University of Waterloo has found.
Study advances gene therapy for glaucoma :: In a study published today in the scientific journal Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Kaufman and Curtis Brandt, a fellow professor of ophthalmology and visual sciences at UW-Madison, showed an improved tactic for delivering new genes into the eye's fluid drain, called the trabecular meshwork. It could lead to a treatment for glaucoma.
Small hydroelectric dams increase globally with little research, regulations :: University of Washington researchers have published the first major assessment of small hydropower dams around the world — including their potential for growth — and highlight the incredibly variability in how dams of varying sizes are categorized, regulated and studied.
UW researcher leads study of first quantifiable observation of cloud seeding :: For the first time, direct observation of cloud seeding — from the growth of the ice crystals through the processes that occur in the clouds to the eventual fallout of the ice crystals that become snow — has been documented.
Study shows how fetal infections may cause adult heart disease :: Infants born prematurely are known to have a higher risk of developing heart disease later in life. Now, a study led by researchers at the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle shows that, in preterm animal models, inflammation due to infection can disrupt the activity of genes that are crucial for normal development of the heart. The findings point to the importance of developing
Research uncovers new link between head trauma, CTE and Lou Gehrig's disease :: Researchers at Western University have uncovered a unique neurobiological pathway triggered by head trauma which underlies both chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and Lou Gehrig's disease.
No evidence to support link between violent video games and behavior :: Researchers at the University of York have found no evidence to support the theory that video games make players more violent.
Drones learn to navigate autonomously by imitating cars and bicycles :: Developed by UZH researchers, the algorithm DroNet allows drones to fly completely by themselves through the streets of a city and in indoor environments. Therefore, the algorithm had to learn traffic rules and adapt training examples from cyclists and car drivers.
Unexpected helpers in wound healing :: Nerve cells in the skin help wounds to heal. When an injury occurs, cells known as glial cells change into repair cells and disseminate into the wound, where they help the skin to regenerate, researchers from the University of Zurich have shown.
Reduced attention to audiovisual synchrony in infancy predicts autism diagnosis :: An ability to integrate information from different sensory modalities is important for infants' development and for their perception of the environment. A new study suggests that infants who pay little attention to synchronous sights and sounds may be at elevated risk for developing autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Cryo-EM reveals critical protein-modifying complex and potential drug target :: Scientists have revealed the atomic-level structure of a molecular complex responsible for modifying proteins, possibly paving the way for the development of new medications for cancer and a host of other diseases.
Scientists discover how treating eczema could also alleviate asthma :: Scientists from VIB-UGent have discovered insights for a possible new therapy for eczema that also reduces the severity of asthma. The findings are an important next step in understanding the relationship between the two inflammatory diseases and to developing effective therapies. The results of the study are published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology.
Mosquitoes remember human smells, but also swats, researchers find :: A Virginia Tech study shows that mosquitoes can rapidly learn and remember the smells of hosts and that dopamine is a key mediator of this process. The study proved a mosquito's preference can shift if that person's smell is associated with an unpleasant sensation.
Augmented and virtual reality will involve human senses in verifying the operations of information systems :: Many new applications aim to make information systems and machines identify their users and take their individual needs and emotions into account.
Nuclear power plants must be able to withstand fires caused by aircraft impacts :: In his dissertation, Topi Sikanen, a Master of Science (Technology) and Research Scientist at VTT, examined the transport, evaporation and combustion of liquids in large-scale fire incidents.
Rising obesity rates in south leading to rapid increase in diabetes cases :: Rising obesity rates in several Southern states are leading to a rapid increase in new cases of diabetes among both black and white adults. A new study helmed by investigators at the University of Texas Health Science Center and Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) found the risk of diabetes is double for black patients.
New sensor for measuring electric field strength :: Standard Sensors for measuring electrical fields have one big problem: they usually distort the electric field they are supposed to measure. The problem gets worse if the sensor has to be grounded to provide a reference point. The new sensor developed in Vienna works in a different way. Two tiny silicon structures are displaced relative to each other, their movement is measured with light.
A call for greater attention to older women's sexual health :: A new Journal of the American Geriatrics Society article reviews common issues in caring for the sexual health of older women, noting that physicians often lack sufficient training.
Can cruise vacations contribute to well-being? :: A new International Journal of Tourism Research study indicates that cruise vacations are not only for fun but can also be beneficial for individuals' happiness and well-being.
Cancer immunotherapy found safe in patients with rheumatologic diseases :: In the largest single-center study of patients with rheumatologic diseases who were prescribed modern cancer immunotherapy with what are called immune checkpoint inhibitors, only a minority of patients experienced a flare of their rheumatologic disease or immune-related side effects.
Do terrorist attacks affect ethnic discrimination in the labor market? :: Terrorist attacks are known to influence public opinion, but do they also change behaviour? A new British Journal of Sociology study that addressed this question found that Pakistanis in Norway still experience the same level of discrimination, despite claims that Norwegians have become more positive about migrants after the far-right, anti-migrant terrorist attacks of 2011.
Herbal products may compromise prescription drugs and cause serious side effects :: An analysis of published studies and reports indicates that a number of herbal products may affect the properties of prescription drugs, leading to alterations in the drugs' effectiveness as well as potentially dangerous side effects.
Lifesaving microbubbles :: Severe oxygen deficiency eventually leads to cardiac arrest. If the blood's oxygen content cannot be rapidly re-established, the patient may die within minutes. In the journal Angewandte Chemie, American scientists have introduced air-filled microbubbles that could be used as an intravenous oxygen carrier to increase the survival rate of such patients. Because they rapidly dissolve in blood, the r
Many older individuals with type 2 diabetes are over-treated :: In a recent Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolism analysis of individuals aged 70 years with type 2 diabetes, almost 40 percent with recommended HbA1c levels (which indicate blood glucose levels) were over-treated.
Multifunctional platform for the delivery of gene therapeutics :: Gene editing is one of the hottest topics in cancer research. A Chinese research team has now developed a gold-nanoparticle-based multifunctional vehicle to transport the 'gene scissors' to the tumor cell genome. As the authors report in the journal Angewandte Chemie, their nonviral transport and release platform of gene-editing systems has the additional advantage of combining hyperthermal cancer
Mitigation techniques fall short of preventing electrocution of golden eagles on power poles :: Despite efforts to retrofit power poles and to build new poles to avian-friendly standards, electrocution remains a substantial cause of death for the golden eagle. The global conservation problem results in an estimated 504 eagles electrocuted annually in North America alone. A new Journal of Wildlife Management article examines the risk factors and mitigation techniques from literature published
Older hospitalized adults are infrequently tested for influenza :: This year's flu season is shaping up to be an especially serious one, and it's important for clinicians to promptly recognize, diagnosis, and treat influenza in hospitalized patients, especially in vulnerable populations such as older individuals.
Predator control can have unintended consequences :: Introduced predators pose threats to biodiversity and are implicated in the extinction of many native species.
School climate and diversity may affect students' delinquent behaviors :: In a Journal of School Health study, race, sex, perceived peer inclusion, and teacher discrimination were predictors of students' delinquent behaviors.
Study examines differences in hip fracture rates among nursing homes :: In a nationally representative study, researchers found considerable variation in the rates of hip fractures across US nursing home facilities. The Journal of the American Geriatrics Society study identified a number of modifiable facility-level characteristics that might be addressed, but the majority of the variation in the risk of hip fracture remained unexplained.
Social media use linked to lack of sleep in students :: Greater use of social media was associated with a greater likelihood of getting too little sleep in an Acta Paediatrica study of Canadian students aged 11-20 years.
The impact of lower total knee replacement rates in black Americans :: The impact of lower total knee replacement rates in black Americans.It's known that racial minorities in the United States undergo fewer total knee replacements (TKRs) for knee osteoarthritis, but it's unclear how this affects their quality of life. A new study published in Arthritis Care & Research indicates that, on a population level, black Americans lose 72,000 quality-adjusted life years (QAL
Which bone measures predict fractures in postmenopausal women? :: When investigators compared initial bone parameters with changes in those parameters over time in postmenopausal women, they found that initial measurements were significantly associated with women's risk of fracture. Rates of changes in bone density, microarchitecture, and strength were similar between the fracture and non-fracture groups.
A high-salt diet produces dementia in mice :: A high-salt diet reduces resting blood flow to the brain and causes dementia in mice.
Civic engagement can help teens thrive later in life :: Want to help your teenagers become successful adults? Get them involved in civic activities — voting, volunteering and activism.
Bacterial immune systems take the stage :: Researchers now understand that most microorganisms have sophisticated immune systems of which CRISPR is just one element; but there has been no good way to identify these systems. In a massive, systematic study, Prof. Rotem Sorek and his team at the Weizmann Institute of Science have now revealed the existence of 10 previously unknown immune defense mechanisms in bacteria.
Mapping the social landscape :: Scientists have, in recent decades, pinpointed neurons called 'place cells' in our brains that encode our own location in the environment, but how our brains represent the positions of others has been a mystery. New Weizmann Institute of Science research in bats, which was published today in Science, reveals a sub-population of neurons that encode the specific location of other bats that are flyin
Evidence supports 'weekend effect' for mortality after surgery :: As for other types of medical care, surgery appears to be prone to a significant 'weekend effect' — with higher odds of death when surgery is performed during or one or two days before the weekend, suggests a report in the February issue of Medical Care, published by Wolters Kluwer.
Researchers propose new gas-solid reaction for high-speed perovskite photodetector :: The gas-solid reaction method provides a full coverage of the perovskite film and avoids the damage from the organic solvent, which is beneficial for the light capture and electrons transportation, resulting in a faster response time and stability for the perovskite photodetector.
Researchers reveal high performance CNT catalyst relating to its electroconductivity :: Biofuels were obtained from Jatropha Oil using carbon nanotube (CNT) catalyst, which showed efficient cracking activity. The performance was activated by the high stability, metal sites, acid sites, electroconductivity, and coking tolerance of CNT. Two cracking circulations were found in the hydroprocessing. Meanwhile, the sulphur-free process was eco-friendly.
Epigenetics study helps focus search for autism risk factors :: Researchers at Washington State University and elsewhere have associated more than 2,000 DNA regions that control gene expression and are strongly associated with autism. Further study within one of those regions revealed a genetic mutation that is associated with increased risk of developing autism.
Cryo-electron microscopy reveals shape of heterochromatin :: Scientists from Waseda University, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology and the National Institute for Basic Biology became the first to successfully visualize the structure of heterochromatin, thanks to high-contrast imaging in cryo-electron microscopy. Their study demonstrates Japan's international competitiveness in structural biology research using this technique.
Pediatric physician-scientists struggle for funding :: A new, multicenter study that included Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has found that most NIH grants awarded to researchers in pediatrics during the past five years have been limited to physicians in senior positions at a small number of institutions. The findings indicate an overall downward trend in funding for pediatric research, particularly among early-career physician-
Genetic lung disease's molecular roots identified :: People with the rare genetic disease primary ciliary dyskinesia suffer repeated lung infections because they lack functional cilia, hairlike structures that sweep mucus through the airways. Most people have errors in the molecular motor that powers the cilia. But some have errors in non-motor proteins. Now, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis researchers report that mutated non-m
Memory loss from West Nile virus may be preventable :: More than 10,000 people in the United States are living with memory loss and other persistent neurological problems that occur after West Nile virus infects the brain. Now, a new study in mice suggests that such ongoing neurological deficits may be due to unresolved inflammation that hinders the brain's ability to repair damaged neurons and grow new ones. When the inflammation was reduced by treat
Making milestones against non-small cell lung cancer :: Progress concerning Lung cancer has been enormous in the past 20 years, according to a new review from researchers at Yale Cancer Center.
Air quality is leading environmental threat to public health, EPI report shows :: The 2018 Environmental Performance Index (EPI) finds that air quality is the leading environmental threat to public health. Now in its twentieth year, the biennial report is produced by researchers at Yale and Columbia Universities in collaboration with the World Economic Forum. The tenth EPI report ranks 180 countries on 24 performance indicators across 10 issue categories covering environmental
Yale cancer researchers propose new ways to select patients for clinical trials :: Yale Cancer Center investigators have demonstrated in a new study that more sophisticated models to assess patient risk for cancer can result in better clinical trials with more definitive results.
Annie Roth :: Contributor Annie Roth is a freelance journalist based in Santa Cruz, California. She uses journalism to put a spotlight on marginalized conservation issues. Follow her on Twitter @ AnnieRoth_AtSea .
Is China the Leader in Quantum Communications? :: Technology Chinese scientists have built two major quantum infrastructure projects, and the race is on to take the next step. 01/19/2018 Yuen Yiu, Staff Writer https://www.insidescience.org/news/china-leader-quantum-communications
BRIEF: Plant-Inspired Robots Inch Forward by Absorbing and Releasing Water :: BRIEF: Plant-Inspired Robots Inch Forward by Absorbing and Releasing Water Some of the so-called “hygrobots” can spontaneously advance across a wet surface. Inching robot.gif Image credits: Shin et al., Sci. Robot. 3, eaar2629 (2018) Technology Wednesday, January 24, 2018 – 14:00 Catherine Meyers, Editor (Inside Science) — Researchers have created robots that wriggle forward when the humidity in
BRIEF: Supernova Wannabe Dies With a Supersonic Quiver :: BRIEF: Supernova Wannabe Dies With a Supersonic Quiver New theoretical model predicts stars that fail to go supernovae may still not go gentle into that good night. Supernva-Wannabes.gif Image credits: Composite image by Yuen Yiu, source images by Dave Gandy ( speaker icon) / NASA, ESA, and G. Bacon ( Artist impression of supernova 1993J.) Rights information: CC BY 4.0 Space Thursday, January 25,
Is China the Leader in Quantum Communications? :: Is China the Leader in Quantum Communications? Chinese scientists have built two major quantum infrastructure projects, and the race is on to take the next step. chinasatellite.gif Image credits: Abigail Malate, Staff Illustrator Rights information: Copyright American Institute of Physics ( reprinting information ) Technology Friday, January 19, 2018 – 10:30 Yuen Yiu, Staff Writer (Inside Science
A One-Way Street for Light :: A One-Way Street for Light Researchers provide a blueprint for a tiny device that can control the direction of light. light-trapping.jpg Internal refraction of a beam of laser light inside a prism. Image credits: dgdean viaWikimedia Commons Rights information: CC BY 3.0 Physics Thursday, January 25, 2018 – 13:15 Yuen Yiu, Staff Writer (Inside Science) — Researchers have come up with a blueprint
Tipsy-Turvy: Does Dry January Do You Any Good? :: Tipsy-Turvy: Does Dry January Do You Any Good? The health benefits of a month without alcohol are unclear, and the British and Canadian medical authorities recommend several drink-free days per week. Winebottles.jpg Image credits: Guillaume Paumier via Flickr Rights information: CC BY-SA 2.0 Human Tuesday, January 23, 2018 – 16:30 Benjamin Plackett, Contributor (Inside Science) — Around 5 millio
Liver: Function, Failure & Disease :: The liver is a vital organ that supports nearly every other organ to some capacity. You cannot live without a healthy liver.
Pineapple: Health Benefits, Risks & Nutrition Facts :: Spiny on the outside, sweet on the inside, pineapples are one fantastic fruit.
What in the World Is Metallic Hydrogen? :: Hydrogen in extreme conditions, like below the cloud tops of Jupiter, starts acting…very strange.
Untouched 'Frozen Tomb' Discovered in Siberia :: The 2,800-year-old burial mound is hoped to contain the graves of Scythian royals.
How Fast Can Quantum Computers Get? :: Turns out, there's a quantum speed limit.
Apollo 17 Astronaut Laments Size of Moon Rock at Trump Signing Ceremony :: Apollo 17 astronaut Jack Schmitt wishes NASA had brought a bigger moon rock to the December 2017 signing ceremony for Space Policy Directive 1.
What's Hiding Inside Egypt's Great Pyramid? Tiny Robots May Find Out :: Possibilities range from a new burial chamber to a sealed-off construction passage.
Is America's Hypersonic Spy Plane Back and Better Than Ever? :: The SR-71 Blackbird hypersonic spy plane may be back and faster than ever.
Face-lift by Lava: Eruption Makes Volcano a Perfect Cone :: A fiery eruption just gave the Philippines’ most active volcano a face-lift, according to news reports.
Uganda Confirms Case of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever: What Is It? :: A 9-year-old boy in Uganda has tested positive for a potentially life-threatening disease called Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever.
The Internet Is Changing the Way People Feel About Religion :: Does more Internet mean less God? Probably not — but it might mean less church.
Day Zero: Cape Town Could Become 1st Major City To Run Out of Water :: Cape Town authorities are pleading with residents to save water, warning that the city's taps could go dry by April.
Mystery Solved: Here's What Caused a Massive Epidemic in Colonial Mexico :: Researchers have cracked a nearly 500-year-old mystery about the germ that caused the so-called cocoliztli outbreak, an epidemic that killed countless indigenous people in Mesoamerica shortly after the Spaniards arrived in the New World.
Boy's Strange Choking Episode: What Is Eosinophilic Esophagitis? :: A 14-year old boy in Missouri who appeared to choke on a ham and cheese sandwich turned out to have a rare immune condition that can injure the esophagus.
China's Quantum-Key Network, the Largest Ever, Is Officially Online :: The Chinese satellite Micius has once again shattered records, this time enabling practical quantum encryption between Beijing and Austria.
Can Hobbits Swim? 'Mordor Under the Sea' Found Off Australia :: One does not simply swim into Mordor.
Surprise! California Man Finds Huge Tapeworm in His Gut :: A California man pulled a shockingly large tapeworm from his body, which he may have contracted from eating sushi, according to his doctors.
Don't Poo-Poo This: Why Dogs Feast on Feces :: For poop-eating dogs, not just any old poo will do.
This Spiny Plant Is Sending People to the Emergency Room :: The sharp, spiny leaves of the yucca – a trendy plant found in gardens the world over – has caused serious ear injuries that have sent more than two dozen people to the emergency room, a new report from Australia finds.
The History of Russia's 'Plague Fort,' Where Scientists Battled Death (and Lost) :: A military outpost jutting from the Gulf of Finland has an eerie history.
His and Her Hookworm: Same Rash Strikes Couple on the Rear :: A husband and wife returned home from a Caribbean cruise with identical souvenirs from their vacation: parasitic infections that caused itchy, red rashes on the couple's backsides.
Tableware from the Toilet: Colonial Pottery from Philly Privy on Display :: It may look pretty, but you don't want to know where it's been.
How Did These Kids Make a Towering Bubble Bath Igloo? :: A GIF shows kids playing inside a huge tower of bubbles.
Stand Back, Way Back: Flu Virus Can Be Spread Just by Breathing :: Simply standing back when someone coughs or sneezes won't necessarily protect you from the flu — the virus can spread just by breathing.
Photos: 508-Million-Year-Old Bristly Worm Looked Like a Kitchen Brush :: The fossils of an ancient, eyeless worm show it was covered in so many bristles that it looked like a kitchen brush. The finds are helping researchers solve an evolutionary mystery.
508-Million-Year-Old Bristly Worm Helps Solve an Evolutionary Puzzle :: An eyeless, alien-like worm with two tentacles sprouting out of its head and covered in so many bristles it looked like a kitchen brush would have been quite a sight during its heyday as it scarfed down seafloor mud some 508 million years ago.
Why Flesh-Eating Bacteria Can Look Like the Flu :: An Arizona woman who was initially diagnosed with the flu turned out to have a life-threating infection with "flesh eating" bacteria, according to news reports.
1.7-Billion-Year-Old Chunk of North America Found Sticking to Australia :: Rocks from opposite sides of the globe reveal that part of Australia was once attached to North America.
Flat-Earth Rocketeer Says He Will Launch in Two Weeks :: "Mad" Mike Hughes, a flat-Earth conspiracy theorist, appears to have a new rocket and a new launch date for his mission to prove our oblate spheroid world is actually a disc.
Nobody Knows Why These Bees Built a Spiral Nest :: This Australian stingless bee builds spiral towers of its unborn young. That may be the least weird thing about it.
New Blood Test Can Detect 8 Types of Cancer :: Researchers have developed a new blood test that can detect eight common types of cancer, including the notoriously elusive liver and pancreatic cancers.
Einstein's Letter Defending Murderous Friend Up for Auction :: When a close friend of Albert Einstein committed murder, Einstein rushed to defend his character, according to a letter the Nobel Prize winner wrote that is hitting the auction block.
Could This Newfound Cave Hold More Dead Sea Scrolls? :: Archaeologists have hopes of finding new fragments of these biblical manuscripts.
What Is 'Ice' Psychosis? :: A new study has looked at why some crystal meth users suffer psychosis and others don't.
Major Earthquake Strikes Off Alaska :: A 7.9-magnitude earthquake struck off Kodiak, Alaska, this morning. A tsunami warning is in effect for parts of Alaska and British Columbia, Canada.
Why 200,000 Antelope Dropped Dead in 3 Weeks :: A killer was lurking inside the rare saiga antelope.
Dumpster Rats! A Pile of Pests Swarm in a Paris Bin :: If you suffer from musophobia, a fear of rodents, this would be a scene out of your worst nightmare.
How a Norwegian Jetliner Just Set a Trans-Atlantic Speed Record :: An unusually fast jet stream is offering commercial jets the chance make the crossing at unheard-of speeds.
The New Thinnest Mirrors in the World Use Quantum 'Excitons' to Reflect Light :: Two separate teams of scientists have built the thinnest mirrors in the world: sheets of molybdenum diselenide (MoSe2), each just a single atom wide.
Could 'Zombie Deer' Disease Spread to Humans? :: Deer dying from a fatal neurological disease have been found in at least 22 states in the U.S. and in parts of Canada.
Man Bites Phone Battery, Exploding Battery Wins :: What happens when you bite down on a smartphone battery? The results are fairly shocking.
Probiotic Milk May Help Reduce the Risk of Pregnancy Complications :: Drinking probiotic-rich milk during pregnancy may decrease a woman's risk of developing two pregnancy-related problems, a new study from Norway suggests.
Medieval Text Resolves Mystery of Viking-Irish Battle :: The famous Irish king, Brian Boru, is credited with defeating the Vikings at the Battle of Clontarf in 1014. But not everyone heaps praise on the king. Historians have cast doubt on whether Boru's main enemies were the Vikings, or his own countrymen.
12 Sexy Camels Kicked Out of Beauty Contest for Using Botox :: Saudi Arabia's King Abdulaziz Camel Festival kicked out a dozen camels from a beauty contest for receiving Botox injections.
Photos: The Reconstruction of Teen Who Lived 9,000 Years Ago :: Swedish sculptor Oscar Nilsson reconstructed the face of an 18-year-old young woman, dubbed Avgi, whose 9,000-year-old bones were found in a cave in central Greece.
Dead Sea Scroll Remains a Puzzle After Scientists Crack its Code :: The scroll contains part of a 364-day calendar of holy days.
Stunning Re-Creation Shows What Stone Age Woman Looked Like 9,000 Years Ago :: Bones from the 18-year-old woman dubbed Avgi were left in the Theopetra cave in Greece 9,000 years ago.
Tractor Beam Levitates Large Orbs with Sound :: Scientists are figuring out how to make larger and larger objects float on sound waves.
Ursula K. Le Guin, Influential Science-Fiction Writer, Dies at 88 :: Writer Ursula K. Le Guin, whose work spanned multiple genres including science fiction, fantasy, poetry and essays, died on Monday (Jan. 22) at the age of 88.
Watch a Monster Spider Abduct a Cricket in a Horrifying Sneak Attack :: A horror-movie-like GIF shows an African trapdoor spider ambush.
Interstellar Influenza? Space Viruses Could Reveal Alien Life :: You probably think about viruses only when you're sick, but there's a group of microbiologists who want to change that. In fact, they want you to consider the possibility that viruses may be found in space.
Monkeys Have Been Cloned, Paving the Way for Human Cloning :: For the first time, scientists have cloned non-human primates.
If Your Cat Swats with Its Left Paw, It's Probably Male :: Cats have dominant paws (and will probably slap you with them).
No Needles: Contact Lens Could Monitor Glucose for People with Diabetes :: Many people with diabetes need to prick their finger for a drop of blood up to eight times a day to monitor their glucose levels, an uncomfortable and cumbersome task. It can all add up to tens of thousands of finger pricks over a person's lifetime.
Photos: Burnt Wreck May Be Last Known Ship to Carry Slaves to US :: A burnt wreck found near Mobile, Alabama, may be the long-lost Clotilda, the last known ship to bring slaves to the United States.
Little Legs, Big Impact: Baby's Kicks Pack a Punch in Mom's Womb :: Babies aren't so wimpy after all – here's how much force is behind a baby's kick.
How Getting the Flu May Put You at Risk of a Heart Attack :: The flu can be a serious illness itself, but it may also increase the risk of having a heart attack, a new study from Canada finds.
Do Supplements Really Work? Check Out These Fact Sheets for Answers :: Several new resources from the National Institutes of Health aim to help people cut through the confusion over supplements.
Origin of Universe's Most Energetic Particles Possibly Found :: A new theory connects three of the most energetic particles in the universe.
Alabama Reporter Finds Last Known Slave Ship in US :: The discovery of a burnt, 19th-century wreck near Alabama has experts wondering whether the Clotilda's remains have finally been found.
Why Are So Many People So Unhappy? :: The likely culprit? Changes in how we spend our free time.
Armageddon Update: 'Doomsday Clock' Stands at 2 Minutes to Midnight :: The "Doomsday Clock," a hypothetical countdown to global Armageddon, gets a new position.
New Ocean-Dwelling, Bacteria-Killing Tailless Virus Hid in Plain Sight :: Scientists have identified a new family of ocean-dwelling, bacteria-killing viruses.
Crystal Slab of 'Snowflakes' to Become World's Tiniest Sonic Shield :: Acoustics go nano.
'Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence' Needs a New Name, SETI Pioneer Says :: SETI pioneer Jill Tarter thinks the "search for extraterrestrial intelligence" needs to undergo a rebranding.
Why a Pot 'Breathalyzer' Won't Work :: It's really tricky to measure how much marijuana a person has used on a given day — and how impaired their driving may be as the result of that use — a new review says.
American Cats Are Too Fat — But This Diet Can Help :: How do you get a house cat to lose weight? The onus is on the owner.
Human History Gets Longer: Oldest Fossils Outside of Africa Found :: The oldest fossils of modern humans outside Africa have been discovered in Israel.
Immaculate Conception: Centuries-Old Theological Rift Shows Up on CNN :: A tense argument about politics turns theological on prime time.
Rare, Mohawk-Wearing Fish Discovered 'Walking' on Seafloor :: The discovery of a new group of weird fish – which sport bright red, Mohawk-like fins on their heads and finger-like fins on their sides – has delighted the divers who encountered them, just as they were trying to find the extremely endangered species.
Quantum Physicist Named 'Australian of the Year' :: Chalk one up for the physicists, as 2018’s "Australian of the Year" title goes to a quantum physicist who created the world’s first transistor made from a single atom.
Blindness treatment will insert algae gene into people’s eyes :: Optogenetic techniques that use light to control nerve cells are being tried in people at last – and could lead to treatments for several types of blindness
Hot yoga’s high temperature may not have any health benefits :: Despite all the extra effort and sweat, a study suggests that the high temperature used in hot yoga classes may not have any useful effect
Some exoplanets orbiting red giant stars may just be a mirage :: Red giant stars may be tricking us into thinking they have planets when they don’t. Instead, sunspots or atmospheric ripples might be distorting their light
Commercial electric pulse fishing should be banned for now :: The growing use in Europe of trawl nets that stun fish with electricity has divided opinion. It should be scaled back and properly researched, says Lesley Evans Ogden
Good news: animals won’t shrink as the climate gets warmer :: A 19th-century ‘rule’ connecting animal body size and environmental temperature has been challenged, allaying fears that animals may decrease in size as the climate gets warmer
New CRISPR method could take gene editing to the next level :: While CRISPR is great at turning off and disabling genes, it isn’t very good at fixing faulty ones. But a powerful new method could change that
Your boss not saying ‘thank you’ could be bad for your health :: If you love your job and work hard but feel you get little recognition or reward, you could be on the road to chronic stress, burnout and other health issues
Deadly solar flares may have helped seed life on Mars and beyond :: High-energy particles that can strip away planetary atmospheres and cause biological damage might also forge the complex organic molecules that give rise to life
No, the worst-case climate change futures haven’t been ruled out :: A single study has been hailed for narrowing the range of possible climate change scenarios, but figuring out how the world will warm is more complicated than headlines suggest
Medieval gamblers turned their back on fate and made dice fair :: Dice from archaeological digs in the Netherlands and the UK became fairer 600 years ago – 250 years before we began to really understand probability
Black holes are firing a triple-threat of speedy particles at us :: Black holes have the weirdest kids. Three types of the highest energy particles in the cosmos could all be born in the chaos near a supermassive black hole
Ruptured Tibetan glaciers triggered massive speedy avalanches :: In 2016, a pair of glaciers suddenly collapsed and sent huge chunks of ice hurtling downhill. The events suggest such disasters are more common than we thought
Upstart Electron rocket has made it to orbit for the first time :: Space flight is getting more affordable. The Electron rocket, smaller and cheaper than most of its commercial competitors, has put three satellites into orbit
Spy balloons flying 40km up track drug smugglers on the ground :: The US military are testing uncrewed, hydrogen-filled balloons that can keep watch over a small area by catching different winds in the stratosphere
AI that cracked ancient secret code could help robot translation :: Breaking ciphers is like learning to translate a language, so a technique that unscrambled one of the earliest known examples could assist machine translation
Tsunami warning for US west coast after magnitude-7.9 earthquakeAlaska Tsunami EarthquakeA tsunami alert has been issued for the US west coast after a major earthquake struck at sea off the coast of Alaska
Huge volcano eruption in the Philippines forces mass evacuation :: More than 50,000 villagers were forced to flee their homes after the most active volcano in the Phillipines, Mount Mayon, spewed lava and ash plumes
Australia’s A$60 million plan for Great Barrier Reef won’t work :: The Australian government has pledged millions of dollars in extra funding to protect the Great Barrier Reef, but none of it will go to tackling the biggest threat
We’ve stopped trusting social media – and that’s a good thing :: I'm one of the growing number of users cynical about social networks such as Facebook. But there are upsides to all this digital doubt, says Lara Williams
Drug that fools the womb could help stop painful periods :: A drug tested in mice tricks the womb into thinking there is low oxygen, which promotes healing and prevents excessive bleeding during menstruation
Google-sponsored race to the moon has ended without a winner :: None of the private space firms racing to put a rover on the moon will be ready to launch by March, so the $30 million Google Lunar X Prize will go unclaimed
Our best way to geoengineer the climate may well trash Earth :: A key plan to reduce global warming is to grow crops for fuel then capture and bury the carbon released when it's burned. This risks ecocide, says Olive Heffernan
Smart contact lens monitors sweetness of diabetics’ tears :: The contact lens measures glucose levels in tears and alerts the wearer to dangerous levels using a tiny light that looks like a speck of glitter
3D ‘holograms’ made with lasers by moving one particle at a time :: By moving a single particle with an invisible laser beam, we can create three-dimensional images like the holograms in sci-fi movies that float in thin air
Just one cigarette a day can cause serious heart problems :: Among men, half of the risk associated with smoking a pack of 20 comes from just the first cigarette
First monkeys, and then us? Human cloning must stay off limitsHuman Monkeys Hua HuaThe ability to clone monkeys will rekindle speculation about doing the same with humans. There are many reasons to oppose it, says Marcy Darnovsky
Chimps are now dying of the common cold and they are all at risk :: The deaths of five Ugandan chimpanzees have been traced to a human cold virus, and DNA tests suggest all African chimps are vulnerable
These are the worst ready-made sandwiches for the climate :: Producing ready-made sandwiches can generate twice as much carbon dioxide as simply making them at home, and one particular filling is egregiously bad
How do you stop your smart glasses filming in the toilet? :: Body cameras and smart glasses can capture your every waking move, so a new device stares at your eyeball to know when to record
Calm down – China is not racing ahead with human CRISPR trials :: Despite treating 86 people since 2015, China's approach to CRISPR genome-editing in humans is basic and risky
Ancient jawbone suggests humans left Africa 50,000 years earlier :: We thought that Homo sapiens were confined to Africa until 120,000 years ago, but a jawbone from an Israeli cave reveals an exodus over 170,000 years ago
Are human clones next? Your trickiest cloning questions answered :: We answer your technical and ethical concerns raised after the arrival of the world’s first cloned monkeys using the Dolly technique
A capsized oil tanker is releasing invisible toxins into the sea :: The slick of oil condensate from a stricken tanker in the East China Sea is a threat to all marine life, not least because it is invisible
Apocalypse not now but the fate of civilisation is in our hands :: If societal collapse is coming, we have the means to prevent it. Let’s not mess it up like we did with climate change
YouTube’s bots aren’t protecting kids from all its nasty videos :: YouTube has become the top source of videos for kids of all ages, but without transparency on its algorithms, it is hard for parents to trust
Scientists have cloned monkeys and it could help treat cancerHuman Monkeys Hua HuaMeet the first of a possible army of cloned monkeys that could treat many diseases, but is this a step to human cloning, and will anyone but China accept them?
The origin of insect wings has been revealed by gene editing :: Wings have helped insects to dominate the skies for 400 million years, and now CRISPR is revealing exactly how the first wings evolved
U.S. Set To Decide In Trade Dispute Threatening Booming Solar Industry :: President Trump is facing a Jan. 26 deadline to decide whether to impose tariffs on solar imports. While tariffs could help level the playing field for U.S. manfacturers, they could also raise prices. (Image credit: Mark Lennihan/AP)
Drought-Stricken Cape Town Braces For Water To Run Out In April :: Officials in the South African city of 3.7 million are restricting water usage amid fears it will run out of water by April 21. Experts say the crisis has been exacerbated by rapid population growth. (Image credit: Rodger Bosch /AFP/Getty Images)
The Power Hour :: This week on Hidden Brain's radio show, we tackled a big topic: power. From our conflicted feelings toward the powerful, to the ways we gain and lose power ourselves, and how power really can corrupt. (Image credit: D Dipasupil/WireImage)
Hidden Brain: Researchers Delve Into Improving Concentration :: Can we improve concentration when our attention is constantly being diverted? Researchers found running electrical current through someone's head helps — but it isn't the most practical solution.
Scientific Theory And The Multiverse Madness :: An increasing number of theoretical physicist think that our universe is only one among infinitely many — but this speculation is not based on sound logic, says guest commentator Sabine Hossenfelder. (Image credit: Serge Brunier/ESO)
Welcome To The Age Of Digital Transcendence :: Smartphones have become an extension of the owner; it is the closest we've ever become to being omnipresent and omniscient and — in a metaphorical sense, at least — divine, says Marcelo Gleiser. (Image credit: Poike/Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Helping Farmed Animals: High-Impact Rescue :: Following the example of an elephant caught on video that apparently thanked human rescuers, anthropologist Barbara King gives a shout-out to new campaigns that help farmed animals. (Image credit: branex/Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Is There A Ticking Time Bomb Under The Arctic? :: Just what exactly is permafrost? And what is happening now that it's warming up? To find out, we enter the Arctic Circle's secret world of ice and frozen history. (Image credit: Kate Ramsayer/NASA)
Are There Zombie Viruses In The Thawing Permafrost? :: There's a new fear from climate change: Bacteria and viruses buried in frozen ground coming back to life as the Arctic warms up. We went digging in permafrost to find out how worried we should be. (Image credit: Varham Muradyan for NPR)
Some Types Of Songs Are Universally Identifiable, Study Suggests :: To see if music really is a universal language, researchers gave people 14 second samples of songs from around the world and asked them to say what kind of song it is. (Image credit: Klubovy/Getty Images )
How To Teach Mosquitoes To Leave You Alone :: Mosquitoes find some people way more delicious than others. Now scientists have found a way to make you less attractive, no chemicals needed. (Image credit: Tyler Stableford / Aurora Outdoo/Getty Images/Aurora Creative)
Food Stamp Program Makes Fresh Produce More Affordable :: A federally funded experimental program is partnering with a Latino grocery chain to reward people who use their food stamps to put more fresh produce on their tables. (Image credit: Courtney Perkes/Kaiser Health News )
Saunas Are A Hot Trend, And They Might Even Help Your Health :: Sweating in a sauna feels good, and it's associated with health benefits including a lower risk of heart disease. But is that because of the heat, or because you're able to kick back and relax? (Image credit: bortonia/Getty Images )
Chinese Scientists Clone Monkeys Using Method That Created Dolly The SheepHuman Monkeys Hua HuaA team of researchers has produced two macaque monkey clones using a technique called somatic cell nuclear transfer. It's a first for primates. The advance could hasten research into human diseases. (Image credit: Qiang Sun and Mu-ming Poo/Chinese Academy of Sciences/Cell Press)
Flu Virus Can Trigger A Heart Attack :: The rate of hospitalizations due to influenza is continuing to rise. Now, a study finds the risk of having a heart attack also spikes in the days after a confirmed diagnosis of flu. (Image credit: laflor/Getty Images)
Will State Voters Continue To Pour Money Into Stem Cell Research? :: California alone has spent billions in state funds over the last 14 years to support stem cell research. Scientists want another round of cash. So, what exactly did voters get for their money so far? (Image credit: Courtesy of Alysia Padilla-Vaccaro )
Scientists Peek Inside The 'Black Box' Of Soil Microbes To Learn Their Secrets :: Microorganisms play a vital role in growing food and sustaining the planet, but they do it anonymously. Scientists haven't identified most soil microbes, but they are learning which are most common. (Image credit: PeopleImages/Getty Images)
New Report Shows Weather Disasters In 2017 Cost More Than $300 Billion :: Hurricanes, fires and even hail contributed to billions of dollars in damages. The government study also finds that it was among the warmest years on record. (Image credit: Emily Kask/AFP/Getty Images)
Iowa Boys Charged In Connection With Deaths Of Half A Million Honeybees :: The unidentified boys, ages 12 and 13, are accused of ransacking a Sioux City honey farm, knocking over hives and exposing the bees to frigid winter temperatures. (Image credit: Andy Duback/AP)
Several Injured After Volcanic Eruption At Japanese Ski Resort :: Mount Kusatsu-Shirane suddenly erupted Tuesday morning, spewing volcanic rocks and belching a curtain of black smoke. An avalanche that followed injured at least 10 people.
Tsunami Alert Is Downgraded Along Alaska's Coast After Powerful Quake :: The magnitude 7.9 earthquake struck about 175 southeast of Kodiak, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The U.S. Tsunami Warning System issued a tsunami warning before downgrading to an advisory. (Image credit: U.S. Tsunami Warning System)
Philippine Volcano Erupts, Causing 56,000 To Flee :: Authorities raised Mount Mayon's alert level to 4 out of a possible 5, indicating "intense unrest" and the possibility of a particularly violent, hazardous eruption within days. (Image credit: Bullit Marquez/AP)
Google's Space Race To The Moon Ends, And Nobody Wins Lunar X Prize :: When it was announced in 2007, the prize's organizers said they expected it to be claimed before the original deadline of Dec. 31, 2014. One team raised more than $90 million. (Image credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center/Arizona State University)
Plastic Pollution Is Killing Coral Reefs, 4-Year Study Finds :: A study in the Pacific Ocean finds that bags and bottles are sickening and killing reefs from Thailand to Australia. Coral reefs already are susceptible to disease due to unusually warm water. (Image credit: Michael O'Neill/Science Source)
Grumpy Cat Awarded $710,000 In Copyright Infringement Suit :: A jury said that Grenade Beverages illegally used the social media star's likeness on a line of coffee grounds and T-shirts promoting its "Grumppuccino" brand iced coffee. (Image credit: Richard Vogel/AP)
This Mummified Woman Now Has A Name — And A Famous Relative: Boris Johnson :: Meet Anna Catharina Bischoff, an 18th century syphilitic woman found in 1975. Researchers announced her name Thursday. And the U.K. foreign secretary says he's "very proud" to have the new family tie. (Image credit: Gregor Brändli/Courtesy of Naturhistorisches Museum Basel)
Rebellious Cow Finds Winter Home Among Polish Bison :: She has been spotted twice on the outskirts of Poland's Bialowieza Forest. She appears to be healthy, but she'll need to be removed from the herd before mating season. (Image credit: Rafal Kowalczyk/AP)
High-Fat Diet May Fuel Spread of Prostate Cancer :: New research suggests a strong link between genes, dietary fat and prostate cancer.
Global Health: ‘Smart Thermometers’ Track Flu Season in Real TimeGoogle IT SupportCan 500,000 thermometers transmitting 25,000 readings a day forecast the spread of flu more accurately than the C.D.C.?
The Parasite on the Playground :: Roundworm eggs, shed by stray dogs, can be ingested by children playing outside. The worm’s larvae have been found in the brain, experts say, perhaps impairing development.
Mathilde Krim, Mobilizing Force in an AIDS Crusade, Dies at 91 :: Dr. Krim raised awareness of the scourge and money to fight it while lobbying governments and enlisting a broad spectrum of powerful allies.
After a Debacle, How California Became a Role Model on Measles :: Changing minds on vaccination is very difficult, but it isn’t so important when a law can change behavior.
Young Women Are Using A.D.H.D. Drugs in Greater Numbers, C.D.C. Reports :: Since 2003, the percentage of women filling prescriptions for drugs like Ritalin has increased nearly fivefold in some age groups.
Drilling Off Florida Is Still On the Table, Interior Official Says :: A surprise statement on Friday undercut last week’s announcement that Florida had been granted an exemption from President Trump’s offshore-drilling plan.
The New Old Age: One Day Your Mind May Fade. At Least You’ll Have a Plan. :: A doctor has developed an advance directive specifically to plan for medical care in the event of dementia.
Trump Passed a Cognitive Exam. What Does That Really Mean? :: The exam, called the Moca, is widely used in doctor’s offices, but it is not sophisticated enough to diagnose mental decline, experts say.
He Traded a Tortoise for a Turtle. He Got 6 Months in Jail. :: A Queens man who traded a 95-pound tortoise stolen from a nature center for $300 and a musk turtle has always been “an animal lover,” his mother says. “That’s really his downfall.”
Trilobites: They Hunt. They Gather. They’re Very Good at Talking About Smells. :: A study of hunter-gatherers on the Malay Peninsula suggests that culture plays a role in how we describe the odors all around us.
SpaceX’s Big Rocket, the Falcon Heavy, Finally Reaches the Launchpad :: After years of delay, the Falcon Heavy — a beefed-up version of SpaceX’s workhorse Falcon 9 — could launch in the weeks ahead.
Q&A: Why the Forest Doesn’t Fear the Fire :: Plants are not “aware” of fire, but many species have developed adaptations to it.
For Tsunami Forecasters, Speed Is EverythingAlaska Tsunami WarningIn many major earthquakes, most destruction is caused by water. To warn the public, forecasters have to shoot first and ask questions later.
Bigger, Faster Avalanches, Triggered by Climate Change :: A deadly 2016 glacier collapse in Tibet surpassed scientists’ expectations — until it happened again. They worry it’s only the beginning.
Global Health: New Index Rates Drug Companies in Fight Against ‘Superbugs’ :: Glaxo and Johnson & Johnson top a new measure of how drugmakers do against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which are becoming a global emergency.
Science Group Ranks Evidence on E-Cigarette Safety :: Vaping may help smokers quit, and are safer than conventional cigarettes, but they’re not risk-free, a national public health panel says.
Vaping Can Be Addictive and May Lure Teenagers to Smoking, Science Panel Concludes :: A report from the National Academy of Sciences said that e-cigarettes are safer than smoking, but not quite safe, and may cause teens to take up tobacco.
Trilobites: Ancient Crocodiles Once Feasted on Giant Tortoises on This Island :: Bite marks on fossils found on an atoll near eastern Africa suggest that this paradise for the world’s most common giant tortoise may have once been a much scarier place.
The Google Lunar X Prize’s Race to the Moon Is Over. Nobody Won.Google Moon X Prize FoundationNone of the remaining competitors for the $20 million award will be able to get off the ground by March 31, a deadline that had already been extended multiple times.
Skin Deep: Making Age Spots a Thing of the Past :: The Food and Drug Administration has approved a first-of-its-kind treatment to rid patients of these unsightly lesions.
New Findings Could Save Lives of More Stroke Patients :: Doctors have more time than they thought to prevent death and disability from stroke, by removing blood clots that block circulation to the brain, a study shows.
Trilobites: This Is How You Escape a Cheetah, if You’re an Impala :: Years of study in Botswana yielded the first stride-by-stride data on how lions and cheetahs hunt zebras and impalas, and how these prey flee their predators.
Yes, They’ve Cloned Monkeys in China. That Doesn’t Mean You’re Next.Dolly Cloning ChineseResearchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences have created the first primate clones with a technique like the one used to create Dolly the sheep more than 20 years ago.
ScienceTake: This Tiny Robot Walks, Crawls, Jumps and Swims. But It Is Not Alive. :: Researchers have created a tiny robot, small enough to navigate a stomach or urinary system, that one day may be used to deliver drugs inside the body.
F.D.A. Panel Rejects Philip Morris’ Claim That Tobacco Stick Is Safer Than Cigarettes :: The committee expressed doubts about the company’s health claims that the device, called iQOS, would not cause tobacco-related diseases.
Matter: You Are Shaped by the Genes You Inherit. And Maybe by Those You Don’t. :: An unusual study of educational attainment in children finds that gene variants linked to parental nurturing were highly influential even though children had not inherited them.
In an Israeli Cave, Scientists Discover Jawbone of Earliest Modern Human Out of AfricaAfrica Human IsraelThe discovery could rewrite the migration story of our species, pushing back by about 50,000 years when Homo sapiens were thought to have first left Africa.
Trilobites: Billions of Plastic Pieces Litter Coral in Asia and Australia :: Big and small pieces of plastic make coral more prone to disease, the researchers found, but it is possible to control the impact of coastal pollution on reefs.
Trilobites: Swatting at Mosquitoes May Help You Avoid Bites, Even if You Miss :: When a feeding situation isn’t favorable, a mosquito can switch preferences, and it may learn to associate your scent with avoiding your incoming hand.
Doomsday Clock Is Set at 2 Minutes to Midnight, Closest Since 1950sDonald Trump DoomsdayThe “clock,” kept by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, is a symbolic measurement of scientists’ concerns about disaster.
This Robot Can Walk and Swim — Inside You :: A tiny robot with moves inspired by caterpillars and jellyfish is small enough to crawl, walk and swim inside the human body.
2017 beat the odds to be the second hottest year on record :: Environment Second place is scarier than it sounds. 2017 was hot enough to melt most of the ice in the Arctic, but not hot enough to break the record for hottest year ever recorded.
Canaries in the coal emissions: why climate change makes birds change their tune :: Nexus Media News Birdsongs may hold invaluable climate clues. Scientists are listening to the mating calls of migratory birds for shifts in breeding patterns as a result of climate change.
This is what determines the price of BitcoinBitcoin Stripe CryptocurrencyTechnology Understanding the source of those crazy numbers. Anyone who follows the price of Bitcoin is probably getting pretty tired. Here's where they actually come from.
We're getting better at screening for cancer, and that could be a problem :: Health Opinions vary among medical professionals. Finding out you have cancer is a bell you can’t unring. As doctors increasingly have the tools to find cancers before they actually pose a problem, we’re going to have…
China's new drone company is building a UAV with a 20-ton payload :: Eastern Arsenal That's akin to a medium-sized manned cargo plane. Among Tengoen's many projects: an eight-engine cargo drone with a payload akin to a medium-sized manned cargo plane.
Deep-sea robots are scoping out the secret origins of algae blooms :: Nexus Media News “They work everywhere, any time.” Scientists are using robots to better understand algae blooms in the fight against climate change.
Social media is making you miserable. Here’s how to delete your accounts. :: DIY So long, and thanks for all the Likes. If you're tired of the social media whirlwind, you can opt out. Here's how to delete your Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, and other accounts.
We pitted digital assistants against each other to find the most useful AI :: DIY Alexa vs Siri vs Google Assistant vs Cortana vs Bixby. We decided to compare all the leading digital assistants—Alexa, Siri, Google Assistant, Cortana, and Bixby—to discover which best meets your every need.
DJI’s Mavic Air Drone uses more than a dozen sensors to keep it from crashingDJI Mavic Air DroneTechnology Cameras, IR sensors, gyroscopes, and more help prevent you from smashing this aircraft. Take a look at the sensors DJI uses to keep its new Mavic Air drone in the sky and away from obstacles.
These drones plant trees by firing seed pods at the ground :: Nexus Media News Startups are tapping into the business potential of ecosystem restoration. Ecosystem restoration not only fights climate change, it is also an emerging business opportunity.
E-cigarettes could help you quit smoking—and help your kids start :: Health All aboard the nicotine train. Ever since they came on the scene in 2006, electronic cigarettes, more commonly known as e-cigs or vapes, have been the subject of a rather lethargic debate.
I've been researching products for a year. Here are my favorites. :: Gadgets The nine best items of the year. IMO. I try out—and buy—products like it's my job. It, in fact, is my job, and has been for exactly one year. Here are the nine items that I had zero regrets purchasing this…
Alaska's giant earthquake didn't have the moves to cause a large tsunamiAlaska Tsunami EarthquakeScience The motion of the ocean(ic crust). It started in the early hours of the morning, 31 minutes after midnight in Alaska.
The grease recycling industry feeds on your city’s oily underbelly :: Fat Month While you're just sitting around causing fatbergs. We've all seen the fatbergs that result from improper grease disposal. What happens when waste is disposed of properly? The possibilities are limitless.
Exclusive: House Science Committee members say President Trump's lack of science advisers leaves us vulnerable to disaster :: Science The Office of Science and Technology Policy exists to provide the President with objective scientific advisement. There's neither a director nor an official mandate in the White House's Office of Science and Technology Policy—not since President Donald Trump took office.
How polar animals cope with frigid darkness for months at a time :: Animals Endless darkness? Subzero temperatures? They can work with that. The Arctic in winter is dark—but it's not empty. Some animals choose to stay put.
'Incredible genes' can only do so much to counteract an unhealthy lifestyle :: Health Your genes are only part of you. What defines our health? We know it’s some combination of genes, the environment, and the choices we make. But which one has the most impact?
Last week in tech: Let’s get back to (post-CES) business :: Technology Nintendo has a new toy, a new camera captures 400-megapixel photos, and there's a $200,000 smartwatch. Seriously, we want a Nintendo Labo.
Your weight affects how long you live—but it's extremely complicated :: Fat Month There's probably no perfect BMI. How much should I weigh to be healthy as I get older—or in other words, what weight will keep me alive the longest?
What do refrigeration, DNA synthesis, and Lycra have in common? :: DIY They're all getting inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame. In 2018, the National Inventors Hall of Fame is adding the inventors who advanced refrigeration, OLEDs, DNA synthesis, and Lycra, among other innovations.
You can't squash Nike's springy new sneaker soles :: Technology The Nike Epic React sneaker has higher energy return to push you forward as you run. A luxurious running shoe that provides protection and support while also being lightweight and responsive. At $150, it falls on the pricier end, though it will not…
The Labo STEM toy is Nintendo's latest bit of creative weirdness :: Technology The video game company has a history of making consoles about more than just a controller. Nintendo's new STEM toy looks continues its tradition of trying to make console gaming more creative.
Nuclear reactors the size of wastebaskets could power our Martian settlements :: Space Small, but mighty. The cylinder of uranium is the size of a coffee can. But one day, its successors could power humanity's future on Mars.
There's still a piece of Canada stuck to Australia :: Science It's hot down here, eh? Researchers at Curtin University in Australia think this could help find out more about super old supercontinents.
Don't expect a personal robot butler any time soon :: Technology CES 2018 showed us that we shouldn't fear robot takeover just yet. The robots of CES 2018 did a lot of falling over.
10 pretty pictures from NASA to help you recover from the government shutdown :: Space Some science grinds to a halt when the government shuts down. Parts of NASA were affected by the most recent government shutdown, and some remained unscathed.
Fat is sooo good and science can't do a dang thing about it :: Fat Month Fat, I wish I knew how to quit you. One of my most vivid childhood memories revolves around willfully subjecting myself to stomach cramps and explosive diarrhea.
The price of solar panels just went up—here's what that means for you :: Technology A steep new tariff on imported solar panels will have a profound effect on the industry. President Trump's new tariff on imported solar panels could alter the technology's future.
Watch SpaceX’s massive Falcon Heavy rocket pass an explosive milestoneFalcon Heavy SpaceXSpace 27 engines all roaring and ready to go. We’ve been waiting for so long. SpaceX has managed to keep anticipation high for its Falcon Heavy debut basically since it was first announced back in 2011.
The world's strongest athletes benefit from some extra body fat :: Fat Month A belly isn't a big deal when you're eating 5,000 calories a day over 1,000 pounds. Bodybuilding and strength competitors look very different, and there's good reason.
No one knows if lobsters feel pain, which makes boiling them alive rather complicated :: Animals Switzerland's new laws ask you to consider the lobster. If you like eating lobster but have never cooked one yourself, here’s a brief word of advice: don’t.
How to train your Facebook News Feed to give you the info you wantFacebook News CompanyDIY Feed the news need of the new Facebook News Feed. Facebook has announced that, going forward, it will show you fewer posts from news sources. Here's how to train it so you can still stay up to date.
In photos: updating New York's vast and fragile telecom backbone :: Technology The cables that keep information flowing through the Big Apple are undergoing a transformation, from aging copper to strong and fast fiber. The cables that keep information flowing through the Big Apple are undergoing a transformation, from aging copper to strong and fast fiber.
Using your smartphone is better with a stylus :: DIY We're bringing stylus back (yeah). Stop stabbing at your smartphone with your fingers—this method is both uncomfortable and imprecise. You heard us. It's time to revisit the humble stylus.
U.S. Olympic skiers have been swooshing in VR to prep for the winter gamesVR Reality VideoTechnology Digital practice for PyeongChang 2018. U.S. Olympic athletes have been using footage from the men’s and women’s downhill ski events to practice the course in VR.
A Domesticated Dingo? No, but Some Are Getting Less Wild :: When workers first dug into the rusty dirt beneath the scrublands of Australia’s Tanami Desert to mine for gold in 2002, mining executives saw dollar signs. Locals saw jobs. Dingoes, however, just saw food. Unsecured rubbish heaps around the mines attracted the lean, golden wild dog with pointy ears that swivel on its skull like perfectly evolved satellite dishes. Like their fully domesticated co
Fossil Discoveries Challenge Ideas About Earth’s Start :: In the arid, sun-soaked northwest corner of Australia, along the Tropic of Capricorn, the oldest face of Earth is exposed to the sky. Drive through the northern outback for a while, south of Port Hedlund on the coast, and you will come upon hills softened by time. They are part of a region called the Pilbara Craton, which formed about 3.5 billion years ago, when Earth was in its youth. Look close
Simpler Math Tames the Complexity of Microbe Networks :: Over the past century, scientists have become adept at plotting the ecological interactions of the diverse organisms that populate the planet’s forests, plains and seas. They have established powerful mathematical techniques to describe systems ranging from the carbon cycles driven by plants to the predator-prey dynamics that dictate the behavior of lions and gazelles. Understanding the inner wor
The Era of Quantum Computing Is Here. Outlook: Cloudy :: After decades of heavy slog with no promise of success, quantum computing is suddenly buzzing with almost feverish excitement and activity. Nearly two years ago, IBM made a quantum computer available to the world: the 5-quantum-bit (qubit) resource they now call (a little awkwardly) the IBM Q experience. That seemed more like a toy for researchers than a way of getting any serious number crunchin
Tissue Engineers Hack Life’s Code for 3-D Folded Shapes :: When it comes to tissue engineering, scientists tend to be micromanagers. Traditional approaches involve introducing cells to a synthetic scaffold that guides the cells’ growth as a new tissue. That method can work for relatively simple tissues, like skin. But for more complex structures, like those in our internal organs, it fails to take into account the “developmental history associated with t
What Makes the Hardest Equations in Physics So Difficult? :: Physics contains equations that describe everything from the stretching of space-time to the flitter of photons. Yet only one set of equations is considered so mathematically challenging that it’s been chosen as one of seven “ Millennium Prize Problems ” endowed by the Clay Mathematics Institute with a $1 million reward: the Navier-Stokes equations, which describe how fluids flow. Last month I wr
A paper in Current Directions looks at canine perception. It reviews lots of cool studies. :: submitted by /u/markmana [link] [comments]
Have you seen Engati yet? Here are 15 ways how a chatbot can help you to get ahead in Automobile Industry. Try it for free @ www.engati.com :: submitted by /u/getengati [link] [comments]
War in Ukraine has escalated HIV spread in the country :: Conflict in Ukraine has increased the risk of HIV outbreaks throughout the country as displaced HIV-infected people move from war-affected regions to areas with higher risk of transmission, according to analysis by scientists.
Preterm babies may suffer setbacks in auditory brain development, speech :: Preterm babies born early in the third trimester of pregnancy are likely to experience delays in the development of the auditory cortex, a brain region essential to hearing and understanding sound, a new study reveals. Such delays are associated with speech and language impairments at age 2, the researchers found.
Key player in cell metabolism identified :: Researchers have identified a key role for EXD2 in protein production in the mitochondria, the cellular organelles responsible for the majority of energy generation.
Diabetes gene found that causes low and high blood sugar levels in the same family :: A study of families with rare blood sugar conditions has revealed a new gene thought to be critical in the regulation of insulin, the key hormone in diabetes.
New dynamic statistical model follows gene expressions over time :: A new model now gives researchers a tool that extends past observing static networks at a single snapshot in time, which is hugely beneficial since network data are usually dynamic.
Improvements in mortality rates are slowed by rise in obesity in the United States :: With medical advances and efforts to curb smoking, one might expect that US life expectancy would improve. Yet there's been a reduction in the rate of improvement in American mortality during the last three decades.Researchers say a rise in obesity is to blame, slowing declines in death rates by a half-percentage point per year. The scientists estimate that rising obesity was about twice as import
Teens likely to crave junk food after watching TV ads :: Teenagers who watch more than three hours of commercial TV a day are more likely to eat hundreds of extra junk food snacks, according to a new report.
Being bilingual may help autistic children :: Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) often have a hard time switching gears from one task to another. But being bilingual may actually make it a bit easier for them to do so, according to a new study.
Math can predict how cancer cells evolve :: Applied mathematics can be a powerful tool in helping predict the genesis and evolution of different types of cancers, a study has found.
Slow 'hot electrons' could improve solar cell efficiency :: Photons with energy higher than the 'band gap' of the semiconductor absorbing them give rise to what are known as hot electrons. The extra energy is lost very fast, as it is converted into heat so it does not contribute to the voltage. Researchers have now found a material in which these hot electrons retain their high energy levels for much longer.
How mantis shrimp pack the meanest punch :: Scientists have identified a unique structure that wraps around the mantis shrimp's club to protect it from self-inflicted damage as it crushes hard-shelled prey. The finding will help researchers develop ultra-strong materials for the aerospace and sports industries.
Shale gas is one of the least sustainable ways to produce electricity, research finds :: Shale gas is one of least sustainable options for producing electricity, according to new research.
Confined movements: How cells form tubes in confined spaces :: A team of scientists has described a novel 'microtube'-based platform to study how tubular organs, such as the heart and the kidneys, form under the various topographical restrictions commonly experienced inside the body.
Young people with shared residency have fewer mental problems :: Young people with shared residency after their parents’ divorce have fewer mental problems than young people with other residency arrangements.
Oral health may have an important role in cancer prevention :: The bacteria that cause periodontitis, a disease affecting the tissues surrounding the teeth, seems to play a part also in the onset of pancreatic cancer.
How massive can neutron stars be? :: Astrophysicists set a new limit for the maximum mass of neutron stars: It cannot exceed 2.16 solar masses.
Snapshot of DNA repair :: Scientists have described the crystal structure of RNF168 bound to ubiquitin chains, a crucial interaction for DNA repair, to find a unique interaction.
Magnetic liquids improve energy efficiency of buildings :: Climate protection and the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions have been on top of global development agendas. Accordingly, research and development projects have been conducted on national and international levels, which aim for the improvement of the CO2-footprint in diverse processes. Apart from particularly energy-intensive sectors of the industry, the building sector in particular is among
Circadian clocks under the microscope :: Circadian clocks regulate the behavior of all living things. Scientists have now taken a closer look at the clock's anatomical structures and molecular processes in the honeybee.
'Rainbow' dinosaur had iridescent feathers like a hummingbird :: Scientists discovered a dinosaur fossil with feathers so well-preserved that they were able to see the feathers' microscopic color-bearing structures. By comparing the shapes of those feather structures with the structures in modern bird feathers, they're able to infer that the new dino, Caihong juji ('rainbow with the big crest') had iridescent rainbow feathers like a hummingbird.
Scientists unleash power of genetic data to identify disease risk :: Massive banks of genetic information are being harnessed to shed new light on modifiable health risks that underlie common diseases. Researchers have pioneered a method to integrate data from multiple large-scale studies to assess risk factors such as body mass index (BMI) and cholesterol levels, and their association with diseases including type two diabetes and heart disease.
New study offers insights on genetic indicators of COPD risk :: Researchers have discovered that genetic variations in the anatomy of the lungs could serve as indicators to help identify people who have low, but stable, lung function early in life, and those who are particularly at risk for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) because of a smoke-induced decline in lung function.
High performance CNT catalyst relating to its electroconductivity :: Biofuels were obtained from Jatropha Oil using carbon nanotube (CNT) catalyst, which showed efficient cracking activity. The performance was activated by the high stability, metal sites, acid sites, electroconductivity, and coking tolerance of CNT. Two cracking circulations were found in the hydroprocessing. Meanwhile, the sulphur-free process was eco-friendly.
Mapping the social landscape :: Scientists have, in recent decades, pinpointed neurons called 'place cells' in our brains that encode our own location in the environment, but how our brains represent the positions of others has been a mystery. New research in bats, reveals a sub-population of neurons that encode the specific location of other bats that are flying nearby.
Computer-aided facial analysis helps diagnosis :: In rare diseases, the computer-aided image analysis of patient portraits can facilitate and significantly improve diagnosis. This has been demonstrated on the basis of so-called GPI anchor deficiencies. Using data on genetic material, cell surface texture and typical facial features, researchers utilized artificial intelligence methods to simulate disease models.
The Fields Medal fallacy: Why this math prize should return to its roots :: The Fields Medal, whose origins date back to the 1930s, will be issued again this year in August to up to four of the world's most accomplished mathematicians under the age of 40. Experts now propose that the Fields Medal return to its roots as a tool intended to shape the future of mathematics, rather than recognizing those who have already found the spotlight.
Pulsating dissolution found in crystals :: When researchers zoomed in to the nanometer scale on time-lapse images of dissolving crystals, they found a surprise: Dissolution happened in pulses, marked by waves that spread just like ripples on a pond.
Perovskite solar cells: Perfection not required :: Metal-organic perovskite layers for solar cells are frequently fabricated using the spin coating technique on industry-relevant compact substrates. These perovskite layers generally exhibit numerous holes, yet attain astonishingly high levels of efficiency. The reason that these holes do not lead to significant short circuits between the front and back contact has now been discovered.
Zoology: Luminescent lizards :: Chameleons are known to communicate with conspecifics by altering their surface coloration. Munich researchers have now found that the bony tubercles on the heads of many species fluoresce under UV light and form impressive patterns.
Named after Stanley Kubrick, a new species of frog is a 'clockwork orange' of nature :: Two new frog species were discovered in the Amazon Basin. Both had been previously misidentified as another superficially identical species. One of them received a name translating to 'demon' or 'devil' in allusion to the horn-like projections visible on its eyelids. The second one was named in honor of famous American filmmaker Stanley Kubrick, because of his masterpiece A Clockwork Orange.
Mysteries of a promising spintronic material revealed :: Researchers have used an unconventional approach to determine the strength of the electron spin interactions with the optical phonons in antiferromagnetic nickel oxide (NiO) crystals.
Europe's lost forests: Coverage has halved over 6,000 years :: Research shows more than half of the forests across Europe have been lost over the past 6,000 years.
Cellular seismology: Putting vibrations on the map :: Using a unique technology called 'cell quake elastography,' scientists can now map to the millisecond the elasticity of components vibrating inside a cell. This discovery opens up a whole new field of research in mechanobiology, opening the door to many practical applications in medicine.
Bile acids fire up fat burning :: Scientists have discovered a novel role for bile acids: converting energy-storing white fat depots into energy-expending beige fat.
More evidence of link between severe gum disease and cancer risk :: A new study adds to accumulating research that gum disease is associated with some cancer risk. It reports a 24 percent increase in the risk of cancer among participants with severe gum disease. The highest risk was observed in cases of lung cancer, followed by colorectal cancer.
New treatment target for melanoma identified :: Researchers have identified a new therapeutic target for the treatment of melanoma. For decades, research has associated female sex and a history of previous pregnancy with better outcomes after a melanoma diagnosis. Now, a research team says it may have determined the reason for the melanoma-protective effect.
Genome architecture's surprising role in cell fate decisions :: A new study shows unexpected and crucial role of genome architecture in determining cell fate. The work represents an important advance in our understanding of gene regulation and reveals a new layer of complexity that needs to be studied to properly interpret genomics and gene expression in the future. An example of how risky fundamental science with innovative approaches leads to surprising and
International study identify the process of rock formed by meteors or nuclear blasts :: Scientists have made a model to map out the phases in which silica (SiO2) transforms into coesite, by analyzing how the inelastic scattering of light among molecules changes according to pressure variation.
An eNose is able to sniff out bacteria that cause soft tissue infections :: A recent study has concluded that an electronic nose (eNose) can be used to identify the most common bacteria causing soft tissue infections.
Wealth may drive preference for short-term relationships :: According to new research by psychologists, resource-rich environments may cause people to favor short-term relationships.
Pharmaceuticals and other contaminants force fish to work much harder to survive :: Pharmaceuticals and other human-made contaminants are forcing fish that live downstream from a typical sewage treatment plant to work at least 30 percent harder just to survive, researchers have found.
Nuclear power plants must be able to withstand fires caused by aircraft impacts :: Researches examined the transport, evaporation and combustion of liquids in large-scale fire incidents.
New insights into underwater adhesives :: An international team of researchers has succeeded in developing a new type of underwater adhesives that are tougher than the natural biological counterpart.
Improving stroke treatment through machine learning :: Methods from optogenetics and machine learning should help improve treatment options for stroke patients. Researchers have now developed a computer vision technique to analyze the changes in motor skills that result from targeted stimulation of healthy areas of the brain.
In chronic disease care, family helpers are key, but feel left out :: People with diabetes, heart failure and other chronic diseases often live independent lives, without a traditional caregiver. But many have a family member or friend who plays a key supporting role in their health care.
Bariatric surgery prolongs lifespan in obese :: Obese, middle-age men and women who had bariatric surgery have half the death rate of those who had traditional medical treatment over a 10-year period, reports a study that answers questions about the long-term risk of the surgery. Previous studies looking at this question were indefinite because follow-up data was limited due to high costs and patients dropping out.
Great scat! Bears — not birds — are the chief seed dispersers in Alaska :: In southeastern Alaska, brown and black bears are plentiful because of salmon. Their abundance also means they are the primary seed dispersers of berry-producing shrubs, according to a new study.
Want people to work together? Familiarity, ability to pick partners could be key :: The key to getting people to work together effectively could be giving them the flexibility to choose their collaborators and the comfort of working with established contacts, new research suggests.
New study shows producers where and how to grow cellulosic biofuel crops :: A new report provides practical agronomic data for five cellulosic feedstocks, which could improve adoption and increase production across the country.
A high-salt diet produces dementia in mice :: A high-salt diet reduces resting blood flow to the brain and causes dementia in mice.
New way to unmask melanoma cells to the immune system :: A research team has found a new way to keep the immune system engaged, and is planning to test the approach in a phase 1 clinical trial.
New catalyst for hydrogen production is a step toward clean fuel :: A nanostructured composite material has shown impressive performance as a catalyst for the electrochemical splitting of water to produce hydrogen. An efficient, low-cost catalyst is essential for realizing the promise of hydrogen as a clean, environmentally friendly fuel.
No evidence to support link between violent video games and behavior :: Researchers have found no evidence to support the theory that video games make players more violent.
Rates of great earthquakes not affected by moon phases, day of year :: There is an enduring myth that large earthquakes tend to happen during certain phases of the Moon or at certain times during the year. But a new analysis confirms that this bit of earthquake lore is incorrect.
Scientists home in on a potential Anthropocene 'Golden Spike' :: Scientists are reviewing the potential settings where a global reference section for the Anthropocene might be searched.
Decoy molecule created to block pain where it starts :: Pain researchers have developed a new method of reducing pain-associated behaviors with RNA-based medicine, creating a new class of decoy molecules that prevent the onset of pain.
A 'touching sight': How babies' brains process touch builds foundations for learning :: A new study provides one of the first looks inside the infant's brain to show where the sense of touch is processed — not just when a baby feels a touch to the hand or foot, but when the baby sees an adult's hand or foot being touched, as well. Researchers say these connections help lay the groundwork for the developmental and cognitive skills of imitation and empathy.
Memory loss from West Nile virus may be preventable :: More than 10,000 people in the United States are living with memory loss and other persistent neurological problems that occur after West Nile virus infects the brain. Now, a new study in mice suggests that such ongoing neurological deficits may be due to unresolved inflammation that hinders the brain's ability to repair damaged neurons and grow new ones. When the inflammation was reduced by treat
In sweet corn, workhorses win :: When deciding which sweet corn hybrids to plant, vegetable processors need to consider whether they want their contract growers using a workhorse or a racehorse. Is it better to choose a hybrid with exceptional yields under ideal growing conditions (i.e., the racehorse) or one that performs consistently well across ideal and less-than-ideal conditions (i.e., the workhorse)? New research suggests t
Are amoebae safe harbors for plague? :: Amoebae, single-celled organisms common in soil, water and grade-school science classrooms, may play a key role in the survival and spread of deadly plague bacteria. New research shows that plague bacteria, Yersinia pestis, not only survive, but thrive and replicate once ingested by an amoeba. The discovery could help scientists understand why plague outbreaks can smolder, stay dormant for years,
T-cells engineered to outsmart tumors induce clinical responses in relapsed Hodgkin lymphoma :: A research team has validated a way to outfox tumors. They engineered T-cells, essential players in the body's own immune system, to strip tumors of their self-preservation skill and were able to hold Hodgkin lymphoma at bay in patients with relapsed disease for more than four years.
Can training improve memory, thinking abilities in older adults with cognitive impairment? :: A new, first-of-its-kind study was designed to assess whether cognitive training, a medication-free treatment, could improve MCI. Studies show that activities that stimulate your brain, such as cognitive training, can protect against a decline in your mental abilities. Even older adults who have MCI can still learn and use new mental skills.
Hubble weighs in on mass of 3 million billion suns :: In 2014, astronomers found an enormous galaxy cluster contains the mass of a staggering three million billion suns — so it's little wonder that it has earned the nickname of "El Gordo" ("the Fat One" in Spanish)! Known officially as ACT-CLJ0102-4915, it is the largest, hottest, and brightest X-ray galaxy cluster ever discovered in the distant Universe.
New process could slash energy demands of fertilizer, nitrogen-based chemicals :: Nitrogen-based synthetic fertilizer forms the backbone of the world food supply, but its manufacture requires a tremendous amount of energy. Now, computer modeling points to a method that could drastically cut the energy needed by using sunlight in the manufacturing process.
Drones confirm importance of Costa Rican waters for sea turtles :: A new drone-enabled population survey — the first ever on sea turtles — shows that larger-than-anticipated numbers of turtles aggregate in waters off Costa Rica's Ostional National Wildlife Refuge. Scientists estimate turtle densities may reach up to 2,086 animals per square kilometer. The study underscores the importance of the Ostional habitat; it also confirms that drones are a reliable tool
The Montmaurin-La Niche mandible reveals the complexity of the Neanderthals’ origin :: A team of scientists has examined the Middle Pleistocene Montmaurin-La Niche mandible, which reveals the complexity of the origin of the Neanderthals.
Digitally preserving important Arkansas dinosaur tracks :: Researchers used LiDAR imaging to digitally preserve and study important dinosaur tracks.
Recent advances in understanding coral resilience are essential to safeguard coral reefs :: The most urgent course of action to safeguard coral reefs is to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions, but concurrently there is also a need to consider novel management techniques and previously over-looked reef areas for protective actions under predicted climate change impacts. The conclusions were reached following a comprehensive review of the literature on the mechanisms of potential coral
Flu vaccine could get a much-needed boost :: More than 700,000 Americans were hospitalized due to illnesses associated with the seasonal flu during the 2014-15 flu season, according to federal estimates. A radical new approach to vaccine development may help lower that figure for future flu seasons.
First look at pupil size in sleeping mice yields surprises :: When people are awake, their pupils regularly change in size. Those changes are meaningful, reflecting shifting attention or vigilance, for example. Now, researchers have found in studies of mice that pupil size also fluctuates during sleep. They also show that pupil size is a reliable indicator of sleep states.
Atomic-level changes in ALS-linked protein :: A new study details the minute changes — down to the level of individual atoms — that cause a particular protein to form cell-damaging clumps associated with ALS and other diseases.
Neutron-star merger yields new puzzle for astrophysicists :: The afterglow from the distant neutron-star merger detected last August has continued to brighten – much to the surprise of astrophysicists studying the aftermath of the massive collision that took place about 138 million light years away and sent gravitational waves rippling through the universe. New observations indicate that the gamma ray burst unleashed by the collision is more complex than sc
Using Hawkeye from the Avengers to communicate on the eye :: Superheroes can be used to communicate learning objectives to students in an interesting, fun, and accessible manner.
Zika virus damages placenta, which may explain malformed babies :: New researcher shows how Zika virus infection in five pregnant rhesus monkeys caused placental tissues to become thickened and inflamed, resulting in less oxygen being transported across the placenta and to the baby.
Two new breast cancer genes emerge from lynch syndrome gene study :: Researchers have identified two new breast cancer genes that also cause Lynch syndrome.
Scientists find microbes on the skin of mice promote tissue healing, immunity :: Beneficial bacteria on the skin of lab mice work with the animals' immune systems to defend against disease-causing microbes and accelerate wound healing, according to new research. Researchers say untangling similar mechanisms in humans may improve approaches to managing skin wounds and treating other damaged tissues.
How cancer metastasis happens: Researchers reveal a key mechanism :: Cancer metastasis, the migration of cells from a primary tumor to form distant tumors in the body, can be triggered by a chronic leakage of DNA within tumor cells, according to new research.
Protein designed entirely from scratch functions in cells as a genuine enzyme :: Artificial biology is working toward creating a genuinely new organism. Researchers are designing and building proteins that can fold and mimic the chemical processes that sustain life. Now they have confirmed that at least one of their new proteins can catalyze biological reactions in E. coli, meaning that a protein designed entirely from scratch functions in cells as a genuine enzyme.
Can mice really mirror humans when it comes to cancer? :: A new study is helping to answer a pressing question among scientists of just how close mice are to people when it comes to researching cancer. The findings reveal how mice can actually mimic human breast cancer tissue and its genes, even more so than previously thought, as well as other cancers including lung, oral and esophagus.
Root discovery may lead to crops that need less fertilizer :: Bean plants that suppress secondary root growth in favor of boosting primary root growth forage greater soil volume to acquire phosphorus, according to researchers, who say their recent findings have implications for plant breeders and improving crop productivity in nutrient-poor soils.
A new, dynamic view of chromatin movements :: In cells, proteins tightly package the long thread of DNA into pearl necklace-like complexes known as chromatin. Scientists now show for the first time how chromatin moves, answering longstanding questions about how its structure helps regulate gene expression.
Network model of the musculoskeletal system predicts compensatory injuries :: A new study is the first to convert the entire human body's network of bones and muscles into a comprehensive mathematical model.
Fox Creek earthquakes linked to completion volume and location of hydraulic fracturing :: The volume of hydraulic fracturing fluid and the location of well pads control the frequency and occurrence of measurable earthquakes, new research has found.
New method to stop cells dividing could help fight cancer :: Researchers have used a new strategy to shut down specific enzymes to stop cells from dividing. The method can be used as a strategy to fight cancer.
Packing a genome, step-by-step :: For the first time, scientists can see in minute-time resolution how cells package chromosomes into highly condensed structures prior to cell division.
New instrument lets doctors view the entire eye with unprecedented level of detail :: Researchers have developed the first instrument that can provide a detailed image of the entire eye that can produce higher quality images than currently available.
Certain flu virus mutations may compensate for fitness costs of other mutations :: Seasonal flu viruses continually undergo mutations that help them evade the human immune system, but some of these mutations can reduce a virus's potency. According to new research, certain mutations in the genome of influenza A may help counteract the weakening effects of other mutations.
Fragile X finding shows normal neurons that interact poorly :: Neurons in mice afflicted with the genetic defect that causes Fragile X syndrome (FXS) appear similar to those in healthy mice, but these neurons fail to interact normally, resulting in the long-known cognitive impairments, shows a new study.
New input for quantum simulations :: Researchers have devised new methods to create interesting input states for quantum computations and simulations. The new methods can be used to simulate certain electronic systems to arbitrarily high accuracy.
Key to willpower lies in believing you have it in abundance :: Americans believe they have less stamina for strenuous mental activity than their European counterparts — an indication that people in the US perceive their willpower or self-control as being in limited supply, suggests a new study.
How did a deadly tropical fungus get to the temperate environs of the Pacific Northwest? :: In what is being described as 'The Teddy Roosevelt effect,' a deadly fungus in the Pacific Northwest may have arrived from Brazil via the Panama Canal, according to a new study. Cryptococcus gattii — which until a 1999 outbreak in British Columbia's Vancouver Island was considered primarily a tropical fungus — can cause deadly lung and brain infections in both people and animals.
Method uses DNA, nanoparticles and lithography to make optically active structures :: Researchers have developed a first-of-its-kind technique for creating entirely new classes of optical materials and devices that could lead to light bending and cloaking devices — news to make the ears of Star Trek's Spock perk up. Using DNA as a key tool, the scientists took gold nanoparticles of different sizes and shapes and arranged them in two and three dimensions to form optically active su
Using data mining to make sense of climate change :: Experts have developed a new way of mining data from climate data sets that is more self-contained than traditional tools. The methodology brings out commonalities of data sets without as much expertise from the user, allowing scientists to trust the data and get more robust — and transparent — results.
Researchers create first stem cells using CRISPR genome activation :: In a scientific first, researchers have turned skin cells from mice into stem cells by activating a specific gene in the cells using CRISPR technology. The innovative approach offers a potentially simpler technique to produce the valuable cell type and provides important insights into the cellular reprogramming process.
Why animals diversified on Earth: Cancer research provides clues :: Can tumors teach us about animal evolution on Earth? Researchers believe so and now present a novel hypothesis of why animal diversity increased dramatically on Earth about half a billion years ago. A biological innovation may have been key.
Long-term warming trend continued in 2017: NASA, NOAA :: Continuing the planet's long-term warming trend, globally averaged temperatures in 2017 were 1.62 degrees Fahrenheit (0.90 degrees Celsius) warmer than the 1951 to 1980 mean, according to scientists.
Women run faster after taking newly developed supplement, study finds :: A new study found that women who took a specially prepared blend of minerals and nutrients for a month saw their 3-mile run times drop by almost a minute. The women who took the supplement also saw improvements in distance covered in 25 minutes on a stationary bike and a third test in which they stepped on and off a bench, according to new research.
Americans are getting more ZZZZs :: Although more than one in three Americans still don't get enough sleep, a new analysis shows first signs of success in the fight for more shut eye.
Temporary 'bathtub drains' in the ocean concentrate flotsam :: An experiment using hundreds of plastic drifters in the Gulf of Mexico shows that rather than simply spread out, as current calculations would predict, many of them clumped together in a tight cluster.
Challenging existing models of black holes :: A new study expands the scientific community's understanding of black holes in our galaxy and the magnetic fields that surround them.
Study ends debate over role of steroids in treating septic shock :: The results from the largest ever study of septic shock could improve treatment for critically ill patients and save health systems worldwide hundreds of millions of dollars each year. Researchers studied whether the use of steroids as an additional treatment to septic shock — a severe life threatening infection — would improve survival.
Structure of herpes virus linked to Kaposi's sarcoma :: Scientists have shown in the laboratory that an inhibitor can be developed to break down the herpes virus. Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpes virus, or KSHV, is one of two viruses known to cause cancer in humans.
Animal carnivores could be our powerful allies :: Animal carnivores living in and around human habitation are declining at an unprecedented rate — but they may provide crucial benefits to human societies. Researchers have revealed that predators and scavengers ranging from bats to leopards and vultures are valuable to human health and well-being.
How treating eczema could also alleviate asthma :: Scientists have discovered insights for a possible new therapy for eczema that also reduces the severity of asthma. The findings are an important next step in understanding the relationship between the two inflammatory diseases and to developing effective therapies.
Hunting dogs as possible vectors for the infectious disease tularaemia :: Tularaemia is an infectious bacterial disease that is life-threatening for rodents, rabbits and hares, but which can also infect humans and dogs. While contact with contaminated blood or meat makes hunters a high-risk group, the frequency of infections among hunting dogs has not been much studied. Researchers have now confirmed a relevant prevalence of infections in Austrian hunting dogs following
Successful promotion of giftedness as early as elementary school age :: Experts have argued that the specific needs of gifted children are often neglected, resulting in a shriveling of their abilities and potential. Consequently, they call for the implementation of programs that specifically aim to promote gifted children.
Promising malaria vaccine tested :: An international research team has conducted successful phase II clinical tests of a new anti-malaria medication. The treatment led to a cure in 83 cases.
How plants see light :: The proteins PCH1 and PCHL help plants adapt to their surroundings. Plants react sensitively to changes in their surroundings and possess the ability to adapt to them. They use the photoreceptor protein phytochrome B to see light and then regulate processes such as seed germination, seedling development, longitudinal growth and flower formation.
Adhesives developed to prevent bracket stains on teeth :: Researchers have performed research to develop adhesive materials that will prevent white stains from appearing on the teeth of people who use brackets.
Caffeine’s sport performance advantage for infrequent tea and coffee drinkers :: Sports scientists have found that the performance enhancing benefits of caffeine are more apparent in athletes who do not drink caffeine-rich drinks such as tea, coffee, and energy drinks on a daily basis.
The human body's golden gate to iron traffic :: New findings could change how iron metabolism in the human body is understood, and open new horizons for research and therapeutics for inflammatory diseases and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson's disease.
A survival lesson from bats: Eating variety keeps species multiplying :: A new study reveals that omnivorous New World noctilionoid bats, those species with diets including both plant and animal materials, produce more new species in the long run than specialized vegetarian or insectivorous species.
Free online access to millions of documents on chemical toxicity made possible through ToxicDocs :: Millions of pages of internal corporate and trade association documents relating to the introduction of new products and chemicals into the workplace and commerce have been compiled into a free searchable online database called ToxicDocs.
Increasing number of adolescents receive a psychiatric or neurodevelopmental diagnosis :: According to a national register study comparing Finnish birth cohorts from 1987 and 1997, an increasing number of adolescents receive a psychiatric or neurodevelopmental diagnosis. The number of diagnosed adolescents increased especially for girls in the younger cohort.
Factor that doubles the risk of death from breast cancer identified :: Researchers have discovered that the risk of death from breast cancer is twice as high for patients with high heterogeneity of the estrogen receptor within the same tumor as compared to patients with low heterogeneity. The study shows that the higher risk of death is independent of other known tumor markers and also holds true for Luminal A breast cancer.
The Pentagon built with mineralized microbes predating dinosaurs :: A new study has found that some of the building blocks of the Pentagon and Empire State Building were made by microbes that lived up to 340 million years ago, predating the dinosaurs.
Hedgehog signaling proteins keep cancer stem cells alive :: Scientists have discovered that the survival of cancer stem cells is dependent on the 'Hedgehog signaling pathway'. Targeting this pathway had previously shown no effect on the growth of colorectal cancer. Now, scientists have demonstrated that using different drugs to target a specific aspect of the pathway may yield better treatment outcomes for patients.
Climate change linked to more flowery forests :: New research has revealed a surprising relationship between surging atmospheric carbon dioxide and flower blooms in a remote tropical forest.
How metal scaffolds enhance the bone healing process :: Scientists have shown how mechanically optimized constructs known as titanium-mesh scaffolds help optimize bone regeneration.
Let's make a deal: Could AI compromise better than humans? :: Researchers developed an algorithm that teaches machines not just to win games, but to cooperate and compromise — and sometimes do a little trash-talking too.
City lights setting traps for migrating birds :: A new study has examined how light pollution lures birds into urban areas during fall migration, a trend that poses risk for the fowl that often fly into buildings and has increased with the addition of brighter LED lights. The researchers were interested in seeing what factors shape the birds' distributions and why they occur in certain areas.
Piecework at the nano assembly line :: Scientists have developed a novel electric propulsion technology for nanorobots. It allows molecular machines to move a hundred thousand times faster than with the biochemical processes used to date. This makes nanobots fast enough to do assembly line work in molecular factories.
Researchers illustrate how muscle growth inhibitor is activated, could aid in treating ALS :: Researchers have identified how the inactive or latent form of GDF8, a signaling protein also known as myostatin responsible for limiting muscle, is activated.
Radioactivity from oil and gas wastewater persists in Pennsylvania stream sediments :: More than seven years after Pennsylvania officials requested that the disposal of radium-laden fracking wastewater into surface waters be restricted, a new study finds that high levels of radioactivity persist in stream sediments at three disposal sites. Radioactivity at these sites is 650 times higher than at unaffected sites upstream. The contamination comes from conventional, or non-fracked, oi
'Explosive evolution' of techniques to restore blood flow to the brain :: Recent decades have seen an 'explosive evolution' of techniques to restore blood flow to areas of the brain endangered by stroke or clogged arteries, according to a new report.
Thanks for the memory: Taking a deep look at memristors :: Scientists have now unveiled the long-mysterious inner workings of these semiconductor elements, which can act like the short-term memory of nerve cells.
Creation of synthetic horsepox virus could lead to more effective smallpox vaccine :: Researchers created a new synthetic virus that could lead to the development of a more effective vaccine against smallpox. The discovery demonstrates how techniques based on the use of synthetic DNA can be used to advance public health measures.
Cystic fibrosis bacterial burden begins during first years of life :: Cystic fibrosis shortens life by making the lungs prone to repeated bacterial infections and inflammation. Researchers have now shown for the first time that the lungs' bacterial population changes in the first few years of life as respiratory infections and inflammation set in. This research offers a way to predict the onset of lung disease in children with CF and suggests a larger role for preve
'Programmable droplets' could enable high-volume biology experiments :: Researchers have developed hardware that uses electric fields to move droplets of chemical or biological solutions around a surface, mixing them in ways that could be used to test thousands of reactions in parallel.
Infant mortality rates in Texas vary dramatically from one zip code to the next :: Infant mortality rates in Texas vary dramatically even across neighboring zip codes, according to a new analysis and mapping tool. The analysis and searchable map, which are the first of their kind in Texas, use data from Texas Vital Statistics Linked Birth and Death Records from 2011-2014.
Cells lacking nuclei struggle to move in 3-D environments :: A study examined the role of the physical structure of the nucleus in cell movement through different surfaces.
Breakthrough study shows how plants sense the world :: Plants lack eyes and ears, but they can still see, hear, smell and respond to environmental cues and dangers. They do this with the aid of hundreds of membrane proteins that sense microbes or other stresses. Researchers now have created the first network map for 200 of these proteins. The map shows how a few key proteins act as master nodes critical for network integrity, and the map also reveals
Virtual reality goes magnetic :: The success of Pokémon GO made many people familiar with the concept of 'augmented reality': computer-generated perception blends into the real and virtual worlds. So far, these apps largely used optical methods for motion detection. Physicists have now developed an ultrathin electronic magnetic sensor that can be worn on skin. Just by interacting with magnetic fields, the device enables a touchle
A nanophenomenon that triggers the bone-repair process :: Researchers have resolved one of the great unknowns in bone self-repair: how the cells responsible for forming new bone tissue are called into action. Their work reveals the role of an electromechanical phenomenon at the nanoscale, flexoelectricity, as a possible mechanism for stimulating the cell response and guiding it throughout the fracture repair process.
Alcohol consumption in late teens can lead to liver problems in adulthood :: Alcohol is the leading cause of liver cirrhosis and liver-related deaths. Results of a large long-term study in Sweden have confirmed that drinking during late adolescence could be the first step towards liver problems in adulthood and that guidelines for safe alcohol intake in men might have to be revised downwards.
Virus shown to be likely cause of mystery polio-like illness :: A major review has identified strong evidence that a virus called Enterovirus D68 is the cause of a mystery polio-like illness that has paralyzed children in the US, Canada and Europe.
Screen-addicted teens are unhappy :: Researchers found that teens who spent a lot of time in front of screen devices — playing computer games, using more social media, texting and video chatting — were less happy than those who invested time in non-screen activities like sports, reading newspapers and magazines, and face-to-face social interaction. The happiest teens used digital media for less than an hour per day. But after a dai
Vaccines not protecting farmed fish from disease :: The vaccines used by commercial fish farmers are not protecting fish from disease, according to a new study.
Sea turtle crisis: Moisture, not just heat impacts sex of sea turtle hatchlings :: Male sea turtles are disappearing and not just in Australia. Researchers found that 97 to 100 percent of hatchlings in southeast Florida have been female since 2002. They are the first to show why and how moisture conditions inside the nest in addition to heat affect the development and sex ratios of turtle embryos, using a novel technique they developed to estimate sex ratios with a male-specific
Making fuel cells for a fraction of the cost :: Researchers now describe the development of an inexpensive, efficient catalyst material for a type of fuel cell called a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell, which turns the chemical energy of hydrogen into electricity and is among the most promising fuel cell types to power cars and electronics.
New metal-semiconductor interface for brain-inspired computing :: One of the big challenges in computer architecture is integrating storage, memory and processing in one unit. This would make computers faster and more energy efficient. Physicists have taken a big step towards this goal by combining a niobium doped strontium titanate (SrTiO3) semiconductor with ferromagnetic cobalt. At the interface, this creates a spin-memristor with storage abilities, paving th
'Depression education' effective for some teens :: In an assessment of their 'depression literacy' program, which has already been taught to tens of thousands, researchers say the Adolescent Depression Awareness Program achieved its intended effect of encouraging many teenagers to speak up and seek adult help for themselves or a peer.
New insights into how your brain keeps its balance :: An interdisciplinary team of scientists has discovered that two large protein kinases, ATM and ATR, cooperate to help establish the go/stop balance in human brains.
Depressive symptoms linked to shorter survival in patients with head and neck cancer :: In a study of patients with head and neck cancer, even mild depressive symptoms were associated with poorer overall survival.
Speech analysis software predicted psychosis in at-risk patients with up to 83 percent accuracy :: Computer-based analyses of speech transcripts obtained from interviews with at-risk youths were able to predict which youths would later develop psychosis within two years, with an accuracy of up to 83 percent. In two independent cohorts of young people at risk for psychosis, a disturbance in the flow of meaning when speaking, otherwise known as being tangential or going off track, predicted who w
Want a healthier population? Spend less on health care and more on social services, Canadian study finds :: Increased social spending was associated with health improvements at the population level, while health spending increases did not have the same effect, according to a large new Canadian study.
Female cats are more likely to be right-handed, researchers discover :: Researchers have found that female cats are much more likely to use their right paw than males.
Transportable laser :: Physicists have developed a frequency-doubling unit for transportable, optical atomic clock that will even continue to operate when it has been shaken at three times the Earth's gravitational acceleration.
A method to measure diagnostic errors could be key to preventing disability and death from misdiagnosis :: In an effort to reduce patient misdiagnoses and associated poor patient outcomes from lack of prompt treatment, researchers are providing hospitals a new approach to quantify and monitor diagnostic errors in their quality improvement efforts.
Cavity prevention approach effectively reduces tooth decay :: A scientifically based approach that includes a tooth-decay risk assessment, aggressive preventive measures and conservative restorations can dramatically reduce decay in community dental practices, according to a new study.
How cells are able to turn :: Researchers have long wondered how our cells navigate inside the body. Two new studies have now demonstrated that the cells use molecular force from within to steer themselves in a certain direction. This knowledge may be of great significance in the development of new drugs.
Bioinformaticians compute gene sequences inherited from each parent :: In the analysis of the human genome, one question researchers have so far left unanswered is how to differentiate the variants of a gene inherited from the mother and father. Such information would increase the likelihood of treating certain diseases successfully. The so-called third generation of sequencing technologies is now making this possible.
People with prosthetic arms less affected by common illusion :: People with prosthetic arms or hands do not experience the 'size-weight illusion' as strongly as other people, new research shows.
Artificial intelligence predicts corruption :: Researchers from Spain have created a computer model based on neural networks which provides in which Spanish provinces cases of corruption can appear with greater probability, as well as the conditions that favor their appearance. This alert system confirms that the probabilities increase when the same party stays in government more years.
New long-acting approach for malaria prophylaxis developed using nanomedicine approach :: A new study highlights a novel long-acting medicine for the prevention of malaria. The approach uses nanotechnology to improve the delivery of an existing antimalarial drug via a novel injectable format that can maintain blood concentration of the drug for weeks or months following a single dose.
New semiconductor processing technology developed :: Extremely fine porous structures with tiny holes — resembling a kind of sponge at nano level — can be generated in semiconductors. This opens up new possibilities for the realization of tiny sensors or unusual optical and electronic components.
Combination of resistance genes offers better protection for wheat against powdery mildew :: Plant researchers have tested newly developed wheat lines with improved resistance in field trials. They have demonstrated that a combination of two variations of a resistance gene provides wheat with better protection against the fungal disease.
Seabed mining could destroy ecosystems :: Mining on the ocean floor could do irreversible damage to deep-sea ecosystems, says a new study of seabed mining proposals around the world.
Anemia discovery offers new targets to treat fatigue in millions :: Researchers have discovered an unknown biological process that controls the production of vital cells that carry oxygen throughout the body. The discovery could help doctors develop new treatments for anemias that affect millions of people.
Persistent photoconductivity used to stimulate neurotypic cells :: Researchers have, for the first time, used a material's persistent photoconductivity to stimulate neurotype cells. The technique, which is relatively simple, should facilitate future research on using charge to influence cellular behavior.
New for three types of extreme-energy space particles: Theory shows unified origin :: One of the biggest mysteries in astroparticle physics has been the origins of ultrahigh-energy cosmic rays, very high-energy neutrinos, and high-energy gamma rays. Now, a new theoretical model reveals that they all could be shot out into space after cosmic rays are accelerated by powerful jets from supermassive black holes. The model may set a new milestone on the path toward solving the half-cent
Housing instability negatively affects the health of children and caregivers :: When families don't have stable housing, their risk of struggling with poor health outcomes and material hardships, such as food insecurity, increases, according to a new study. Researchers surveyed over 22,000 families and found that one third of low-income renters were housing unstable, which was associated with negative impacts on their health.
Improving vaccines for the elderly by blocking inflammation :: By identifying why skin immunity declines in old age, a research team has found that an anti-inflammatory pill could help make vaccines more effective for elderly people. The study found that an excessive inflammation reaction in older people can obstruct the immune system.
Research helps break ground to clean up land :: Researchers have been exploring the intricate shapes that emerge when air is injected into soil. These findings could one day be used to speed up the decontamination of industrial brownfield sites.
Using social and risk networks helps identify people undiagnosed with HIV :: Conducting HIV testing among the social and risk networks of those recently diagnosed with HIV helps identify undiagnosed cases of HIV at significantly higher rates and at a lower cost than other testing approaches, finds a new study conducted in Ukraine by an international research team.
A race against pine: Wood-boring wasp in North America threatened by a Eurasian invader :: Invasive species have diverse impacts in different locations, including biodiversity loss, as a result of native species being outcompeted for similar resources. A US research team studied the case of an aggressive Eurasian woodwasp that has recently established in North America and poses a threat to a native competitor species.
User experiment at BESSY II: Complex tessellations, extraordinary materials :: Researchers have discovered a reaction path that produces exotic layers with semiregular structures. These kinds of materials are interesting because they frequently possess extraordinary properties. In the process, simple organic molecules are converted to larger units which form the complex, semiregular patterns.
Scientists discover material ideal for smart photovoltaic windows :: Researchers have discovered that a form of perovskite, one of the hottest materials in solar research currently due to its high conversion efficiency, works surprisingly well as a stable and photoactive semiconductor material that can be reversibly switched between a transparent state and a non-transparent state, without degrading its electronic properties.
Boosting cancer therapy with artificial molecules :: Researchers have created artificial molecules that can help the immune system to recognize and attack cancer tumors.
A 'hot Jupiter' with unusual winds :: The hottest point on a gaseous planet near a distant star isn't where astrophysicists expected it to be — a discovery that challenges scientists' understanding of the many planets of this type found in solar systems outside our own.
Optical nanoscope allows imaging of quantum dots :: Physicists have developed a technique based on optical microscopy that can be used to create images of atoms on the nanoscale. In particular, the new method allows the imaging of quantum dots in a semiconductor chip.
Global temperature targets will be missed within decades unless carbon emissions reversed :: New projections by researchers could be the catalyst the world has sought to determine how best to meet its obligations to reduce carbon emissions and better manage global warming as defined by the Paris Agreement.
GoJelly project officially kicks off :: While the number of fish in our oceans continues to decrease, changing environmental conditions seem to favour jellyfish. They occur more often in large blooms. So far, they are considered annoying, if not dangerous. The project GoJelly aims to change that perception and to investigate the suitability of the organisms as microplastic filters, fertilizers or fish feed.
A new assessment method for active aging :: Researchers have developed a new indicator for assessing active aging. Active aging refers to having initiative and doing things the aging person considers important. The indicator consists of a series of questions, which can be presented either in an interview or as a questionnaire. A score describing active ageing is calculated based on the responses.
Two-dimensional circuit with magnetic quasi-particles :: Whether smart phone, computer or dialysis machine — there is no electronic device without chips and their electronic components inside. The individual circuit elements are therefore often wired using three dimensional so called bridge constructions. Physicists are now working on a more efficient variation, where specific quasiparticles named magnons instead of electrons are being used. They have
Your brain responses to music reveal if you're a musician or not :: How your brain responds to music listening can reveal whether you have received musical training, according to new research. By applying methods of computational music analysis and machine learning on brain imaging data collected during music listening, the researchers we able to predict with a significant accuracy whether the listeners were musicians or not.
Cryo-EM reveals critical protein-modifying complex and potential drug target :: Scientists have revealed the atomic-level structure of a molecular complex responsible for modifying proteins, possibly paving the way for the development of new medications for cancer and a host of other diseases.
Role of cranial modification in identity formation: Did head shape encourage unity and cooperation in politics? :: It has long been recognized that the Inka incorporated diverse peoples into their empire, but how these ethnic groups developed historically during the political upheaval of the preceding Late Intermediate Period (LIP; AD 1100-1450) is only now receiving commensurate attention.
Wild Sri Lankan elephants retreat from sound of disturbed Asian honey bees :: A new study using playbacks, has for the first time shown that Asian elephants in Sri Lanka are scared of honey bees, much like their African counterparts. The study showed that Asian elephants responded with alarm to the bee simulations. They also retreated significantly further away and vocalized more in response to the bee sounds compared to controls.
Lab-made hormone may reveal secret lives of plants :: A new synthetic hormone promises to tease apart the many different roles of the plant hormone auxin and could lead to a new way to ripen fruit.
Kicking an old can of worms — the origin of the head in annelids :: Researchers have described an exceptionally well-preserved new fossil species of bristle worm called Kootenayscolex barbarensis. Discovered from the 508-million-year-old Marble Canyon fossil site in the Burgess Shale in Kootenay National Park, the new species helps rewrite our understanding of the origin of the head in annelids, a highly diverse group of animals which includes today's leeches and
First evidence of winds outside black holes throughout their mealtimes :: New research shows the first evidence of strong winds around black holes throughout bright outburst events when a black hole rapidly consumes mass. The study sheds new light on how mass transfers to black holes and how black holes can affect the environment around them.
Combined nutrients and warming massively increase methane emissions from lakes :: Shallow lakes in agricultural landscapes will emit significantly greater amounts of methane, mostly in the form of bubbles (ebullition) in a warmer world, which is a potential positive feedback mechanism to climate warming. Submerged plants are key predictors of methane ebullition. The combination of warming with the loss of plants appears to transform shallow lakes into methane bubbling machines.
Digging deep into distinctly different DNA :: A new discovery has deepened our understanding of the genetic mutations that arise in different tissues, and how these are inherited. Researchers found the rates of genetic mutations in mitochondrial DNA vary across differing tissue types, with the highest rate occurring in reproductive cells.
Pathway opens to minimize waste in solar energy capture :: Researchers have made an important discovery with significant implications for the future of solar cell material design.
Climate change and snowmelt — turn up the heat, but what about humidity? :: Changes in humidity may determine how the contribution of snowpack to streams, lakes and groundwater changes as the climate warms. Surprisingly, cloudy, gray and humid winter days can actually cause the snowpack to warm faster, increasing the likelihood of melt during winter months when the snowpack should be growing, the authors report. In contrast, under clear skies and low humidity the snow can
New Caledonian crows extract prey faster with complex hooked tools :: Biologists have discovered why some crows 'craft' elaborate hooked tools out of branched twigs.
Climate engineering, once started, would have severe impacts if stopped :: Facing a climate crisis, we may someday spray sulfur dioxide into the upper atmosphere to form a cloud that cools the Earth, but suddenly stopping the spraying would have a severe global impact on animals and plants, according to the first study on the potential biological impacts of geoengineering, or climate intervention.
Engineers design artificial synapse for 'brain-on-a-chip' hardware :: Engineers have designed an artificial synapse in such a way that they can precisely control the strength of an electric current flowing across it, similar to the way ions flow between neurons. The team has built a small chip with artificial synapses, made from silicon germanium. In simulations, the researchers found that the chip and its synapses could be used to recognize samples of handwriting,
Sound waves used to advance optical communication :: Researchers have demonstrated that sound waves can be used to produce ultraminiature optical diodes that are tiny enough to fit onto a computer chip. These devices, called optical isolators, may help solve major data capacity and system size challenges for photonic integrated circuits, the light-based equivalent of electronic circuits, which are used for computing and communications.
Marijuana use does not lower chances of getting pregnant :: Marijuana use — by either men or women — does not appear to lower a couple's chances of getting pregnant, according to a new study.
A new approach to rechargeable batteries :: A new battery technology, based on a metal-mesh membrane and electrodes made of molten sodium, could open the way for more intermittent, renewable power sources on the grid.
Feedback enhances brainwave control of a novel hand-exoskeleton :: Scientists are developing a lightweight and portable hand exoskeleton that can be controlled with brainwaves. The device enhances performance of brain-machine interfaces and can restore functional grasps for the physically impaired.
Ancient rice heralds a new future for rice production :: Growing in crocodile infested billabongs in the remote North of the country, Australia's wild rice has been confirmed as the most closely related to the ancient ancestor of all rices. The unique genetics of the Australian rice may help breed disease resistance and climate adaptation into rice modern production species.
Researchers borrow from AIDS playbook to tackle rheumatic heart disease :: Billions of US taxpayer dollars have been invested in Africa over the past 15 years to improve care for millions suffering from the HIV/AIDS epidemic; yet health systems on the continent continue to struggle. What if the investments and lessons learned from HIV could be used to improve care for those with other serious chronic conditions?
Inverse-design approach leads to metadevices :: Scientists have used inverse design principles and a 3-D printer to create highly efficient broadband metadevices at millimeter-wave frequencies that could prove revolutionary for consumer products, defense, and telecommunications.
Big energy savings: Building the world's smallest electro-optic modulator :: Researchers at have designed and fabricated the world's smallest electro-optic modulator, which could mean major reductions in energy used by data centers and supercomputers.
New neuron-like cells allow investigation into synthesis of vital cellular components :: A new method to create synthetic neurons allows researchers to investigate how the human brain makes metabolic building blocks essential for the survival of all living organisms. A new study describes a core enzyme involved in the synthesis of these building blocks, called purines, and how the enzyme might change during infection by herpes simplex virus.
Scientists discover 'Legos of life' :: Scientists have found the “Legos of life” – four core chemical structures that can be stacked together to build the myriad proteins inside every organism – after smashing and dissecting nearly 10,000 proteins to understand their component parts. The four building blocks make energy available for humans and all other living organisms, according to a new study.
New Eocene fossil data suggest climate models may underestimate future polar warming :: A new international analysis of marine fossils shows that warming of the polar oceans during the Eocene, a greenhouse period that provides a glimpse of Earth's potential future climate, was greater than previously thought.
First trimester exposure to antithyroid drugs associated with birth defects :: Taking antithyroid drugs (ATDs) during the first trimester of pregnancy is associated with an increased risk for birth defects, particularly for women receiving prescriptions for methimazole (MMI) or both MMI and propylthiouracil (PTU).
Dietary fiber protects against obesity and metabolic syndrome, study finds :: Consumption of dietary fiber can prevent obesity, metabolic syndrome and adverse changes in the intestine by promoting growth of 'good' bacteria in the colon, according to a new study.
Inherited IQ can increase in early childhood :: When it comes to intelligence, environment and education matter — more than we think.
Drones learn to navigate autonomously by imitating cars and bicycles :: A new algorithm allows drones to fly completely by themselves through the streets of a city and in indoor environments. The algorithm had to learn traffic rules and adapt training examples from cyclists and car drivers.
Curcumin improves memory and mood :: Daily consumption of a certain form of curcumin — the substance that gives Indian curry its bright color — improved memory and mood in people with mild, age-related memory loss.
Air quality is leading environmental threat to public health :: The 2018 Environmental Performance Index (EPI) finds that air quality is the leading environmental threat to public health. The tenth EPI report ranks 180 countries on 24 performance indicators across 10 issue categories covering environmental health and ecosystem vitality.
Tiny crystals could help predict volcanic eruptions :: They can be as small as a grain of salt, but tiny crystals that form deep in volcanoes may be the key for advance warnings before volcanic eruptions. Volcanologists have said the research provided new information that could lead to more effective evacuations and warning communications.
The big picture of Great Lakes mercury pollution :: A transdisciplinary team examined regulatory impacts on Great Lakes mercury, focusing on an Upper Peninsula tribal community with high fish consumption.
Flu infection study increases understanding of natural immunity :: People with higher levels of antibodies against the stem portion of the influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) protein have less viral shedding when they get the flu, but don't have fewer or less severe signs of illness, according to a new study. This study is the first of its kind to evaluate pre-existing levels of these antibodies as a predictor of protection against influenza. The findings could ha
Children view people's behavior, psychological characteristics as shaped by environments :: A new study has found that 5- to 6-year-olds view people's environments, not their skin color, as the most important determinant of their behavior and psychological characteristics. These findings contradict the idea that views of race that are known to lead to prejudice such as believing that race naturally divides the world into distinct kinds of people's inevitably develop early in childhood.
Scientists achieve high power with new smaller laser :: An international team of scientists has produced the first high-powered, randomly polarised laser beam with a 'Q switch' laser, which typically emits pulses of light so brief that they're measured in nanoseconds. Lasers are a critical part of modern technology — they're used in everything from our automobiles to medical equipment to the satellites orbiting Earth. Now, researchers are broadening t
Clarifying the interplay between bone cells in bone remodeling :: Bone homeostasis is regulated by communication between bone-forming mature osteoblasts (mOB) and bone-resorptive mature osteoclasts (mOC). However, the interaction between them in vivo remains unclear. Researchers have developed an intravital two-photon microscopy technique which reveals mOB and mOC functions are regulated via direct cell-cell contact between these cell types. The findings may pav
New limit on the definition of a planet proposed :: A planet can be no bigger than about 10 times the size of Jupiter, an astrophysicist has calculated.
Astronomers produce first detailed images of surface of giant star :: An international team of astronomers has produced the first detailed images of the surface of a giant star outside our solar system, revealing a nearly circular, dust-free atmosphere with complex areas of moving material, known as convection cells or granules, according to a recent study.
Better predicting mountains' flora and fauna in a changing world :: Climbing a mountain is challenging. So, too, is providing the best possible information to plan for climate change's impact on mountain vegetation and wildlife. Scientists show that using several sources of climate measurements when modeling the potential future distributions of mountain vegetation and wildlife can increase confidence in the model results and provide useful guidance for conservati
Forensic researchers find more accurate way to estimate age of deceased :: Forensic researchers have found a more accurate way to assess an individual's age at death, based on the bone mineral density of the femur. The technique could be used to help identify human remains.
Biomechanical mapping method aids development of therapies for damaged heart tissue :: Researchers have developed a new way to capture the detailed biomechanical properties of heart tissue. The high-resolution optical technique fills an important technology gap necessary to develop and test therapies that might eventually be used to heal heart damage after a heart attack.
Using epigenetic signatures and machine learning to improve diagnosis :: Researchers have identified unique epigenetic signatures for nine neurodevelopmental disorders lending to a better method of diagnosis for disorders with much clinical overlap. The epigenetic signatures were developed through methylation array analysis.
Scientist unlocks gamma ray burst secrets :: Scientists have recreated the first ever mini version of a gamma ray burst in a laboratory, opening up a whole new way to investigate their properties and potentially unlocking some of the mysteries around possible alien civilizations.
Bitcoin wallet devices vulnerable to security hacksBitcoin Stripe CryptocurrencyDevices used to manage accounts using Bitcoin could be improved to provide better protection against hackers, according to new research.
Cognitive training helps regain a younger-working brain :: New research could provide new hope for extending our brain function as we age. In a randomized clinical study involving adults age 56 to 71, researchers found that after cognitive training, participants' brains were more energy efficient, meaning their brain did not have to work as hard to perform a task.
Survey results show Christians becoming less concerned about the environment :: There has been no "greening of Christianity" among people in the pews, despite efforts by some religious leaders to emphasize environmental stewardship, according to new research.
Deaf children with cochlear implant learn words faster than hearing children :: Each year many deaf children get a cochlear implant to connect to the world of sounds. So far, it was not clear which processes take place in these children when they start to learn language – and why they differ in the level of language they achieve. Now, researchers have found that deaf children with a cochlear implant learn words even faster than those with normal hearing.
Brief exposure to charismatic career women inspires female students to pursue same field :: A simple, low-cost experiment to encourage women to enter the male-dominated field of economics was surprisingly effective, says an economist. Top female college students were inspired to pursue economics when exposed very briefly to charismatic, successful women in the field. The successful results suggest that exposing young women to an inspiring female role model could spark similar interventio
All the buzz: Bigger honeybee colonies have quieter combs :: When honeybee colonies get larger, common sense suggests it would be noisier with more bees buzzing around. But a study now reports that bigger honeybee colonies actually have quieter combs than smaller ones.
When the eyes move, the eardrums move, too :: Simply moving the eyes triggers the eardrums to move too, even in the absence of sound, says a new study by neuroscientists. The findings, which were replicated in both humans and rhesus monkeys, provide new insight into how the brain coordinates what we see and what we hear. It may also lead to new understanding of hearing disorders, such as difficulty following a conversation in a crowded room.
Rare 450-million-year-old 'cone-shaped' fossil discovery :: Researchers have discover a unique fossil of a mysterious creature from the Ordovician period.
Air pollution may shorten telomeres in newborns — a sign of increased health risks :: A study conducted before and after the 2004 closure of a coal-burning power plant in Tongliang, China, found children born before the closure had shorter telomeres than those conceived and born after the plant stopped polluting the air.
Saving key branches of shark and ray tree of life :: New study identifies conservation priorities based on evolutionary history and biogeography.
Interacting Antarctic glaciers may cause faster melt and sea level contributions :: Two of the most rapidly changing glaciers in Antarctica, which are leading contributors to sea-level rise, may behave as an interacting system rather than separate entities, according to a new analysis of radar data.
Mitigation techniques fall short of preventing electrocution of golden eagles on power poles :: Despite efforts to retrofit power poles and to build new poles to avian-friendly standards, electrocution remains a substantial cause of death for the golden eagle. The global conservation problem results in an estimated 504 eagles electrocuted annually in North America alone. A new article examines the risk factors and mitigation techniques from literature published from 1940-2016 and provides ne
Feelings determine from which side we embrace each other :: Hugs are part of social interactions between humans since birth. The express affection and love, and they occur in both positive and neutral contexts: we hug when we are sad or afraid, or simply when saying hello.
Is species richness increasing? Insight into an intense ecological debate :: Scientists are debating whether and why it appears that the number of species at sites worldwide is holding steady (even increasing at many), as biodiversity declines globally.
Calculating the CO2 emissions of biofuels is not enough :: A new EU regulation aims to shrink the environmental footprint of biofuels starting in 2021. But a scientist thinks we should go one step further and take into account all compounds produced at biorefineries, not just biofuel. And he has developed a model for doing just that.
Chasing dark matter with oldest stars in the Milky Way :: Just how quickly is the dark matter near Earth zipping around? The speed of dark matter has far-reaching consequences for modern astrophysical research, but this fundamental property has eluded researchers for years. Researchers have now provided the first clue: The solution to this mystery, it turns out, lies among some of the oldest stars in the galaxy.
Solid-state lighting: Scientists reveal the fundamental limitation in key material :: Researchers have revealed the core mechanism that limits the indium content in indium gallium nitride thin films — the key material for blue light emitting diodes (LEDs).
Vitamin C in the body can be tracked by fluorescence :: A Japanese research team bio-imaged vitamin C in mice. A probe chemical emitted red fluorescent light after reacting with vitamin C in the mice's bloodstream. When a dose of exogenous vitamin C was injected, it accumulated in vital organs. This is the first bioimaging of vitamin C in living tissue, showing high sensitivity and good selectivity, paving the way toward the use of this vitamin to trea
Unexpected helpers in wound healing :: Nerve cells in the skin help wounds to heal. When an injury occurs, cells known as glial cells change into repair cells and disseminate into the wound, where they help the skin to regenerate, researchers have shown.
Optimizing recycling of scrap car parts yields big savings :: Detailed sorting of scrap car parts could boost recycling rates to over 97 percent, saving billions and slashing greenhouse gas emissions.
Ultralow power consumption for data recording :: Researchers have made a discovery that could see a drastic reduction in power consumption for data recording.
Using wild rice to predict health of Minnesota lakes and streams :: By studying wild rice in lakes and streams, a team of researchers has discovered that sulfate in waterways is converted into toxic levels of sulfide and increases other harmful elements. This includes methylmercury, the only form of mercury that contaminates fish.
For global invasion, Argentine ants use chemical weapons :: Researchers show how Argentine ants use chemical secretions as weapons in their interactions with harvester ants, which are native to California. The findings could help in the development of new pest control strategies.
Discovery may advance neural stem cell treatments for brain disorders :: New research reveals a novel gene regulatory system that may advance stem cell therapies and gene-targeting treatments for neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and mental health disorders that affect cognitive abilities.
Scientists create a 3-D model of molecules in yeast linked to enzyme that lengthens chromosome tips :: Through the haze of a sonogram screen, an expectant mother catches a glimpse of the growing baby within her. The outline of a nose, chin and head, instantly recognizable as a tiny human, brings to life what parents, until then, could only imagine. Biologists, too, aim to bring their scientific discoveries to life by creating three-dimensional models — at the atomic level — of the inner workings
Scientists culture human placenta stem cells for first time :: Scientists have derived and grown trophoblast stem cells for the first time, which will lead to better understanding of the human placenta.
New discovery could improve organic solar cell performance :: Scientists have solved a mystery that could lead to gains in efficiency for organic solar cells.
Study provides new guidelines for assessing severity of head and neck cancers :: Researchers have developed a new, more accurate set of guidelines for assessing the severity of head and neck cancers and predicting patient survival. The new guidelines center around counting the number of malignant lymph nodes found in each patient.
New 'big-armed fly' species named after former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger :: A new fly species with bulging forelegs is named after former California governor and famous bodybuilder and actor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Measuring 0.395 mm in body length, it is also now the smallest known fly.
A superficial relationship: Soap on water :: New research shows with unprecedented accuracy what happens to soap as it spreads on water.
Advances in lasers get to the long and short of it :: Since lasers were first developed, the demand for more adaptable lasers has only increased. Chiral nematic liquid crystals (CLCs) are an emerging class of lasing devices that are poised to shape how lasers are used in the future because of their low thresholds, ease of fabrication, and ability to be tuned across wider swaths of the electromagnetic spectrum. New work on how to select band-edge mode
New sensor for measuring electric field strength :: Scientists have developed a sensor for measuring the strength of electric fields, which is much smaller, simpler and less prone to distortion than comparable devices.
How wind turbines annoy residents and how to reduce it :: When falling asleep, relaxing or undertaking recreational activities, nearly a third of residents living near a wind farm are not at all annoyed or only slightly annoyed by the noise of wind turbines. One in ten people experience symptoms of stress. However, noise is not the only problem. In particular, a critical attitude towards a wind farm stimulates the experience of stress. A better informati
Adipose tissue depots compromise heart health :: Researchers have shown that the release of fatty acids from body fat has a major impact on heart health. By interfering with the body's lipid metabolism, the researchers successfully reduced the risk of heart failure.
Imagining a successful future can help students overcome everyday difficulties :: Having a clear picture in mind of what their future will look like can motivate students to keep going despite the challenges of college life. This strategy seems to be particularly effective for female students from relatively low socioeconomic status (SES) backgrounds.
Energy drink use in teens has adverse effects :: New research shows why many teenagers consume energy drinks, how often, the age they started and what influences their choice of brands.
Implantable medical devices bolstered by next-gen surface modification :: A new discovery could underpin a new class of implantable devices that provide biological signals to surrounding tissue for better integration with the body and reduced risk of infection. The team has developed low-cost, practical techniques to guide and attach peptides to surfaces. Medicine increasingly relies on biomedical devices but their effectiveness is often limited because of unsuccessful
Brittle stars may 'see' with their skin :: Scientists have discovered the first evidence that brittle stars living in vibrant coral reefs use thousands of light sensors to navigate their way through their complex environments.
New biosensor could monitor glucose levels in tears and sweat :: Constantly tracking a person's glucose levels through their tears or sweat could be one step closer to providing people with diabetes an improved monitoring tool. Researchers report the development of an ultra-thin, flexible sensor that could be incorporated into contact lenses or on the backs of watches for real-time glucose tracking.
Report shows United States leads in science and technology as China rapidly advances :: According to the National Science Foundation's new Science and Engineering Indicators 2018 report, the United States is the global leader in science and technology. However, the U.S. global share of science and technology activities is declining as other nations — especially China — continue to rise.
Working in female-dominated workplaces means worse access to flexible working arrangements :: Workers in female-dominated workplaces have worse access to flexible working arrangements than those in gender-neutral and even male-dominated workplaces, new research has found.
Targeting bladder cancer's Achilles heel: Stem cells :: Two different proteins work separately as well as synergistically to feed a small pool of stem cells that help bladder cancer resist chemotherapy, research suggests. The finding could lead to new targets to fight this deadly disease and potentially other cancers as well.
Pearly material for bendable heating elements :: The iridescent shimmer of a string of pearls may one day be more than pretty adornment. Scientists now report a hybrid material consisting of imitation pearl combined with silver nanowires that works as a heater, with the added benefit of high flexibility, suggesting a potential role in wearable devices.
Tidal cycles could help predict volcanic eruptions :: A study of a New Zealand volcano suggests that a volcanic system's response to tidal forces could provide a tool for predicting a certain type of eruption.
Artificial sweetener could someday provide cancer treatments with fewer side effects :: Artificial sweeteners are used in diet drinks and foods but also could someday be used as treatments targeting carbonic anhydrase IX (CA IX), a protein associated with aggressive cancers. Although several drugs have been approved that target similar forms of CA, they aren't selective and may cause side effects, including vomiting and fatigue. Now researchers report that an artificial sweetener cou
Augmented and virtual reality will involve human senses in verifying the operations of information systems :: Many new applications aim to make information systems and machines identify their users and take their individual needs and emotions into account.
Cloud seeding for snow: Does it work? Scientists report first quantifiable observations :: For the first time, scientists have obtained direct, quantifiable observations of cloud seeding for increased snowfall — from the growth of ice crystals, through the processes that occur in clouds, to the eventual snowfall.
New measurement technology helps to determine NO concentrations in the ocean :: Nitrogen monoxide (NO) belongs to the group of nitrogen oxides which are infamous as toxic emissions in urban agglomerations. But NO is also produced in nature and plays a role in the nitrogen cycle. However, from earth's largest ecosystem, the ocean, we have hardly any NO measurements.
Mathematicians develop model for how new ideas emerge :: Researchers have developed a mathematical model for the emergence of innovations.
Weather patterns, farm income, other factors, may be influencing opioid crisis :: The overprescribing of opioid-based painkillers may be the main driver of the increased abuse of opioids in rural America, but economists say that other factors, including declining farm income, extreme weather and other natural disasters, may affect a crisis that is killing thousands of citizens and costing the country billions of dollars.
Could underwater sound waves be the key to early tsunami warnings? :: Mathematicians have devised a way of calculating the size of a tsunami and its destructive force well in advance of it making landfall by measuring fast-moving underwater sound waves, opening up the possibility of a real-time early warning system.
People with tetraplegia gain rapid use of brain-computer interface :: A new approach to calibrating the pioneering BrainGate brain-computer interface allowed three clinical trial participants with tetraplegia to gain control of a computer cursor after just one simple calibration step.
Third of households — double previous estimates — struggle to get food, Ohio study finds :: The struggle to get enough nutritious food could be far worse than previously understood, according to a new study examining the intersection between hunger and the types of foods found at nearby stores.
Record jump in 2014-2016 global temperatures largest since 1900 :: Global surface temperatures surged by a record amount from 2014 to 2016, boosting the total amount of warming since the start of the last century by more than 25 percent in just three years, according to a new University of Arizona-led paper. The research is the first to quantify the record temperature spike of an additional 0.43 degrees F (0.24 C) in just three years and to identify the fundament
Rare type of stroke increasing among pregnant women :: Strokes caused by various reasons including a ruptured vessel on the brain's surface are increasingly being recognized among pregnant women. African-American women and those age 20-29 had the highest proportion of this rare stroke known as spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Meet Zhong Zhong and Hua Hua, the first monkey clones produced by method that made DollyHuman Monkeys Hua HuaThe first primate clones made by somatic cell nuclear transfer are two genetically identical long-tailed macaques have recently been born. Researchers named the newborns Zhong Zhong and Hua Hua after the Chinese adjective 'Zhonghua,' which means Chinese nation or people. The technical milestone makes it a realistic possibility for labs to conduct research with customizable populations of genetical
Engineers develop flexible, water-repellent graphene circuits for washable electronics :: Nanoengineers are finding new ways to use graphene printing technology. A new research paper describes how they're treating printed graphene with lasers to create electronic circuits that repel water. That could lead to washable