After putting out flames, firefighters face a four-fold risk of DNA damage, new research suggests. Previous studies have pointed to exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH)—which release into the air as a result of burning of wood, plastics, furniture, electronics and other building materials—as a possible cause for higher rates of cancer among firefighters. The […]
Fattening up fat cells can help fight leukemia 
Boosting fat cells in the bone marrow helped suppress cancer cells while regenerating healthy blood cells, new research suggests. According to study authors, the present research is unique in its focus on the bone marrow as an ecosystem, which led to the identification of fat cells as a possible therapy target – instead of the […]
Genes of obsessive-compulsive disorder
Genetic variants associated with the obsessive-compulsive disorder, which affects over 80 million people around the world, have been pinpointed in a new study. Isolating and characterizing such genes may help researchers understand the underlying biology of OCD and develop treatments for this disease. Scientists analyzed sequencing data for 608 candidate genes, and identified four genes […]
Big brains help cetaceans create complex, “human-like” societies
Cetaceans, such as dolphins and whales, have complex societies with behaviors that closely resemble human and primate relationships, new research suggests. In a first study of its kind, scientists have created a comprehensive database of brain sizes and behaviors in 90 species of dolphins, whales and porpoises. They found evidence of such complex social behaviors […]
Ibuprofen is better than morphine for children recovering from minor surgery
When it comes to pain relief and minimum side effects, ibuprofen is more suitable than oral morphine for children recovering from minor orthopedic surgery, results of a new clinical trial suggest. Researchers observed reaction to painkillers in 154 children aged 5 to 17 years who underwent minor orthopedic surgery, such as keyhole surgery on joints, […]
Few patients with kidney problems receive recommended follow-up care
Most patients hospitalized with acute kidney injury (AKI) don’t get the follow-up help recommended by specialists, according to a new study. Researchers asked 145 Canadian nephrologists about the factors that influence their likelihood to recommend follow-up for patients after a hospitalization with AKI. These responses were then compared with rates of community follow-up with nephrologists […]
Simulated copulation techniques reveal cetacean sex secrets
A new study helps examine how mechanical interactions during copulation influence the shape of genitalia and fertility in cetaceans. Researchers used samples of cetacean genitalia acquired after the animals’ natural cause death. The scientists inflated excised penises using a saline solution to simulate an erection, and studied its interaction with silicone endocasts of vaginas in […]
Ancient DNA sheds light on the history of Newfoundland’s Indigenous settlements
A recent analysis of ancient DNA provides evidence in support of a theory that Newfoundland was populated several times by distinct cultural groups, specifically the Maritime Archaic and Beothuk. Researchers performed genetic analysis of 74 ancient remains, including ones from North America’s oldest burial mound. Their findings showed that the two Indigenous groups didn’t share […]
Hockey provides spectators a hearty workout similar to vigorous physical stress
As the new hockey season kicks off, mind your heart: A new study suggests that watching hockey can cause significant cardiovascular stress, similar to that of moderate to vigorous physical exercise. Researchers observed two groups of sports fans using Holter monitors, with one group watching hockey games on TV and the other attending the games […]
How the invasive Prussian carp change Canadian freshwater ecosystems
After the presence of invasive non-native species of Prussian carp was confirmed in Alberta, scientists explored the species’ effect on the local freshwater ecosystems. In the present study, authors describe the carps’ impact on fish communities and benthic invertebrate communities, as well as evaluate whether the carp alter abiotic conditions in the regions where they are abundant. Their findings […]
Ancient Mars thawed by methane bursts
Scientists have found an explanation for periodic wet climates on Mars—an otherwise frozen planet—which account for evidence of past lakes contained in the planet’s sediment.. According to new research, it’s likely that the planet is sometimes warmed by bursts of methane that’s trapped under Mars’ subsurface. Like on Earth, methane can be stored in Martian […]
Lab-grown kidneys help scientists understand renal health
Researchers can now successfully track the early stages of polycystic kidney disease in lab-grown mini-kidneys, which mimic the full-grown human organs. This is the first time scientists are able to track the progress of this renal disease, which affects 12 million people, in a laboratory setting. The mini-kidneys were grown using human stem cells. Researchers have […]
Vital chemicals deposited into small ponds by meteorites deemed responsible for life on Earth
Scientists found new evidence to support the “warm little ponds” theory of the beginnings of life on Earth, which puts the ponds as a top candidate for the initial favorable conditions for the appearance of living organisms. The new paper places the emergence of life into the process of Earth’s formation, while the planet was still being pelted […]
New software tool links breast cancer, immune system processes
Researchers have developed a new software tool that examines various gene expressions in different body tissues. Using this tool, they found an association between breast cancer tumor cells and immune system cells in the bloodstream. In particular, researchers found that molecular processes vary with subtypes: for example, immune system-suppressing processes operating in conjunction with certain […]
A tadpole early-warning system that develops with experience
New research suggests that tadpoles use previous dangerous encounters to determine whether to heed the warnings of others. These warnings take the form of chemical cues the scientists call “disturbance cues”, which are produced while prey escape a predator. These may be used to signal predation risk to other prey nearby. Researchers exposed wood frog tadpoles […]
How delivery method and early diet influences infant gut microbiomes
In recent research, scientists have been exploring the important role intestinal microbiomes play in the diets and food intolerances of entire populations. Much of this bacterial make-up in the intestines is formed within the first year of life. What happens within that first year is explored in the present study, where researchers observed changes to gut bacteria […]
