The Max Planck Research Awards recognize outstanding research in biosciences, medicine, chemistry, pharmacy, engineering sciences, mathematics, and the humanities. This year's awards went to researchers who made significant contributions to their respective fields.
A new research project has set up houses with various termite defence systems in Arnhem Land to curb $780 million damage caused by termites each year. The project is using novel preservatives and chemical barriers to protect timber, and learning from the Yolngu people about termite behaviour and biology.
A new study reveals that vitamin D levels predict the risk of falls among women, with 45% of nursing home residents suffering from deficiency. Vitamin D supplements are proposed as a solution to prevent falls and related health issues.
A biochemical chain of events governs cell size in multiple diseases. Researchers discovered that AMPK regulates TSC2 activity, which limits mTOR activity, thereby controlling cell growth. This chain of events may be targeted by the drug Rapamycin to treat genetic syndromes.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have identified a non-cholesterol related gene linked to the development of heart disease in mice. The A20 gene regulates the NFkB pathway, which was previously thought to contribute to heart disease, but may actually play an anti-atherosclerotic role.
A recent case report reveals that MDMA can trigger heart attacks, with symptoms similar to those caused by cocaine or amphetamine use. Physicians are advised to familiarize themselves with the emerging trend of MDMA use and its potential risks.
A recent study has identified a genetic risk factor for malignant melanoma in men, highlighting the importance of faulty genes in the development of the disease. The study found that variants in the BRAF gene are more common in people with melanoma, particularly in men.
A western American pasture grass crossed with wheat has improved resistance to Fusarium head blight, a disease causing major wheat crop losses and producing toxins that can be fatal to humans and animals. The hybrid plant's new resistance gene can be combined with other genes to enhance protection against the fungus.
A study found that nitric oxide can prevent lung disease and death in premature infants by reducing the risk of severe bleeding into the brain. The treatment, which involves adding small amounts of nitric oxide to oxygen, has been shown to improve survival rates and reduce the need for long-term ventilation.
A study of 404 sudden cardiac arrest victims found that almost half did not receive CPR before EMS arrival. The most common reasons for no CPR included physical limitations, victim location, and signs of life.
Researchers developed a new screening tool to identify adolescents at risk of carrying firearms in emergency departments. The tool, FiGHTS, uses known risk factors and has shown promising results in preventing firearm injuries among this age group.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding the origin of pediatric brain tumors, finding that they may develop from cells with characteristics similar to neural stem cells. This new perspective on brain cancer could lead to improved diagnostic tests and treatments.
A study by University of North Carolina researchers suggests that chemical nutrients washed into the sea can increase the severity of coral diseases, leading to significant declines in Caribbean reef health. The findings support calls for reducing nutrient pollution from agricultural runoff, sewage and deforestation.
Researchers challenge traditional explanations for explosive eruptions, suggesting that continuous fragmentation of magma can prevent explosive releases. This theory helps explain the difference in water content between effusive and explosive lava flows.
A new study found that chemotherapy and radiation together is more effective than sequential treatment in preserving the voice box, with 88% of patients still having their voice after two years. Overall survival rates were similar for all three treatment options.
A pilot study reveals that menstrual cycle monitors differ significantly in price and effectiveness, with some systems registering false negatives of up to 73.4%. The symptothermal method, relying on a woman's own observations, proved to be the most effective natural family planning method.
Researchers from WCS successfully tag seven great white sharks using a novel technique, resulting in valuable data on their movements and behavior. The sharks spend only three to seven minutes out of the water, showing minimal trauma, and one shark traveled over 2,000 miles before being tracked again.
Researchers found a new type of ocean ridge where the sea floor splits apart by pulling up solid rock from deep within the Earth's mantle. These 'ultra-slow' ridges are characterized by widely spaced volcanoes and have implications for understanding plate tectonics.
A recent study published in Molecular Psychiatry reveals that cell death promotes learning and growth in the brain. The research found that rats with lower levels of cell death performed better in spatial learning tasks, suggesting a positive correlation between cell death and cognitive function.