The discovery of Bundibugyo ebolavirus represents a significant addition to the puzzle of the Ebola virus genus. The new virus is genetically distinct from all other known Ebola virus species, differing by more than 30% at the genetic level. This finding has implications for the development of diagnostics, antivirals, and vaccines.
A team of researchers led by University of Georgia's Wayne Parrott is using a jumping gene in rice and radiation to identify key genes in soybeans that can be used to produce a better bean. This project aims to improve soybean yield, disease resistance and nutritional content.
A recent study published in Biology of Reproduction found that SOHLH2 plays a critical role in the formation and survival of oocytes and primordial follicles in mouse ovaries. The study, led by Youngsok Choi et al., discovered that SOHLH2 is essential for both oogenic and folliculogenic processes.
Researchers have identified a potential new target for anticancer therapeutics by showing that well-oxygenated tumor cells use lactate as a fuel, while hypoxic cells use glucose. Inhibiting this protein MCT1 disrupts the symbiotic relationship between the two cell types, leading to decreased tumor growth in mouse models.
Researchers have discovered that cells can turn on tumor-promoting growth circuits as a result of misreading damaged DNA without copying it. The results suggest that DNA damage, if it hits certain critical genes in a cell, could lead to transcriptional mutagenesis that spurs the cell to divide.
Researchers are developing a new high-speed environmentally-friendly packaging process that uses recycled materials and reduces plastic waste. The project aims to cut landfill waste by 13% and save over 39,000 tonnes per year.
Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh have documented early separate-sex evolution in a wild strawberry species still transitioning from hermaphroditism. This finding provides evidence for the theory that males and females developed from hermaphroditic ancestors, with plants serving as models for understanding early evolution.
Researchers at UT Health Science Center Houston are tackling healthcare information technology issues using a $1.3 million AHRQ grant, focusing on projects to increase patient safety. The trainees aim to design systems that help physicians prioritize notifications and make informed decisions in the emergency room.
Researchers have gained new insights into the regulation of calpains, enzymes involved in cellular processes and linked to disorders such as muscular dystrophy and Alzheimer's disease. The study reveals how calpastatin attaches to calpain with precise specificity, providing potential targets for drug development.
Scientists found that a synthetic THC-like drug can improve memory in aging rats by reducing inflammation and stimulating the formation of new brain cells. The study suggests that a safe, legal substance mimicking marijuana's properties could help prevent or delay Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University are developing automated farming systems using sensors, autonomous vehicles, and data analysis to monitor tree health and crop status. The systems aim to provide growers with early warnings of diseases and insect infestations, as well as continuous updates on crop status.
Biotech scientists are applying genomics technologies to toxicology research to better understand the effects of novel drug candidates. This trend towards predictive toxicogenomics aims to develop a new compound's mechanism of action and predict toxicity, with several companies and consortia already working on this technology.
A new report by International Center for Alcohol Policies reveals widespread consumption of noncommercial alcohol in sub-Saharan Africa, southern Asia, and central/eastern Europe. The report highlights the detrimental effects of this illicit alcohol on society, including contamination and toxicity posing serious public health threats.
Researchers at NIH and Duke University Medical Center found no evidence of cytogenetic damage in children taking stimulant medications for ADHD. The study included 63 children aged 6-12 who received either methylphenidate or mixed amphetamine salts, and showed similar results with both treatments.
Researchers have captured a rare binary star explosion inside a planetary nebula, offering new insights into stellar evolution. The study predicts that the combined mass of the two stars could lead to a larger supernova explosion.
Researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center presented several studies on brain-immune interactions, including the role of cilia in regulating hippocampal neurogenesis and the use of dendritic cells to boost anti-glioma immune responses. These findings have important implications for our understanding of the brain's immune system and p...
The collaboration aims to support continued development of the open-source system, enabling a wider audience to access educational resources. The new version, Alice 3, will feature drag-and-drop interfaces and essential arts assets from popular PC games.
Researchers at IRB Barcelona have discovered the relation between genes that affect a cell's capacity to generate energy. The study highlights the importance of Mitofusin 2 (Mfn2) in regulating mitochondrial fusion, which is crucial for insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
A drug based on a garlic chemical, vanadium-allixin, reduces blood glucose levels in diabetic mice, offering promise as an oral treatment for diabetes. The study aims to test the drug in humans in future work.
The researchers sequenced the mammoth's nuclear genome, yielding information about its evolution and extinction. They found that woolly mammoths separated into two groups around two million years ago and eventually became genetically distinct sub-populations.
Scientists studying the larvae of a marine ragworm discovered that nerve connections between the photoreceptor cell and cilia regulate swimming motion. This finding sheds light on how early eyes evolved to sense direction and drive phototaxis in marine plankton.
The study analyzed the angular rotation of gecko joints during locomotion on horizontal surfaces, revealing spatio-temporal rotation trajectories. It also compared the movement patterns of geckos on vertical walls, showing differences in joint angles and limb phases.
The UCAR project aims to provide long-term weather forecasts to medical officials in Africa to target vaccination programs and reduce meningitis epidemics. The forecasts will be used to focus on regions most at risk, pulling back from areas that are about to get rain, and helping vulnerable populations.
Researchers from GU/GUMC presented numerous studies on learning, facial recognition, and social interaction in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Additionally, they explored ways to improve cognition and reduce brain lesions in stroke survivors using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) techniques.
Head and neck cancer patients with comorbidities have a significantly higher risk of death, with some cases increasing by up to seven-fold. The study highlights the importance of considering co-existing conditions in estimating cancer survival statistics.
Individuals born with very low birth weights are at higher risk of developing secondary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, a condition that causes scarring in the kidneys. This association highlights the importance of considering birth history in adult patients to prevent misdiagnosis and inadequate treatment.
A team of Carnegie Mellon researchers has developed a new computational model that sheds light on the brain's processing of natural scenes. The model analyzes patterns in images and statistically characterizes them to determine which patterns are most likely associated with each other, enabling the brain to make sense of visual stimuli.
Researchers will use chromospheres to measure star ages by studying sunspots and solar cycles. The team aims to extend the activity-age relation for solar-type stars up to the Milky Way's age, about 10 billion years.
The partnership will test sequestration methods and develop infrastructure to tackle carbon management, with a focus on the region's vast energy resources. The project aims to validate carbon sequestration as a technology to reduce greenhouse gases and promote energy independence.
A new acoustic underwater camera system developed by the US Department of Defense is being used to study the juvenile goliath grouper in mangrove habitats. The technology allows researchers to visualize individual fish species and habitat without light or visibility conditions, providing critical information for conservation efforts.
The University of Texas at San Antonio Institute for Cyber Security has launched a new Internet security incubator to develop and assist in the commercialization of promising cyber security technologies. The first companies selected are Denim IP and SafeMashups, both from San Antonio.
Researchers found that genetic screening for type 2 diabetes is not significantly better than traditional risk factors such as weight, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. The study identified 18 gene variants associated with increased risk, but the value of genetic screening improved as more risk genes were discovered.
A study found that acute kidney injury increases the risk of end-stage renal disease among elderly patients, highlighting the importance of close monitoring and timely interventions.
Researchers at the Bradley Hasbro Children's Research Center found that 16% of adolescents and young adults engaged in heterosexual anal intercourse within three months of having unprotected sex. The study highlights the need for better communication and protection around anal sex among young people, particularly females who are more l...
Researchers have developed electronics that can withstand complex deformations, including twisting. Their 'pop-up' technology has been improved to create circuits that can bend, stretch, and twist, enabling new applications in medical and athletic fields.
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center have identified several compounds that block unwanted RNA coupling, a key step in the disease. The discovery offers hope for developing a drug-like molecule to treat myotonic muscular dystrophy.
Researchers found that urban tree roots can penetrate compacted subsoils, increasing infiltration rates by up to 153% in reservoirs. Structural soil reservoirs also showed a 27-fold increase in infiltration rate compared to unplanted controls.
Surgeons at the University of Chicago Medical Center have successfully performed the world's first pediatric robotic bladder reconstruction, using the DaVinci system. The innovative technique resulted in good outcomes and minimal complications, with the patient regaining full control over her bladder after six weeks.
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed two new cell phone applications, UbiFit and UbiGreen, to automatically track workouts and eco-friendly transportation. These programs display motivational pictures on the phone's background screen, motivating users to maintain their exercise routine and green habits.
The new journal, PM&R, emphasizes principles of injury, function, and rehabilitation, covering topics such as musculoskeletal disorders, neurologic conditions, and rehabilitation of impairments. The journal aims to advance education and impact the specialty through timely delivery of clinically relevant research and review information.
A large-scale Rutgers University study shows a conclusive link between media violence and real violence in adolescents. The research found that exposure to violent media significantly contributes to the prediction of violence and general aggression, even when other factors are considered.
A study found that 78% of breast cancer patients had at least one other cause of bone loss besides cancer drugs. Vitamin D deficiency was the most common factor, affecting 38% of breast cancer patients compared to 51% of non-cancer patients.
The study aims to separate dysfunctional brain activity from 'noise' using spatial statistical modeling, a new technique that uses neighboring locations to strengthen weak signals. The research could help identify specific areas of the brain affected by the syndrome in Persian Gulf War veterans.
A team of scientists found that climate change allows certain plants to defend themselves against local enemies more effectively than native plants. This shift in the balance of ecosystems could lead to an increase in invasive plant species and a loss of biodiversity.
Researchers studied e-mails sent from over 3,000 accounts and found that people don't respond to e-mails randomly, but rather in cycles influenced by their daily routines. The model reveals non-random intervals between e-mails, including times when people are sleeping.
A new class of compounds, phosphaplatins, can effectively kill various types of cancer cells, including ovarian, testicular and head and neck cancer cells, with potentially fewer side effects than conventional drugs like cisplatin and carboplatin.
A Queen's University study has shed new light on the control of a cell enzyme implicated in tissue damage after heart attacks and strokes. The research team discovered a way to block the enzyme's activity, which could lead to new drug treatments for stroke and heart disease.
A team of scientists developed a model to measure soil quality and predict long-term changes in soil organic carbon and organic matter. The CQESTR model simulates the effects of various management practices on soil dynamics, providing insights for sustainable crop and soil management.
A team of scientists has discovered a new green fluorescent protein in a deep-sea creature, which can be used as a marker in living cells and tissues. The protein, named cerFP505, has similar brightness and stability to existing fluorescent proteins, making it an ideal lead structure for super-resolution microscopy.
A recent survey shows that nearly a quarter of second-generation Turkish and Moroccan immigrants in the Netherlands drop out of school, while others excel in higher education. The survey attributes the discrepancies to factors such as low parental educational levels, inadequate diversity in schools, and language capacity.
Scientists have discovered biomarkers predicting chronological and physiological age in nematode worms, with implications for human anti-aging therapies. The study's findings, published in Aging Cell, suggest that examining biomarkers over time can provide a scientific baseline for clinical trials.
Rice University scientists develop technique to view step-by-step breakdown of TCE, a common groundwater pollutant, using nanoparticles and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy. The method provides new level of detail for understanding catalyzed reactions in water, with potential applications in biofuels processing.
A landmark study found that early HIV testing and treatment in infants significantly improves survival rates, reducing mortality by 75% and HIV-related disease by four times. The study's results led to the World Health Organization's new guidelines for treating HIV-infected infants under age 1 immediately after diagnosis.
A pioneering operation performed by Professor Paolo Macchiarini and his team successfully transplanted a trachea without immunosuppression. The hybrid tissue was created by repopulating donor cells with stem and epithelial cells from the recipient, eliminating the need for immunosuppression.
A recent study published in Psychology and Health suggests that attending religious services regularly can reduce the risk of death among post-menopausal women by approximately 20 percent. The researchers found that even after controlling for other factors such as social support and lifestyle choices, the improvements in mortality rate...
Scientists at the University of Leeds have created a new method to build molecules with unique structures, which could lead to the discovery of new drugs. The approach uses 'metathesis' reactions and allows for the creation of molecules with diverse shapes, enabling researchers to target specific proteins.
A study by K-State economist Tracy Turner and DePaul University professor Marc Smith found that programs assisting low-income households with home purchases may do more harm than good, leading to higher rates of foreclosure. The research highlights the need for post-purchase support to help vulnerable homeowners sustain their homes.
A ban on fast food TV advertisements during children's programming could reduce the number of overweight children by 18 percent, while also lowering the number of overweight adolescents by 14 percent. The study suggests eliminating tax deductibility for television advertising would produce similar declines in childhood obesity.
Researchers have identified a stage during dopamine neuron differentiation that may be an ideal time to collect human embryonic stem cells for transplantation to treat Parkinson's disease. Lmx1a-positive cells with TrkB surface marker can be selected using magnetic-activated cell sorting or fluorescence-activated cell sorting.
Researchers at Brown University have studied the swimming patterns of Caulobacter crescentus, a single-celled bacterium with a flagellum. The study reveals that drag and Brownian motion govern the circular swimming patterns of the microbe, which helps explain how bacteria scavenge for food and adhere to surfaces.