A study from Karolinska Institutet reveals that bad cholesterol inhibits the breakdown of peripheral fat in cells. The discovery opens up new theories for the association between blood lipids and metabolic syndrome.
Scientists have identified a group of genes in rice that enable a yield of up to 100% more in severe drought conditions. This breakthrough has the potential to bring relief to farmers in countries like India and Thailand, where rice crops are regularly affected by drought.
A comprehensive overview of alien species in Europe reveals over 11,000 documented species, with 15% causing economic damages and 15% harming biological diversity. The DAISIE project provides a valuable tool for managing biological invasions in Europe, enabling early detection, eradication, and control methods.
The UK Home Office is responsible for the health care of children in detention centres, where many receive inadequate education and healthcare. The Lancet Editorial highlights the appalling failures in care, including missed childhood immunisations and inadequate treatment for illnesses like malaria and sickle-cell disease.
Michael Wesch, a cultural anthropologist, has been selected as the national professor of the year for research and doctoral universities. His innovative teaching methods, including the 'World Simulation', have earned him numerous awards and recognition.
A new study published in Psychological Science found that individuals with high neuroticism levels prefer clear negative information over uncertainty. Researchers measured brain activity and found stronger responses to uncertain feedback in these individuals.
Scientists have discovered that prostacyclin stimulates the activation of uterine muscles, leading to strong contractions during labor. This finding may help develop therapies for preventing preterm labor, a serious complication of pregnancy.
Researchers at Stanford University have successfully flipped the spin of an electron and measured its new position, a key step towards faster quantum computing. The experiment achieved this in about 100 times less time than previous techniques, using ultrafast lasers.
A new study published in Psychological Science found that neurotic individuals react stronger to uncertain feedback than clear negative information. This suggests that some people prefer the devil they know over the unknown, and high levels of Neuroticism contribute to this dislike.
The INTEREST study found oral gefitinib comparable to injected docetaxel in non-small cell lung cancer patients, with better quality of life. Common side effects included rash and diarrhoea with gefitinib, while neutropenia and asthenic disorders were more common with docetaxel.
Researchers successfully produce pure insulin-producing cells from mouse embryonic stem cells, showing efficacy in treating diabetes in lab models. The findings provide proof of principle for applying this strategy to human ESCs and offer avenues for further research.
A new method for tracing zinc pollution in the atmosphere has been developed, which can identify the source of the pollution. This breakthrough could improve pollution monitoring and inform national and international strategies to reduce zinc pollution.
Researchers using ground-penetrating radar on NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter have discovered vast Martian glaciers of water ice under protective blankets of rocky debris. The concealed glaciers extend for tens of miles and are up to one-half mile thick, making them the largest reservoir of water ice on Mars outside the polar caps.
A virus causing human-like symptoms may have emerged from a bird virus 200 years ago, according to scientists studying the common cold. Human metapneumovirus has high evolutionary rates and is closely related to Avian metapneumovirus C, suggesting a potential species barrier crossing event.
Researchers at Harvard University propose that quantum computers could simulate chemical reactions with improved accuracy, reducing computational resources required. This breakthrough has significant potential for applications in drug design, materials science, and other fields.
Several new flood-tolerant rice varieties have passed tests in farmers' fields with flying colors, offering a solution to crop losses due to flooding. The varieties, which can withstand 2 weeks of submergence, are nearly identical to their susceptible counterparts but recover after severe flooding to yield well.
A study published in Personnel Psychology reveals that executives' underwater stock option portfolios are more likely to lead to voluntary turnover. Increasing the value of these portfolios can reduce the odds of turnover by substantially, suggesting that firms may need to consider alternative retention strategies.
The University of Minnesota's study found that the original design and additional weights from construction materials put too much stress on the bridge. The researchers concluded that the gusset plates were in a state of instability, which led to their collapse.
A new study reveals hazardous drinking among NZ university students begins in high school, with high levels of binge drinking and related problems. The study recommends prioritizing reduction of binge drinking in high school and implementing early identification systems on campuses.
Researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia found that ads focusing on fear or disgust increase attention and memory in viewers, while combining both decreased impact. The study suggests that using either scare or disgust content alone is more effective in anti-tobacco campaigns than their combined approach.
A new strategy targets the cooperation among pathogens, which is more effective than killing individual cells with traditional drugs. By disrupting the teamwork, the immune system can combat any remaining infection.
A team of scientists has developed a new material for anodes that can store more lithium ions than graphite, leading to improved battery performance. The highly porous silicon structure allows for rapid charging and discharging, enabling devices like mobile phones and laptops to run for longer periods.
Research finds that specific DNA sequence variations of the serotonin transporter gene can influence drinking intensity among alcohol-dependent individuals. The study analyzed six single nucleotide polymorphisms and found a significant association between one particular variation and lower drinking intensity.
The Texas Emerging Technology Fund has awarded a record $3.5 million to NanoMedical Systems Inc., a startup founded by Mauro Ferrari, to develop a Personalized Molecular Drug-Delivery System for controlled medicine release. The system aims to provide a safer and more reliable alternative to traditional injection methods.
Researchers at Northwestern University found a way to trick the immune system of mice into believing transplanted islets are their own cells. This technique eliminated the need for immunosuppressive drugs in mice with chemically-induced diabetes after islet transplantation, showing high success rates.
Researchers at Caltech have developed a new technique called four-dimensional electron microscopy, which allows for the real-time visualization of atomic changes in materials. The technique uses ultrafast single-electron imaging to capture snapshots of molecules in motion, revealing the dynamics of structure and shape at the atomic scale.
Scientists are studying gene regulation in ants to model human aging and behavior. Epigenetic changes, not DNA sequence alterations, may underlie differences in longevity and behavior among ant castes. The study aims to identify the molecular basis for these changes.
Researchers at UCLA discover that polyphenols in red wine can block the formation of toxic brain plaques and reduce their toxicity, potentially preventing cognitive deterioration. Human clinical trials are next to test this approach.
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.