The Low Energy Neutron Source at Indiana University Bloomington has received a $5 million grant from the National Institute for Standards and Technology to support collaborative neutron research. This funding will enable scientists to develop new techniques and applications in neutron-scattering research, furthering our understanding o...
Researchers at the University of Michigan found that bacteria spend more on internal proteins than external ones, conserving resources and improving their competitiveness. This thrifty behavior is linked to protein location and cost, with cheaper amino acids used in internal proteins.
A Stanford mechanical engineer created a robot that can climb smooth surfaces like glass using the sticky property of a gecko's foot. The robot uses a material with tiny hairs to create directional adhesion, allowing it to stick and unstick from surfaces easily.
Researchers developed new algorithms to simulate global mantle flow, plate tectonics, and individual fault zones, achieving a resolution of about one kilometer near the plate boundaries. The model accurately predicted plate movements, including anomalous rapid motion of microplates in the western Pacific.
Researchers have identified a mechanism by which disulfiram, a decades-old treatment for alcoholism, prevents cocaine relapse. A newer drug, nepicastat, works through the same mechanism and shows promise in treating cocaine addiction.
Researchers found that secondhand smoke triggers a complex inflammatory response in the lungs of rats, leading to increased white blood cells, damaged lung tissue, and impaired immune function. The study suggests potential implications for treating damage caused by secondhand smoke in humans.
Charcoal has a long history dating back 38,000 years and has been used in various ways beyond its use in grilling. It can be made from diverse materials like wood, corn cobs, and coconut shells. Moreover, charcoal is considered a renewable replacement for coal.
New studies suggest that vitamin A and beta-carotene supplements may increase the amount of HIV in breast milk, potentially leading to mother-to-child transmission. The research found that these nutrients can raise the risk of developing subclinical mastitis, an inflammatory condition that causes viral particles to leak into the milk.
Research finds that social events, such as connecting with others and experiencing emotions, are more impactful on our lives than independent events. The study, conducted at the University at Buffalo, suggests that social connections and relationships play a crucial role in shaping our emotional experiences.
The OU Biocorrosion Center aims to address the growing threat of biocorrosion in the oil and gas industry, which can lead to hazardous material discharges. Researchers will explore new technologies to mitigate biocorrosion problems, fuel biodeterioration, and anaerobic microorganisms.
Researchers from Texas A&M University have developed protocols to isolate RNA from stallion sperm and testis biopsies, enabling the identification of genetic factors associated with subfertility. This breakthrough could lead to improved breeding procedures and enhance the reproductive potential of thoroughbred racehorses.
A study found that moderate exercise, such as walking, enhances brain circuit connectivity, combating age-related declines in brain function. This improved connectivity is associated with better performance on cognitive tasks like planning, prioritizing, and multitasking.
Researchers measured tobacco smoke metabolites in meconium samples from 337 babies and found a strong correlation with reported smoke exposure. The study suggests that prenatal tobacco smoke exposure is linked to adverse infant health outcomes, highlighting the importance of tracking environmental exposures during pregnancy.
A recent study published in Science found that two heads can be better than one, but only if both partners are equally competent and can freely discuss their disagreements. The research showed that joint decisions were even better than the decision made by the better-performing individual.
The UK researchers have released the first sequence coverage of the wheat genome, comprising 95% of all wheat genes. This data will allow scientists and plant breeders to develop new varieties through accelerated conventional breeding or other technologies.
Researchers at Technical University of Munich discovered that Hsp12, a stress protein, folds into helical structures to stabilize cell membranes against leaks and ruptures under various types of stress including heat shock, oxidative stress, and osmotic stress
Researchers found that female sparrows of low quality are more likely to choose male sparrows with smaller or average-sized badges, rather than prioritizing size. These less attractive males tend to invest more time in parental care, providing a silver lining for unattractive females.
Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio have discovered that certain plant substances can suppress damage that can cause skin cancer. The substances were tested on mice and proved protective even at low doses, with synergistic effects seen when given in combination.
Ants have been found to be genetically identical but exhibit distinct behaviors due to epigenetic mechanisms. The study compares two ant species, Florida carpenter ant and Jerdon's jumping ant, and reveals differences in gene expression corresponding to different castes.
A team of University of Oregon scientists has found that when a sound is loud enough, auditory neurons simply accept it and ignore subsequent reverberations. This simplifies the filtering process, suggesting that a sophisticated system to suppress echoes may not be necessary.
Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered a novel mechanism that protects plants from freezing temperatures, which could also help understand drought tolerance. The discovery was made in Arabidopsis thaliana, a common mustard weed, and involves the formation of a lipid that retains membrane integrity.
The Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology's August supplement explores the development of thermal ablation techniques and devices for cancer tumor ablation. Key findings include advancements in liquid nitrogen-based cryotherapy, microwave devices, and magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound.
Scientists have observed a magnetic cycle in a distant star, HD49933, that is similar to the sun's solar cycle. The team used stellar seismology to detect acoustic fluctuations and found a signature of starspots, areas of intense magnetic activity on the surface.
Scientists have identified over 100 antibiotic substances in frog skin secretions, offering a potential solution to the growing problem of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The discovery could lead to the development of new antibiotics that are more powerful and less toxic than existing ones.
A University of Nevada professor has conducted a six-year study revealing short-range over-connectivity in the outer layer of the brain's cortex in individuals with autism disorders. This finding supports early intervention behavioral therapies and may aid in sculpting out abnormal connections.
Researchers found that spouses tend to pick each other based on shared personality traits rather than growing alike over time. Aggression is an exception to this pattern, where spouses may become more aggressive together due to their interactions.
Researchers at Georgetown University and the National Aquarium successfully extracted DNA from dolphin blow, providing an alternative to biopsies. The new method involves collecting exhalations from blowholes, eliminating harm to young animals and requiring less skill than traditional dart biopsying.
A study reveals that mutant SOD1 interacts with VDAC1, disrupting its function and leading to mitochondrial damage and motor neuron degeneration. Reduced VDAC1 activity accelerates the onset of fatal paralysis in ALS mice.
Preliminary research published in Gut suggests that plantain and broccoli fibers may prevent the translocation of E. coli across M-cells, a key stage in Crohn's disease development. The study found that plantain and broccoli fibers reduced E. coli translocation by 45-82%, while leek and apple fibers had no effect.
The study identified mutations in the ataxin 2 gene as a genetic contributor to ALS, with expansions of glutamine in ataxin 2 linked to an increased risk for the disease. The findings may aid in the development of biomarkers and new therapies for ALS.
Professor John A. Burns received the W. T. and Idalia Reid Prize for his work in computational methods for control, design, and optimization of infinite dimensional dynamical systems. The prize is funded by an endowment from the late Mrs. Idalia Reid.
Research from the University of East Anglia has shown that commercial farming of porcupines is driving hunting and contributing to a devastating decline of wild populations. The study found that half of farmers interviewed were unregistered, with many using wild animals as founder stock or capturing them for sale.
Researchers at Medical College of Wisconsin and University of California, Riverside create synthetic chemical mimicking abscisic acid to improve crop resistance to drought. The discovery paves the way for developing new molecules that activate or turn on receptors.
Researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum discovered a new mechanism of how Antarctic fish blood prevents freezing at temperatures as low as -1.8°C. The antifreeze glycoproteins work by perturbing the aqueous solvent over long distances, rather than forming a single molecular binding.
Researchers found that vitamin D can reduce the production of a protein driving an allergic response in cystic fibrosis patients and increase production of proteins promoting tolerance. The findings support a potential clinical trial to prevent or treat Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA) in these patients.
A new study shows that sunlight drives asteroids to split in two and move far apart, forming binary and divorced binaries. The research suggests that many of these binaries likely originated from asteroid fission, with smaller asteroids separating at low velocities.
Researchers have developed a new diagnostic tool using Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy that can identify neurological diseases in patients without clear symptoms. The study shows promise for early diagnosis of degenerative brain disorders such as Huntington
A team of UC San Diego researchers has created a novel map of lipid locations in a single cell, providing insights into how lipids influence disease processes. The study identified over 220 individual molecular lipid species and found that numerous lipids change in abundance once a macrophage becomes active.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have uncovered a critical role for myosin II in long-term memory formation. Myosin II links together key processes, including signal transmission and synaptic plasticity, to solidify neuronal communication.
A new test allows for more accurate estimation of smokers' mouth-level exposure to cigarette smoke, which may aid in developing custom-tailored quitting strategies. The method uses a surrogate compound found in tobacco filters to gauge exposure to the thousands of chemicals present in cigarette smoke.
Researchers analyzed DNA sequences to understand how the Thaumoctopus mimicus evolved its ability to impersonate flatfish, displaying high-contrast color patterns. The study found that this trait is an extremely risky defense strategy, but one that allows the octopus to survive and reproduce more successfully in its habitat.
Two independent research groups demonstrate that induced pluripotent stem cells can be used to model diseases of the liver and generate functional hepatocytes with proliferative capabilities. These findings expand our understanding of iPS cell technology's potential for cell replacement therapy and modeling human disease.
Researchers at Penn State University have created the first image of a protein interacting with DNA packed tightly into space-saving bundles. The discovery is expected to aid future investigations into diseases such as cancer and provide new insights into how cells regulate gene expression.
A new hyperspectral imaging technique allows for rapid detection of Campylobacter in food samples, reducing the time needed for isolation and identification from days to just 24 hours.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that mosquitoes and other insects use taste receptors to detect DEET and smell citronellal, leading to aversion responses. The study identified three essential taste receptors for DEET detection and two distinct types of cell surface channels required for avoiding citronellal vapor.
The NSF has awarded $20 million to 17 institutions across the US to improve inter- and intra-campus cyber connectivity, with a focus on broadening participation in STEM research and education. The awards will support the development of high-speed networks, enhance collaboration among researchers, and foster economic development in states.
Pathogens such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae use a delayed entry strategy to survive in the human body, strengthening cellular skeletons and anchoring to cell surfaces. This new understanding may have exciting implications for preventing infection with various bacterial agents.
Researchers at Harvard University found that humans use the same brain circuits for complex moral decisions as those used in mundane choices. The ventromedial prefrontal cortex tracks expected moral value, integrating information on number of lives saved and probability of success. This discovery advances our understanding of how peopl...
Researchers at Purdue University and the University of South Carolina have discovered a unique adhesive material in oysters that differs from other marine organisms. The cement, composed largely of chalky calcium carbonate, plays a crucial role in forming massive reef complexes.
Researchers at EMBL identified specific type of neurons involved in mouse fear response, revealing complex brain circuitry. They used fMRI and genetic approaches to control neurons' activity, showing that fear can trigger active coping strategies instead of freezing.
Scientists have developed a new class of biofuel cells that can produce electricity using sugar or cooking oil, opening possibilities for recharging portable electronics. The first mitochondria fuel cell successfully produces electricity in lab tests.
A University of Waterloo study found that students are overly optimistic about their ability to achieve savings goals, leading them to undervalue opportunities for help. The study suggests that this optimism can be costly, causing individuals to overlook ways to make achieving their goals easier.
Researchers develop new theory explaining the evolution of eusocial behavior, finding that standard natural selection is sufficient to account for cooperation in species like ants and bees. The study suggests that eusociality arises independently multiple times due to the stability of colonies once established.
SOFIA's infrared telescope will study the Milky Way's galactic center, detecting heat radiation not visible to human eyes. The mission aims to understand star formation in the presence of a supermassive black hole.
Research found that people with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes are at increased risk of developing brain plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease. The study also discovered a link between abnormal blood sugar control tests and the presence of these plaques.
A study found that fuel treatments can reduce fire severity and protect older trees desirable for their timber, wildlife, and carbon-storage value. The results showed nearly 60% of trees survived in stands with thinning plus fuel treatment, and three-quarters of larger trees survived.
A study in rural Bangladesh found that women with depression and anxiety during pregnancy gave birth to smaller babies, which are more likely to die in infancy. The research highlights the importance of mental health support services to reduce child mortality in developing countries.
The Mayo Clinic team created four new ATC cell lines with distinct molecular mutations, which will aid in testing new treatments and potentially lead to improved survival rates. The researchers also found that these cell lines reactivate a tumor suppressor gene called RhoB, leading to growth suppression.
Researchers at North Carolina State University developed tiny microneedles that can deliver quantum dots, nanoscale crystals, into the skin for diagnosing and treating various medical conditions. The technology uses multiphoton microscopy to visualize quantum dot delivery, paving the way for more rapid cancer diagnosis and treatment.
A large population study found a statistically significant association between BPA exposure and increased testosterone levels in men. The study, which analyzed data from over 700 adults aged 20-74 years, suggests that even low-level exposure to BPA may have endocrine-disrupting effects on human health.