A UK-based team contributed to sequencing the wild strawberry genome, revealing around 35,000 genes that can be used to develop disease-resistant varieties with improved traits. The discovery has significant implications for global food security and could lead to more nutritious and varied diets.
A recent study published in PLoS ONE found that Longevinex exerts a greater influence on genes than resveratrol, leading to improved heart health outcomes. The research demonstrated that Longevinex reduced the size of heart attacks and protected against cell death, while also improving microRNA activity.
Researchers at the University of Exeter have developed a new screen to isolate virulent parts of pathogenic bacteria, enabling quicker identification of key areas for vaccine development. The technique has been used to study Burkholderia pseudomallei, a deadly human disease-causing bacteria.
Researchers discovered that in a South American fish species, males with less desirable traits like brawn and stealth can still gain a mating advantage. In contrast, females prefer more striking colors, but also prioritize winning male combat, making color diversity surprisingly resilient.
Researchers have isolated and characterized adult fat cell-derived stem cells, which maintain their stem cell characteristics and could aid in tissue regeneration. The study's findings suggest that these cells may be useful for cell-based therapies and represent a promising area of research for plastic surgery applications.
Scientists at UMass Chan Medical School discovered that paternal diet can reprogram lipid metabolizing genes in offspring, increasing the risk of diabetes and heart disease. The study suggests that epigenetic inheritance plays a significant role in complex diseases.
Researchers found that altering a specific gene in mice mimicked the effects of endurance training on their heart muscle cells. The genetically altered mice showed improved resistance to cardiac stress and had more robust cardiomyocytes, which played a crucial role in their increased exercise capacity.
Researchers at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute have unraveled the relationship between MITF and ATF2, a transcription factor involved in melanoma development. The study reveals that the ratio of ATF2 to MITF in melanoma cells can predict survival in melanoma patients.
Scientists at UC Davis have identified a gene called Cullin1 that acts as a biochemical gatekeeper, controlling whether or not pollen from related wild species can fertilize tomatoes. This finding has significant implications for plant breeding and understanding reproductive biology in the Solanaceae family.
Researchers discovered that heat shock protein 90 affects a large portion of the yeast genome, revealing multiple traits simultaneously and instantly. This allows for rapid evolution of interdependent traits, leading to a better adaptation to stressful environments.
Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have found a new mechanism that regulates protein stability in cells, triggered by the GSK3 enzyme. This discovery could lead to potential new treatments for cancer, particularly colorectal cancers and other forms of cancer.
A new study documents the process through which journalists fought for recognition of their work in major newspapers. The research found that it took over 70 years for bylines to become an established practice, and highlights the impact on the news industry and public perception of journalists.
A new study in mice suggests that exercise turns on a genetic program that leads the heart to grow as heart muscle cells divide. Researchers identified a key transcription factor involved in this process, which may have clinical implications for those with heart failure or other conditions.
Scientists found that AMPK, a metabolic master switch, triggers autophagy by activating the enzyme ATG1. This process helps cells recycle debris and survive starvation better, which is significant for aging-related diseases like type II diabetes and Parkinson's disease.
Dutch researchers have successfully controlled qubits using electrical fields instead of magnetic ones, paving the way for a future super-fast quantum computer. They also embedded these qubits into semiconductor nanowires, which are ideal for quantum information processing.
A new model, fullPIERS, predicts adverse maternal outcomes in pre-eclampsia with high accuracy and identifies risk categories for clinicians. The model is built on six variables and performs well in predicting outcomes within 48 hours of hospital admission.
A new study from the University of Haifa found that high levels of emotional intelligence empower positive attitudes and reduce negative behavior in private sector workplaces. However, this effect was not observed in the public sector, where organizational politics and stress may offset the benefits of emotional intelligence.
A new study found that mice sired by fathers on a low-protein diet exhibit changes in metabolic genes, passed down via the sperm, and associated with improved cholesterol metabolism. This suggests transgenerational reprogramming of metabolism, challenging traditional views on the impact of parental nutrition.
Scientists at IRB Barcelona discovered that some brain tumors in fruit flies use the genetic program of germline cells to grow. Silencing specific genes leads to healthy brains, highlighting their crucial role in tumor development. This finding offers new insights into cancer research and potential treatment approaches.
A new RAND Corporation study found that electronic medical records have only a limited impact on improving the quality of hospital care. Hospitals with basic electronic health records showed a significant increase in quality of care for patients with heart failure, but no similar gains were noted among those with advanced electronic he...
Researchers at Texas A&M University have found that bacteria incorporate foreign DNA from invading viruses into their own regulatory processes, developing resistance to antibiotics. This discovery sheds light on how bacteria have developed immunity over millions of years.
Researchers developed a new device that manipulates and detects spins in semiconductors at high temperatures, promising advances in low-power electronics. The device has potential applications in fields like energy transfer, secure communications, and sensor development.
A vegetarian diet has been shown to lower blood and urine phosphorous levels in patients with chronic kidney disease. The study found that grain-based protein sources, such as those found in vegetables, may help reduce the risk of accumulating toxic levels of phosphorus in the body.
Australian researchers found that as fatigue progresses, speech slows and variations in pitch increase, indicating a loss of control over the muscles producing speech. The study provides a novel method for analyzing the effects of fatigue on the central nervous system through acoustic analysis.
A six-year follow-up study found that shouldering family demands and worries increases the risk of angina in middle-aged Danish women and men. The study tracked over 4,500 participants and found that worrisome/demanding relationships with a partner or child posed the greatest risks, with a nearly four-fold increase in angina symptoms.
The discovery of the ancient Siberian human genome reveals a new hominin group, Denisovans, which shared an origin with Neandertals but diverged. The findings also suggest interbreeding between Denisovans and modern human ancestors in Papua New Guinea.
Researchers found that arsenic trioxide inhibits the growth of medulloblastoma and Ewing sarcoma cell lines by blocking the Hedgehog/GLI1 signaling pathway. The compound improved survival in a mouse model of medulloblastoma, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic option.
A researcher at the University of Arizona is working on high-temperature resistant ceramic coatings to protect Air Force hypersonic aircraft. The coating can withstand temperatures up to 2800 degrees Celsius and has the potential to enable faster travel times.
A study found that growing hypoxic zones are reducing oxygen-rich waters preferred by billfish and tuna. The shrinking habitat may lead to increased catches, giving a false impression of more abundant fish stocks.
Researchers have successfully created a metal-methane hybrid molecule by inserting metal atoms into methane gas molecules, potentially advancing industrial hydrocarbon chemistry. This discovery could lead to the creation of more complex and valuable products from simple compounds like methane.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine have discovered a gene deletion in up to one-fourth of glioblastoma cases, a type of brain cancer with poor survival prospects. The deletion contributes to tumor growth, resistance to therapy, and worsens patient outcomes.
A genetic variant of the HTR2B brain receptor molecule has been found to contribute to violent impulsivity, particularly when combined with alcohol consumption. The study, conducted by NIH researchers and their international collaborators, used human genetic analyses and gene knockout studies in mice to identify the mutation.
A study by Harvard Medical School researchers found significant disparities in common measures of hospital-wide mortality rates, highlighting the complexity and variability of diagnoses. The authors propose alternative methods to construct a more limited portfolio of mortality results for individual common conditions.
A Scripps Research Institute scientist has discovered a molecular switch controlling protein synthesis in ribosomes, which could lead to potential treatments for cancer and other diseases. The study suggests that regulating this process may help prevent disease states such as Alzheimer's and diabetes.
Researchers have found that placebos work even when administered honestly, leading to improved symptoms for patients with irritable bowel syndrome. The study suggests that the performance of medical ritual may hold significant benefits, independent of patient knowledge.
A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that gift-givers who choose gifts that contradict their own identity experience discomfort and are more likely to choose alternative products. The researchers investigated how social closeness affects this process, revealing that those with stronger bonds experience greater discomfort.
A 30,000-year-old finger bone found in Siberia yielded a complete Denisovan genome sequence, showing the extinct group was a sister group to Neanderthals and had interbred with ancestors of modern Melanesians. The discovery provides new insights into human evolution and migration out of Africa.
A Tel Aviv University psychologist investigates the link between Islamic beliefs and practices and mental well-being among American Muslims. He found that those who created support groups or became more active at their local mosques reported increased religious practices, while those feeling isolated experienced anger and depression.
Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine have discovered a protein that suppresses the progression of malignant melanoma by regulating an oncogene called CDK8. The study found that when macroH2A is present in early-stage melanoma, it slows down the disease's growth and metastasis.
Research reveals that the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway plays a crucial role in reducing ketone production, a hallmark of aging in mice. The study found that activating mTORC1 decreases ketogenesis, and suppressing it prevents the decline in ketone levels associated with aging.
A study of 2,035 married individuals found that delaying sex until marriage led to higher relationship stability, satisfaction, and communication. Couples who waited longer reported better sexual quality in their relationships.
A new study reveals how tau protein disrupts neuronal communication at synapses before obvious neuron damage, leading to early memory deficits and impaired synaptic function. The research identifies aberrant mislocalization of tau proteins in dendritic spines as a key mechanism driving disease progression.
The University of Warwick has successfully delivered a new furnace capable of reaching temperatures of up to 1800 degrees centigrade, marking a significant advancement in the study of Silicon Carbide. This breakthrough is expected to lead to more efficient energy management and potentially new applications for this material.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have identified P-Rex1 as a crucial protein in signal transmission from ErbB receptors, driving breast cancer growth and metastasis. The study suggests that targeting this pathway could improve responses to existing therapies.
A study finds that MCP-1 protein contributes to dialysis AV fistula failure. Researchers suggest using MCP-1 blockers as a possible therapeutic approach to promote AV fistula maturation and function.
A study comparing photon-based and proton-beam radiation therapies found that photon-based therapy resulted in better long-term survival rates, particularly among younger patients and those with ependymomas. The research suggests a potential shift in treatment guidelines for spinal cord glioma patients.
Researchers have discovered the secret behind sea urchin teeth's ever-sharp quality, which could be mimicked to create self-sharpening tools. The unique biomineral mosaic structure of the teeth allows them to maintain sharpness despite constant grinding and scraping.
A new study by Daniel M. Bartels and Oleg Urminsky found that consumers struggle to connect with their future selves, leading to impatient consumption habits. When people feel a strong sense of identity with their future self, they are more patient and willing to save for long-term benefits.
A new study by Sara Kim and Ann L. McGill found that people who feel powerful are more likely to believe they can beat cancer if it's described in human terms, leading to lower perceived risks. In contrast, those who feel powerless perceive greater risk when faced with humanized products.
Researchers pinpointed the ventral premammillary nucleus as a key site in the brain where leptin acts to trigger puberty in females. This finding sheds light on the potential impact of childhood obesity on the onset of puberty, particularly in girls.
Seven ASU engineering faculty members receive $100,000 seed funding grants to tackle Grand Challenges in areas like wireless biosensors, brain-machine interfaces and environmental sensors. The goal is to establish major research centers to drive technological progress.
Researchers found that pterygotid sea scorpions' claws were too weak to penetrate the armor of medium-sized horseshoe crabs, making them less likely to be fearsome predators. The study suggests they may have been scavengers or vegetarians instead.
A new study on commercialized climbing expeditions on Everest found that paying climbers tend to prioritize individual accomplishments over communal experiences. The research suggests that transformative experiences can reinforce an individualistic and competitive ethos, undermining feelings of camaraderie.
Marine ecologists at Oregon State University have shown that tiny fish larvae can drift with ocean currents and replenish fished areas long distances. This discovery adds credibility to the effectiveness of marine reserves in rebuilding fishery stocks, providing a significant demonstration of their ability to sustain fisheries beyond t...
Researchers at Eindhoven University of Technology have developed an affordable alternative to the expensive X-FEL, which can perform similar molecular process research on a tabletop. The 'poor man's X-FEL' uses electrons instead of X-rays and requires less energy, making it a more feasible option for researchers.
Researchers have identified a new drug class that can enhance red blood cell production in anemic patients, potentially treating Diamond-Blackfan anemia and other conditions. The discovery was made by determining how corticosteroids act to increase the production of red blood cell progenitors.
A study by French scientists found that pouring champagne down the side of an angled glass preserves up to twice as much carbon dioxide as pouring straight down. Chilling champagne before serving also enhances its taste.
A study analyzing data from 61 running and swimming events suggests that improvements in performance will eventually slow down and reach a maximum within the next decade. The 'time to limit' is estimated to be between 7.5 and 10.5 years, which could impact policy implications for sports associations and federations.
Signaling receptors recycle at a slower rate and in a more regulated manner than other classes of receptors. The researchers identified unique domains called Actin-Stabilized Sequence-dependent Recycling Tubule (ASSERT) domains that provide a scaffold for the receptors, slowing their release from the endosome.
The study reveals KILLIN as a novel predisposition gene for Cowden syndrome and Cowden-like syndrome, allowing for earlier diagnosis of tumors. Individuals with classic Cowden syndrome should be offered PTEN testing first, followed by screening for the inactivated KILLIN gene.