Researchers found that manipulating fungal genetics increases rice growth by five-fold, addressing global phosphate reserves critically low issues. The breakthrough exploits the fungus's genetic variation and segregation processes without introducing new genes.
Researchers found that cholinesterase inhibitors improved executive function, visual attention, and simulated driving task performance in patients with mild Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that these medications may help improve driving abilities in AD patients.
Researchers at the University of Sheffield have developed a novel gene transfer system that can restore SMN protein levels and alleviate symptoms in SMA model mice. The new technique has the potential to develop a simple injection therapy without surgical interventions, offering significant implications for future SMA treatment.
A new animal study published in Current Topics in Nutraceutical Research suggests that eating pecans daily may help protect the nervous system and delay motor neuron degeneration. The study found that vitamin E in pecans provides significant antioxidant benefits, which can fight diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Researchers at Harvard University reveal a two-step process that creates a ring of smaller bubbles when a large bubble bursts. The curved nature of the bubble plays a critical role in this phenomenon, which has been observed in various environments and materials.
Researchers have identified new autism susceptibility genes, including SHANK2 and SYNGAP1, which may lead to earlier diagnosis and better treatments. The study found that these genes are involved in synapse-related pathways and cellular proliferation, providing insights into possible common pathological mechanisms.
A new approach to applying nanostructure coatings has been discovered, achieving heat transfer four times faster than uncoated surfaces. The technology has potential applications in high-tech devices and conventional heating and cooling industries.
A team of researchers at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine has shown that treating injured rat spinal cords with the enzyme sialidase improves nerve regrowth, motor recovery, and nervous system function. The treatment also showed improvements in blood pressure control and increased number of sprouted nerve ends.
A team of researchers from the University of Illinois Chicago has identified new autism susceptibility genes, including SHANK2, SYNGAP1 and DLGAP2, through an international collaboration with Autism Speaks. These findings suggest that multiple rare variants or genetic changes may contribute to the development of autism.
A mutation in the TRPA1 gene has been identified as the cause of familial episodic pain syndrome (FEPS), a rare inherited pain disorder. The research proposes potential treatment options using pharmacological compounds that inhibit the mutant channel.
A new demonstration facility for decentralized wastewater management has been opened in Jordan, developed by German-Jordanian researchers. The site aims to adapt decentralized wastewater treatment technologies to the arid local conditions and increase recycled wastewater volume by over fourfold by 2022.
Researchers at the University of Toronto found that liberals tend to prioritize compassion and equality, while conservatives prioritize order and social norms. This study contributes to understanding the deeper motivations behind political behavior and suggests that both types of motivation are necessary for a functioning society.
A study published in Hepatology found that fewer than 20% of patients with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma received regular surveillance. Despite high-risk patients being recommended for HCC surveillance, population-based studies indicate only 11% are diagnosed early enough to receive potentially curative treatments.
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine found that removing three key inhibitory molecules from myelin did not significantly improve axon regeneration in damaged spinal cords. The study suggests that successful regeneration will require a combination of many approaches and techniques.
A genome-wide association study found three genetic variants significantly associated with vitamin D concentrations and risk of insufficiency. Participants with certain genotypes were at two-and-a-half times increased risk of having low vitamin D levels, highlighting the importance of genetic factors in regulating vitamin D status.
Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine have differentiated human stem cells into heart cells with cardiomyopathy. The study provides a foundation for developing drug therapies to stop or slow the disease.
A study by the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology found that IVF children generate significant fiscal implications for governments, with a discounted net tax revenue of approximately €127,000. This represents an 8-fold return on investment for governments.
A new study led by Dr. Zena Quezado found that propofol has a low occurrence of adverse events and no long-term complications when used to sedate children for imaging studies. However, the risk increases with anesthesia duration and in children with systemic disease or airway abnormalities.
The Human Microbiome Project has launched a centralized database for sequencing microbial genomes, providing a unique resource for future investigations. The HMP has cataloged over 1,400 individual human microbiome projects, enabling researchers to study the interactions between human and microbial cells.
Researchers found that certain 'multitasking' neurons in monkeys' brains are best at making correct identifications in both car and animal categories. This ability to 'multitask' allows the brain to re-utilize neurons for different tasks, potentially leading to a better understanding of disorders like autism and schizophrenia.
A perfectly preserved shoe, 1,000 years older than the Great Pyramid of Giza and 400 years older than Stonehenge, has been found in a cave in Armenia. The 5,500-year-old cow-hide shoe dates back to ~3,500 BC and was made from a single piece of leather.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that most physicians and American Medical Association (AMA) members opposed the AMA's position on coverage expansions. The survey of 5,157 physicians revealed only 12.5% supported the AMA's views, with notable disparities based on specialty, income, and demographics.
The study reveals how HIV protein Tat interacts with the human protein P-TEFb, altering its shape. This knowledge may lead to the design of inhibitors that target P-TEFb only when it is interacting with Tat, potentially reducing viral replication without harming normal cell function.
Professor Michael Graetzel receives Millennium Technology Prize for his groundbreaking work on dye-sensitized solar cells, a cost-effective and versatile form of solar energy. The award recognizes his contributions to developing this technology and unlocking safer, more efficient batteries and carbon-free energy storage.
A study by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that earlier school start times are associated with increased teenage car crash rates. Teen drivers who started school at 7:20 a.m. in Virginia Beach had 41% higher crash rates than those who started at 8:40 a.m. in Chesapeake.
Scientists discovered a fungus that produces oils suitable for biodiesel production, providing an alternative to edible oilseed plants. The fungus-based biodiesel meets commercial specifications and can be scaled for commercial production.
Researchers found that an online self-management tool significantly improved asthma symptoms in those with partly controlled or uncontrolled asthma. The system, which allows patients to measure lung function and receive personalized advice, led to a 80% participation rate in the first three months.
Research suggests that MLB pitchers who are 'morning types' tend to perform better in early games and have an advantage over evening types. The study analyzed the statistics of 18 pitchers from five teams and found a correlation between sleep preference and pitching performance.
Kansas State University's Center for Information and Systems Assurance has been recognized as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Research. The designation recognizes the university's expertise in cybersecurity and secure software system construction, with research focusing on improving software quality th...
NIST researchers use a chemical trick to change the acidity of a solution instantly, allowing them to study how nanoparticles behave when exposed to sudden changes in pH. This technique has implications for designing nanoparticles for medical applications, where pH can vary significantly within cells.
A new study by MIT researchers has identified two distinct brain circuits involved in habitual learning. The dorsolateral and dorsomedial striatal circuits show different patterns of activity as rats learn to navigate a maze, with the dorsolateral circuit becoming more active with repetition and the dorsomedial circuit playing a key ro...
A 25-year study found that intrauterine devices significantly reduced repeat abortions among young women. The researchers suggest that healthcare providers should increase the use of long-acting contraceptive methods like IUDs as an effective alternative to the pill.
A University of Pittsburgh study reveals significant regional variations in Medicare drug spending, with some areas paying out double the amount spent by others. The research also shows that increased spending on prescription drugs does not lead to reduced spending on other medical services.
A genome-wide study has identified four common gene variants associated with blood levels of vitamin D and an increased risk of vitamin D deficiency. Individuals inheriting multiple risk-associated variants had more than twice the risk of vitamin D deficiency as those without these variants.
Chinese and German scientists have discovered a new species of Large Blue butterfly in the south of China. The species, named Phengaris xiushani, was described in an open access journal and is the first known species of its family to be found in mountain forests.
Researchers studying two isolated Pacific atolls find diverse marine life populations in response to different fishing pressures. At Palmyra, a protected US wildlife refuge, high densities of sharks and large fish are found, while Tabuaeran, inhabited by 2,500 people, hosts lower fish populations due to artisanal fishing.
A new study by University of Toronto researchers finds that people who engage in creative work activities experience excessive job pressures, feel overwhelmed, and receive work-related contact outside of normal hours. This leads to more conflict between work and family roles, affecting functioning at home.
A study of 46,000 patients found that the age- and sex-adjusted incidence of heart attack increased from 274 per 100,000 in 1999 to 208 per 100,000 in 2008, then declined. The relative incidence of serious heart attacks that do permanent damage also decreased by 62%.
Researchers identify four new autism susceptibility genes, including SHANK2 and SYNGAP1, which may lead to the development of new treatments. The study also found that individuals with autism tend to carry more genetic mutations than controls.
Continuous positive airway pressure therapy helps restore memory consolidation in adults with obstructive sleep apnea, suggesting that CPAP is effective at recouping memory abilities impaired by OSA. Participants treated with CPAP outperformed untreated OSA patients on an overnight picture memory consolidation task.
A new study found that coffee consumption can prevent high-blood sugar development and improve insulin sensitivity in laboratory mice. Caffeine is believed to be the primary ingredient responsible for this effect.
Engineers at Purdue University, MIT, and Rice University have discovered the mechanism behind bead formation in fluids containing polymers. They found that fluid inertia, viscosity, relaxation time, and capillary time play crucial roles in controlling bead formation.
Researchers have discovered a new parasite, Edwardsiella, living on the American comb jellyfish that causes skin irritation in humans. The parasite's larvae may be problematic for Swedish sea bathers during late summer beach season.
A new study found a connection between La Niña-like sea surface temperatures in the central Pacific and droughts in western Europe and the American West. The cooler Pacific Ocean led to arid conditions, contributing to the departure of the Anastazi people.
A new atlas highlights the critical role of politics in driving biodiversity loss, emphasizing the need for policy reforms to reduce pressure on biodiversity. The atlas combines key research findings from a major European project and provides recommendations for policymakers and conservationists.
Researchers at NIST and JILA developed a new type of pulsed laser that excels at not producing light, generating sustained streams of dark pulses. These ultrashort pulses are suitable for measurements on short timescales and may be useful in signal processing.
The Joint Institute for the Study of the Atmosphere and Ocean at the University of Washington will focus on 10 critical areas, including climate change, ocean acidification, and marine ecosystems. The institute aims to expand its research efforts with a potential $100 million award over five years.
A new software designed by Aude Dufresne measures emotions, body heat, and eye movements in response to online activities. This technology will help companies understand how users react to websites, enabling improvements in online experiences.
A team of researchers found that early hominids in northern Kenya ate a wide variety of foods, including fish and aquatic animals, rich in protein and nutrients. This diet may have played a key role in the development of larger brains in early humans.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a new method of noninvasive brain stimulation using pulsed ultrasound, which stimulates action potentials and drives intact brain activity without surgery. The approach shows promise for diagnosing and treating brain dysfunctions such as epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and depression.
A study using 'Guitar Hero III' found that sleep improves performance accuracy on the game by 3-5 percentage points, compared to daytime wakefulness. The results suggest a significant correlation between sleep duration and motor learning consolidation.
A recent study found rare genetic changes in autistic children that are often not present in their parents, occurring nearly 20% more frequently. The research, involving over 60 institutions worldwide, suggests that tiny errors during egg and sperm formation may contribute to autism.
Researchers developed liposome-hydrogel hybrid nanoparticles that combine the strengths of both materials while compensating for their weaknesses. These nanoparticles have controlled release capabilities and can target specific cells, making them potential tools for targeted drug delivery.
The PRACE partnership has established a persistent pan-European High Performance Computing research infrastructure, providing computing power of several Petaflop/s. The initiative aims to support European scientists and engineers in remaining internationally competitive, addressing major challenges like climate change and energy saving.
Researchers found that polyphenols in red wine and green tea inhibit cancer growth by disrupting the sphingosine kinase-1 survival pathway. This discovery could lead to the development of drugs targeting this pathway to stop or slow prostate cancer progression, improving current treatments.
High school seniors with excessive daytime sleepiness have an elevated risk of depression. The study found that 52% had excessive daytime sleepiness and 30% strong depression symptoms.
Researchers at University of Illinois College of Medicine found that adding ARC to anti-cancer agent ABT-737 makes it effective against a wide range of cancers. The combination of agents shows tremendous synergy, reducing the dose required while lessening side-effects.
A phase I clinical trial of the combination of decitabine and carboplatin has shown promising results in treating late-stage ovarian cancer, with four patients experiencing no disease progression after six months. The treatment regimen has been found to be well-tolerated, with mild adverse reactions.
Researchers develop a new procedure for mass-producing graphene, a material that could revolutionize electronics devices. The process uses commercially available silicon carbide wafers to produce high-quality graphene with excellent electronic properties.
A UAB study confirms a significant link between depression and abdominal obesity, with individuals experiencing high levels of depression gaining weight at a faster rate. The study suggests treating depression is crucial to controlling obesity and preventing related diseases.