Professor Alan Stitt has received a Royal Society Wolfson Research Merit Award to support his ground-breaking research on vascular stem cells and eye disease treatment at Queen's University. The award aims to retain top researchers in the UK and reflects the excellence of the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science.
A team of researchers at Vanderbilt University has discovered a large cluster of genes that appeared to jump directly from one fungus species to another, significantly strengthening the argument for a mosaic theory of evolution. The finding was made possible by comparing the genomes of nearly 100 species of fungi.
Scientists have discovered an important insight into carbohydrate bonding, which could lead to improved medicines. The study reveals the shapes of carbohydrates when they are free from external influence and interacting with neighboring molecules.
Researchers have spotted Kelvin-Helmholtz instabilities in exploding cloud material from the Sun, similar to those seen in Earth's clouds. These instabilities could help predict the Solar System's 'weather'.
Research in Nature Neuroscience found that a diet low in omega-3 poly-unsaturated fatty acids alters the functioning of the endocannabinoid system, leading to changes in brain function and behavior. The study provides new insights into the link between omega-3 deficiency and depression.
A large-scale meta-analysis of school-based social and emotional learning programs found improved social and emotional skills, caring attitudes, and positive social behaviors in students. Students also performed better on achievement tests, with a 11-percentile-point gain in achievement.
The pharmaceutical industry is approaching a tipping point due to its lengthy and expensive regulatory system. Smarter regulation could provide the necessary flexibility to respond to new scientific discoveries, leading to more efficient development of innovative products.
Scientists at University of Nottingham investigate how microorganisms in blue cheese develop distinctive taste, texture, and smell. They aim to improve quality, consistency, and reduce defects in manufacturing process.
Research from the University of Murcia found that petrol stations release airborne organic compounds, including benzene and n-hexane, which can be detected up to 100m away. The study recommends maintaining a minimum distance of 50m between petrol stations and housing.
A cost-benefit analysis of the Child-Parent Center program found significant economic benefits for disadvantaged children, including increased earnings and savings. The program resulted in higher rates of college attendance and employment in higher-skilled jobs, as well as lower rates of felony arrests and depression.
A recent survey of US stem cell scientists reveals substantial negative impacts of ongoing policy uncertainty on their work, including changes to science type and quality, delays in new projects, and hindered collaborations.
The freshwater crustacean Daphnia pulex has the most genes, with approximately 31,000, which is three times greater than that of humans. Its genome sequenced, providing new insights into environmental stress and gene functions.
A study by University of Granada researchers found that drug-abusers have difficulty recognizing negative emotions, such as wrath, fear, and sadness. Regular substance abuse is also linked to cognitive impairments, including fluency, decision-making, work memory, and reasoning.
Researchers at UNC are developing computer models to help physicians predict which treatments will work best for children with upper airway problems. The project aims to create tools to evaluate the pediatric airway and predict medical or surgical interventions for specific children with conditions such as Pierre Robin sequence.
A study by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute researchers has identified a regulatory defect that drives lupus. Correcting this defect may represent an effective therapeutic approach to systemic lupus erythematosus-like autoimmune disease.
The team aims to create images revealing micro- and macroscopic matter with improved clarity, surpassing traditional microscopy resolution by 10-fold. This enables scientists to study living tissue in its natural state without sample manipulation.
Researchers at the USDA's Vegetable and Forage Crops Research Laboratory in Prosser, Wash., have found promising alternatives to traditional crops for bioenergy production. These include canola, camelina, soybeans, mustard, and switchgrass, which could help supply Washington State with renewable fuels.
The waterflea's genetic code has been fully sequenced, revealing a highly gene-packed animal with potential applications in environmental monitoring and biomedical research. The study provides new insights into gene function and disease associations, shedding light on the organism's ability to detect environmental changes.
Extending benefits through age 21 significantly improves outcomes for foster youths, including increased college attendance and financial stability. This is due to the lack of personal assets and social support, forcing them to navigate life prematurely.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have identified a new role for the sister gene of p53, p63, in skin cancer and stem cell biology. The study reveals that increased activity of Ras combined with overly exuberant activity of ΔNp63α stimulates skin stem cells to promote carcinoma development.
Researchers found that coaches provide moral guidance, with athletes evaluating the coach-athlete relationship before accepting ethical teachings. The study also identified four core moral values: discipline, respect, enjoyment of the sport, and striving to win.
Researchers investigate how ritual contributes to intergroup conflict and violence in various regions, including Northern Ireland, the Middle East, Nepal, and Colombia. The project aims to better understand the forces that drive human groups, informing conflict prevention and resolution efforts.
Researchers at University of Rochester identify Nrf2 and Keap1 genes as key regulators of stem cell activity. Nrf2 prevents stem cell division, while Keap1 enables it when ROS levels increase.
Researchers found that prior information enables faster recognition and reduces the delay between visual impression and conscious perception. The study suggests that the brain processes stimuli flexibly, accelerating conscious awareness when expectations align.
Researchers developed a technique to visualize plasmonic fields at the nanoscale, focusing on the position of plasmonic modes just a few nanometers apart. This advance enables the study of high-speed data transmission and ultrafast detector arrays.
Researchers found that early infusion of donor T cells prevented GVHD in 26 patients who achieved full-donor engraftment, with no chronic GVHD development. The study also showed improved immune system recovery and reduced CMV reactivation.
A new genetic study has found that the DNA of current Polynesians can be traced back to migrants from the Asian mainland who settled in islands close to New Guinea around 6,000 years ago. The research challenges previous theories on human migration, suggesting a 'voyaging corridor' between Southeast Asia and the Pacific
The UChicago experiment demonstrates scale invariance and universality, showing that a two-dimensional cold-atom gas system exhibits the same properties regardless of size or temperature. The researchers' findings suggest that this type of scale invariance can be extrapolated to other systems.
Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio have identified a new molecule that works with amyloid-beta to speed up Alzheimer's disease. This discovery could lead to the development of drugs that disrupt this interaction, potentially blocking or slowing disease onset and progression.
Researchers at the University of Nevada, Reno and Las Vegas have devised a new model for how Nevada's Carlin-type gold deposits formed, which may help in exploration efforts. This model relates to a change in plate tectonics and a major magma event about 40 million years ago.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have discovered a blood-clotting agent that can diagnose and monitor treatment for childhood genetic diseases. The biomarker, heparan cofactor II/thrombin (HCII/T) complex, accurately distinguishes between untreated patients with various MPS conditions.
Researchers found that learning causes significant structural changes in affected neurons, including a 22% increase in dendritic spines connecting them to other motor neurons. This discovery suggests that the adult brain is highly changeable and adaptable as it learns new information.
Researchers aim to replicate Parkinson's disease in lab cells and investigate inflammation to find new therapies. Led by Fred H. Gage, the team will use human induced pluripotent stem cells derived from patients to study neurodegeneration.
Researchers have discovered a 100-million-year-old ancestor of large, carnivorous insects still alive today. The genus has undergone little change since the Early Cretaceous Period.
Researchers redefine remission in rheumatoid arthritis by introducing two new provisional definitions that aim to standardize treatment goals. The new definitions focus on disease activity measures, including tender joint count, swollen joint count, and C-reactive protein levels.
Researchers aim to utilize residual field crop material for industrial bio-ethanol production by breaking down cellulose into sugar. They are testing a bacterium's toolbox of enzymes to find ideal combinations for efficient degradation.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute discover a way to stabilize proteins by attaching specific oligomeric arrays of sugars, potentially increasing the stability and reducing the cost of protein-based drugs. The new methodology has broad implications for the drug industry, particularly for glycoprotein-based drugs.
Researchers have discovered a versatile method for creating atom-thin nanosheets from various materials, which could enable novel electronic and energy storage technologies. These nanosheets have the potential to generate electricity from waste heat and improve efficiency in thermoelectric devices.
Australian scientists successfully cleared a HIV-like infection from mice by boosting interleukin-7's function, allowing the host to completely clear virus. This finding could lead to new therapies targeting host immune cells to fight disease.
A Princeton University research team has unraveled the mystery of how breast cancer tumors take root in the bone. The discovery highlights a specific protein called Jagged1 that sends destructive signals to cells, disrupting normal bone growth and paving the way for potential drug therapies.
Researchers have proposed a new model to explain how the Neolithic front slowed down as it moved towards northern Europe. The study suggests that the farmers' dispersal and reproduction were limited by the high density of hunter-gatherers in the region.
A new tree-ring chronology reconstructs the climate of pre-colonial Mexico on an annual basis for over a millennium, pinning down four ancient megadroughts to their exact years. The record provides insights into the rise and fall of pre-Hispanic civilizations, particularly the Aztecs and Mayans.
Researchers have developed a system that recognizes hand gestures as commands to control a robotic scrub nurse or display medical images during operations. The technology aims to reduce surgery lengths and infection risks, while also having potential applications in emergency response activities.
A new research agenda prioritizing baseline data for marine species is needed to diagnose population recovery after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The authors emphasize focusing on endangered species and economic impacts to inform management strategies.
A new study reveals that BRCA1 mutations regulate cell fate in breast tissue, leading to the formation of aggressive basal-like tumors. Cells with mutant BRCA1 exhibit elevated Slug levels and remain immature, stalled in a premature state of development.
The partnership aims to enhance Taverna's commercial support, benefiting users and developers. Researchers can now access high-quality workflow tools without financial constraints.
A study analyzed five long-term experiments to predict effects of no tillage management on soil organic carbon. Harvesting substantial crop residues without added carbon would deplete soil organic carbon and increase pollution risks.
Researchers found two severe Amazon droughts in 5 years have caused widespread and severe impacts on the region's rainforests. The carbon impact of these droughts may exceed previous estimates, potentially offsetting the Amazon's ability to absorb CO2 from the atmosphere.
A deadly fungus is decimating bat populations across North America, killing over 1 million bats. Researchers are racing to combat the disease, which infects and invades the living skin of hibernating bats, causing frequent arousals from hibernation and potential fat reserves depletion.
A detailed global map of critical phosphorus use and misuse has been produced, highlighting large imbalances in phosphorus application worldwide. The study reveals that both overuse and deficits occur in various regions, including sub-Saharan Africa and Europe.
Researchers discovered that Arabidopsis plants boost their immune system in the morning to prepare for the greatest fungal spore release. The daily cycle of defense compounds is safer and more efficient than constant production, allowing plants to adapt to pathogens' schedules.
Many mega-sized coffee and energy drinks are loaded with sugar and calories, posing health risks to consumers. According to Ellen Schuster, a University of Missouri nutrition expert, these large drinks can lead to excessive calorie and sugar consumption, increasing the risk of weight gain and related health problems.
Biologists in the Gulf of Mexico are urging the need for strategic research plans to understand and restore marine ecosystems after environmental disasters. The team identified seven key elements needed for these plans, including population trends and demographic processes.
The study reveals that global obesity rates have nearly doubled since 1980, with women more likely to be obese than men. Average levels of total blood cholesterol fell in Western countries, but increased in East and Southeast Asia and the Pacific region. High-income countries achieved large reductions in uncontrolled hypertension.
Researchers using NASA's Cassini spacecraft have discovered thin, wispy clouds of ice particles similar to Earth's cirrus clouds on Titan's atmosphere. These clouds provide valuable insights into the workings of Titan's atmosphere and its one-way cycle that delivers hydrocarbons to the ground.
Research published in Developmental Psychobiology and Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience found that maternal care impacts stress response in adult offspring's brains. High-quality maternal milk and contact reduce vulnerability to stress, while low levels may lead to lower self-esteem.
A new survey suggests that over 90% of former oyster reefs have been lost worldwide, with the majority being found in North America. The decline is mainly attributed to over-harvesting and disease, highlighting the need for improved mapping efforts and sustainable fishing practices.
Climate change is projected to reduce or eliminate springtime snow cover that wolverines rely on for newborn kits' protection. August temperatures may also increase dramatically, posing a significant threat to the species' survival. The study focused on mountainous regions of the Northwest and warned of potential habitat loss.
The prevalence of obesity has nearly doubled globally, with women more likely to be obese than men. Meanwhile, high-income countries have shown impressive reductions in mean blood pressure and cholesterol levels, with some countries performing better than others.
An international team found that many crustacean families can detect and avoid reef noise, depending on their lifestyle. The study reveals that larvae of crabs and lobsters are attracted by the noise, while others actively avoid it.