A new genetic study suggests that the evolution of flowering plants was 'jump started' by two major upheavals in the plant genome, occurring nearly 200 million years ago. These events produced thousands of new genes that drove the evolutionary explosion leading to the diverse range of present-day flowering plants.
Researchers found that blueberry polyphenols suppress adipocyte differentiation and reduce lipid content in mice tissue cultures. The highest dose yielded a 73% decrease in lipids.
Researchers found drinking during early pregnancy increased risk of premature birth and low birth weight, while heavy drinkers were more likely to have unplanned pregnancies and very premature births. The study emphasized the need for improved detection of alcohol misuse in pregnancy.
New research shows that warmer sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean drive atmospheric circulation that brings warmer temperatures to West Antarctica during winter and spring. This is driven by a Rossby wave train pattern, which can account for half to all of the observed winter temperature changes in West Antarctica.
Storing fruits and vegetables in ozone-enriched environments significantly reduces microbial spoilage, with up to 95% disease prevention after 8 days. Ozone treatment is a viable alternative to pesticides, leaving no residues on foods.
Researchers have found that flu virus infection is necessary for pneumococcal bacteria to efficiently spread between individuals. The study has implications for managing influenza pandemics and reducing pneumococcal infections in young children, who are highly susceptible.
A study found that organically-labeled foods were perceived as tastier and lower in calories, leading participants to consume more. Researchers confirmed the 'health halo' effect surrounding organic foods, which could influence food choices and consumption.
The new study creates a detailed image of the Yellowstone plume's electrical conductivity, showing it dips more gently and extends farther east-west. The geoelectric image suggests the plume may be enveloped by a broader sheath of partly molten rock and liquids.
In a one-year clinical trial, an investigational combination of drugs achieved unprecedented weight loss of up to 10 percent in obese individuals. The study found significant reductions in blood pressure, hemoglobin A1C, and inflammatory markers, as well as improvements in cholesterol and triglycerides.
DNA can alter protein structure and function, leading to targeted therapies for diseases like osteoporosis and cancer. The study used HDX mass spectrometry to detect these long-range structural effects, revealing a complex biochemical dialogue between receptor, ligand, coregulatory proteins, and DNA.
Scientists at University of Wisconsin-Madison have successfully grown a recently discovered species of human rhinovirus (HRV) in culture using nasal tissue. This achievement sheds light on HRV-C, a new member of the HRV family, and its unique growth requirements, which may lead to new antiviral compounds.
Researchers harness the power of fast-replicating bacterial viruses to evolve biomolecules in the laboratory, generating enzymes with desired properties in just weeks. The phage-assisted continuous evolution approach allows for rapid generation of proteins and nucleic acids with tailored properties.
New research by Dr Elissaios Papyrakis and Dr Geethanjali Selvaretnam suggests that religious organisations should highlight social and spiritual benefits to attract younger members. The study found that life expectancy discourages young people from participating in religion, leading to older congregations.
A study found that green tea and tai chi can enhance bone strength and reduce inflammation in postmenopausal women. The combination of moderate green tea consumption and tai chi practice showed significant benefits in bone markers, muscle strength, and quality of life.
Dr. Larissa Shimoda's research focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind hypoxic pulmonary hypertension, a condition affecting patients with chronic lung diseases. Her work identifies key changes in pulmonary vascular smooth muscle cells that contribute to the development of the condition.
A team of researchers from Rockefeller University has carried out a comprehensive evaluation of the antiviral activity of interferon-induced factors, revealing unique subsets of genes that inhibit various viruses. The study found that specific combinations of genes can be more potent than individual ones in suppressing viral replication.
Scientists have developed a new technique to map both connections and functions of nerve cells in the brain for the first time. The 'connectomics' approach aims to understand how perceptions, sensations, and thoughts are generated in the brain, with potential applications in diseases like Alzheimer's and schizophrenia.
A new two-drug combination of phentermine and topiramate achieves more than double the weight loss of orlistat and compares favorably with emerging drugs. The treatment also improves blood pressure, lipids, glycaemia, and inflammatory markers.