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.
A study published in Psychological Science found that poor adolescents living in communities with high social capital are less likely to smoke and be obese. Strong social connections can help offset the disadvantage of poverty, according to Cornell researcher Gary W. Evans.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham are exploring whether chocolate and orange consumption can slow down muscle loss and frailty in older adults. The study aims to investigate the impact of cocoa and vitamin C on blood flow to leg muscles, with potential implications for improving mobility and reducing fall-related deaths.
Researchers discovered that bright light from sports stadiums and urban street lights can boost daytime ozone levels, a key air pollutant in many areas. Cities may need to consider the unexpected effects of night-time lighting on air quality.
A new method allows for quick and comprehensive characterization of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) and embryonic stem cell lines, enabling high-throughput assessment of quality and differentiation efficiency. The approach yields genome-wide reference maps detailing epigenetic and gene expression landscapes.
A study found that younger immigrants (under age 15) tend to identify more with their new culture as they settle, whereas older immigrants may struggle to adapt. The researchers surveyed people who immigrated at various ages and found that those who arrived before age 15 quickly came to see themselves as part of the new culture.
Researchers at Yale University describe how Salmonella hijacks cellular mechanisms to infect millions worldwide. A novel bacterial sorting platform attracts and lines up proteins in the right sequence, allowing the bacteria to commandeer host cell functions.
The first crustacean genome has been sequenced, providing insights into the impact of environmental pollutants on freshwater ecosystems. Daphnia pulex, a tiny water flea, serves as an indicator species for detecting toxins and pollutants in the environment.
Researchers conclude that a special restricted diet should be included in the standard care for all children with ADHD. The diet, also known as the restricted elimination diet, was shown to significantly improve ADHD symptoms and oppositional defiant disorder symptoms in children aged 4-8 years.
Researchers at the University of California - Davis have developed a new approach to solar cells by constructing them from extremely small nanoparticles. The team aims to achieve an efficiency of 42-65%, surpassing the current theoretical maximum of 31%.
Scientists have found that the sand dunes in a vast area of northern Mars are changing with both sudden and gradual motions, contrary to previous assumptions. The changes were caused by seasonal carbon-dioxide ice and stronger-than-expected gusts of wind, resulting in sand avalanches and erosion.
A new study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that homeless people who don't get enough to eat have a higher risk of being hospitalized. Nearly half of hungry homeless adults had been hospitalized in the preceding year.
The myVitali system enables healthcare professionals to monitor and communicate with larger numbers of people, maintaining independence and quality of life for seniors. It also reduces doctor visits and provides personalized health records.
A new study couples a complex genetic screening technique in humans with functional validation of results in flies to study human disease. The strategy has the potential to be an effective approach for understanding complex disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease.
Scientists at Georgia Institute of Technology have found a regulatory RNA called miR-429 that can induce metastatic cancer cells to convert back into less invasive forms. This discovery may allow physicians to treat ovarian cancer more effectively with traditional chemotherapy.
A systematic review found that using a generic blood pressure and heart drug, losartan, instead of branded candesartan could save the UK National Health Service (NHS) £200 million in 2011. This is based on 2009 prescribing figures for primary care alone, with potential savings even higher.
NASA utilized its TRMM satellite to gather data on the rainfall rates of Tropical Cyclone Yasi as it moved through inland Queensland. The storm dropped moderate to heavy rainfall over an area southeast of the Gulf of Carpentaria, posing flash flooding and damaging winds risks.
A paper on resident duty hour limits from Rhode Island Hospital has been recognized as the best education paper of 2010 by the Journal of the American College of Radiology. The lead author, Martha Mainiero, M.D., explains the history behind current resident duty hour requirements and proposed changes.
JILA scientists have eliminated collisions between atoms in an atomic clock by packing them closer together. This approach improves the performance of experimental atomic clocks made of thousands or tens of thousands of neutral atoms.
Researchers confirm existence of spherical magnesium-32 nucleus, contrary to predicted shell structure. The finding has implications for understanding element synthesis in stellar explosions and requires further experiments to refine predictions.
Scientists found reprogramming errors in iPS cells, including a common defect near telomeres and centromeres. These hotspots resist non-CG methylation, but CG islands are affected, potentially limiting the fate of iPS cells.
A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that low doses of losartan improved the effectiveness of two nanotherapeutic approaches against several types of cancer. Losartan normalized the abnormal extracellular matrix of tumors, allowing for better delivery and efficacy of therapies.
A study found that 15 out of 20 drug classes had inconsistent black box warnings, with some warnings missing from all drugs in the same class. The researchers argue for a more transparent and systematic approach to label design.
A NASA team led by University of Florida astronomers has discovered six new planets in a distant solar system resembling our own. The planets, orbiting Kepler-11, are rocky or ice-combined and have densities lower than water but higher than Earth.
A study by the University of Zaragoza found that Spain's precipitation has declined overall between March and June, reducing the length of the rainy season. The rains are heavier in October in the north west of the country.
Research found that folic acid lowers homocysteine in the blood, which should reduce heart attack risk. However, clinical trials showed no extra benefit due to high aspirin use by participants. The study suggests folic acid may still be beneficial for those not taking aspirin.
A new state scorecard reveals wide disparities in children's health care, despite federal expansion of CHIP and Medicaid. The report finds that 5.6 million additional children could gain insurance, 10.2 million more receive preventive care, if all states performed as well as top-ranked states.
Researchers at Arizona State University developed a new method to determine biomolecule structures, achieving over 3 million clear diffraction patterns with the Linac Coherent Light Source. This milestone has significant potential for discoveries in biology, medicine, clean energy, and the development of targeted cancer drugs.
Researchers have developed bioengineered veins that can be used in life-saving vascular surgeries, offering a promising solution for patients lacking suitable veins. The technology has shown promise in reducing complications and costs associated with traditional grafts used in coronary artery bypass grafting and hemodialysis.
A new study has identified a potential vaccine that targets H. pylori bacteria, which causes gastritis, ulcer disease, and gastric cancer. The vaccine was found to be more effective when delivered intranasally.
At Newcastle University, a team led by Professor Selina Stead is investigating the potential of sea cucumbers as natural cleaners on fish farms, reducing waste's impact on ocean floors. The project aims to develop organic farming methods for both sea cucumber food and eco-friendly aquaculture.
A report published in ACS' Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that catnip oil is 99% effective in repelling bloodsucking stable flies. The repellent action lasts for about three hours and has the potential to reduce cattle industry loses by $2 billion annually.
Researchers found that people taking bisphosphonates lived longer than those without osteoporosis and even gained an extra five years of life. The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, suggests a possible link between bone health and toxic metal release.
Researchers at UC San Diego have made a breakthrough discovery that can help predict where and how quickly initial fires spread in warehouses. The study focuses on corrugated cardboard, finding that it slows the rate of fire spread due to peeling layers, making it essential for designing warehouse protection systems.
Lyme arthritis can be treated successfully with oral antibiotics, but early diagnosis is crucial to prevent joint damage. Patients who develop the condition should look for symptoms like aching joints, fever, and rash, and report them to their physician.
Researchers have discovered Largazole's potential to stimulate bone growth and repair damaged bones. The compound blocks the body's natural bone resorption process, offering new hope for treating bone diseases.