Researchers at BGI developed a novel pipeline to detect structural variations (SVs) in whole genome assembly, identifying 277,243 SVs with high accuracy and precision. The study demonstrates the potential of de novo assembly for creating comprehensive SV maps.
Researchers have discovered a 'quantum leap' in graphene's electronic properties, enhancing electron-on-electron interaction. This breakthrough could accelerate research on devices like touch-screens and ultrafast transistors.
Researchers found two genetic variations linked to increased risk of second cancers in childhood Hodgkin's lymphoma patients treated with radiation. These markers appear to decrease activation of the PRDM1 gene, which can protect against cancer when exposed to radiation.
A small volcanic province has been discovered on the Moon's far side, revealing clues to its thermal history. The province was created by upwelling of silicic magma and challenges current ideas about the Moon's volcanic history.
Researchers developed a model that mimics three predator-prey modes to understand cloud-rain interactions, finding that aerosols affect cloud formation and precipitation. The study provides new insights into the complex relationships between clouds, rain, and aerosols, shedding light on climate patterns and human-induced changes.
A study published in The Lancet reveals that targeted antisense therapy AVI-4658 can restore expression of a key protein lacking in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The treatment showed significant dose response, allowing boys to produce functional dystrophin protein up to 18% of normal levels.
The team developed a method to fabricate 3D photonic crystals that are both electronically and optically active, opening new avenues for solar cells, lasers, and metamaterials. The discovery uses epitaxial growth of single-crystal semiconductor through a complex template.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a method to use glucose meters for detecting multiple targets in various samples. Functional DNA sensors enable the detection of vital metabolites, contaminants, and disease markers in a simple, low-cost, and portable manner.
Scientists have discovered a mechanism for epigenetic memory in plants, which affects the timing of flowering based on environmental conditions. The study reveals that histone modifications can be passed on to offspring, providing a new understanding of how organisms 'remember' their environment.
Researchers at Penn State have discovered that particles in liquids don't always settle at the bottom based on size or speed. Instead, they arrange themselves in a way that achieves the lowest energy state, often resulting in a layered structure with larger particles at the bottom and smaller ones above.
Scientists at the Weizmann Institute of Science have identified a biological sign of autism in very young toddlers by scanning their brain activity while sleeping. The study found that autistic brains exhibited weaker synchronization between brain areas tied to language and communication compared to non-autistic children.
A combination of strategies, including eliminating stagnant water and removing vegetation, significantly reduced the number of tiger mosquito eggs in treated areas. The study, published in Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, demonstrates a substantial reduction in eggs compared to control areas.
Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a nanoscale plasmonic cavity that drastically reduces emission lifetime in semiconductors. By engineering high-intensity electromagnetic fields and controlling confinement, they achieve an unprecedented record-breaking emission lifetime measured in femtoseconds.
Researchers at Boston College have developed a designer metamaterial that can engineer emitted 'blackbody' radiation with an efficiency beyond natural limits, opening doors for innovative energy harvesting applications. The material's ability to control emissivity could further enhance energy conversion efficiency.
A Drexel University study reveals that misuse of prescription painkillers is a pathway to injecting drugs, particularly among young people with a history of opioid use. The research found common factors like family history of drug misuse and access to prescriptions contributed to the initiation of prescription drug misuse.
The Joint Interagency Task Force South is installing a new software technology developed by the Office of Naval Research (ONR) to eliminate illegal drug trafficking. The Command and Control Rapid Prototype Continuum (C2RPC) system provides continuous rapid delivery of warfighter capability to support time-sensitive decision making.
Researchers found that intravenous fluids can lower the odds of developing severe kidney failure in children infected with E. coli O157:H7, a common cause of pediatric kidney failure. The study suggests that early fluid administration may protect kidneys and reduce the need for dialysis.
A*STAR scientists have discovered a potential antidote for Ricin and Pseudomonas exotoxin, two deadly toxins responsible for hospital-acquired infections. The study identified ERGIC2 as a therapeutic target, paving the way for developing generic antidotes against these life-threatening toxins.
The research identified phosphatase MKP-1 as a crucial regulator of immune balance and a bridge between innate and adaptive immune responses. The findings suggest that MKP-1 controls the production of specialized T cells, including Th1, Th17, and regulatory T cells.
Research in yeast reveals that cellular stress can induce the formation of infectious protein particles called prions, which are associated with neurodegenerative disorders. The study identifies a protein called Lsb2 that promotes spontaneous prion formation under stress conditions.
The Office of Naval Research's TechSolutions Program has developed a lightweight, plug-and-play portable power system to charge specialized equipment, reducing the EOD team's burden by up to 50 pounds. The Power Management Kit provides real-time awareness of power usage and availability.
A recent genetic study found that centuries of human activity, including trade and rituals, have mixed the genetic lineages of the critically endangered Central American river turtle. The turtles' shells made them easy to transport, allowing them to be brought together from isolated river basins.
People with bipolar disorder experience excessive positive emotions, even in neutral situations, which can lead to reckless behavior and relationship problems. This persistent positivity may serve as an early warning sign for relapse.
Astronomers have found the largest and farthest reservoir of water ever detected in the universe, located in a distant quasar with a massive black hole. The discovery provides valuable information about the early universe's water vapor behavior and its influence on cosmic evolution.
Researchers found that reduced forest harvest levels led to increased carbon sequestration, making public lands a significant carbon sink. This discovery highlights the importance of forests in addressing global warming concerns.
Researchers at Harvard have identified the mechanism for diffuse axonal injury and explained why cerebral vasospasm is more common in blast-induced brain injuries. Treating neural tissue with a ROCK inhibitor within minutes of injury may lead to viable treatments, according to the study.
NASA's GOES-13 satellite captured an image of Tropical Depression Bret, Tropical Storm Cindy, and a low-pressure area associated with a tropical wave in the Caribbean. The storm system is located in two ocean basins, with Bret and Cindy racing through the North Atlantic and Hurricane Dora weakening in the eastern Pacific.
The PGA has implemented targeted efforts to improve minority participation in golf, including the PGA Professional Golf Management Program accreditation at the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore. The program has helped expose minority students to golf and provided scholarships to encourage participation.
Researchers detected massive water vapor in a distant quasar, equivalent to 34 billion times the mass of Earth. The discovery was made using a spectrograph called Z-Spec and reveals a time when the universe was only 1.6 billion years old.
A team of statisticians from Duke University received a $3 million grant to develop statistical methods for making US Census Bureau data available to researchers and the public. The Triangle Census Research Network will preserve anonymity while improving data quality and linking it to related sources.
Astronomers have discovered a massive reservoir of water vapor 30 billion light-years away in a quasar, which is 100,000 times more massive than the sun. The water vapor is distributed around a black hole and provides insights into its environment.
Researchers found that only 8-9% oil coverage on fertilized mallard duck eggs resulted in a 50% mortality rate. The weathering process made the crude oil less toxic to bird embryos, with no significant deformities or malformations reported.
Researchers have found a new target for nitric oxide's antimicrobial actions, which disrupts Salmonella's metabolism and prevents its growth. The discovery sheds light on the body's natural defenses against infection and may lead to the development of new broad-spectrum antimicrobials.
Researchers recreate pyrite, dubbed fool's gold, to study geological events and gain insight into the Great Oxygenation Event. Bacteria's influence on early composition of pyrite is disputed, providing a clearer picture of the process.
Researchers have published a step-by-step plan to replace environmentally harmful nitrogen fertilizers with genetically altered crops that can naturally process atmospheric nitrogen. This switch could reduce agricultural costs and environmental damage, saving the world $150 billion annually.
A bacterial outbreak of Burholderia cepacia complex was linked to contaminated nasal spray products, leading to a national recall. The investigation highlighted the need for improved testing protocols in the production and distribution of over-the-counter pharmaceuticals.
A new study finds that subsidizing caregivers' wages can reduce worker turnover rates by one-third, improving the quality of experience for clients. The research uses data from group homes for persons with developmental disabilities to perform a cost-benefit analysis of wage subsidy policies.
A large-scale study found metabolic syndrome significantly increases risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, two major types of primary liver cancer. Metabolic syndrome was present in 37% of persons who developed HCC and 30% of those who developed ICC, compared to 17% of those without cancer.
A study by Iowa State University found that grazing management practices can greatly reduce the amount of sediment, phosphorus, and pathogens deposited into pasture streams. Simple and practical techniques can be implemented to minimize pollution while allowing cattle to graze on pasture stream banks.
A*STAR and Agilent launch an integrated drug screening platform, enabling high-throughput screening and automation of compound management and assay plate preparation. The partnership accelerates medical solution development and strengthens biomedical research capabilities.
Researchers at New York University's Department of Chemistry have created a molecular polyhedron, a 13 Archimedean solid that can serve as a cage-like framework to trap other molecular species. The structure was formed by designing the assembly of two kinds of hexagonal molecular tiles using 72 hydrogen bonds.
The University of Leicester has developed a test to measure the force used during a stabbing using a broken bottle. The study provides a basic classification for the presenting end of a glass bottle and illustrates how much force is required to create injuries.
A team of international researchers led by UC Irvine's Robert Reed has identified a single gene called optix responsible for red wing color patterns in various passion vine butterfly species. This breakthrough discovery sheds light on how mimicry and convergent evolution occur at a genetic level.
A University of Vermont scientist has developed a bio-pesticide using an insect-killing fungus and sweet whey to reduce the growth rate of hemlock woolly adelgid. The treatment showed promising results in trials, with a 50% reduction in pest population in infested trees.
A new University of Washington study reveals that parental military deployment is associated with impaired well-being among adolescents, especially adolescent boys. The research highlights the need for targeted support programs to mitigate the negative effects of parental deployments on children.
Researchers have identified key mRNA molecules that the Fragile-X mental retardation protein binds to in brains of mice, suggesting new avenues for treating intellectual disability and autism. The study also proposes two possible treatment strategies: lowering specific protein activity or replacing FMRP's ability to regulate translation.
Researchers analyzed data from over 4,000 mineral inclusions in diamonds to determine that the Wilson cycle of plate tectonics began around 3 billion years ago. This marks the start of the process that shaped the Earth's continental crust and led to mountain building and ocean basin closures.
A study on Southern Resident killer whales found that they mate within their own pods, leading to a reduction in genetic diversity. This behavior may be unique to the population's small size and could put them at risk of genetically deteriorating further.
Researchers at MIT have developed tiny robots to inspect underground pipes in nuclear reactors, detecting corrosion and radioactive leaks. The robots can withstand extreme environments and transmit images in real-time, enabling safer operation of aged reactors.
A University of Minnesota study found that chance consistently pushes wealth into the hands of a few individuals, leading to dramatic concentration of wealth over time. The researchers' model, published in PLOS ONE, suggests that high variation among individual return rates accelerates wealth concentration.
Bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa employs a unique secretion system to break down its opponents' cell walls, causing their breakdown. The bacteria protects itself from this attack by using immunity proteins that counteract the effects of toxic proteins it secretes.
Researchers explore dolphins' remarkable ability to heal from shark bites with minimal pain or infection, proposing that blubber contains antimicrobial compounds. The dolphin's healing process is similar to regeneration, where tissues are knitted together with existing fabric, offering new perspectives for human injury care.
A new software program, called a DNA compiler, designs synthetic DNA sequences to control protein production in simple organisms. The technology allows biotechnology companies to quickly identify the best DNA sequence for a particular application, increasing efficiency and productivity.
A study by UPV/EHU shows that people prioritize emotional reasons over usefulness when buying cosmetics. Women's negative emotions about their appearance drive their purchasing decisions. The study highlights the importance of addressing these negative feelings through persuasive marketing strategies focused on emotional aspects.
Hurricane Dora's eye was visible on multiple NASA satellites, including Aqua and GOES-11, providing forecasters with clear views of the storm's intensification. The National Hurricane Center expects some weakening by tonight and rapid weakening on Friday as Dora battles wind shear and cooler waters.
The Gerontological Society of America recommends including ethnically diverse populations in aging research. Minority participants are key to developing recruitment and retention methods that address unique cultural and sociopolitical challenges.
Scientists at UC Santa Barbara have discovered two general rules for ecosystem abundance: one based on body size and food chain position, and another that biomass production is independent of animal size or type.
A new study suggests that people with higher levels of optimism may be less likely to have a stroke. The research found that each point increase in optimism corresponded to a 9 percent decrease in acute stroke risk over a two-year follow-up period.
A study found that only 59.8% of health care students had documentation of complete hepatitis B vaccination, while 83.8% were protected against infection when tested for antibodies. The rates are lower than the US government's Healthy People 2010 goal of 90% hepatitis B vaccination coverage among health care workers.
Researchers used computer simulations to study bacterial resistance against aminoglycoside antibiotics, revealing the physical basis of one mechanism - mutations of the antibiotic target site. The findings suggest possible drug modifications to combat resistant bacteria.