Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered a new gene, Clumped Chloroplasts (CLMP1), which plays a key role in chloroplast separation and division. The discovery could lead to improvements in crop yields and efficiency through breeding and genetic manipulation.
A NASA-sponsored study found that prolonged space flights can cause a range of visual system changes in astronauts, including blurry vision and abnormalities in the eye tissues. The study's findings have implications for long-duration manned space voyages, such as a trip to Mars.
The DOE JGI's 2012 Community Sequencing Program allocates over 30 trillion bases for researchers to study plant-microbe interactions and environmental genomics. This includes projects on rhizosphere microbial communities, Casuarina trees, and microbial communities in extreme environments.
The UH Mars Rover Model Celebration and Exhibition will receive a $414,000 grant from NASA to develop a stronger event, expand beyond Texas, and provide hands-on science projects for elementary and middle school students. The program aims to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.
A Stanford study found that Caucasians who avoid sun exposure have lower blood levels of vitamin D, with a 40% prevalence among all participants increasing to 53% and 56% among those wearing long sleeves and staying in the shade. The use of sunscreen did not significantly affect vitamin D levels due to insufficient application.
Research suggests a link between high blood pressure and reduced ability to recognize emotional faces and texts, potentially causing miscommunication and increased distress in social situations. This 'emotional dampening' can lead to distrust, risk-taking behavior, and worsened mental health conditions.
A four-country study published in the Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing found that verbal intervention was the favoured technique for dealing with aggressive episodes involving young offenders. The research team also recommended continuous education, sufficient resources, and further studies to improve practices.
Researchers have discovered that human skin can begin tanning in seconds after exposure to UV light, using a mechanism similar to the retina's detection of light. This early response provides rapid protection against UV damage and may impact sunscreen design.
Patients with high EGFR expression have a survival advantage when treated with cetuximab plus chemotherapy, living up to 12 months on average. In contrast, those with low EGFR expression show no difference in overall survival.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have developed a new definition for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) to help diagnose patients with suspected PJI. The criteria include sterile sampling, biomarker testing, and histological analysis to identify virulent organisms like Staphylococcus aureus.
Researchers developed a nanomedicine-based tool to target malignant melanoma, which showed promising results in preclinical studies. The system's ability to deliver targeted therapies with high affinity and selectivity holds great potential for improved diagnosis and therapy.
Researchers suggest looking for artificial illumination on distant planets as they orbit their stars, which could provide a measurable signal. This technique relies on the assumption that intelligent life uses Earth-like technologies and could potentially spot alien cities using future generations of telescopes.
A new study published in European Obstetrics & Gynaecology shows that DuoFertility's monitoring and support service can achieve pregnancy rates comparable to IVF for many infertile couples. This viable, non-invasive alternative could save the NHS millions of pounds each year.
A KAIST research team has developed a fully functional flexible non-volatile resistive random access memory (RRAM) that can be randomly accessed, written, and erased on a plastic substrate. This breakthrough overcomes cell-to-cell interference issues by integrating a memristor with high-performance silicon transistors.
A team of scientists using NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope has discovered a young millisecond pulsar named PSR J1823−3021A, challenging existing theories about its formation. The discovery pushes the total count of detected pulsars to over 100, with NGC 6624 globular cluster contributing significantly.
A study involving 50 secondary school children explored what types of youth services young people want. The research found that providing youth services helps prevent youth crime and has a positive impact on their behavior. Young people were asked to prioritize and distribute limited resources, informing the development of youth centers.
New research suggests that low GABA levels in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex may contribute to impulsive behavior and aggression. The study found a link between lower GABA levels and higher urgency ratings among men with no history of psychiatric disorders or substance dependence.
A study led by Johns Hopkins behavioral neuroscientist Eric Fortune found that the brain prefers cooperative activity over solo ones, as demonstrated in plain-tailed wrens' duet songs. The research has implications for programming autonomous robots and understanding human social behavior.
Scientists have found the first gamma-ray pulsar in a globular cluster, J1823-3021A, which is also the youngest millisecond pulsar discovered to date. Its high luminosity and strong magnetic field challenge current theories on its formation.
A multidisciplinary research program aims to study the origins and pathogenesis of Barrett's esophagus, focusing on chronic inflammation and bile acids. The team will develop preventive and therapeutic treatments targeting stem/progenitor cells.
Researchers from the Chinese University of Hong Kong have developed a technique to reprogram stem cells into a more primitive state, increasing their survival rates and therapeutic efficacy. This breakthrough could lead to improved treatment outcomes for conditions such as degenerative diseases and blood supply disorders.
Researchers analyzed genealogies of early pioneers and found they had significantly more children than those who settled within the core of an existing colony. Women on the edge of colonization also showed a 15% higher fertility rate due to earlier marriage, suggesting that fertility can rapidly evolve during range expansion.
A study of 313 spine surgery patients found that more than half had inadequate vitamin D levels. Patients with insufficient vitamin D may benefit from taking supplements before and after surgery to aid in recovery.
A new study identifies PKM2 as a critical enzyme for cancer cell survival under oxidative stress. Researchers found that activating PKM2 can sensitize cancer cells to ROS-induced death, opening up potential therapeutic avenues for cancer treatment. The study suggests that manipulating PKM2 activity could be a way to disrupt tumor growth.
A research team at TUM has developed a sensor system that monitors drivers' vital signs, including heart rate, skin conductance, and oxygen saturation, to prevent fainting spells or heart attacks. The system uses simple sensors in the steering wheel and can initiate measures such as phone call blocking or emergency braking if necessary.
A study published in the journal Pain found that opioid-dependent patients treated with escitalopram experienced significant reductions in pain severity and interference. The findings suggest that antidepressants may be an effective alternative to non-opioid pharmacologic therapies for managing chronic pain in this population.
Researchers have found a novel mechanism by which cancer cells can continue to divide without the help of telomerase, a key enzyme involved in cell aging. The discovery identifies a special protein complex called APBs as a potential target for cancer therapy.
Researchers at Inserm have successfully rejuvenated cells from elderly donors, erasing signs of aging and demonstrating the reversibility of cellular aging. The breakthrough uses a new 'cocktail' of six genetic factors to reprogram senescent cells into functional induced pluripotent stem cells.
A team of researchers measured the bar length of over 5,000 galaxies using amateur astronomers' data from the Galaxy Zoo project. The study reveals that redder galaxies have longer bars and are more likely to display spiral arms.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed a nano-tech method to test new medicines in extremely small volumes, allowing for faster and cheaper drug development. The technique uses self-assembling systems made from biological materials, significantly reducing environmental impact.
Researchers found genes associated with mitochondria and respiration are expressed at high levels in naked mole-rats, suggesting mechanisms for longevity and disease resistance. The study's findings provide clues on how the rodent protects itself against oxidative stress and may help understand aging processes.
A new therapy approach targets a self-renewal pathway in embryonic stem cells to eliminate cancer stem cells in pancreatic cancer. In mice with human pancreatic cancer tumors, the combination of Nodal/Activin pathway inhibition and chemotherapy led to 100% survival after 100 days.
A study of over 7,000 patient contacts found that healthcare workers wearing latex gloves were less likely to clean their hands before and after patient contact. The researchers call this phenomenon the 'Dirty Hand in the Latex Glove,' highlighting an opportunity for improved hand hygiene practices when using gloves.
Biologists have identified two critical genes, DSCAM and COL6A2, responsible for congenital heart defects in individuals with Down syndrome. These genes disrupt cardiac development and function when produced at elevated levels. The study used a novel approach combining fruit flies and mice to untangle the problem.
A study using Quebec's BALSAC population database found that families on the edge of migration waves had more children and contributed more to the contemporary population's genetics. This phenomenon, known as 'gene surfing', may explain the elevated frequency of genetic diseases in certain regions.
A vegetarian diet significantly reduced the risk of diabetes in African Americans, who are twice as likely to be diagnosed with diabetes compared to non-Hispanic whites. Regular physical activity also offered protection against type 2 diabetes.
Tiago Branco's research focuses on how single neurons process information from the outside world to generate behaviors. He discovered that dendrites actively filter and transform this information, enabling single neurons to solve complex computational tasks.
A study by Arizona State University experts warns that some payment mechanisms for ecosystem services can be detrimental to the environment. The report highlights the need for carefully designed payment schemes to track changes in publicly owned environmental assets, similar to tracking economic indicators like GDP.
Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center have discovered a mechanism by which glioblastoma multiforme promotes neurodegeneration, leading to neuron death. AEG-1, an oncogene overexpressed in brain tumors, inhibits expression of EEAT2, a glutamate transporter, resulting in excitoxicity and excessive glutamate levels.
Earthquakes result in massive death tolls due to trauma, crush injuries, and disruptions to medical services. Many victims succumb to complications, sepsis, or organ failure, while others experience mental health problems like depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Researchers at the University of Kansas are analyzing military policy to develop recommendations that will benefit special-needs families of armed services personnel worldwide. Their goal is to enhance mission readiness, ease redeployment burdens, advance retention, and aid recruitment efforts.
A genome-wide association study has identified the TBL1X gene as a novel candidate gene for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in males. The study found an association between variations in the TBL1X gene and an increased risk of ASD, with an estimated 15% increase in risk.
Researchers have re-analyzed ancient deciduous teeth from Grotta del Cavallo, Italy, and found they belong to anatomically modern humans. The new study suggests that Homo sapiens arrived in Europe earlier than previously known, with dates ranging from ~43,000-45,000 cal BP.
Combining radiotherapy with androgen deprivation therapy significantly improves overall survival for men with locally advanced prostate cancer. The study, published in The Lancet, found that patients receiving both treatments had a higher 7-year survival rate compared to those receiving ADT alone.
Researchers found a connection between conscientiousness and good credit scores, as well as a negative correlation between agreeableness and credit scores. However, poor credit scores were not linked to employee theft or deviant work behaviors, contradicting common employer assumptions.
The report highlights the need for Humanities researchers to build and access 'fit-for-purpose' digital Research Infrastructures, addressing issues like funding models, institutional transformations, and coordination. Digital infrastructures offer new ways to explore old questions and develop new ones in Humanities research.
Scientists have witnessed the birth of a major iceberg on Pine Island Glacier, providing valuable insights into the natural process of glacier calving. The data collected by NASA's Operation IceBridge will help researchers better understand the dynamics of ice sheets and glaciers.
A team of Pitt researchers has successfully developed a new memory technology that combines fast retrieval with large storage space, drastically reducing power consumption. The innovation leads to an eight-fold reduction in power cost, making it possible for data centers to store massive amounts of data while minimizing energy usage.
A $3.9 million grant will enable research to identify protective factors that prevent diabetes complications in long-term insulin-dependent diabetes patients. The study aims to find biomarkers and therapeutic agents to halt diabetic retinopathy and nephropathy, which significantly impact lifespan and quality of life.
Researchers have discovered that a mutation in the CLN3 gene disrupts protein trafficking, leading to lysosome overflow and neuronal death in Batten disease. The findings may form the basis for a new therapy by targeting the kinase function of CLN3.
A BUSM researcher has received two NIH grants totaling over $11 million to study systemic sclerosis (SSc), a rare and complex rheumatic disease. The funding will support clinical research, molecular studies, and identification of biomarkers to accelerate the understanding of SSc and develop new treatments.
Researchers found that Yucatec Maya speakers and German speakers performed similarly when identifying mixed-emotion faces. The study suggests that emotions have evolved as basic human mechanisms, unaffected by language. This discovery challenges the idea that language plays a crucial role in understanding emotions.
Scientists have developed a new material made from chitosan that effectively captures influenza viruses before they can infect people. This breakthrough could lead to improved vaccinations and anti-influenza medications.
Researchers developed a novel indirect screener to detect recent drug use in at-risk post-partum women, proving more sensitive than alternatives. A brief, computer-delivered intervention aims to motivate behavioral change without presuming drug use, showing promise for improved detection and treatment.
Researchers found that high levels of protective protein Nmnat1 reduce brain damage caused by oxygen and blood flow deprivation. The study offers a potential new strategy for treating cerebral palsy, strokes, and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Scientists have identified areas with extreme potential for forming complex organic molecules, a key ingredient for life. These 'sweet spots' are found around newly formed stars and have conditions that support high methanol production.
Researchers found that the structure of lion and tiger vocal folds, including fat and viscoelastic properties, determines the low-frequency roars. The study challenges previous assumptions about the causes of loud roaring in these big cats.
Paleontologist Guillermo Rougier and his team have reported the discovery of two skulls from the first known mammal of the early Late Cretaceous period in South America. The fossils provide a complete picture of the skull for the group, including extremely long canine teeth and a narrow muzzle.
A piece of jawbone excavated from a prehistoric cave in England is the earliest evidence for modern humans in Europe, dating back to 44,000-41,000 years old. The discovery confirms the coexistence of Neanderthals and anatomically modern humans during the last Ice Age.
Researchers have found that examining the chin and upper/lower abdomen is an accurate and minimally invasive way to screen for excessive hair growth in women, which can be up to 80% effective. This method has significant implications for diagnosing PCOS and related health risks such as insulin resistance, diabetes, and heart disease.