Researchers at Newcastle University discovered that manipulating serotonin's actions can tip the balance towards healthy tissue regeneration and block scarring in mouse models of chronic liver disease. This approach targets the 5-HT2B receptor, which instructs scar-forming cells to switch off regeneration.
A study using disease-in-a-dish technology has grown neurons from Timothy Syndrome patients' skin cells, revealing defects in brain wiring and cellular calcium regulation. The findings support the link between the genetic mutation and developmental abnormalities, including reduced corpus callosum size.
UCSF researchers found that tissues can remember and activate T regulatory cells to defend against autoimmune diseases. The discovery may lead to new strategies for fighting autoimmunity and preventing transplant rejection.
Researchers found a gene mutation causing calcium channels to be defective, leading to impaired neuronal communication and development. The study used induced pluripotent stem cells to grow brain-like spheres from skin cells of patients with Timothy syndrome, which showed abnormalities in calcium levels and gene expression.
Researchers at the University of Warwick have developed synthetic helix-shaped molecules that target MRSA and E-coli with low toxicity. The 'flexicates' harness chirality to create targeted treatments.
Researchers identified a portion of the genome mutated during long-term culture of human embryonic stem cells, which may compromise their utility for regenerative medicine. The study highlights the importance of understanding genetic changes in hESCs and their potential impact on cell therapy applications.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a new method to create nanoporous materials, which can be used for water purification and chemical sensors. The collective osmotic shock (COS) process enables the creation of porous structures with realistic industrial cross-over potential.
New research published in BMC Research Notes found that snow leopards in the central Himalayas have a much lower population size than previously estimated. Genetic analysis of snow leopard scat samples revealed only 19 out of 71 original samples were actually P. uncia, with most coming from nine individuals.
The Vaginal and Oral Interventions to Control the Epidemic (VOICE) study found that daily use of an antiretroviral-containing oral tablet or vaginal gel was not effective in preventing HIV infection among women. The study will continue to examine the safety and effectiveness of oral Truvada as a preventive measure for women.
DNA barcoding technology is being deployed to identify quack herbal medicines, reveal ancient Arctic life and expose what eats what in nature. The technique has sparked US Congressional hearings by exposing widespread 'fish fraud' and will be used to halt agricultural and forestry pests at borders.
Researchers developed novel plasma actuators using winding-shaped electrodes to induce three-dimensional variations in the shear layer, offering significant flexibility in flow control. These new designs adjusted the plasma-induced flow in the form of a ZNMF jet with streamwise and spanwise vortices.
Researchers outline challenges and potential solutions for synthetic molecular machines to fulfill their promise. The team proposes using metal-organic frameworks to organize molecular switches spatially and temporally.
A new study found that hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS) produces marked dose-related increases in airflow in OSA patients without arousing them from sleep. HGNS has been shown to eliminate inspiratory airflow limitation in the majority of patients, providing substantial relief of upper airway obstruction during sleep.
Scientists from Max Planck Institute discover gene SLC4A5 responsible for sodium dysregulation and hypertension. The study found that a genetic defect in this gene can lead to excessive renal retention of sodium and water, resulting in abnormal blood pressure levels.
A study of over 500,000 patients in Sweden found that those with autoimmune disorders have a significantly increased risk of pulmonary embolism during the first year after admission, with some diseases carrying a higher risk than others. Prophylaxis may be warranted for these patients.
Scientists at the University of Bonn have made a breakthrough in understanding Machado-Joseph disease by studying nerve cells derived from patients' skin cells. The research reveals that electrical activity in these cells triggers protein aggregation, explaining why the disease affects only nerve cells.
The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) has approved 16 new Research Training Groups to enhance early-career researchers in Germany. Four international groups promote cross-border cooperation with Canada, the USA, and Austria. These groups focus on ultra-cold matter, modern cities, cryptography, and other interdisciplinary topics.
Research into Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and diabetes aims to improve the health of thousands of women in Cornwall. The study will investigate factors that increase the risk of diabetes in women with PCOS.
A study published in the Journal of Experimental Biology found that pregnant bottlenose dolphins experience significant reductions in swimming speed and adopt a new gait style as they approach delivery. This is due to the extreme physical changes caused by pregnancy, including increased body size and buoyancy.
A study found that 18% of methadone maintenance therapy patients also received prescriptions for more than a week's supply of other opioids. This combination can lead to fatal consequences. The researchers recommend short-acting opioids for short periods and real-time prescription monitoring.
A study by Berkeley Lab scientists reveals the technological steps needed to achieve California's goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80% below 1990 levels by 2050. The findings emphasize the importance of energy efficiency, decarbonization of electricity generation, and electrification of transportation.
Researchers successfully transplanted young neurons into diseased brain circuitry, repairing defective circuits and enabling mice to respond to leptin. This breakthrough suggests new therapeutic approaches for conditions like spinal cord injury, autism, and Parkinson's disease.
A genetic factor regulating sleep duration has been identified in a study of over 4,000 participants. The ABCC9 gene variant affects sleep duration and is associated with metabolic syndrome symptoms. The discovery may explain the underlying mechanisms linking sleep to metabolic health.
A new study reveals that changes in ocean chemistry and sea level have robustly driven marine life evolution over the past 500 million years. The findings suggest a strong connection between environmental proxy records and fossil diversity.
A rare type of HIV-infection, group N, has been diagnosed in a man in France who recently travelled to Togo, marking the first detection outside Cameroon. The patient exhibited severe clinical manifestations and early decline in CD4 cell count, but responded well to antiretroviral treatment.
Phosphonic acids are persistent pollutants found in common medicinal products, detergents, and herbicides. Bacteria have been shown to break down these molecules with surprising ease, thanks to the identification of specialized proteins that perform key bond-breaking steps.
Research shows that pianists can accurately assess temporal synchrony between piano movements and sounds, while non-musicians struggle. The study suggests that music training refines brain circuitries responsible for integrating multiple sensory stimuli.
Researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum successfully exploited a 'man-in-the-middle' attack to bypass HDCP's encryption, demonstrating the system's security weakness. The low-cost hardware solution used had a material cost of approximately €200 and was designed to assess the feasibility of creating an independent hardware solution.
Researchers found that Dantrolene, a muscle relaxant, reduces the severity of walking and balance problems in mice with Huntington's disease. The drug prevents calcium-dependent toxicity in laboratory-grown neurons and protects coordination in mice with HD-like disease.
Researchers have successfully transplanted immature neurons from healthy mouse embryos into adult mice with a genetic deficiency, restoring leptin signaling and partially normalizing their metabolism. The study demonstrates the potential of neuronal replacement therapy for treating metabolic disorders.
Aalto University researchers have designed a network proxy that cuts 3G smartphone power consumption by up to 74%. The solution enhances performance and reduces energy requirements, making mobile Internet access more accessible in developing countries.
Researchers have found that B-type lamins are necessary for proper organ development, but not for the replication and differentiation of embryonic stem cells. Mice deficient in B-type lamins were born with developmental defects, highlighting the protein's importance in tissue organization.
A team of Canadian researchers is working to address a knowledge gap in providing paediatric care for children in rural areas. The Translating Emergency Knowledge for Kids (TREKK) project aims to improve diagnosis and treatment methods for common illnesses such as croup.
A team of international experts has described the detailed structure of cellulose fibres in wood, crucial for developing strong, sustainable composite materials and second generation biofuels. The research reveals that enzymes can bind to specific surface areas on the cellulose fibres, making it easier to break down into glucose.
A new study reveals that more intensive chemotherapy regimens significantly improve event-free survival and reduce mortality in younger patients with aggressive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Younger patients who received dose-intensive chemotherapy had an 81% event-free survival rate, compared to 67% for those on standard treatment.
Researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum found that beta blockers can prevent the negative effects of stress on goal-directed behavior. Stress affects habit formation and routine behavior, but not when norepinephrine is blocked by beta blockers.
The study reveals unique genes that contribute to the spider mite's resistance to pesticides and its ability to produce silk threads. This breakthrough provides new insights into the evolution of arthropods and offers opportunities for developing more effective crop protection strategies.
A new study suggests that global warming from CO2 doubling may be less severe than projected, with climate sensitivity constraints implying less probability of extreme climatic change. The researchers used paleoclimatic data and a more advanced climate model to find that high sensitivity models overestimate cooling.
A three-year project led by University of Bangor aims to assess how climate change affects the movement of muddy sediments in rivers, estuaries, and seas. The study focuses on the interaction between cohesive muds and sandy sediments, which plays a crucial role in understanding coastal erosion and deposition.
Researchers from Mount Sinai School of Medicine identified the pattern of cell signaling induced by antipsychotic drugs in a complex composed of two brain receptors linked to schizophrenia. This discovery may allow for the prediction of novel compounds' effectiveness and accelerate the development of better antipsychotic drugs.
A comprehensive three-year study will investigate the reasons behind providing futile medical treatment to dying patients, exploring factors such as doctor concerns about legal liability and family influences. The research aims to identify the extent of this issue, its cost, and suggestions for addressing its causes.
A multidisciplinary team at VCU School of Medicine has developed a metric to determine the effectiveness of antipsychotic drugs and advance drug design. The study found that the connection between two brain receptors is critical to how these anti-psychotics work, particularly in signaling through this receptor complex.
Researchers discovered a correlation between low-frequency genetic deletions and decreasing height, suggesting that an excess of rare gene deletions may contribute to short stature. The study found that uncommon genetic deletions are associated with short stature in human subjects.
Researchers reveal how a broadly neutralizing HIV antibody called PG9 disarms the virus by grabbing hold of a sugar at residue 160, along with part of a second sugar and a string of amino acid residues in the V1/V2 region. This discovery may help scientists develop more effective HIV vaccines.
Researchers develop three-dimensional model to explain Andes formation, predicting earthquakes and mountain range evolution. The new approach improves predictive power, allowing scientists to forecast tectonic plate behavior.
A recent study by Temple University researchers found that online marketplaces like eBay and Amazon prioritize risk reduction over social aspects of transactions. The authors analyzed buyer data to gauge assessments of online safeguards, finding that economic risk is a significant consideration only in moderately risky markets.
Researchers found that water changes its molecular structure to form 'intermediate ice' at -55 F, allowing it to remain liquid below the traditional freezing point. The discovery sheds light on atmospheric scientists' need to predict global climate patterns and how much solar radiation is absorbed by atmospheric water and ice.
Researchers found diverse bacterial communities in public restroom surfaces, with human skin being the primary source of bacteria. The study suggests that proper hygiene practices can help identify and mitigate the spread of pathogens through contaminated building surfaces.
A new grass family tree reveals that the C4 photosynthetic pathway has evolved in grasses over 20 times within the last 30 million years. The study suggests that once C4 evolution occurs, it's unlikely to reverse, making scientists interested in engineering this pathway into drought-tolerant crops.
Professor Michael F. Holick received the American College of Nutrition Communication Media Award for his outstanding media contributions promoting better nutrition. He was also a keynote presenter at the ACN Conference, highlighting the importance of vitamin D in good health.
Researchers at UMass Chan Medical School have sequenced the monarch butterfly genome, revealing an estimated 16,866 protein-coding genes involved in its seasonal migration. The study provides new insights into the genetic and regulatory elements underlying this remarkable journey.
Scripps Research scientists have identified a key gene that plays a crucial role in maintaining metabolic balance. The study found that the melanocortin-3 receptor (MC3R) expressed outside the brain is equally important as its central nervous system counterpart.
Shakespeare's works show that physical symptoms like dizziness and fatigue are common in characters expressing strong emotions. This data suggests the Bard was a master at portraying psychological causes of physical symptoms, making his characters more human and empathetic.
Researchers have integrated a highly efficient piezoelectric material into a silicon microelectromechanical system, enabling significant advances in sensing, imaging, and energy harvesting. The new material, PMN-PT, delivers two to four times more movement with stronger force than rival materials, while using only 3 volts.
A new treatment combination of radiation therapy and LY2109761 blocks TGF-β signaling pathways, slowing down tumor cell self-renewal and growth. This combination therapy improved outcomes in animal models and has the potential to delay glioblastoma progression in patients.
Researchers have identified a key target of DNA damage checkpoint enzymes that must be modified to enable stable telomere maintenance. This finding may hold crucial implications for preventing cancer and understanding human aging.
A recent genetic study confirms that the wolf ancestors of modern dogs came from southern East Asia, contradicting theories placing their origins in the Middle East. The research, led by Dr. Peter Savolainen, analyzed Y-chromosomal DNA and found strong evidence supporting an Asian origin for dog domestication.
Researchers from Brown University report that dark matter must have a mass greater than 40 GeV to explain the universe's accelerated expansion. This limits potential weakly interacting massive particle (WIMP) candidates, which were previously suggested by other experiments.
A new study from the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio challenges the idea that lacking a copy of the IGF1 receptor gene would increase life span. Knocking out one copy of the gene failed to lengthen male mice lifespan, with only modest increases in female mice.
The Powered Rope Ascender, developed by ONR TechSolutions, allows warfighters to ascend vertical surfaces quickly and efficiently. The compact, rechargeable battery-powered device has numerous applications in maritime security and helicopter rescue operations.