Researchers have identified numerous new genes associated with autism spectrum disorder using high-throughput sequencing technology. This discovery confirms that the genetic origins of autism are complex and may involve hundreds of mutations.
Researchers have published the first genomic report on limpet, leech and worm species, shedding light on lophotrochozoans' evolutionary history and functional gene groups. The study's findings suggest that these ancient animals played crucial roles in marine ecosystems.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that cholesterol regulates key signaling proteins in cells, challenging existing views on its role in heart disease. The research found that cholesterol interacts with a scaffolding protein to activate its partner, shedding light on the importance of cholesterol in cellular processes.
Researchers created stunning images of branching patterns of individual sensory nerve cells, defining ten distinct groups that likely correspond to differences in what the nerves do. The branching patterns can help scientists make sense of known responses to stimulation of the skin and may hold clues for pain management.
Researchers discovered ancient wooden wells in eastern Germany, providing evidence of skilled carpentry among early European farmers. The tree rings preserved environmental data offering insights into climate and strategies used by these prehistoric settlers.
A new study suggests that climate change may have a lesser impact on bird populations than previously thought, with housing development potentially causing greater harm. The research found that some species projected to expand their ranges due to climate change may actually lose ground when faced with future development.
A new process produces super-nutritious puffed rice with three times more protein and eight times more dietary fiber than commercial products. The rice also contains essential nutrients like calcium, iron, and zinc, making it ideal for school lunch programs and other applications.
A new study finds that humpback whales sing while foraging in their Antarctic feeding grounds, showing a previously unknown behavioral flexibility. The researchers tracked ten whales and found that all ten sang while foraging, with some even singing intense, continuous bouts of song.
In a groundbreaking study, researchers found that transplanted neural stem cells slow ALS disease onset and progression by producing protective molecules and reducing inflammation. The treatment improves motor function and prolongs survival in ALS mice, offering new hope for treating this devastating disease.
The Monitoring the Future survey reveals that 6.5% of high school seniors smoke marijuana daily, while perception of marijuana's harmfulness is down among teens, signaling future increases in use. Long-term NIH-funded study shows a significant drop in IQ between ages 13-38 for those who used cannabis heavily in their teens.
A new study found that ethnically and religiously diverse countries tend to underinvest in environmental protection, even when controlling for income and industrial activity. Social fragmentation can lower collective action and reduce public spending on environmental protection.
A Western University-led study found that intelligence quotient cannot be measured by a single test, with three distinct cognitive components: short-term memory, reasoning and verbal ability. The research also showed that brain function is influenced by factors such as age, gender and computer gaming habits.
Every week, the UK National Poisons Information Service receives around two phone queries about snakebites, with over half of these enquiries concerning the European adder, the only poisonous snake native to the UK. Snakebite injuries can be serious due to their effects on the heart and other organs, despite being rarely fatal.
Researchers at Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona have developed a vaccine against human leishmaniasis that shows promising results, offering new hope for the fight against this devastating disease. The vaccine combines DNA and protein-based approaches, using insect larvae to produce the proteins at low cost.
A new UCLA study assesses the prevalence of various study partner types in Alzheimer's clinical trials, finding that non-spouse partners can impact trial results and interpretations. The study also highlights disparities in recruitment among minority groups.
A comprehensive study found that adult beetles of the European forest cockchafer species house the same microbial species as larvae, despite metamorphosing from one stage to another. The microbes include clostridia and other bacterial species that aid in digesting plant materials.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that dinosaurs have a greater number of larger species compared to all other back-boned animals. The researchers analyzed the femur bone length and weight of 329 dinosaur species, suggesting that young dinosaurs occupied a different ecological niche than their parents.
Researchers used NASA's Operation IceBridge data to correct forecast models and improve seasonal predictions. The new quick look data product, released before the end of the Arctic campaign, supplements final sea ice data and enables more accurate forecasts.
Researchers from NYSCF and CUMC developed a technique to transfer human egg cells' nuclei, eliminating the inheritance of mitochondrial diseases. This method demonstrates permanent elimination of mitochondrial DNA, preventing future generations from developing these devastating diseases.
A study by the University of Exeter found that badgers sleeping in outlying dens were more likely to carry TB, highlighting the importance of behavior in disease transmission. The research could inform measures to manage bovine TB in parts of the UK.
A study found that eating meals together as a family increases children's daily fruit and vegetable intake to near the recommended 5 A Day. Parents who cut up portions of fruits and vegetables also boosted their children's intake, with even one or two family meals per week showing benefits.
Researchers discovered that leaping toads' muscles adapt to varying impact intensity during landing, protecting them from injury. This study's findings may lead to improved rehabilitation programs for individuals with neuromuscular deficiencies.
Research published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health found that children who ate family meals with their parents consumed more fruit and vegetables, reaching recommended daily targets. Those who always ate together had higher nutrient intake than those who sometimes or never did so.
Researchers developed a new nanomechanical dual-core optical fiber that can enhance data processing and serve as sensors by applying mechanical pressure. The fibers' internal core structure is designed to be dynamic, allowing for precise motion control and harnessing the fundamental properties of light.
Cyclone Evan weakened from Cyclone strength to Tropical Storm strength over a 36-hour period, according to NASA's infrared images. The storm showed changes in intense thunderstorms, with cloud top temperatures warming and evaporation decreasing due to wind shear and cooler sea surface temperatures.
A UC Riverside study reveals that many California graduate students in environmental sciences lack training in technology and computation, as well as data management practices. Only 29.3% of completed graduates had made their research data available online.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a new process to convert soybean byproducts into succinic acid, a valuable chemical used in various industries. The process uses genetically modified E. coli bacteria to metabolize soluble carbohydrates from soybeans, achieving a high yield and a 1:1 ratio of feedstock to product.
The DOE JGI has sequenced the simplest cotton genome, Gossypium raimondii, to improve fiber composition and increase biofuels production. This data will help researchers accelerate gene function studies, particularly cellulose biosynthesis.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have discovered a protein that enables cancer cells to resist MEK inhibitors, a common treatment for melanoma. By targeting this protein, SMURF2, with a combination of MEK inhibitors and reduced doses, sensitivity to the drug can be significantly increased.
Scientists have found a model that describes the evolution of cauliflower-type fractal morphologies for nanoscopic systems, offering insights into natural structures like sea coasts and blood vessels. This breakthrough may help improve technologies used in thin film coatings and generate textures in computer simulations.
Researchers have achieved impressive results in a three-year project to develop wind turbines using superconducting wire, exceeding initial targets by 15 percentage points. The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded additional funding, increasing the total project value to $4 million.
Research reveals successful solo rock/pop stars are twice as likely to die early as those in equally famous bands. Adverse childhood experiences are also significantly more common among those who died from drug and alcohol misuse.
A new therapeutic ultrasound approach converts light to sound, focusing high-pressure waves to finer points than ever before. The device can blast and cut with pressure, rather than heat, potentially operating painlessly.
Researchers create large-scale production method for sclareol, a prized fragrance ingredient, using bacterial cultures and Clary sage plant DNA. The new technology provides a more sustainable alternative to natural ambergris, which is scarce and expensive.
A new Mayo Clinic study suggests that many people, especially men, with fibromyalgia symptoms are going undiagnosed. Researchers estimate that 6.4% of adults in Olmsted County have fibromyalgia, yet only a small percentage receive an official diagnosis.
A new study published in the Journal of Urology found that robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical cystectomy (RARC) resulted in decreased estimated blood loss and shorter hospital stays compared to open radical cystectomy (ORC) for patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer. RARC also showed a trend towards faster return of bowel func...
A NASA TRMM satellite found an unusually tall storm-cell in Cyclone Evan's eyewall, extending 17 km above the ocean surface. This rare feature was previously thought to occur only over land, but continuous observations have revealed its existence over the ocean.
Researchers at UT Austin create a novel process to grow ceramic thin films onto plastic substrates using microwaves, reducing growth temperature from over 450°C to under 150°C. The method enables controlled film growth in a single step, with potential applications in developing thin-film batteries and solar cells.
Scientists have identified a gene expression that initiates a protective electrical response after seizures, which could prevent recurrent seizures and the onset of devastating epilepsy. This discovery also has implications for relief from chronic pains, cardiovascular disease, and recovery from mood disorders.
Researchers at NC State are developing universal solar panel mounting systems and automated permitting technologies to reduce installation costs. The goal is to make home solar energy systems more accessible and affordable for homeowners.
Researchers found that transplanting neural stem cells into mice with familial ALS slowed disease onset and progression, improved motor function, and extended survival. The study suggests targeting detrimental roles played by non-neuronal cells to develop more effective therapeutics.
Researchers discovered that innate immune cells, particularly dendritic cells, trigger the activation of killer T-lymphocytes targeting pancreatic cells. The study sheds light on new ways to regulate the auto-immune reaction and offers potential therapeutic approaches for preventing Type 1 diabetes.
Scientists from Scripps Research Institute have developed a synthetic compound that reverses the effects of fatty liver disease by suppressing lipid production in the liver. The compound, SR9238, also significantly lowered total cholesterol levels and reduced markers for liver damage.
Researchers mapped out how 1,705 distinct object and action categories are represented across the brain's surface, finding a continuous semantic space that organizes similar categories together. The study's results demonstrate an efficient way for the brain to represent diverse categories in a compact spatial manner.
GEOMAR researchers have found evidence that climate change can trigger volcanic eruptions on a global scale. They discovered a pattern where periods of high volcanic activity followed rapid global temperature increases and associated ice melting. This discovery could provide new insights into the Earth's natural climate cycles.
Researchers at UT Arlington are working with IBM to minimize heat generated by stacked 3D integrated circuits and develop cooling solutions. The team aims to improve efficiency, speed, and reliability of 3D ICs, which could lead to significant financial savings and advancements in computing.
A new study calculates the impact of ocean iron fertilization on carbon sequestration, finding that it is unlikely to be an effective method for reducing greenhouse gas levels. The study estimates a net sequestration rate of just 10 tonnes of carbon per square kilometer, making it a costly and inefficient solution.
Researchers have found that blocking the NLRP3 inflammasome can prevent Alzheimer's disease. The study, which involved human and mouse subjects, suggests that suppressing inflammatory reactions may be a promising new approach to therapy.
Researchers at UT Arlington have developed a new imaging system that doubles methane gas production in the city of Denton landfill. The system will enable the landfill to power up to 3,000 homes, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable waste management practices.
The genomes of leeches, limpets and marine worms have revealed a deep connection between these diverse organisms, with similarities to humans and other animals. The analysis has also highlighted notable differences in immune systems and developmental processes.
The use of paper industry waste to create bricks has been shown to have low thermal conductivity, making them effective insulators. Additionally, the bricks can provide energy due to their organic material content, which could help reduce fuel consumption and kiln time required for brick production.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered that a specific protein helps nerve cells extend themselves along the spinal cord during mammalian development. The protein, dystroglycan, acts as a hub for instructional molecules that guide nerve axons as they grow.
Researchers from FIGHT-MG project discover that a viral molecule can trigger an inappropriate immune response, causing muscular function to deteriorate. The study provides proof of concept that a viral infection can cause auto-immune myasthenia, a rare disease characterized by muscular weakness and exhaustion.
Scientists have developed a pill that breaks down gluten peptides, making it possible for people with celiac disease to consume gluten-containing foods. The enzyme, called KumaMax, has been engineered to break down over 95% of the offending peptides in acidic conditions like those in the stomach.
A simple and cost-effective monitoring system could detect two to five percent annual declines in bee populations with data from about 200 locations over five years. The program is estimated to cost $2 million and has already been used in several countries, providing valuable insights into global pollinator losses.
Researchers at UC Berkeley have created an interactive map of the brain's visual organization, revealing that thousands of objects and activities are grouped into semantic neighborhoods. The study may help diagnose brain disorders and improve image recognition systems.
Physicists at JILA have successfully cooled a gas of hydroxyl radicals to extremely low temperatures using evaporative cooling. The process enables precise control over molecular energies and interactions, paving the way for advances in ultracold chemistry and quantum simulators.
The American Mathematical Society has awarded prizes to prominent mathematicians for their significant contributions to dynamical systems, ergodic theory, model theory, algebra, geometry, and applied mathematics. Notable recipients include Yakov Sinai, John Guckenheimer, Philip Holmes, and Andrew Majda.
A study by the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus suggests that a healthy lifestyle during menopause, including diet and exercise, can lower breast cancer risk. In obese postmenopausal women, excess calories fuel tumor growth, but in lean counterparts, they are stored in healthy tissues.
Researchers from Aalto University have successfully combined virus particles, protein cages, and nanoparticles to create novel crystalline materials with tunable properties. These biohybrid superlattices exhibit enhanced optical, magnetic, electronic, and catalytic features.
Researchers describe how feedback mechanism works by identifying where signals go and which neurons receive them. The study reveals that higher brain regions communicate with lower parts of the brain on a near-constant basis, helping to interpret olfactory information.
A bioartificial liver machine has been scaled up and tested in a large animal model, providing temporary support for liver regeneration. The system uses encapsulated human-derived liver cells grown in a bioreactor and can be transported to a patient's bedside within 48 hours.
A new study by Joshua Hart reveals that men's anxious attachment style and conflicted views on relationships may lead them to adopt sexist attitudes towards women. Anxiously attached men tend to be ambivalent sexists, exhibiting both hostile and benevolent sexism, while avoidantly attached men typically endorse hostile sexism.
Researchers discovered a new species of mosasaur that lived about 84 million years ago in freshwater river environments. The largest specimens reached up to 20 feet in length and had unique characteristics such as limbs like a terrestrial lizard, a flattened skull, and a tail unlike other known members.
Researchers found that non-spouse caregivers are less likely to participate in Alzheimer's clinical trials, citing higher dropout rates and adverse events. The study highlights the need for tailored recruitment efforts to increase enrollment of patients with diverse caregiver arrangements.
Researchers tracked humpback whales in Antarctic waters and found that they sang while foraging, suggesting a previously unknown behavioral flexibility. The study suggests that the widely held behavioral dichotomy of breeding-versus-feeding may be too simplistic.
Researchers from Aarhus University used advanced bio-imaging techniques to discover that geckos shed their tails along pre-formed score lines. This process is independent of protein-cleaving enzymes and involves microstructures at the ends of muscle fibers, facilitating a quick getaway for these lizards.
A public web-based healthy eating and weight loss program found that participants who made consistent changes lost an average of 2 pounds per month. The study also showed that finding initial tips that are relevant and doable for individuals can lead to gradual weight loss and healthier habits.
A recent study published in Marine Ecology Progress Series has found that fish, terrapins, and birds play a crucial role in dispersing eelgrass seeds into new areas. The research suggests that animals can disperse seeds up to 10 miles, rivaling the distances achieved by physical mechanisms.
Researchers have shown that transplanted neural stem cells slow ALS onset and progression, improving motor function and survival time. The study also found that these cells promote the production of protective molecules and reduce inflammation.
The human hand's unique shape may have evolved to stabilize the fist and produce a compact club for use in combat, according to a new study. The researchers found that the tightly packed human fist provides internal support to the digits, protecting them from damage during combat.
A new study by LSUHSC researchers has found that the ability of a protein called FUS to bind to RNA is essential to the development of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). By mutating FUS and blocking its RNA binding, the team was able to suppress ALS-related neurodegeneration in fruit fly models.
Women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) have altered body rhythms of the hormone melatonin, which may explain sleep disruptions. The study found decreased melatonin levels during night-time hours and symptomatic luteal phase, highlighting potential targets for treatment.
Researchers have discovered a key link between inflammation and Alzheimer's disease progression. The study suggests that drugs targeting IL-1 beta production may provide benefits for patients with Alzheimer's. The findings point to the possibility of developing new treatments by disrupting the production of this pro-inflammatory cytokine.
Scientists at the University of Bonn have identified a new signaling pathway involved in chronic inflammation, which contributes to nerve cell malfunctions and death. By deactivating key genes, they observed reduced inflammation, memory loss, and beta-amyloid peptide deposition in genetically modified mice.
Researchers discovered that basal cells initiate repair and serve as progenitor cells after chlorine gas exposure, helping restore new tissue in the airways. Understanding this process can aid in developing treatments to prevent scarring and asthma-like breathing problems.
Tau Ceti, the closest single star to our Sun, has been found to have a planetary system with five planets. The estimated masses range from two to six times that of Earth, making it the lowest-mass planetary system yet detected.
Researchers estimate that 80,000 never events occurred in American hospitals between 1990 and 2010, including leaving foreign objects inside patients. The study highlights the need for better patient safety procedures and public reporting of mistakes to prevent these errors from happening.
Researchers found that therizinosaurs had well-developed sensory abilities, including smell, hearing, and balance, which may have affected their behavior as herbivores. The study used high-resolution CT scanning and 3D computer visualization to analyze the brain and inner ear anatomy of a 90-million-year-old therizinosaur fossil.
Research suggests that bacteria in the gut may control host appetites by influencing signaling pathways. The gut microbiota respond to nutrients and hormones, generating compounds that affect appetite and mood disorders. Further studies are needed to determine if gut bacteria directly influence food choice.
Researchers report on the therapeutic potential of microRNAs in cancer therapy and their role as potential biomarkers for early cancer detection. The stability of miRNAs in body fluids makes them suitable for non-invasive malignancy detection methods, offering exciting opportunities for revolutionizing diagnostics and screening.
A University of British Columbia study found that dominance and prestige, not likability, are crucial for gaining leadership. The researchers used eye-tracking technology to measure attention, revealing that people prefer dominant leaders over those with high social skills.
A team of ecologists has developed a method to calculate how much CO2 deciduous trees soak up using seasonal changes in forest colour captured in digital photographs. The results showed that digital cameras can be an important aid in monitoring forests and tracking climate change effects.
Two studies examine pediatric traumatic brain injuries in China, finding that falls, strikes, and traffic collisions are the leading external causes. Suspected child abuse accounts for approximately six percent of TBIs among children under two years old, a significant finding with implications for global injury research.
Researchers have successfully transferred the nucleus of a healthy egg cell into an egg cell with mutant mitochondrial DNA, effectively eliminating the disease-causing genetic material. The technique has significant implications for preventing mitochondrial disorders, which affect approximately 1 in 10,000 people worldwide.
People with asthma are at a higher risk of developing pulmonary embolism, with severe cases nearly 9 times more common than in the general population. Mild-moderate asthma increases the risk by 3.5 times, highlighting the importance of increased awareness and prevention among doctors
A new textbook provides clinical guidelines for treating tobacco addiction, shifting attitudes among health professionals towards viewing smoking as an addiction. The book aims to increase the success rate of quitting smoking among Canadians.
Researchers used the MPG/ESO 2.2-metre telescope and Hubble Space Telescope to study 21 globular clusters, finding that a few were young with blue stragglers distributed throughout, while others were old with the stars clumped in the centre. This reveals big differences in the speed of evolution from cluster to cluster.
The study reveals a two-finger switch-off mechanism for Rab proteins, which control transport operations between different areas of a cell. This mechanism accelerates GTP cleavage over five orders of magnitude and has potential applications in developing small molecules to switch off mutated GTPases involved in tumour formation.
A clinical trial of a gene therapy cocktail has shown promising results in treating Canavan disease, a rare and fatal neurodegenerative disorder. The treatment uses an adeno-associated virus to deliver a replacement ASPA gene to the brain, reducing NAA levels and improving symptoms.
A new study by the American Academy of Neurology reveals that people without a spouse are underrepresented in Alzheimer's disease clinical trials. The study found that participants with adult child partners were more likely to be from diverse backgrounds, while those with spouse partners were more likely to be white and older.
A University of Utah study suggests human hands evolved not only for manual dexterity but also for making fists and fighting. The research found that human fists provide a performance advantage in punching, with increased force delivery and protection for delicate hand bones during combat. This evolution may have been driven by selecti...
Research suggests that experiencing rejection due to discrimination can lead to an increase in risk-taking behavior, anger, and vigilance. Participants who were rejected by partners of a different race showed increased cardiac output, lower vascular resistance, and more anger compared to those rejected by same-race partners.
A Danish study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that HIV patients who smoke lose more years of life to smoking than to HIV infection. Researchers estimated the effect of smoking on mortality and life expectancy among nearly 3,000 HIV-infected patients treated in Denmark from 1995 to 2010.
Researchers found that pigs in southern China were infected with three strains of avian influenza viruses, including H3, H4, H5, and H6 subtypes. The study suggests that pigs can serve as mixing vessels for genetic reassortment that could lead to pandemics.
Researchers found that mealworm farms produce more edible protein than traditional animal farms for chicken, pork, beef, or milk, using less land and similar amounts of energy. Mealworms also produce less greenhouse gas emissions than other animals grown for meat.
Assistant mechanical engineering professor Halel Ardebili has received a $400,000 NSF CAREER award to study the fundamental science behind flexible, stretchable batteries. Her research aims to develop battery components with optimal stability and performance for various applications.
A new selective target in muscle regeneration has been identified by researchers at the Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute. The association of alpha-enolase protein and plasmin plays a crucial role in regulating immune cell attraction and formation of new muscle tissue from stem cells.