Duke researchers have developed exotic materials that can control light at will, allowing for the creation of holograms in the infrared range. The team's innovative approach enables a broad range of optical devices with complex properties, opening up new possibilities for advanced optics and optoelectronics.
A team of scientists at EMBL found that oskar RNA requires both tags to reach its correct destination, suggesting a 'ticket' that also affects its speed of transport. The study provides clues on how a single molecule could receive tickets for different destinations depending on the type of cell.
A study found that a genetic variation in the BIM gene variant occurs in about 15% of the typical East Asian population and contributes to some patients' failure to benefit from tyrosine kinase inhibitor drugs. The researchers identified a novel class of BH3-mimetics as a potential treatment option to overcome this resistance.
Theoretical physicists at UMass Amherst have developed a new technique called Diagrammatic Monte Carlo to simulate strongly interacting quantum systems. This breakthrough enables accurate predictions of their properties, opening doors to practical superconductor applications and solving complex 'many-body' problems in high-energy physi...
Researchers propose a new quantum experiment using Planck-mass mirrors to test predictions of quantum gravity. The team's findings suggest that certain modifications predicted by quantum gravity proposals could be verified in the laboratory, potentially shedding light on the unification of quantum mechanics and general relativity.
Researchers have developed a mutated version of the IL-2 protein that enhances its anti-cancer efficacy while reducing severe side effects. The new molecule, dubbed Super-2, has been shown to outperform natural IL-2 in slowing tumor growth and minimizing pulmonary edema.
A new study reveals that the Earth's early atmosphere periodically transitioned between a hydrocarbon-rich state and a haze-free environment due to microbial activity. This 'see-sawing' phenomenon had a profound impact on the climate system, with evidence suggesting a significant role in regulating atmospheric oxygen levels.
Researchers found that honokiol down-regulates pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes in microglia via Klf4, a protein regulating DNA. Honokiol also reduces inflammation and neuronal death by targeting Klf4 and pNF-kb.
Researchers found that protons can transfer without hydrogen bonds, involving significant rearrangements of molecular fragments. Methyl groups on uracil dimers played a crucial role in enabling this process.
A study published in Nature Medicine reveals that a mutation in the Bdnf gene can lead to uncontrolled obesity due to the inability of neurons to pass along appetite-suppressing signals. The researchers found that stimulating expression of this gene may offer a novel strategy for treating obesity.
A research team at the University of Melbourne has developed a novel technique to track diseased proteins in brain diseases like Huntington's and Alzheimer's. The technique uses a flow cytometer to rapidly identify and track protein clusters in cells, enabling drugs to be targeted at different stages of disease development.
Researchers at Columbia Engineering and the University of Pennsylvania have created a new integrated circuit design that enables faster single-molecule measurements, including DNA sequencing. This breakthrough could lead to cheaper and more accurate diagnostic tests for diseases, as well as insights into inherited traits.
A bone marrow transplant has been shown to arrest severe symptoms of Rett syndrome, a devastating neurological disorder, by replacing faulty immune system cells. The procedure significantly extended the lifespan of Rett mouse models and improved their mobility, breathing, and overall health.
Researchers found that mesquite trees and woody shrubs outperform grasslands in coping with heat and water stress, despite being less adapted physiologically. The study suggests that deep roots allow mesquites to access groundwater inaccessible to shallow-rooted plants.
Researchers found that female mice exposed to very high doses of phthalates develop significant reproductive alterations and precancerous lesions as they grow up. The study provides new insights into how these chemicals affect developing female reproductive systems, with the potential for long-term health effects.
A recent study by the European Society of Cardiology has found that depression increases the risk of death in patients who have a coronary stent implanted. After seven years of follow-up, depressed patients were 1.5 times more likely to die than non-depressed patients.
Researchers developed nanoparticles called nanopills to release proteins with therapeutic effects, successfully recovering activity in 'sick' mammalian cells. The technology has been licensed and is being developed by biotech firm Janus Developments.
A study found that participants who met six or more cardiovascular health metrics had a significantly lower risk of all-cause, CVD, and ischemic heart disease mortality. Meeting a greater number of these metrics was associated with a graded lower risk of total and CVD mortality.
The European Science Foundation's session on life in extreme environments explores adaptation and sustainable exploitation of resources. Researchers will discuss emerging ideas about biogeochemical cycles, ecosystem responses, and mitigation options.
The EU's Habitats Directive has created the world's largest network of protected areas, Natura 2000, which covers 18% of land and sea surfaces. The review outlines the development process of this complex conservation project over two decades.
Patients interested in art had better general health, found it easier to walk, and had more energy. They were also happier, less anxious or depressed, and felt calmer.
A new study by University at Buffalo economist Gilad Sorek suggests that firms can stimulate demand for their products by giving up patent protection. This approach, known as free-licensing, increases the likelihood of further innovation and raises profits for the original innovator.
The new journal aims to facilitate better interaction between scientists, policy-makers, and managers, with a focus on synergistic interactions and open data publishing. It will consider conventional papers as well as 'Applied Conservation Papers' that bring together project reports and other knowledge.
A clinical study found that treating psoriasis with adalimumab significantly decreased vascular inflammation, a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The study also showed a 51% decrease in C-reactive protein levels among treated patients, compared to a 2% decrease in the control group.
Glacier-fed river ecosystems face extinction due to climate change, with up to 11-38% loss of species adapted to glacial streams. Researchers from the University of Copenhagen warn that this could have unknown consequences for ecosystem functioning.
Researchers found a high response rate of 56% and median survival of nearly 16 months for patients with metastatic melanoma treated with vemurafenib. This was higher than other therapies, with rapid responses and common toxic effects, but also potential resistance mechanisms under investigation.
Researcher Russell Chesney hypothesizes that 18th century London's crowded living conditions, poor diets, and low sunlight exposure contributed to high rates of rickets and tuberculosis in children like Tiny Tim. Improved nutrition, vitamin D from sunlight and cod liver oil could have prevented the boy's fatal condition
Researchers found that obese patients taking sleeping pills have a significantly higher risk of mortality, nearly doubling the rate even among those prescribed fewer than 18 pills per year. The study also revealed a stronger association in men and young adults, with obesity emerging as a marker of increased vulnerability.
Adolescents and adults with congenital heart disease exhibit poor dental hygiene practices despite better overall health behaviors. Substance use increases with age in these patients, but they also tend to have lower rates of binge drinking compared to their peers.
The study found that primary care physicians need training on monitoring opioids and assessing risk factors, whereas specialists emphasize the importance of formulating treatment plans and teaching medication safety. The findings highlight the need for targeted education programs to improve public health.
A new study reveals that the Indian monsoon has undergone significant changes over the last few millennia, from a steady humid monsoon to extended periods of drought. The research provides insights into the impact of the monsoon on past cultures and could help model future monsoons.
Researchers uncover a previously unknown species of leopard frog in NYC, using DNA analysis to distinguish it from other similar-looking frogs. The species is believed to have had a wider range but went extinct in the city's larger territory.
In a study of hundreds of online auctions, Northwestern University researchers found that all participants use the optimal strategy, making the auction a game of pure chance. The 'bursty' strategy, which combines exploitation and exploration, is used by participants but ultimately leads to no advantage.
Researchers from Clemson University have developed a method to create temporary holes in the membranes of live cells using a standard inkjet printer. This allows them to introduce molecules inside the cells that wouldn't otherwise fit, enabling studies on cell mechanics and responses to mechanical forces.
Bigham's proposal, Closed-Loop Crowd Support of People with Disabilities, aims to leverage the crowd to provide real-time feedback and support to individuals with visual impairments or other disabilities. The NSF CAREER Award will support his research over the next five years.
The University of Colorado has developed a novel technique for 3D super-resolution imaging with the help of Boulder-based Double Helix LLC. This technology combines 3D optics and signal processing to provide multifunctional imaging capability, applicable to various scientific, industrial, and consumer applications.
Researchers at Northwestern University designed a method to 'soft control' users' movements using virtual games and social networks. They tested this method with Android games, including Ghost Hunter, which encouraged players to visit rarely photographed locations on campus.
Visual HABIT software helps predict crystal properties in different chemical environments, reducing early-stage laboratory research and development costs. The technology enables companies to adopt a 'bottom-up' approach to product design in pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and fuel sectors.
The Asian fly species Drosophila suzukii is taking over European fruit, particularly cherries and red fruits, causing significant damages to crops. The study found that the fly can lay eggs in unaffected fruit, leading to destruction of the fruit by its larvae.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have identified a cell-signaling pathway that plays a key role in increasing insulin secretion during pregnancy, leading to the development of gestational diabetes. The study found that blocking this pathway can lead to impaired glucose regulation and reduced beta cell mass.
The Academy of Finland Centre of Excellence develops microbial cells to produce organic acids for industrial applications, including manufacturing bioplastics and medical materials. The method allows for efficient conversion of plant biomass sugars into sugar acids and their derivatives, offering alternatives to oil-based raw materials.
UBC researchers found that certain antibiotics alter gut bacteria, increasing severity of asthma in mouse models. Early life is a critical period for establishing a healthy immune system, as the impact of antibiotics on asthma susceptibility disappears in adult mice.
Researchers at the University of Chicago experimentally demonstrate quantum criticality in ultracold atoms, a phenomenon that may connect the atomic realm to deep questions of cosmology. This breakthrough could lead to simulations of the early universe by studying systems in states of quantum criticality.
Scientists at the University of Toronto have found a molecular mechanism that controls the transition of Candida albicans from yeast to fungus under elevated temperatures. This new pathway highlights the importance of heat in fungal growth and provides a potential target for drug therapies.
The World Cyber Security Technology Research Summit at Queen's University Belfast is a crucial platform for addressing global cyber security threats. The event brings together leading cyber security experts and government policymakers to discuss technology research and combat future threats.
A landmark clinical trial found that plugging a hole in the heart is no more effective than medication in preventing strokes. The study enrolled 909 patients with patent foramen ovale (PFO) and suffered previous strokes or transient ischemic attacks, and found that closure device was not superior to drug therapy alone.
Scientists have reevaluated past sea-level rise estimates, finding that the seas rose 20-43 feet higher than today during an extremely warm period 400,000 years ago. This new research helps narrow the range of global sea-level projections for the future, providing a more accurate understanding of potential changes.
Researchers have developed nanoparticles of chitosan, a natural polysaccharide from shrimp shells, with effective antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus saprophyticus and Escherichia coli. These nanoparticles also stimulate skin cell growth, enhancing wound healing and potentially leading to anti-aging benefits.
Cyclone Lua is strengthening as it approaches the Pilbara coast in Northern Australia, with forecasters predicting a landfall on March 17. The storm's cloud top temperatures indicate signs of strengthening, including compact clouds and tropical storm-force winds extending out to 160 nautical miles.
A recent study found that adding inflammatory biomarkers improves the clinical prediction of mortality in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The addition of a panel of selected biomarkers significantly improved the ability of clinical variables to predict mortality, with a C-statistic of 0.726.
A new study found that the order in which symptoms are presented online significantly affects perceived risk of illness, with unchecked boxes offering reassurance. Researchers suggest grouping common and mild symptoms at the top of lists to encourage early health screenings.
Researchers have discovered that a retrotransposon element is responsible for inducing anthocyanin production in blood oranges when exposed to cold conditions. This finding has significant implications for the future of blood orange production, potentially allowing for reliable worldwide cultivation and increasing their availability as...
The PROMISE project aims to survey germs brought in with food and investigate their potential to cause disease. The project will pool data from throughout Europe to assess the risks posed by contaminated food of animal origin, building an extensive database of bacterial isolates.
A group of 32 leading experts argues for immediate and ambitious reforms in global environmental governance to address critical tipping points in the Earth system. The authors propose a new framework for sustainability governance, including the creation of a Sustainable Development Council and upgrades to the UN Environment Program.
Early snowmelt in the Colorado Rocky Mountains decreases flower numbers and nectar availability, leading to a decline in the Mormon Fritillary butterfly population. The study found that early snowmelt in consecutive years explained most of the variation in population growth rate.
Researchers find high concentrations of heavy metals and restricted brominated flame retardants in mixed plastics from disassembled electrical and electronic equipment. The study emphasizes the importance of implementing strict quality management to prevent substance release into the environment or new products.
A study found that only three out of 187 syringe exchange programs received federal funding, citing barriers to accessing funds due to local law enforcement requirements and guidelines. The researchers advocate for easier access to federal funding and call for legislative support to maximize public health benefit
A groundbreaking gene therapy trial for cystic fibrosis will begin in March, involving 130 adults and children with the disease. The trial aims to assess whether repeated doses of gene therapy can improve symptoms and lung function in patients.
A new study suggests that even with a small initial virus population, HIV rapidly evolves to evade immune defenses and treatments due to mutation, recombination, and random genetic changes. This findings sheds light on the difficulty in developing an HIV cure and highlights the need for novel strategies to control the virus.
A phase I clinical trial led by Ottawa researchers will test the safety and efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells in treating septic shock. The study aims to evaluate the therapy's effects on up to 15 patients with septic shock, who will receive standard treatments plus a planned dose of MSCs.