A study published in Nature Neuroscience has identified a compound called activin-A that helps trigger the regeneration of protective sheaths around nerve fibers in the brain. This finding could lead to new drug targets for enhancing myelin regeneration and restoring lost function in patients with multiple sclerosis.
A groundbreaking study reveals that nearly 340 genes on the X chromosome contribute to sperm production, surprising scientists who once viewed it as a stable and unchanging chromosome. The research, published in Nature Genetics, uses advanced sequencing methods to assemble the first accurate reference sequence of the human X chromosome.
Researchers identify TSLP and basophils as key players in promoting esophageal inflammation in response to food allergens. This discovery suggests novel therapeutic targets for treating eosinophilic esophagitis, a debilitating food allergy-associated disease affecting millions.
A study published in Nature reveals that the alignment of the mitotic spindle is essential for maintaining epithelial integrity. The researchers found that when the spindle becomes misaligned, it can cause cells to delaminate from the epithelium, leading to tumor-like growths and expression of genes associated with invasive human tumors.
A NIH-funded study found that rapidly removing defective proteins can help protect brain cells from death. Researchers developed a new technique to track protein turnover in neurons, revealing differences in how individual cells handle proteins. This discovery may lead to improved treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.
A 41-year study of 70,000 patients with epilepsy found that three-quarters of those who died had also been diagnosed with a psychiatric condition. The study suggests that carefully assessing and treating psychiatric disorders could help reduce the risk of premature death in these patients.
A study found that many family caregivers of older adults with dementia are willing to consider stopping cancer screening, which can reduce patient burden, healthcare costs, and family caregiver distress. Caregivers are most open to discussions when focusing on quality of life and burdens and benefits for the person with dementia.
Researchers identified a gene mutation in dogs that is associated with neural tube defects in humans. The study found six cases of the mutation in human patients with spina bifida, suggesting a potential link between the dog gene and human neural tube defects.
The PAPILLON technology developed by Disney Research enables video projection in small characters, allowing for highly expressive and interactive interactions. The system uses printed optics to direct light and can project complex images onto the eyes of characters.
Research found that during extreme heat, plants' ozone absorption is curtailed, leading to increased air pollution and up to 20 days of ozone levels above safety threshold. This can result in thousands of premature deaths, mostly among people with respiratory diseases.
Researchers developed a system that transmits text, games or information to smartphones via an audio signal using the venue's regular sound system. The smartphones form an ad hoc microphone network, sharing data among participants.
A new study published in The Lancet found that calcium supplements may increase the risk of heart disease and death in patients with kidney disease. Patients who took non-calcium based treatments had a lower risk of death compared to those who took calcium supplements, highlighting the potential dangers of long-term use.
The Disney Research, Zürich team developed an algorithm that can effectively leverage large amounts of data to build 3D models of complex scenes. This method allows for precise depth estimates at the edges of objects, producing accurate silhouettes and enabling efficient processing with standard graphics processing units.
A recent study used lentiviruses to deliver the Atoh1 gene to the cochlea of rats, resulting in increased transdifferentiation of supporting cells into hair cells. The treatment had no negative impact on auditory functions or hair cell numbers, suggesting a potential new approach for treating sensorineural hearing loss.
Michael Donauer developed a tool to identify causes of nonconformities in mass production environments, focusing on data usage and processing challenges. His work is an example of interdisciplinary approaches contributing to both academia and industry.
A study found that electroacupuncture at specific points (Baliao and Huiyang) improved cystometric capacity, decreased detrusor leak point pressure, and treated post-stroke detrusor overactivity. The treatment significantly enhanced bladder function in patients with this condition.
Researchers found that COPD increases the risk of developing cerebral microbleeds in deep or infratentorial brain regions. The study also showed that COPD is associated with both large and small vessel disease, indicating a potential impact on overall vascular health.
Researchers at Disney Research built computer models by monitoring artists as they sketch human faces, capturing each artist's drawing style, strokes, and feature selection. The system successfully generated multiple distinct styles similar to hand-drawn sketches.
The new report provides detailed criteria to optimize the use of noninvasive vascular tests in patients with venous disorders. Vascular testing is essential for diagnosing conditions like deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, which can be fatal if left untreated.
Scientists have found that the thickness of sub-surface layers affects frictional forces between two materials, allowing for new ways to control friction. By carefully designing layer structures, friction can be reduced by up to 30%.
Research reveals a significant increase in nighttime heat waves in the Pacific Northwest, with quadrupled events between 1980 and 2013. The study suggests high humidity plays a key role in triggering these extreme temperature events, which can have devastating health effects.
Researchers at Rice University have made a significant contribution to the Large Hadron Collider's (LHC) latest discovery, confirming the Standard Model's prediction of the rare B-sub-s meson decay. This finding eliminates any possibility that the decay is related to dark matter theories, such as supersymmetry.
A two-year trial has shown that Avastin is equally effective to Lucentis in treating wet AMD, with better visual acuity and contrast sensitivity in the regular treatment group. The study, led by Queen's University Belfast, could lead to changes in treatment protocols and save the NHS £84.5m annually.
A team of Harvard scientists has identified genetic areas in the genome that may help protect against cholera by regulating immune system functions and fluid loss. The study's findings suggest a new approach to understanding host immunity and developing vaccines and therapies for this deadly disease.
A new study by UCSF researchers has identified a key protein called BMI1 that plays a vital role in ensuring normal tissue development. The findings suggest that manipulating BMI1 could be a strategy for creating cell-based treatments to replace damaged tissues and potentially slow tumor growth.
A team from Vienna has discovered that measuring cortisol in dog hair may be a simple and painless way to diagnose Cushing's disease. The study found significantly higher levels of cortisol, corticosterone, and cortisone in the hair of dogs with hyperadrenocorticism compared to healthy controls.
The first global atlas of marine plankton catalogues an estimated 100 trillion individual organisms, revealing surprising similarities in phytoplankton and zooplankton biomass. The open-source database will aid conservation efforts and inform computer models to predict climate change impacts.
A study by University of Missouri-Columbia biologists reveals that hundreds of black bears inhabit southern Missouri's Ozark forests, indicating a return to healthy forests. The bear population is small but growing, and experts warn of potential conflicts with outdoor recreationists and homeowners.
The MERS coronavirus has the potential to spread faster and wider during two annual events in Saudi Arabia, putting millions of travelers at risk. The virus could be introduced into countries through returning pilgrims or domestic pilgrims who come into contact with infected individuals.
A Canadian laboratory and international collaboration have confirmed a new type of neutrino oscillation, where muon neutrinos transform into electron neutrinos. This breakthrough was made possible by precise measurements of neutrino interactions in a complex detector system.
A new national study by University of Virginia researchers found that infants spending at least one night per week away from their mothers had more insecure attachments compared to those with fewer overnights or staying with fathers during the day. This raises concerns about the impact of parental separation on children's emotional con...
A new study found that dissolved iron supply to oceans around continental shelves is more variable by region than previously believed, affecting future climate prediction. Iron promotes the growth of microscopic marine plants, which remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
A gigantic coronal hole has been observed by NASA's SOHO near the sun's north pole, providing valuable insights into space weather. The coronal hole is a dark region of the sun's corona with lower temperatures and appears much darker than its surroundings.
A team of researchers at ETH Zurich used high-resolution microelectrode arrays to measure axonal signal speed, finding significant variations within the same neuron. The study challenges the long-held assumption that axonal signal conduction is purely digital.
A study published in PNAS found that dampening a feedback loop between a DNA repair checkpoint and its controlling pathways may promote tumor growth in pediatric solid tumors. This discovery provides new insights into the cause of childhood cancers and offers a potential target for future therapies.
The Mountain Fire in California started on July 15 and has since spread to the San Jacinto Wilderness. As of July 18, the fire has burned over 22,800 acres with 15% containment.
A protein found in ancient microorganisms that live in desert salt flats has been combined with semiconducting nanoparticles to create a system that uses light to spark a catalytic process creating hydrogen fuel. This bio-assisted hybrid photocatalyst outperforms many other similar systems in hydrogen generation.
New research shows that most big data centers could slash their greenhouse gas emissions by 88% by switching to efficient equipment and improving energy management. Improving computing efficiency is the key factor, with renewable power helping reduce emissions by 98% when combined with other strategies.
A new low-cost, high-resolution desktop nanofabrication tool enables the rapid production of high-quality materials and devices at the nanoscale. The tool produces working devices and structures in a matter of hours, making it a game-changer for fields like gene chip development and electronic circuit creation.
A meta-analysis of Chinese herbal medicines for vascular dementia found that these treatments appear to be safer and more effective than control measures. The studies suggest that Chinese herbal medicine has good potential in the clinic for treating vascular dementia.
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that expert radiologists were vulnerable to inattentional blindness, missing a gorilla in a scan. The researchers used eye-tracking technology to show that the majority of those who missed the gorilla looked directly at it.
Disney Research has developed AIREAL, a technology that uses controlled puffs of compressed air to create tactile effects in virtual environments. The system allows users to feel sensations such as textured surfaces and force feedback for gestures, opening up new possibilities for gaming and interactive experiences.
Researchers successfully recovered TB genomes from a 215-year-old mummy using metagenomics, revealing mixed-strain infections and strain lineages circulating in Europe for centuries. The study highlights the significance of mixed-strain infections and the effectiveness of metagenomics in tracking microbial evolution.
Researchers have found that elevated levels of a receptor protein called Ret are associated with lower survival rates in breast cancer patients. Inhibiting this protein may be a promising approach to treating the disease.
U of M researchers identified infection-fighting and inflammation-suppressing functions for the PTPN22 gene, which could impact treatment strategies for autoimmune diseases. The study found that a variant of PTPN22 impacts immune system function in health and disease.
Researchers at Disney Research have created software packages that can produce mechanical and actuated deformable characters, expanding creative choices for designers. The systems use rapid manufacturing methods like 3D printing to fabricate the physical characters.
A recent study suggests that eczema can trigger food sensitivity in babies, potentially leading to the development of food allergies. Infants with impaired skin barriers and eczema are over six times more likely to be sensitized to common allergenic foods like egg, cow's milk, and peanut.
A new study published in Neural Regeneration Research found that subdiaphragmatic vagotomy reduces the intake of sweet-tasting solutions in rats. The research indicates that this procedure eliminates the difference in hedonic perception induced by sweet-tasting solutions compared to distilled water.
Researchers used Hubble to analyze the motion of over 30,000 stars in 47 Tucanae, linking their orbital motion to age for the first time. The study found two distinct populations of stars, with ages differing by less than 100 million years.
A phase 2 trial found moderate dose radiotherapy to be an effective treatment for patients with desmoid-type fibromatosis, with a 81.5% local control rate at 3 years. The response was slow, but continued regression was seen even after three years.
Researchers at Kansas State University have successfully restored hearing and balance in mice with a genetic mutation that causes hereditary deafness. The study, published in PLOS Genetics, uses a targeted approach to rescue hearing and balance by restoring pendrin expression in the endolymphatic sac. This finding has significant impli...
Researchers found that chimpanzees and orangutans can recall tool-finding events from three years earlier and singular events from two weeks prior. The primates were able to distinguish between similar past events, suggesting they bind different elements of events together.
A new study warns that climate change will significantly reduce water flows in the Volta River Basin, depriving countries of water needed to drive turbines and feed farms. The Volta Basin is expected to face severe water shortages by 2100, posing major challenges for agriculture and food security.
A UCLA-led study found that 73% of UN member states guarantee the right to medical care services, while only 27% guarantee public health. The US does not have a constitutional right to health care, despite universal recognition of the right to health.
A study by Columbia Nursing researchers found that automated reporting of immunization data through EHRs increased knowledge about individuals and communities, allowing medical and public health officials to make informed decisions. This led to reduced lag times, improved documentation, and enhanced efficiency in vaccine tracking.
The US marriage rate has declined to 31.1 per 1,000 married women, a 60% decrease since 1970, with women's average age at first marriage reaching a historic high of nearly 27 years. The divorce rate remains high, with 15% of women separated or divorced, up from less than 1% in 1920.
Researchers developed a modified prion protein that resists changing its shape, preventing the propagation of neurodegenerative diseases. The study provides a novel pharmacologic strategy to develop new drugs targeting prion protein and stabilizing its normal shape.
Ketamine use in pediatric anesthesia may lead to long-term cognitive and behavioral problems in young children. Research suggests that ketamine's neurotoxic effects, particularly tau phosphorylation, can damage developing neurons and microtubule function.
Research led by Aomawa Shields found that planets orbiting cool stars absorb near-infrared light, warming the planet. In contrast, hotter stars' visible light is reflected by ice, cooling the planet. This interaction affects planetary habitability and may prioritize planets around cooler stars for life detection.
A new research project led by Dr. Colin E. Bishop is developing a one-shot, non-surgical method for sterilizing companion animals, with the goal of reducing pet overpopulation in shelters. The treatment involves destroying GnRH cells in the hypothalamus to induce permanent sterility.