Researchers at Berkeley Lab have created a micro-sized robotic torsional muscle/motor made from vanadium dioxide, achieving unprecedented power density and speed. The device can catapult objects over 50 times its own weight with remarkable efficiency.
Researchers used X-ray laser to map the 3D structure of a key cellular gatekeeper, the human serotonin receptor. The breakthrough technique uses smaller crystals and produces high-resolution images, potentially condensing years-long studies into days.
A study in the Journal of Dairy Science found that polyphenol EGCG in milk can reduce colon cancer cell proliferation and inhibit tumor formation. Milk's casein protein micelles may enhance bioavailability and efficacy of these compounds.
Researchers found that high-temperature superconductivity in copper oxides forms as material cools from a state where electrons exhibit charge ordering, a phenomenon previously unknown. The study provides a crucial clue to understanding how to enhance superconductivity and potentially increase temperatures.
The new system enables real-time interaction with the patient's body and radiotherapy applicator, allowing for precise radiation of potentially cancerous tissues. This innovation aims to reduce treatment time and minimize healthy tissue damage.
A recent study found that most scientific data is inaccessible after just 20 years, with over 80% of publicly funded research data lost forever. Researchers are calling for journals to require authors to share their data on public archives before publication.
Patients with Parkinson's disease struggle to recognize emotions in facial expressions and speech prosody. After surgery for deep brain stimulation, they show difficulty recognizing disgust and sadness, but this impairment is only temporary.
A Michigan State University scholar proposes the telecoupling framework to understand how China's domestic decisions influence other countries and vice versa. The research shows that China's efforts to sustain forests can have substantial global impacts, including reappearing deforestation in countries that sell lumber and food to China.
A new study published in Cell journal strengthens the understanding that gut microbes can affect brain function and behavior, particularly in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Feeding mice a beneficial type of bacteria has been shown to reduce autism-like behaviors.
A study by UC San Diego researchers has mapped the complex genetic interactions underlying cellular response to UV radiation, revealing links between chromatin structure remodeling and efficient repair. The findings provide new insights into DNA damage caused by UV radiation and its role in skin cancer.
A survey of over 2,500 Americans revealed that Angelina Jolie's public announcement about her preventive double mastectomy did not translate to increased knowledge of breast cancer risk and the BRCA gene mutation, highlighting a need for further education.
Researchers suggest that rehabilitation strategies combining meditation-like practices with drug and behavior therapies are more effective than drug-plus-talk therapy alone. The study proposes that meditation can aid in cognitive recovery and provide additional benefits for individuals overcoming addiction.
Researchers found that HrpA is essential for Lyme disease transmission and tick survival, enabling the bacterium to regulate its RNA and survive in mammalian hosts. The discovery provides significant insights into the complex life cycle of Borrelia burgdorferi and potential targets for future treatments.
The California Academy of Sciences discovered 91 new plant and animal species in 2013, including 38 ants, 12 fishes, and 14 plants. This finds highlights the importance of biodiversity hotspots like Madagascar and the need for continued exploration and conservation efforts.
A new MRI approach called quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) has been validated for measuring Multiple Sclerosis (MS) progression. QSM provides a quantitative way to measure myelin content and iron deposition in the brain, which are important factors in MS physiology. The study demonstrated that using the correct model can separ...
The Student DNA Barcoding Project is a flexible curriculum that uses student-generated research to teach about biodiversity, ecology and molecular biology. The project has been successfully used in New York City and Belize, with students exploring topics such as beetles, beehives, and conservation.
A Rutgers-Camden nursing scholar warns that academic bullying is becoming increasingly common in academia, impacting the ability to recruit and retain quality educators. The study highlights instances of slander, isolation, physical threats, and unrealistic workloads as prevalent forms of bullying in academic workplaces.
A research team has decoded the molecular structure of the serotonin receptor at room temperature for the first time, revealing its dynamics and giving a more realistic picture of its physiological function. This breakthrough could lead to better-designed drugs and new ways to investigate large biomolecules.
Researchers have developed an oral vaccine against Helicobacter pylori using Lactobacillus acidophilus as a delivery vehicle. The vaccine elicits specific antibodies and provides significant protection against gastric infection.
A study published in Molecular Neurobiology found that sodium butyrate reduces survival of cultured medulloblastoma cells and enhances expression of markers for a mature neuronal phenotype. This suggests the compound may promote cell death and favor maturation towards less malignant-prone phenotypes.
Researchers discovered 45 trepanation procedures on human remains in Peru's Andahuaylas caves dating back to AD 1000-1250. The ancient practice was used to treat various ailments and conditions, with varying techniques employed by practitioners.
Researchers found that young natural killer cells play a key role in preventing infectious mononucleosis caused by Epstein-Barr Virus. A potential vaccination is being explored to protect against EBV infection and reduce the risk of developing Hodgkin lymphoma.
Tropical Cyclone Bruce maintained hurricane-force winds and a visible eye in the Southern Indian Ocean. The storm's convection strengthened around the eyewall, fueled by high clouds and thunderstorms.
Researchers at Ruhr-Universität Bochum investigated anti-epilepsy drugs' effects on glial cells. They found that valproic acid and gabapentin promote cell survival, while phenytoin and carbamazepine have pro-inflammatory properties.
A daily step increase of just 2000 steps can cut the risk of cardiovascular disease by 8% in those with a high risk of type 2 diabetes. The study, which analyzed data from 40 countries, also found that increasing physical activity levels through walking can substantially reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Scientists use reactive glial cells to regenerate healthy neurons in a breakthrough technology for treating brain injuries and Alzheimer's disease. In mouse models and human cell cultures, the method successfully converts glial cells into functional neurons.
Scientists have found a molecular mechanism behind aging that can be reversed using a compound that restores communication between mitochondria and the nucleus. This breakthrough may lead to new treatments for age-related diseases such as cancer, type 2 diabetes, and inflammatory disorders.
Researchers found that plain salt can transform into unexpected stable compounds with unusual chemical properties under high pressure. This discovery could help answer questions about early planet cores and create new materials with practical uses.
The EORTC-GIMEMA AML-12 Trial found that high-dose cytarabine improved outcomes for adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia, especially those younger than 46 years. High-dose treatment resulted in higher remission and survival rates compared to standard-dose treatment.
A study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that bottlenose dolphins in Barataria Bay, Louisiana, have lung damage and adrenal hormone abnormalities. The researchers believe that the Deepwater Horizon oil spill may be responsible for these health effects.
A study by Aalto University found that global food availability has increased in recent decades, especially in regions like the Middle East and Latin America. However, food self-sufficiency remains low, with many countries relying heavily on imports to meet their food needs, putting pressure on natural resources.
Research by Thanh-Lan Gluckman reveals that plumage patterning is labile in both males and females, with changes driven by environmental factors and signalling functions. The study challenges traditional views on sexual dimorphism, suggesting multiple types of dimorphism and adaptations to social and environmental conditions.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine finds that most people with dementia living at home have multiple unmet health and welfare needs. Routine assessments and interventions in safety, medical care, and supportive services can help keep patients at home longer.
Sheep producers may benefit from genetic selection as an alternative strategy to control helminth infections, which can reduce economic losses and minimize the use of chemicals. This approach aims to breed sheep with natural resistance traits, improving overall health and reducing production costs.
Researchers combined two catalytic reactions to produce highly reactive boron-containing compounds from inexpensive chemicals, expanding the applications of alpha-olefins and enabling efficient production of important therapeutics like phenethylamines and pregabalin.
A new study by Aarhus University reveals the optimal locations for carbon-stocking projects in Africa, prioritizing regions with high carbon potential, biodiversity conservation, and feasibility. The research identifies areas such as the Upper Guinean rainforests of West Africa and the Lower Guinean rainforests along the coast of Niger...
A new study by UT Arlington's landscape architecture team found that Klyde Warren Park contributes to increased property values, physical activity among park users, and reduced carbon dioxide emissions. The research also showed similar benefits for the University of Texas at Dallas Campus Landscape Plan and Buffalo Bayou Promenade.
Campylobacter infection affects millions more than Salmonella, with antibiotic resistance a growing concern. Researchers seek to understand biofilm formation and regulate CsrA's role in making the sugar coating that enables bacterial survival.
Air quality in Greece has deteriorated by 30% since the financial crisis, with fine particles lodged deep into lung tissue posing health risks. Burning cheaper fuel sources like wood and trash for heating has contributed to this issue.
Male sperm and seminal fluid trigger pathways that cause female worms to dehydrate, prematurely age and die. The death of the female after she gives birth fits into a general framework of sperm competition observed in nature.
Research at Arizona State University has found that the mirror neuron system can be modified by language use, affecting visual perception. The study demonstrates how the MNS is used in both action and simulation processes, shedding light on its role in comprehension and language learning.
A new review published in the journal Neuropsychology Review finds that computerized neurocognitive testing for concussions lacks consistent evidence on reliability and validity. The study suggests caution when using these tests due to their marketing prevalence over scientific proof, emphasizing the need for a multi-dimensional approa...
Researchers analyzed 29 strains of the parasite and found that some South American or atypical North American strains provoke strong inflammation in infected cells, leading to tissue damage. The study suggests that host immune responses may be causing most of the damage rather than the parasite itself.
The Bloomberg Administration's public health policies were developed using a data-driven approach, which included rigorous appraisal of published studies and collection of local health survey data. The resulting policies have improved the health and life expectancy of New Yorkers, providing a blueprint for other cities to follow.
Researchers at Ohio State University confirm that ibrutinib targets Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK), a critical molecule in chronic lymphocytic leukemia cell growth and proliferation. Inhibiting BTK delayed CLL development and improved overall survival in mouse models.
Elevated tyrosine levels in obese individuals are linked to a higher risk of developing diabetes. Researchers propose that tyrosine may directly affect insulin signaling, leading to increased blood sugar levels.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University are working on a new device that can predict when patients with sickle cell disease will suffer an acute crisis and monitor the effectiveness of treatments. The device measures the physical properties of red blood cells, which become sticky and block blood flow during a crisis.
A study by University of Iowa researchers identifies CHOP as a protein that promotes liver cancer in mice, linked to cellular stress from obesity, alcoholism, and viral hepatitis. Elevated CHOP levels are found in human liver tumors, suggesting potential targets for therapies.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes have identified the precise chain of molecular events driving CD4 T cell death in HIV-infected individuals, leading to AIDS. They also discovered an existing anti-inflammatory drug that blocks this process, paving the way for a Phase 2 clinical trial.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have discovered a reversible cause of aging in mammals. Administering a naturally produced compound restored communication between cells' nucleus and mitochondria, comparable to younger animals. This finding has significant implications for understanding the aging process and potential reversal.
Recent climate change affects physiological traits in caterpillars, enabling them to feed rapidly at a broader range of temperatures. Modern caterpillars can gain up to 20% body weight in an hour when temperatures are ideal, outperforming their ancestors.
Researchers found that patients with congenital arrhythmia produce twice the amount of insulin after consuming sugar, leading to drastically low blood sugar levels. The discovery could have significant implications for treatment of diabetes and management of hypoglycaemia.
Research at Albert Einstein College of Medicine found that lactation consultants improved breastfeeding rates among women who resisted it. The studies showed that support from a lactation consultant significantly increased the chances of exclusive breastfeeding for three months, crucial for mother and child health benefits.
Scientists have reproduced antiferromagnetic coupling between layers in nanoscopic materials, allowing for easy adjustment of properties without shape or composition manipulation. This discovery paves the way for miniaturization of magnetic storage and applications.
Researchers identified a SNP in Cyfip2 associated with cocaine response, highlighting the need for genetic quality control in mouse populations. The study used C57BL/6J and 6N mice substrains developed over nearly a century.
An international team of researchers has successfully sequenced the sugar beet genome, revealing a vast array of genes and genetic variations. The study sheds light on the plant's sweet properties and how its genome has been shaped by artificial selection.
A new study by Michigan State University researchers found that the black-white infant mortality gap remained stable for two decades after accounting for observable factors, leaving 74% of the gap unexplained. The gap declined by 2.6 deaths per 100,000 live births between 1983 and 2004.
Researchers at The City College of New York have successfully transformed vegetable oils into a semisolid form using low-calorie sugars as structuring agents. Mannitol dioctanoate and sorbitol dioctanoate gelators demonstrated excellent gelation tendencies for various oils, producing stable gels that can be used in food processing.
A new study reveals that nearly half of Americans with diabetes are unaware of the link between the disease and visual impairment, while only six in ten have had their eyes fully examined. The research highlights the need for improved patient education and access to eye care specialists to prevent vision loss.
A new method for detecting genetic defects in egg cells could significantly increase the success rate of IVF by identifying chromosomal abnormalities and DNA sequence variations associated with genetic disorders. The approach uses whole-genome sequencing of individual egg cells, offering a safe, accurate, and low-cost solution.