A new software tool, DeNovoGear, uses statistical probabilities to identify and validate genetic mutations. This improves the diagnosis and treatment of mutation-related diseases, including pediatric diseases and cancer research.
Researchers discovered that some species of polychaete worms can modify their metabolic rates to thrive in high-CO2 waters, while others are impaired by acidic conditions. The study sheds light on the resilience of marine biodiversity and potential mechanisms for adaptation.
Scientists at Royal Holloway University have discovered a way to suppress thermal conductivity in sodium cobaltate, enabling waste energy harvesting. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient thermoelectric materials for reducing carbon emissions.
Researchers have identified 105 additional genetic mutations that cause cystic fibrosis, accounting for 95% of variations found in patients with the disease. This new information will provide clear answers to tens of thousands of people being screened as potential carriers and those seeking a diagnosis.
Researchers have identified a new biological target for combating Parkinson's disease by discovering a compound that eases symptoms in mice. The study found that a protein called AIMP2 activates a self-destruct pathway, leading to cell death, but also triggered the activation of PARP1 and PAR, which can be targeted by existing compounds.
Researchers have identified a crucial role for the gene GATA3 in regulating blood stem cell self-renewal. This discovery has significant implications for expanding blood stem cells in the lab for clinical use in bone marrow transplantation.
Researchers have solved the mystery of how mercury enters open-ocean fish, finding that up to 80% is produced deep in the ocean by bacteria. Mercury levels are likely to rise in Pacific fish over the coming decades due to increased industrialization in Asia.
A year-long experiment shows that coccolithophores can build strong shells in acidic waters, contrary to earlier studies. The organisms' ability to cope with future ocean conditions may depend on genetic diversity among species.
A new study by Alfred Wegener Institute researchers analyzed data from over 150 species, finding that most animal groups are affected negatively by higher carbon dioxide concentrations. Corals and echinoderms react sensitively to ocean acidification, while crustaceans may be more resilient in certain scenarios.
A new study has found a link between high doses of epilepsy medication valproate and increased risk of physical birth defects such as spina bifida and hypospadias in babies. Reducing the dose of valproate during pregnancy can significantly lower this risk, providing pregnant women with epilepsy new hope.
The researchers discovered that the interface between two non-magnetic materials exhibits magnetism due to the formation of local moments. This phenomenon could lead to the creation of electronic devices that combine computation and data storage capabilities.
Researchers at the University of Leicester have discovered a potential molecular defence against Huntington's disease, a fatal neurodegenerative disorder. Glutathione peroxidase activity was found to be robustly protective in models of the disease.
A new genome-wide association study has identified two major pathways involved in causing schizophrenia, including a calcium channel pathway and a micro-RNA 137 pathway. The study, published in Nature Genetics, provides the strongest clues to date for understanding the causes of this debilitating mental illness.
Researchers found that photochemical reactions break down mercury at the surface, but it's converted to its toxic form at deeper depths. This process affects ocean fish and the human seafood supply, with implications for reducing mercury emissions.
A study in mice reveals an essential brain circuit that helps dictate how the eyes connect to the brain, which could lead to new treatments for amblyopia. The research found that manipulating a specific brain circuit can prevent ocular dominance in young mice and induce it in older mice beyond the critical period.
Research suggests cocaine use may lead to continued drug seeking by stimulating growth of new brain structures associated with learning and memory. The study used live brain imaging to observe mice given cocaine or saline, finding significant increases in dendritic spines after two hours.
New findings reveal that inhibitory neurons fire less frequently in young brains, allowing for heightened plasticity and learning. In contrast, adult brains exhibit stronger inhibitory neurons, which can impede learning and make it more difficult to acquire new skills.
Researchers found that cocaine exposure leads to rapid growth of new dendritic spines in the frontal cortex, enabling mice to strongly prefer drug cues over other stimuli. This study sheds light on the brain's role in drug-seeking behavior and may inform strategies for tackling addiction.