The largest genetic sequencing study of human disease to date investigated six autoimmune diseases, including thyroid disease and type 1 diabetes. The study found that a complex combination of hundreds of weak-effect variants, each common in the population, contributes to the heritability of these conditions.
A North Carolina State University study found that households with dogs harbor a wider variety of bacteria, including those rarely found in dog-free homes. The research suggests that dogs influence the types of microbes present in homes, potentially explaining correlations between dog ownership and reduced allergies.
Scientists have successfully sequenced the genome of white spruce, a crucial step towards developing innovative tools for tree breeding. The massive genome assembly will contribute to reducing breeding cycles from 25 years to just five years, enhancing the competitiveness of Canada's and Scandinavian forest industries.
A survey of internal medicine residents at Massachusetts General Hospital found that more than half rated their addiction and substance use disorders training as fair or poor. The majority felt unprepared to diagnose or treat such disorders. In response, the hospital increased residents' training in addiction medicine.
Researchers have developed a method to measure human genetic material's health in relation to age, using telomere length as an indicator. This technique could lead to the development of a 'genetic thermometer' to assess patient health.
Researchers studied zebrafish larvae's hunting behavior using virtual reality, revealing two unknown types of neurons involved in processing movement stimuli. The findings show that the larvae's brain must filter and evaluate visual information rapidly to select appropriate motor patterns.
Biophysicist Christian Herbst develops a new method to visualize chaotic phenomena, creating a single graph that can intuitively interpret symptoms of systems 'on the way to chaos'. The phasegram technique reveals complex behavior in simple systems, such as weather and cardiac rhythm.
Researchers discovered a mutualistic relationship between ants and carnivorous pitcher plants, where ants help prevent nutrient loss to flies. The study found that ant colonies increase plant growth and capture efficiency by hunting mosquito larvae, demonstrating a novel type of nutritional interaction.
A new method of sourcing artefacts in high definition improves our understanding of past human behaviour. By matching artefacts to specific quarries at volcanoes, researchers can reconstruct spatial resolution and gain a deeper insight into cultural significance.
Scientists have genetically engineered mice to mimic high levels of neuregulin-1 associated with schizophrenia, and found that reversing this gene expression eliminated classic symptoms. The study suggests that targeting excessive neuregulin-1 levels could be a new approach to treating the disorder.
A new study by the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management found that corporate philanthropy increases during mega-events like the Super Bowl and decreases during severe natural disasters. This suggests that local communities still matter to corporations, even in a globalized age.
A streamlined approach to genetic engineering has been developed, reducing the time and effort needed to insert new genes into bacteria. This new method, called clonetegration, enables the rapid construction of synthetic biological systems and could facilitate genetic engineering with difficult-to-clone sequences.
A new MIT-led lifecycle assessment found that more than two-thirds of a running shoe's carbon impact can come from manufacturing processes. The researchers identified hotspots of greenhouse-gas emissions in the production of small, lightweight parts such as soles and found ways to reduce waste by recycling scraps and streamlining assem...
Researchers have synthesized potent new compounds that effectively interfere with Staphylococcus aureus quorum sensing, a key behavior in the development of disease. The peptides work by blocking chemical receptors and can target all four subtypes of staph, making them a promising new antibiotic strategy.
A University of Illinois researcher advocates for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) as a cornerstone in reducing food insecurity. Improvements are needed to increase participation and benefits, particularly for those at lower ends of the benefit structure.
Researchers suggest that food addiction could explain the current global obesity epidemic, with high-fructose corn syrup causing behavioural reactions similar to those produced by cocaine. Dr. Leri's study found shared vulnerability to develop preferences for sweet foods and cocaine in laboratory animals.
Researchers have developed a new drug delivery system that uses nanoparticles and siRNA to target lung cancer cells, eliminating resistance and reducing systemic damage. In laboratory tests, the system showed significant improvement in treating lung tumors, with nearly 83% of the drug delivered directly to the lungs.
A recent study published in Cell Reports reveals how certain genes control the ratio of proteins p21 and PUMA, which determines whether tumors adapt or die when faced with p53-activating drugs. The researchers found a handful of genes that fine-tune this balance.
The new guidelines aim to optimize blood use for surgical patients by preparing units only for procedures requiring transfusions. By streamlining the process, hospitals can reduce waste, lower costs, and enhance patient outcomes.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered a molecular mechanism underlying cocaine addiction and identified a promising new anti-addiction drug. The compound, CGP3466B, blocks cravings for cocaine in addicted mice by preventing GAPDH from entering the nucleus to trigger cell death.
Research reveals sulfur dioxide from volcanoes affects stratospheric aerosol concentration, cooling the climate. The study uses MIPAS data to analyze sulfur budget in the stratosphere and excludes anthropogenic sources.
Research published in PLOS ONE found that captive-bred wallabies carry antibiotic resistance genes and may transmit them to wild populations. Nearly half of fecal samples from captive-raised wallabies contained bacterial genes resistant to streptomycin, spectinomycin, and trimethoprim.
Researchers at PNNL developed an organic binder to reduce impurities in reactive metals, enabling their use in powder injection molding. This innovation reduces costs and increases the use of durable metals in various industries.
The Calbug project is a citizen science initiative that allows volunteers to transcribe handwritten field notes from over a million insect specimens. This collaboration between the University of California, Berkeley's Essig Museum of Entomology and Zooniverse aims to process the voluminous records stored in natural history museums worl...
Researchers at NC State University have developed a new technique to create high-quality semiconductor thin films at the atomic scale. The technique enables the creation of wafer-scale MoS2 monolayer thin films with precise control over thickness, opening up possibilities for scalable production of lasers, LEDs and computer chips.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that taking calcium supplements up to 1,000 mg per day can lower the risk of death in women. The research, conducted on 9,033 Canadians over 12 years, showed no benefit for men and no conclusive evidence that vitamin D has an impact on mortality.
A study of 4,296 people found that those with both conditions had smaller brain tissue volumes than those with neither. The study suggests that people with both migraine and depression may require different treatment strategies.
A new oral vaccine against ETEC has been developed and shown to be safe and highly immunogenic in a phase I study, inducing immune responses in all volunteers. The vaccine is designed to protect travelers and children living in areas endemic for ETEC.
Two new, minute spider species (Trogloneta yuensis and Mysmena wawuensis) have been discovered in the Sichuan and Chongqing regions of China. These tiny spiders are among the smallest known and have unique body shapes, with some as small as 0.75 mm in length.
Scientists have mapped Norway spruce's massive genome, identifying 29,000 functional genes. The seven times larger genome is attributed to 'genome obesity' from repetitive DNA sequences, a challenge in conifers.
Researchers discover that moral judgment is associated with feelings of warmth and compassion towards someone in distress, specifically reduced empathic concern in utilitarian responders. The study shows that empathy is not the primary driver of moral decision-making, but rather a diminished emotional response.
Scientists have developed a mechanism to understand the cyclical nature of the Sun's magnetic activity, which is responsible for 'space weather' phenomena like solar flares and coronal mass ejections. This discovery provides a solution to mathematical equations governing fluids and electromagnetism for large astrophysical bodies.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that a subset of antibodies, PAD3/PAD4 cross-reactive autoantibodies, may serve as a diagnostic marker for the most severe form of rheumatoid arthritis. The presence of these antibodies is associated with aggressive inflammation and connective tissue damage.
Two UAF scientists contributed to a global study on glacier mass losses and their impact on rising sea levels. Their findings suggest that Alaskan glaciers alone explain one-third of the current sea-level rise, making Alaska a top contributor to global sea level.
A recent study found a weakening trend in the quasibiennial oscillation (QBO) in the tropical upper atmosphere, consistent with computer model projections of global warming. This decline may impact the chemical composition and climate of the global atmosphere.
A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials found that fish oil supplementation modestly increases adiponectin levels in the bloodstream. This hormone is associated with lower risk of diabetes and heart disease. The study suggests potential benefits of fish oil consumption on glucose control and fat cell metabolism.
The article highlights the need for sustainable water systems to tackle global water shortages and pollution. New technologies, stricter standards, and innovations are required to provide clean water for nearly 1 billion people worldwide.
A study reveals that insomnia can impair emotion regulation by causing increased activity in the amygdala, a key player in emotional processing. This dysfunction may contribute to the development of depression.
Researchers at Simon Fraser University have discovered links between electrode degradation processes and bus membrane durability. The study aims to improve fuel cell module durability and predict longevity for competitive with diesel hybrids.
A new study reveals that the 2009 H1N1 swine flu pandemic was deadliest for people under the age of 65, while those 65 and over had greater immunity due to previous exposure to similar viruses. Researchers suggest targeting pandemic vaccination campaigns to adults under 65 in comparable scenarios.
Researchers found a correlation between dietary exposure to DEHP phthalate and elevated systolic blood pressure in children. The study suggests that environmental factors may contribute to the increasing prevalence of childhood hypertension, alongside obesity.
A new study reveals a previously overlooked diversity of small dinosaurs, including the smallest known plant-eating dinosaur species from Canada. The research team identified Albertadromeus syntarsus as a speedy runner that lived in what is now southern Alberta during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 77 million years ago.
The Landscapes of Resilience project explores the role of open spaces and sacred places in community recovery and resiliency. Researchers will create and restore open spaces in post-Sandy affected areas in New York City and design a butterfly garden in Cunningham Park, Joplin, to promote community recovery.
Scientists have reversed behavioral and brain abnormalities in adult mice by restoring normal expression to the Neuregulin1 gene, which is over-expressed in humans with schizophrenia. The findings suggest that damage caused by abnormal prenatal expression may be reversible in adulthood, offering hope for treatment of some patients.
Two new species of cave-dwelling short-tailed whipscorpions have been discovered in northeastern Brazil's limestone caves. The reddish-brown species were found to inhabit cool, humid environments, and are likely preyed upon by bats and other small insects.
Researchers at LMU discover how cellular respiration generates reactive oxygen species that can cause DNA mutations, leading to cell dysfunction and cancer. The study highlights the importance of improving treatment options for cancer by inhibiting DNA repair processes in tumor cells.
Researchers at Purdue University have created a new type of transparent electrode that combines graphene and silver nanowires to overcome the drawbacks of traditional materials like indium tin oxide. The hybrid material has a low sheet resistance and remains flexible even when bent, making it suitable for applications such as solar cel...
Researchers found that giant viruses share genes with tiny virophages and transposable elements, suggesting they evolved from each other on multiple occasions. The study's complex network of evolutionary relationships challenges previous understanding of viral evolution.
Researchers found that disrupting a mechanism in mitochondria using simple antibiotics can multiply lifespan by a factor of 1.6 in worms. The study suggests that reducing protein production in these organelles may lead to increased longevity. Further studies are needed to confirm the findings in mammals.
Researchers found that individuals with untreated major depression have increased telomerase activity in immune cells, which may help fight back against disease progression. The study also suggests a potential protective role for telomerase in the hippocampus and reducing depressive symptoms with treatment.
Researchers discovered that innate lymphoid cells limit the response of inflammatory T cells to commensal bacteria in the gut, keeping a truce between the immune system and 'good' microbes. This finding suggests new therapeutic strategies for chronic diseases like IBD, HIV/AIDS, and cancer.
A recent study found that calcium supplements, especially those containing up to 1,000 mg per day, can lower the risk of death among women. The benefit was seen regardless of whether the supplement contained vitamin D.
New research shows that craving drugs like nicotine can be visualized in specific brain regions, suggesting abnormal interactions between decision-making brain areas could underlie addiction. Dr. Alain Dagher's study found that the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex regulates cigarette craving in response to drug cues.
A new study confirms low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) detects more early-stage lung cancers than chest X-ray (CXR), supporting a 20% reduction in mortality. Compliant imaging facilities performed 98.5% of studies within protocol specifications.
Researchers sequenced DNA of fungi at skin sites to define normal populations and provide framework for investigating fungal skin conditions. The study found that feet, including toenails, heels, and toe webs, contain tremendous diversity of fungi.
A study of 80 patients found that 42.5% had no obstruction, 23% had reversible obstruction, and only 35% had non-reversible obstruction, suggesting widespread misdiagnosis of COPD. The study highlights the importance of spirometry in confirming diagnosis and reducing unnecessary medical expenses.
A new study suggests that disturbed sleep in adolescents is associated with more symptoms of depression. However, perceived support and acceptance from parents and teachers appear to have a protective effect on sleep disruptions and depressive symptoms. Support from peers does not offer the same benefits.
A new study suggests that Li-ion battery disposal can lead to environmental and human health threats due to the release of toxic materials. The American Chemical Society recommends stronger government policies to encourage recovery, recycling, and reuse of lithium-ion battery materials.
Researchers from PTB and international partners have created superconducting sensors to detect the magnetic moments of helium-3 atoms with extreme sensitivity. This has allowed them to investigate the unique quantum liquid of helium-3 in detail, enabling the detection and investigation of excitations that behave like Majorana fermions.
Researchers found that compassion training increased activity in brain regions involved in empathy and emotion regulation, leading to a desire to help others. The study also showed that people trained in compassion were more likely to be altruistic and spend their own money to support someone in need.