A comprehensive study led by Mayo Clinic in 12 countries validates the accuracy of RNA genomic sequencing techniques and laboratories. The research establishes best practices for laboratories to ensure reproducible results, enabling clinicians to make informed decisions based on genomic data.
Scientists investigated how piglet immune systems respond to Cystoisospora suis, finding gamma delta T cells and cytotoxic T-cells play key roles. The study also revealed the importance of maternal antibodies in preventing disease severity.
Tropical Depression 16E is forecasted to dissipate and be absorbed by Tropical Storm Odile due to unfavorable influence of the larger storm. The depression is currently drifting northwest at 2 mph and will eventually turn east-southeast as it gets caught up in Odile's circulation.
A meta-analysis of 58 studies found that adolescents' perceptions of peers' sexual activity, approval, and pressure are associated with their own sexual behavior. The study suggests that role modeling by peers is the most influential factor, while peer pressure has a smaller effect.
Researchers discovered that GILZ protein can reduce bone loss and inflammation associated with arthritis, potentially replacing synthetic glucocorticoids as a treatment option. The study used mice bred with overexpressed tumor necrosis factor alpha and GILZ to demonstrate the protein's protective effects.
Researchers propose pilot-wave theory as an alternative to Copenhagen interpretation, inspired by a macroscopic fluidic system exhibiting quantum-like statistics. The system's chaotic dynamics lead to unpredictable particle behavior, challenging traditional notions of reality.
Researchers propose that internal physical stresses generated during growth limit lateral size, but a specific phyllotactic pattern may control growth. A study suggests the distribution of grain boundaries in this pattern might be determinant for controlling lateral growth.
North Carolina State University researchers have identified candidate genes controlling the hypersensitive defense response in corn, a rapid localized cell death that limits pathogen spread. The findings could help build better defense responses in corn and other plants.
Researchers identify five key themes for scientific advancement in humanitarian response, including better use of non-humanitarian data, robust methodologies, and local participation. The evidence base for many current practices remains weak due to lack of data and inadequate information sharing.
Researchers discovered that the bluetongue virus overwinters in female midges infected during previous season, allowing it to survive colder temperatures. The findings have significant implications for predicting and controlling the disease's spread.
Researchers developed an optical method called iSCAT to detect individual proteins, such as those in cancers, using scattered light shadows. The method promises more sensitive diagnoses and sheds light on fundamental biochemical processes.
UMass Amherst doctoral student Khaja Muneeruddin has received the 2014-15 Global Fellowship Award for developing new analytical methods to characterize complex pharmaceuticals. The award aims to advance research in quality standards and support his work on creating novel assays for drug manufacturers.
Researchers at Michigan State University have enhanced microbes to clean up nuclear waste by strengthening their pili nanowires. The improved microbes form a biofilm with increased armor, allowing them to neutralize more uranium and survive in higher concentrations.
The Mayo Clinic has developed a scoring system to identify patients who can safely bypass the intensive care unit (ICU) after liver transplantation. The study found that 54.3% of patients can be fast-tracked, with better survival rates compared to those sent to the ICU.
A team of researchers challenged traditional views on how birds ended up in the Neotropics, proposing speciation driven by bird movements across physical barriers. The CCNY analysis suggests that geological changes may not have been the primary driver of biodiversity.
Researchers found that a muscle, called axochord, runs along the midline of marine worm Platynereis, similar to where the notochord would be in chordates. This discovery suggests that the notochord may have evolved from a muscle-based structure in an ancient ancestor.
Researchers found that plasmacytoid dendritic cells trigger early psoriasis, while Langerhans cells help regulate the immune response. Modulating dendritic cell composition may lead to new psoriasis treatments.
Two massive buoys equipped with meteorological and oceanographic equipment will be deployed off the US coastline to evaluate the power-producing potential of offshore winds. The buoys will provide accurate wind speed and direction data, enabling better understanding of air-sea interactions and turbine performance.
A new Rutgers study finds that a happy wife is crucial for a happy marriage, with wives' contentment positively affecting their husbands' lives. The research analyzed data from 394 couples and found that both spouses' marital quality influenced each other's life satisfaction.
Research finds that metastatic melanoma cells and embryonic stem cells use distinct Type I serine/threonine kinase(s) for Nodal signal transduction, providing new therapeutic targets. The study's findings support a combinatorial approach to targeting Nodal subpopulations within tumors.
The researchers created a new standard for large-scale DNA origami structures, enabling applications in biomedical research and nanoelectronics. The breakthrough involved developing a custom scaffold strand and cost-effective method for synthesizing staple strands.
A study finds that older adults, women, and less educated individuals have more concerns about kidney transplantation. These concerns can lead to lower chances of getting listed for a transplant. The study aims to address these barriers to improve access to transplantation.
A new protocol converts stem cells into reliable, insulin-producing cells in about six weeks, a significant improvement over previous methods. The breakthrough could lead to an unlimited supply of insulin-producing cells to treat patients with Type 1 diabetes.
Researchers at MIT and Manchester University have created a new material that allows electrons to move at controllable angles, resulting in more efficient computing. This breakthrough enables the development of transistors with lower energy consumption.
A new study found that in India's human-dominated landscapes, leopards primarily feed on domestic dogs (39%) and domestic cats (15%), rather than livestock. This is due to the relative accessibility of dogs, which are often allowed to roam freely.
New observations from NASA's Venus Express mission show giant holes in Venus' ionosphere, suggesting a more complex magnetic environment. The findings provide additional clues to understanding Venus' atmosphere and its interactions with the solar wind.
Researchers at UCSF identified an antibiotic, lactocillin, produced by a common vaginal bacterial species that kills certain pathogens while sparing others. The study suggests that naturally occurring drugs made by our own microbes may play an important role in maintaining human health.
Researchers find Puerto Rican people who inject drugs have higher HIV risk and prevalence than other Latino groups, with lower availability of prevention tools and treatment programs. The study recommends a coordinated, multi-region effort to address the disparity and bring an end to the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Researchers at ETH Zurich conduct experiment to test salt's effect on building materials. They find supersaturation of salt solution is key factor in damage, with temperature playing a role. The study's findings could help conservators and restorers predict and mitigate salt damage.
Researchers developed an adaptive optics microscope that can focus laser light through even the murkiest surroundings without a guide star. This innovation resolves points less than one thousandth of a millimeter across, enabling sharper images in biology and medicine.
A new approach estimates CO2 emissions from fossil fuels at a global scale, providing detailed information for policy-makers. The 'Fossil Fuel Data Assimilation System' (FFDAS) uses satellite feeds, national fuel accounts, and power plant data to create high-resolution planetary maps.
Orlin D. Velev, a leading colloid scientist, received the prestigious Colloid and Polymer Science Lecture award for his groundbreaking research in particle assembly, nanostructures, and biosensors. The award recognizes his innovative work in fostering international scientific exchange in the field of colloid and polymer science.
Children who experience bullying between ages 8-10 are at increased risk of sleep-related problems like nightmares and night terrors by age 12. The University of Warwick study suggests stress may play a key role in the association.
Tropical Depression 6 formed in the Eastern Atlantic Ocean with a well-defined circulation and organized convective banding near the center. The depression has maximum sustained winds near 35 mph and is expected to move northwest or west-northwest over the next couple of days.
Researchers have discovered Ixodes scapularis ticks in North Dakota, which vector Lyme disease, and are concerned about the potential spread of other tick-borne diseases. The ticks were found in six counties with established populations, raising concerns for public health.
A first-of-its-kind study on nicotine addiction found that nicotine withdrawal similarly reduced reward responsiveness in human smokers and nicotine-treated rats, particularly those with a history of depression. The study's findings have implications for developing new treatments to aid smokers in quitting.
Researchers will deploy hundreds of robotic floats to study the Southern Ocean's carbon and heat uptake, as well as its importance in ocean ecosystems. The project aims to improve climate models and provide insights into the region's global significance.
The researchers used acoustic waves to communicate with an artificial atom, demonstrating phenomena from quantum physics. The study could potentially harness quantum physics to create faster computers by controlling and studying quantum electrical circuits.
Using human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), researchers discovered that schizophrenia patients' hiPSC-derived neurons release more neurotransmitters, including dopamine. This finding could lead to a better understanding of brain disorders and the development of new therapeutic strategies.
A study published by The Endocrine Society found that diverse gut bacteria are associated with a favorable ratio of estrogen metabolites, which may reduce the risk of breast cancer. Researchers analyzed fecal and urine samples from 60 postmenopausal women and discovered a relationship between bacterial diversity and estrogen levels.
Researchers have developed a graphene-based paint with exceptional barrier properties, making it suitable for various industrial applications. The coating can provide complete impermeability to gases, liquids, and strong chemicals, rendering it ideal for protecting equipment in harsh environments.
Researchers have discovered a pathological process that affects both mice and humans with type 2 diabetes. By analyzing genome, phenome, proteome, and metabolome data, they identified a specific gene on chromosome 2 that plays a crucial role in the development of the disease.
A new study highlights the need for better implementation of evolutionary approaches to address societal challenges. The research suggests that applying evolutionary biology can help reduce the escalating problem of antibiotic resistance and chronic disease costs.
Researchers have found that non-coding RNA studies can improve crop resistance to pathogens and pests, reducing the need for chemical pesticides. This new approach uses small RNAs to repress the expression of target genes, promoting healthier plant development and improved nutritional value.
Researchers from ETH Zurich have discovered a new form of innate immune defence against certain RNA viruses, including those causing hepatitis C, yellow fever, and dengue fever. The NMD system, which is a quality control mechanism in cells, also serves as a general virus restriction mechanism in plants.
The Stanford-led study synthesizes 165 academic studies and government databases to assess the environmental costs and benefits of fracking. Fracking's influence on local air pollution, earthquakes, and supplies of clean water is also examined. The study finds that oil and gas extraction can reduce water consumption compared to coal po...
A team of astronomers led by Gastón Folatelli at the Kavli IPMU, University of Tokyo, has found evidence of a hot binary companion star to a yellow supergiant star, which had become a bright supernova. The discovery provides the last link in a chain of observations supporting the team's theoretical picture for this supernova.
A high-protein diet was associated with lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels in healthy adults. Consuming more protein also led to lower long-term risks for high blood pressure. The benefits were evident in both overweight and normal-weight individuals.
A pilot observational study found proactive monitoring and dose adjustment of infliximab resulted in fewer disease recurrences and infusion reactions. The authors propose routine monitoring of IFX concentrations and adjusting doses based on levels for patients with IBD.
A recent slowdown in global warming is attributed to a natural cooling phase known as multidecadal variability (MDV) and a downturn of the secular warming trend. Scientists analyzed surface temperature data records to identify this hiatus period, which coincides with natural cooling phases.
A new study finds that diversified farming systems retain more evolutionary history than intensive agriculture, suggesting a strategy for conserving biodiversity. This is encouraging news as human activities drive half of known life to extinction.
A simple, disposable testing device analyzes a single droplet of blood to diagnose anemia, with results available in about 60 seconds. The device has shown promising sensitivity and specificity compared to conventional hematology analyzers.
Researchers found cartilage plays an active role in rheumatoid arthritis destruction and remodelling, contradicting the long-held assumption that it's a passive victim of inflammation. Cartilage produces enzymes driving tissue degradation and releases signaling molecules triggering an autoimmune response.
Researchers at the University of Warwick found that a protein called Nrf2 continually moves in and out of human cells' nuclei to sense cell health. The team successfully increased Nrf2's movement by introducing health-beneficial substances, such as broccoli-derived sulforaphane and quercetin from onions, into food supplements.
Researchers found that antibiotic treatment before vaccination impaired antibody responses in mice, while gut bacteria played a crucial role. The study's findings suggest that the microbiome could be harnessed to modulate vaccine efficacy and may explain variations in vaccine responses globally.
Physics researcher Alice Bean will work with the US Department of State's Office of Faith Based and Community Initiatives to communicate global climate change policy to critical faith-based audiences. She aims to foster communication, respect, and alliance between scientists and religious communities to combat climate change.
A new app-device can quickly and accurately measure two key signs of sepsis, a leading cause of death worldwide. The device has the potential to save over 6 million children in developing countries, where sepsis accounts for 60-80% of all deaths.
A Finnish study found that higher levels of physical activity during recess are associated with better reading skills, while participation in organized sports is linked to higher arithmetic test scores. Boys who spent more time engaging in activities like reading and writing on their leisure time also showed better reading skills.
The 2014 Science in Society Award winners, sponsored by the National Association of Science Writers, include Sheri Fink for her book 'Five Days At Memorial' and Amy Harmon for her article 'A Race to Save the Orange'. The awards recognize critical reporting about the sciences and their impact on society.
Researchers found that the larvae of G. permixtana feed on Sagittaria trifolia, a new host plant in northern Iran, reducing arrowhead weed germination potential and providing an alternative solution for biological control.