Researchers have better understood how bacteria can protect itself from harm, using X-ray crystallography to visualize the molecular machinery known as Cascade. The unique ladder-like structure allows RNA to scan DNA more efficiently than a double-helix structure, enabling faster recognition and destruction of viral invaders.
A new study from Duke University found that mass layoffs can trigger increased suicide attempts and behaviors among teenagers, particularly girls and black adolescents. The research, based on a nationally representative survey of 403,457 adolescents, suggests that economic hardship worsens existing tendencies in girls.
New research reveals that broader organ sharing for liver transplants will not negatively impact Cold Ischemia Time (CIT) but will increase the percentage of organs transported by flying, according to findings published in Liver Transplantation.
A study published by a Stanford researcher found that poor sleep quality significantly increases the risk of suicide among older adults. The study, which analyzed data from 14,456 adults aged 65 and older, confirmed that disrupted sleep is an independent risk factor for late-life suicide.
Researchers at the University of Tennessee discovered that near-Earth asteroid 1950 DA is held together by van der Waals forces, which defy traditional assumptions about asteroid composition. This finding has implications for defending against massive asteroid impacts and may inform strategies for space exploration.
A new chip-based platform combines electrical and optical measurements to study single molecules and nanoparticles. The device allows for the discrimination of particles with different sizes and optical properties, enabling reliable counts of virus particles.
A study published in PLOS ONE found evidence of ancient Egyptian mummification practices dating back to the Late Neolithic period, around 4500-3350 BC. The discovery suggests that early Egyptians may have used natural products to preserve bodies, laying the groundwork for later Pharaonic mummification techniques.
A study found that listening to the sound of a ticking clock can influence women's desire to start a family at an earlier age. The effect was particularly pronounced among women from lower socio-economic backgrounds, who were more likely to prioritize having children over other life goals. Men were not affected in the same way.
A Virginia Tech study reveals that common household chemicals can decrease reproduction in mice, raising concerns about potential effects on human fertility. The research found that female mice exposed to certain disinfectant ingredients took longer to get pregnant and had fewer offspring.
Economics experts will debate the usefulness of economic models, experiments and econometric regressions in addressing real-world issues. The meeting will feature lectures on topics like kidney donation matching and US unemployment, as well as systemic risk measurement.
Four winning projects address postoperative complications, visual impairments, tube feeding issues and neonatal urine collection. The first place team will receive $20,000 for their AccuSpine device improving spinal fusion procedures.
Researchers identified two key genes RAS and JAK that mutate to turn normal blood cells into cancer cells, offering a breakthrough in understanding leukemia. This discovery enables the identification of specific gene mutations, allowing for more effective treatment with lower toxicity.
Researchers have shown that injecting a weakened version of the anaerobic bacteria Clostridium novyi can shrink tumors in rats, dogs, and a human patient. The bacteria excise tumor tissue in a precise, localized way that spares surrounding normal tissue.
A new stimuli-responsive drug delivery system has been developed to prevent transplant rejection by delivering immunosuppressant drugs locally and when prompted. The system reduces toxicity and improves therapeutic outcomes, offering a paradigm shift in clinical immunosuppressive therapy.
A team of researchers has developed a 'self-fitting' material that can precisely fill bone defects in the head, face, and jaw, providing a potential solution for reconstructing facial features after injuries or surgery. The material, made from a shape-memory polymer, expands with warm salt water to conform to irregular defect shapes.
Researchers at Nanyang Technological University have identified two genes, RAS and JAK, that are mutated in most cases of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in children. This discovery may lead to more targeted treatment protocols with fewer side effects for these patients.
A University of Michigan Medical School study reveals strategies for success in 'medical marriages', where one or both spouses are physicians. Key findings include the importance of mutual support, role definition, and shared values in maintaining a resilient relationship.
Scientists at UC San Diego School of Medicine discovered the Notch signaling pathway's early role in establishing hematopoietic stem cell fate during development. They found JAM proteins serve as co-receptors for Notch signaling, facilitating HSC precursor cells' growth.
A new study by researchers at UNC Chapel Hill found that over half of older emergency department patients were either malnourished or at risk for malnutrition. Most of these patients had not previously been diagnosed as malnourished, highlighting the need for better nutrition assessments and support services.
A new study reveals that fracking fluids contain eight substances toxic to mammals and raise concerns about their potential health impacts. The research highlights the need to characterize compounds used in hydraulic fracturing to evaluate environmental and human health effects.
A UK study published in The Lancet found that being overweight or obese increases the risk of developing 10 common cancers, with over 12,000 cases estimated each year in the UK. The study also estimates that a population-wide 1 kg/m² increase in average BMI could result in an additional 3,790 cases annually.
Researchers tracked 35 blue sharks for up to 1,000 days and found evidence of a discrete central North Atlantic nursery. Juvenile female blue sharks migrate seasonally while juvenile males expand their range southward, with males displaying greater behavioral variation.
The Integrated Precipitation and Hydrology Experiment demonstrated two new radar instruments, improving rainfall measurement. The High-altitude Wind and Rain Profiler and ER-2 X-Band Radar provided a unique capability by capturing how cloud droplets and raindrops move relative to each other.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has awarded a total of $35,500 in individual grants to 43 researchers presenting at the 2014 Annual Meeting. The awards recognize top radiation oncology research from around the world and provide insight into significant advances in technology and biology.
Researchers have made the first live observations of minke whales feeding under sea ice, revealing a unique behavior that involves lunging up to 100 times per hour. The team used non-lethal tagging methods to study the whales' diet and habitat, providing new insights into the Antarctic ecosystem.
Karl Klose, a UTSA microbiologist, has received a $1 million contract from the US Department of Defense to develop a vaccine against tularemia. The bacteria can be deadly and has been developed as a bioweapon by several countries.
Scientists have discovered that the exact chemical make-up of dusty air, including microbes found in it, is crucial to predicting rain events and understanding regional climate. The research could lead to more accurate weather forecasting and improved cloud-seeding technology.
A new study found that the reclassification of PTSD diagnosis in DSM-5 potentially excludes soldiers who were previously diagnosed under previous criteria. The authors surveyed 1822 US soldiers and found that just under a third were excluded when using DSM-5 criteria, highlighting concerns for treatment and benefits.
Researchers have successfully mutated the powerful anti-HIV bNAb called VRC01 to make it last longer in blood and collect in rectal mucosal tissue, potentially blocking HIV transmission. A low-dose infusion of mutated VRC01 also protected monkeys against SHIV infection more effectively than unmutated VRC01.
Researchers found that reducing brain levels of tau protein effectively blocks disease development in a mouse model of Dravet syndrome. This approach also improved cognitive and behavioral abnormalities associated with the syndrome.
Researchers suggest genetically edited fruit could be more acceptable in Europe, with potential applications in vitamin A production and browning prevention. Genome editing tools like CRISPR enable precise adjustments to natural ingredients.
Scientists at the University of Illinois have discovered a single-layer sheet of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) that can sequence DNA more accurately and quickly than existing materials. The new material outperforms graphene, which had limitations due to DNA sticking to it.
Researchers at UMass Amherst develop a water-based method to control molecular assembly of nanoparticles, reducing the need for toxic solvents and increasing efficiency. The new technique enables faster, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly production of organic photovoltaics and other electronic devices.
A new analysis found that high sodium intake above the World Health Organization's recommendation of 2.0g per day contributes to nearly one in 10 global cardiovascular deaths. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, estimated 1.65 million annual cardiovascular deaths globally.
A modified version of Clostridium novyi bacterium has been shown to produce a strong anti-tumor response in rats, dogs and now humans. The treatment involves direct injection of spores into tumors, targeting oxygen-starved cells while sparing healthy tissue.
Researchers from London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found young men often prioritize anal sex over consent, while women report repeated requests and a culture of coercion. The study calls for open discussion to challenge these attitudes and promote healthier relationships.
The Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership's Unmanned Aircraft Systems test site program is fully operational and ready to conduct research on integrating unmanned aircraft into the nation's airspace. The partnership has been granted seven Certificates of Waiver or Authorization by the FAA, paving the way for the development of commercial u...
The HPV vaccine has resulted in a dramatic drop in genital warts among young Australians, with a 90% decrease in girls aged 12-17 and a 73% decrease in women between 18-26. The vaccine also showed an indirect protective effect among young men, leading to a 38% drop in genital warts.
Researchers at Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care studied the memories of 15 Air Transat passengers who experienced a life-threatening emergency in 2001. They found that those with PTSD recalled more external details, not just specific events, suggesting altered memory processing may be a vulnerability factor.
Regular exercise, including brisk walking, is associated with a lower rate of breast cancer in African American women. Women who exercised vigorously for seven or more hours each week were 25% less likely to develop breast cancer compared to those who exercised less.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in evaluating long bone fractures using ultrasound, providing a new method for monitoring healing. The study found that the amplitude of ultrasonic guided waves can quantify fracture degree and depth, offering a non-invasive diagnostic tool.
A recent study found that bacteria growing in hospitals are increasingly resistant to chlorhexidine gluconate, a common antiseptic used to prevent infections. The study suggests that daily antiseptic baths may be contributing to this trend, emphasizing the need for vigilant monitoring.
A new statistical model predicts the performance of hybrid rice, revolutionizing hybrid breeding in agriculture. The UC Riverside-led research uses genomic prediction to identify high-performance hybrids, increasing grain production and achieving global food security.
Researchers found that 70% of little penguins' foraging tracks were associated with other penguins and 40% exhibited synchronized diving. These behaviors suggest group foraging and synchronization of underwater movements in little penguins.
Extreme wildfire danger is raging in British Columbia, Canada, with over 142,000 hectares of land impacted. The majority of fires occurred in BC, Alberta, and the Northwest Territories, with high to extreme fire danger across western and northern Canada.
Researchers at Kansas State University have developed a lithium-based neutron detector for various applications, including medical imaging and national security. The Li-Foil Neutron Detector is more cost-effective than helium-3 based detectors due to advancements in lithium foil manufacturing.
Researchers found that the HIV virus's outer envelope is mistaken for bacterial antigens by the immune system, leading to ineffective antibodies. The study suggests a new hypothesis for how HIV vaccine development could be improved by targeting the gut flora.
Young people's feedback reveals oppressive culture around anal sex with little regard for consent or pleasure. Researchers call for more open discussion on the importance of mutuality in anal sex.
A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that poor sleep quality is associated with a higher risk of suicide in older adults. The research, conducted over a 10-year period, revealed that individuals who reported poorer sleep at baseline had a significantly increased risk of suicide, even when controlling for depressed mood.
New research shows that when teachers direct physical activities, young children become more active and less sedentary. Childhood physical activity is related to better health, higher test scores, and fewer behavioral problems.
A study published in Cell Host & Microbe reveals how the Ebola virus blocks the body's first line of defense against infection. By targeting a specific protein called eVP24, the virus cripples the immune system's ability to respond effectively, allowing it to mass-produce itself and trigger a deadly response.
Materials scientist Scott X. Mao successfully creates metallic glasses from pure metals by applying ultrafast cooling rates, solving a long-standing issue in the field. The process involves a novel technique that enables transformation of liquefied elemental metals into glass.
A team of researchers at the University of Texas at Arlington has developed a genetic computer network model that can predict the onset of mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. The model uses single nucleotide polymorphism networks to analyze a patient's genetic pattern and apply personalized therapy.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University developed a diagnostic tool using involuntary eye movements to accurately diagnose Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The test showed a direct correlation between ADHD and the inability to suppress eye movement in anticipation of visual stimuli.
Researchers have identified key mechanisms that trigger hematopoietic stem cell production, which could lead to new treatments for blood disorders. The discovery brings the potential for more widespread use of blood stem cells in therapy closer.
Researchers from the Universities of York, Macquarie and Oxford discovered evidence that ancient Egyptians used complex embalming agents 1,500 years earlier than thought. The findings suggest that mummification originated in Upper Egypt during the Neolithic period, around 4500-3100 BC.
Researchers found that fibroblastic reticular cells from lymph nodes improved survival in mouse models of sepsis, even when treatment was delayed by up to 16 hours. FRC administration prevented damage to the spleen and death of immune cells, leading to reduced bacterial levels in the bloodstream.
Hurricane Julio is moving north-northwest towards Hawaii, expected to weaken due to vertical wind shear. Two tropical lows are also developing in the Central Pacific Ocean, with low chances of formation.
Researchers discovered that HP1 proteins play a crucial role in regulating gene expression in malaria parasites, allowing them to survive and transmit. The study found that depleting HP1 enabled the parasite to express high levels of var genes, which can evade the immune system.
The University of California, Davis's STAIR Grant program provides funding and support for innovative research, allowing selected researchers to generate early proof-of-concept models. The four finalists have been awarded $50,000 each to develop their projects into commercial applications.