Researchers analyzed α-KTx family sequences to identify conserved amino acid sites associated with neurotoxin structure and function. A single genetic deletion event can convert an STS-containing insect defensin into a scorpion-like neurotoxin.
Researchers have built a system that converts the sun's energy into hydrogen fuel and stores it for later use, allowing for nighttime power. The 'solar fuels' system uses natural photosynthesis as inspiration and has the potential to be a major piece of the puzzle for a solar energy future.
Researchers have discovered two types of breast cancer stem cells, each playing a crucial role in metastasis. The findings highlight the need for targeted therapies that can tackle both forms of stem cells, offering new hope for patients with metastatic breast cancer.
Studies examine the role of hydrated fault zones in carrying large amounts of water from Earth's oceans to the mantle. Researchers also investigate vertical structural heterogeneities within cratonic lithosphere, shedding light on continent destruction and evolution.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have found a more efficient way to link a synthetic cobalt-containing catalyst to an organic light-sensitive molecule, increasing hydrogen generation from sunlight and water. The discovery uses a new mechanism that allows the reaction to continue significantly longer.
A handheld mineral analyzer has been developed for mining applications, enabling rapid analysis of minerals in the field. The device combines X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) techniques to identify and quantify minerals within 1-2 minutes.
The ERC Consolidator Grant will build upon the Geo-Wiki project's work in involving citizen scientists in global land cover research. The team aims to collect on-the-ground data using a local network of volunteers and smartphone applications.
Researchers found that younger adults outperform older adults in visual working memory tasks, with a higher capacity for 'high definition' recall. This suggests that while older adults may store similar amounts of information, their memories are less detailed and impaired in recollection.
A new study at Caltech describes a mechanism for bacterial biofilms to induce the transformation of marine invertebrates from larvae to adults. Researchers discovered that phage tail-like structures, similar to those used by viruses to inject genetic material into bacteria, play a crucial role in this process.
Scientists have created stealth compounds programmed to respond to specific signals, allowing for targeted detection of diseases and potential delivery of potent drugs. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize disease diagnosis and treatment, enabling early detection and precise treatment strategies.
A new study reveals that hepatitis C infection rates vary significantly among Hispanic groups in the US, with Puerto Rican individuals facing the highest risk. The study, which analyzed data from over 11,000 individuals, found that infection rates range from less than 1% to 11.6% among different ethnic groups.
A study found that women previously treated for CIN3 have an increased risk of developing and dying from cervical or vaginal cancer compared to the general female population. The risk accelerates above age 60 and is more pronounced in those who received treatment later in life.
A study by the University of Bristol's Modelling Animal Decisions team found that optimal choices can violate transitivity, suggesting that seemingly irrelevant alternatives can influence decisions. This challenges traditional assumptions about rationality and decision-making.
A unique study of white-throated sparrows found a genetic pathway connecting aggression and parenting behaviors to specific genes, specifically the estrogen receptor alpha (ER-alpha) gene. The research showed that variation in ER-alpha expression predicted behavior in territorial aggression and parenting.
A study published in the journal Pain found that individual differences in grey matter in certain brain regions are related to pain sensitivity. People with higher default mode activity and better attention control tend to have reduced sensitivity to pain.
Andrew Sessler, former Berkeley Lab Director, wins Fermi Award for his work on particle accelerators and storage rings. He is recognized for advancing the science and technology frontier in research and development.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati identified serine/threonine protein kinase-29 (STK-29) as a key component linking circadian rhythms and cell division cycles. The study, led by Christian Hong, provided insights that could lead to improved disease treatments and drug delivery.
City of Hope researchers discovered that breast cancer cells can masquerade as neurons, allowing them to hide from the immune system and spread to the brain. The study found that these cancer cells exploit the brain's chemicals and proteins to deceive the immune system.
Women aged 50-64 who are screened regularly have a lower risk of cervical cancer into their eighties. Screening up to age 65 greatly reduces cervical cancer risk, but protection weakens with time.
A new study, funded by the NIH, will investigate whether reducing uric acid levels can slow down kidney function decline in people with type 1 diabetes. The research aims to find an additional safe and inexpensive way to prevent or delay kidney failure.
Scientists have estimated that sauropod body temperature was around 28 degrees Celsius, contradicting the idea that their size was limited by overheating. The research also explores the reproductive biology of sauropods and the potential for convergent evolution in their bone structure.
Two small RNAs (sRNAs) GlmY and GlmZ orchestrate bacterial attack on epithelial cells by cleaving transcripts and destabilizing LEE gene expression. This coordination enables efficient mammalian-cell invasion and optimal pedestal formation.
Rats will help a stranger in distress if they have had prior positive social interactions with the type of unfamiliar individual. This behavior is driven by social experiences and not genetics or kin selection. Rats are able to categorize others into groups and modify their social behavior accordingly.
Children with autism have difficulty integrating simultaneous information from their eyes and ears, according to a Vanderbilt study. The research suggests that deficits in sensory building blocks for language and communication can hamper social and communication skills in children with autism.
Azim Surani receives the McEwen Award for Innovation for pioneering epigenetics research; Valentina Greco wins the ISSCR-BD Biosciences Outstanding Young Investigator Award for her noninvasive method to visualize skin stem cell division. Paolo Bianco, Elena Cattaneo, and Michele De Luca receive the ISSCR Public Service Award for their ...
New study finds less gray matter in dyslexic brains is a consequence of poor reading experiences, not the root cause. The research suggests that experience-induced changes in the brain may be responsible for cognitive impairment in dyslexia.
A study published in Nature Chemical Biology found that a molecular switch in the nerves responsible for detecting pain can 'short-circuit', intensifying pain. This alternative pathway activates the pain nerves, increasing the sensation of pain.
A study from North Carolina State University finds that CT scan data can be incorporated into a forensic database to determine the ancestry and sex of unidentified remains. This may also have clinical applications for craniofacial surgeons.
Researchers found that a short visit to a high-crime neighborhood can significantly impact visitors' trust in others and feelings of paranoia. The study suggests people respond to their environment in real-time, using cues like broken windows and graffiti to update their attitudes.
Research at Uppsala University found that rare mitochondrial genes are associated with better survival and reproductive outcomes in a common beetle species. The study suggests that these genetic variations play a crucial role in maintaining genetic diversity.
Panel members of the Institute of Medicine's Eighth Joint National Committee opposed relaxing systolic blood pressure targets to 150 mmHg, citing insufficient evidence. The decision may reduce antihypertensive treatment intensity, potentially reversing declines in cardiovascular disease mortality rates.
A Mayo Clinic study found that nearly all patients with intact rotator cuffs experience improved function and pain relief after shoulder replacement surgery. The procedure improves range of motion and reduces pain in nearly all cases, especially for those with rheumatoid arthritis.
The new website provides weekly predictions for US seasonal flu rates in 94 cities, based on a scientifically validated system. Flu cases are forecast to peak in January, with some areas already experiencing the worst of the outbreak.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a small molecule compound called BMH-21 that targets and disrupts a key pathway in cancer cells, preventing their growth. By shutting down the RNA Polymerase pathway, BMH-21 prevents mutant cancer genes from communicating with cells and replicating.
Researchers at Duke University have determined the structure of a key part of the HIV envelope protein, gp41 membrane proximal external region (MPER), which previously eluded detailed structural description. This discovery will help focus HIV vaccine development efforts.
A cheap and simple technology developed at the University of Sheffield can repair earthquake damaged buildings in a matter of days, reducing delays for homeless people. The 'belt' technique involves wrapping metal straps around each floor to increase the building's ability to withstand further earthquake movement.
Researchers argue that record-level funding is not enough to protect endangered species, highlighting the need for alternative approaches such as community-based conservation and sustainable trade. The study calls for a shift in focus from enforcement alone to more comprehensive solutions to combat poaching.
Scientists have discovered six proteins essential for cell-to-cell communication in the heart, regulating heartbeat synchronization and limiting heart attacks and strokes. The findings also suggest that mTOR inhibitors can be used to prevent erratic heart rhythms, offering a potential treatment for arrhythmias and heart failure.
Scientists at MIT have developed a strain of mice that mimics the human immune system, allowing them to study the interaction between the host and the malaria parasite. The research reveals that natural killer cells play a crucial role in controlling infection early on.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that observers could detect changes in a person's appearance even when they couldn't visually identify the change. The researchers showed that this ability was not due to extrasensory perception or a sixth sense.
A study found that giving probiotics to infants during the first three months of life can prevent gastrointestinal disorders like colic, acid reflux, and constipation. This approach results in lower healthcare costs for families.
Researchers developed a novel sugar-based tracer contrast agent to aid in the detection of inflamed and vulnerable artery plaques. The new tracer, fluorodeoxymannose (FDM), shows promise in targeting high-risk plaques more specifically than traditional glucose-based tracers.
A USC study has identified a viral microRNA cluster responsible for causing Kaposi's sarcoma, the most common cancer among HIV-infected people. The cluster targets key cellular pathways associated with cancer development, offering potential targets for new therapeutics.
A study by Yvonne Terry-McElrath and colleagues found that most elementary, middle, and high school students are exposed to food commercialism at school. The percentage of schools with exclusive beverage contracts decreased from 2007 to 2012, but fast food remained available in many schools.
Researchers found that metformin inhibits mTOR pathway, which supports cancer growth, rather than activating AMPK. Metformin may still be useful for cancer treatment, but clinicians should use caution when interpreting data.
A study by Jessi L. Smith and Meghan Huntoon found that gender norms about modesty contribute to women's reluctance to brag about their achievements. Interventions can help women communicate effectively about their successes. The research suggests that cultural shifts are needed, but practical strategies like promoting female friends' ...
A study by researchers at the Medical College of Georgia has identified two players that must work together to destroy vision in patients with diabetes. The findings suggest that blocking the production of reactive oxygen species by either retinal cells or white blood cells may be a viable strategy for intervention.
A team at TUM has developed a glass-based detector that accurately determines the form of light waves in individual femtosecond pulses. The new detector simplifies measurements of ultrafast physical processes and enables the generation of stable attosecond light flashes with controlled shape.
Cyclone Ian has been battered by strong wind shear, causing its bulk of precipitation to shift east and southeast. The storm's temperature varied greatly, with coldest cloud tops near -63F/-52C in some areas.
A new study from the University of Texas at Austin found that parents who give their children similar-sounding names are more likely to mistakenly call them by another family member's or pet's name. The researchers discovered that physical and personality similarities between siblings also contribute to these errors.
A recent study by University of Chicago Booth School of Business professors provides a more accurate approach to modeling caller patience than ever before. This insight can help call centers design better systems, fine-tune existing ones and negotiate smarter contracts for outsourcing services.
A new blood test has been developed to diagnose coeliac disease, providing a rapid and accurate result within 24 hours. The test measures T cell response to gluten after three days of consumption, showing high predictive value for coeliac disease diagnosis.
Tropical Cyclone Colin is experiencing heavy rainfall, with TRMM satellite data showing rates of up to 2 inches per hour. The storm is moving south-southeast towards cooler sea surface temperatures, which will cause it to weaken.
A new study led by Boston University School of Public Health researcher Dr. Richard Saitz found that a single screening question may detect unhealthy substance use, including 88% for alcohol dependence and 97% for drug dependence, outperforming longer screening tools.
A new UK-China project investigates the social and political factors driving low-carbon innovation in China, exploring its impact on global climate change. The project aims to inform opportunities for low-carbon transitions in China and beyond.
A team led by The Wistar Institute will conduct a 4-year, randomized clinical trial to test an immunotherapy strategy that has shown promise in reducing the amount of persistent HIV-1 virus residing in cells. The trial aims to establish the effectiveness of this approach in advancing an HIV cure.
A new study finds that heart attack survivors, particularly black and Hispanic women, are less likely to adhere to prescribed medications. The researchers highlight the need for targeted interventions to improve long-term adherence and optimal outcomes.
Researchers at UC Riverside have discovered how the common fruit fly detects sweet compounds, revealing a new understanding of taste receptors in insects. The study's findings hold promise for developing strategies to block these receptors, potentially helping to control disease-carrying mosquitoes and other pests.
A study found that 88% of participants opted for further investigation even if symptoms carried only a one per cent risk of indicating cancer. Patients cited peace of mind and early detection as main reasons for wanting more timely testing, highlighting the need for NHS guidelines to be revised.
A University of Illinois study found that family-style meals help children develop healthy eating habits and recognize their body's hunger cues. The research suggests that Head Start centers are in better compliance with nutrition guidelines than other child-care centers.