A study by The Wistar Institute found that a polymorphism in the TLR5 gene affects tumor progression and inflammation in breast and ovarian cancers. In individuals with functional TLR5 expression, commensal bacteria stimulate IL-6 production, leading to suppressed antitumor immune activity.
As ocean acidification research expands its scope, experts highlight the need for integrated assessments, considering multiple stressors and evolutionary adaptation. Laboratory experiments show that adaptation is possible, but its ability to keep pace with fast-changing ecosystems remains uncertain.
Carnegie Mellon University will receive a five-year, $2 million grant to train humanities PhD students in digital scholarship and TEL. The courses will be available online, open to anyone, and include fellowships for students pursuing thesis work involving digital humanities or TEL.
Scientists discover two new taxa of wood-feeding cockroaches in China, highlighting their unique hermit lifestyle. These wood-eating insects are distinct from other cockroach species, which typically infest human habitats, and were previously understudied due to their secluded behavior.
A new study published in Diabetes suggests that young children with type 1 diabetes have slower brain growth compared to children without diabetes. The researchers found that abnormal blood glucose levels impact brain structure and function at a young age.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding liquid electrolytes used in lithium-ion batteries. They found that the actual solvation environment of lithium ions is non-tetrahedral, contrary to previous predictions. This discovery could lead to more efficient and better-performing electrolytes.
A study by biologists at the Alfred Wegener Institute found that ingestion of microplastic particles does not mechanically affect marine isopods. In a feeding experiment, researchers offered isopods artificial food supplemented with plastic particles, which were traced through the digestive system using various microscopy techniques.
Researchers found that OCD patients were less capable of stopping pedal-pressing habits due to excessive caudate nucleus activity, linking compulsions to the brain's habit system. The study suggests that habits may be behind various psychiatric behaviors, including drug abuse and binge-eating.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a two-dimensional, light-sensitive material that can capture images. The material, copper indium selenide (CIS), is highly sensitive to light due to its slow-dissipating electrons, making it 10 times more efficient than previous materials.
The 2014-2015 Antarctic Scientific Balloon Campaign launched NASA's ANITA-III payload to detect ultra-high energy cosmogenic neutrino fluxes. The campaign also includes the launch of COSI, a gamma-ray telescope to study astrophysical sources of nuclear line emission.
Professor Joachim Kopp at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz has received a €800,000 ERC Starting Grant to pursue new approaches in theoretical neutrino physics. He aims to investigate the existence of sterile neutrinos and their potential connection to dark matter.
Scientists created a simple mathematical model to explain the stunning colors of Yellowstone National Park's hot springs. The model takes into account spectral reflection, microbial mats, and solar conditions, reproducing the brilliant hues of the springs.
Researchers highlight four areas of concern for parents and practitioners: normal sleep patterns, nightwakings, parental presence at bedtime, and safe sleep training. The study aims to educate nurse practitioners on sharing current knowledge with parents to promote healthy nighttime care choices.
Researchers are developing a new generation of photonic integrated circuits that use photons instead of electrons to transmit data. This technology has the potential to transform data communications and enable faster, smaller components for the growing number of Internet-connected devices.
A mid-level flare with a magnitude of M6.9-class occurred on December 18, 2014, emitting powerful bursts of radiation. The Solar Dynamics Observatory captured the event, which may affect Earth's atmosphere and GPS/communications signals.
Scientists create a molecular 'GPS' to precisely locate metal ions in enzymes, which play key roles in metabolism and synthesis. This innovation uses spin-labeled amino acids to track metal ion positions, enabling better understanding of biochemical reactions.
Scientists at the National University of Singapore identified a novel mechanosensitive regulation of epithelial tube contraction using the C. elegans spermatheca as a model. The study revealed that SPV-1 protein maintains regular cycles of actomyosin contractility, which helps maintain tube integrity.
Scientists from GEOMAR found a possible reason for increasing oxygen deficiency in tropical zones, attributing it to fluctuations in trade winds. This change affects the habitat of fish species and can reverse once trade winds strengthen.
A UCLA study found that early exposure to antidepressants can impact adult anxiety behavior, with Lexapro potentially altering serotonin neurotransmission and reducing anxiety in mice. The research highlights the need for safer antidepressant options during pregnancy.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum discovered a protein called RidA that protects intestinal bacteria E. coli from immune activity caused by chlorine. In the presence of chlorine, RidA binds to other proteins, preventing them from coagulating and losing their function.
Scientists have discovered that hydrogen peroxide is a key regulator of cellular functions, transmitting signals by oxidizing specific proteins. This discovery challenges previous assumptions and opens new avenues for understanding cancer development and progression.
A large cohort study found that women experiencing moderate to severe hot flashes and night sweats have lower bone mineral density and higher rates of hip fracture. Women with these symptoms are more likely to have issues with bone health than their peers, highlighting the need for healthy lifestyle habits to prevent osteoporosis.
A Ugandan doctor contracted Ebola in Sierra Leone and was flown to Germany for aggressive treatment involving the experimental drug FX06. The doctor developed severe multi-organ failure but made a marked improvement under intensive care and drug treatment, with no Ebola virus genetic material detected after 30 days.
Researchers created an oil palm system model using APSIM framework to help growers maximize yields while reducing environmental harm. The model accounts for soil, climate, and management factors to evaluate water balance, nutrient balance, and greenhouse gas emissions.
Adults who lose all their teeth show significant declines in memory and walking speeds compared to those with some teeth. The association between tooth loss and decline remains after adjusting for various factors.
A randomized controlled trial found the high-dose flu vaccine produced a stronger immune response in frail older adults living in long-term care facilities. The study suggests the high-dose vaccine may be the better option for this population to protect against flu.
Researchers Stanton McHardy and Rong Li will lead a collaborative team to develop next-generation breast cancer treatment drugs, with the goal of harnessing anti-tumor activity against breast cancers. They aim to analyze new small molecules that regulate the ER-beta pathway, which has shown promise in treating breast cancer.
A new University of Michigan study found that expectant fathers experience significant hormonal changes, including declines in testosterone and estradiol, even before their babies are born. These changes may be linked to psychological and physical transformations as men prepare to become fathers.
Researchers at Rhode Island Hospital discovered that bloodstream infections caused by different types of bacteria vary based on location and healthcare spending. The study found a correlation between distance from the equator and health care spending in determining the type of bacteria causing such infections.
Researchers have discovered a mutation in ferrets that shares similarities with humans, potentially leading to improved therapies for influenza and other diseases. This finding opens up a novel approach to tackling human diseases.
A new study by University of Illinois researchers reveals that Illinois plays a vital role in distributing over 400 million tons of food annually, with the state transporting more than 70 million tons. The study highlights the importance of investing in infrastructure to ensure national and global food security.
Research reveals that half of US teen driver fatalities involve vehicles 11+ years old and lacking standard safety features. Parents are advised to prioritize safety over cost when purchasing a car for their teenager.
Researchers found that less than half of UK prescriptions for antipsychotics were issued for main licensed conditions, with many prescribed to older adults for anxiety and dementia. This misuse increases the risk of side effects in this age group.
A study published in PLoS Genetics found that ibuprofen extended the lifespan of yeast, worms, and fruit flies, with treated organisms living up to 15% longer. The research suggests that ibuprofen impacts a process not yet implicated in aging, offering a new approach to studying and understanding the aging process.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine propose that cell-associated HIV transmission is an important element contributing to the HIV epidemic, challenging traditional views on virus transmission. Genetic evidence suggests that HIV-infected cells populate genital secretions and breast milk, providing a new target for HIV ...
A team of researchers simulated bubble nucleation using Japan's most powerful computer, discovering that a classical theory developed in the 1960s holds true for gas bubbles in liquids. The findings have implications for engineering applications, such as designing more efficient power stations or propellers.
Researchers tracked golden-winged warblers' migration and found they fled breeding grounds one to two days before powerful supercell storms. The birds sensed infrasound, a low-frequency sound wave that can travel thousands of kilometers, allowing them to alter their route and avoid severe weather.
A new analysis shows that parents of children involved in an elementary school-based community intervention to prevent obesity appear to share in its health benefits. The study found a modest decrease in body mass index (BMI) among parents compared to those in control communities.
A recent poll in Russia found that President Vladimir Putin enjoys an 81% approval rating, despite economic concerns being a top priority for the public. Two-thirds of respondents support efforts to aid Ukrainians seeking separation from the Kiev government.
A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that urban stressors contribute to a rising rate of diabetes in developing nations. High cortisol levels were found to be a key factor, with urban residents having significantly higher levels than rural counterparts.
A study found that premature birth impairs a subtle but important aspect of memory: recalling context, such as what, when, and where. The hippocampus region is smaller in preterm children, affecting contextual recollection-based retrieval.
A study at Loyola University Health System found that social workers, dietitians, and physicians were the most central communicators in a hospital's clinical team. Effective clinical care teams show high degrees of shared cognition, whereas teams working in silos present barriers to optimal patient care.
Researchers have identified a key brain region responsible for navigational skills and found that its signal strength predicts performance. The study's findings provide new insights into the neural mechanisms underlying spatial navigation, which may help explain why some individuals are better at navigating than others.
Researchers found that SIRT1 enzyme loss drives early prostate cancer formation in mouse models. The study suggests SIRT1 may be a target for prostate cancer prevention.
Researchers found that endogenous retroviruses play a critical role in the body's immune defense against common bacterial and viral pathogens. The ERV DNA can activate B cells to produce protective antibodies, suggesting that these viruses have an 'physiological' function.
Cuprate superconductors exhibit unique properties, including high-temperature superconductivity and magnetic behavior. Researchers at EPFL used Resonant Inelastic X-ray Scattering to study the electronic structure of cuprates, finding that spin interactions play a crucial role in their superconducting state.
An interdisciplinary research team at Wayne State University found that older, more mature motorists are worse at texting and driving than their younger counterparts. The study suggests that age may be a factor in the negative impact of texting on driving performance.
Researchers have discovered microexons, small gene fragments critical for neuron maturation, providing a new understanding of genome regulation. The study found that these tiny exons play a key role in developing neurons and are highly conserved across vertebrates.
A study of over 80,000 women found a significant association between specific ABO blood groups and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Those with blood groups A, B, and AB had a higher risk compared to individuals with group O blood.
A new study published in PLOS Computational Biology suggests that animals can make efficient decisions by controlling the amount of effort invested within each unit of time, rather than just speed and accuracy. This ability allows them to adapt to changing environments and gain a fitness advantage over those with limited flexibility.
Researchers have found a combination of llama antibodies that can neutralize a wide range of circulating HIV viruses, offering a promising approach to developing an effective HIV vaccine. The study identified four broadly neutralizing antibodies induced by vaccination in llamas, which showed features similar to human antibodies.
Researchers created an artificial transporter protein, Rocker, that carries individual atoms across membranes, opening new possibilities for smart molecules. The discovery demonstrates the design of complex functions rivaling those of natural molecular machines.
Researchers have completed a detailed picture of human color vision evolution, tracing 7 genetic mutations and 5,040 pathways from UV to blue-light vision. The study clarifies molecular pathways at the chemical, genetic, and functional levels.
A recent study using 23andMe data reveals fine-scale differences in US genetic ancestry, reflecting African, European, and Native American influences. The research provides new insights into the complex history of the US population, shedding light on the impact of slavery, immigration, and colonization.
Researchers at Rice University have identified 48 metal organic frameworks that outperform current materials in storing compressed natural gas. The discovery could lead to more efficient and environmentally friendly natural gas cars with lighter, more compact tanks.
The DFG is establishing five new Research Units and four new Humanities Centres for Advanced Studies to tackle pressing issues in various fields. The centres will receive a total of approximately 23.5 million euros over three or four years.
University of Michigan researchers devise a reliable way to grow cancer cells from patients outside the body for study, increasing success rate to over 73% and opening doors to tailored therapies. The new technique could enable doctors to track cancer progression in real-time, making treatment decisions more informed.
Researchers have discovered that bacteria play an active role in the decay and preservation of soft-bodied organisms, leading to their fossilization. The study, published in Nature Communications, sheds new light on the process of fossil formation and how it can inform our understanding of early animal evolution.
A study found that high socioeconomic status, particularly in highly educated families, increases the risk of depression and discrimination among black young adults. Despite parental education's protective effect on white youth, high SES can lead to increased perceptions of being discriminated against, cancelling out its benefits.
A new deep learning model has revealed unexpected genetic determinants of autism, colon cancer, and spinal muscular atrophy by analyzing mutations in 'gene splicing.' This approach has led to the identification of 39 new genes potentially linked to autism spectrum disorder, a 40% increase from previously known genes.