Researchers have developed a new tool to silence neurons with high reliability and efficiency. The new channelrhodopsin variant, iC1C2, allows neuroscientists to both activate and inactivate neurons in deep brain structures using dim pulses of light.
A new report reveals that cutting down on meat and dairy products can reduce nitrogen air and water pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and free up large areas of farmland. Adopting a demitarian diet across Europe could reduce nitrogen pollution levels by about 40%.
Genetic evidence reveals that dwarf birch was once common in England and Wales, with genes found across Britain. The study suggests global warming, deer grazing, and hybridisation are threats to the dwindling population.
Researchers identify CLP1 as a cause of a rare neurological disorder affecting brain development and peripheral nerves, leading to cell death in neural progenitor cells. The study reveals a new mechanism involving tRNA biogenesis, which explains the disorder's symptoms.
Researchers at the University of Montreal found a link between genetic variation in mitochondrial RNA and human fitness, with implications for metabolism rates and overall health. The study, which analyzed data from nearly 40,000 Quebecers, provides new insights into the complex relationship between genetics and health.
Children with FASD often exhibit difficulties with specific aspects of attention, such as shifting attention, but not others like focus. A new study suggests a need for more nuanced understanding of attention skills and to recognize that these children's attention issues may be less important than their overall problems.
The National Science Foundation has awarded LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans a Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Site grant to provide training for 10 weeks during the summers of 2014-16. The project will focus on research fields including genetics, microbiology, and neurosciences.
Scientists at GEOMAR used a complex 3D computer model to simulate the paths of seawater toward hydrothermal vents, finding that water seeps in near vents or travels long distances underground before venting. This study provides new insights into ocean floor processes and resource potential.
A new DNA-based label has been developed to detect counterfeit olive oil, allowing for the identification of producers and authentication of products. The label uses nanotechnology and natural DNA, offering a cheap and safe way to detect adulteration.
Scientists have developed a new tool for controlling brain circuit activity using light pulses, allowing for precise control over neuron function. The breakthrough, funded by the NIH, could lead to future therapeutic applications in managing pain and understanding mental illnesses.
International anti-doping bodies advocate for storing doping samples for 10 years to enable technology to detect performance-enhancing substances. Biological profiling will also be widely used to monitor athletes' genetic blueprints, revealing subtle changes caused by doping.
The atlas provides maps of 14 diseases and conditions, alongside environmental agents such as air pollution and pesticides. It highlights areas with consistent patterns of lower relative health risks, including central London and North Norfolk.
A new study reports that antimicrobial peptide-coated contact lenses are safe and effective in reducing the risk of contact lens-related infections. The study found no signs of toxic effects or adverse reactions, making melimine-coated lenses a promising alternative to traditional antibiotics.
A Vanderbilt study found that two-thirds of ICU patients experience somatic symptoms like weakness, appetite change, and fatigue, surpassing cognitive symptoms. The study highlights a significant public health issue, with millions of patients admitted to ICUs annually.
Vital medications for treating opioid addiction are underutilized in addiction treatment services, but HHS agencies are working to encourage their use. Medications can be used with behavior therapies to help drug users recover and remain drug-free.
Researchers have developed an engineered E. coli strain that can produce high levels of D-ribose from glucose-xylose mixtures, increasing industrial-scale production efficiency. The study provides a metabolic engineering strategy for additional optimization and bioprocess improvement.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have made a significant breakthrough in regenerative medicine by reprogramming mature blood cells into blood-forming hematopoietic stem cells. The induced blood-forming stem cells (iHSCs) have functional hallmarks of HSCs and can give rise to all cellular components of the blood.
A new approach to managing patients before, during, and after colorectal surgery has been shown to significantly reduce hospital stays and readmission rates. The enhanced recovery approach, which includes standardized care pathways and evidence-based practices, cut hospital admissions by two days and reduced readmission rates by half.
A Scripps Institution of Oceanography study finds that Alteromonas bacteria can consume as much dissolved organic carbon as diverse communities of organisms. This discovery sheds light on the complex mechanisms of ocean carbon cycling and highlights the importance of individual species in regulating atmospheric carbon dioxide.
A four-year increase in coffee consumption was associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, while decreases in coffee intake were linked to a higher risk. Coffee's protective effect against type 2 diabetes appears to be independent of initial coffee consumption and other lifestyle factors.
Researchers have sequenced the tsetse fly's genome, providing insights into its biology and potentially leading to new ways to prevent trypanosomiasis. The study's findings could also help develop environmentally-safe insecticides targeting the fly's neuropeptide systems.
A new pilot study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that using frozen stool from healthy, unrelated donors was safe and effective in treating patients with relapsing diarrhea caused by Clostridium difficile. The treatment was equally effective whether given via a colonoscope or a nasogastric tube.
Researchers have successfully expanded cord blood stem cells using histone deacetylase inhibitors, resulting in enhanced proliferation and hematopoietic reconstitution. The findings suggest a potential clinical benefit for children with hematological malignancies or genetic defects.
A study found that Twitter conversations among men feature fewer mentions of women compared to female-female conversations. The Bechdel test was applied to analyze the gender bias in social media platforms, revealing a male-biased environment on Twitter.
A new study shows that the odds of storm waters overflowing the Manhattan seawall have increased 20-fold due to a rise in storm tides and sea-level rise. The maximum height of 'once-in-10-years' storms has grown by almost a foot since the mid-19th century, making New York City more prone to frequent and extensive flooding.
Researchers at UNSW Australia have successfully regrown auditory nerves using bionic ear technology and gene therapy, potentially improving outcomes for people with cochlear implants. The technique delivers neurotrophins to cells near the implant electrodes, promoting nerve regeneration.
A study published in Cell Transplantation found that injecting autologous peripheral blood stem cells into the brain of stroke patients improved their motor function. The treatment was safe and feasible in patients who suffered a prior stroke, with significant improvements in clinical outcomes measures.
Researchers develop software to identify patients at risk of bleeding from stroke treatment, which could help doctors make more accurate assessments and treat more patients. The program uses pattern recognition software similar to airport security to analyze brain scans and predict the likelihood of bleeding with high accuracy.
Researchers have discovered that some lung cancers with EGFR gene mutations are uniformly treated throughout the tumor, while others have variable mutation presence. This finding has significant implications for diagnostic accuracy and precision medicine in lung adenocarcinoma.
A new study found that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) patients have altered microRNA expression linked to chronic inflammation. The study suggests trauma may cause changes in microRNA, promoting inflammation and contributing to secondary medical conditions.
Researchers have identified two independent sex-determining genes, SRY and AMHY, that emerged around 180 million years ago in the common ancestor of mammals. These genes are responsible for testicular development and determine an individual's sex.
Sophie Martin received the 2014 EMBO Gold Medal for her groundbreaking research on cellular polarity, which has renewed interest in mechanisms of cell size regulation. Her work revealed a potential mechanism by which microtubules direct actin cytoskeleton-driven cell growth.
Researchers Stefano Liberati and Luca Maccione suggest spacetime is a fluid with extremely low viscosity, contradicting Einstein's special relativity. This emergent model predicts novel effects on photon propagation, which could be observable with future astrophysical studies.
Researchers are mapping norovirus occurrences in pubs, restaurants, and hotels across the North West and South East of England. The study aims to reduce infections by collecting swabs from work surfaces and investigating virus strains in high-risk foods like oysters and berries.
Death rates from pancreatic cancer are expected to rise in Europe in 2014, with 41,300 men and 41,000 women predicted to die from the disease. This represents a small but steady increase since 2000, with only five percent of patients surviving for five years after diagnosis.
A community-based structured weight loss program significantly improved blood sugar control and reduced medication use in overweight adults with type 2 diabetes. Participants who received personalized counseling and portion-controlled foods lost more weight and showed better diabetes management compared to a control group.
The shale gas industry's high water usage competes with residential and agricultural needs in arid regions, depleting groundwater resources. Researchers suggest using brackish water and recycling wastewater to minimize the industry's water footprint.
A cost-effective system uses off-the-shelf equipment to produce 3D models of medium-to-large insects, enhancing biodiversity discovery and species identification. The compact models have excellent optical resolution and can be shared via documents and web pages.
Researchers found that multiple types of primitive cells in blood provide the same benefits as a single stem cell, including protecting and repairing blood vessels. The study used a systems approach to analyze gene activity patterns, identifying 15 genes with cardiovascular-relevant functions.
The Commission for Environmental Cooperation has identified 29 priority conservation areas along the US-Mexico border, prioritizing habitat preservation and sustainable economic development. The Big Bend-Rio Bravo Conservation Assessment provides a collaborative approach to conservation, involving scientists, government experts, privat...
A new study reveals that women with wider hips are more likely to have multiple sexual partners and engage in one-night stands. Hip width, rather than waist-to-hip ratio, is found to be a key predictor of a woman's sexual behavior.
John J. O'Shea has made groundbreaking discoveries related to cytokine signaling and primary immunodeficiencies, earning him the Ross Prize in Molecular Medicine. The award recognizes his innovative research that bridges basic science and clinical practice.
A study by Dr Chris Platts found that Premier League soccer stars regularly insult and mock junior players as part of a humiliating rite of passage. The research highlights the need for radical changes in football's culture to produce better players.
A new meta-analysis suggests that vitamin D supplements do not prevent falls by 15% or more, leaving uncertainty about their benefits for vulnerable older people. The analysis of 20 randomised controlled trials involving over 29,500 participants found no evidence to support the use of vitamin D supplements to reduce fall risk.
The SensaBubble system generates scented bubbles with projected images that release a scent upon bursting, creating a chrono-sensory experience. Researchers believe this technology could be applied in areas like education, alerts, and engaging user experiences.
A comprehensive genomic analysis of Bordetella pertussis bacteria reveals the impact of vaccination on its spread and diversification. The study shows that vaccination has dramatically reduced rates of infection and loss of life from whooping cough, but strategies used to date have not completely eradicated strains of the bacteria.
Researchers have successfully captured a view of a molecular catalyst that converts hydrogen into electricity, confirming previous hypotheses and providing insight into its structure. The study's findings offer potential improvements to hydrogen-powered fuel cells, which could be more expensive but also carbon-neutral.
Researchers successfully transplanted human neural stem cells into nonhuman primate brains and observed their long-term survival and differentiation into neurons. The study holds promise for treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
A new study suggests that individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) may experience an increased risk of mortality over a six-year period. The research, conducted by the American Academy of Neurology, found that those with MCI had an 80% higher death rate compared to those without MCI.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has issued a new guideline detailing the use of adjuvant radiation therapy in treating endometrial cancer. The guideline recommends postoperative external beam radiation for patients with early-stage disease, and vaginal cuff brachytherapy for those at high risk of vaginal recurrence.
A NASA pilot project measures geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) in real-time, providing unprecedented data gathering and insights into Earth's upper atmosphere. The goal is to better understand GICs and their impact on the US power grid.
A study by Sarah Crowley reveals the complex history of camels in Australia, from their role in infrastructure development to their current status as 'humped pests.' The estimated 1 million-strong population poses a significant environmental threat, causing damage to agriculture and water resources.
A French study found that marijuana use can lead to cardiovascular-related complications, including heart attacks and peripheral artery diseases. Researchers analyzed 35 cases of marijuana-related complications and reported a significant increase in cardiovascular events among young and middle-aged adults.
Tropical Cyclone Jack had weakened to a tropical depression when NASA's TRMM satellite passed above on April 22, 2014. Rainfall rates reached over 130mm/hr near the center, while wind shear continued to impact the system, ultimately leading to its dissipation in the Southern Indian Ocean by April 23.
Researchers at Monash University have modelled a carbon-based spaser that could enable the creation of ultra-thin mobile phones printed on clothing. The device offers advantages such as high temperatures resistance, eco-friendliness, and flexibility, paving the way for innovative applications in telecommunications.
Researchers at National University of Singapore identify cancer-specific stem cell causing gastric cancer, opening possibility of developing new drugs to treat this disease. They discovered a cancer-specific variant of a cell surface protein, CD44v8-10, marks gastric cancer stem cells but not normal cells.
Researchers found that methylphenidate, an ADHD medication, can prevent the depletion of self-control by blocking regulatory depletion in healthy volunteers. The study suggests that this medication may help boost performance of brain circuits compromised after sustained exertion of self-control.
The study found that genes on the Y chromosome are widely expressed across the body and contribute to differences in disease susceptibility between men and women. These genes are crucial for survival and have been selected over time, suggesting a new era in Y chromosome biology.
A 28-year study found that strenuous midlife occupational physical activity increases risk of mobility limitation in old age, while leisure-time physical activity decreases risk. Long-term consequences differ between heavy manual work and exercise.
Researchers at WSU Spokane developed a new way to detect drivers about to nod off, using steering wheel movements. The technology offers an inexpensive alternative to video-based systems, providing a more reliable solution for detecting fatigue.