Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered a new type of regulatory blood cell that can fight hyperactive T-cells causing chronic inflammation in multiple sclerosis. The cells express FoxA1, which suppresses inflammation and degeneration of the brain.
The Vanderbilt team has deciphered the 3-D structure of a key MRSA protein, FosB, which inactivates an antibiotic called fosfomycin. This discovery may enable the design of inhibitors that can improve the effectiveness of fosfomycin and combat MRSA infections.
Professor Daniel K. Mroczek has discovered that certain personality traits are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes throughout life. His research suggests that many adults remain fit and engaged until late in life, maintaining fulfilling social relationships.
A new study found that Mount Hood's magma has been stored for at least 20,000 years, but can liquefy and potentially erupt in a short time frame of around two months. The key to triggering an eruption is elevating the rock's temperature above 750 degrees Celsius.
A new survey of over 10,000 Americans found that nearly 50% of evangelicals believe science and religion can work together, contrary to public perception. The study also showed that scientists are more likely to practice their faith than the general population, challenging conventional wisdom.
Researchers discovered a new layer in the human cornea that plays a vital role in fluid flow from the eye. This finding could shed light on glaucoma, a devastating disease caused by defective drainage of fluid.
A new study reveals a significant increase in Americans' moral opposition to animal testing, with over half of women and young adults opposing the practice. The study found that opposition to animal testing rose among all age groups, including older adults, and across political affiliations.
The University of Oregon's Science Literacy Program is exploring an interactive workshop centered on 'active learning,' which focuses on how students learn material and apply it in new situations. The goal is to improve STEM education by enhancing teaching methods that foster transfer of knowledge.
Researchers have observed Guam mantas gathering around fish spawn, which is a previously unknown behavior. The mantas react to the presence of surgeonfish by trying to evade them. This study highlights the importance of understanding manta behavior for conservation efforts in Micronesia.
A renowned ASU professor is discussing the importance of ethical considerations in scientific research, highlighting the need for scientists to think critically about their work. He emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary collaboration between ethicists, philosophers, and scientists to ensure responsible innovation and discovery.
A new study reconstructing the evolutionary tree of flu viruses challenges conventional wisdom, resolving mysteries surrounding historical outbreaks. The research provides the most comprehensive analysis to date, revealing how the virus evolves at different rates in various host species.
Scientists at the University of Edinburgh have developed a novel way to produce malaria parasite proteins that could lead to easy and cheap vaccine manufacturing. The new approach uses a single-celled aquatic creature similar to the malaria parasite, allowing for rapid multiplication in the lab.
A new study reveals that fertilization of natural grasslands disrupts ecosystem stability, reducing diversity and plant growth. The researchers used the Nutrient Network to collect data from 41 sites across five continents, finding a significant impact of fertilizer on ecosystems.
Researchers found high levels of antibiotic-resistant genes in river water during peak pilgrimage season, linked to overcrowding and poor waste management. The study emphasizes the importance of protecting sacred sites while preventing the spread of 'superbugs', highlighting the need for improved sanitation and waste treatment.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet found that a subtle epigenetic change facilitates structural changes of the centromere prior to cell division, ensuring proper chromosome distribution. This mechanism is highly similar in human cells and yeast cells, suggesting its key role in preventing incorrect chromosome numbers.
Researchers found a strong relationship between vulnerability to food shortages before a climate shock and its impact. They used long-term archaeological data to understand changing dynamics in the North Atlantic Islands and US Southwest.
Professor Haoqi Zhang's crowd-supported systems solve complex problems like custom trip planning and academic conference organization. His research integrates community process, intelligent user interfaces and crowdsourced input to create efficient solutions.
Wendy Wintersteen stresses the importance of partnerships for pooling research and expertise to address serious threats like climate change, pests, and plant disease. She highlights Iowa State's BioCentury Research Farm as a success story of public-private collaboration.
Recent research in biological anthropology explores how global environmental variations shape human health and biology. The studies examine the effects of diet, energy dynamics, and chronic inflammation on human reproduction, nutrition, and disease prevalence.
Scientists use nanofibers to trick glioblastoma cells into moving away from inoperable brain locations and towards a 'tumor collector' gel containing a toxic drug. This technique may allow patients to live with slow-growing tumors, controlling their growth rather than eradicating the cancer.
A recent study by UC Davis and Oregon State University found that magma mobility in Mount Hood is less than 10%, indicating a higher risk of eruptions. The research suggests using seismic imaging to detect mostly liquid magma, which could lead to more accurate eruption forecasts.
A recent study found that Samoa's adult population is almost three-quarters obese, with type 2 diabetes rates over one in five. The island's unique genetic profile and environmental factors are being investigated to understand the causes of this obesity crisis. This phenomenon may serve as a harbinger for global health difficulties.
Researchers focus on nanoscale innovations to enhance solar energy systems, leading to improved energy conversion efficiency and reduced costs. Nanotechnology advances could lead to the development of more efficient photovoltaic devices.
Growing industrialization threatens deep ocean ecosystems, which provide vital functions such as carbon sequestration. Experts urge a new 'stewardship mentality' to balance human needs with ecological impact, highlighting the need for international cooperation, regulation, and research funding to protect the world's last frontier.
The European Human Brain Project, Allen Institute for Brain Science, and US BRAIN Initiative are developing new methods to study the brain in health and disease. Researchers aim to reconstruct brain structure in computer models and analyze vast amounts of brain data.
Researchers at Stanford University are studying light harvesting mechanisms in photosynthetic organisms to improve solar cell efficiency. They have discovered new states of light harvesting complexes with different degrees of quenching, which may be a molecular mechanism for photoprotection.
Research by John Cacioppo reveals loneliness significantly impacts physical and mental health in older adults, increasing mortality risk. Staying connected with loved ones through social engagement can mitigate these effects.
A new design inspired by a pomegranate overcomes obstacles to using silicon anodes in lithium-ion batteries, allowing for increased storage capacity. The pomegranate-inspired electrode operates at 97% capacity after 1,000 cycles of charging and discharging.
Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have characterized two novel proteins from the tularemia bacteria Francisella tularensis that may contribute to its virulence. These proteins, REP24 and REP34, are responsible for induction of rapid encystment in amoebae, which allows the bacteria to survive unfavorable conditions.
A three-year study across five continents found that fertilizer increases grass production but reduces stability, leading to wilder swings in forage availability. This results in fewer species thriving, reducing the overall diversity of grasslands.
A panel of experts from Duke University and Scripps Institution urges policy and stewardship measures for deep sea ecosystems. The extraction of deep-sea minerals and precious metals creates economic incentives but poses unknown ecological risks.
Researchers at CU-Boulder have identified two key pathways affecting skeletal muscle renewal, which could lead to the development of therapeutic treatments for age-related muscle wasting. The study found that altering these pathways enhances muscle stem cell renewal and improves muscle regeneration in aged mice.
Researchers have found that aging muscle stem cells become less able to regenerate new fibers and self-renew. However, they discovered a process to rejuvenate old muscle stem cells using a drug and soft hydrogel substrate, enabling them to repair muscle damage in mice.