Researchers have identified the first structure of one of eight human amino acid transporters, known as HATs. This breakthrough provides new insights into their functions and opens up possibilities for developing drugs to tackle various diseases associated with HATs.
Researchers propose that a 33 A.D. Old Jerusalem earthquake triggered neutron radiation, causing the Shroud's distinctive image and potentially leading to incorrect radiocarbon dating results. The theory is based on piezonuclear fission reactions and suggests that neutron emissions from earthquakes could have imprinted the image onto t...
Researchers found that carvacrol can break down the outer coat of norovirus, making it more susceptible to other antimicrobials. This discovery could lead to the development of a new food sanitizer and surface sanitizer for settings where traditional bleach or alcohol-based cleaners are not effective.
A recent study published in PLOS Medicine suggests that type 2 diabetes may not be directly linked to substantial weight gain over time. Instead, researchers identified distinct patterns of obesity development, including stable overweight individuals and those who experience continuous weight gain before diagnosis. The findings highlig...
A study of 1,358 children found that preterm infants had higher plasma insulin levels at birth and in early childhood, indicating a potential link between preterm birth and insulin resistance. This association may suggest that preterm birth is a risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes.
A €3.5m European Union-funded project aims to improve diagnosis and treatment of balance disorders through an online information system. The EMBalance tool will help clinicians accurately diagnose and manage balance-related conditions, reducing the risk of falls and improving patient independence.
A Michigan State University scholar found that Latino and black candidates won as often as their white counterparts when running for office. The study suggests that parties should recruit more minority candidates to address the lack of representation in elected offices
A new UK study found that targeting Twist, a nuclear protein accelerating epithelial-mesenchymal transition, may provide an effective approach for treating triple-negative breast cancer. The study showed that disrupting the interaction of Twist with BRD4 inhibited invasion and tumorigenicity in triple-negative breast cancer cells.
Dan Arvizu, NREL director, has been elected to the National Academy of Engineering for his leadership in the renewable and clean energy sectors. He was cited for promoting national balanced energy policies and making significant advancements in engineering education.
A 4-year follow-up study found that patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) in intensive care units who require renal replacement therapy do not benefit from higher-intensity treatment. Albuminuria was common among survivors, indicating ongoing risk of chronic kidney disease and mortality.
A new MIT robot developed by Hermano Igo Krebs can help pharmaceutical companies speed up drug development for stroke medications. By using the robot's measurements, companies may only need to test 240 patients to determine whether a drug works, reducing time and cost by 70%.
Scientists at the University of Freiburg have discovered a new paradigm for targeting specific cell types using nanoparticles. They developed particles that can recognize endothelial cells through biophysical principles, allowing for precise delivery to cancer cells without changing biological addresses. This breakthrough has significa...
A study of nearly 100,000 kidney donors found a small increased lifetime risk of developing end-stage renal disease following donation compared to healthy nondonors. The estimated cumulative incidence of ESRD at 15 years after donation was higher in donors than healthy nondonors, with blacks having the highest absolute risk.
Two solitary bee species use plastic materials to construct nests, replacing traditional plant-based building materials. The discovery suggests innovative use of common urban waste and potential benefits for parasite resistance.
The construction of an environmental data-logger using Arduino platform enables wider access to cutting-edge technology in biodiversity science. This innovation fosters new collaborations between electronics hobbyists and engineers with interest in biodiversity.
Researchers found that individuals who feel connected to a group are more likely to donate, even if it's for a different group. The study suggests that nonprofits can improve fundraising efforts by targeting specific demographics and avoiding comparisons between donors and recipients.
A new study found that children who grow up in well-managed households and have school engagement report fewer sexually transmitted diseases in young adulthood. The findings suggest that prevention programs should focus on family dynamics and youth development rather than just abstinence education.
A new imaging technique can diagnose aortic disease and predict potential complications in patients with bicuspid aortic valve. Blood flow changes were found to be driven by specific types of abnormal aortic valves, and the study demonstrated a direct association between blood flow patterns and aortic diseases.
A study by Penn microbiologists found that statins can lower cholesterol levels and make cells less susceptible to hantavirus infection. This could lead to potential treatments for the deadly virus, which causes flu-like symptoms and respiratory distress syndrome.
Researchers found that quitting smoking is associated with lower rates of mood/anxiety disorders and alcohol use disorder. The study analyzed data from over 4,800 daily smokers and found significant improvements in mental health outcomes after quitting or reducing cigarette smoking.
A study published in Molecular Biology and Evolution found that Tibetan Mastiffs have undergone genetic adaptations to survive at high altitudes. The research identified 16 genes involved in energy production critical for high-altitude survival, suggesting convergent evolution between dogs and humans.
A study by Johns Hopkins engineers used juggling to investigate how vision and the sense of touch help control limb movement, shedding light on potential treatments for neurological diseases. Adding haptic feedback improved performance, but didn't correct errors, highlighting the brain's reliance on timing information.
Researchers discovered that bacterial LPS components directly activate pain sensors, triggering immediate pain and inflammatory responses. This finding reveals a new target for drugs designed to treat bacterial infections, such as pneumonia and meningitis.
Researchers discovered that CB1 cannabinoid receptors control a circuit connecting the olfactory bulb to the olfactory cortex, increasing sensitivity to smell during hunger. This biological mechanism may be altered in obese or anorexic patients, enabling better management of these pathologies.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that the normal enzyme SYK pairs with mutated FLT3 to promote AML progression and resistance to treatment. Combination therapy involving SYK and FLT3 inhibitors showed significant promise in treating AML.
An international study found a strong association between household device ownership and increased rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes in lower and middle income countries. The prevalence of these conditions rose with the number of devices owned, highlighting the need for health interventions to mitigate the effects of modernization.
Researchers discovered that SPOP protein selectively destroys androgen receptor, a master regulator of prostate cancer cell growth. This finding sheds light on a new mechanism by which prostate cancer develops.
The FINNO Study found that women are more likely to suffer from incontinence, while men experience problems with slow or incomplete urination. The study also identified post-micturition dribble as the most common cause of bother among men.
A new micro-robotic technique allows for precise construction of individual cell-encapsulating hydrogels, enabling true control over bottom-up tissue engineering. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize 3D printing and tissue engineering, addressing organ shortages and improving disease treatment.
High pollutant concentrations in Guánica Bay's sediments pose a significant threat to coral reefs and marine life. The study provides an ecological baseline for improved watershed management.
A large-scale randomized control trial shows Schema Therapy to be significantly more effective than Clarification-Oriented Psychotherapy and treatment as usual in treating a range of personality disorders. The therapy resulted in higher recovery rates, greater declines in depression, and lower dropout rates.
A recent study found that six common species of fish near the equator are unable to survive in warmer waters, with some species experiencing a narrow temperature range. This suggests that climate change poses a significant threat to these fish populations, which could have devastating consequences for human societies reliant on them.
Johns Hopkins researchers identified a protein called SCAP that regulates fatty liver disease and diabetes. They found that SCAP's 'chauffeur' role is crucial to the cycle of fat production, and disrupting this process may lead to new treatments.
Tropical Cyclone Fobane, formerly known as Tropical Cyclone 14S, is weakening due to moderate to strong vertical wind shear and cooler waters. The TRMM satellite measured high rainfall rates near the storm's center, with rates of up to 35 mm/1.3 inches.
The University of Pittsburgh's Center for Medical Innovation has awarded funding to six research groups developing innovative biomedical technologies, including smart wound gels, point-of-care diagnostic instruments, and minimally-invasive brain surgery devices. These projects aim to improve healthcare outcomes and save lives.
Researchers used computer simulation to analyze X-ray crystallographic data and found that current software programs underestimate the level of dynamics in proteins. This could lead to more accurate pictures of protein structures and improved development of medicines.
New research finds that matchmaking brings intrinsic happiness to the matchmaker, particularly when pairing people who are less likely to meet. This study suggests that making meaningful connections is key to reaping emotional benefits from social interactions.
Micro-machining enables the creation of almost flat Fresnel lenses that significantly increase solar panel efficiency. The new design allows for a more precise focus of incident light, resulting in a four-fold increase in peak power compared to traditional panels.
A randomized controlled double-blinded trial involving 213 healthy women showed that the DIVA System provided better systolic blood pressure control and reduced nausea incidence compared to manual vasopressor administration. The system's enhanced speed and accuracy deliver a safer and better birth experience for patients.
Researchers have designed a system-on-chip that could enable fully implanted cochlear implants, restoring hearing in individuals with profound loss. The internal unit would be wirelessly rechargeable and require lower power sound processing.
Jayan Thomas is working on creating materials for a 360-degree 3D image without glasses. His research has led to a $400,000 NSF grant to develop display screens using nanotechnology.
Researchers at MIT determine the end-Permian extinction occurred over 60,000 years, killing 96% of marine species and 70% of life on land. The new timescale suggests massive volcanic eruptions from the Siberian Traps triggered a rapid collapse of global ecosystems.
A study by the University of Exeter reveals that crop pests are greatly underestimated in developing countries, posing a significant threat to global food security. With many nations underreporting pest loads, investment in pest observations is crucial to identifying and controlling losses.
Researchers have developed a technological system to measure wind turbine oscillations from a distance of several hundred meters. The system uses a laser that automatically tracks the motion of rotor blades, collecting data on precise positions and building a model of rotary motion.
The Commission on Global Governance for Health calls for urgent reform of global decision-making to address socioeconomic inequality and health inequity. The report identifies seven areas where political and economic injustices affect population health, including food security and transnational corporations.
Researchers have discovered that cells in the olfactory bulb release signaling molecules that trigger anti-viral interferon production in uninfected brain regions, preventing virus spread. The study shows promising potential for understanding and treating brain-infectious diseases.
A new study finds that participating in high-self-disclosure activities, such as double dates, can increase feelings of passionate love in relationships. The researchers also found that the responsiveness of other couples to personal disclosure predicts the increase in passionate love.
A new study by researchers at Women's College Hospital and ICES found that young girls with mental illness are three times more likely to become teenage parents. The study examined live birth rates from 1999 to 2009 in 4.5 million Ontario girls, aged 15-19, with and without a major mental health illness.
Scientists have combined Planck spacecraft and gravitational lensing observations to accurately measure the mass of ghostly sub-atomic particles called neutrinos for the first time. The team finds that massive neutrinos can explain the discrepancies between cosmological results and observations of large-scale structures in the Universe.
Scientists have identified a key role for protein Rnpc3 in the growth of organs during zebrafish development, revealing insights into the causes of Taybi-Linder syndrome. Minor class splicing is critical for gene expression regulation, with defects potentially affecting multiple genes.
EORTC analysis confirms performance status, tumor grading, and hemoglobin levels as key predictors of long-term outcomes in pazopanib-treated patients. Long-term responders and survivors accounted for 36% and 34% of patients respectively.
A new study tracks global species shift in response to changing climates, highlighting complex migration patterns and areas of high risk for extinction. The maps display where new temperature conditions are being generated and where existing environments may disappear.
Scientists at the University of Nottingham are developing non-invasive measurements using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess blood flow and oxygenation in the human kidney. The goal is to improve monitoring and treatment for chronic kidney disease, which can be caused by health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.
The study estimates cumulative healthcare expenditures and lost productivity due to WNV disease have been substantially underestimated. Hospitalized cases of WNV disease have cost a cumulative $778 million in health care expenditures and lost productivity.
Researchers assessed the effectiveness of cool roofs, green roofs, and their hybrids in reducing urban temperatures. The study found that while these technologies can counteract temperature increases, they also have significant seasonal and geographical variations, highlighting the need for tailored planning and design choices.
Tibetans' genetic adaptations for high-altitude living were shaped by a mixture of two ancestral gene pools, one migrating early to high altitude and the other acquiring advantageous alleles from resident populations. This process, known as admixture-facilitated adaptation, was driven by natural selection.
The report recommends abolishing the default retirement age worldwide, allowing people to choose their own retirement dates and promoting a more sustainable pension system. The authors suggest that older workers can contribute to society for longer periods, leading to increased productivity and reduced pressure on public finances.
A Caltech-developed method for delivering HIV-fighting antibodies has been shown to be effective in preventing vaginal transmission of the virus in mice, a breakthrough that could potentially lead to new prevention strategies for humans.
In this study, researchers identified a unique regulatory T cell population in human skin that plays a crucial role in dampening the immune response against self-antigens. However, in inflamed skin, such as in psoriasis, this population is dysfunctional and fails to suppress autoimmunity.
Brain researchers discovered how Galileo's visual illusion works in the mind's eye, revealing that it occurs due to non-linear and exaggerated responses to light stimuli. This effect is responsible for various phenomena, such as why certain objects appear larger or smaller based on their dark parts in bright daylight.