Researchers have developed a new method to grow zebrafish embryonic stem cells for over 2 years without a feeder cell layer, simplifying their use and expanding their utility. The ability to establish and grow these stem cells enables exciting cellular and molecular genetic manipulations.
The study analyzed over 230,000 sperm donation cycles in the UK and found no significant impact on live birth rates from sperm donor age. Instead, it highlighted the significance of female partner's age and sperm quality. The results suggest that advancing paternal age may not be as crucial for fertility outcomes as previously thought.
Researchers discovered that amyloid-beta binds to pairs of APP molecules, triggering a signalling cascade that causes elevated neuronal activity in the hippocampus. This hyperactivity damages memory and learning functions and is observed in patients with mild cognitive impairment and early stages of Alzheimer's disease.
A new review article suggests that embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells are not the only source of all three germ layers in the human body. Adult pluripotent stem cells are located throughout the body and can become every tissue, provided they receive the right instructions.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that alcohol consumption leads to a buildup of fat in the lungs, weakening the immune system and increasing the risk of pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome. This discovery offers a potential new explanation for why heavy drinkers are more susceptible to lung disease.
Whitehead Institute scientists have genetically modified red blood cells to carry valuable payloads, including drugs, vaccines, and imaging agents. The approach uses sortagging, a protein-labeling technique that establishes strong chemical bonds between surface proteins and therapeutic substances.
Researchers have identified two genes that may help prevent muscle wastage in humans: survivin and checkpoint kinase 1. These genes are highly active in burrowing frogs that survive dormancy without suffering significant muscle damage.
A study by Eric Brennan and Jim Leap found that drilling is more effective than broadcasting for establishing uniform and dense cover crops on beds. Drilled cover crops had greater uniformity and faster emergence, leading to increased weed suppression.
The American College of Physicians recommends against routine pelvic exams for asymptomatic, average-risk women due to low diagnostic accuracy and potential harms. The guideline suggests that pelvic exams are appropriate only for women with symptoms or certain risk factors.
A new study by John Bongaarts found that mortality projections from low-mortality countries are overly pessimistic, as the decline in smoking-related mortality is not accounted for. This suggests that pension and healthcare costs will rise due to an aging population living longer.
Researchers found that antihistamines can reverse the effects of myeloid derived suppressor cells in mice with tumors and those with allergy symptoms. This suggests a potential link between allergies and cancer prevention.
Severe childhood malnutrition may increase risk for high blood pressure in adulthood. Adults who endured malnutrition growing up had higher diastolic blood pressure and peripheral resistance.
Scientists have discovered where microtubules form inside the mitotic spindle and how their starting points are transported to opposite poles. This breakthrough provides a better understanding of cell division and paves the way for more effective cancer treatments.
A new study finds that for many patients with type 2 diabetes, the benefits of treatment are outweighed by the negative impact of side effects like weight gain and frequent insulin shots. The study suggests that individualized treatment recommendations based on patient risk factors and preferences may be a better approach than focusing...
Scientists have successfully replicated the process of human embryonic stem cells differentiating into separate populations with a reproducible spatial order. By confining cells in tiny circular patterns on glass plates, researchers were able to induce endoderm, mesoderm and ectoderm formation, mirroring natural conditions.
Scientists expect progress in developing an effective TB vaccine, with Phase IIa clinical trials underway. The new vaccine aims to activate both killer and helper cells for improved immune response.
Researchers found that malaria-infected mice are more attractive to mosquitos than uninfected mice, especially during recovery from symptoms. This altered scent profile may help identify asymptomatic carriers who can transmit the disease.
Researchers at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute developed a liquid chromatography-multiple reaction monitoring mass spectrometry assay to analyze biomarkers in blood and tissue, helping identify therapeutic targets for melanoma treatment. The study identified alterations in cell signaling pathways in drug-resistant cells.
The study, led by the University of Cadiz and Spanish National Research Council, reveals five large accumulations of plastic waste in surface waters, matching the five major twists of surface water circulation. Microplastics were detected in 88% of ocean surface samples, posing risks to marine food chains and ecosystems.
Researchers discovered that molybdenum trioxide nanoparticles can mimic the function of sulfite oxidase, an enzyme responsible for cellular detoxification processes. The nanoparticles can cross cell membranes and accumulate at mitochondria, recovering sulfite oxidase activity and potentially treating sulfite oxidase deficiency.
Scientists at Yerkes National Primate Research Center have identified a new drug target for preventing PTSD. Osanetant, which targets the Tac2 gene, has been shown to reduce fear memory consolidation in mice.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE reveals that urbanisation and westernization are linked to rising obesity rates among Nigerian women, particularly those with higher socio-economic status. The findings highlight the need to address both malnutrition and obesity as major public health concerns in Nigeria.
A study published in Patient Education and Counseling found that the Four Habits Model significantly improves emotion-focused conversations between pediatric nurses and parents. The model's effectiveness was measured across four areas: preparation, communication skills, relationships, and confidence.
Researchers from RIKEN have discovered a mineral-based catalyst that efficiently splits water into oxygen and hydrogen ions at neutral pH. The key to this success lies in synchronizing electron- and proton-transfer timing, which greatly improves the catalytic activity of manganese oxides.
A study of Chinese preschoolers found associations between moderately elevated blood lead concentrations and teacher-reported behavioral problems. The study suggests that further examination is needed to clarify the biological effects of environmental lead exposure on children's behavior.
Scientists have discovered that bacteria can develop a biological timer to survive under antibiotic exposure, adapting their dormant period to match the treatment duration. This breakthrough has significant implications for slowing the evolution of antibiotic resistance.
A study in southern England found that queen bumblebee queens often disperse widely, sometimes several kilometers away, before founding their own nests. This suggests that genetic diversity is maintained through queen dispersal, highlighting the importance of preserving flower-rich habitats for bumblebee conservation.
A study by University of California, Berkeley scientists analyzed 62 seismic events prior to a Louisiana sinkhole discovery. The analysis suggests that natural gas influx may destabilize pre-existing zones of weakness in the salt dome.
Researchers from MGH have uncovered new information about genes that may increase the risk of serious cardiac arrhythmias. The studies identified a greater role for calcium signaling in regulating cardiac function and pinpointed specific genes involved in the biology of cardiac repolarization.
Researchers observed low hand hygiene compliance rates among anesthesia providers, with lowest rates at case start and end. They were most likely to perform hand hygiene after potential exposure to body fluids.
The American College of Physicians recommends against routine pelvic examinations for asymptomatic, average-risk non-pregnant women due to the lack of demonstrated benefit and potential harms. In contrast, the guideline suggests Pap smear screening without a bimanual examination, recommending visual inspection of the cervix, cervical s...
A toolbox has been created to assist gastroenterology training directors in meeting ACGME Internal Medicine Subspecialty Reporting Milestones requirements. The toolkit includes 13 core tasks, or entrustable professional activities, that define the work of gastroenterologists and hepatologists.
Joseph Jez, co-director of the plant and microbial biosciences graduate program at Washington University in St. Louis, has received a $1 million grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) to establish the Biotech Explorers Pathway. The pathway aims to introduce entering students to both science and business of biotechnology,...
Researchers at Umea University and Humboldt University found that graphite oxide layers increase in distance when exposed to water due to varying thickness. The discovery helps design new membrane types with adjustable permeation properties.
Researchers have successfully printed artificial vascular networks using a high-tech 'bio-printer', paving the way for large complex tissues and organs. The study achieved significant improvements in cell survival, differentiation, and proliferation.
A new study reveals that ancient Arctic sand tiger sharks were able to tolerate brackish water conditions 50 million years ago, unlike modern sand tiger sharks which require much higher salinity levels. This finding has significant implications for how today's sharks might fare in a warming Arctic region.
Researchers at the University at Buffalo have identified SOX10 as a key transcription factor that initiates myelination in human brain cells. This discovery brings researchers closer to developing a viral or pharmaceutical approach to inducing SOX10 in MS patients, which could lead to a more effective treatment for multiple sclerosis.
Researchers have created an imaging technology that measures chemical and biological actions in real-time, allowing for improved biosensors to study life processes. This new approach uses short pulse lasers and bioluminescent proteins to create customized sensors for better imaging of living systems.
Research by Dr. Joel Ray of St. Michael's Hospital found that a father's ethnic background influences a child's birthweight, similar to the effects seen in mothers. Babies born to mixed-ethnic parents tend to weigh less than those with two European-born parents.
A*STAR scientists discovered that obese individuals lack a crucial protein essential for regulating blood glucose levels, increasing their risk of developing diabetes. The protein, NUCKS, is the first molecular link found between obesity and diabetes, opening up new areas of research for potential treatments.
The 64th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting brings together 37 Nobel laureates and over 600 young scientists from around the world. They will engage in discussions on topics such as immune system defenses against infection, advances in cancer research, and intelligent drug development.
A new method for enriching stable isotopes, called MAGIS, has the potential to be cheaper and more environmentally friendly than existing methods. This could ensure a continued supply of critical isotopes for medical imaging and nuclear power, while also opening up opportunities for new medical therapies and fundamental scientific rese...
By analyzing somatic mutations in healthy cells, researchers can reconstruct a cell's development from the early embryo to adulthood. This approach provides insight into normal cell development and could help understand how it differs from cancerous cells.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a method to measure the response of an individual neuron to transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a procedure used to treat psychiatric disorders. By recording activity from single neurons during TMS, the team gained a basic understanding of the technique's physiological mechanisms.
A Massachusetts General Hospital-developed protocol successfully preserved rat livers for up to four days using supercooling and machine perfusion. The method could enable the use of organs currently deemed unsuitable for transplant, alleviating the worldwide organ shortage.
Physicists create quantum dots with identical, deterministic sizes using a scanning tunneling microscope. This achievement opens the door to quantum dot architectures free from uncontrolled variations.
A new study finds Emperor penguins in peril, with all colonies projected to decline by more than 50% by the end of the century due to sea ice concentration changes. The research highlights the need for conservation efforts and potential refuges to preserve populations, with implications for international conservation paradigms.
New research published in Nature Geoscience contradicts previous studies on tropical temperatures, suggesting they were warmer during the Pliocene epoch. This finding indicates that few places on Earth will be immune to global warming, with potential consequences for tropical storm intensity and climate impacts.
Researchers estimated 5.77 million A&E visits in England were preceded by inability to get a timely GP appointment, representing 26.5% of unplanned attendances. The study aimed to inform the debate on rising A&E attendances and lack of access to GPs.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new light-sensitive protein called Jaws that allows for non-invasive brain control using a light source outside the skull. This breakthrough enables long-term studies without implanted light sources, paving the way for potential treatments of epilepsy and other neurological disorders.
Yu Chen and colleagues find that superconductivity and dissipation can coexist under generic conditions in a universal manner, thanks to a peculiar nonequilibrium state of quasiparticles. The researchers also discover an unexpected property: when a magnetic field is applied, the superconducting area expands and is enhanced.
Researchers discovered a group of marine bacteria that synthesize flame retardant-like chemicals, including a potent endocrine disruptor. The study highlights the pervasiveness of these compounds in the ocean food chain, raising concerns about human health risks.
A novel metamaterial enables fast, efficient and high-fidelity terahertz radiation imaging system capable of manipulating electromagnetic waves. The device uses a series of filter-like masks to retrieve multiple samples of a terahertz scene, which are reassembled by a single-pixel detector.
A recent study published in Nature Genetics has discovered a single gene that defines the difference between fast-growing, aggressive tumors and slow-growing, non-aggressive ones. The gene mutation GTF2l was found to be present in almost all indolent forms of thymoma, suggesting potential implications for treatment.
Researchers developed a new supercooling technique to increase liver storage time from 24 hours to 3 days in animal study. The method successfully stored rat livers for up to four days, with 58% survival rate, offering potential for improved organ allocation and reduced costs.
The new Review from the Countdown to 2015 collaboration summarizes results from the 2014 report, highlighting progress and challenges in women's and children's health. The study emphasizes the need for continued action to achieve the global targets of improving survival rates and reducing disparities in health outcomes.
Adding cetuximab or bevacizumab to combination chemotherapy improves survival for patients with KRAS wild-type untreated colorectal cancer, with both treatments offering approximately 30-month overall survival. Genetic testing is crucial to determine the benefit of these treatments.
The phase III RECOURSE trial found that TAS-102 improves overall and progression-free survival in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer refractory to standard therapies. The study showed a median overall survival of 7.1 months for TAS-102, compared to 5.3 months for placebo.
Scientists propose using eDNA sampling to monitor invasive species, save endangered ones and inform policy. The technique has the potential to overcome traditional sampling methods' limitations, including expense and focus on single species.
Researchers discovered a new form of neurotransmission involving acid-sensitive ion channels (ASICs) that influence addiction-related behavior. Targeting ASIC activity may lead to new therapies for treating drug addiction.