Harvard researchers found forests in the Eastern US are showing signs of spring growth earlier than ever, enabling them to store up to 26 million metric tons more CO2. However, continued climate change may lead to more dramatic negative consequences, such as changes in precipitation patterns and reduced water availability for forests.
Researchers found YbeY critical for cell fitness, stress tolerance, and ribosome quality control in V. cholerae. It also targets virulence-associated small regulatory RNAs, making the bacterium less harmful.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine discovered that a lack of oxygen in fat cells leads to inflammation and insulin resistance in obesity-induced diabetes. Inhibiting key proteins like ANT2 and HIF-1alpha may provide therapeutic targets for prevention or reversal.
Infection preventionists at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas and Loyola University Medical Center implemented alcohol-impregnated port protectors to reduce bloodstream infections. These devices, combined with rigorous 'scrub-the-hub' regimens, cut CLABSI rates by 68 percent.
A study by St. Michael's Hospital found that nearly 75% of Ontarians with diabetes did not receive all recommended tests due to doctor payment models. Capitation models led to better care for patients, while traditional fee-for-service models resulted in lower quality care.
Researchers at the University of Chicago have developed a new technique to simplify the study of protein networks and identify individual interactions. By introducing synthetic proteins into cells, they revealed a key interaction between Grb2 and Ptpn11/Shp2 phosphatase that regulates embryonic stem cell differentiation.
A new diagnostic tool, combining data from multiple sources, can help clinicians diagnose Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia, and mild cognitive impairment with a Disease State Index. The tool also provides a visual representation of the findings in a Disease State Fingerprint.
Researchers discovered a new hormone called Metrnl that activates brown and beige fat, leading to improved metabolic health in obese mice. Interleukin-4 signaling also played a crucial role in stimulating beige fat formation.
The EU's Common Agricultural Policy reforms are too weak to positively impact farmland biodiversity, with over half of all farmland exempt from ecological measures. Experts call on member states to take action to address declining biodiversity and intensification of agricultural practices across Europe.
An international team has completed the first ever sequence of the sheep genome, shedding light on their specialized digestive systems and fatty acid metabolism. The study identified genes involved in wool synthesis and lipid metabolism, providing valuable insights into the species' unique characteristics.
A recent study published in Nature Communications discovered a correlation between the number of biological functions a gene has and its response to environmental changes. The research found that genes with more biological functions exhibit less protein expression change in response to temperature, challenging the long-held assumption ...
Researchers found that early palliative support services significantly reduced depression and feelings of overwhelm among family caregivers, improving overall quality of life. The study suggests that timely intervention can better equip caregivers to cope with the demands of caring for patients with advanced cancer.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have identified a new class of genetic switches, called seed enhancers, that guide the development of pluripotent stem cells. These enhancers play roles from before birth to adulthood and hold promise for regenerative medicine and disease prevention.
The Endocrine Society recognizes the achievements of early career investigators and provides training opportunities for underrepresented minority students through its Early Investigators Awards and Future Leaders Advancing Research in Endocrinology (FLARE) Internship Program.
A group of experts examines whether people with advanced dementia have the right to use advance directives to stop receiving food and water by mouth, despite lacking decision-making capacity. Key findings include the potential benefits and harms of such directives, as well as proposed guidelines for implementation.
Researchers at the University of Zurich have created a global map of regulatory control systems in cellular transport routes. The study reveals that sets of transport routes are co-regulated by specific programs of regulatory control, with genes involved in these processes often deregulated in disease.
Researchers at Oregon State University have identified a unique group of proteins that indicate transitional cell carcinoma, the most common cause of bladder cancer in both dogs and humans. The assay has shown high accuracy and could lead to earlier diagnosis, improved treatment options, and potentially even an over-the-counter test.
A long-term observational study found that people with type 1 diabetes who have developed kidney complications can slow the progression of their complications by improving control of their glycemic levels over the long term. Those who lowered their HbA1C levels demonstrated a significantly lower risk of end-stage renal disease after a ...
Researchers have found the first three-dimensionally preserved pterosaur eggs in China, providing new insights into the flying reptiles' reproductive strategy, development, and social behavior. The discovery suggests that pterosaurs lived together in gregarious colonies, with males and females having distinct head crest features.
Researchers find birch pollen protein 'Bet v 1' manipulates immune cells towards allergy, disrupting balance between Th1 and Th2 responses. Iron loading may be key to triggering allergic reactions, suggesting potential treatment targets for immunotherapy.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have identified a complex of three proteins that regulate brain function and may lead to improved treatments for epilepsy. The discovery has major implications for understanding neurological disorders such as schizophrenia, autism, and neuropathic pain.
Research reveals that young children use gestures to segment information and reorganize it into language-like sequences, mirroring how languages break down complex info into simpler units. This finding suggests that generations of young children's preference for communication may have shaped the structure of languages.
A team of scientists at the Gladstone Institutes has identified a new way to make latent HIV reveal itself by increasing its gene expression noise. This approach, known as the 'shock and kill' method, holds great promise for treating latent HIV infection.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital identified a disrupted brain circuit that may contribute to auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia. The study, published in Science, suggests that reducing information flow between two brain structures involved in processing auditory information sets the stage for stress triggers.
University of Michigan researchers have developed a polariton laser that can emit coherent light, works at room temperature, and requires significantly less power. The device is the most real-world ready of its kind and has potential applications in medical devices, treatments, and more.
Researchers identified a novel mechanism to reduce external signal strength in cells, akin to car brakes, allowing for rapid adaptation to changing conditions. This 'MAD' mechanism has broad implications for engineering crops and understanding cellular signaling.
Scientists developed an edible film containing clove and oregano essential oils to preserve bread freshness. The films outperformed a commercial antimicrobial agent in maintaining bread's quality over 10 days.
Researchers at Washington State University have confirmed a 60-year-old prediction of atomic behavior using a super-cold cloud of atoms. This discovery opens a new experimental path to potentially powerful quantum computing by inducing coherent 'superradiant' behavior predicted by Robert Dicke in 1954.
Researchers develop new computational method to design novel protein nanostructures, including cage-like proteins with symmetrical architectures. These structures may be used to deliver cancer drugs directly to tumor cells, sparing healthy cells.
A study found that the number of total knee replacement surgeries more than tripled between 1993 and 2009, with a 95% increase attributed to obesity. Younger patients experienced a greater rise in overweight and obesity, leading to a surge in knee replacements.
The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) report reveals that programs and policies to reduce tropical deforestation have been successful in 17 countries across four continents. Successful reductions result from various policy options, including forest protected areas, moratoriums, and financial incentives through the REDD+ program.
Scientists have observed a gamma-ray burst from a huge explosion that occurred shortly after the Big Bang, with light traveling 12.1 billion years before detection. The event, known as GRB 140419A, released more energy in 10 seconds than our sun's expected lifespan.
A recent review in the New England Journal of Medicine finds that marijuana use is associated with increased risks of addiction, impaired critical thinking and memory functions, and lower IQ in teens. The study also highlights the need for physicians to convey to families the potential health consequences of early marijuana use.
A new study found that individuals with a high genetic risk score for obesity who consume more saturated fat have higher Body Mass Index (BMI). Limiting saturated fat may help people with a genetic predisposition to obesity.
A recent study found that tree bumblebee queens from Europe outcompeted native bees in the UK by resisting a parasite infection. Despite low genetic diversity and high levels of nematode parasites, 25% of queens produced offspring.
Researchers have discovered a clearer understanding of how mussels attach themselves to surfaces, which can lead to new classes of adhesives that work underwater and inside the body. The technology is based on the properties of catechol, a molecule found in mussel glue.
Researchers found koalas in Australia's tropical northeast choose trees with trunks over 5°C cooler than air temperature to rest and cool down. This behavior helps reduce heat stress, with access to these trees saving about half the water a koala needs on hot days.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic and Aarhus University have discovered a receptor system critical for correct wiring of the dopaminergic brain area during embryonic development. The study found that a cut in the SorCS2 receptor can induce cell death after peripheral nervous system damage, leading to hyperactivity and attention deficits in mice.
A new study has found that non-obstructive coronary artery disease is associated with a 28-44% increased risk of major adverse cardiac events such as heart attacks or death. Patients with non-obstructive disease should consider preventive therapies like quitting smoking and taking preventative medications.
Two recent JAMA Surgery studies investigate bariatric surgery as a treatment option for type 2 diabetes in obese patients. The studies found that bariatric surgery can lead to significant weight loss and improvements in blood sugar control, suggesting it may be an effective adjunctive therapy for managing the condition.
A large-scale study found that cannabis use can negatively impact sperm morphology, with nearly twice the likelihood of abnormal sperm in summer months or among younger men. Lifestyle factors such as smoking and alcohol consumption showed little correlation with poor sperm quality.
A study by Dr. Y. Kirk Lin and his team found that tree frog calls emitted from drains had greater intensity and duration than natural habitats. This unique adaptation allows the frogs to boost their mating chances in urban environments.
A 14-year-old boy's rapid recovery from brain-inflaming encephalitis thanks to next-generation sequencing techniques. The innovative approach, developed at UCSF, enables quick diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases, revolutionizing clinical laboratory practices.
A new study reveals magnetic fields near supermassive black holes can match the force of their gravitational pull, affecting gas dynamics and outflows. Magnetic field strengths are comparable to those produced by MRI machines.
A multi-disciplinary team from Monash University has been awarded a $275,000 grant to develop strategies for reducing diesel particulate matter (DPM) emissions in underground coalmines. The project will explore ways to improve the service life of DPFs and potentially replace diesel engines with electric motors.
A recent study published in Nutrition found that popular beverages like Coca-Cola and Pepsi contain higher ratios of fructose to glucose than claimed on labels. This high fructose content may increase the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and liver disease.
Researchers at Allen Institute for Brain Science will map connectivity patterns across whole brain in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease. The goal is to understand pathways through which the disease spreads and develop effective treatments.
The University of Miami received a five-year grant of $1.5 million from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute to enhance its course-based research experiences, focusing on early engagement in biology and chemistry labs. This initiative aims to increase student persistence in STEM courses and develop a more diverse scientific workforce.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that naloxegol increased bowel movements among patients with opioid-induced constipation, providing rapid and sustained relief without compromising pain management. The investigational drug is designed to block opioids from binding to receptors in the gastrointestinal t...
A new study reveals that habitat loss on breeding grounds in the United States is the main cause of recent and projected population declines of migratory monarch butterflies in eastern North America. The research found that industrial farming has contributed to a significant decline in milkweed plants, which are essential for monarch c...
A study published in PLOS ONE found that feeding juvenile corals prior to transplantation significantly improved their survival rates. Coral recruits fed with a higher amount of food grew faster and larger than unfed corals, leading to higher post-transplantation survivorship.
Women with shorter birth spacing have shorter pregnancy lengths, increasing the risk of preterm birth. African-American women are more likely to experience this issue, regardless of timing.
Researchers developed ParentGuardian, an app that combines a sensor and smartphone to detect stress in parents and deliver evidence-based strategies. The system was tested on parents of children with ADHD, who reported significant reductions in stress.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have successfully transplanted and grown human stem cells in genetically modified pigs. The breakthrough paves the way for future research on stem cell therapies and could lead to new treatments for debilitating human diseases.
A new report refines descriptions of multiple sclerosis (MS) courses, categorizing progressive relapsing as an active form of primary progressive MS. The updated definitions aim to enhance research, clinician-patient communication, and clinical trial design.
Researchers at the University of Illinois are using drones to take aerial pictures of crops, allowing them to detect areas of stress and nutrient deficiencies more efficiently. The drones equipped with multispectral cameras can identify problem areas, enabling farmers to target scouting in those specific areas and optimize crop yields.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have found that gamma and neutron imaging are safe for use in diagnostics, delivering radiation doses comparable to conventional medical imaging. The study aims to develop new imaging technologies to detect disease in its earliest stages.
Researchers found that antidepressants with certain properties contribute less to weight gain than others, which could influence treatment preferences for patients at risk of weight gain. The study analyzed data from a large healthcare system and identified differences in weight gain rates among various antidepressant medications.
Researchers have unraveled the mechanism of necroptosis, a type of cell death linked to various diseases. Understanding this process enables the development of targeted medications to block or stimulate necroptosis, potentially treating chronic and acute inflammatory and degenerative diseases.
A recent study reveals significant resonance cycles between solar activity and Earth's surface temperature, providing a possible explanation for recent global warming. The research uses wavelet analysis and cross-correlation methods to investigate the periodicities of solar activity and its correlations with the Earth's temperature dur...