Researchers have developed a synthetic anti-cancer molecule JK-31 that blocks the signalling of a 'growth factor' chemical promoting blood vessel networks to feed tumours. The molecule also inhibits a protein controlling cancer cell division and proliferation.
Researchers at Indiana University identified two proteins, FAK and PAK1, as crucial for the development of acute myeloid leukemia. They also found that targeting these proteins can block the disease's progression.
Researchers found that oxytocin facilitates extinction of conditioned fear in humans by reducing activity in the amygdala and increasing stimulation in fear-inhibiting regions. This basic research could lead to new treatments for anxiety disorders.
The Carnegie Institution has received Phase II Grand Challenges Explorations funding to develop a transformative strategy for controlling rice blight, a major challenge to food security. The project aims to achieve broad, durable resistance to the disease and apply its findings to existing rice breeding initiatives.
A new theory proposes that preeclampsia is caused by the body's response to insufficient oxygen and nutrient supply to the growing fetus, leading to high blood pressure and organ damage. The condition can have fatal complications for pregnant women and their babies if left untreated.
Scientists mapped magnetic fields in a primitive meteorite, tracing back to the earliest steps of the solar system's formation. The findings point to shock waves traveling through the cloud of dusty gas around the newborn Sun as a major factor.
Research found that babies born to mothers with rheumatoid arthritis have lower fetal growth and are more likely to be born prematurely. Studies show a 1.5 times higher risk of preterm birth in children exposed to maternal or preclinical RA compared to those without exposure.
A new study by the University of Bergen found that using private social media during working hours can impair performance and harm organizational well-being. However, moderate use for communication with co-workers may not have significant negative effects.
A Georgia State University research team has developed a novel method to prevent and cure rotavirus infection by activating the innate immune system with the bacterial protein flagellin. This approach triggered an immune response that prevented the virus from entering cells and removed existing infections.
A new study by McGill University and UCL finds that Mars experiences a transitional 'macroweather' regime between weather and climate. The sun plays a major role in determining macroweather on Mars, with temperature and wind fluctuations occurring over 1.8 Martian days.
Researchers at Georgia Tech studied mid-air orientation and impact behavior in cats and humans to develop a 'soft roll' landing for robots. The goal is to reduce impact and damage from falls, particularly for search-and-rescue robots in hazardous conditions.
The review article explores the therapeutic advantages of phosphorothioate groups in oligonucleotides, enabling novel gene expression-regulation therapies. Novel applications include microRNA and long non-coding RNA targets and decoy oligonucleotides.
Researchers found that Canadians with cystic fibrosis are living almost 20 years longer than they did two decades ago, with the median survival age increasing to 50.9 years. The death rate declined from 1.4 deaths per year in 1990 to 0.99 deaths per year in 2012.
Researchers discovered a mutation in adult fruit flies that prevents testicular cells from transforming into ovaries, maintaining sex identity. The study's findings have implications for understanding cell fate conversions and may lead to new therapeutic approaches.
A study published in The Journal of General Physiology has found that commonly used anesthetics affect ion channel proteins, impairing cell-to-cell communication. This discovery could lead to the development of improved anesthetics with fewer side effects.
A national sample of firefighters found that sleep disorders are highly prevalent among the group. Firefighters with a sleep disorder were more likely to report a motor vehicle crash, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, anxiety, and poorer health status compared to those without the condition.
Vietnam has made significant progress in controlling infectious diseases such as SARS and HIV/AIDS, with a goal of universal coverage. However, disparities in health care access remain, particularly for rural areas and minority groups. The country aims to improve its health care system through increased funding and training.
Researchers have discovered that tumor cells secrete exosomes containing proteins capable of transforming neighboring cells into tumor cells, promoting tumor growth. Dicer protein is identified as a key factor in this process and may serve as a biomarker or therapeutic target.
A new gene therapy treatment has demonstrated effectiveness in a canine model of DMD, skipping exons to produce functional dystrophin protein. The treatment was well-tolerated and resulted in high levels of dystrophin expression, with muscle strength increasing at higher doses.
Researchers found that Parkin triggers 'cellular suicide' in damaged nerve cells, depending on the degree of damage, and may help weed out faulty neurons. This discovery could lead to a new understanding of how Parkinson's disease arises.
The Extreme Ultraviolet and X-ray Irradiance Sensors (EXIS) Flight Model 2 instrument for NOAA's GOES-S satellite has successfully completed its Pre-Shipment Review. The instrument is now complete and will be placed into storage until spacecraft integration begins.
A study estimated embodied methane and nitrous oxide emissions in beef, chicken, and pork from livestock to countries where they are consumed. The researchers found a 19% increase in 'hidden' emissions over the past 20 years, with Russia receiving most of its emissions from Brazil and Argentina.
A study published in PLOS ONE reveals that Thousand Cankers Disease (TCD) is a native disease that has gone rogue, threatening the health of black walnut trees. The fungus, Geosmithia morbida, and its long-time host beetle have co-evolved, creating a complex that can spread rapidly across landscapes.
Two cholesterol management guidelines agree that nearly all patients with chronic kidney disease should receive statins, but 50% of those recommended are not taking them. The study found the Pooled Cohort risk equations to be accurate among people with CKD, indicating a valid tool for estimating heart disease risk.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a method to isolate atomically thin sheets of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), a promising material for optoelectronics and electronics. The process uses copolymer-assisted gradient ultracentrifugation, allowing for scalable isolation of single-layer, bilayer, or trilayer MoS2 sheets.
Researchers analyzed samples from the Sudbury Basin and found chondritic platinum group elements, which suggest a comet impact. The distribution of these elements indicates that the impactor was indeed a comet.
Researchers at Washington State University have discovered a promising technology to expand the hard cider industry by mechanical harvesting of cider apples. The study found that machine harvesting can provide up to four times less labor than hand harvesting, resulting in significant cost savings and improved efficiency for orchards.
A study published in Current Biology found that aggressive chimpanzee males sire more offspring, suggesting sexual coercion is an adaptive strategy for males. Genetic evidence showed that high-ranking males who intimidate females when they are not swollen had more reproductive success.
Scientists at MD Anderson Cancer Center identified a long non-coding RNA called BCAR4 as playing a key role in the hedgehog signaling pathway's contribution to breast cancer metastasis. The study suggests that targeting this pathway with locked nucleic acids may provide a new approach for treating aggressive breast cancers.
The structure determination of a lipid scramblase reveals a novel protein architecture that enables the transport of lipids across cell membranes. The discovery provides insight into the activation of the protein by calcium and has implications for understanding previously unknown mechanisms of lipid transport.
Scientists analyzed gravitational effects of the Moon on thermosphere to predict satellite collisions. Incorporating these results in atmospheric models can refine accuracy and keep satellites separate from space junk.
Researchers found that males who consistently bully females tend to father more babies with their victims. Long-term aggression, particularly by high-ranking males, increased paternity success.
The UCI team has created a new technology called Integrated Comprehensive Droplet Digital Detection (IC 3D) that can detect bacterial invaders in blood samples with unprecedented speed and accuracy. In as little as 90 minutes, IC 3D can identify bacteria at single-cell sensitivity without the need for cell culture.
Climate models predict a 50% increase in lightning strikes across the US due to global warming, which will lead to more human injuries and wildfires. The study used precipitation and cloud buoyancy data from climate models and found that these two parameters can predict lightning strikes with high accuracy.
A majority of obese people in Britain deny being obese, describing themselves as 'just right' or 'very overweight' instead. The study suggests that media coverage and public health campaigns may be contributing to this phenomenon, as people become less likely to recognize the health risks associated with their weight.
Research at Brunel University found that individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have trouble interpreting changing facial expressions. This impaired ability affects their judgment of others' emotional states and identity.
The article highlights the link between animal health, human health, and the environment in the emergence of infectious diseases. Key findings include the need to build capacity in developing regions and the importance of One Health approach.
A recent study published in Nature found that a specific brain protein called beta-catenin influences how the brain manages stress and depression. The research suggests that activating this protein may provide a new model of treating depression by bolstering resilience against stress.
A single-dose Ebola vaccine given to primates through their noses and lungs protected them against infection for at least 21 weeks. The vaccine's effectiveness could help prevent the spread of Ebola and other diseases through unintentional pricks.
A new study by researchers at NYU's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development found that an educational approach focused on executive functions improved academic learning in kindergarten. The findings suggest that programs like Tools of the Mind can have lasting benefits for children, particularly those in poverty.
Researchers found that mosquitoes acquired a love for human body odor and key genes drive this preference. The study suggests that humans provide an ideal lifestyle for mosquitoes, with access to water and large groups, contributing to their evolution as disease vectors.
Researchers found that African Americans have impaired blood flow regulation in the brain, contributing to a greater risk of stroke and other cerebrovascular diseases. The study suggests underlying mechanisms of blood vessel dysfunction occur in relatively young and healthy African Americans.
Researchers at Boston University will identify biomarkers for TB infection and disease progression, aiming to reduce mortality rates. The study aims to develop new tools for preventing and treating TB, a deadly disease affecting millions globally.
Researchers at UC Davis and Northwestern University have found an investigational medication to effectively treat children with life-threatening seizures, resolving symptoms without adverse effects. The medication, a formulation of allopregnanolone, showed promising results in two clinical cases, where patients were weaned off general ...
Researchers analyzed whole-genome sequences of 17 supercentenarians, but found no rare protein-altering variants significantly associated with extreme longevity. One individual did carry a variant associated with a heart condition, which had little impact on their health.
Scientists suggest using natural vibrations in one material to boost superconductivity in another, opening a new chapter in the quest for room temperature superconductors. The study reveals that iron selenide superconductor operates at much higher temperatures when placed atop STO material.
The EMBO Young Investigator Programme selects 27 young researchers to build their independent teams and achieve recognition. The programme provides support for laboratory management, non-scientific skills training, and access to core facilities.
Researchers discovered that homing pigeons use an internal gyroscope to guide themselves home, even when encountering disturbances in the gravity field. The study found that birds initially set a bearing home by comparing their home gyroscope setting with their local gyroscope reading.
Astronomers have discovered a galaxy, AzTEC-3, that gives birth to 1,100 suns annually, creating about three suns each day. This ancient galaxy is one of the earliest examples of a starburst galaxy, fuelled by massive material and galactic mergers.
A new study published in the Journal of Experimental Biology found that climate change is affecting the survival abilities of coastal crabs. The researchers found that while the crabs can adapt to a warming climate, they will not have enough energy for other activities beyond basic survival.
People with social anxiety disorder tend to think their friendships are worse than they really are, but a new study reveals this perception may be misplaced. The study found that friendships of people with social anxiety disorder were not significantly worse than those without the disorder, contrary to their self-reported experiences.
A new study found that older women with moderate to severe breathing disruptions during sleep are more likely to experience a decline in their ability to perform daily activities. The research suggests that treatment of sleep-disordered breathing may help prevent functional decline.
New research reveals distinct differences in early human embryo development among overweight and obese women compared to those of a healthy weight. These differences may have long-term health implications for their children.
Researchers at INRS have developed a new class of multiferroic materials for solar cells, increasing conversion efficiency to 8.1%. The team's triple-layer coating captures different wavelengths of light, converting more light into electricity.
A new study by Katrin Rentzsch and Michela Schröder-Abé found that unrealistic views of one's academic abilities can damage a child's relationship with others in the classroom. Students who tend to feel unrealistically superior to their peers are less liked by them, even at habitual levels.
A new mouse model demonstrates that a genetic mutation in the FOXP1 gene leads to brain degeneration, causing perception and behavior problems. The study provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying autism.
A recent survey found that nearly two-thirds of employees who have been diagnosed with depression reported challenges related to thinking on the job, resulting in reduced productivity. The Right Direction initiative aims to increase awareness of depression in the workplace and provide resources for employers to support their employees.
A recent study by Dr. Ahmed Dahir Mohamed found that Modafinil slowed down reaction times and impaired the ability to respond in a timely manner in healthy participants. The drug did not improve cognitive performance or enhance creativity, contrary to its marketed claims.
A study of over 40,000 soldiers found a significantly elevated suicide rate among those hospitalized for psychiatric disorders, with the highest-risk group accounting for 52.9% of post-hospital suicides.
The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation has awarded NARSAD Distinguished Investigator Grants to 15 scientists conducting innovative projects in neurobiological and behavioral research. The grants are valued at $1.5 million and aim to understand and treat psychiatric disorders affecting one in four people.