A study published in PLOS Computational Biology proposes a theoretical framework for understanding memory formation and modification. The researchers suggest that large prediction errors lead to memory formation, while small errors result in memory modification. Damage to the hippocampus can impair the brain's ability to carve memories.
Scientists propose creation of new research program to study humanity's future in astronomical context, leveraging astrobiology and sustainability. They calculate average lifetime of species with energy-intensive technology could lead to collapse or sustainability, informing decisions for a sustainable future.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered that human brains have a higher rate of oligodendrocyte maintenance and can modulate myelin production, enabling faster adaptation and learning. This finding has significant implications for understanding neurological diseases such as MS.
A Stanford/VA study found that pregnant women with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are at a higher risk of giving birth prematurely. The study analyzed over 16,000 births to female veterans and found that having PTSD in the year before delivery increased the risk by 35 percent.
A landmark study published by an international team of over 100 researchers reconstructs the insect tree of life, answering longstanding questions about their origins and evolution. The study reveals that insects originated at the same time as early terrestrial plants and developed wings 400 million years ago.
Tropical Cyclone 5B forms in Bay of Bengal with strong thunderstorms and maximum sustained winds near 35 knots. The storm is expected to make landfall near Chennai on Nov. 9 and dissipate over land quickly.
Researchers have used synthetic biology to produce affordable alternatives to anti-malaria drugs, clean fuels, and pharmaceuticals. The technology has the potential to reduce costs by up to 85% for future long-duration space missions, including those to Mars and the Moon.
Researchers detected a diffuse cosmic glow originating from stripped stars flung out into space after galaxies collided and merged. The findings suggest previously undetected stars permeate dark spaces between galaxies, forming an interconnected sea of stars.
A study by a University of Kansas professor found that black and Hispanic children were significantly underrepresented in autism identification rates from 2000 to 2007, despite the overall increase in diagnoses. This disparity may reflect unequal access to services and diagnosis, with white students receiving more intensive supports.
A new study published in Nature Communications reveals that cilia on pancreatic beta cells are covered with insulin receptors, and altered ciliary function is associated with type 2 diabetes. The research found that ciliary defects impaired insulin release, leading to elevated blood glucose levels in mice.
Researchers analyzed 1,400 damage sites to determine relationships between ground deformation and faults. They found evidence of reverse movement along preexisting faults, which caused widespread ground deformation in the San Andreas fault region.
A new study reveals that competition with ungulates, intensified by climate change, is the main reason for lagomorphs' limited diversity. Fossil records show that lagomorphs were capable of becoming larger than today, but were suppressed by the presence of competitors.
Scientists have developed a thermomagnetic processing method that controls the orientation of molecules in liquid crystalline epoxy resins. This leads to highly aligned structures with near-zero coefficient of thermal expansion, potentially enabling new structural designs and functional composites.
A new pneumonia vaccine has led to a 27% decline in hospital admissions among children under 2 in Tennessee, with an overall 72% reduction since introduction of the first vaccine in 2000. The success of pneumococcal vaccines challenges common assumptions about antibiotic treatments for childhood pneumonia.
An allergic response to a medication for allergies can often go undiagnosed due to its initial purpose of reducing inflammation. Patients experiencing worsening symptoms or an unresponsive rash may be reacting to the medication itself or one of its components, such as antibiotics or antifungals.
Only one in two young adults with hypertension receive lifestyle education to lower their blood pressure. A study found that exercise and quitting smoking were the most common topics addressed.
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, propose a new surgical intervention that combines the first and second steps of single-ventricle heart surgery. This approach aims to reduce the workload on the patient's heart, increase blood flow to the lungs, and improve oxygen delivery.
A new study reveals that canine distemper virus (CDV) poses a significant risk to tiger populations, particularly in smaller groups. Modeling shows that CDV infection can increase the 50-year extinction probability of tigers by up to 55.8 percent.
Researchers have found that bats carry the bacterial species Bartonella mayotimonensis, which causes deadly human infections in the USA. Bats are ideal reservoirs for pathogenic viruses and play a vital role in natural ecosystems.
Scientists identify tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) as a key player in the emergence of hematopoietic stem cells, a breakthrough that could aid in developing induced pluripotent stem cell replacements for blood disorders. The discovery sheds light on the complexities of HSC genesis and paves the way for further research.
The rate of hospitalization due to hepatitis A virus infection has declined significantly in the US, with a decrease from 0.72 to 0.29 per 100,000 cases between 2002 and 2011. Vaccination of adults with chronic liver disease may help prevent HAV infection and hospitalization.
Research published by the American Educational Research Association found that short-term community college certificate programs have minimal economic returns in most fields of study. Associate degrees and long-term certificates, on the other hand, are associated with significant wage gains and increased employment rates. The study sug...
Scientists have discovered the role of thyroid hormone in the formation of zebrafish stripes and have found that cells responsible for producing orange color can transform into xanthophores through a process called 'transdifferentiation'. This finding could provide clues to regeneration of tissues and organs without stem cells.
A two-year study of urban teens and young adults shows that those with PTSD or drug use are more likely to suffer additional violent injuries, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. The study suggests that addressing substance use and PTSD in the first six months after injury may help prevent recidivism.
The national preterm birth rate fell to 11.4% in 2013, beating the federal Healthy People 2020 goal seven years ahead of schedule. Despite this progress, the US still ranks among high resource countries with one of the highest preterm birth rates.
Researchers used the genetic data to learn about Shigella flexneri's resistance to drugs and its evolution over time. The study provides valuable insights into how the pathogen has changed since World War I and may help develop an effective vaccine for dysentery.
Researchers discovered that lamin-B protein plays a key role in suppressing immune responses in aging fruit flies, leading to chronic inflammation and gut hyperplasia. The findings have implications for understanding age-related immunosenescence in humans.
Researchers found that DNA Methyltransferase 3b enzyme prevents Pax3 gene from turning on, leading to neural tube defects. Dr. Loeken's discovery sheds light on a biochemical pathway and may lead to better stem cell therapy.
Scientists found that cilia play a crucial role in the release and signal transduction of insulin, a hormone that reduces sugar levels. Ciliary dysfunction leads to impaired insulin secretion and increased blood sugar levels, linking it to type 2 diabetes.
A newly created turmeric-based formulation releases curcumin's anti-inflammatory goodness throughout the body, halting acute inflammatory reactions and recruitment of immune cells. The study suggests that this delivery system could be used to prevent certain diseases and combat chronic inflammation.
Researchers at NYSCF found that SCNT-derived cells and IPS cells share similar genetic profiles, suggesting both methods are effective in generating stem cells. The study's findings imply that further investigation is needed to determine the suitability of each method for treating chronic diseases.
Researchers created a cellular model of Parkinson's disease using human stem cells from identical twins with the disease. The study found that dopamine-producing neurons had reduced activity and higher levels of α-synuclein protein, which can be targeted for therapy.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have discovered that a single neuron in C. elegans can regulate both speed and direction of movement, routing information through multiple downstream neural circuits. This fundamental biological mechanism has implications for understanding human brain function.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have found that combining AZD3965 with radiotherapy reduces tumour growth in mice and increases anti-tumour effects. The study suggests a new treatment approach for cancer patients by targeting tumours through metabolism
A study published in the Journal of Animal Science found that wheat can be used as an alternative energy source for beef cattle, with optimal feeding levels determined to be above 50%, and increasing monensin supplementation improving feed efficiency, while proper grain processing is necessary.
Researchers identified a specific bacterial family that is highly heritable and more common in individuals with low body weight. Transplanting this microbe into mice prevented weight gain, suggesting its potential as a treatment for obesity.
Current offset programs in Africa fail to consider cumulative impacts of multiple conservations projects, leading to ineffective species conservation. A national strategy is recommended to integrate offsets with broader conservation efforts and promote genetic health.
Researchers at MIT developed an algorithm that can accurately determine whether a patient is suffering from emphysema or heart failure based on carbon dioxide readings in their breath. The algorithm achieved an area under the curve of 0.98, outperforming traditional diagnostic methods.
A phase II study led by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found olaparib produced a 26% overall tumor response rate in patients with advanced cancers associated with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. The treatment showed improved survival rates for patients with ovarian, breast, pancreatic, and prostate cancers.
A nearly complete 9,300-year-old frozen bison mummy was recently uncovered in Eastern Siberia. The Yukagir bison mummy has a preserved brain, heart, blood vessels, and digestive system, providing valuable insights into the biology of the species at the end of the Ice Age.
Scientists at SUNY-ESF have successfully created blight-resistant American chestnut trees through genetic engineering, powered by a single gene from wheat. The trees, which can co-exist with the invasive fungus that devastated the species, are being prepared for potential reforestation efforts.
This Special Issue examines the evolution of knowledge on infectious diseases, military psychiatry, and surgical pain since World War I. Research highlights the need for new antimicrobial drugs and improved treatments for post-amputation pain, while also discussing the impact of war on healthcare and public health policy.
Researchers observed the evolution of simple self-reproducing groups of cells from individual cells, revealing a reproductive division of labour. Cheats that initially exploited others' cooperation eventually became seeds for future generations, leading to the emergence of multicellular organisms with improved fitness.
The 2014 AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Awards honored journalists who reported on complex topics like the human microbiome and cancer. Winners included Rob Stein for his series on microbial hitchhikers and George Johnson for his insightful essays on cancer.
The tiger beetle is the fastest creature on Earth, but its speed-related vision issues compromise its ability to catch prey. Researchers have discovered that the beetle opens and closes its mandibles in response to visual cues, such as the perceived size of its target.
Researchers at Harvard University have used CRISPR technology to edit out the CCR5 receptor in human blood stem cells, which could provide a new approach to treating HIV/AIDS. The edited cells showed no unwanted mutations and retained their functionality.
A team of over 100 experts analyzed 144 carefully chosen species and 1,000 insect transcriptomes to reconstruct the insect tree of life. The study reveals that insects originated around 480 million years ago and developed wings 400 million years ago.
Researchers at McLean Hospital have successfully transplanted human stem cell-derived neurons into the brains of mice with epilepsy, reducing seizures in half of the recipients. The treatment showed promise, with improved electrical activity and reversal of seizure symptoms.
Researchers successfully generate neural stem cells that can self-renew and differentiate into neurons, opening the door to transplantation therapies. The breakthrough allows cells to divide repeatedly without ongoing expression of reprogramming factors, making them suitable for therapeutic use.
Researchers analyzed the host range of canine parvovirus (CPV) and found that viruses in domestic dogs and raccoons could infect a wider range of wild carnivores than previously thought. The study identified specific genetic changes associated with host adaptation, suggesting that these mutations can overcome barriers to infection.
Researchers have developed a novel prochlorperazine nasal spray formulation as a potential new treatment for migraines. The product has been found to remain stable for up to 120 days with minimal degradation, demonstrating its effectiveness in treating migraine patients.
A Cornell-led study found that specific gut bacteria are heritable and more common in lean individuals. Transplanting a particular bacterium into mice protected against weight gain, highlighting the potential for tailored probiotics to reduce obesity-related diseases.
Scientists discovered 39 different koala retroviruses passed down from parent to offspring, offering insights into the human viral lineage and koala conservation. The study found that these retroviruses integrated into the host genome less than 50,000 years ago and are linked to health issues in koalas.
Researchers screened over 2,000 plant samples for biological activity, revealing compounds with potential applications for crop improvement and protection. The study presents the results of large-scale screening for insecticidal and fungicidal activity in 1,200 plant samples.
Researchers at EPFL successfully recreated the ghost illusion in the laboratory by altering sensorimotor brain signals. This phenomenon is common to many cultures and can be observed in people with neurological or psychiatric disorders, such as epilepsy.
A 47-year-old woman with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma received a uniquely personalized treatment based on her genetic profile, achieving significant tumour shrinkage and symptom improvement. The use of next-generation sequencing revealed a rare BRAF mutation, which was targeted by dabrafenib and trametinib therapies.
A study found that an endothelin-A antagonist can enhance renal recovery in patients with renovascular disease. The medication, already used for pulmonary hypertension, promotes kidney function and improves responses after renal angioplasty.
A new study suggests that pterodactyls' inability to take off with wingspans over 12m led to their size limits. The research used computer modeling and found that even the largest pterosaur models could sustain flight using intermittent powered flight, but took-off proved too challenging.
Researchers develop robot that induces feeling of 'ghost' presence in healthy participants by sending mixed-up sensorimotor signals. The phenomenon is linked to damage in frontoparietal cortex and may shed light on schizophrenic hallucinations.
A team of 100 researchers, led by Rutgers biologist Dr. Jessica Ware, has completed a groundbreaking two-year project to map the evolution of insects using molecular data. The study found that insects originated around 480 million years ago, contemporaneous with the earliest terrestrial plants, and developed wings before other animals.