A team of scientists has found that water molecules form a 'funnel' around proteins, guiding them to potential binding partners. This collective water movement assists binding and supports the mutual recognition of biomolecules, allowing them to select or reject certain partners.
A team of researchers has found fossils indicating complex multicellularity in ancient organisms around 600 million years ago, contradicting previous interpretations. This discovery sheds new light on the evolution of multicellular life and could have significant implications for our understanding of the Cambrian Explosion.
A new study by researchers at Rice University explains the hydrological mystery of biochar's effect on soil. Biochar makes clay soils drain faster due to its light and porous structure, increasing hydraulic conductivity, while sandy soils drain slower due to absorption and tortuous pathways for water movement.
A new wearable medical device can quickly alert a person to cardiovascular trouble or skin dryness, using thousands of liquid crystals to sense heat. The device provides sub-millimeter spatial resolution for accurate monitoring of temperature and thermal transport characteristics.
Researchers at Northwestern University have created the first mouse model for ALS dementia, allowing scientists to directly view the brains of living mice under anesthesia. This breakthrough enables rapid testing and real-time monitoring of test drugs, paving the way for accelerated development of effective therapies.
A new study finds that population aging can have positive impacts on society, including increased productivity due to higher education levels, reduced energy consumption, and improved health outcomes. The study suggests that these benefits may outweigh the challenges posed by demographic change.
A new study by Henry Ford Health reveals that pain can disrupt sleep in patients undergoing total hip replacement or knee replacement surgery, leading to longer hospital stays. The study found that better pain control could improve sleep duration for these patients.
A study published in Neurology found that people who notice their memory slipping may be on to something, with 56% of participants reporting changes in their memory. The study suggests a significant window of opportunity for intervention before diagnosable problems show up, approximately 12 years after initial complaints began.
Researchers from University of Eastern Finland propose a new method for measuring cardiorespiratory fitness by scaling maximal oxygen uptake and maximal workload by lean mass. This approach can avoid confounding effects of body adiposity, leading to more accurate assessments of an individual's functional capacity.
The University of Miami's Linda Ray Intervention Program demonstrates positive outcomes for children with developmental delays, cognitive improvements, and reduced need for special education services. Children who received 25 hours of services per week made significant strides in cognitive, language, and behavior.
Research by Queen's University biologist Paul Martin found that smaller bird species can overcome size disadvantages when interacting with distantly related species. The study examined 23,362 aggressive interactions among 246 bird species pairs and identified specific traits that enhance small species' abilities in conflicts.
Researchers have developed a model that uses self-organised criticality and fluid dynamics to predict the occurrence of solar flares. The model has shown to be consistent with observations in a quantitative sense, enabling scientists to better understand and prepare for these powerful events.
Dietary supplements can cause severe health issues and are often ineffective. States should increase regulation of these products to protect consumers, particularly adolescents. Recommended state actions include conducting laboratory testing, generating safety warnings, and instituting minimum age purchase limits.
Two family-based therapies are found to be effective in treating anorexia nervosa in teenagers, with one approach producing faster weight gain and lower hospitalization rates. The study suggests that involving parents in treatment can lead to improved outcomes for adolescents struggling with the life-threatening eating disorder.
A recent study by UC Irvine researchers suggests that relying on natural gas to reduce emissions will have minimal effect. The study found that high gas usage can delay the construction of low-carbon energy facilities, ultimately leading to increased cumulative emissions.
Researchers have discovered an enzyme that can be targeted to kill parasites causing deadly diseases such as sleeping sickness and Chagas disease. The study found that a small sugar molecule activates the enzyme, providing an opportunity to design drugs that block its activity in specific species.
A recent study published in PNAS reveals the link between gelsolin protein and ovarian cancer resistance, providing a promising avenue for developing new therapies. By cutting down gelsolin levels, researchers found that chemo-resistant cells become susceptible to chemotherapy.
A new armoured dinosaur, Ziapelta sanjuanensis, discovered in New Mexico shares similarities with ankylosaurid dinosaurs found in Alberta. The species boasts unique features, such as tall spikes on its cervical half ring and distinctive scales on its snout.
A University of Kansas-based team is developing a mobile phone system to identify species of disease-carrying insects. The project combines new technology with entomological knowledge to help public health workers tackle infectious diseases.
A CU study led by Humboldt State University found that recent Colorado Front Range wildfires are not more severe than those in the past. The researchers analyzed fire-scarred trees and tree-ring data going back to the 1600s, showing only 16% increase in severe fires since then.
The new peer-reviewed open access journal will publish original manuscripts on disease prevention, health promotion, and public health policymaking. It aims to broaden understanding by including a wider selection of geographic and population-specific studies.
A randomized controlled trial found that using StopAdvisor increased the likelihood of quitting among lower-income smokers by 36%. The website was designed to mimic the support provided by NHS stop-smoking advisors and improved quit rates among those with lower socioeconomic status.
A new study by UNC researchers found that younger elite athletes are more likely to suffer repeat ACL reinjuries than those who experienced their first injury during collegiate play. The study also showed significant differences in return-to-play and reinjury rates between precollegiate and intracollegiate groups.
The National Institutes of Health has established an Accelerating Medicines Partnership in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus (AMP RA/Lupus) Network to transform the current model for identifying promising biological targets for new drugs and diagnostics. The network will analyze interplay among biological pathways, including at the single...
A new study found that providing statistical information about injury risks can increase public support for road safety laws. The survey of 2,397 adults showed significant increases in support for laws aimed at drunk driving and red-light running after participants were given statistics on related injury risks.
A new study reveals that frequent media multitasking is associated with lower grey-matter density in the anterior cingulate cortex, a region responsible for cognitive and emotional control. The research supports earlier findings on the link between multitasking and poor attention, depression, and anxiety.
Researchers at the University of Leicester have developed a breakthrough technique to generate synthetic amino acids and designer proteins, which can be used to develop innovative new protein drugs for cancer and Alzheimer's disease treatment. The discovery opens up new avenues for drug discovery with potentially highly potent drugs an...
New modeling studies show most stars were formed from unstable protostar clusters that broke up, leaving behind single or binary stars. These clusters, however, rarely form stable multi-star systems, instead ejecting stars to achieve stability.
Researchers found camels to be the primary reservoir of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), shedding the virus in their nasal secretions for up to 35 days. Vaccinating camels may reduce transmission risk to people and other camels.
Scientists from Scripps Research Institute will develop an artificial immune system using a $7.9 million DARPA grant, creating vast libraries of molecules to detect and neutralize biological threats. The team will leverage automation and advanced technologies to rapidly synthesize and screen compounds.
Researchers show that Alzheimer's patients experience sustained states of sadness and happiness despite little or no recollection of movie clips. The study highlights the importance of caregivers' actions on patients' emotional state, suggesting simple techniques can improve quality of life.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine are developing a state-of-the-art 3D liver model to better predict organ physiology, assess drug toxicity and build disease models. The project aims to improve ways of predicting drug safety and effectiveness through collaboration with researchers from 11 institutions.
Tropical Depression Kammuri intensified on Sept. 24, with strong thunderstorms covering a long area within its elongated circulation. The storm's cloud-top temperatures reached -63F/-53C, potentially generating heavy rain.
Researchers redesigned a molecule to control immune cell activity, changing its target and altering the effects of its signal. This new approach may let scientists selectively block the bad signals that cause or contribute to disease, enhancing good signals that defend against cancer and infections.
Penn State researchers are teaming up to study how certain cues on mobile and web devices inspire mental shortcuts that predict user trust in online sites and social networks. The study aims to promote better interface design and educate users about mental shortcuts that compromise their privacy when online.
A study by Cornell Food & Brand Lab found that lower buffet prices lead to less taste satisfaction. Diners who paid more for the same food rated it as being 11% tastier and enjoyed the experience more.
The researchers created a new nanoscale structure called PlaCSH that increases the brightness and efficiency of LEDs made of organic materials by 58 percent. The method also improves picture clarity of LED displays by 400 percent.
A new study reveals significant differences in religiosity between Indian and UK scientists. While 65% of UK scientists identify as non-religious, only 6% of Indian scientists share this trait. The study also found that Indian scientists are more likely to attend religious services than their UK counterparts.
Scientists have found that discharge of fracking wastewater into rivers can contaminate drinking water supplies. Even after passage through wastewater treatment plants, halides in the wastewater can lead to toxic byproducts when treated with conventional methods.
The King Fire in California has burned over 92,960 acres since its start in September 2014. The fire is currently 38% contained, with arson as the suspected cause, and is being battled by over 7,600 personnel. Extreme weather conditions, including strong winds and low humidity, are exacerbating the fire's behavior.
A recent study published in Applied Geography highlights the significant impact of oil discharges from human maritime activity on the Canadian coast. The research, led by University of Calgary geographer Stefania Bertazzon, shows that recreational activities such as boating and fishing are major contributors to ocean pollution.
Elsevier has launched an open-access journal called Sensing and Bio-Sensing Research, which focuses on new concepts and practical applications of bio-sensing technologies. The journal aims to promote novel sensing and biosensing technologies to the research community and exploitation partners.
A new study has identified two genes, FOXC1 and PITX2, that underlie the development of cerebral small-vessel disease (CSVD), a risk factor for stroke. The study found that patients with mutations in these genes exhibited signs of CSVD, while zebrafish models with reduced Foxc1 levels mimicked symptoms of CSVD.
A new study published in Rheumatology found that NSAID users have a higher risk of developing venous thromboembolism, which includes deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. The study's lead author notes that physicians should be cautious when prescribing NSAIDs to patients already at high risk of VTE.
Scientists have developed a method to inject tonsil-derived stem cells into damaged livers, potentially treating liver disease without surgery. The technique uses a heat-sensitive liquid to grow liver cells on a 3-D scaffold, showing promise as an injectable tissue engineering approach.
A new study found that high-risk individuals screened for early-stage lung cancer using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) can reduce treatment costs by up to 85%, resulting in a significant reduction in mortality rates and improved patient outcomes. The average cost per-person for LDCT screening was $453, while the mean cost for diag...
A study published in Science Translational Medicine found that immune cell activity within the first 24 hours after surgery can predict a patient's recovery time. The researchers used single-cell mass cytometry to analyze blood samples from patients undergoing hip-replacement procedures, revealing a unique pattern of immune response.
Scientists have found that defects in a 2D material called tungsten disulphide can create unusual characteristics, making it useful for electronic devices and hydrogen gas liberation. The researchers used an advanced microscope to visualize the defects, revealing a low-energy barrier that allows them to be easily displaced.
Eyeless Mexican cavefish show no metabolic circadian rhythm under varying lighting conditions, saving up to 30% less energy compared to surface-dwelling fish. This adaptation enables the fish to thrive in food-limited environments without unnecessary energy expenditure.
Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) show promise as a successor to silicon for smaller, faster and cheaper electronic devices. A new method improves their reliability and performance by coating them with PVDF-TrFE, a fluoropolymer that mitigates impurities and defects.
The Fashion Footwear Association of New York and QVC presented $240,000 to the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute for breast cancer research. The grant will fund research on why breast cancer recurs and metastasizes, a potentially major impact on breast cancer survival rates.
Researchers found no universal preference for high testosterone faces and nuanced effects of culture on mate choice. Across 12 populations, women preferred slightly less masculine faces, suggesting factors beyond infectious disease rates influence attractiveness.
A study published in Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research found that people's perception of alcohol taste varies due to genetic differences in bitter taste receptors. These differences can influence drinking habits, with some individuals experiencing more bitterness and lower liking for alcoholic beverages.
A new prototype developed by UPV/EHU researchers uses latent heat from paraffin materials to store thermal energy, offering a compact and modular solution for homes. The system can achieve up to 50% less volume and flexible design, making it suitable for spaces with limited availability.
Researchers at the University of Leicester have developed a novel electronic system for diagnosing canine lymphoma in its early stages and monitoring remission after chemotherapy. The cLBT test detects biomarkers associated with the disease, offering improved diagnostic capabilities for veterinarians and pet owners.
Researchers identified 230 SNPs associated with climate change and found that gene TBC1D12 became advantageous in colder climates, suggesting a link between sunlight and vegetation availability. The study could inform breeding practices for more resilient livestock breeds.
A study of pregnant women receiving computerized decision-support guides found significantly less invasive diagnostic testing compared to those without. The intervention resulted in more women choosing no or screening-only testing strategies.
A new study by NYU's Center for Drug Use and HIV Research found that many drug users have concerns about genetic testing due to lack of confidentiality and disclosure. Despite these concerns, participants indicated they would be more positive towards genetic testing if it improved their medical care.
Patients with untreated sleep apnea are at increased risk of serious cardiovascular complications, but those diagnosed and treated prior to surgery can experience a significant reduction in risk. The study found that respiratory complications were also twice as likely to occur in patients with OSA, compared to those without the condition.
Researchers found that critically ill ICU patients lose almost all of their gut microbes and those left are mostly pathogenic, leading to life-threatening sepsis. The study suggests that minimizing antibiotic use and stabilizing remaining microbes could improve patient outcomes.