Researchers discover that genetic mutations disrupt a delicate balance of excitatory and inhibitory signals in the brain, contributing to schizophrenia. The study finds strong evidence for the role of copy number variants in disrupting this balance, with potential implications for developing new treatments.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum recreated memory formation in the hippocampus using computer simulations, challenging the existing model. They found that the CA1 region plays a key role in completing memories, while the CA3 region is not as crucial as previously thought.
Researchers developed a questionnaire to assess home affordances and found that toys, appliances, and even furniture can impact infant motor skills. The AHEMD-IS tool can help parents evaluate toys for motor skill development and improve their child's fine and gross motor skills.
Scientists have developed a new way to recover indium from liquid-crystal displays (LCDs), which could help prevent the depletion of this rare metal. The researchers found that crushing and grinding LCD glass into tiny particles and bathing them in sulfuric acid solution can effectively extract indium.
Protected areas can significantly vary in their effectiveness in reducing deforestation, with some experiencing a 3.4% decrease in forest cover while others see a 5.3% increase. The study used statistical tools from econometrics to identify biases in estimates and found that individual park-level estimates ranged from -3.4% to +5.3%.
Researchers at the University of Basel measured the movement of natural channel proteins in artificial membranes for the first time. The results show that these proteins move up to ten times slower than in their natural environment, a phenomenon linked to membrane flexibility and fluidity.
A study of 1,600 adults in Vancouver and Toronto found that wealthier individuals prefer classical, blues, jazz, and opera, while poorer ones favor country, disco, and heavy metal.
A new study in Geophysical Research Letters warns of increased coastal erosion and flooding risks in the Gulf of Mexico due to rising waves. Meanwhile, annual floods in the Grand Canyon are rebuilding sandbars, while scientists analyze historic rainfall data from Padua, Italy, revealing long-term oscillations and extreme weather patterns.
Research from Penn scientists found that individuals with higher moral reasoning skills showed increased gray matter in the prefrontal cortex, a key area for complex social behavior and decision making. The study also linked higher levels of moral development to lower neuroticism and increased openness to experience.
A new study reveals that ancient El Niño events controlled Baja bunny populations over the past 10,000 years. The research analyzed 3,463 bunny bones and found a strong correlation between El Niño frequency and rabbit abundance.
Researchers combined local bird survey data from 16 point counts in Northeast and Midwest forests, revealing significant declines in populations of four ecological indicator species. The study highlights the need for more formal monitoring in rare habitats and suggests that some species may be increasing in certain regions.
Researchers developed new PET probes using labeled antibody fragments to visualize tumors in mice. These probes could provide more information about tumors and help doctors choose treatment options.
A world-first vaccine-style therapeutic approach has demonstrated safety and effectiveness in suppressing the immune response in a phase one clinical trial for rheumatoid arthritis. The treatment targets high-risk genes and antibodies associated with the disease.,
Researchers found that Greenland's inland lakes are unlikely to drain rapidly and exacerbate sea-level rise. Instead, they will likely drain through surface stream runoff, transferring water to coastal areas of the ice sheet.
The National Psoriasis Foundation has awarded five Translational Research Grants to researchers investigating the causes of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. The grants will support studies on genetic risk factors, gut bacteria, and targeted treatments for these conditions.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have created a high-resolution map of the human brain stem using MRI technology, providing unprecedented detail of deep brain pathways. This new model can guide surgeons in implanting electrodes more accurately, potentially eliminating trial-and-error methods and making surgery safer.
A recent study found that 29.1% of US adults have lifetime alcohol use disorder, with 12-month prevalence at 13.9%, and only 19.8% seeking treatment or help. The study highlights the need to educate the public and policy makers about AUD and its treatments.
Scientists have identified a new neural circuit in the brain that tracks movement speed and delivers this information to spatial memory systems. This discovery has important implications for understanding movement-related symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease and improving spatial memory.
Montreal researchers have created a polymer fibre with remarkable strength and elasticity, similar to spider silk. The fibre is made using a unique manufacturing process that mimics the natural structure of spider silk, making it suitable for various applications such as aircraft engine casings, surgical devices, and bulletproof clothing.
Researchers have discovered a new treatment approach targeting tiny blood and lymphatic vessels inside the kidneys, which improves renal function and slows disease progression in mice. This innovative therapy may offer hope for patients with polycystic kidney disease, particularly those with rare forms of the condition.
A recent study published by the American Psychological Association found that cyberbullying was less emotionally harmful to kids than traditional in-person harassment. The study analyzed data from telephone interviews with 791 American youth ages 10-20, who reported an average of 311 harassment incidents in the prior year.
John Innes Centre researchers have settled an epigenetic debate by showing that local chromatin holds epigenetic information passed from parent to daughter cells. Their findings, published in eLife, could have wide implications for human cancers and other organisms.
A team developed a graphical representation of nuclear spin matrices for coupled spins in arbitrary quantum states, enabling better control and utilization of quantum phenomena. The 'SpinDrops' app provides intuitive access to the fascinating world of quantum control theory.
A study led by Ellen Heber-Katz demonstrates that a primordial form of energy production can trigger healthy regrowth of lost or damaged tissue in mice. The researchers found that stabilizing the HIF-1a pathway opens up new possibilities for mammalian tissue regeneration, potentially leading to new therapies for human tissue repair.
Research finds that BPA exposure reduces maternal and paternal care in mice, with females adjusting their behavior based on male partner's exposure. The study suggests potential human implications for social, emotional, and cognitive development.
Astronomers analyzed Hubble data to find that Nix and Hydra are in chaotic rotation around Pluto. The system's dynamic motion offers insights into binary star systems and potential consequences for life.
CRG scientists map neural circuitry involved in converting olfactory inputs into navigational behaviors in fruit fly Drosophila larva. Brief excitations of identified neurons trigger changes in orientation, demonstrating the necessity and sufficiency of a couple of neurons to control chemotaxis.
Researchers analyzed thousands of women's genomes to determine how genes affect the age of first-time mothers and family size. They found that genes account for about 15% of the differences in these outcomes, suggesting an inherited reproductive advantage.
A new species of blind weevil has been discovered in the subsoil of Gran Canaria, with unique adaptations for life underground. The beetle, Oromia thoracica, has a flattened body and thorax that covers its head, allowing it to thrive in narrow cracks.
According to research published in the Heart journal, cancer has overtaken cardiovascular disease as the primary cause of death in men, but not among women. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death among women.
A study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine suggests that PD-1 does not directly cause T cell exhaustion. Instead, it helps regulate the balance between different T cell types, preserving a 'reserve force' that can fight on later. This finding has implications for cancer and antiviral therapies.
A mass mortality event affected millions of purple sea urchins and tiny sea stars along a 62-mile stretch of Northern California coast. The study suggests that long-term population and ecosystem consequences are expected as these species play key roles in maintaining tide pool balance.
Researchers have developed a simple score that uses self-reported information to predict an individual's risk of dying within 5 years. The score can be calculated online using a questionnaire and has been validated in a large study sample, showing high accuracy in predicting mortality risk.
NYU Langone Medical Center has been awarded a $15 million federal grant to help primary care practices use the latest evidence to improve heart health. The grant, part of the EvidenceNOW Initiative, aims to reduce cardiovascular risk factors and study effective practice improvement strategies.
Women who attend breast cancer screening between ages 50-69 have a 40% reduced risk of dying from breast cancer. Regular screening is also associated with a 23% risk reduction, resulting in approximately eight deaths prevented per 1,000 women regularly attending screening.
The grant will support research in perinatal biology, including studies of fetal and newborn development, placental biology, and reproductive diseases. The center aims to understand the effects of environmental disturbances during critical developmental periods on health and disease throughout life.
A study published in Springer's Chemosensory Perception journal found that fragrance preferences are driven by personal emotional memories. The researchers discovered that odor-evoked memories elicit potent emotional responses, influencing customers' likes and ratings.
A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that death rates among people over 65 are higher in areas with more fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) than in those with lower levels. Exposure to PM2.5 was linked to increased mortality, even at concentrations below EPA standards.
Researchers found genetic variations affecting stress response and brain function correlate with increased risk of major depression and schizophrenia. The study also highlights the importance of GABA signaling in neurodevelopmental disorders, suggesting potential therapeutic targets.
Hurricane Blanca rapidly strengthens with a pinhole eye, expected to become major hurricane and potentially impact southern Baja California and mainland Mexico. Swells generated by the storm will cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions along the coast of southwestern Mexico.
A new study found that keeping blood sugar levels under good control for many years can reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, or amputation. The researchers conclude that a long-term average A1C level of around 8 is enough to achieve most cardiovascular benefits.
Researchers have developed a novel delivery strategy using an aptamer to introduce functional microRNAs into cells, targeting breast cancer and blood vessel cells. The therapy shows anti-cancer and angiogenic activities, inhibiting tumor growth and protecting against atherosclerosis.
Two of Pluto's moons, Nix and Hydra, wobble unpredictably due to a constantly shifting gravitational field created by the double planet system of Pluto and Charon. This effect is strengthened by the non-spherical shape of the moons, which may be similar for the other two moons, Kerberos and Styx.
The Azrieli Foundation donated $10 million to fund groundbreaking stem cell and genetic research at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem's newly inaugurated center. Researchers will focus on developing therapies for Down syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, and Fragile X syndrome, among other conditions.
A University of Pittsburgh analysis found pregnant women living near high-density natural gas wells were more likely to have babies with lower birth weights. The study, published in PLOS ONE, examined birth records from southwestern Pennsylvania and controlled for various factors that may influence newborn weight.
The MERS-CoV virus has been linked to dromedary camels, with little human-to-human transmission reported. The disease can cause severe respiratory symptoms and multiorgan failure, highlighting the need for effective infection prevention and control measures.
Researchers found that populations of largemouth bass taken from recreational fisheries had significantly lower resting metabolic rates than those from unexploited reference populations. This suggests that recreational fishing may favor fish with lower metabolic rates, which tend to be more aggressive and easier to catch.
Researchers develop algorithm to generate lower-level control systems from scratch, solving complex Dec-POMDP models in a reasonable amount of time. The approach decomposes the problem into two graphs, reducing complexity and enabling practical application in robotics.
A researcher from University of East Anglia has found a rare Annamite Striped rabbit in Laos and Vietnam. The discovery provides new insights into the species' habitat and genetics, highlighting its potential risk of extinction due to deforestation and hunting.
A recent study by Omotayo Banjo found that black audiences are more comfortable watching black-oriented entertainment television with other black peers than with white counterparts. Black participants reported more positive excitement, attitudes, and absorption when viewing the program with all-black audiences. In contrast, white viewe...
Researchers at Vanderbilt University created nano-spirals that emit blue light when illuminated with infrared laser, providing a customizable signature that's hard to fake. The spirals could be embedded in identification cards or other objects to prevent counterfeiting.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have identified a possible way to predict if an individual is genetically prone to ALS by analyzing DNA repeats in the C9orf72 gene. The study found that a certain number of repeats, when modified with methyl groups, can cause the disease.
A team of international volunteers is mapping landslide locations in earthquake-affected Nepal to identify additional hazards. Using satellite data from various sources, they have mapped nearly 1,000 landslides, providing critical information for evacuation and relief efforts.
HMMER enables researchers to infer protein function and evolutionary history by identifying hundreds of thousands of related sequences. The new web interface offers fast and interactive visualization tools, making it easier to interpret results.
Aelan Cell Technologies is a biotech startup researching and developing innovative biomedical technologies and diagnostic tools. Led by Dr. Victoria Lunyak, the company aims to advance human health and longevity with its disruptive technologies.
Researchers at UTSA College of Engineering and US Army Institute of Surgical Research developed a more effective alternative to current standard-of-care platelets for stopping bleeding in injured soldiers. Cold-stored platelets have been shown to retain their energy reserves, making them a viable option for longer storage periods.
Researchers at UNC-Chapel Hill identified proteorhodopsin, a protein allowing certain phytoplankton to survive in iron-limited ocean regions. This discovery resets ideas on how to measure and understand carbon cycling, potentially altering climate change predictions.
Researchers found that a bulge in the ice creates tension that stretches the surface, promoting crack formation. The study's key finding is that without this tension, even large supraglacial lakes will retain their water.
Researchers developed new PET probes composed of labeled antibody fragments that can detect pancreatic cancer tumors too small to be detected with conventional methods. These probes show promise for targeted imaging and tracking the delivery of drugs.
The University of Sheffield's new machine will build parts up to three times larger and 100 times faster than current machines, enabling serious production of volumes over one million. This technology, called high-speed sintering (HSS), selectively fuses polymer powder layer by layer using infra-red-absorbing ink.