Chagas disease is a life-threatening illness caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. In Spain, Latin American migrants are at high risk due to mother-to-child transmission, with an estimated 50,000-70,000 people infected. Screening is crucial to detect heart abnormalities early and prevent sudden cardiac death.
Two studies unveil neural networks that produce and propagate seizure activity, providing information to refine surgical interventions. A third study describes a device capable of detecting and diminishing seizure activity through brief electrical stimulation.
The study found that people use two different mechanisms to judge intentionality, relying on emotion for negative outcomes and statistics for positive outcomes. Brain scans revealed differences in brain activity between individuals with different personality traits and psychological measures.
Researchers found that microtubules limit glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, but also allow for increased release when destabilized. Targeting microtubule regulation may offer new ways to treat type 2 diabetes.
Astronomers discovered nine monstrous baby galaxies 11.5 billion light-years away, pinpointed by ALMA's high resolution. These young galaxies reside at the intersection of massive filaments in dark matter, supporting a model for their formation.
Human cells have evolved mechanisms to detect and respond to latent herpesvirus infections, but the virus has developed ways to evade these defenses. The study identifies a viral protein that blocks cellular proteins from reactivating the infection.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a technique that allows them to read the mind of a fly by lighting up active conversations between neurons during behaviors or sensory experiences. This can provide valuable insights into the computational processes underlying human brain function.
Scientists have developed a new way to make yeast hybrids in the lab, allowing industries to create new strains of microorganisms to work with. This technique could lead to the creation of new flavors, enhanced production, and the development of entirely new products.
A new University of Washington-based initiative researches how multiple states implement court-imposed fines and fees, with findings highlighting the disproportionate impact on poor people. The study reveals an arbitrary system of enforcement and collection that perpetuates poverty and marginalization.
Studies reveal that different types of autoimmune responses elicit distinct responses in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. Antibodies targeting intracellular proteins lead to a worse prognosis and poorer response to immunotherapy compared to those against cell surface proteins.
Constantine M. Dafermos will receive the 2016 Norbert Wiener Prize in Applied Mathematics for his pioneering research on nonlinear conservation laws and thermomechanics. He is recognized as one of the world's top experts in the theory of conservation laws.
Cells use kinetic proofreading to regulate gene expression with increased specificity but at the cost of more energy investment. The authors propose an alternative out-of-equilibrium, proofreading-based transcriptional regulation to mitigate crosstalk in multicellular organisms.
Researchers at Rice University develop a new method for building 'drawbridges' between metal nanoparticles, allowing for the creation of full-color displays. The technique involves anchoring pairs of gold nanoparticles to a glass surface and applying a small voltage to create a conductive silver bridge that can be switched on and off.
Researchers found that weight loss in fathers can alter epigenetic marks in their sperm cells, potentially influencing the appetite and physiology of their future children. The study suggests that lifestyle factors prior to conception can shape the health of offspring.
Researchers have found that Epstein-Barr virus and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus can infect and replicate in human neurons. This discovery suggests viral infection could underlie at least some symptoms of brain disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis.
Researchers found evidence of cold climate when Vikings arrived in Greenland, contradicting popular notion that warm weather drew settlers. The study adds to evidence that the Medieval Warm Period was not a global phenomenon.
Scientists have identified a second giant pore in peroxisomes, enabling the transport of folded proteins essential for human life. The discovery sheds light on how these organelles import enzymes and other proteins from the cytoplasm, a process critical for cellular function.
Research at Lund University finds that 75% of employees experience rudeness, leading to stronger social support and increased risk of bullying; training for staff and managers is key to addressing unpleasant behavior.
A study published in PLOS ONE reveals that the causes of congenital face blindness can be traced back to an early stage in the perceptual process. People with this condition are unable to use facial features to identify others, but their brains respond differently when shown a face.
Researchers from Montefiore-Einstein Center for Cancer Care presented findings on genetic risk factors, preleukemic states, and novel treatments for acute myeloid leukemia. They identified a genetic risk factor for avascular necrosis associated with treatment of ALL in children and demonstrated that moderate PU.1 inhibition can drive m...
A new algorithm called Fingerprint And Similarity Thresholding (FAST) can identify previously overlooked microquakes in large databases of ground motion measurements, potentially helping predict larger quakes. By comparing seismic wave patterns, FAST finds weakly recorded earthquakes faster than conventional methods.
Researchers found that arsenic concentrations in ancient oceans varied greatly over time, coinciding with the rise and fall of atmospheric oxygen and global glaciations. This suggests that ocean toxicity played a significant role in shaping the evolution of complex life on Earth.
Researchers developed a new 3D software to track the embryonic development and movement of neurons in Caenorhabditis elegans worms. The program creates a straightened image of the worm, allowing scientists to follow individual cells as they move and grow, revealing complex neuronal structures in unprecedented 3D clarity.
University of Texas at Arlington engineer Jeff Lei has received a $375,000 grant to develop combinatorial testing techniques for big data software. This will enable developers to efficiently test large datasets, reducing the likelihood of bugs and improving software reliability.
UC Davis researchers have made significant progress in tumor treatment by combining guided ultrasound with nanoparticle chemotherapy, resulting in improved survival and consistent cure rates. The technique allows for complete destruction of tumors without thermal damage to surrounding tissue.
A study published in Cell Reports reveals that the Musashi genes MSI1 and MSI2 play a key role in colon cancer development, acting redundantly with the Wnt pathway. Inhibiting these proteins blocks tumor growth in both human cells and mice, suggesting potential new targets for effective treatment.
Scientists have discovered a potential solution to chronic pain by identifying the key ingredient responsible for painlessness in people born with a rare genetic mutation. By combining low-dose opioids with Nav1.7 blockers, researchers hope to replicate the effect and develop new treatments for millions of patients worldwide.
A recent study published in Cancer Cell found that a key signaling pathway present in most organisms actually suppresses the formation of specific types of brain tumor, including gliomas. This discovery has significant implications for glioma treatment and diagnosis.
A new University of Illinois at Chicago study examines the impact of cutting teacher benefits on taxpayer savings. The researchers found that most of the cost of health insurance is passed onto teachers themselves through deductions from their salaries.
The University of California, Davis has been awarded contracts for two major federal fine particle air quality monitoring networks: IMPROVE and CSN. This will provide data that helps inform national air quality standards and regulations, with a focus on visibility and human health in urban areas.
A new study by UC San Francisco scientists shows that the proportion of normal cells in tumor samples can skew genetic analysis results. The team used a massive dataset to examine how tumor purity affects three common genomic methods, revealing potentially disruptive effects on cancer research findings and clinical classifications.
The Beat AML collaboration has identified over 10 cell signaling pathways and mutations that may contribute to disease progression in acute myeloid leukemia. Researchers have also found promising therapeutic approaches, including disrupting the cancer cell microenvironment and targeting key inflammatory pathways.
A study conducted by Penn researchers found that teens understand the risks of distracted driving and cellphone use, but still engage in these behaviors. The study also revealed that context plays a significant role in how teens differentiate between texting and social media use.
A study by Professor Olivier Bauer found that Montreal's culinary heritage is influenced by Jewish cultural heritage, with bagels and smoked meat becoming iconic symbols of the city. The researcher notes that these foods have become popular among workers and tourists alike, despite their Jewish origins.
Researchers analyzed canine cell lines to understand cancer development and metastasis, identifying key gene switches that could be targeted with novel therapeutics. The study provides a basis for further research into personalized medicine for dogs with cancer.
Researchers have identified a key mechanism in regulating cell survival by controlling mRNA stability, shedding light on programmed cell death mechanisms. The study suggests that the CCR4-NOT complex plays a vital role in maintaining cellular integrity and that its component protein CNOT3 is crucial for cell viability.
The study reveals that microbes in shallow layers of seasonal wetlands use digestible plant material for energy, releasing arsenic into underlying groundwater. However, under normal conditions, these microbes do not pose a significant threat to groundwater arsenic concentrations.
The GEO-CRADLE consortium coordinates regional institutions to support effective integration of Earth Observation (EO) capacities, modeling, and data exploitation skills. The project provides a roadmap for implementing GEOSS and Copernicus in the region, with a focus on climate change, food security, access to raw materials and energy.
A breast screening program has been shown to prevent subsequent invasive cancer in women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a very early form of breast cancer. The study analyzed data from over 5 million women and found that increased prior screen detection of DCIS was associated with a reduction in invasive cancers.
Lili He will study mechanisms of how chemical pesticides penetrate fresh produce and move into plant tissues, affecting food safety for consumers. Her research uses innovative SERS techniques to detect trace amounts of pesticides without damaging samples.
Researchers have imaged a shock and its time evolution during a long-lasting solar flare, demonstrating its role in accelerating particles. The study used the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array to capture over 40,000 individual images per second, revealing the dynamic evolution of the termination shock.
Researchers developed HyPer-Tau, a sensor that attaches to microtubule structures to track hydrogen peroxide levels inside cells. This allows for precise sub-cellular information and understanding of oxidation-reduction reactions.
A Rutgers study links a protein in sperm to its counterpart in roundworms, providing clues to human infertility. The discovery could lead to more effective treatments and better contraceptives.
Researchers identify common genetic link between heart and neurodevelopmental diseases in children, shedding light on shared causes of cardiac and extra-cardiac abnormalities. The study reveals de novo mutations in genes involved in heart and brain development, suggesting potential for early testing to identify high-risk newborns.
Astronomers discovered the faintest object ever seen in the early universe, dubbed Tayna, with NASA's Hubble and Spitzer space telescopes. This small, dim galaxy is thought to be a key to understanding the formation and evolution of the first galaxies.
Researchers have isolated four distinct circulating tumor cell subsets, one of which marks genes known to be directly implicated in tumor cell dormancy. These findings may lead to a preventive treatment for metastatic cancer cells and provide insights into the mechanisms of breast cancer recurrence.
A global survey of 9,422 scientists across eight regions found that more than half identify as religious, challenging the notion that scientists are atheists. The study also showed that scientists generally view science and religion as compatible, with 25% believing they can coexist and help each other.
A new study published in Annals of Oncology shows that abiraterone acetate is effective in treating aggressive prostate cancers, even those with high Gleason scores. The treatment extended progression-free survival by up to 16.5 months in patients previously treated with docetaxel.
Lucy McFadden, Jose Rodriguez, and Compton Tucker were named AAAS 2015 Fellows for their groundbreaking research in planetary systems, atmospheric chemistry, and Earth sciences. They will receive official recognition at the 2016 AAAS Annual Meeting.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry suggests that cannabis use is associated with increased neural noise in healthy human subjects. The researchers found that delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary active constituent of cannabis, induces psychosis-like effects by increasing random brain activity.
Researchers discovered that bone's dynamic process of building and breaking down can send signals to cancer cells to stay asleep or wake. The study showed that cancer cells are usually kept asleep by association with bone-lining cells, but can be woken by activating osteoclasts.
A new study suggests that local human activity is altering the global water cycle, increasing evapotranspiration and decreasing water runoff. This shift has a significant impact, raising humanity's global freshwater footprint by 18% and potentially leading to unsustainable levels of consumption.
Researchers at Université de Genève found that cold exposure alters microbiota composition, leading to increased brown fat activation, improved insulin sensitivity, and weight loss. The discovery highlights the key role of Akkermansia muciniphila in regulating nutrient absorption and may lead to new anti-obesity treatments.
A new study reveals that just 9% of migratory birds have adequate protection across their migration cycle. Many species face declining numbers over the past 30 years, emphasizing the need for improved conservation efforts.
A WHO Task Force calculated illnesses, deaths, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for four chemicals: dioxin, aflatoxin, peanut allergen, and cyanide in cassava. Aflatoxin was associated with the highest global DALYs, while dioxin caused the most illnesses.
Researchers found that water ions escape from Saturn's magnetosphere at a reconnection point, where magnetic fields disconnect and reconnect. This discovery helps scientists understand the physics of rapid rotators like Jupiter and how they expel materials.
Physicists have developed an extremely high-precision method for magnetic field measurement, combining the accuracy of helium and cesium magnetometers. This device has an intrinsic sensitivity ideal for explaining the missing antimatter in the universe, a key area of research in fundamental physics and cosmology.
Researchers analyzed stool samples from 38 adults in the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribe, finding reduced abundance of certain bacteria and similar fecal metabolite profiles to those with metabolic disorders. The study suggests that lifestyle and social practices may play a role in health disparities among American Indians.
Researchers found that exposure to cold temperatures alters the composition of intestinal bacteria in mice, leading to increased brown and beige fat formation and improved glucose metabolism. Transplanting these microbes into germ-free mice also triggered weight loss and improved metabolic health.
Researchers found that mental health courts significantly reduced repeat offending, particularly among offenders with co-occurring mental health and substance use problems. Offenders who completed treatment programs in MHCs spent 76% less time in jail for repeat offenses compared to those in traditional courts.