Researchers discovered a key protein, Sema6A, that helps guide axons from neurons in the retina to the correct part of the brain. This finding has implications for treating eye movement disorders and regenerating damaged vision-sensing nerve cells.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a method to fine-tune the acoustic response of nanoparticles by varying the thickness of their attachment layer, opening doors for new applications in photonics and wireless communications. This breakthrough uses ultrafast laser pulses to induce atomic vibrations in gold nanodisks.
Researchers analyzed gene activity in over 1,600 tissue samples to understand how genomic variants control gene expression and predispose people to diseases like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. They identified common eQTLs across tissues and found a large number of tissue-specific eQTL genes.
Researchers discover coffee grounds and silverskin contain powerful antioxidants, fibre and phenols, making them suitable for creating healthy food products. The study's findings suggest these by-products could greatly diminish the environmental impact of discarded coffee waste.
The German Research Foundation has awarded 75,000 Euros for an international research marketing project that hosts a competition with challenges in digital forensics, discrete optimization, and photonic technologies. The project aims to engage the global research community and promote collaboration and innovation.
A new study reveals that measles can suppress the immune system for up to three years, making children highly vulnerable to other infectious diseases. The research, published in Science, provides epidemiologic evidence that measles attacks immune memory cells, leading to a state of 'immune amnesia'.
The BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology has selected Industrial Biotechnology as its official journal, providing readers with more in-depth coverage of the industry's science, technology, markets, and policy efforts. The partnership aims to tell compelling stories of industrial biotech development and innovation.
A study by the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County found two previously unknown species of vinegar flies (Drosophila gentica and Drosophila flavohirta) breeding on flowers rather than fruit in urban areas. The discovery sheds light on the city's biodiversity and highlights the importance of citizen scientists in this research.
Researchers found that relatives play a crucial role in encouraging loved ones to seek medical help for lung cancer, while online information poses problems. A new website is planned to provide tailored guidance for those experiencing symptoms.
Researchers have developed a process to repair leaks in graphene membranes, filling cracks and plugging holes using chemical deposition and polymerization techniques. The team created tiny, uniform pores in the material, allowing only water to pass through, resulting in high flow rates and efficient filtration.
Women with cystic fibrosis are at risk of unplanned and mistimed pregnancies due to inadequate contraceptive use. The study found that only 49% of participants used contraception, with those having more severe CF disease being less likely to do so.
Research suggests that statin use may delay resistance to androgen deprivation therapy in men with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer. Statins block the uptake of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, a precursor of testosterone, thereby prolonging time to disease progression.
Researchers have developed a novel optogenetic protein, Opto-mGluR6, which can be tailored to bring this promising technology closer to medical application. This breakthrough could potentially restore sight in patients suffering from any kind of photoreceptor degeneration, including severe forms of age-related macular degeneration.
A large prospective study found that consuming one ounce of nuts per week reduced the risk of colorectal cancer among women. The study, published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, suggests a possible inverse association between nut consumption and colorectal cancer risk.
Typhoon Noul is expected to make landfall in the Luzon province of Catanduanes and Northern Samar in the next two days. The storm will steadily intensify to 115 knots over the next two days, posing a threat to the densely populated island.
Researchers have localized the seasonal light cycle effects that drive SAD to a small region in the mid-brain called the dorsal raphe nucleus. The study found that serotonergic neurons fire faster in mice exposed to summer-like light cycles, leading to increased levels of serotonin and norepinephrine.
Researchers found that overexpression of cyclin E slows down DNA replication and introduces harmful mutations in cells. The study discovered specific regions of chromosomes frequently failed to complete replication, leading to genetic instability and potential cancer development.
A green dye called TAPP can kill bacteria on bone fragments and break up biofilms when exposed to light, reducing the risk of infections during reconstructive surgery. The study found that the dye binds tightly to bone without leaching out into surrounding fluid, suggesting a safe and non-toxic application.
A new study demonstrates the ability to visualize metabolic enzyme structures at near-atomic detail using cryo-electron microscopy. This advancement has immense implications for drug design and development, revolutionizing the field of structural biology.
A new study has uncovered Lokiarchaeota, a missing link in the evolution of eukaryotes, revealing unexpected complexity in its genome. The discovery provides insights into the emergence of organelles and cellular structure in early eukaryotic cells.
The project aims to develop individualized robots that can adapt to the special needs of each elderly user, improving their well-being. The robots will be designed to model human-human interaction and adjust to user pace, abilities, and actions in real-time.
A large study of Tricare patients found that statin users were 87% more likely to develop diabetes and had a higher risk of complications. The study confirms past findings on the link between statins and diabetes risk, but is among the first to show this connection in a relatively healthy population.
Research finds that social media and socioeconomic influences drive customer adoption of new sales channels. Marketing campaigns can leverage these influences to promote new brick-and-mortar venues.
A new non-invasive PET scan with C-11-vorozole detects aromatase in all body organs, potentially identifying cancer patients who may benefit from aromatase inhibitor treatment. The study also finds sex-dependent differences in radiation exposure and hormonal status.
Scientists have discovered that Mercury's magnetic field is almost 4 billion years old, providing a new understanding of the planet's history. The discovery was made possible by data from NASA's MESSENGER spacecraft, which orbited Mercury between 2011 and 2015.
By speeding up real atomic force microscope experiments and slowing down simulations, researchers matched the sliding speeds, resolving a major problem in studying atomic-scale friction. This breakthrough enables the study of stick-slip friction at overlapping speeds, allowing for more accurate measurements.
Undergraduates Connor Richards, Hanni Schoniger, and Jade Zamorano have been awarded the Donald A. Strauss Foundation Scholarship for their STEM-focused projects. The recipients aim to improve college enrollment in science and math among underrepresented high school students through outreach programs.
A WSU study reveals that sleep deprivation can lead to catastrophic decisions in crisis situations, affecting doctors, first responders, and military personnel. The experiment simulated real-world scenarios, showing that sleep-deprived individuals struggle to adapt to changing circumstances.
Researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health have identified a critical host factor, CD55, that enables the malaria parasite to invade human red blood cells. The discovery opens up new avenues for developing therapies to treat and prevent malaria.
Researchers at Aalto University have discovered a new method to enhance the polarization of light in ferromagnetic materials. By patterning magnetic materials into arrays of nanoscale dots, they can create highly controllable modifications of light polarization when it reflects from the array. This breakthrough has the potential to adv...
Researchers successfully restored bilirubin levels to those found in healthy animals using gene therapy, offering new hope for the treatment of Crigler-Najjar syndrome. The therapy involved transferring a copy of the UGT1A1 gene into liver cells using an AAV vector, resulting in long-term correction without immunosuppression.
Researchers found that using a shopping list was associated with improved dietary quality and lower weight among low-income participants living in food deserts. The study suggests that this simple tool can be an effective way to promote healthy eating habits and reduce health risks.
Scientists from the University of Chicago identified a newly-evolved gene, panish, which determines head-to-tail polarity in midge fly embryos. This discovery suggests that genetic changes to fundamental biological processes occur more often than previously thought, and opens new research avenues.
A new study published in the Journal of Money Credit and Banking found that consumers' willingness to take on risk plays a significant role in driving fluctuations in US housing prices. The researchers identified interest rates, rent, and consumer enthusiasm as key drivers of national and local market prices.
A new study from the University of Cambridge has identified a 500-million-year-old fossil brain that helped determine the origin of heads in early animals. The research found connections between the hard plate and eye-like features at the front of the body, indicating a common evolutionary transition from soft to hard bodies.
A new mechanism for regulating blood pressure has been uncovered, involving the stress-sensitive gatekeeper protein ERp44. When ERp44 is released from cells, it accelerates the removal of angiotensin II from circulation, leading to a dramatic drop in blood pressure.
A study published in Psychiatry Research found that Iraq and Afghanistan veterans who engaged in non-suicidal self-injury were five times more likely to attempt suicide. The research suggests that NSSI could serve as a marker for identifying veterans at high risk of suicide.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory found that the mammary gland forms a long-term memory of pregnancy, allowing it to respond more efficiently to hormonal changes during subsequent pregnancies. This epigenetic memory is thought to explain why breastfeeding is easier in second and subsequent pregnancies.
A new study by Penn researchers reveals how a special type of nucleosome, containing the protein CENP-A, is stabilized at the centromere during cell division. The presence of accessory protein CENP-C imparts stability to CENP-A molecules, ensuring proper chromosome separation.
Wild-type zebrafish outcompete genetically modified Glofish for female mates due to aggressive mating behavior, resulting in the rapid decline and eventual disappearance of the GM trait. The study's findings support the idea that mate competition drives natural selection more effectively than mate choice.
Debris from the US DMSP F13 satellite explosion poses a threat to other spacecraft with orbits different from its own. A new technique called CiELO was developed to assess collision risks from small-sized debris, revealing a peak in risk at altitudes just below the explosion location.
A recent study published by the University of California - Berkeley Haas School of Business confirms that humans have an innate desire for high social status, which influences how people think and behave. The study found that possession of low status negatively impacts health, leading to depression, chronic anxiety, and cardiovascular ...
A new study by Uppsala University researchers reveals a missing link in the evolution of complex life, identifying a new group of microorganisms called Lokiarchaeota. This discovery provides insights into how complex cell types emerged from simple microbes, challenging long-standing scientific questions.
Scientists have decoded the molecular basis for mitochondrial membrane folds, which allow cells to use food energy efficiently. The discovery of Mic10, a protein component, reveals its role in controlling transport and insertion into the inner membrane system of mitochondria.
A study by Fatima Tresh, Georgina Randsley de Moura, and Abigail Player found that employers prefer male applicants perceived to have high levels of leadership potential. Female applicants with a proven track record were not rated higher than those without. The findings highlight gender equality barriers in the workplace.
A new screening method, tomosynthesis, has been found to detect 40% more breast cancers than traditional mammography. The technique uses 3D X-ray images and reduces discomfort and pain during the examination.
Researchers at NIH solved a mystery about ovarian cell origins and discovered how these cells share information during development. This new understanding may help identify causes of conditions like premature ovarian failure and polycystic ovarian syndrome.
A novel experiment found that targeting key influencers in face-to-face social networks leads to a cascade of behavior changes, boosting the efficiency and reach of certain programs. This method increases adoption by 12.2% compared to random distribution, offering a simple and inexpensive solution for public health.
Researchers discovered that Escherichia coli bacteria can cooperatively share resources by breaking down glucose into acetate and exchanging it with other cells. This behavior emerged spontaneously in simulated colonies as oxygen levels decreased, allowing cells to adapt and thrive.
Corleone Delaveris, a Boston College senior, has been awarded a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship to study chemical biology at Stanford University. The award will provide financial support for three years of graduate study, covering an annual stipend and tuition costs.
Researchers developed a novel approach using a molecular homing beacon that attracts pre-existing antibodies to attack pathogenic bacteria. The technology shows promise in targeting multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens, and could potentially be applied to other infections, viruses, or cancer cells.
Three PNNL scientists, David Heldebrant, Dongsheng Li, and Brent VanDevender, have been awarded five-year research grants to reduce carbon emissions, create new materials for energy storage, and measure neutrinos. The grants aim to bolster the nation's scientific workforce by supporting exceptional researchers during their early careers.
A new study found that nearly all parents of overweight boys and approximately 88% of parents of overweight girls perceive their children as 'about the right weight'. The researchers also found that African-American families are more likely to misperceive their child's weight, while family income increases lead to correct perceptions.
Research shows that family members are more likely to search online for lung cancer information, encouraging loved ones to seek medical help. Psychologists aim to develop a website providing tailored information for those experiencing lung cancer symptoms.
Parental denial of a child's weight issue can hinder efforts to combat childhood obesity. A healthy focus on promoting health and avoiding long-term consequences is recommended instead.
Research at ETH Zurich reveals that wider seismogenic zones increase the probability of a supercycle occurring, characterized by several large earthquakes and eventually a giant earthquake. The study proposes a new explanation for the gradual rupture phenomenon, suggesting that physical stresses build up rapidly at the edges of the zone.
A new clinical model proposes addressing trauma to improve patient health outcomes, with four components: environment, screening, response, and foundation. The model aims to create a trauma-informed environment that promotes safety, reliability, trust, and empathy.
Physicists at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München have developed a new Ytterbium:Yttrium-Aluminium-Garnet (Yb:YAG) disk laser, which produces pulses lasting 7.7 femtoseconds and enables the study of ultrafast physical processes on attosecond timescales.
A three-year study will enroll 2,000 adults aged 65+ who've had a fall-related fracture to assess the effectiveness of an exercise program integrating strength training, balance exercises, and walking with coaching. The study aims to reduce the risk of falls and fractures among seniors by addressing barriers to exercise
Researchers at the University of Oregon have found that water plays a key role in forming magma and producing explosive volcanoes in the Cascade Range. The discovery, driven by computer modeling and data from olivine-rich basalt samples, helps solve a puzzle about plate tectonics and the Earth's deep water cycle.