The Vilcek Foundation has awarded Peter Walter the $100,000 Vilcek Prize in Biomedical Science for his pioneering work on protein transport and stress response. Sun Hur and Rob Knight also received $50,000 Creative Promise Prizes for their innovative research on enzyme reactions and microbial communities.
Researchers at EPFL have developed a way to control the formation of conductive pathways in ferroelectric materials, allowing for the creation of adaptable electronic circuits. This technology has the potential to miniaturize devices and enable resilient circuits that can function even with damaged components.
A study assessing neurocognitive functioning in 1,500 homeless adults found nearly three-quarters to have cognitive deficits. Cognitive remediation practices need improvement for this population, with adaptations required in treatment and support options.
Research shows global warming could double the frequency of extreme La Niúna events, leading to increased droughts and floods globally. This could also lead to weather patterns switching between extremes of wet and dry, with profound socio-economic consequences.
Researchers developed a breast cancer risk prediction model specifically for African-American women, using data from 55,000 women. The new model predicts higher risk and is expected to increase the number of African-American women invited to participate in prevention trials.
A new analysis found that women with breast cancer have poor knowledge about their illness, with minority patients less likely to know accurate information. The study highlights the need for patient education and provider awareness to improve informed treatment decisions and overall cancer care.
Researchers identified a set of gene loci responsible for thermostatic regulation in Chinese pigs, highlighting the importance of introgression in adaptation. The study found that adaptations to cold and hot environments were triggered by interspecies introgression, providing insights into evolutionary history and adaptation mechanisms.
DSCOVR will observe the sun, tracking Coronal Mass Ejections that can affect power grids and communications systems. The satellite will also study the Earth from its unique L1 orbit, providing multi-spectral images and radiation measurements.
Researchers have developed a microscopic component that generates continuous entangled photons, enabling faster computing and secure communication. The new design is based on silicon technology and is incredibly small and efficient.
A new study published in Circulation reveals that long-term exposure to elevated cholesterol levels substantially increases lifetime risk for heart disease. Adults with longstanding mild to moderately elevated cholesterol levels may benefit from more aggressive prevention strategies earlier, according to the study's lead author.
Large-scale analysis of bibliographic data reveals insights into scientific evaluation methods and publication practices. The studies found cumulative advantage in initial publishing success, detectable patterns in author name disambiguation, and limitations of citation-based measures for quantifying scientific impact.
UCI professors have developed a device that can restore molecular proteins in egg whites after they have been boiled, potentially slashing biotechnology costs. This innovation could transform industrial and research production of proteins, making cancer treatments more affordable and improving protein manufacturing efficiency.
A new protein-based therapy has been developed to target drug-resistant leukemia cells, with promising results in mouse models and potentially amplifying the potency of standard treatment options. The fusion protein CD19L-sTRAIL selectively binds and delivers a 'death signal' to leukemia cells.
A team of researchers at the University of Minnesota discovered potential materials that could improve ethanol and petroleum production, reducing multi-step processes and costs. The study identified all-silica zeolites with superior performance for separating ethanol from water and upgrading petroleum compounds into higher-value products.
Researchers found that inhibiting the activity of a signaling protein called MEKK3 could prevent CCM-related heart defects and potentially treat the disorder. The study also identified a previously unknown signaling pathway involved in CCMs.
A CAMH survey found that nearly four in 10 workers are reluctant to disclose mental health problems to their managers, citing concerns about career impact and stigma. However, the study also reveals that supportive policies and positive relationships with managers can encourage disclosure and create a more supportive work environment.
Researchers found that mutant sodium channels with opposite effects on channel function can lead to disruptions in normal cardiac function due to ion leaks. This overload of positively charged ions within the cell may be a key mechanism linking these mutations to atypical arrhythmias and dilated cardiomyopathy.
The discovery of enormous radiation bubbles in the Milky Way's center may hold clues to understanding the galaxy's past and potentially revealing dark matter. Studies of these Fermi bubbles could offer insight into the history of our galaxy, including the activity of its black hole.
Research finds higher air pollution levels in England's most deprived neighborhoods, with ethnic minority areas also severely affected. The study highlights the need to reduce vehicle emissions in urban areas to address environmental inequality.
Researchers from Italy and Brazil present a new conceptual model of staircase fractures in microbialites and travertines, enhancing permeability by connecting highly porous zones. This understanding is valuable for locating water supplies and exploring oil, gas, and geothermal resources.
A recent study of 340 whole genomes from 85 families with two children affected by autism found that most siblings share different autism-linked genes. The research, led by Stephen Scherer, provides new insights into the complex genetic underpinnings of autism and suggests that each child with autism is unique.
A new study found that infants show specific brain activity patterns when receiving vaccinations, which may help develop improved vaccination techniques and pain-relieving treatments. The researchers used EEG measurements to identify these patterns, which appeared earlier in younger infants and were more consistent in older children.
A Stanford University School of Medicine study reveals that more equitable delivery of evidence-based care can close the gap in colon cancer survival rates between white and African-American patients. The researchers found that five-year death rates were lower for all colon cancer patients treated in integrated health-care systems, wit...
According to an international study, girls lead boys in educational achievement globally, especially in reading, mathematics, and science literacy. In 70% of countries studied, girls outperformed boys, with only a few exceptions where high-achieving boys surpassed high-achieving girls.
A recent study by OIST researchers used chemogenetic inhibition to suppress neuronal activity in zebra finches, showing that the arcopallium region controls song composition but not order or timing. This precise technique provides a detailed understanding of how unique neurons coordinate vocalization.
Advanced medical imaging increases diagnostic confidence and facilitates rapid diagnoses, leading to better clinical decisions. Primary care physicians perceive imaging as crucial for quality patient care, particularly for sicker patients.
Prof. Amanda Fisher, a renowned cell biologist from Imperial College London, has been awarded the Helmholtz International Fellow Award for her outstanding contributions to gene regulation and HIV research. Her work focuses on epigenetic gene regulation and T lymphocyte development.
Listeria uses distinct tactics to breach the intestine and placenta, utilizing protein phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3-K) for invasion. The study uncovers key differences in Listeria's internalin proteins and their role in PI3-K activation.
Researchers have developed a set of genetic switches to control the function of genes in engineered organisms, preventing potential harm from theft or misuse. The switches use naturally occurring chemicals and can be customized for various products, including biofuels, food, and medicines.
A recent study published in The Journal of Physiology found that increased stress hormone levels in pregnant mice can lead to overeating and reduced fetal growth. However, this effect is not seen when the hormone is administered earlier in pregnancy or when the diet is restricted. The researchers believe that maternal glucocorticoid le...
Researchers at Aalto University and the University of Zurich have successfully imaged electron interactions in a single molecule. The study reveals exotic effects that were previously neglected, shedding light on device performance.
Researchers found fourth graders who participated in the MindUP program showed improved stress regulation, optimism, and peer relationships. They also performed better in math compared to those in a program without a mindfulness component.
Scientists have visualized protein degradation in intact nerve cells for the first time, shedding light on how proteasomes remove defective proteins. The study reveals that only a minority of proteasomes are actively degrading proteins in quiescent cells.
A new study finds that climate models are inconsistent in explaining decade-to-decade temperature variability, which may lead to misinterpretation of data. The inconsistency may undermine the models' reliability for projecting future warming and suggests a bumpier road to a warmer world.
A study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has linked an inherited gene variation to reduced tolerance of a key cancer drug, affecting young leukemia patients of East Asian ancestry. The NUDT15 variant requires dose reductions and increases the risk of side effects.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania have discovered a critical relationship governing how cells ingest matter through endocytosis. By controlling membrane tension, they found that fewer proteins are needed to form a vesicle as tension decreases.
Researchers at Drexel University found that hospital-based violence intervention programs can prevent violent reinjury and perpetration, reduce aggressive behaviors, and improve employment and education outcomes. These programs are estimated to save tens of thousands to $4 million in costs over five years.
A team of scientists from Georgetown University and Virginia Tech developed a mathematical model to understand breast cancer cell decisions, revealing a key molecular component that determines resistance to antiestrogen therapy. The study found that interferon regulatory factor-1 (IRF1) promotes resistance to antiestrogens.
The Alzheimer's Association has awarded nearly $4 million in new grants to support five Phase 1 and 2a clinical trials exploring innovative treatments for Alzheimer's disease. These grants will help bridge the gap in funding for early-phase clinical drug trials, supporting promising projects from academia and industry.
Chemists at Nagoya University have developed a new method to synthesize multi-substituted benzene derivatives, enabling the creation of novel functional organic materials. The study reveals the first example of controlled synthesis of benzene with different arene groups at all six positions.
A new study from the University of Colorado Denver Business School suggests that greater transparency is needed to help investors evaluate the quality of audits performed by multiple firms. The research found that when investors learn about audits being done by other firms, they react negatively and stock prices fall.
Researchers have developed a new method for detecting and imaging protein-protein interactions in live cells using color changes, enabling immediate visualization of biochemical events. The FPX technique converts biochemical processes into dramatic green to red color changes.
According to the study, death rates from lung cancer are predicted to exceed those for breast cancer among European women in 2015. The rate of cancer deaths is expected to decline overall, with notable exceptions such as lung and pancreatic cancer.
Researchers from Indiana University and Regenstrief Institute call for further research to determine if medications' adverse cognitive effects can be reversed. They also highlight the need for safer alternatives to prevent Alzheimer's disease and other dementing disorders.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that a genetic polymorphism may be responsible for why standard treatments for hypothyroidism fail some patients. The researchers suggest that personalized medicine could lead to effective treatment for all patients, and identify potential targets for new therapies.
A new breast cancer risk prediction model developed by the Mayo Clinic has been shown to be more accurate than the current screening standard in predicting breast cancer risk. The model uses histologic features of biopsied breast tissue and individual patient demographic information, classifying breast cancer risk with a concordance st...
Researchers at the University of Georgia have successfully tested a new treatment on mice that cures the disease even after the virus has spread to the brain. The new vaccine rescues mice much longer after infection than what was traditionally thought possible, with 50% of treated mice saved even after physical symptoms appear.
Scientists at UC Davis and Rice University have developed methods to manipulate natural proteins into amyloid fibrils with predictable heights. These self-assembling fibers show great toughness, withstanding boiling, digestive proteins, and ultraviolet radiation, making them suitable for tissue engineering and other applications.
A study published in The Journal of Physiology found that high stress levels in pregnant mice led to increased cortisol levels, causing mothers to eat more but reducing placental glucose transport. This can result in decreased fetal weight and long-term metabolic health implications for children.
Research suggests umami taste has a beneficial role in health, especially for elderly patients, who may experience reduced sensitivity due to diseases or medications. 'Kokumi' substances found in garlic and onions can enhance flavors in low-fat foods.
A Cancer Research UK study found that people who dismiss their symptoms as trivial or worry about wasting the doctor's time may delay cancer diagnosis. The study discovered that many individuals with red-flag cancer warning symptoms felt they didn't need medical attention, fearing it would be seen as a sign of weakness.
Researchers found that attaching chemotherapy drug Epirubicin to nanodiamonds effectively eliminates chemoresistant cancer stem cells. The study demonstrates the use of nanotechnology to repurpose existing chemotherapy drugs as effective agents against chemoresistant cancer stem cells.
A study published in Nature Communications identified Sestrin 3 as a major regulator of the epileptic gene network, which could lead to more effective treatments. The researchers used novel computational and genetics techniques to analyze the activity of genes in epilepsy, providing new insights into the disease.
Researchers identified five genetic variants influencing brain structure size, particularly in regions associated with memory and movement. The study, the largest analysis of brain structure and genetics, aims to understand the causes of variation in human brain development and disease predisposition.
Scientists have discovered that brain cells in flies regulate both sleep and memory consolidation through a complex interaction. When activated, these cells promote sleep, while deactivated cells enable learning and memory formation.
Researchers have developed a treatment that extends telomeres in human cells, which could lead to longer and healthier lives. The treatment uses modified mRNA encoding TERT, resulting in rapid lengthening of telomeres and increased cell division capacity.
Researchers have visualized protein degradation in intact nerve cells for the first time, using electron cryo-tomography to distinguish single proteasomes within the cell. The study reveals that only a minority of proteasomes are actively degrading proteins, with most remaining idle.
A small group of COPD patients who drank beetroot juice before exercise were able to extend their exercise time and had reduced blood pressures compared to those who received a placebo. The study found beneficial effects of dietary nitrite supplementation on exercise performance and blood pressure in patients with COPD.
A new project at the University of Washington is working to ensure that children with autism are identified and helped early enough to prevent problems later on. The initiative uses a Web-based screening system and simple play-based interventions to identify and treat toddlers at risk for autism.
Scientists used a modified form of superabsorbent chemical to expand brain structures, enabling the use of common microscopes for high-resolution imaging. This technique, called expansion microscopy, has potential to study diseases in human brain tissue and answer various scientific questions.