Scientists have identified the poly(A) tail as a crucial component in LINE-1 retrotransposition, a process that can cause genetic mutations and diseases. Without the tail, the parasite's jumping ability is significantly impaired, offering new strategies for inhibiting its movement.
A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that youth offenders face a significantly higher risk of early death as they become more involved in the judicial system. The study analyzed 518 youth offender deaths and found that mortality rates rose with increasing levels of interaction with the justice system.
The Visible Nulling Coronagraph (VNC) technology has demonstrated improved sensitivity over a broader spectral range, making it a stronger contender for a future astrophysics mission. The instrument will enable spectroscopy to study exoplanet atmospheres and identify signs of life.
Researchers have gained a deeper understanding of the biosynthesis process, enabling them to manipulate nature's machinery to produce more effective compounds. This knowledge will help scientists engineer enzymes to create new treatments for diseases.
A new study predicts that continued deforestation in the Amazon could lead to annual rainfall of less than drought years by 2050. Deforestation rates would need to revert back to pre-2004 levels to achieve this decline, according to researchers.
The study suggests that primitive North American mammoths emerged around 2-1.5 million years ago (MYA), originating from Asia via the Bering Strait. This new understanding challenges previous assumptions about the evolutionary timeline of North American Columbian mammoths.
A new study ranks drugs based on their transparency and ethical practices, finding that nearly half of all reviewed drugs had undisclosed Phase II or III trials. The 'Good Pharma Scorecard' aims to incentivize pharmaceutical companies to improve disclosure, benefiting consumers and protecting human research subjects.
A study by Penn Medicine and Monell Chemical Senses Center found a genetic taste receptor linked to improved breathing, reduced infections, and enhanced sleep outcomes for patients undergoing chronic sinus surgery. The discovery may improve treatment selection process and set realistic expectations for patients.
A new study published in JAMA-Oncology found that a personalized approach to treating chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting is more effective than the existing 'one size fits all' guidelines. Patients at higher risk of nausea and vomiting due to personal factors such as age, pregnancy history, or travel sickness showed significant i...
A Brazilian research team has identified five previously known species and three new ones as separate genera due to distinct physical characteristics. The newly formed Curculionichthys genus includes catfishes with elongated mouths, dark-brown spots, and other unique features.
Researchers found that consuming sweets activates neurons in the dorsal hippocampus, a critical region for episodic memory. This process is necessary for making memories, including those related to eating behavior. The study suggests that forming memories of meals can help control eating habits.
Neuroscientists can analyze social media broadcasts to measure emotional states, social conformity, and personality traits. Social media use also reveals differences in brain structure and function compared to offline environments.
A cognitive model of artificial neurons has learned to communicate through dialogue with a human interlocutor, demonstrating the ability to express a wide range of capabilities in human language processing. The ANNABELL model uses synaptic plasticity and neural gating mechanisms to learn and adapt to new information.
A team of astronomers used data from the VLT to study the remains of an asteroid around a stellar remnant -- a white dwarf. They discovered an orbiting disc of gaseous material and found that it is lopsided and has not yet become circular.
Researchers used dendrimers to track and isolate proteins involved in cell entry pathways, identifying 809 proteins. This technology could lead to more targeted drug delivery and improve our understanding of viruses.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found that certain antibiotics used to treat MRSA can worsen the infection in mice. The study suggests that these antibiotics may induce inflammation and damage tissues, making patients sicker.
Researchers recommend hospitals create bereavement programs to support families through grief, preventing physical and mental health problems. The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's program has shown positive effects, including a reduction in dysfunctional bereavement and its associated health issues.
A new study by Indiana University law professor Robert L. Fischman and Vanderbilt University's J.B. Ruhl finds that natural resource agencies often apply adaptive management in ways that don't promote learning, leading to a gap between theory and practice. The study cites examples of court decisions where judges overturned resource man...
Researchers used designer neural receptors to suppress cravings in rats by activating a specific brain region. The study's findings may help scientists develop new treatments for addiction and overeating by stripping away value from reward-paired cues.
A large-scale randomized control trial found that computerized cognitive behavioral therapy (cCBT) offered little to no benefit over usual GP care in treating depression. Patients generally struggled with sustained engagement and highlighted difficulties with logging onto computer systems while clinically depressed.
Research finds men carrying ApoE4 gene suffer more tiny brain bleeds and memory loss than women with similar diagnoses. The study provides new insights into the effects of ApoE4 on Alzheimer's disease in humans.
Researchers discovered that a minority population of right bacteria can regulate a balanced environment in the intestines. They found that low-abundant bacterial species secreted molecules that dampened the immune response to the community, paving the way for predicting and preventing disease.
Children who experience parental death during childhood are at higher risk of developing preventable social and psychological problems. The absolute risk of suicide was 4 in 1,000 persons for boys and 2 in 1,000 persons for girls.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have discovered a way to overcome the limitations of nanoscale materials in batteries by using iron pyrite quantum dots. These ultrasmall nanoparticles allow for faster charging and longer cycle life, making them a promising solution for future battery technology.
The discovery of GJ 1132b, an Earth-size exoplanet located just 39 light-years away from our Solar System, is a significant milestone in the search for alien life. The planet's proximity to its star and size make it an ideal laboratory for studying small, potentially livable worlds.
A University of South Florida research team developed a novel chemogenomic profiling approach to identify drug targets for the most lethal strain of malaria. The study identified six new genes critically involved in P. falciparum's response to artemisinin, providing insights into the drugs' mechanisms of action.
Over 600 southern right whale calves died at the Península Valdés calving ground in Argentina between 2003 and 2014 due to Kelp Gull harassment. The number of gull-inflicted lesions increased from 2% in the 1970s to nearly all mothers and calves by the 2000s.
Researchers identified ancient stars in the Milky Way's center with extremely low metal content, suggesting they formed in the early universe. These stars contain chemical fingerprints indicating possible hypernova deaths, which could aid understanding of the Universe's evolution over billions of years.
Researchers find that spear phishing is successful due to users' habitual responses, despite training on information processing. Experts argue that habits play a crucial role in phishing attacks, and current training methods are inadequate.
New research reveals that marine communities with a high thermal bias are more susceptible to ocean warming, leading to biodiversity changes. The study used data from the Reef Life Survey and found locations with average summer sea surface temperatures above 24°C to be the most vulnerable.
A new blood test can detect when breast cancers become resistant to standard hormone treatment, allowing for early identification and alternative treatment options. Researchers developed the test to identify ESR1 mutations, which convey resistance to hormone treatment.
Scientists develop first-of-its-kind synthetic synapse that mimics the plasticity of the real thing, allowing for learning and self-healing capabilities. The novel dynamic system made from aluminum oxide and twisted bilayer graphene has the potential to aid in the development of biology-inspired electronics.
Researchers used electron microscopy to study the dynamic process of myoblast fusion with muscle cells, revealing a series of distinct stages that require communication between transmembrane elements and actin cytoskeleton. The study provides insights into understanding muscle development and repair processes in vertebrates.
A study by scientists has reported that commercial sea salt samples purchased in China are contaminated with microplastics, with concentrations ranging from 7 to 681 particles per kilogram. This raises potential health concerns for consumers who regularly use these salts as a seasoning.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University are creating a 'pathology image informatics platform' to analyze and share digital pathology imaging data, focusing on prostate and breast cancers. The project aims to unlock the potential of images in cancer prediction.
There are around 500,000 new work-related illnesses every year, with over 13,000 deaths caused by occupational exposures. However, only 0.3% of these cases are reported to the Health and Safety Executive, leading to a lack of enforcement of employers' duty to protect workers.
A team of international researchers suggests that a large and hot mantle plume was necessary to break the early Earth's lithosphere, leading to the first subduction and Plate Tectonics. The conditions required for this process included a thick and heavy lithosphere, liquid water in the oceans, and a large enough plume to produce signif...
Researchers from the University of Leicester have announced a breakthrough advance in treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients who are refractory or resistant to current chemotherapies. The new drug, ONO/GS-4059, targets BTK protein and has shown promising results with minimal toxicities.
Researchers developed a new therapy by pairing snake venom with nanofibers to promote localized blood clotting at wound sites. The therapy, tested on rats treated with heparin, shows promise for making surgery safer for human patients on blood thinners.
A package of targeted priority interventions can significantly decrease the cancer burden in low-income countries by 2030 and even greater declines by 2050. The essential package includes access to opioid-based pain medications, tobacco control measures, and HPV vaccination, which are feasible, cost-effective, and affordable.
A large study found that computer-assisted cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) provides little or no benefits for depression, with low patient adherence and engagement being the main reason. The study suggests that routine promotion of computer-based CBT should be reconsidered due to its ineffectiveness as a treatment.
The Chemical Safety & Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) plans to put its embattled past behind it by completing six delayed reports by the end of 2015. Under new leadership, the agency aims to increase transparency and adopt a cooperative tone.
A study found hospital readmission rates to be common after emergency general surgery procedures, with varying rates depending on patient factors and diagnosis. The most common reasons for readmission were surgical site infections, gastrointestinal complications, and pulmonary complications.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that nearly one-third of knee and hip arthroplasty surgeries had excessive door openings, potentially defeating the safety effects of positive pressure systems. The researchers suggest planning better to prevent unnecessary door openings and exploring reasons behind frequent door opening.
Researchers found that injecting viruses carrying gene codes into the brain's ventricles can slow down Batten disease progression. The treatment improved symptoms and reduced damage caused by the disease in dogs with a similar disorder.
Researchers detected beeswax in ancient pottery vessels from over 150 European archaeological sites, indicating a widespread association between early farmers and honeybees. This discovery pushes back the chronology of human-honeybee association to substantially earlier dates.
A University of Virginia psychology study shows that apologies are crucial even in childhood, repairing relationships despite not easing hurt feelings. Children who received an apology shared more stickers and felt better when helped rebuild a knocked-over tower.
Researchers developed a machine-learning simulation system to create accurate galaxy models, reducing computational time. The method uses algorithms to approximate properties from rare simulations, producing nearly identical galaxy distributions.
The Self, Motivation and Virtue Project at OU is funding interdisciplinary research on moral self and virtue development. Researchers are studying topics including integrity, cultural narratives, and Buddhism's central claims about the self.
Scientists at DIII-D National Fusion Facility successfully tested Shattered Pellet Injection (SPI) technique, rapidly cooling hot plasma to prevent disruptions. The innovative approach involves injecting frozen neon and deuterium pellets into the plasma, reducing localized heating and mechanical forces on the tokamak walls.
Researchers are using the Titan supercomputer to create physics-based earthquake simulations to better understand earthquake systems and predict ground shaking in large earthquakes. The team has completed its highest resolution simulation map for Southern California, providing a tool for engineers to design and build critical infrastru...
A study by the University of Melbourne found that changing family living situations lead to avoidable conflict among young adults. The research shows that kids staying at home longer is often driven by stability and additional support needs, while parental factors like education and household income also play a role.
Researchers found that native prairie gardens showed a general trend towards lower soil density, better root penetration, and greater water movement compared to adjacent lawns. However, the differences were not enough to conclude that prairie gardens are flat out better for soil than lawns.
Researchers studied ant colonies subjected to simulated predator attacks, revealing differentiated responses based on location. The results show that ants respond appropriately to damage, similar to single organisms, with colony-wide responses triggered by loss of workers within the nest.
Scientists at Queen's University Belfast have created a porous liquid with unusual gas-dissolving properties, paving the way for more efficient and greener chemical processes. The breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize carbon capture technologies.
A QUT study found that men with these traits were more likely to be chosen as sperm donors. The research also showed that women kept in touch with their donor children through various means.
Scientists have discovered a new exoplanet, GJ 1132b, that is rocky and Earth-sized, orbiting a small star just 39 light-years from Earth. The planet's surface temperature is estimated to be around 500 degrees Fahrenheit, making it uninhabitable for life as we know it.
A Kansas State University researcher is gathering large-scale biological information on rivers across the US and Mongolia. The study aims to understand how climate change affects river systems, including oxygen production and consumption from bacteria, algae, plants, and animals.
Researchers propose that mantle plumes played a crucial role in initiating plate tectonics on Earth. Computer simulations suggest that plume-induced weaknesses in the lithosphere could have led to the formation of subduction zones and the emergence of modern plate boundaries. The study provides a possible explanation for the early hist...
Elderly individuals living in UK care homes are at high risk of dehydration due to conditions like dementia, diabetes, and kidney problems. Research finds dehydration is associated with poor health outcomes, including disability and death.