Researchers developed a model of a malaria-infected red blood cell to understand the mechanism behind stiffening and stickiness. The model found that protein nodules called knobs contribute to stiffness, suggesting a promising approach to treat the disease by softening the cells.
Scientists found that AGRP neurons, responsible for unpleasant feelings of hunger, help explain why it's hard to stick to a diet. These neurons teach animals to respond to sensory cues that signal the presence of food, making them more likely to snack.
Research suggests that adolescent brain exposure to alcohol can lead to changes in learning and memory, even after adulthood. The study found hyperactive long-term potentiation in the brains of exposed rats, which may contribute to impaired cognitive functions.
A new class of PCSK9 antibodies has been shown to reduce mortality, lower LDL-cholesterol, and improve cardiovascular outcomes in patients with dyslipidemia. The treatment was well-tolerated and proved safe, providing a promising alternative for those who do not respond to statins.
A study by researchers at the University of Exeter found that New Zealand stoats have greater genetic diversity than their native Britain, preserving extinct British genes. This is unusual as introducing a species typically leads to a loss in genetic diversity.
Researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine have found that specific altered function in the left atrium may signal stroke risk in those with a-fib and possibly those without it. The study suggests that certain features of the heart's upper left chamber could be used to tell apart low-risk from high-risk patients.
A study found that FOXO1, a protein promoting tissue repair, acts as an inhibitor of wound healing in diabetes patients. High glucose levels slow keratinocyte migration, while insulin speeds up the process. The research suggests inhibiting FOXO1 could speed healing in diabetic patients.
Researchers at Caltech have discovered the detailed mechanism of action for Xist, an lncRNA that silences the X chromosome in female embryos. By understanding how Xist works, scientists can gain insights into long non-coding RNAs and their role in regulating cellular processes.
A study at Children's Mercy Hospital demonstrates the potential of rapid whole-genome sequencing in diagnosing genetic diseases in critically ill infants. The STAT-Seq test improved diagnosis rates to over half, leading to refined clinical care and improved treatment outcomes.
A new study published in the Journal of AAPOS found that rates of eye injuries from air guns increased by 511% between 2010 and 2012, with most cases occurring among minors. The authors suggest regulations and stricter marketing guidelines to prevent these preventable injuries.
A new special issue of the journal Gastroenterology explores how food affects health and disease, including the gut microbiome, food allergies, and non-celiac wheat sensitivity. The research provides evidence-based summaries to guide clinical recommendations for patients and clinicians.
A University of Washington seismologist studied tidal forces on the Cascadia fault and found friction is much lower than previously thought, similar to Teflon. This discovery could improve understanding of when and how faults break, potentially leading to better modeling and prediction of slow-slip quakes and earthquakes.
Researchers developed biocompatible and biodegradable nanoparticles with effective antibacterial activity against E. coli, S. aureus, and B. subtilis. The NPs disrupt bacterial walls, induce reactive oxygen species, and cause cell invagination, making them a promising antimicrobial agent.
Researchers from Oak Crest Institute of Science have developed a matchstick-sized subdermal implant that delivers potent antiretroviral drugs for up to 40 days, showing promise in stopping the spread of HIV. The implant eliminates adherence issues, a critical factor in HIV prevention.
A team of biomedical engineers at Washington University in St. Louis used locusts to study the brain's processing of information from its senses. They found that when two puffs of a similar odor were given one after the other, the spiking neural activity generated by the first encountered odor interfered with processing the second odor.
Researchers found that bats, like humans, use hemispheric specialization for sound processing, with left brain better for fast sounds and right for slow ones. This discovery opens new avenues for studying bat brains to understand human language disorders and improve computer speech recognition.
Researchers found samples of seamounts that did not erupt from hot spots but formed from cracks in the oceanic crust. This discovery confirms their origins and helps explain the unique bend in the Hawaiian-Emperor chain.
Researchers at British American Tobacco developed a new smoking-specific survey, TQoLIT, to assess the impact of next-generation tobacco and nicotine products on 'otherwise healthy' smokers. The tool improves upon existing general health questionnaires by reducing ceiling effects and detecting specific smoking-related health changes.
A recent study published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health found that children whose parents separate or divorce are more likely to experience psychosomatic problems. However, those living with both parents in a joint custody arrangement had fewer symptoms than peers living mostly or only with one parent.
Women with breast cancer who follow a physical exercise program during chemotherapy experience less fatigue, nausea, and pain. The study found that both moderate and low-intensity exercise programs significantly reduced the need for dose adjustments in chemotherapy treatment.
Hot vents on the seabed may have spontaneously produced organic molecules essential for life, according to a new study. The surfaces of mineral particles inside hydrothermal vents exhibit chemical properties similar to enzymes, allowing them to create simple carbon-based molecules like methanol and formic acid.
The District of Columbia Center for AIDS Research (DC CFAR) will provide significant pilot award funding opportunities and mentorship through its Developmental Core, promoting scientific research in DC on HIV cure and prevention. With this grant, the DC CFAR joins ranks of leading research institutions as a full CFAR.
Researchers found that bumblebees infected with the Crithidia bombi parasite were more likely to consume nicotine-laced nectar, delaying parasite progression. However, consuming nicotine had negative effects, suppressing the appetite of infected bees and reducing healthy bee lifespan.
Researchers developed a new computational method called AGGRESCAN3D to study protein aggregation in 3D. The algorithm surpasses limitations of previous methods and offers improved precision in predicting protein aggregation properties.
A team of scientists is working on a project to create new pesticides that target specific insect species without harming beneficial ones. By mimicking the hormone systems of these insects, researchers hope to disrupt their reproductive cycles and prevent population explosions.
A trio of studies found that bullying, whether face-to-face or electronic, significantly increases the risk of depression, suicidal thoughts, and carrying weapons to school. Victimized teens are more likely to carry weapons to school and skip classes.
Researchers have developed a novel synthetic material that can self-assemble into nanostructures to support tissue growth and ultimately degrade. This biofunctional coating stimulates the formation of complex tissues, offering a promising approach to deliver cell and tissue therapies.
Researchers have demonstrated autonomous locomotion in large self-powered soft liquid metal vehicles. The vehicles can divide into smaller ones while maintaining their motion and reunite seamlessly when close to each other.
Scientists have identified two new iguanid lizard species from the Laja Lagoon in Chile, expanding our knowledge of the region's unique reptilian diversity. The study describes two new species within the Liolaemus elongatus-kriegi complex, highlighting the importance of continued research into Patagonian lizards.
Scientists have developed a 'Neuronal Positioning System' that maps the axonal wiring of individual neurons, revealing organizational principles of neuronal networks. This new approach enables researchers to study how specific neurons are wired to other types and regions, providing insights into brain function and development.
The $1.6-million gift enables world-changing research in lung diseases and quantum computing through collaboration between the University of Waterloo and Technion-Israel Institute of Technology. Researchers aim to develop targeted drug delivery systems for pulmonary diseases and advance quantum information science.
Children with peanut allergies are most at risk of exposure in their own homes, according to a new study. The research found that caregivers and physicians often fail to provide proper management for moderate and severe reactions, highlighting the need for education on strict allergen avoidance.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have resolved an unexplained gap in global emissions reports, finding that developing countries are significantly contributing to the issue. The study used atmospheric measurements and models to evaluate reported HFC emissions and found inconsistencies in reporting, with some gases being over- o...
Survivors of Hodgkin lymphoma have a persistently increased risk of cardiovascular disease throughout life, with a cumulative risk of 50% at 40 years after diagnosis. The study found that mediastinal radiotherapy and anthracycline-containing chemotherapy significantly increased the risks of cardiovascular events.
Researchers found that neurons produce a chemical critical for blood vessel survival, which also supports photoreceptors. The study suggests a new way to understand and treat diseases like diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration.
A new study predicts that increased air conditioning adoption will lead to significant increases in energy consumption and strain on energy infrastructures worldwide. The authors call for action now to develop more energy-efficient and affordable air conditioners for poorer populations.
A new study links insomnia to occupational impairment in night shift workers, with alert insomniacs showing the highest level of impairment in work productivity and cognitive function. The study emphasizes the importance of treating insomnia in night shift workers to improve work-related outcomes.
Emory scientists have adapted the CRISPR genetic defense system to target the RNA of the hepatitis C virus in human cells. This approach could potentially prevent viral infections and has implications for biotechnology applications, including the prevention of viral infections in transgenic animals and plants.
A new species of dinosaur, Chilesaurus diegosuarezi, has been discovered in Chile with a mix of characteristics from different groups of dinosaurs. The plant-eating theropod has a small skull and feet similar to long-necked dinosaurs, challenging previous understanding of evolutionary divergence.
Researchers at Yale University successfully corrected the F508del mutation in the cystic fibrosis gene, a lethal genetic disorder. The novel approach uses synthetic molecules to edit the genetic defect, with minimal off-target effects.
The American College of Cardiology hosts sessions on cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment at the Asia Pacific Congress, focusing on the growing burden of diabetes and cardiovascular disease in the region. The event aims to bring together global leaders to prevent heart disease and improve treatments.
The District of Columbia Center for AIDS Research brings together six institutions to combat the HIV epidemic in Washington D.C. Georgetown University Medical Center plays a key role, with its Women's Interagency HIV Study and clinical and population sciences core providing critical services.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that adolescent girls who consumed 2,400 mg or more of potassium per day had lower blood pressures at the end of adolescence. In contrast, higher sodium intakes were not linked to increased blood pressure in this age group.
A Princeton University study found that male and female Stegosaurus had distinct plate shapes, with females having shorter and wider plates and males having taller and narrower ones. This discovery sheds light on sexual dimorphism in non-avian dinosaurs, challenging previous assumptions.
A study of over 6,600 veterans found that using both VA care and a Medicare Advantage plan did not have any negative impact on quality of care, but raised concerns about duplicate federal spending. The researchers also noted that many veterans relied more heavily on VA care than Medicare Advantage visits.
Researchers at McGill and Concordia universities have discovered a mechanism that explains how light regulates protein synthesis in the brain, affecting the function of the circadian clock. The study found that phosphorylation of key proteins plays a pivotal role in resetting the body's internal clock.
A University of Utah team has been awarded a $400,000 grant to study new methods for developing geothermal energy in areas where it's not currently feasible. The goal is to discover ways to create underground flow that will allow communities to construct sustainable and clean geothermal systems.
A Swedish study found that maternal overweight and obesity increases the risk of type 1 diabetes in children when neither parent has diabetes. The study, published in Diabetologia, suggests that reducing maternal weight before and during pregnancy could lower the incidence of T1D.
A recent study found that saturated fatty acids can induce cell death in cardiac muscle cells through endoplasmic reticulum stress. In contrast, unsaturated fatty acids protect these cells from damage. The research suggests a critical role for saturated fatty acids in heart disease development.
Researchers at UC Davis have identified the biochemical underpinnings of Canavan disease, a type of leukodystrophy that causes progressive neurological deterioration. By blocking the production of NAA, they aim to find a promising direction for treatment and potentially reverse the process in children with the disease.
The discovery fills a gap between ordinary supernovae and those that produce powerful gamma-ray bursts. Supernova 2012ap has characteristics expected of a gamma-ray burst, yet no such burst occurred.
Research suggests that nitrofurantoin is less effective at treating bladder infections in older women with low kidney function compared to other antibiotics. The study found that patients taking nitrofurantoin were more likely to experience treatment failure and require a second antibiotic prescription or hospital visit.
A new coral-dwelling gall crab, Lithoscaptus semperi, was discovered inhabiting free-living corals of the species Trachyphyllia geoffroyi on sandy bottoms near coral reefs. The study highlights the need to protect coral reefs, with the newly designated Tun Mustapha Park being a priority.
Researchers at Women's College Hospital identified a new breast cancer gene, RECQL, strongly linked to the onset of breast cancer in two populations of Polish and French-Canadian women. The study found that specific mutations in the gene were associated with a high risk of developing breast cancer.
A multi-year study by Olga Troyanskaya and her team identified 144 functional gene interaction networks for organs as diverse as the kidney, liver, and whole brain. The technique, NetWAS, combines quantitative genetics with functional genomics to increase the power of GWAS and identify genes underlying complex human diseases.
A new study has found that high-pitched sounds can cause seizures in older cats, with certain breeds and triggers identified. The study, published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, reveals that audiogenic reflex seizures (FARS) occur in pedigree and non-pedigree cats, often triggered by loud noises such as crinkling tin fo...
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that rare dune plants, such as Tidestrom's lupine, rely on open sand habitats for germination and survival. Removing beachgrass from coastal dunes can help restore native species by allowing the sand to move and creating more mobile dunes.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have challenged a popular theory that North America was first settled by Upper Paleolithic people from Europe via an ice bridge. The team found inconsistencies in the recovery and ownership of the ship that discovered the alleged evidence, as well as discrepancies in photographs and records.
Researchers at Queen's University found a significant reduction in cervical dysplasia and genital warts among eligible girls who received the HPV vaccine. The study of over 260,000 girls showed that one case of cervical dysplasia was prevented for every 175 eligible girls vaccinated.
A new study found that technology can reduce distracted driving among teen drivers when cameras and cell phone blocking programs are in place. The study showed that teens who used these systems had lower cell phone use and fewer high-risk driving behaviors.