A single molecular event in cells may hold the key to how mammals evolved intelligent brains. Alternative splicing (AS) enables cells to create more than one protein from a single gene, and researchers found that PTBP1 plays a crucial role in regulating AS events that lead to neuron development.
A study found genes associated with improved survival after surgery for pancreatic cancer patients. Detection of circulating tumor DNA in the blood predicted clinical relapse and poor outcomes.
The Wyss Institute has developed an improved blood-cleansing device that can treat sepsis by removing pathogens and toxins from the bloodstream. The new device uses a genetically engineered pathogen-capturing protein to bind all types of live and dead infectious microbes, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and toxins.
Researchers at Chapman University have published two studies revealing widespread mislabeling of meat species in consumer commercial products, including ground meat and game meats. The studies identified significant discrepancies between product labels and actual species, highlighting the need for improved quality control measures.
A recent UBC study found that planned home births attended by registered midwives in BC between 2001-2004 saved an average of $2,338 compared to hospital births. The study also showed lower health costs for babies born at home, with first-year health costs being $810 less than those for hospital births.
A study of 20 young women found five major unexpected sexual events linked to alcohol use, including sex with new partners and unprotected sex. The findings suggest a disconnect between what women expect when drinking and what actually happens, emphasizing the need for better interventions to promote safer behaviors.
Scientists have finally understood the structure of a flexible plant virus that has resisted description for over 75 years, revolutionizing efforts to stop such viruses and potentially leading to new vaccine delivery methods.
Researchers from the XENON Collaboration report on a search for dark matter using an underground detector in Italy. The results set limits on several types of dark matter candidates and provide new insights into the nature of dark energy.
A new study found a significant association between traumatic brain injuries and attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) in adults. Adults with a history of TBI were more than twice as likely to report symptoms of ADHD, supporting previous research that linked the two conditions.
Researchers discovered that human induced pluripotent stem cells can be differentiated into retinal pigment epithelial cells without immune rejection. This finding provides hope for the development of human stem cell therapies to treat macular degeneration, a condition affecting 30-50 million people globally.
Researchers developed a molecular imaging biomarker that detects fast-growing primary prostate cancer and distinguishes it from benign prostate lesions. The new PSMA-based PET imaging technique was more specific than MR imaging for detecting clinically significant high-grade prostate cancer lesions.
Researchers discovered a significant increase in antibiotic resistance genes among Swedish exchange students returning from India and central Africa. The study highlights the role of human gut microbiomes in dispersing resistant bacteria, emphasizing the need for societal-level interventions to reduce further spread.
Researchers have designed a model that reprograms fibroblasts to study Duchenne muscular dystrophy development using induced pluripotent stem cells. The study reveals that calcium ion channels may cause muscle degeneration in DMD patients, providing a clear drug target for treatment.
A new study by Aarhus University researchers presents a world map of mammals without human impact, revealing diverse wildlife in northern Europe, North and South America, and Africa. The study provides insights into natural biodiversity patterns and factors influencing species distribution.
Researchers at EMBL and Stanford University mapped three-dimensional interactions between enhancers and promoters, revealing new insights into gene regulation. The study sheds light on how genetic variants control gene expression and disease predispositions.
A multicenter observational cohort study found that no single genetic strain of C. difficile appears to be more harmful than others, contradicting previous research on Ribotype 027. The study's findings highlight the importance of clinical severity markers in predicting severe patient outcomes.
Scientists at the University of York have developed a technique to rejuvenate human cells from older people with osteoarthritis, allowing them to repair worn or damaged cartilage and reduce pain. The researchers recreated similar conditions in the laboratory by growing human cells as 3D aggregates, enabling them to generate new tissues.
A Baylor University study found that people with psychopathic traits are less likely to experience contagious yawning, which is associated with empathy and bonding in humans. The study involved 135 college students and revealed a neurological connection between psychopathy and contagious yawning.
Manchester University researchers have developed a method to stabilize previously unstable 2D crystals, allowing for the study of their properties and potential applications. The breakthrough enables the isolation of these materials in thin stacks, enabling control over their properties and opening up new possibilities for industry.
Researchers at National Chiao Tung University developed a highly flexible white light LED that uses pre-existing technologies, allowing easy replication and build-on the platform. The device demonstrated high efficiency, durability, and flexibility, making it suitable for wearables and non-flat surfaces.
A new study finds that global warming is deepening California's drought by driving moisture from plants and soil into the air. The research estimates that up to a quarter of the drought can be attributed to rising temperatures.
Researchers examine the Loa River system and its impact on water scarcity, highlighting the need for sustainable long-term management. The study identifies areas where deeply buried aquifers exchange water with shallow ones or discharge to surface water systems.
The XENON100 detector achieved high sensitivity, challenging traditional dark matter models. The team recorded faint annual modulation signals in the data, raising questions about the nature of dark matter.
A new study published in AERA Open found a causal link between genetic predisposition and educational attainment, with higher polygenic scores associated with more years of schooling. The research controlled for external factors to isolate the role of genes in shaping educational outcomes.
Researchers from MSK Cancer Center announce results from the first published basket study, a clinical trial design that explores drug responses based on specific tumor mutations. The study found preliminary clinical efficacy of vemurafenib in multiple non-melanoma BRAFV600-mutated cancers.
A study published in Science reveals that humans exploit adult fish populations at 14 times the rate of marine predators and hunt large land carnivores nine times faster than their wild counterparts. This unprecedented level of predation highlights humanity's role as a 'super predator' driving widespread wildlife extinctions.
A substantial proportion of NHS hospital staff, including those in maternity services, encounter patients who have been trafficked, according to research published in BMJ Open. The study found that staff across various specialties lack knowledge on how best to respond to victims and feel inadequately prepared to provide appropriate care.
A collaboration between UK, Colombia and Kenya institutions aims to improve Brachiaria forage crops with drought and pest-resistance. The project uses genomic technologies to develop new varieties under physical stresses.
A UCI study found that acupuncture treatments significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressures in hypertensive patients. The treatment also lowered levels of norepinephrine and renin, which constrict blood vessels and increase blood pressure.
Researchers have developed a more affordable and eco-friendly white LED that can cut down the world's energy consumption. By using common earth-abundant metals and organic luminescent molecules, they created a controllable white light from LEDs, reducing costs by up to 90%.
Johns Hopkins University researchers identified the hippocampus region responsible for distinguishing between familiar and new memories. This finding validates theories about memory processing and may help explain memory impairments in diseases like Alzheimer's, potentially preserving people's memories as they age.
A QUT study found that solo travelers prioritize freedom, meeting new people, and self-discovery over having a companion. Despite challenges like extra costs and safety concerns, the positives outweigh the negatives, making solo travel an increasingly popular option.
The new technology uses a continuous flow chemical reactor and microwave heating to produce nanoparticles that emit light with precise color control. This could lead to improved LED lighting systems with reduced waste and toxicity, cutting the nation's lighting bill in half.
Researchers used computer models to simulate a tsunami generated by an earthquake in the Ventura basin, finding that it could inundate parts of the regional coastline several kilometers inland. The study highlights the potential for significant tsunami hazards in the area and emphasizes the need for full hazard assessments.
Researchers at the University of Missouri found that diaphragm muscle cells and limb skeletal muscle cells respond differently to exercise training in diabetic rats. This discovery could influence future research on respiratory failure in individuals with diabetes.
A new study by Duke University reveals that drought can cause trees to die years after the drought ends, with 72% of affected trees dead within a decade. Thinning out competing trees and monitoring tree growth rates can help prevent this decline.
A study of 109 clinicians found that older participants are more likely to believe playing video games leads to violent behavior, highlighting a generational effect. The researchers suggest that parents can help bridge this gap by engaging with their children and trying out the games themselves.
Researchers successfully transplanted mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) derived from human amniotic membranes into laboratory mice with oxygen-induced retinopathy, demonstrating the potential of MSCs to suppress causes of diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration. The study found that AMSCs secrete growth factors that inhibit angiog...
Researchers at the NIH have successfully tested an experimental MERS vaccine in monkeys and camels, demonstrating broad protection against different strains of the virus. The vaccine uses a synthetic DNA sequence that combines elements of SARS and MERS-CoV proteins, inducing protective immunity in non-human primates.
The USDA Forest Service's online Waterviz tool will be strengthened by a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant, enabling it to reach more students and educators. The tool, which combines environmental sensors, music, and digital art, aims to increase understanding of science and data literacy.
A recent study published in the International Journal of Cardiology found that home-based treatment (HBI) for chronic heart failure patients was more cost-effective than traditional clinic-based intervention. The study showed that HBI resulted in longer patient survival, reduced hospital stay duration, and lower healthcare costs
Working 55+ hours per week is associated with a 33% increased risk of stroke and a 13% increased risk of coronary heart disease. Longer working hours are linked to increased stress, physical inactivity, and high alcohol consumption, which may increase the risk of stroke.
New research has substantially reduced China's estimated carbon emissions from the past decade, suggesting that international agencies had overestimated its cumulative emissions by as much as 2.9 gigatons. The revised estimates were made possible by a more accurate understanding of fuel quality and emission factors.
A University of Kansas researcher's study found that compulsory schooling laws in Northern US states led to more people marrying those with the same education level and race, potentially contributing to economic inequality. The study suggests that regional differences in economic development may have influenced this outcome.
NASA's Aqua satellite provided visible and infrared data on Super Typhoon Atsani, revealing powerful thunderstorms around a wide-open eye. The storm's sea surface temperatures were warmer than 300 kelvin, supporting its intensification.
A study by Ben-Gurion University researchers highlights the importance of social media in emergency situations. The public is often the first to adopt social media platforms during emergencies, creating a self-regulating environment where users can correct misinformation and share relevant information.
A fossil monkey specimen representing the earliest baboon ever found has been discovered in South Africa, dated between 2-2.36 million years ago. The partial skull confirms earlier suggestions that the fossil baboon species is closely related to modern baboons and may be the earliest known members of the Papio hamadryas species.
A research team led by Alexander Mikheyev found a population of wild bees in Ithaca, New York, that has retained its strength despite the presence of Varroa destructor mites since the mid-1990s. The bees have developed genetic resistance to the disease.
A study by Iowa State University found that activity trackers are less accurate when measuring strength training, with some monitors overestimating calories burned. The BodyMedia Core was the most accurate tracker, while the Misfit Shine was the least, with error rates of 15.3% and 30.4%, respectively.
A new synthetic DNA vaccine has been developed to induce protective immunity against the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) coronavirus in animals. The vaccine, administered six weeks prior to exposure, was found to fully protect rhesus macaques from disease and generate potentially protective antibodies in camels.
Mutations in genes involved in synaptic communication can drive neuropsychiatric and neurological diseases like autism spectrum disorder and Alzheimer's disease. Disruption of a new sorting pathway severely hampers neuron-neuron communication.
Dr. Martin Duncan's new model proposes that gas giants like Jupiter and Saturn formed through the accumulation of small 'pebbles', allowing cores to form rapidly enough to capture their atmosphere. The successful model predicts the formation of one to four gas giant planets, consistent with the observed outer solar system configuration.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that eating instant oatmeal for breakfast significantly reduced food intake at lunch. The researchers attributed this effect to the higher molecular viscosity of beta-glucan in instant oatmeal, which enhanced satiety and feelings of fullness.
Recent studies have shown that thinking of plants and animals as autonomous individuals is a serious over-simplification. Microbiologists propose the concept of holobionts, which consists of visible hosts plus millions of invisible microbes that significantly affect development, diseases, behavior, and social interactions.
A study by Florida Atlantic University finds that black borrowers, especially low-income black women, pay significantly higher interest rates on home mortgages compared to their white counterparts. The rate difference can be substantial, resulting in additional monthly mortgage payments and lost wealth over time.
Economist Edward Barbier calls for international cooperation to protect the world's most at-risk nations from hurricane damage and long-term climate change impacts. He advocates for coastal protection plans, economic diversification, and restoration of natural barriers to safeguard vulnerable populations.
Researchers identified three distinct groups of asthma patients characterized by different genes in airways, with Th2 and Th17 pathways reciprocally regulated. Blocking both pathways simultaneously may demonstrate better efficacy than targeting either alone.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine deciphered the structure and unusual shape of bacterial protein IstB, which prepares segments of DNA for jumping genes. The clamshell shape bends DNA into a 180-degree U-turn, priming it for transposon insertion.
Researchers at VIB and KU Leuven found that inhibiting PHD1 prevents p53 activation, leading to improved response to chemotherapy in colorectal cancer cells. This discovery offers new therapeutic potential for increasing sensitivity to chemotherapeutic treatments.
A study by Concordia University found that exercising regularly can reduce body-related guilt in teen smokers, while non-active smokers experience higher levels of shame. The research suggests that physical activity may be a promising solution to prevention and cessation.