The CRISPR genome editing technique has been hailed as a breakthrough due to its ability to deliver genes precisely, low cost, and ease of use. It has enabled the creation of gene drives, human embryo editing, and the deletion of retrovirus DNA in pig genomes.
Carnegie Mellon University researchers analyze 20,000 employee plan choices and find most employees select inferior plans leading to over-spending. They argue simplifying health insurance plans can improve consumer choices and reduce anxiety.
Researchers confirm that Ancient Egyptian texts describe astronomical phenomena, including the discovery of Algol's period, three millennia earlier than previously thought. The brightest phases of Algol and the Moon had positive meanings for the Ancient Egyptians.
A team of researchers found that current harvest levels for gray wolves in the Northern Rocky Mountains have led to decreased survival and reproduction rates. The study suggests that policies regulating wolf hunting are not sustainable and should be revised to prioritize population growth.
Researchers found record-breaking levels of domoic acid in a range of species, including fish and Dungeness crab. The toxin's persistence in the food web and sediments led to prolonged exposure and harm to both humans and marine life.
A study by Kyoto University found that fish oil activates receptors in the digestive tract, fires the sympathetic nervous system, and induces storage cells to metabolize fat. This may increase beige cells, which are less common in adults but play a crucial role in burning fat for energy.
Researchers have discovered a new mechanism behind chromothripsis, a phenomenon where cells undergo multiple mutations due to telomere crisis. This chain of events can create chromothripsis, leading to cancer, and may inform early diagnosis methods.
A recent study found that the US safety net system is failing grandmothers who are raising their grandchildren due to poverty. Despite being eligible for benefits, many were unable to access resources or had to make sacrifices to care for their grandchildren.
A new analysis explores the possibility of in vitro gametogenesis for human reproduction, allowing same-sex couples to have biologically related children. The procedure could also enable 'perfecting reproduction' by making prenatal selection easier and more robust.
Researchers discovered that seeds have recycled a plant protection mechanism called the cuticle to withstand terrestrial aggressions. The cuticle increases seed viability, resistance to reactive oxygen species, and maintains dormant state, allowing seeds to survive and propagate in new environments.
Researchers identified a key protein involved in bacterial sugar coating and found a compound that blocks its action, offering hope for new antibiotics. The study's findings may lead to the development of more effective anti-microbials.
Candidiasis is a life-threatening fungal infection requiring early treatment. New guidelines update recommendations for its diagnosis and treatment, highlighting the importance of consulting an infectious diseases (ID) specialist to ensure a good outcome.
Researchers have developed a new vaccine candidate that significantly reduces the virus load in infected camels, offering a promising method to prevent human infections. The vaccine also provides dual activity, protecting camels from another disease similar to smallpox.
A new antiplatelet drug called PZ-128 has shown safe and fast effects in preventing blood clots, with reversal of its effects possible within 24 hours. The study found that the more PZ-128 was administered, the better it blocked platelet aggregation, with up to 100% effectiveness.
A breakthrough study has found that a bone drug can protect stem cells from the effects of ageing, extending their lifespan and maintaining their function. The drug, zoledronate, reduces DNA damage in mesenchymal stem cells, enhancing their survival and repair capabilities.
A new miniature robot, inspired by the jumping mechanism of locusts, can jump 11 feet high and cover a horizontal distance of 4.5 feet in one leap, making it suitable for search-and-rescue missions in rough terrain. The researchers are currently working on a gliding mechanism to expand its applications.
Research at the University of Leicester found that carbon emissions from tropical peatlands in Indonesia vary significantly depending on fire type and location. The study revealed that peatlands closer to canals have a higher probability of high-frequency fires, releasing harmful carbon emissions into the atmosphere.
The study found that mirrors in consumption settings can reduce the perceived tastiness of unhealthy food, leading to lower consumption. The presence of a mirror did not affect the taste of healthy food, suggesting it's only an issue for unhealthy options.
The Danish berry industry is adopting more sustainable practices, including organic farming, to increase competitiveness and profitability. The project aims to expand organic blackcurrant and sour cherry production, while developing high-value products such as cherry wine and gourmet juices.
Scientists recreated the skull of the last common ancestor of Homo sapiens and Neanderthals by applying digital methods and statistical techniques. The 'virtual fossil' reveals that this ancestral population likely originated in Africa and had early hallmarks of both species, with a split timeline of around 700,000 years ago.
A streamlined PITCh system enables efficient genome editing for inserting foreign DNA into targeted genomic loci. This method can aid rapid research progress in fields like drug screening and human disease modeling.
Researchers at the University of Basel have solved the structure of mammalian TOR complex 1 (mTORC1), a critical regulator of cellular processes. The study reveals the unique architecture of mTORC1, highlighting the importance of partner proteins in its function.
Researchers create a new method for generating training images to simulate natural variability, allowing for more accurate predictions and decision-making in various activities such as environmental cleanup and oil drilling. By analyzing a series of images using the demon algorithm, scientists select representative snapshots that captu...
Research reveals tiny genetic molecules called microRNAs play crucial role in controlling muscles, with dysfunction linked to devastating neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS and SMA. The findings open new avenues for treating these disorders by correcting dysfunctional microRNAs.
A study published in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy found ESD to be a safe and effective treatment for superficial pharyngeal cancer, achieving an en bloc resection rate of 100% and complete resection rate of 79.5%. The procedure showed minimal side effects, with a three-year overall survival rate of 97.7%.
Researchers at the University of Zurich have made a groundbreaking discovery that the nucleus acts as a passive filter to regulate gene activity, reducing random noise. By visualizing subtle physiological details with microscopic dyes, they were able to detect and predict the activity of individual genes in human cells.
Investors exhibit an ostrich pattern in attending to their portfolios, logging in less when expecting bad news. This behavior is prevalent among men, older investors, and those with greater portfolio balances.
Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine have developed a new nanotechnology approach using 'smart fat cells' that can pass the blood-brain barrier to detect early-stage brain tumors. This breakthrough could transform gliomas from a death sentence into a treatable condition, enabling patients to receive timely treatment.
New research reveals that sustainable forestry policies in the Congo Basin may inadvertently cause increased deforestation and timber production. The studies found that selective logging, often done under compliant policies, leads to indirect deforestation by spreading activities over larger areas. Human settlements also grow near lega...
A study led by Dr Gerry McCann found that treating multiple narrowed arteries during a heart attack does not increase the amount of heart muscle damage. The research suggests it is safe for cardiologists to insert stents in all discovered narrowings while treating a heart attack.
Human pluripotent stem cells have been shown to develop normally when transplanted into an embryo, offering new hope for regenerative medicine treatments. The study provides strong evidence that stem cells are likely to be safe and effective for treating serious conditions like heart disease and Parkinson's disease.
Researchers discovered a compound that targets gut microbes to prevent heart disease by preventing the formation of toxic metabolic byproducts. This new approach may provide a whole new strategy for treating cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.
A recent survey of praying mantises in Rwanda revealed a significant increase in species diversity, with 28 new records added to the country and 20 new regional records discovered. The study highlights the importance of further research into insect fauna in Rwanda's national parks.
Researchers connected two materials with unusual quantum-mechanical properties through a quantum constriction, enabling clean materials with intriguing quantum-mechanical properties. This collaboration opens up a new research direction for ultrafast and robust electronic networks.
Researchers used computer simulations to determine that plesiosaurs flapped their front flippers in an underwater flight motion, similar to that of a penguin, to achieve propulsion. The rear flippers were likely used for steering and stability, contradicting previous assumptions about their role.
Researchers developed algorithms predicting seizure origin and spread based on brain data from 22 epilepsy patients. This could lead to more objective surgical targets and improved treatment outcomes.
Researchers at OIST discovered a molecular mechanism involved in storing and burning fat. They found that mice lacking two specific genes remain lean even after eating a high-fat diet due to increased expression of Ucp1, which helps convert stored fat into heat.
A new study reveals a plant protein's role in detecting molecular signals from beneficial fungi, allowing plants to harness essential nutrients and sugars. This symbiotic relationship, prevalent across the plant kingdom, is believed to be crucial to early terrestrial survival and the evolution of life on Earth.
Researchers have identified a naturally occurring inhibitor that reduces TMAO levels and prevents atherosclerosis in mice, suggesting a potential new therapeutic approach for preventing heart disease and other metabolic diseases linked to gut microbes.
A rare full moon will occur on December's Full Cold Moon, marking the first time since 1977. NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter has been studying the lunar surface since 2009 and is currently orbiting Earth's moon.
Scientists found that nickel N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes decompose into initial reagent and nickel hydroxide when exposed to water. The rate of hydrolysis varies depending on the type of NHC ligand, with some complexes breaking down quickly while others remain stable for over a week.
The California Academy of Sciences has added 102 new plant and animal species to Earth's family tree, enriching our understanding of the planet's complex web of life. These discoveries include tiny, blood-sucking Dracula ants, vibrant sea slugs, and eight new viruses from around five continents and three oceans.
A new study published in The Lancet found that annual blood tests for ovarian cancer screening may reduce mortality rates by up to 20%. The UK Collaborative Trial of Ovarian Cancer Screening showed a delayed effect on mortality between the screening and control arms, becoming significant after seven years.
African-Americans and Latinos show deeper mistrust of physicians due to cultural and socioeconomic factors. Physicians must consider structural competency, including a patient's neighborhood, policies, and institutions, to provide better care.
Researchers have developed an autonomous fixed-wing micro air vehicle (MAV) inspired by the way kestrels hover above their prey. The MAV gains height from convenient updrafts, making it more efficient and extending its working range for tasks such as package delivery and surveillance.
A Mayo Clinic study of 102 lung transplant patients found that those who were frail before surgery had lower survival rates at one and three years post-transplant. Frailty was associated with decreased survival and poorer outcomes.
Consuming a beverage rich in cocoa flavanols improves blood vessel function and reduces diastolic blood pressure in patients with kidney failure. Individuals with failing kidneys are at increased risk of developing heart problems, but diet-based therapeutic approaches to counteract cardiovascular disease are limited.
A study published in The Journal of Physiology found that regular exercise can significantly reduce the physiological severity of hot flushes experienced by post-menopausal women. By improving blood flow and reducing sweating, exercise minimizes the physical discomfort associated with hot flushes.
The 2015 American Epilepsy Society Annual Meeting drew a record attendance of over 5,200 professionals to discuss new discoveries and emerging technologies in treating epilepsy. Key findings included studies on the safety and efficacy of pharmaceutical CBD for severe epilepsy and personalized medicine that offers new targets for diagno...
A clinical trial found that stem cell transplantation did not provide significant improvement in sustained disease remission after one year for patients with difficult-to-treat Crohn's disease. However, some patients showed objective signs of disease disappearance and discontinued active treatment more frequently in the stem cell group.
Researchers have found regional temperature variations of up to three times greater than expected in the lower mantle where it meets the core. The discovery will help explain the structure of the Earth and its formation.
A study reveals how CARD9 specifically protects the mammalian central nervous system (CNS) from fungal infections. Researchers found that mice and humans lacking functional CARD9 cannot recruit neutrophils to control Candida infection in the CNS, highlighting the critical role of CARD9 in promoting antifungal immunity.
A systematic review study suggests that nonoperative treatment of appendicitis is probably safe for adults but raises concerns about long-term outcomes. The study found that antibiotics-first treatment was successful in 3 out of 4 patients, but questions remain about quality of life, residual symptoms, and financial considerations.
The UK's failure to fortify flour with folic acid has caused around 2000 avoidable cases of neural tube defects since 1998. Researchers recommend adopting the US policy to curb associated deaths and disability, citing a potential fall in prevalence of 21% if implemented.
Researchers at Rockefeller University discover how dopamine alters connections between neurons in fly brain to change odor responses. This study parallels the action of dopamine in human brain, suggesting a coordinated mechanism for flexible behavior.
A person's first flu infection stimulates key antibody production, which later influences responses to other seasonal strains. Researchers found that early exposure, such as in childhood, can imprint the immune system and shape its response.
Dr. Leon Iasemidis, a renowned expert in nonlinear dynamics and biomedical engineering, has been named a National Academy of Inventors Fellow for his outstanding inventions that have made a tangible impact on quality of life and economic development. He is recognized for his research in seizure prediction and control of epilepsy, with ...
A 14-year study found that annual screening with a blood test utilizing the Risk of Ovarian Cancer Algorithm (ROCA) significantly reduced mortality from ovarian cancer, particularly in women without evidence of cancer at study entry. The results showed a 20% reduction in risk of dying from ovarian cancer.
Researchers altered brain activity of rats by changing firing rates of neurons in the central thalamus, waking some and putting others into unconscious states. The study uses functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to scan brain activity and may guide deep brain stimulation therapies for neurological disorders.
A randomized clinical trial found that vitamin D2 supplements did not reduce the need for anemia drugs in dialysis patients. The study, published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, suggests that nutritional vitamin D may have no role in treating anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease or kidney failure.