Duke University researchers develop software to predict genetic changes in bacteria that will allow it to evade new experimental drugs. The team successfully identified four mutations that would confer resistance, with over half of surviving colonies carrying the predicted mutation.
A new study suggests that water is bound to sulfates in Martian soil, a key finding with implications for the search for life on Mars. The research team analyzed elemental data from the Gamma Ray Spectrometer onboard the Mars Odyssey orbiter and found a spatial association between sulfur and hydrogen in the southern latitudes of Mars.
A study at Washington University School of Medicine found that a subset of obese individuals do not develop common metabolic abnormalities associated with obesity, such as insulin resistance and high blood pressure. In contrast, those who already had these problems worsened after gaining weight.
Vaccines targeting HIV can backfire and lead to increased infection rates if they activate too many viral target cells. A recent primate model study found that higher levels of activated CD4+ T cells in mucosal tissues were associated with an increased risk of infection.
Researchers have identified gene regulatory networks controlling cell wall thickening in plants, a major impediment to extracting sugars for biofuels. The study offers a framework for future research to engineer energy crops for more efficient biofuel production.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have developed a modified version of an aminoglycoside that works effectively in mice without causing deafness or kidney damage. The new antibiotic, N1MS, was created by modifying the drug molecule to prevent it from entering the inner-ear cell's ion channels.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a driver model that can predict steering movements up to 95% accurately. This breakthrough may lead to safer car systems, including anti-skid and fatigue detection systems.