Singapore researchers have identified specific molecular interactions in the dengue virus genome that allow it to manipulate human immune defenses and spread more efficiently. These genetic changes increase the virus's capacity for epidemic outbreaks, highlighting the need for targeted surveillance and response strategies.
Researchers developed a new method to map critical chemical tags on proteins, enabling better understanding of protein formation and function. The technique allows pinpointing phosphates' location and studying unstable amino acids like histidine.
Researchers at Rockefeller University discovered a new mechanism to create more effective and efficient vaccines against the flu virus. By harnessing modified antibodies, they were able to elicit broad protection against multiple strains of the virus.
Researchers found that spiders adopt postures to control wind direction while on water, allowing them to 'sail' in turbulent conditions. This behavior compensates for the risks of landing on water after uncontrolled flights, enabling spiders to survive in aquatic environments.
The American Society of Human Genetics recommends genetic testing for children only when results could have an immediate impact on healthcare decisions. Predictive testing is particularly complicated and may affect family relationships and mental health. ASHG advises against direct-to-consumer DNA testing, especially in healthy children.
Recent advancements in hypersonic flight dynamics and control are presented, including anti-disturbance control, composite dynamic surface control using neural networks, and sliding mode control. These methods enhance tracking performance and convergence speed, addressing system uncertainty and actuator dynamics.
A new method has been discovered to culture stem cells, allowing them to grow twice as fast and be more efficient in regulating the immune response. This breakthrough could lead to more effective treatments for transplant patients by reducing side effects of current immunosuppressant drugs.
Researchers at the University of Salzburg developed a new method to estimate time since death in humans, even up to 240 hours after death, by analyzing muscle proteins and enzymes in pigs. Initial results are promising for human samples, offering a simple and efficient approach with advantages over current methods.
A group of top doctors and scientists propose a paradigm shift in NCD prevention and treatment, emphasizing the importance of promoting healthy lifestyles. They suggest integrating and collaborating with various stakeholders, including governments, companies, and organizations, to create effective change.
Researchers from Université de Genève found that activated neurons swell due to massive entry of water, providing a new insight into brain functioning. This discovery enables the detection of cellular mechanisms behind brain activity, allowing for more accurate localization and pathologies diagnosis.
A pre-clinical study of an HIV vaccine regimen showed complete protection from infection in half of the vaccinated non-human primates. The 'heterologous prime-boost' vaccine approach is being evaluated in a phase 1/2a clinical trial for safety and immunogenicity in healthy volunteers.
A team of researchers has discovered a link between acute liver failure and mutations in the NBAS gene, which affects cellular transport processes. The study found that these mutations can disrupt protein packing and transport within cells, leading to metabolic imbalances in the liver.
A recent study published in the journal Science suggests that seahorse tails' square prism shape offers a functional advantage over cylindrical shapes. This unique design could inspire new forms of armor and lead to the development of search-and-rescue robots with improved control and versatility.
A new learning method for energy optimization of plug-in hybrid electric buses uses stochastic Markov models to minimize fuel and electric consumption costs. The approach avoids the curse of dimensionality problem by approximating the cost function without discretization, reducing computational complexity.
SAGE has strengthened its medical portfolio by partnering with SingHealth to publish the journal Proceedings of Singapore Healthcare. The journal, which publishes quality research on all aspects of healthcare and biomedical sciences, will benefit from SAGE's publishing expertise and global reach.
The coldest thunderstorm cloud tops measured were near -63 Fahrenheit, indicating high uplift and potential for heavy rain. Tropical Depression 10W is expected to intensify as it passes just northwest of Luzon, northeastern Philippines.
A team of bioengineers at Brigham and Women's Hospital developed a new protein-based gel that mimics the properties of elastic tissue when exposed to light. The gel can be controlled in its swelling and strength, making it suitable for various applications such as regenerating cells or creating a barrier over wounds.
Physicists have successfully frozen single charged atoms to within a millionth of absolute zero using microwave radiation, paving the way for simplified construction of quantum technology devices. This technique will enable the creation of powerful quantum sensors, ultra-fast quantum computers, and ultra-stable quantum clocks.
Scientists have developed a novel technique for bioprinting at ambient temperatures, creating a paste capable of incorporating cells and proteins. This innovative material can sustain stresses similar to cancellous bone and is being explored as an injectable bone defect filler or scaffold for larger reconstructions.
Clemson University researchers found that poor sleep habits increase the risk of impulsive desires, inattentiveness, and questionable decision-making. Better sleep habits can contribute to improved health and worker performance, as well as reduced risks of addictions and excessive spending.
Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh Center for Vaccine Research are developing vaccines and therapies against deadly mosquito-borne diseases, including eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) and alphavirus. The research aims to limit brain entry by these viruses and identify biological markers of disease severity.
Research shows that Wolbachia-infected male fruit flies fight less aggressively than their uninfected peers. The infected flies took three times longer to initiate fights and started fewer battles, but their bouts lasted as long as those of uninfected counterparts.
Studies show that certain bacterial groups in the gut can help protect against inflammation and control symptoms of UC. Researchers found that fecal microbiota transplantation with specific beneficial bacteria may be a promising treatment option for UC.
Research by Eric Kandel's lab shows prion-like proteins, like those causing mad cow disease, are critical for maintaining long-term memories in mice. These proteins work by creating aggregated structures that turn on protein synthesis necessary to maintain the memory.
An international consortium is developing a comprehensive understanding of fertilization in flowering plants using comparative genomics and molecular biology techniques. The research aims to provide insights into the origins of fertilization and its role in improving crop productivity.
Researchers discovered that a melanoma mutation activates ketogenesis enzyme HMG-CoA lyase, turning on fat breakdown in cancer cells. This rewiring of metabolism may explain why V600E mutation is common in melanomas and provide alternative strategies to existing drugs targeting the mutation.
A team of researchers led by UO doctoral student Kristin E. Sweeney conducted a series of experiments in small sandboxes to witness the formation of ridges and valleys in real-time. The study provides new insights into the competition between erosion driven by runoff and soil movement on hillsides, revealing how climate change may impa...
Researchers at Tata Institute of Fundamental Research created bacteria to emit intense hard x-ray radiation. By using nanostructured bacterial cells and silver nanoparticles, they achieved a 10,000-fold increase in x-ray emission compared to plain glass slides.
Rising sea temperatures and decreased salt concentration are predicted to significantly impact mussel health, favoring disease-causing bacteria that produce toxins. This could threaten the rapidly-growing tropical shellfish industry in South-West India, which is already under pressure from urbanization.
A new study reveals that biologically active molecules, including exorphins, are released during digestion of real bread and pasta. These molecules can pass through the gut lining and potentially have a biological effect on the body.
A nationwide survey of 502 women found that adventurous eaters rated themselves as healthier eaters and were more physically active. They also reported being more likely to have friends over for dinner and were less concerned with the healthfulness of their food.
Researchers found that readers value different journalistic traits and hold expectations for journalists beyond traditional values. Readers often criticize news outlets using human adjectives like 'sanctimonious' and 'lazy'. News leaders should understand how readers anthropomorphize their organizations to better present their brands.
A study suggests that cortisol and testosterone levels in traders can lead to increased risk-taking behavior, potentially destabilizing financial markets. Researchers found that artificially increasing hormone levels shifted investment towards riskier assets.
The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association recommends the use of brain stent retrievers in certain patients undergoing acute ischemic strokes. The devices can restore blood flow and reduce stroke damage when treated promptly, making them a valuable option for carefully selected patients.
Research reveals higher mortality rates associated with poverty levels, with significant variation among urban areas. The study analyzed nine causes of death and a socioeconomic deprivation index in 15 European cities.
The European Nanomedicine Characterization Laboratory (EU-NCL) aims to bring safe and efficient nanotherapeutics faster to patients. EU-NCL partners with international reference facilities to harmonize analytical protocols, providing a trans-disciplinary testing infrastructure for preclinical characterization.
Researchers use electron cryo-microscopy to visualize proteasome complex in unprecedented detail, revealing target sites for potential cancer drugs. The study paves the way for more precise and effective treatments.
A European-US consortium led by Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia aims to understand the evolution of plant reproduction, including ancient mechanisms of gamete development and fertilization. The project will identify genes useful to agriculture, increasing crop yield and food security.
A team of researchers found that a seahorse's square, overlapping tail segments provide better armor and gripping abilities compared to traditional cylindrical tails. The squared shape absorbs more energy before permanent failure begins and creates more contact points with surfaces.
Researchers discovered that children with autism spectrum disorder exhibit a unique sniffing pattern when exposed to pleasant or unpleasant odors, allowing for accurate classification with high accuracy. The study suggests that olfactory tests could be used as an early indicator of ASD, potentially leading to more effective intervention.
Researchers discover fungi-specific signalling molecule controlling Candida's growth, offering hope for clinical treatments
Researchers have determined the structure of a human monoclonal antibody that strongly neutralizes a type of the potentially lethal dengue virus in an animal model. This finding could lead to effective therapies and vaccines against dengue, a complex of four distinct mosquito-borne viruses causing illness and death in the tropics.
The American Society of Human Genetics has issued a position statement on the ethical, legal, and psychosocial implications of genetic testing in children and adolescents. The statement addresses various issues related to genetic testing, including predictive testing, whole-genome sequencing, and implementation challenges.
A new genus and species of octocoral with an aragonite calcium-carbonate skeleton has been discovered in Okinawa, Japan, closely related to the 'living fossil' blue coral. The species, named Nanipora kamurai, was found in a shallow coral reef at a depth of less than 1m.
New studies reveal that hypertensive individuals experience higher rates of cognitive decline compared to non-hypertensive populations. Additionally, African Americans with hypertension bear a disproportionate burden of disability and mortality associated with the condition. These findings underscore the importance of effective managem...
Researchers at University College London have discovered that when we try to remember a single aspect of an event, our brain reconstructs the entire episode, including details we weren't consciously aware of. This process is made possible by the hippocampus, which associates different aspects of the event and enables pattern completion.
Healthy people given citalopram were willing to pay more to prevent harm to themselves or others than those on placebo drugs, highlighting the serotonin-enhancing antidepressant's effect on moral decision-making. In contrast, levodopa made healthy people more selfish and less altruistic.
The introduction of innovative techniques and devices has led to declining death rates from cardiovascular disease, but reimbursement systems are hindering their adoption. Delays in allocating reimbursement codes are limiting investment in future device therapies.
A recent NIH-funded study found that approximately 1.5% of boys aged 10-18 received an antipsychotic prescription in 2010, with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) being the most common diagnosis among youth ages 1-18. The study also highlighted a significant increase in antipsychotic use with age, beginning at 0.11% for ch...
Patients with a low to healthy body weight had an average survival time of two-and-a-half months less than overweight and obese patients. The study suggests that there may be a relationship between having a lower BMI and poor treatment tolerance, putting thinner patients at risk for poor outcomes.
A recent study found that statins can decrease aggression in men, while increasing it in postmenopausal women. The effects on testosterone and sleep levels also played a role in the observed changes.
Researchers developed a smartphone sensor using surface plasmon resonance to detect biomolecules, including those for pregnancy testing and diabetes monitoring. The sensor is tiny, affordable, and comparable in sensitivity to current equipment.
Earl L. Smith III, OD, was inducted into the National Optometry Hall of Fame for his long-lasting impact on the optometric profession through his academic and administrative work at UH College of Optometry. He has made significant contributions to vision science research and education.
Indoor tanning rates declined significantly among US adults from 2010 to 2013, with notable decreases in younger age groups and certain health conditions. The decrease is attributed to increased awareness of indoor tanning's harms, including its link to cancer risk.
Researchers at Concert Pharmaceuticals demonstrated selective deuterium substitution to improve safety, efficacy, tolerability and convenience of paroxetine-based medicines. Deuterated compounds retain potency but exhibit altered metabolic profiles, reducing drug-drug interactions.
A single-celled marine plankton has evolved a tiny eye-like structure that resembles the complex eyes of humans and other animals. The ocellloid contains sub-cellular organelles similar to those found in multicellular eyes, potentially aiding prey detection through light shift detection.
A new study using Social Security Administration's personal income tax data confirms the value of college education by measuring individual lifetime earnings over 20 years. The study estimates significant long-term economic benefits of college education, with men earning an average of $840,000 more over 50 years than high school gradua...
Researchers study the behavior of liquids trapped between two parallel fibers, discovering that spreading is controlled by three key parameters: liquid amount, fiber orientation, and distance between them. This insight could lead to cheaper materials with better insulation properties.
A new study aims to understand MS pathology by activating metabolic stress in oligodendrocytes, a type of cell that produces myelin. The research seeks to determine if this nonimmune-mediated animal model can recapitulate MS pathology and find evidence for behavioral changes and cognitive decline.
Researchers found interesting morphological distinctions in the mouthparts of larvae and new chromosome rearrangements in the second chromosome of <i> Ch. bernensis</i>. The study suggests a possible adaptive explanation for the geographical distribution of the species, with different genotypic combinations dominating at various sites.