A new study analyzing European temperate forests reveals that biodiversity in the herb layer has not changed overall, but varies significantly across regions. Climate change and local factors like nitrogen availability and game populations play a more significant role than expected.
Researchers will evaluate existing Cathepsin S inhibitor as new potential Chagas disease therapeutic, addressing a neglected tropical disease with no FDA-approved therapies. The grant aims to confirm the antiparasitic activity and test safety and effectiveness in humans.
A team of chemists at UC Riverside has found a way to use the infrared region of the sun's spectrum to generate more power in solar cells. By combining inorganic semiconductor nanocrystals with organic molecules, they have created a hybrid material that can 'upconvert' photons, effectively reshaping the solar spectrum to boost efficien...
A Johns Hopkins-led study of 1,200 people with implanted defibrillators shows that within a few years, one-quarter experienced substantial improvements in heart function, reducing the risk of arrhythmia and device shocks. Improved heart function was primarily attributed to concurrent use of heart failure medications and pacemakers.
A modified version of a protein that suppresses female reproductive organ development has been shown to inhibit the growth of chemotherapy-resistant ovarian tumors in animal models. Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed a gene therapy approach using a viral vector to deliver this protein, which resulted in signif...
A systematic evidence review published in Annals of Internal Medicine finds that the way a placebo is delivered affects how patients respond to therapy. The study suggests that some placebos have stronger effects than others, potentially impacting the effectiveness of medical treatments.
Researchers at Helmholtz Munich have discovered that increased protein turnover by the 26S proteasome is responsible for the activation of myofibroblasts, leading to pulmonary fibrosis. Inhibiting the 26S proteasome can prevent differentiation of primary human lung fibroblasts into myofibroblasts.
Two studies published in Gastroenterology found that weight loss through lifestyle modification or bariatric surgery significantly reduces NASH features. Lifestyle modifications resulted in a 10% weight reduction needed to reverse scarring, while bariatric surgery eliminated NASH in 85% of patients after one year.
A new type of electro-optic modulator is smaller, faster, and cheaper than traditional models, using plasmon-polaritons to enhance its performance. The device consumes much less energy than current commercial devices, making it a crucial step towards reducing the environmental impact of data transmission.
A Yale study identified NF1 as a key gene in melanoma development and progression. The research revealed that 45% of melanomas without known BRAF or NRAS mutations display loss of NF1 function, leading to cancer-causing pathways.
Researchers confirm the neural efficiency hypothesis, which suggests that intelligent brains require less cortical activation to solve tasks. The study found that highly intelligent individuals required fewer resources to complete moderately difficult tasks, but not very easy or very difficult ones.
Researchers have made significant progress in editing human T cells using CRISPR/Cas9, opening doors to potential therapies for autoimmune diseases, AIDS, and cancer. By disabling key proteins such as CXCR4 and PD-1, scientists hope to develop new treatments for various health problems.
DeepBind uses deep learning to analyze protein-DNA/RNA binding and detect mutations that can disrupt cellular processes. The tool provides new information on disruptions in mutations tied to cancers, haemophilia, and familial hypercholesterolemia.
Researchers found that children adapt their behavior to different goals, showcasing flexible social learning skills. The study suggests that humans are well-equipped to acquire and adapt cultural norms from previous generations.
Researchers from GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel found that the Tristan-Gough hotspot changed composition about 70 million years ago, forming parallel but geochemically distinct volcanoes. The team suggests a huge lens of material in the lower mantle, called LLSVP, as a possible explanation.
A new study found that young cancer patients often have limited knowledge about fertility preservation options, which can impact their treatment plans. Males are more likely to discuss fertility preservation with clinicians than females, but both sexes face barriers such as lack of insurance coverage and education.
Using powerful computer simulations, researchers identified a material made of hafnium, nitrogen, and carbon with a melting point of over 4,400 kelvins, two-thirds the temperature at the surface of the sun. The next step is to synthesize the material and corroborate the findings in the lab.
The Journal of Dairy Science has recognized four award-winning papers for their high citation impact. These papers, published between 2012 and 2015, have significantly impacted research and the dairy industry.
A simple nasal balloon procedure has been shown to be effective in reducing the impact of hearing loss in children with otitis media with effusion. The procedure involves autoinflation three times a day for 1 to 3 months, and has been found to improve middle-ear pressure and reduce symptoms in children aged 4 to 11 years.
Scientists have uncovered a port of entry for malaria parasites in the liver, highlighting a potential new drug target. The discovery could help prevent the spread of disease and reduce malaria-related deaths worldwide.
The Sochi Winter Olympics have left a legacy of oversized infrastructure and inflated prices, paid for almost exclusively by the public. The total cost of the Games is $55bn, with sports-related costs alone amounting to $16bn, more than twice the official figure.
Two new studies found that Mobile Stroke Treatment Units (MSTUs) significantly reduce time to diagnose and treat stroke patients, greatly improving survival rates and recovery. MSTUs equipped with diagnostic tools and telemedicine capabilities facilitate real-time communication with hospital-based specialists.
Researchers have identified four new highly endangered species of West African torrent-frogs, revealing a previously unknown level of molecular variation. The discovery highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts in the Upper Guinean biodiversity hotspot, where habitat loss threatens the survival of these unique species.
Professor Federico Rosei, a renowned researcher at INRS Centre Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications, has been elected ASM International Fellow. He is recognized for his exceptional work on synthesizing and characterizing multifunctional materials.
A University of Kansas researcher found that compulsory schooling laws increased school attendance rates and shifted occupational distribution toward skilled and non-manual occupations. This shift created more skilled jobs and raised the occupational distribution, benefiting not only lower-class children but also the broader workforce.
A Phase 1 trial of LOXO-101 demonstrated a rapid and significant response in the first patient with a TRK fusion cancer. The patient's tumors substantially regressed after four months of treatment, meeting partial response criteria.
Researchers identified the crucial mutation that stripped away teosinte's hard casing, exposing the edible kernel. This genetic change allowed for the domestication of maize, leading to its widespread cultivation and impact on human societies.
A new study published in PLOS Biology found that imperfect vaccines can promote the evolution of nastier viral strains, increasing the risk of severe illness among unvaccinated individuals. The research highlights the importance of perfect vaccines in preventing not only disease but also transmission.
Researchers have established the safety and dosing of a new drug for treating blood cancers, targeting dormant cancer stem cells. The drug coaxes these cells to differentiate and exit the bone marrow, where they can be destroyed by chemotherapy agents.
Yevgenia Kozorovitskiy, a Northwestern University scientist, has been named a Rita Allen Foundation Scholar to research how fast-acting antidepressants impact the brain's neural circuitry. Her goal is to improve treatment effectiveness for major depressive disorders.
Scientists at Purdue University have made a groundbreaking discovery by finding that metal can be deformed into folds while being cut, contrary to long-held assumptions. The team found that suppressing this folding behavior can reduce cutting force by up to 50%, leading to faster and more efficient machining with improved surface quality.
The study found that people are harder to convince to choose healthy options than to reject unhealthy ones, especially when it comes to customizable foods like pizza. Retailers can use this insight to design menus that encourage healthier choices while still catering to customers' desires for tasty options.
Research published in Archives of Disease in Childhood found that premature birth is associated with a distinct personality profile characterized by introversion, neuroticism, and risk aversion. Adults born prematurely scored higher on these traits compared to those born at term, even after adjusting for lower intelligence.
A University of Minnesota-led study reveals that nitrous oxide emissions from the US Corn Belt have been significantly underestimated, with estimates off by as much as 40%. The researchers found a strong relationship between stream size and emission strength, which can be used to scale up emission estimates. This discovery has importan...
Scientists at the University of Southampton have developed a molecule that acts as an exercise mimic, reducing fasting blood glucose levels and promoting weight loss in obese mice. The new compound 14 inhibits a cellular enzyme involved in metabolism, leading to improved glucose tolerance and reduced body weight.
A metagenome-wide association study uncovered markers in the oral and gut microbiomes that are associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The study found that Haemophilus sp. is depleted in RA patients and Lactobacillus salivarius is over-represented, suggesting potential new targets for diagnosis and treatment.
According to UTHealth researchers, children who spend more time with friends tend to engage in physical activity, lowering their obesity rates. Weak school nutrition policies can also be counterproductive if they lead to increased consumption of alternate sugary drinks. Additionally, obesity has immediate consequences for school perfor...
A new Iowa State University study found a strong association between insulin resistance and memory function decline, increasing the risk for Alzheimer's disease. Insulin resistance is common in people who are obese, pre-diabetic or have Type 2 diabetes, and can lead to cognitive decline at any age.
Researchers analyzed data from 119 countries, finding that education is the strongest predictor of climate change awareness globally. In contrast, understanding human causes of climate change is a stronger predictor of risk perception in Latin America and Europe, while local temperature changes are more important in Africa and Asia.
Research confirms that certain vaccines can lead to the survival of more virulent virus strains, increasing risk to unvaccinated populations. This has significant implications for food-chain security and human health.
Researchers found a strong correlation between maternal mind-mindedness and child's ability to understand others' thoughts. The study showed that mothers who used more 'mind related comments' with their babies had children who performed better in social tasks at age 5.
The Geological Society of America (GSA) and its partners have awarded funding to support 25 undergraduate and graduate students attending the SACNAS and GSA national conferences in November 2015. The students will gain knowledge, access to peers and colleagues, and career opportunities through networking and mentoring experiences.
Robson Santos will focus on the analysis of alamandine's functions in cardiovascular disease. He recently discovered the hormone as part of his collaboration with Professor Michael Bader at the MDC.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles have created a dynamic functional mouse model for lung injury repair. The novel model used targeted Type 2 Alveolar Epithelial cells (AEC2) to study the effects of cell depletion on lung function and disease.
Researchers found that the early flow of lymph fluid triggers maturation in developing lymphatic vessels. In mice without lymph flow, valves failed to form and remodeling phase was disrupted, leading to improper development of smooth muscle cells.
Healthcare professionals and consumers can voluntarily report adverse drug events directly to the FDA or the manufacturer, but about 10% of serious and unexpected adverse events are not reported under federal regulations. The study analyzed over 1.6 million reports and found that patient death was associated with delayed reporting.
The Journalists in Aging Fellows Program aims to bring scientific findings on aging to diverse communities through in-depth stories and workshops. Supported by The Silver Century Foundation, the program has been instrumental in producing over 300 news stories since its inception.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed a new technique to analyze specific hormones in tissue, allowing surgeons to distinguish tumor from normal gland. The technique, called MALDI MSI, can determine hormone composition in under 30 minutes, potentially improving surgical precision.
The improved survival rate of HIV patients in sub-Saharan Africa facilitates the study of cardiovascular disease in these patients. Studies have shown that highly active antiretroviral treatment is associated with a 50% reduction in HIV-related cardiomyopathy, and researchers now have access to a population with both HIV and cardiovasc...
Scientists have decoded the genome and transcriptome of an incurable subtype of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, revealing a novel program associated with leukemic cells. The study identifies key genes that trigger a reprogramming of the leukemia cells, leading to promising drug tests, including Venetoclax.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a superfast fluorescence device that can emit light over 90 billion gigahertz, breaking the current speed record. This breakthrough technology has the potential to revolutionize optical computing and communication.
Researchers found that gaze shifting in 10-month-old babies is linked to improved brain responses to new language sounds. The study suggests that social engagement plays a crucial role in early language learning.
A recent study found that US NICU admission rates have increased for newborns of all birth weights, including normal-weight and term infants. The researchers looked at data from nearly 18 million live births between 2007 and 2012 and found a significant increase in NICU admissions.
A polymer hydrogel material alters capillary forces, creating a 'stick-slip' control of water entry into microtubes. This enables precise control of fluid flow and could enable applications such as controlled drug release and precise reaction timing.
Researchers discovered that memory CD4+ T cells linger in the skin for up to a year after resolving Leishmania infection. These skin-resident memory cells help reduce parasite numbers during secondary infections by recruiting blood-borne memory cells, suggesting a new approach to developing anti-Leishmania vaccines.
A four-year study aims to understand the neurological mechanisms behind reduced taste for sweet and fatty foods following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery and diet-induced obesity. The research seeks to identify new treatments for effective weight loss and shed light on why RYGB is an effective surgical treatment for obesity.
Scientists have developed a novel process to regenerate salivary cells using silk fibers as a framework, which could help millions in the US with dry mouth due to Sjögren's syndrome. The process has been shown to retain salivary gland cell properties and is a significant step towards developing new cell-based therapeutics.
Researchers are exploring how indoor home microbial environments change after whole-house weatherization projects, aiming to understand the impact on human health. The study will analyze ventilation-system design and its influence on exposure to airborne microorganisms.
Two studies show ACS NSQIP provides more accurate data than administrative data to drive surgical quality improvement in hospitals. The program identified 60% of hospital readmissions as potentially preventable, and demonstrated higher c-statistic values for complications and mortality models.
A research team from NUS Medicine has demonstrated that applying an external source of hydrogen sulphide can protect testicular germ cells against heat-induced injury, a major cause of male infertility. The findings provide a potential therapeutic value for H2S in treating male infertility.