Researchers at EMBL Heidelberg solved a decades-old cell biology puzzle by clarifying the behavior of clathrin proteins, crucial for endocytosis. The team used new imaging techniques to demonstrate that the surface area of the clathrin coat remains constant during endocytosis, only changing its curvature as it draws the cell membrane i...
A new study confirms that humans are causing a rapid pace of species loss, with extinction rates up to 100 times faster than normal, threatening ecosystem services and human survival. The researchers warn that inaction will lead to irreversible damage, but call for urgent conservation efforts to avoid a sixth mass extinction event.
Researchers at University of California, San Diego School of Medicine have identified a biological marker for mental illness in female patients. The study found that specific genes, including XIST, are over-produced in women with mental illnesses like bipolar disorder, major depression, and schizophrenia.
A study found that over half of seniors injured in motor vehicle crashes were still taking pain medication six months later. The results highlighted the need for effective management of acute pain in older adults to prevent negative consequences on function and quality of life.
Former hurricane Carlos has dissipated, bringing an end to its eastern Pacific journey. The National Hurricane Center reported no areas of suspect development for the next couple of days.
Astronomers using ALMA measured the mass of a supermassive black hole at the center of NGC 1097, a barred spiral galaxy 45 million light-years away. The black hole was found to be 140 million times more massive than our Sun.
A study from the University of Rochester found that stress in low-income families can affect children's learning. Children with family instability or harsh caregivers had elevated or low cortisol levels, leading to lower cognitive ability at age 4.
Researchers used genetic tools to trace illegal ivory back to its source, identifying two primary poaching hotspots in Africa since 2006. The study found that most savanna and forest elephant tusks originated from Tanzania, Mozambique, Gabon, and the Central African Republic.
A new study by USC's Valter Longo suggests that a periodic diet mimicking fasting can cut visceral belly fat, boost neural regeneration and improve learning and memory in old mice. In humans, the pilot study found evidence of reduced risk factors for aging, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer with no major adverse side effects.
Researchers are using alternative breeding methods to increase switchgrass's biomass yield, ethanol production, and reduce lignin content. The study utilizes the Smith-Hazel Selection Index to select for multiple traits simultaneously, aiming to speed up the breeding process and achieve more ideal switchgrass by 2025.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that the Hawaiian hoary bat migrated to Hawaii from the Pacific coast of North America in two separate waves over 9,000 years apart. This genetic history suggests that the current legal protection may be inadequate or misdirected, highlighting the need for updated conservation efforts.
Researchers find striking similarities between snake fungal disease and white-nose syndrome in bats, both persisting across habitats and infecting multiple species. The snake fungus, Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola, is highly virulent and can spread through pet trade and animal release.
Researchers found that three- and five-year-old children are just as likely to respond to the needs of another individual as they are to their own. This suggests a core component of a sense of justice based on empathy, which is central to human prosociality and punishment.
The Community for Open Antimicrobial Drug Discovery aims to screen over 50,000 chemical compounds in the next 18 months to combat superbug-resistant bacteria, with the goal of preventing millions of deaths by 2050.
A study published in JNCI found that women with tubal ligation who develop aggressive endometrial cancer types have lower mortality rates. The researchers suggest that TL reduces cancer cell passage through the fallopian tubes, lowering disease stage and mortality.
A special issue of Future Oncology explores the role of biomarkers and next-generation sequencing in advancing cancer research and treatment. The issue highlights the potential of these technologies to provide a more precise picture of cancer and identify effective treatments.
A recent study has provided a more complete picture of how proteins move, laying the foundation for understanding molecular causes of human disease and developing potent drug treatments.
Scientists have discovered transient spikes in temperature at several spots on Venus' surface, indicating active flows of lava. The hotspots are clustered in a large rift zone called Ganiki Chasma, suggesting ongoing volcanic activity.
Researchers uncover hidden diversity in minute midges through DNA analysis and type material examination. Two new species were discovered and one misidentified species was corrected, shedding light on the fascinating world of non-biting midges.
Researchers have used ultra-short pulses of X-rays to create a film of shock waves in diamonds, providing new insights into the structure of these hard materials. The study reveals that intense shock waves can compress diamond by almost ten percent, opening up new perspectives on its dynamic behavior under high pressure.
A team of University of Iowa researchers analyzed over 200 YouTube videos to understand toddler tablet use. They found that by age two, most children can moderate their ability to use a tablet, while younger toddlers require more guidance.
A small audit of clinical practice found that doctors often misdiagnose zinc deficiency and are unaware of the impact of excess zinc on the body. High doses of zinc supplements can disrupt copper uptake, leading to anaemia and neurological symptoms.
A new mass spectrometry-based technology enables rapid analysis of tissue samples, offering a faster and more accurate alternative to traditional methods. The automated droplet-based surface sampling probe reduces testing time for cancer diagnosis from 20-30 minutes to just 4-5 minutes.
Professor Tiago H. Falk has received the Canadian Medical and Biological Engineering Society Early Career Achievement Award for his innovative research projects in biomedical engineering and multimedia communications. His work includes assistive devices for people with disabilities and low-cost methods for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease.
A systematic review found that sedentary behavior is associated with an increased risk of anxiety in adults and children. The link may be due to disturbances in sleep patterns, social withdrawal theory, and poor metabolic health. Further research is needed to confirm the causal relationship between sedentary behavior and anxiety.
A study published in Environmental Research Letters suggests that climate change will not significantly reduce winter deaths. The research found that cities with warmer winters have similar amounts of winter deaths as those with colder winters, likely due to the prevalence of flu and respiratory diseases rather than cold-related causes.
Researchers at UCLA have created a novel system that can store solar energy for several weeks, unlike current systems which only hold energy for a few microseconds. The breakthrough design is inspired by photosynthesis and uses polymer donors and nano-scale fullerene acceptors to separate charges.
In a study published in Nature Medicine, researchers found that disabling the production of NETs (neutrophil extracellular traps) can speed up wound healing in diabetic mice. By preventing neutrophils from producing NETs, wounds healed more quickly and tissue repair was improved.
WSU scientists demonstrate that resveratrol converts excess white fat into beige fat, reducing weight gain by 40%. Polyphenols found in fruit enhance fat oxidation, preventing obesity and metabolic dysfunction. Increasing fruit consumption can boost total polyphenolic intake.
Researchers found that six-gill and prickly deep-sea sharks are positively buoyant, requiring less energy to swim upward than downward. This adaptation may provide them with a 'stealth' advantage during hunting or aid in nightly migrations to shallower areas.
Korean scientists have successfully created a new class of radical compounds by reacting nitric oxide with N-heterocyclic carbenes. The resulting nitric oxide compounds show potential for targeted NO delivery, which could lead to new therapeutic applications in various human diseases.
Astronomers use Hubble Space Telescope to uncover the early formative years of quasars, finding that galaxy collisions and mergers drive their peak activity. The observations reveal the transitional phase in the merger-driven black hole scenario, providing new insights into the universe's brightest objects.
Researchers developed a novel live-imaging system to study gene transcription and nuclear position, enabling simultaneous measurements of these processes. The technique shows high specificity and has potential applications in studying higher-order gene regulation and cell-to-cell heterogeneity.
Researchers from UNC School of Medicine provide direct experimental evidence for the rapid synthesis of two classes of proteins necessary to create life on Earth. They found that a single ancient gene probably used its two opposite strands of DNA to code for different catalysts that both activated amino acids.
A new study uses massively parallel gene function assays to characterize nearly 2000 BRCA1 variants, providing a potential solution for sorting out harmful and harmless variants. The approach demonstrates promise but is not yet ready for use in the clinic.
Researchers found that musicians' brains can incorporate abstract music notation to enhance their visual perception of congruent musical notes. Non-musicians showed no significant difference in visual preference regardless of the melody played.
Researchers predict and synthesize five new calcium carbides with varied chemical and physical properties, including a two-dimensional metal-like compound. The discovery opens up possibilities for industrial applications in the chemical industry.
Researchers developed a calorie-restricted diet that mimics fasting to promote regeneration and extend lifespan in mice. A human pilot study found similar benefits, with decreased risk factors for aging-related diseases.
Two new studies shed light on the Himalayan tectonic system, confirming a strike-slip dominated fault in western Nepal and highlighting topographic and tectonic discontinuities. The findings also support the initiation of mountain belt-parallel extension in the mid-Miocene epoch.
A decade-long investigation by Wayne State University and Children's Hospital of Michigan researchers identified a key gene mutation that can trigger acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The mutation affects ETV6, a gene that regulates growth rates in bone marrow, leading to an increased risk of blood cancer.
The newly redesigned Oncology Central is now live, featuring a dedicated Pipelines and Trials section, webinars, and exclusive multimedia content. The platform offers easy navigation and access to peer-reviewed journal articles, regular cancer news updates, and exciting features.
A study using DNA from ivory samples identifies two major areas of elephant poaching in Africa, with over 85% of seized ivory tracing back to these regions. This research could help combat ivory trafficking at its source and inform law enforcement efforts.
The new approach generates carbon nanoparticles in a few hours using store-bought molasses and only a handful of ingredients. The nanoparticles are coated with polymers that fine-tune their optical properties and release drugs at body temperature, making them ideal for targeted therapy.
Researchers found that serotonin receptor antagonists, commonly used to prevent nausea and vomiting after surgery, may also increase the risk of irregular heartbeats. The safest options were ondansetron plus dexamethasone for adults and dolasetron for all ages, with inconclusive findings for children.
Researchers have discovered a potential target for the treatment of type 2 diabetes by inhibiting the S6K1 protein, which increases insulin sensitivity in mice. In animal models, S6K1 deficient mice displayed improved insulin response and reduced risk of developing diabetes.
A study of ancient dental plaque found in Qesem Cave, Israel, reveals that early Palaeolithic humans ate a diverse diet rich in nuts and seeds. The discovery also suggests that these ancient humans had knowledge of local ecology and were able to manage smoke from fire using internal hearths.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles have developed a novel zebrafish model to study short bowel syndrome, which may lead to better care for patients. The model enables the study of adaptation in a cost-effective and efficient manner.
Researchers detected MRSA bacteria in UK supermarket sausages and minced pork through a survey of frozen meat products. The bacteria were identified as LA-MRSA CC398, associated with pigs and poultry, and pose a potential route of transmission from farms to the wider population.
Researchers at the University at Buffalo have discovered a previously unknown neural pathway that can regulate changes made in the brain due to cocaine use. By manipulating Activin receptors, they found that it is possible to increase or decrease cocaine-taking and relapse behavior in animal models.
Iran's national uranium enrichment plant could be sold to other countries to keep the nuclear program peaceful. Multinationalizing the program ahead of 2025 could set a standard reducing nuclear proliferation risks worldwide.
Researchers at TSRI devised a set of chemical methods to study protein interactions with lipids, identifying thousands of lipid-protein interactions and discovering small molecules that selectively block these interactions. The findings suggest a wider range of proteins can be targeted with small-molecule ligands than previously thought.
Researchers have identified a previously unknown genetic immunodeficiency linked to DOCK2 mutations, which deactivates the immune system and leaves affected children open to aggressive and potentially fatal infections. The condition can be detectable by newborn screening and is curable with a hematopoietic stem cell transplant.
Scientists at Thomas Jefferson University have identified two new genes, taranis and Cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (Cdk1), as crucial for regulating normal sleep patterns in flies. The researchers found that these genes interact with other proteins to create a molecular machine that suppresses wakefulness and promotes sleep.
Researchers found that Titan's atmosphere loses hydrocarbons and nitriles due to a polar wind powered by sunlight and the Saturnian magnetic field. This phenomenon has been observed on Earth in polar regions, suggesting Titan may have a similarly widespread 'polar wind' beyond its poles.
Genomics holds key to understanding ecological and evolutionary processes as Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technique is underutilised in invasion biology. NGS can transform our understanding of why non-native species adapt and thrive in new environments.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute successfully test an experimental HIV vaccine candidate in mice, producing antibody precursors necessary to recognize and block HIV infection. The findings provide key information for the development of an effective AIDS vaccine.
A recent study published in PLOS Computational Biology suggests that new motor skills memories formed during a single practice session are intrinsically unstable, contrary to previous theories. This finding has implications for our understanding of how motor skills memories are stabilized over time.
Researchers discovered that actin polymerization powered by the Arp2/3 complex is essential for forming and moving autophagosomes. The formation of 'actin comet tails' propels these compartments toward lysosomes for final processing, enabling cells to recycle misfolded proteins and damaged organelles.
A nationwide study in Taiwan found a strong association between Parkinson's disease and most types of cancer, including malignant brain tumors and gastrointestinal tract cancers. However, breast, ovarian, and thyroid cancers showed no significant link to PD.
Researchers at New York University found that facial cues conveying trustworthiness are malleable, while those conveying competence and ability are less so. They conducted four experiments to test this theory, finding that subjects perceived happier faces as more trustworthy and angrier faces as more untrustworthy.