The corn snake genome has been sequenced for the first time, providing valuable insights into reptile evolution and genetic diversity. The study aims to understand how snakes lost their limbs and developed various skin colorations, shedding light on the evolutionary processes that shaped these animals.
A study published in Nature Communication found that a protein called sLR11 acts to inhibit thermogenesis, or heat production, in fat cells, making it harder for the body to burn excess fat. This protein is produced by fat cells and increases with total fat mass, suggesting its role in storing energy over long periods.
Scientists at the University of Auckland have created a soft, flexible, and stretchable keyboard using dielectric elastomers. The keyboard can flex and stretch, recovering from drops and impacts, making it ideal for various applications such as gaming and motion capture.
Researchers at Arizona State University propose a model of mantle dynamics involving plumes that transport chemically distinct material to the surface, explaining variability in ocean island basalts. This study provides insights into Earth's interior composition and evolution, as well as potential links to habitable planet formation.
Researchers at the University of Montreal have developed a new, non-invasive approach to detect concussions in young football players. The method uses a dual-task assessment and markerless motion capture system to establish a unique profile for each player in just seven minutes.
Researchers at Duke University have discovered that umbilical cord tissue-derived cells produce molecules that promote the growth, connection, and survival of retinal neurons. The study identifies thrombospondins as key players in this process, with potential therapeutic applications for degenerative eye diseases.
Scientists have created a climate-friendly rice variety that reduces methane emissions by up to 99% compared to traditional rice. The new rice type grows in a way that minimizes the production of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, and also increases biomass, leading to more food.
A prospective study of 1,257 women with PMS and 2,463 symptom-free controls found a 40% higher risk of developing high blood pressure over 20 years among those with moderate-to-severe PMS symptoms. Women with PMS were also more likely to develop hypertension before age 40, with a three-fold increased risk.
The article reviews the use of antivirals in managing retrovirus-infected cats, with a focus on feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV). Best practice recommendations are presented for treatment regimens that may include zidovudine, plerixafor, or feline interferon omega.
New measurements suggest the Earth's magnetic field is trending back to its long-term average intensity, contrary to predictions of a potential flip. The research uses advanced analysis techniques to re-evaluate paleointensity data, finding a 60% decrease in the field's strength over the past 5 million years.
Babies born in English NHS hospitals at the weekend have a higher risk of death within seven days and increased rates of other complications. Researchers estimated around 770 newborn deaths and 470 maternal infections per year above expected levels if performance was consistent across different days of the week.
A new NASA study finds that the carbon content of temperate US forests is likely overestimated by 70%, due to a sampling bias in measuring tree height and biomass. Researchers used lidar technology to analyze millions of trees, providing more accurate estimates of forest carbon storage.
New research from Aarhus University found that conservative voters prefer strong leaders with deep voices, while liberal voters prefer more gentle features. This study challenges the idea that voters carefully weigh pros and cons when making decisions.
A recent study found a significant increase in infant deaths and injuries caused by crib bumpers, with 48 deaths specifically attributed to the bedding accessory between 1985-2012. The researchers recommend a nationwide ban on crib bumpers due to their role in suffocation and strangulation incidents.
Researchers identified genetic risk factors for a deadly hyperinflammatory disorder triggered by viral infections in susceptible individuals. The study found that people with certain gene mutations may be prone to the disorder, known as reactive HLH or hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.
A Phase 2 clinical trial is underway to test a chikungunya vaccine in 400 healthy adult volunteers. The trial aims to assess the safety and immune response of the vaccine, which has shown promising results in previous studies.
Researchers induced different head shapes in flatworms by manipulating electrical synapses, shedding light on the role of bioelectrical networks in evolution. The findings could improve understanding of birth defects and regeneration.
Healthcare professionals across Europe are urged to address alcohol misuse and dependence to prevent colorectal cancer (CRC). A growing European primary care study highlights the need for family doctors to identify and treat hazardous drinkers.
Researchers have developed a simple and rapid way to treat an immune-related disorder in mice, which could eventually help multiple sclerosis patients. The approach attaches disease-related protein fragments to spleen cells, preventing brain and spinal cord inflammation.
A team of scientists has identified a key segment of DNA involved in the genomic imprinting process, which regulates gene expression based on an individual's parental origin. This discovery provides new insights into the mechanisms underlying imprinting disorders and may lead to breakthroughs in understanding genetic diseases.
Researchers develop a new QPQ protocol using DPS-QKD, eliminating the process of oblivious key dilution and achieving zero failure probability. The protocol is also immune to photon-number-splitting attacks and can tolerate higher bit error rates.
A preclinical study finds that AR-42, an HDAC inhibitor, preserves muscle health and function while stopping life-threatening muscle wasting associated with advanced cancers. The experimental agent was shown to have a strong protective effect against tumor-associated muscle wasting in two preclinical models.
Researchers have created a detailed image of pneumolysin, a toxin linked to deadly infections like pneumonia and meningitis. The structure reveals how the toxin assembles on cell surfaces, enabling the development of novel therapeutic approaches to block its formation.
The article discusses imaging spectroscopy's potential in enhancing geological insights, highlighting its power and versatility. It also explores the growing concern of a critical shortage of trained geoscientists in the US workforce, with projected shortages reaching 135,000 by the next decade.
Researchers describe a new treatment option for glioblastoma multiforme, targeting malignant cells while leaving healthy cells alive with high-frequency pulsed electric fields. The therapy has shown promise in killing tumor cells by disrupting cell membranes and causing nuclear collapse.
Researchers found that winter hibernation reverses the typical sperm competition outcome in fruit flies. In cold temperatures, only the first male fathered most of the offspring, while subsequent males had little to no success. This discovery could impact pest control strategies and understanding of sperm storage.
A new study identified three main brain regions where abnormalities are common to all types of focal epilepsy. The findings, published in Brain Connectivity, provide valuable insights into the neural networks underlying this neurological condition.
Scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute have identified a promising new melanoma drug, SBI-756. The compound targets the translation initiation complex and has been shown to inhibit melanoma cell growth. SBI-756 may offer a significant advantage in overcoming tumor resistance.
A new study maps specific schizophrenia symptoms to distinct brain circuits, revealing novel connections between cognitive, emotional, and intellectual symptoms. The findings have important implications for diagnosis and treatment, suggesting that brain scans could help identify individual patients and track progress during therapy.
A new study reveals that female leatherback sea turtles choose nest sites based on sand pH and conductivity levels, with slightly higher pH and milder conductivity being preferred. This knowledge will aid in protecting the species' nesting habitat and boost ecotourism incentives.
Researchers found that tiny dips in a star's brightness can indicate a planet passing in front of it, but star KIC 8462852 had deep and irregular dips. The astronomers concluded that the destruction of a family of comets near the star is the most likely explanation for the mysterious dimming.
Researchers at the University of Bristol examined 40 peer-reviewed articles on the 'hiatus' in global warming and found inconsistent definitions and no consistent pattern. The study concluded that using terms like 'pause' or 'hiatus' creates hazards for the public and scientific community, as they imply global warming has stopped.
A new study found that women with subsolid lung nodules have a higher risk of developing lung cancer than men. The study, which reviewed CT scans from the National Lung Screening Trial, discovered that women with ground-glass nodules had a significantly higher relative risk of lung cancer.
A study published in International Journal of Cardiology found that mildly elevated levels of bilirubin, a bile pigment, can reduce damage and improve heart function during recovery from a heart attack. Higher levels of bilirubin have also been shown to protect the circulation from oxidative damage.
Since Angelina Jolie's announcement, the number of preventative double mastectomies performed at a Manchester clinic more than doubled from January 2014 to June 2015. The increase is attributed to heightened awareness of the procedure, with many women citing Jolie as an inspiration for their own surgeries.
A new study found that over 18 million women in low- and middle-income countries are severely undernourished, with poor women and those with limited education being disproportionately affected. The prevalence of severe adult undernutrition has remained steady or increased in most countries over the past two decades.
Researchers found that gut bacteria produce proteins that stimulate the release of satiety hormones and activate neurons that reduce appetite. This discovery suggests that gut microbiota play a role in controlling appetite and satiety.
Researchers have identified new, potentially toxic molecules created by cooking with chloraminated tap water and iodized table salt. Limiting cooking time and temperature, using fortified salt instead of iodide, can minimize their formation.
A new study reveals that Native Americans have decreased access to kidney transplants, leading to higher mortality rates on the waiting list. The study found that while short-term outcomes were similar, Native Americans experienced worse long-term survival outcomes compared to whites.
Researchers at MassGeneral Hospital for Children and MIT will develop pathogen-specific bacteriophages to disarm Shigella flexneri, a cause of millions of infections worldwide. The project aims to create an innovative therapy to protect beneficial bacteria affected by antibiotic treatment.
A new analysis suggests that paying for sex reassignment surgery and hormones is actually cost-effective, with costs comparable to treatment for depression and substance abuse. Providing health care benefits to transgender people makes economic sense, improving quality of life without a huge financial impact on society.
Rice University scientists have developed a metal-free process to synthesize dozens of organocatalysts, which promise to speed up the making of novel chemicals, including drugs. The new tools eliminate the need for transition metals and simplify chemical processes.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have identified a key molecule in nitrogen-fixing bacteria that may hold promise for improving crop yields without increasing fertilizer use. The discovery of the 'double agent' peptide could be a key factor in future efforts to improve legume crops and promote sustainable farming practices.
Research reveals widespread use of flexible work arrangements (FWAs) in the Australian Defence Force, with men and women making requests for flexibility in equal proportions. FWAs are valued by personnel across all ranks, with 78% of requests fully granted.
George Conidis' groundbreaking discovery shows that galaxies like our cosmic neighbourhood are spinning at an angle, contradicting long-held theories. He used pattern recognition software and 3D computer simulations to measure the spin of outer-lying groupings of galaxies.
Researchers found anxiety before and after a child arrives is just as prevalent as depression, affecting around one in ten men and half the rate for women. Mental health expert Dr. Liana Leach highlighted the importance of early intervention to reduce symptoms and duration.
A new study using 3-D MRI found that diabetic patients have a higher risk of stroke due to advanced vascular disease, with 23.3% having intraplaque hemorrhage in at least one carotid artery. The finding suggests that 3-D MRI could be useful in determining stroke risk among diabetics.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute researchers are using a $1.3 million NIH award to model the use of copper in bacteria to gain advantages in the arms race between bacterial infections and antibiotic drugs.
Research finds that cognitive constraints on mentalizing limit joke complexity to maintain humor; two-character jokes with up to five levels of intentionality are most effective. Professional comedians must balance cleverness with audience comprehension.
The latest Special Issue in ecancermedicalscience explores the intersection of biomarkers, screening and prevention using pharmaceutical agents. Researchers discuss validated biomarkers, chemoprevention and its challenges, as well as innovative approaches like circulating free-micro RNAs and circulating tumour DNA.
A new study has found that older adults who take more steps perform better on memory tasks than those who are more sedentary. The association between physical activity and memory was strongest with a task requiring recalling face-name associations.
A study published in The BMJ found that weekend births in England are associated with a higher rate of complications, including maternal infections and perinatal death. Researchers analyzed over 1.3 million births between 2010 and 2012 and found that rates varied according to the day of the week.
A female bonobo named Kuni was found to have a spontaneous drumming tempo of 270 beats per minute, faster than observed in human children. She synchronized her drumming with the human drummer on 54% of trials, with greater success near her preferred tempo.
Researchers at University of California have successfully created a strain of mosquitoes capable of rapidly introducing malaria-blocking genes into its population, potentially eliminating the disease. The breakthrough uses a gene editing technique that allows for efficient creation of large populations of mosquitoes with this trait.
Researchers analyzed ancient human DNA to understand genetic changes during farming's introduction in Europe. They found variants associated with height, lactose digestion and immune function, supporting the idea that early farmers adapted to their new diet.
A new study from NYU Langone found that reducing post-surgery care referrals to facilities did not increase readmission rates, while improving patient recovery and reducing costs. The hospital implemented a program to discharge more patients home for recovery, with significant drops in facility referrals.
A new technology uses oscillating electric fields to isolate drug-delivery nanoparticles from blood, overcoming traditional separation methods' limitations. The device can recover nanoparticles in various processes and monitor their interaction with blood proteins.
A study by the University of Edinburgh found that droughts could kill off the tallest trees in tropical rainforests as breakages in their water transport system lead to death. The research indicates smaller trees are more likely to survive long-term droughts and store less carbon.
Bioart uses genetic engineering, bacteria manipulation, and other scientific methods to create artistic works, sparking discussions about ethics and safety. The field has evolved from Fleming's 'germ paintings' to modern-day projects like genetically engineered silk worms and metagenomics analyses.
A groundbreaking international study has revealed that mountain ranges actively evolve with the Earth's climate, responding to changes in temperature and ice cover. The research found that erosion accelerated sharply during global cooling periods, wearing down mountains faster than plate tectonics can build them.