Scientists created a detailed model of the NS3 helicase enzyme, which facilitates viral replication. The study provides insights into how this protein interacts with RNA and could lead to the development of new treatments that target only the hepatitis C virus without harming human cells.
Daejeon-based researcher Jeong Ho Lee of KAIST has been awarded the 2015 Pediatric Epilepsies Research Award for his groundbreaking study on brain somatic mutations as a novel cause of childhood intractable epilepsy. The award grants $250,000 in funding to support his research efforts.
A University of Texas at Arlington engineer has developed a way to program robots using observation and feedback. Robots will learn the function of a task, rather than just replicating motions, allowing them to achieve the same outcome without human intervention.
Twin tropical cyclones brought catastrophic rainfall to Japan, causing widespread flooding, landslides, and over one million evacuations. NASA's GPM Core satellite provided critical rainfall data, showing Honshu received over 100mm of rain, with extraordinary totals near the south-central coast.
New studies reveal that the Southern Ocean has increasingly removed more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere since 2002. The research, compiled from millions of ship-based observations, suggests that the Southern Ocean's carbon sink is strengthening, contrary to previous findings.
Researchers discovered that Tie1 controls angiogenesis and vascular remodeling by differentially regulating Tie2 in tip and stalk cells, making it a promising therapeutic target for cancer treatment and eye diseases.
A pooled analysis of available evidence finds that eating a lot of fish may help curb the risk of depression in Europe. The association is equally significant among men and women, with a 17% reduction in depression risk found for those eating the most fish compared to those eating the least.
A team of scientists linked children with rare genetic mutations to a shared complex of proteins, shedding light on the cause of their health issues. The study highlights the power of social media in connecting patients and researchers, driving innovation in genetics research.
Cohen and Small's groundbreaking research on hypsographic demography has led to significant benefits in society. Their global model of human population distribution by altitude has informed disaster preparedness, packaging design for food companies, and biomedical studies.
Targeted green industry policies offer concrete benefits to firms and households, spurring decarbonization trends. Effective sequence of policy implementation is key, with broad carbon taxes following initial targeted measures.
Researchers have developed a new risk assessment scoring system to stratify risk for advanced neoplasia in asymptomatic adults. The study found that patients with lower risk scores may be suitable for less invasive tests such as sigmoidoscopies or occult blood tests.
Researchers found a correlation between social and financial status and levels of internationalism in friendship networks, with those from higher classes having lower international connections. Despite this, low-social class individuals tend to have more international friendships.
Three new fossil whale species have been identified in New Zealand, providing insights into the evolution of baleen whales. The discovery includes two new genera and three species, including a transitional fossil between primitive toothed and modern baleen whales.
A new study finds that African dams are linked to over 1.1 million malaria cases annually, with the risk being particularly high in areas with unstable malaria transmission. The research highlights the need for better disease control measures around dam reservoirs.
A study found that participants consistently rated the skin of another person as being softer than their own, even if it wasn't. This phenomenon, known as the social softness illusion, may exist to ensure humans build social bonds through touch.
A new study of over 500 Black and Latino college students confirms that financial resources are a significant obstacle to success. Students who started with high levels of financial distress were more likely to experience depressive symptoms and lower GPAs.
Analyzing intestinal bacteria could predict health outcomes as we age. The study discovered changes in gut microbes precede and predict the death of fruit flies.
A prospective study found that reduced heart rate variability may indicate a greater risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in U.S. Marines before and after combat deployment. The researchers suggest that addressing the biology of the autonomic nervous system may offer new opportunities for preventing PTSD.
Scientists at UC San Diego School of Medicine have elucidated a genetic interaction between SIX6 and p16INK4a that may prove key to the development and progression of glaucoma. Inhibiting p16INK4a expression could offer a new therapeutic approach for the disease, which is currently treated by lowering intraocular pressure.
A new study has found that protein aggregates formed after heat exposure are fully reversible and resume normal cellular functions after returning to normal temperatures. The research sheds light on the biological nature of protein aggregates, which were previously considered toxic dead-end products.
The University of Maryland has established two new endowed chairs in mathematics and computer science, thanks to a $2.1 million funding match from the state's Maryland E-Nnovation Initiative. The Michael and Eugenia Brin Chair in Mathematics and the Reginald Allan Hahne Chair in Computer Science will be recruited through this program.
A study found that examining the right side of the colon while patients lie on their left side increases polyp and adenoma detection. This position change also improved distension of the colon, allowing for better visualization. The results suggest a more effective tool for ongoing surveillance and prevention.
Research reveals plummeting melatonin levels in spring and summer may trigger multiple sclerosis relapses. Melatonin treatment restored T cell balance and improved clinical symptoms in a mouse model of the disease.
Jin Kim Montclare's new research aims to deliver genes and drugs simultaneously, enabling the potential treatment of multi-drug resistant cancer cells. The engineered protein-lipid system breaks down naturally in the body, offering a safer alternative to traditional polymers.
Researchers isolated machinery for producing cancer-fighting drug etoposide from endangered Himalayan plant and applied it to a common laboratory plant, producing the chemical. The technique could lead to less expensive and more stable sources of drugs.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have discovered that the placenta stores and gradually releases oxygen to support the growth of early embryos. The new study reveals how the placenta solves the problem of supplying oxygen to the embryo in its first few weeks after implantation.
A call has been made for governments to restrict the production and sale of unhealthy, cheap salty junk food due to its detrimental impact on public health. Research suggests that low-income populations consume more salt than their higher-income counterparts, leading to lower life expectancy and increased disabilities.
Researchers discovered a consistent reduction in gray matter volume in the right anterior insula portion of the brain across all 4 ethnic groups studied. This finding suggests that this region may provide valuable information for diagnostic evaluations in various Axis I disorders.
Research found that gut bacteria contribute to differences in body fat (BMI), blood lipids such as triglycerides and HDL, but have little relationship with bad cholesterol. The study used deep sequencing technology to identify 34 types of bacteria associated with these changes.
Two studies suggest alternative prevention strategies may render surgery unnecessary for women at high risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Researchers identify a new target to decrease breast cancer risk by blocking the effects of RANKL with OPG.
A new report finds breast cancer incidence is increasing in many low- and middle-income countries, while death rates are decreasing in most high-income countries. The study suggests that economic development and urbanization may be contributing factors to the rising incidence rates.
Scientists at UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy created macrophages that deliver glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and teach neurons to produce the protein. The treatment has shown promise in reversing Parkinson's disease progression and promoting neuron survival.
A randomized clinical trial found the modified Story Memory Technique to improve memory and everyday functioning in individuals with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury. The study, published by Kessler Foundation, provides first Class I evidence for the efficacy of cognitive training in TBI.
A new study shows that a small implantable device can attract and capture malignant cells in breast cancer patients, potentially giving doctors earlier warnings of relapse. The device exploits the natural attraction of cancer cells to specific areas of the body, slowing down their spread to other organs.
RapidScat analyzed Tropical Storm Henri's surface winds on Sept. 8, revealing tropical-storm-force winds north and east of the center. The storm's wind speed is expected to increase as it moves over warm water, potentially strengthening before weakening.
A $381,000 grant from the National Library of Medicine will support the development of open-source software tools to measure and monitor the quality of electronic data received by public health departments. The goal is to improve data quality, which will ultimately lead to better health outcomes.
A study published in Current Biology found that people subconsciously change their walking patterns to expend the least amount of energy possible. By wearing robotic exoskeletons and altering resistance levels, researchers showed that participants adapt their step frequency to converge on a new energetic optimum within minutes.
Scientists at The Wistar Institute have developed a highly specific telomerase inhibitor that targets the enzyme in approximately 90% of cancers. By binding to a specific pocket on the outer surface of telomerase, the inhibitor prevents the enzyme from properly assembling, leading to cell cycle arrest and senescence.
Researchers at NIST have successfully bound two photons together, creating a 'molecule' of light with its own force. This breakthrough could lead to significant advancements in technologies such as photon-based computing and sensor calibration, potentially reducing energy losses and increasing efficiency.
Researchers discovered a new method to attack cancer cells by targeting the SAS1B protein, which appears on cancer cells but not healthy tissue. This approach could lead to reduced side effects and improved fertility preservation for female patients.
A new set of workflow modules facilitates imaging and data transcription for thousands of plant specimens, providing a searchable online database. The modules are designed to unify digitization projects across the nation and include methods for public participation in imaging and data transcription.
Researchers found female mice singing back to male mice during courtship, with voices registering at 35-125 kilohertz. The discovery could lead to advances in understanding autism and social communication in the brain.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center discovered that long-term use of L-DOPA leads to dyskinesia due to striatonigral neurons becoming less responsive to GABA. This suggests that modulating these neurons could prevent or delay dyskinesia.
Researchers have discovered the molecular culprits behind primary open-angle glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness, by identifying two key risk genes: SIX6 and P16. The study found that high eye pressure increases expression of P16, linking it to increased risk of vision loss.
Tropical Storm Jimena's remnants have been spotted by NASA's GOES-East and GOES-West satellites, located around 225 miles north of Lihue, Hawaii. The remnant low is moving west to west-southwest at 10 mph and is expected to be inhibited from redevelopment due to environmental conditions.
Scientists found regions on the far side of the moon with fractured and porous upper crusts, altered by small asteroid impacts. The research suggests that these impacts increased porosity in some areas, while decreasing it elsewhere.
The Southern Ocean's carbon sink has renewed its strength, absorbing more atmospheric carbon dioxide over the past decade. This improvement is attributed to changes in sea surface temperature and dissolved inorganic carbon levels.
Engineers from UK SME Sofmat Ltd and University of Bradford create a virtually invisible 3D barcode that can be read using laser scanners, making it difficult for counterfeiters to replicate. The technology has been verified in laboratory tests and is already generating interest from industries prone to counterfeiting.
A study found that counties with higher flu vaccination rates among adults under 65 had a 21% lower chance of elderly adults being diagnosed with flu-related illness. Community-wide vaccination may boost protection provided by individual vaccination.
Tropical Storm Kilo is weakening due to strong vertical wind shear, which is pushing clouds and storms north and east of its center. The storm is expected to become extra-tropical on September 11 off Hokkaido, Japan.
A new study has found that detecting small fragments of tumor DNA in a patient's pre-surgery serum samples can predict early recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma and guide treatment. This non-invasive method may lead to improved survival rates for liver cancer patients.
A recently discovered deep-sea methane seep off the San Diego coast has revealed a unique ecosystem with diverse habitat types and adapted creatures. The site, which produces methane as it sinks to the ocean floor, supports a community of organisms that consume and convert the gas.
The Lancet study examines 79 avoidable risk factors contributing to 30.8 million deaths in 2013, with poor diet being the leading cumulative impact on health. High blood pressure, smoking, and high body mass index are top individual risk factors associated with global deaths.
Researchers at King's College London have discovered a new molecular 'switch' that controls the properties of neurons in response to changes in their neural network. This finding suggests that the brain's hardware is tuneable and could lead to breakthroughs in education policy and neurological therapies.
The American Gastroenterological Association recommends testing all newly diagnosed cases of colorectal cancer to identify Lynch syndrome, a genetic disorder that increases the risk of colorectal and endometrial cancers. Regular surveillance colonoscopy is also recommended for individuals with Lynch syndrome.
Tropical Storm Linda is weakening due to a turn to the west-northwest and decreasing forward speed. The storm is expected to become a remnant low later on September 10, bringing swells that will generate life-threatening surf and riptide conditions along the Pacific coasts of Baja California.
A study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that immune cell DNA editing errors can cause blood cancers in animal models. The researchers identified numerous off-target DNA rearrangements and found that these errors affected several known oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes.
Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley suggest that promoting clean energy can help build key political coalitions. By providing benefits through green industrial policies, such as subsidies and tax rebates, policymakers can create stronger coalitions for decarbonizing energy systems.
Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine have discovered a potential target for treating acute myeloid leukemia (AML) relapse after stem cell transplant. They found that exhausted T cells, specifically PD-1hiTIM-3+ cells, play a key role in AML relapse.
A recent study presented at a British Psychological Society conference found that social media pressure can cause significant anxiety and depression in teenagers. The research revealed that constant availability and response expectations on social media accounts negatively impact sleep quality, self-esteem, and emotional well-being amo...
Researchers at EMBL-EBI have developed a new computational method to study biological signalling pathways and networks, allowing for more precise questions about how drugs affect proteins and pathways. The method uses noisy data from MS experiment, filters the noise, and integrates the data to reconstruct pathways robustly.
SLAC's 'electron camera' visualizes ripples in 2D material for the first time, revealing atomic-level movements and guiding future device development. The breakthrough could lead to efficient solar cells, fast electronics and high-performance catalysts.
Two studies published in Age and the British Journal of Nutrition show that consuming cocoa flavanols improves cardiovascular function, lowers blood pressure, and reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Flavanol intake is particularly beneficial for maintaining healthy blood vessels and reducing arterial stiffness.
Researchers have developed a new technique to produce a faithful mimic of the in vivo liver inside a scalable fluid-handling device. The chip-based model demonstrates proof of principle for toxicology tests and opens up potential use in drug testing and personalized medicine.
Researchers at Uppsala University have successfully broken the strong magnetic coupling between spin moments in an atom, enabling ultrafast manipulation of magnetic materials. This breakthrough opens up new opportunities for data storage and computing applications.
Researchers successfully synthesized a more immediate and potent precursor to the chemotherapy agent etoposide using genetically modified tobacco. The new compound outperforms podophyllotoxin, a slow-growing Himalayan plant-based ingredient, in treating various malignancies.
A single gene mutation in a bacterial species triggered dramatic changes across its microbial community, altering biofilm production and affecting other species. This study suggests that fine-scale genetic differences within populations can have significant impacts on ecosystems.
Research from the University of East Anglia reveals that the Southern Ocean's carbon sink has reinvigorated after a decade of stagnant absorption. The team attributes this change to shifts in wind patterns and temperature, which have led to increased upwelling of deep waters containing higher concentrations of dissolved CO2.
The John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grant Program provides funding to organizations responding to stranded marine mammals and collecting health data. Funding supports rehabilitation and conservation efforts for marine mammal populations in the wild.
A study published in Cell suggests that melatonin levels correlate with MS symptom severity, particularly during the fall and winter months. Researchers found that melatonin has a protective effect on immune cells, dampening the immune response and reducing disease progression.
Researchers found marginalized Vancouver residents are dying at 8.29 times the national average, with psychosis and hepatitis C-related liver dysfunction being significant risk factors for mortality. The study highlights the need for improved detection and treatment of these conditions in marginalized populations.
Research suggests oxygen in atmospheres of habitable extrasolar planets might not necessarily come from biological processes, potentially expanding the search for life. Scientists have proposed alternative explanations for oxygen formation, including abiotic reactions on planetary surfaces.
Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center found that peripheral lesions in the retina correlate strongly with retinal non-perfusion, a condition caused by lost small blood vessels. This discovery may enable clinicians to estimate disease progression without invasive angiography.
The Hastings Center has received a $1.1 million NIH grant to conduct an ethical analysis of next-generation prenatal genetic tests, informing clinical guidelines and policy recommendations. The project aims to identify principles and values guiding the use of these tests, as well as policies needed to support their ethical use.
The Southern Ocean's carbon sink has revived after 'saturating' since 2005 due to changes in weather patterns. The reinvigoration is attributed to variations in wind and temperature, enabling the ocean to absorb more CO2 from the atmosphere.
A Ph.D. student at the University of Houston is studying calcium-aluminum-rich inclusions from the Allende meteorite to understand when the solar system formed. By analyzing the age of these inclusions, he can gain insight into the timing and nature of early solar system processes.
A study published in BMJ Open found that working 12+ hour shifts is associated with greater levels of burnout, job dissatisfaction, and intention to leave among hospital nurses. The findings ran counter to the perceived value of longer shifts, which are increasingly common practice in many countries.
A new model applying ideas from complex networks has found that some quantum spaces might include hubs with significantly more links than others. Calculations indicate that these spaces are described by well-known quantum statistics, suggesting they could be useful for physicists working on quantum gravity.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute are exploring the use of soft robots in various fields, including medicine and disaster response. The goal is to develop intelligent surgical assistants that can help surgeons perform more effective manipulation during surgery.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new cache-coherence mechanism that significantly reduces memory usage in multicore chips. The Tardis system uses time stamps and lease management to enforce logical-time order, eliminating the need for invalidation messages and saving space in shared caches.
New NASA research implies that oceans beneath the crusts of tidally stressed moons may be more common and last longer than expected. Fluid tides in a subterranean magma ocean on Io could produce surface heat patterns observed on the moon.
A study published in PLOS Computational Biology found that monk parakeets use a complex system of mental math to determine their place in the pecking order. By analyzing aggression patterns, researchers discovered that birds can infer rank based on chains of interactions and adjust their behavior accordingly.
A vision test that involves rapidly reading numbers can detect concussions in 86% of athletes. The King-Devick test was effective when combined with balance and cognition assessments.
A new report by Eliezer Van Allen and colleagues found that melanoma patients who benefit from ipilimumab immunotherapy have unique tumor-produced antigens. The study suggests that predicting which patients will respond to the treatment may be challenging due to differences in molecular targets.
Oberdan is tracing the efforts of a group of intellectuals from diverse fields, including Moritz Schlick's Schlick Zirkel, who developed logical empiricism as a scientific philosophy. The research aims to provide insights into how scientists think about science and its implications for philosophical inquiry.
Recent advances in genetic testing are providing new insights into pediatric epilepsy, enabling timely diagnosis of potential genetic disorders. This can lead to optimized treatment and reduced costs for families, as well as reduced anxiety associated with unknown cause cases.
Researchers at Kansas State University have identified a key genetic link that enhances heterosis in sorghum, leading to improved plant height and potential increases in crop yield. The findings offer new insights into the complex genetic phenomena of heterosis and its impact on economically important traits.
A recent study by the Pew Research Center reveals significant differences in Americans' understanding of various science topics, with educational level being a major factor. Adults with higher education tend to perform better on science-related questions, while gender also plays a role, with men generally outperforming women.
The National Science Foundation has awarded $27.5 million in research grants to study ways to predict and respond to natural disasters. Researchers will focus on topics such as hurricane risk assessment, wildfire resilience and drought policy.
Researchers found a location-dependent pattern in cilia length that affects sensitivity to odors, with cells in the front of the nose having longer, more sensitive cilia. The discovery may shed light on disorders of the senses and has implications for understanding other sensory systems.
Poor diets, high systolic blood pressure, and smoking are top risk factors for global deaths, contributing to 30.8 million deaths in 2013. High blood pressure's impact on mortality has grown significantly, especially among men, while poor diet is the greatest cumulative impact on health.
Researchers develop cell-free protein synthesis platform to manufacture human phosphoproteins, enabling study of protein function and structure. The technology has the potential to pave the way for new drugs for diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer's.
Researchers found that stadium sponsors' stock returns are higher after home team wins, especially in post-season games. Unexpected game outcomes also lead to significant market reactions.
A team of scientists has uncovered over 1,500 hominin fossils in a cave complex in South Africa, representing the largest and most complete set found to date. The discovery adds a new branch to the human family tree, with the fossils suggesting that Homo naledi was deliberately depositing its dead in the cave.
Researchers at the University of Illinois found that smart watch motion sensors can be exploited by hackers to guess typed keystrokes. The 'MoLe' project reveals the potential for wearable devices to compromise user privacy.
Researchers have discovered that an anti-diabetic drug can 'suffocate' pancreatic cancer stem cells by preventing them from using oxygen for energy. This finding holds promise for developing new treatments that target these cancer stem cells and prevent recurrence after conventional treatment. Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most ...
Researchers found that people worldwide, including nomadic hunter-gatherers in Tanzania, group colors into categories similar to those used by other cultures. This study suggests a combination of nature and nurture influences color naming, revealing cultural universals despite dramatic diversity within each culture.
A study by the National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis found that monk parakeets develop an understanding of rank after about a week of interactions. They use social feedback to refine their behavior, avoiding fights with higher-ranked birds while targeting those closely matched in rank.
Researchers found that intoxication and distractions further impair driving abilities, even at low blood alcohol levels. The study suggests reducing the legal limit may not be enough to ensure safe driving.
Researchers have recalculated the frictional strength of subduction zone faults worldwide, revealing low stresses in these areas despite potential for large earthquakes. The study suggests that even weak faults can accumulate stress to produce significant quakes.
A new UNSW report shows that frozen embryo IVF cycles are just as successful as fresh embryo cycles, with a 23-27.5% birth rate. The report also found a significant increase in the use of frozen embryos and improvements in techniques such as vitrification and blastocyst culturing.
A 25-year analysis of global cause-of-death data reveals that dietary risks and high blood pressure have replaced child and maternal malnutrition as leading causes of death. The study highlights the importance of preventing avoidable risks like smoking, poor diet, and environmental hazards.
A Neolithic skeleton from Scotland reveals the earliest case of rickets in the UK, dating back over 3,000 years. The woman's diet and lifestyle suggest she suffered from Vitamin D deficiency due to lack of sunlight, highlighting unusual circumstances that led to her condition.
Researchers found that humans and chimpanzees express different levels of proteins controlling facial development, including PAX3 and PAX7 genes affecting snout length and skin pigmentation. They also identified species-biased enhancer regions contributing to craniofacial differences.
Homo naledi, discovered in South Africa, has a unique combination of derived cranial vault and hand morphology. Its age is unknown, but it may represent an intermediate between Australopithecus and Homo erectus.
Researchers found a distant galaxy cluster producing over 800 solar masses of new stars annually, significantly higher than our Milky Way. The discovery reveals a rare 'wet merger' event where a gas-rich spiral galaxy collides with the massive cluster's central galaxy.
A mathematical calculation platform predicts how patients respond to modified diets depending on their gut microbiome composition. The study reveals that individuals with low-diversity gut microbiomes experience improved blood chemistry when following a weight loss diet.
Researchers at Salk Institute discovered a single master gene, Sox10, that controls the formation of mobile cancer factories. High levels of Sox10 in breast cancer tissue enable these stem-like cells to rapidly produce variants that can survive and spread to other tissues.
Scientists at Goethe University Frankfurt have developed SLAP technology, a small labeling pair that achieves high sensitivity and efficiency in single-molecule localization microscopy. The approach avoids mislocalization artifacts caused by large detection markers, enabling precise analysis of protein clusters and oligomeric states.
A new Michigan State University study aims to identify early signs of Alzheimer's disease among Latinos and Hispanics, potentially delaying or preventing its onset. The $5.67 million grant will gather health data from nearly 7,000 middle-aged and older adults, with the goal of differentiating mild cognitive impairment from normal aging.