Salk scientists use ultrasonic waves to selectively activate brain, heart, muscle and other cells, offering an alternative to optogenetics for human therapeutics. The technique, dubbed sonogenetics, has the potential to noninvasively reach any tissue of interest in the body.
A new study could lead to a single drug that treats both diseases. The research focuses on the link between Abeta peptides and type 2 diabetes, offering hope for therapeutic advances.
A team of researchers has achieved an unprecedented 14% efficiency in solar hydrogen production, breaking a 17-year-old record. The breakthrough involves a patented photo-electrochemical process that enhances long-term stability and boosts energy output.
A new study identifies USP19 as a potential drug target for muscle wasting diseases in cancer patients, improving quality of life and longevity. The research team discovered that inhibiting the USP19 gene could protect against muscle wasting in mice models.
A University of Washington study reveals that young chum salmon thriving in Elliott Bay's restored beaches have access to a more diverse range of prey. This shift could provide a nutritional boost for the fish, but may also come at an energy cost as they adapt to changing food sources.
Researchers found that the sample's resistance changes nonlinearly with an increasing magnetic field, suggesting a liquid-to-gas-like transition. This discovery could lead to the creation of faster and more compact electronics using Mott transition.
Researchers at Kyoto University have created a lab-based human germ cell development model, revealing specific key elements and events that occur at the beginning of human life. This breakthrough provides insight into how epigenetic marks are erased during early germ cell development, shedding light on conditions such as infertility.
A large study of middle-aged Koreans reveals that both sedentary behavior and reduced physical activity contribute to the prevalence of NAFLD. The findings support increasing physical activity and reducing sitting time as crucial in reducing the risk of NAFLD.
A large US study confirms that tiny chemical particles in the air are linked to an increased risk of death from all causes and cardiovascular disease. Fine particles can be absorbed deep into the lungs and bloodstream, contributing to potentially fatal heart and lung diseases.
Researchers led by Caroline Chaboo explore the 'arms race' dynamics in leaf beetles, where tortoise beetles develop unique defenses against predators. The study aims to understand how this arms race drives evolution and generates biodiversity, shedding light on human morphology and behavior.
A randomized trial found that yoga improved physical health, pain, energy, mood, and daily activities in people with arthritis. The study also showed long-term improvements in physical function and walking speed.
Cancer Research UK scientists found that some cancer cells can survive gene damage caused by HDAC inhibitor drugs, triggering a 'survival' response. This mechanism rebalances tags and maintains normal gene activity, making it harder for the drug to kill cancer cells.
A new study found that mice lacking certain immune cells gained excess weight and developed metabolic abnormalities even on a standard diet. Removing these cells prevented weight gain and metabolic issues. The study indicates that immune cells may help control fat tissue's energy storage and reduce inflammation.
Researchers found that palmitic acid, a saturated fatty acid found in olive oil and meat, worsened inflammation in Crohn's disease. Omega-6 fatty acid, present in vegetable oils, actually reduced inflammation in the condition.
A study of 6467 English children found no link between limited access to gardens and increased childhood obesity risk. Parental education level and neighborhood disadvantage also played a role in determining obesity risk.
A new study reveals that solar activity affects the development of large-scale pressure systems in the Northern Hemisphere, influencing long-term climate predictions. The researchers found a time lag between solar irradiance and atmospheric pressure patterns, which can be used to improve predictability of decadal climate variability.
Research in Malawi and Zambia highlights the importance of considering local knowledge and beliefs when addressing climate change. In two rural communities, differing responses to changing climates were observed depending on co-existing traditional and Christian beliefs.
A new cloud-dew architecture offers a way to counteract cloud downtime and communication difficulties by providing a buffer between the local user and cloud servers. This lightweight local server retains a copy of the given user's data, making it available with or without an internet connection.
Entomologist Dr. George Poinar Jr. discovers a previously unknown flea genus and species in fossilized Dominican amber, characterized by unique features such as five-segmented maxillary palps. The discovery also reveals the presence of pathogenic microorganisms, including bacteria similar to plague-causing pathogens and trypanosomes.
Researchers at Toyohashi Tech have successfully demonstrated the enantioselective phenoxylation of β-keto esters, allowing for the synthesis of α-aryloxy-β-keto esters with high enantioselectivity. This method enables the creation of biologically active compounds for potential treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Researchers from Italy have devised a novel method to convert low-frequency signals into higher frequencies using Nobel Prize-winning Josephson junctions. The approach produces voltage pulses containing hundreds of harmonics, enabling the creation of smaller and more efficient signal generators.
A cluster randomized controlled trial found that electronic reminders via medication monitors and text messages improved tuberculosis treatment adherence, with non-adherent rates decreasing from 29.9% to 17.0%. The study suggests innovative approaches to improve TB treatment outcomes in remote areas.
Despite being aware of their financial responsibilities, many college students accumulate excessive debt due to a lack of self-control and limited expertise. The researchers suggest that education on financial management should be integrated into the curriculum at an early stage.
Scientists have discovered that the shift from a tree-based diet to one based on grass occurred around 3.8 million years ago, allowing early humans to be more mobile and adaptable. This finding provides new insights into the interactions between morphology and behavior among Pliocene primates.
A Dartmouth College study found that Arctic mosquitoes are thriving under climate change, emerging earlier and growing faster due to warmer temperatures. This boosts their population, threatening caribou and other wildlife, with a predicted 53% increase in survival probability by 2°C warming scenario.
The University of Warwick will receive £115,000 in funding to involve the public in research. This project aims to embed public engagement in research culture, enhancing research quality and societal significance.
Leading health experts raise concerns over the safety and effectiveness of e-cigarettes, citing low-quality evidence and methodological issues. The BMJ article highlights the need for evidence-based advice on e-cigarettes to avoid influence from vested interests.
Using social media data can provide comprehensive information for conservation decisions, revealing species sightings and landscape preferences. Social media data may also be used to track mobile populations of species at higher accuracy than traditional sources.
A new study by USF researchers suggests that transplanted human bone marrow stem cells preferentially migrate to the spleen, reducing systemic inflammation and secondary brain cell death in post-stroke rats. The anti-inflammatory effects of the stem cells promoted reduced lesions caused by acute stroke.
A study projects that over 319 million people will be at high risk of fracture by 2040, doubling the current number. This increase is expected in all regions, but particularly marked in Africa and Latin America, with Asia bearing the highest proportion of the global burden.
University of Cincinnati researchers have developed a new method to measure the influence of Biblical interpretation on political attitudes, providing more nuanced insights into religion's impact on politics. The study found that respondents' opinions about biblical error were the strongest predictor of political conservatism.
A study found that adding daily outdoor activities to school schedules for Chinese children resulted in a significant decrease in the rate of nearsightedness (myopia). After three years, the intervention group showed a 30.4% myopia incidence rate compared to 39.5% in control schools.
A novel radiopharmaceutical probe has been developed to detect blood clots anywhere in the body using whole-body PET scans. The probe can distinguish recently formed clots from older ones and reveal clot composition, which can determine treatment response.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that electronic reminders can significantly improve tuberculosis treatment adherence in China. Patients who received electronic medication monitors missed only 17% of their doses, compared to 29.9% for those with no reminders and 27.3% for those receiving text message reminders.
A recent NIH-funded study found that fetuses with enlarged ventricles may be less likely to benefit from in-utero surgery for spina bifida, suggesting a wait-and-watch approach may be better. Enlarged brain cavities are associated with a higher risk of needing a second surgery after birth.
Researchers analyzed breast tissue from 239 women, comparing samples with and without breast cancer for the presence of bovine leukemia virus. They found a significant association between BLV infection and an increased risk of breast cancer, with odds ratio higher than obesity, alcohol consumption, and post-menopausal hormone use.
A study using MRI to evaluate 603 military service members with TBI found that cerebral microhemorrhages were more common among those imaged within three months post-injury. Early detection of microbleeding could provide important information regarding disease progression or recovery.
Researchers using NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter images discovered thousands of faults on the lunar surface influenced by Earth's gravity, reshaping them. The moon is shrinking due to cooling interior, but tidal forces from Earth also play a role in forming and realigning these faults.
RIT is part of a consortium awarded a federal grant to create a research center for employing flexible electronics in manufacturing. The institute will be managed by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory and focus on high-performance print systems, engineering processes, and materials development.
A total ban on trans fatty acids in processed foods in England could potentially prevent or postpone about 7,200 deaths from coronary heart disease over the next five years. Policies to improve labelling or simply remove trans fatty acids from restaurants and takeaways could save between 1,800 and 3,500 deaths
A recent report estimates that the world loses $6.3 trillion to $10.6 trillion in ecosystem services each year due to land degradation, equivalent to 10-17% of global GDP. This loss could lead to the migration of millions of people within a decade, posing a significant humanitarian crisis.
A sweeping study by Kansas State University reveals a decline in crop diversity across the US over the past 34 years, with significant regional variations. The research highlights the potential consequences of this trend on agroecosystem function and food system sustainability.
The Hungarian Osteoporosis Prevention Society has been recognized for its exceptional efforts in promoting osteoporosis awareness and prevention, as well as supporting patients through various initiatives. The award acknowledges the society's commitment to reducing falls and osteoporotic fractures among the Hungarian population.
Researchers have imaged ultraslow pulse propagation and backward propagating waves in deep subwavelength-scale thick slabs of boron nitride, a natural hyperbolic material. The study provides insights into the behavior of light inside these materials, laying the foundations for future nanophotonic devices.
A cohort study found a modest association between SSRI use and violent crime among individuals aged 15-24, with increased risks of violent arrests and non-fatal injuries. In contrast, no significant associations were found for older adults, suggesting potential age-related differences in the link between SSRI use and violent behavior.
According to a new study, teen marijuana use has decreased significantly since 1999, from 47% to 37%, but is still higher than other illicit drugs. The study found a narrowing gender gap and increased usage among black teens, with rates of marijuana use surpassing those of methamphetamine.
A new school-evaluation method called value-added has been found not to affect housing prices, according to research by economists at Michigan State University and Cornell University. The public release of such data did not influence property values in Los Angeles, contradicting previous research that linked test scores to housing pric...
Researchers suggest that combining epigenetic therapies with immunotherapies could restore cell-surface molecules that help the immune system eliminate cancer cells. Epigenetic drugs can also lower or eliminate immune cells that facilitate tumor growth.
Research published in Diabetologia reveals a strong association between early pregnancy exposure to organic pollutants and an increased risk of gestational diabetes. Women with high levels of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) were found to be four times more likely to develop the condition.
Scientists have discovered compartmentalized protein islands for IgM and IgD receptors on resting B cells, which change upon activation. This study provides direct evidence for the nanoscale organization of the lymphocyte membrane and may aid in vaccine design and treatment development.
A recent study found that nearly 1 in 5 high school seniors reported hookah smoking in the past year, with a significant proportion being regular users. The increasing prevalence of hookah use among adolescents is a growing public health concern, necessitating targeted interventions and surveillance efforts.
Professor Thomas Jentsch's discovery of the Torpedo chloride channel in 1990 marked a breakthrough in understanding ion transport processes. He identified nine different CLC chloride channels and transporters, which are essential for human function and contribute to various genetic diseases.
Researchers from the University of Birmingham and NIHR SRMRC investigated the antibacterial activity of acetic acid against key burn wound colonising organisms. They demonstrated that low concentrations of acetic acid can kill bacteria, including those resistant to antibiotics.
The special issue marks the 10th year anniversary of IPCC SRCCS and outlines significant progress made in CO2 Capture and Storage (CCS) in the last decade. The reviews suggest that CCS is now a mature technology, ready for large-scale deployment to combat climate change.
NASA's Aqua satellite captures powerful thunderstorms and cloud top temperatures around -63F/-53C in Tropical Depression 20W, indicating potential for heavy rainfall. The storm is expected to strengthen and potentially affect the Northern Marianas Islands and Japan by September 19.
Researchers have developed a simple mechanism to control the swimming direction of magnetotactic bacteria, which can provide insight into the earth's sedimentary layers and potentially be used as indicators of climate change. The new tool uses a rotating permanent magnet to generate a controlled magnetic field.
A new Duke University study finds that energy companies used nearly 250 billion gallons of water for US fracking between 2005 and 2014, while generating about 210 billion gallons of wastewater. The study's findings highlight the need for better treatment and disposal methods for chemical-laden flowback water and brine-laden wastewater.
Researchers have developed a two-item bedside test for detecting delirium, which takes an average of 36 seconds to perform and has a sensitivity of 93 percent. The test uses simple questions to assess cognitive function and can help doctors catch the condition earlier.
Astronomers discovered large discs of dust around two young red dwarf stars near our solar system, hinting at potential new planetary systems forming. The discovery challenges current theories on planet formation and suggests a longer lifespan for such discs.
Women are less likely to hold full-professor appointments and receive start-up support for biomedical research compared to men. The studies found that women face challenges in finding effective mentors, receiving recognition, and accessing institutional resources.